Programmable infrared marker (PIRM)
US5986581A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64F1/18
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electrical strip of infrared radiating elements which is powered by a battery and rolled up on a wheel and has many advantages over the present device. The first is visibility. It is highly visible at over three miles and the system is a 3/4" strip with LEDs placed every meter and on both sides that is rolled up on a reel. To deploy the marker the strip can be staked or held at one end while the strip is simply unrolled of the reel. The PIRM is self packing and, if packaged to do so, can automatically roll itself up. The PIRM can be operated either by a switch on the reel or remotely, by laser remote control or by a switch on the reel. The flashing pattern is completely programmable. The pattern can be used as a wind direction indicator. The speed it flashes can be used to indicate how hard the wind is blowing or how dangerous the landing zone is.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.