Dual mode pilot director light utilizing visible and infrared light emitting diodes (LEDS)
US7663506B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D2203/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Pilot Director Lights (PDLs) mounted on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft utilize visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) and infrared LEDs as light sources to provide visual information to the pilot of an approaching aircraft The PDLs are switchable between a visible mode that uses the visible LEDs and a covert mode that uses the infrared LEDs. The PDLs may include a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in arrays, rows, or other patterns, each light emitting device being configured to illuminate a particular symbol/pattern in one example. Each light emitting device may include a plurality of modular banks of LEDs which are configured to emit light through a clear lens within a particular field of view. The PDL arrays may provide visual feedback regarding the elevational and fore-aft position of the approaching aircraft relative to the boom envelope of the tanker aircraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.