Locator beacon system having global communication capability
US7830305B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08B25/016
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides an emergency communication device capable of transmitting an emergency alert signal using more than one wireless communication system. When a commercial wireless carrier network is available, the device transmits the emergency alert signal to a central monitoring service via the wireless carrier network. When no wireless carrier network is available, the device transmits the emergency alert signal to an emergency search and rescue (SAR) satellite system. The device includes a first transmitter for transmitting the emergency alert signal to the SAR satellite system, a receiver for receiving location determination signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and a second transmitter for transmitting the emergency alert signal by way of the wireless carrier network. In preferred embodiments, the first transmitter is a personal locator beacon transmitter compatible with the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system and the second transmitter is a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) transmitter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.