초록 ▼

A signalling device which is housed within a tubular container includes a mylar balloon; a pressurized, lighter-than-air gas source; and multiple beacon devices. The device signals its location and, as such, is useful in rescue or retrieval operations. A pressure vessel is connected to the balloon s

A signalling device which is housed within a tubular container includes a mylar balloon; a pressurized, lighter-than-air gas source; and multiple beacon devices. The device signals its location and, as such, is useful in rescue or retrieval operations. A pressure vessel is connected to the balloon so that lighter-than-air gas contained within the pressure vessel can flow into the balloon. An RF transmitter, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver unit and a strobe light, are also coupled to the balloon. A valve separates located in the pressure vessel separates the lighter-than-air gas from the balloon until opened either manually or automatically. The balloon is inflated by the lighter-than-air gas which expands the balloon causing it to break through the top of the container and rise. As the balloon rises, the RF transmitter, the GPS receiver and the strobe light activate. The balloon is tethered to the container which, in turn, can be attached to a surface at the rescue location or to the person to be rescued.

대표청구항 ▼

[I claim:] [1.]a water-tight container having dimensions sufficiently compact to be carried by a flotation device;a signalling apparatus comprising an inflatable balloon, a vessel of pressurized, lighter-than-air gas for inflating the balloon, a flashing light beacon, a GPS receiver, and an RF trans

[I claim:] [1.]a water-tight container having dimensions sufficiently compact to be carried by a flotation device;a signalling apparatus comprising an inflatable balloon, a vessel of pressurized, lighter-than-air gas for inflating the balloon, a flashing light beacon, a GPS receiver, and an RF transmitter;a mechanism for inflating the balloon with the gas to deploy the signalling apparatus, the signalling apparatus being encased by the container when not deployed, the pressure vessel, the flashing light beacon, the GPS receiver, and the RF transmitter being hoisted aloft upon the deploying of the signalling apparatus;at least one power source for the flashing light beacon, the GPS receiver, and the RF transmitter;at least one switch automatically activating the power source when the balloon is inflated and the signalling apparatus is deployed;wherein the balloon has radar reflective material disposed thereon, the GPS receiver includes means for determining coordinates of the person lost at sea, the RF transmitter broadcasts the coordinates intermittently with a homing signal, and the flashing beacon light provides a visual signal perceptible in a marine environment;wherein the radar reflective material of the balloon, the visual signal of the flashing light beacon, the transmission of the coordinates of the person to be rescued, and the transmission of the homing signal each occur independently and substantially simultaneously when the signalling apparatus is deployed.