Clear air turbulence detection

Radiant energy – Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling – Ultraviolet light responsive means

Patent

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

356342, G01J 142

Patent

active

043596401

ABSTRACT:
Apparatus is disclosed for use on an aircraft for detecting clear air turbulence (CAT) and/or wake vortex (WV). In one embodiment of the invention, a beam of light from a continuous wave UV laser scans an area on the aircraft's flight path. A photodetector monitors optical radiation backscattered from the area, providing an intensity-controlling signal for a CRT display. Clear air turbulence is indicated by non-uniformities on the display. In another embodiment of the invention, a pair of beams of light from a pair nitrogen gas pulse UV lasers are arranged to converge at a region in front of the aircraft. The backscattered radiation from the region is monitored for turbulent areas by a receiver which includes a photodetector and which is connected to an oscilloscope where the return pulse amplitude is analyzed. Velocity determinations of the air parcel monitored are made by causing the two beams to scan either horizontally or vertically. In still another embodiment of the invention, a pair of beams of light, one from a nitrogen gas UV pulse laser and the other from a blue dye laser are arranged to converge at a region in front of the aircraft. The backscattered radiation is monitored for turbulent regions by a receiver and oscilloscope combination. Velocity determinations of the air parcel monitored are made by causing the two beams to scan vertically. In a further embodiment of the invention which is used to detect and monitor wake vortex (WV) as well as clear air turbulence (CAT), either a nitrogen gas pulse UV laser of or a multispectral helium cadmium laser is used to generate a light beam which scans an area in front of the aircraft. Backscattered radiation or the presence of wake vortex is detected by a receiver which includes a slaved image orthicon. Also disclosed is a UV laser television system.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3415984 (1968-12-01), Frungel
patent: 3856402 (1974-12-01), Low et al.
patent: 3931462 (1976-01-01), Exton
Kitamura et al., "Laser Radar System for Observing Atmospheric Conditions" Technol. Rep. Osaka Univ. (Japan) vol. 24, No. 1191-1229, Oct. 1974, pp. 545-555.

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for the USA inventors and patents. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Clear air turbulence detection does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Clear air turbulence detection, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Clear air turbulence detection will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1437186

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.