System and method of preventing aircraft wingtip ground...

Details System and method of preventing aircraft wingtip ground... System and method of preventing aircraft wingtip ground...

2005-11-08

2005-11-08

Swarthout, Brent A. (Department: 2636)

Communications: electrical

Aircraft alarm or indicating systems

Aircraft beacons

C340S958000, C340S961000, C362S470000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06963293

ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method for tracking aircraft wingtip position during taxi operations to prevent wingtip ground incursion. A patterned illumination source is attached proximal the wingtips to project a readily discernable target pattern in the direction of taxi travel. At least a portion of the target pattern is reflected off of any obstructions that lie in the straight-line direction of travel, such that the pilot can maneuver to avoid striking the obstruction. By way of example, the patterned illumination source comprises a laser module positioned with the navigation and/or strobe light of the aircraft. The device may be retrofitted to existing aircraft without additional wiring with the control of activation being selectable via power cycling of existing aircraft lighting controls. One aspect of the invention provides a tip tracking module bulb that may be retrofitted into existing light sockets to simplify system installation.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4495549 (1985-01-01), Carlson et al.
patent: 4527158 (1985-07-01), Runnels
patent: 5719568 (1998-02-01), Adams
patent: 6011493 (2000-01-01), Bushell et al.
patent: 6278382 (2001-08-01), DeMarco et al.
patent: 6439752 (2002-08-01), Petrick
patent: 6486798 (2002-11-01), Rast

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