Patent ID: 6208269
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: B64D,G01S

Abstract:
A radio system that automatically activates a beacon in response to an aircrew member being ejected from an aircraft via an ejection seat, the radio system comprising:a transceiver for being carried by and remaining with the aircraft, wherein the transceiver is operative to emit a reply signal in response to an interrogatory signal; anda radio for being carried by the aircrew member and comprising:an accelerometer system operative for generating an actuation signal in response to the radio being accelerated at a rate that is at least as great as a predetermined acceleration value,an interrogator that is operative for transmitting the interrogatory signal and further operative for receiving the reply signal only when the radio is proximate to the transceiver,a beacon transmitter that is operative for transmitting a beacon signal, anda controller that is operative to:cause the beacon transmitter to transmit the beacon signal in response to the accelerometer system generating the actuation signal if the interrogator substantially fails to receive the reply signal, whereby the beacon signal is transmitted when the radio has been ejected from the aircraft, andprevent the beacon transmitter from transmitting the beacon signal in response to the accelerometer system generating the actuation signal if the interrogator substantially receives the reply signal, whereby no beacon signal is transmitted when the radio is still within the cockpit.