Emergency vision apparatus

An emergency vision apparatus for providing an operator in a station visual access to information during a vision-obscuring emergency, comprises an expandable first enclosure filled with clear air, the first enclosure having front and rear transparent panels to allow an operator visual access through the first enclosure to a first source of information disposed in front of the front panel; an expandable second enclosure filled with clear air, the second enclosure having a rear panel and a transparent front panel for being disposed in proximity to a second source of information; a first camera disposed at the rear panel of the second enclosure, the camera being directed toward the front panel to image the second source of information through the second enclosure front panel; and a first display operably connected to the camera, the display being operably associated with the first enclosure to be visible to the operator through the first enclosure rear panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus to enable an operator to maintain visual contact with instruments or other visual sources of data after vision-obscuring matter, such as smoke and/or particulate matter from a fire, has invaded the operator's environment. In particular, the present invention relates to a system that provides a clear view outside the windshield and of the instrument panel in an aircraft cockpit, thereby providing the pilot with vital information for guiding the aircraft to a safe landing after such as smoke or other vision-obscuring matter, invades the cockpit area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior art emergency vision assurance systems use inflatable enclosures with viewing panels at opposite ends of the enclosures to gap the distance between the pilot's face mask and the windshield or the instrument panel to allow the pilot access to visual information to help him operate an aircraft in the event of a smoke generating emergency in the cockpit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an emergency vision apparatus for providing an operator in a station visual access to information during a vision-obscuring emergency, comprising an expandable first enclosure filled with clear air, the first enclosure having front and rear transparent panels to allow an operator visual access through the first enclosure to a first source of information disposed in front of the front panel; an expandable second enclosure filled with clear air, the second enclosure having a rear panel and a transparent front panel for being disposed in proximity to a second source of information; a first camera disposed at the rear panel of the second enclosure, the camera being directed toward the front panel to image the second source of information through the second enclosure front panel; and a first display operably connected to the camera, the display being operably associated with the first enclosure to be visible to the operator through the first enclosure rear panel.

The present invention also provides an emergency vision apparatus for providing an aircraft pilot in a cockpit visual access to information during a vision-obscuring emergency, comprising an expandable first enclosure filled with clear air, the first enclosure having front and rear transparent panels to allow a pilot visual access through the first enclosure to the outside of a cockpit through a windshield; a display operably associated with the first enclosure to be visible to the operator through the first enclosure rear panel; and means for providing flight information input to the display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of an emergency vision apparatus2made in accordance with the present invention is disclosed inFIG. 1. Although the apparatus is shown in the context of an aircraft cockpit, the invention can be used in other similar environments where an operator in a station requires access to information from a source, such as an instrument panel, during a vision-obscuring emergency, such as a smoke generating event. Examples of operator stations are a submarine control station, a nuclear power plant control room or any other critical environments where the need exists for an operator to continue to operate in case of a vision-obscuring emergency, such as when smoke or other particulate matter invades the operator station and obliterates the visibility between the operator and the control panel. Accordingly, where the instrument, control panel or critical sources of information is disposed in an operator station, the operator must have visual access to the information in case a vision-obscuring event occurs in the operator station.

The apparatus2includes an inflatable enclosure4for allowing the pilot to see through the windshield6during a vision-obscuring emergency, such as when the cockpit fills up with sight obscuring smoke. The apparatus2also includes an expandable enclosure8to allow the pilot to see the instrument panel by means of a camera10connected to a display12, such as a LCD or the like. Both the inflatable enclosure4and the expandable enclosure8are made of an airtight fabric, such as ripstop Nylon or other flexible, pliable material so that they can be folded into a compact configuration when not in use.

Referring toFIG. 2, the inflatable enclosure4has a front panel14appropriately substantially shaped to conform to the curvature of the inner surface of the windshield6. The front panel14is made of a transparent plastic material. The inflatable enclosure4has a rear panel16also made of a transparent plastic material so that the pilot can see through the interior of the inflatable enclosure4, and past the front panel14and the windshield6during a vision-obscuring emergency. The inflatable enclosure4may be inflated by a battery powered blower18equipped with an appropriate filter19so that air drawn from the cockpit is advantageously filtered of particulate matter to provide clear air within the inflatable enclosure4. An air hose20is operably connected to the blower18and the interior of the inflatable enclosure4. The inflatable enclosure4may also be equipped with a manual air pump22with a filter21to maintain the pressure within the enclosure in case the power to the blower18is disrupted or exhausted, as shown inFIG. 3. The manual pump22may also be used as the primary supplier of clear air for inflating the enclosure4.

The inflatable enclosure4is advantageously loosely inflated such that it will substantially conform to and seal against the windshield6so as to exclude smoke or other vision-obscuring matter from the pilot's line of sight and thereby allow the pilot visual access through the windshield. A relief valve23allows the pressure within the inflatable enclosure4to be regulated and allows the enclosure to substantially conform to and seal over the irregularities on the surfaces to which it is pressed so as to displace any vision-impairing matter on such surfaces. The relief valve23provides slow leakage of the inflating filtered air to regulate the air pressure within the enclosure4.

Referring back toFIG. 2, the inflatable enclosure4is L-shaped with a horizontal portion24and a vertical portion26. The vertical portion26is advantageously sized so as not to interfere with the manipulation of the yoke through all its necessary movements. The display12is disposed at the front end portion of the vertical portion26. The display12may be installed inside the inflatable enclosure4, as shown inFIG. 2B, or outside, as shown inFIG. 2C. For the outside installation of the display12, a front panel28of the vertical portion26is made of a transparent plastic material. A pocket30is formed between the front panel28and another panel32to support the display12outside the inflatable enclosure4. For the inside installation, the display12is attached by conventional means to an inside surface of the front panel28, as shown inFIG. 2B.

Referring toFIGS. 4,5and6, the enclosure8includes a pliable sidewall34supported by a coil spring36. The sidewall34encloses front and rear panels38and40to provide a sealed interior volume. The spring36allows the enclosure8to be compressed and deflated to a compact configuration when not in use, as shown inFIG. 6. The spring36is biased to force the enclosure8into an expanded position, shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. When the enclosure8is allowed to expand from the action of the spring36, air from the cockpit is drawn through a filter42, which is in communication with the interior of the enclosure, thereby filling the interior volume of the enclosure8with clear air. The filter42is designed to filter smoke or other particulate matter in the air to provide clear air within the enclosure8. The enclosure8includes handle straps44to allow the pilot to conveniently move the enclosure8to different portions of the instrument panel as needed (seeFIG. 7). Fasteners46are used to secure the enclosure8to the instrument panel. The fasteners46may be made of hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro (trademark), or other standard fastener devices. The transparent front panel38is made of pliable material to allow it to conform to the irregularities on the front face of the instrument panel. The camera10is secured to the rear panel40. The camera10has a field of view that substantially encompasses the width and height of the enclosure8. Images picked up by the camera10are transmitted to the display12for viewing by the pilot.

Referring back toFIG. 1, the apparatus2is used during a vision-obscuring emergency, such as a smoke emergency, in an aircraft cockpit to provide the pilot access to essential visual information to the operation and landing of the aircraft. The inflatable enclosure4is taken from its stowage and inflated by the electric blower18or the manual pump22, as the need dictates. The blower18or pump22is equipped with a filter to filter the smoke particles from the cockpit before being allowed inside the inflatable enclosure4, so that clear air fills out the enclosure. The inflatable enclosure4is supported on the glare shield48and pushed against the windshield6such that the front panel14substantially conforms to or is placed in close proximity to the windshield6. Smoke in the cockpit is, therefore, displaced by the inflatable enclosure4, giving the pilot a clear line of sight between the rear panel16and the windshield6.

The enclosure8is also released from its stowage, allowing the spring36to expand the volume of the enclosure8. The expansion draws air from the cockpit through the filter42to fill the interior of the enclosure with clear air. The enclosure8is positioned over and against a desired portion of the instrument panel, thereby displacing smoke between the front panel38and the face of the instrument panel. The camera10is accordingly provided with a clear view of the instrument panel through the interior of the enclosure8. The fasteners46are attached to corresponding fasteners on the instrument panel, allowing the enclosure8to be supported from the instrument panel. The camera10has a field of view that substantially encompasses the width and height of the enclosure8. The camera10may be wirelessly connected to the display12by standard means, such as the Bluetooth (trademark) radio transmission technology, instead of being wired as shown.

The enclosure8may be shifted to different positions on the instrument panel, as shown inFIG. 7, to allow the pilot to see different sections of the instrument panel. The enclosure8may also be shifted to view the overhead panels, the center console and side panels to see and manipulate switches, circuit breakers, etc. as necessary. Accordingly, the enclosure8as it is shifted to different locations provides advantageous flexibility for the pilot to see the display or readings on the desired instruments and the status of any switches, circuit breakers, etc., that he may need to manipulate to operate the aircraft.

FIG. 8shows a view of the outside through the front panel14and the windshield6. Also shown is the image on the display12, showing a portion of the instrument panel. The pilot generally requires to see two sources of information to operate the aircraft. The first source of information is the view through the windshield that provides the pilot with topographic information, such as the terrain around an airport and along the flight route and other traffic. The second source of information is the instrument panel that provides the pilot with flight information, such as airspeed, altitude, attitude, heading, etc. The second source of information also includes the overhead panels, the center console and side panels where switches, circuit breakers, etc. are located that the pilot needs to see and manipulate as necessary.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, another embodiment of an emergency vision apparatus50is disclosed. The apparatus50includes an expandable enclosure52used in conjunction with the expandable enclosure8. A camera54is attached to the windshield6by standard means, such as a suction cup56. The camera54is directed through the windshield6to image the outside environment. The camera54is operably connected to a display58which is viewable by the pilot through the expandable enclosure52. The camera10which is attached to the expandable enclosure8is operably associated with the display12, which is also viewable through the expandable enclosure52.

Referring toFIGS. 10-13, the expandable enclosure52has a front panel60and a rear panel62, both of which are made of transparent plastic material. The displays58and12are powered from a battery pack64. The enclosure52has pliable sidewall66. A coil spring68attached to the sidewall66allows the enclosure52to expand from its compact stowage configuration, as best shown inFIG. 13, to its deployed configuration, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11. A filter70, which is in communication with the interior of the enclosure, filters the ambient air of smoke or any particulate matter so that clear air is drawn inside the enclosure52when it expands after being released from its flattened stowage configuration. The spring68is biased towards the expanded configuration of the enclosure52. When the enclosure52is flattened to its stowage configuration, as shown inFIG. 13, the spring68is placed under compression, thereby to be ready to expand the enclosure to the deployed configuration when needed. Pockets72and74are provided at the front panel60to house the displays12and58, respectively. Walls76and78are attached to the front panel60to form the respective pockets. The wall78may be made of transparent plastic material in case the display58malfunctions so that the display58may be removed from its pocket and allow the pilot to see through the windshield6.

The camera54may be wirelessly connected to its associated display58by conventional means, such as the Bluetooth (trademark) radio transmission technology, instead of being wired as shown. The camera10may also be similarly wirelessly connected with its display12, instead of being wired as shown. The displays12and58may be LCD type displays or the like.

In use, the enclosure52is allowed to expand from the action of the spring68and then placed on the glare shield for support. The pilot looks through the rear panel62and views the images displayed on the displays12and58through the front panel60, as best shown inFIG. 14. The camera54provides the image for the display58while the cameral10provides the image for the display12. The enclosure52may be self-supported on the glare shield to free the pilot's hands. As in the other embodiment, the enclosure8may be positioned on any selected portion of the instrument panel. The enclosure8is supported by the fasteners46and the corresponding fasteners (not shown) on the instrument panel.

The camera54and the suction cup56may be pre-installed on the windshield6, with the wire for connecting to the display58neatly stowed nearby. The enclosure8in its compact flattened configuration may also be pre-installed, for example underneath the glare shield with hook-and-loop fasteners. This arrangement advantageously reduces the time for setup during an emergency.

Referring toFIG. 15, another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus81similar to the apparatus2. An expandable enclosure83, similar to the inflatable enclosure4(shown inFIG. 1) is equipped with a coil spring82and a filter in the same manner as the filter70for the enclosure52shown inFIG. 11, thereby obviating the need for the air blower18or pump22. The angled front panel14(shown inFIG. 2A) is squared off, generally indicated by the phantom lines at80, but because of the flexibility provided by the spring82, the squared off portion will substantially conform to the angle of the windshield6when pushed against it, as best shown inFIG. 15. Use of the embodiment shown inFIG. 15is similar to the apparatus2shown inFIG. 1.

Referring toFIG. 16, instead of using the inflatable enclosure8and the associated camera10to pick up data from the instrument panel, the display12may be directly connected to the aircraft information system84. The system84may provide any desired information relating to the flight of the aircraft, such as airspeed, altitude, attitude, heading, vertical speed, navigation information, etc. The system84may be derived from the emergency instrumentation system of the aircraft or the primary flight display (PDF) panel. It should be understood that the system84and the enclosure8/camera10arrangement are both means for providing the second source of information input to the display12. Such information includes flight information, the status of switches, circuit breakers and other equipment. Further, the arrangement comprising the enclosure8and the camera10provides a movable means for providing input to the display12. Remote cameras86installed throughout the aircraft to provide views of the wings, the cargo hold, the control surfaces, etc., may also be connected to the display12to provide additional sources of information to allow the pilot to operate the aircraft during an emergency.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention reduces, if not eliminates, the need to custom-fit each apparatus to the particular aircraft in which it will be used. The apparatus of the present invention is designed to be a “one-size fits all,” providing a universal fit for a number of aircrafts. This substantially reduces the time to manufacture the apparatus, since the need to make specific measurements of each aircraft where the apparatus will be used and to obtain supplementary certification from the government body that regulates the industry would be substantially reduced.

It should be understood that the enclosure4, the enclosure83, or the arrangement comprising the enclosure52, the camera54and the display58provide the means for providing visual access to the first source of information.

While this invention has been described as having preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modification, uses and/or adaptations following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention.