Altimeter with Kolsman window clarifier

An altimeter having a magnifying element configured to magnify a barometric scale for use in setting the altimeter to a local barometric pressure. The magnifying element can be a plano-convex lens positioned on a transparent cover of the altimeter over the barometric scale. The lens can be adhered to the transparent cover with an adhesive or can be formed as part of the transparent cover. In one embodiment, the magnifying element is included as part of a cover that can be secured to an altimeter.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to aviation instruments. More particularly, the invention relates to altimeters for use in general aviation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

General aviation aircraft are typically equipped with one or more altimeters that determine altitude by measuring changes in barometric pressure. Changes in barometric pressure are determined by a diaphragm that is responsive to atmospheric pressure. The response of the diaphragm to changes in barometric pressure is used to drive an indicator, such as a needle, relative to a scale on a dial face to thereby indicate altitude.

In order to provide accurate altitude readings, an altimeter must be adjusted to the local barometric pressure on the ground at a given location. To adjust the altimeter to the local barometric pressure, a small window in the dial face, referred to as a Kolsman window, exposes a barometric pressure scale. A knob is provided for adjusting the barometric pressure scale to the desired setting. By turning the knob one way or the other, the desired barometric pressure can be aligned with a mark on the dial face thereby setting the altimeter.

The altimeter should be adjusted to the local barometric pressure at takeoff and landing. For example, prior to takeoff a pilot will typically receive an altimeter setting (the local barometric pressure) over the radio from a ground controller and adjust the altimeter accordingly. Once set to the local barometric pressure, the altimeter should indicate the elevation of the airfield provided that the aircraft is at the same reference level used to establish the altimeter setting. Once in flight, the pilot will periodically obtain current altimeter settings en route, and adjust the altimeter accordingly. Periodically adjusting the altimeter is important, for example, when flying from an area of high pressure into an area of low pressure. If the altimeter is not adjusted to the new lower local barometric pressure, the aircraft will be closer to the surface than the altimeter indicates. In this regards, an inch change in the altimeter setting equals approximately 1,000 feet of altitude. When approaching an airfield for landing, the pilot will again receive a local altimeter setting and adjust the altimeter to the local barometric pressure at the landing airfield.

Adjusting an altimeter to the local barometric pressure is critical to ensuring the most accurate altitude reading possible. Indeed, in the history of aviation, many mishaps have occurred due to inaccurate and/or improperly adjusted altimeters. Many factors can contribute to a pilot setting an altimeter inaccurately. For example, the pilot may misunderstand the altimeter setting dictated by the ground controller over the radio and thereby set the altimeter to an incorrect barometric pressure. The pilot may inadvertently adjust the altimeter to a inaccurate barometric pressure by misreading the barometric pressure scale through the Kolsman window. Further, while in flight, turbulence may prevent the pilot from accurately reading and/or adjusting the altimeter to the proper pressure.

For pilots with any visual impairment due to age, such as myopia or cycloplegia, difficulty adjusting the altimeter is further compounded, particularly in turbulence or in low light conditions. As a large percentage of general aviation pilots are over the age of 40, the age at which cyclopegia commonly starts occurring, difficulty in viewing the Kolsman window is a prevalent problem. As such, a long felt yet unresolved need exists for an altimeter having a Kolsman window that is easy to read.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an altimeter having an aperture (Kolsman window) that is magnified to enhance viewing and aid in setting the altimeter. The Kolsman window can be magnified by a plano-convex lens that magnifies the barometric scale.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention an altimeter is provided comprising a dial face, an aperture in the dial face for viewing a barometric pressure scale for setting a barometric pressure, a transparent cover covering the dial face, and a magnifying element positioned to magnify at least part the barometric scale.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an altimeter is provided comprising a dial face having numbers from zero to nine spaced at equal intervals around the circumference of the dial face, a Kolsman window in the dial face at the 3 o'clock position, a barometric scale viewable through the Kolsman window, a Kolsman window adjuster for setting the barometric pressure in the Kolsman window, a transparent cover enclosing the dial face, and a plano-convex lens secured to the transparent cover over the Kolsman window. The plano-convex lens is secured to the transparent cover with an adhesive, particularly Norland Optical Adhesive Number 61.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a magnifier for an altimeter is provided comprising a mount portion and a magnifying element. The mount portion is configured to secure the magnifying element relative to the altimeter and the magnifying element is at least partially supported by the mount portion.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail, and initially toFIG. 1, an exemplary altimeter10is shown. The altimeter10includes a housing15containing the working components (not shown) of the altimeter10. A generally planar transparent cover20, which can be a crystal, covers a dial face25. The transparent cover20can be made of glass or plastic or any other suitable material as desired. As is typical, the altimeter10can be installed in a dash28of a cockpit of a plane, shown generally by reference numeral29, with the housing15and/or transparent cover20generally flush with the surface of the dash28. Suitable mounting holes30are provided in the housing15for securing the altimeter10to the dash.

The altimeter10includes graduations35on the dial face25and numbers40(zero to nine in the FIGS.). Fine graduation marks45between the numbers35denote altitude in twenty foot increments. A short needle50is provided for indicating altitude in thousands of feet, while a long needle55is provided for indicating altitude in hundreds of feet at ten foot increments (e.g., the number1corresponds to 100 feet altitude). Thus, as shown inFIG. 1, the altimeter10indicates an altitude of approximately 160 feet.

An aperture60, herein referred to as a window or Kolsman window, and a knob65are provided for adjusting the altimeter10to a desired barometric pressure. A barometric scale70is visible in the window60. The barometric pressure scale70displays barometric pressure in fine markings75to hundredths of inches of mercury (Hg). A calibration mark80is provided for aligning a desired barometric pressure therewith. The knob65can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the altimeter10to the desired pressure. As shown, the altimeter10is set to a barometric pressure of approximately 29.50 inches.

Setting the altimeter10is performed by rotating the knob65clockwise or counterclockwise until the desired barometric pressure is aligned with the calibration mark80. As will be appreciated, the fine markings75are closely spaced making fine adjustment of the altimeter difficult to achieve. Further, if trying to adjust the altimeter in turbulence or low light conditions, accurate adjustment of the barometric pressure scale70can be difficult.

Turning toFIG. 2, an altimeter10in accordance with the present invention is shown including a magnifying element85. The magnifying element in the illustrated embodiment is a plano-convex lens magnifying element85which is flat on a first side and convex on a second side, however, other types of lenses can also be used. The plano-convex lens magnifying element85is affixed to the transparent cover20over the Kolsman window60. The plano-convex lens magnifying element85can be made of any suitable material. By way of example, military grade BK7 glass can be used.

The diameter of the plano-convex lens magnifying element85can be selected as appropriate for a given altimeter10. In general, the diameter will be of a size so as to make the small numbers and graduations in the Kolsman window60readable at arms length, without adversely impacting the ability to read the long arm55of the altimeter10or to see the adjacent numbers40(e.g., the 2 and 3 hundred foot numbers in the FIGS. between which the Kolsman window60is located). As evident inFIG. 2, the plano-convex lens magnifying element85does not interfere with viewing any of the numbers and/or graduations on the dial face25. However, it will be appreciated that other dimensions for the plano-convex lens85are possible, and that depending on the dimensions of the plano-convex lens magnifying element85, some of the numbers and/or graduations on the dial face may be covered by the plano-convex lens magnifying element85.

The plano-convex lens magnifying element85can be attached to the transparent cover20in any suitable manner. By way of example, the plano-convex lens magnifying element85can be bonded to the altimeter transparent cover20with an adhesive, such as Norland Optical Adhesive Number 61. As will be appreciated, other adhesives can be used. Norland 61 is a clear, colorless, liquid photopolymer that will cure when exposed to ultraviolet light (365 nm). NORLAND 61 meets Federal Specification Mil-A-3920C for optical adhesives and is approved for use on all government contracts specifying such adhesives. NORLAND 61 is often used for bonding lenses, prisms and mirrors for military, aerospace and commercial optics.

The adhesive is a clear one part adhesive that contains no solvent. When exposed to ultraviolet light, it gels in seconds and in minutes gives a tough, resilient bond. This allows very precise placement of the plano-convex lens magnifying element85on the altimeter transparent cover20prior to ultraviolet bonding. The cured refractory index of Norland 61 is approximately 1.56, which is similar to the refractory index of BK7 glass (approximately 1.52). Once cured, the adhesive is clear and has little or no refraction or absorption of ambient light and can withstand temperatures from −150 to 125 degrees Celsius. Other physical properties of Norland 61 are as follows: Elongation at Failure (%) 38; Modulus of Elasticity (psi) 150,000; Tensile Strength (psi) 3,000; Hardness-Shore D 85.

The plano-convex lens85magnifies the numbers and graduations of the barometric pressure scale70in the Kolsman window60resulting in a conical visual window radiating outward from the altimeter transparent cover20in which the complete contents of the Kolsman window60can be viewed.

Other magnifying elements85can be used in accordance with the present invention. For example, depending on the application, a fresnel lens can be used. Further, the magnifying element85can be formed integrally with the altimeter transparent cover20, or can be positioned on the dial face25rather than on the transparent cover20.

As will be appreciated, existing altimeters10can be used with the present invention. In some instances, retrofitting existing altimeters10with a magnifying element85in accordance with the present invention may be desired. Such existing altimeters could be removed from service in existing aircraft for modification. Alternatively, existing altimeters could be modified in situ (e.g., a magnifying element could be installed on the altimeter while the altimeter remains installed in an aircraft). In order to facilitate modification of a variety of brands of altimeters, a specific template for placement of the magnifying element85can be used for each brand and/or model of altimeter to be modified.

Further, as seen inFIG. 3, the magnifying element85can be provided as part of a cover90that can be removably secured to the altimeter10. In this embodiment, the altimeter10has a raised ring-like ridge92surrounding the dial face25by which the transparent cover20is supported. The cover90includes a mount portion94, which may be a ring as shown, generally configured to telescope over the ring-like ridge92of the altimeter10and thereby frictionally secure the cover90relative to the dial face25. The cover further includes a generally planar transparent element96to which the magnifying element85is secured. The transparent element96is generally a clear plastic or glass material. As will be appreciated, the cover90can be rotated relative to the dial face25to adjust to position of the magnifying element85relative to the dial face25.

As light passes through a glass substrate, such as the transparent cover20or plano-convex lens85, approximately 4% of the light will be reflected at each surface. This results in a total transmission of only 92% of the incident light. Therefore, the magnifying element85can be provided with an anti-reflective coating, such as MgF2, to reduce reflection and thereby enhance visibility of the barometric pressure scale70in the Kolsman window60. Any suitable anti-reflective coating can be used. Applying an anti-reflective coating on each surface of the piano-convex lens magnifying element85can increase the throughput of the light and reduce hazards caused by reflections traveling backwards through the lens85(e.g., ghost images). Anti-reflective coatings are especially important if the altimeter10contains more than one transmitting optical element, such as the transparent cover20and the lens85of the altimeter10inFIGS. 1-3.

An altimeter10in accordance with the present invention facilitates adjustment and/or setting of the barometric pressure in the Kolsman window60by enlarging and/or clarifying the barometric pressure scale70. This can permit adjustment of the altimeter10at full arms length during turbulence, a task previously difficult to accurately achieve. The increased ease of adjusting the altimeter10under wide variety of conditions (e.g., turbulence, low light, etc.) may contribute to minimizing pilot errors in setting the local barometric pressure thereby increasing the overall accuracy of the altimeter.

The location of the Kolsman window in the illustrated embodiments is exemplary and, therefore, it will be appreciated that the Kolsman window can be located in a wide variety of positions. Further, some altimeters have more than one Kolsman window and each Kolsman window can include a magnifying element in accordance with the invention, as desired. By way of example, some altimeters have a first Kolsman window having a barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury (as illustrated and described herein) and a second Kolsman window calibrated in millibars. The second Kolsman window can be identical in virtually every aspect to the first Kolsman window, but located between the numbers 7 and 8 on the dial face. In accordance with the present invention, each Kolsman window can include a separate magnifying element.