Pilot visual assurance apparatus for an aircraft cockpit

A visual assurance apparatus for an aircraft includes an inflatable enclosure which is in a normally uninflated state. When inflated, the inflatable enclosure defines a visual path between the pilot and the windshield and between the pilot and the instrument panel. Thus, the pilot can see even when dense smoke is present in the cockpit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus to enable a pilot 
to safely guide his or her aircraft despite the presence of air-borne 
particulate matter in the cockpit area, and a system therefor. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Conventional aircraft generally have systems for evacuating air-borne 
particulates, such as smoke, resulting from emergencies such as onboard 
fires. Typical systems include oxygen masks and smoke goggles for the 
pilots, so that the pilot or pilots can continue to breathe and so that 
the smoke is prevented from irritating the eyes, respectively. 
There are likewise known smoke evacuation systems that function to remove 
smoke from the cockpit area. In the presence of very dense smoke, such 
conventional systems are unable to adequately remove sufficient amounts of 
air-borne particulates so that the pilot can see clearly. 
Accordingly, a need has been shown for even better and more failure-proof 
systems. 
U.S. Pat. No.4,832,287 to Werjefelt includes a transparent inflatable 
visual assurance unit which can be automatically or manually deployed and 
inflated. A source of clear inflating gas inflates the inflatable visual 
assurance unit. A hood, which is likewise connected to a source of clear 
inflating gas, is provided for the pilot. Although this earlier system 
works well, I have improved upon it by my present invention described 
below. 
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is an object of the present invention to provide a visual assurance 
system for aircraft pilots that overcomes drawbacks of existing systems. 
It is a further object of the invention to provide a visual assurance 
apparatus and system compatible with various types of existing aircraft. 
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a visual assurance 
system that can be installed properly without the use of complicated 
tools. 
It is a yet still further object of the invention to provide a visual 
assurance apparatus which can be permanently installed in the cockpits of 
existing aircraft. 
It is a further object of the invention to provide a visual assurance 
system which is relatively inexpensive to install, so that its use will be 
more widespread, resulting in the saving of lives. 
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a visual assurance 
apparatus and system that is easy to use, thereby increasing the speed of 
deployment and, accordingly, reducing the risk of onboard smoke-generating 
situations. 
In summary, therefore, this invention is directed to a visual assurance 
apparatus and system that is accurate, inexpensive, easy to install 
properly, and eliminates the need for expensive tools and procedures. The 
visual assurance apparatus includes an inflatable enclosure having 
inflated and deflated states, the enclosure being configured to define a 
visual path when in its inflated state. 
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the 
following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Turning to FIG. 1, a pilot visual assurance apparatus 100 according to the 
invention is shown in its deployed state. An inflatable enclosure 102 is 
inflated by a power unit 104. Inflatable enclosure 102, when inflated, 
defines a visual path 106 from extending from a pilot P (i.e., goggles 108 
wore by pilot P) to a windshield w. A second visual path 112 extends from 
goggles 108 to instrument I. Pilot P wears an oxygen mask 114 along with 
goggles 108. A clamp 116 can be used to restrain visual assurance 
apparatus 100 in place on a glare shield G. 
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a preferred manner of operating the visual 
assurance apparatus according to the invention. 
FIG. 2 likewise makes apparent that visual path 106 extends from a clear 
end surface 130 of inflatable enclosure 102 to a second end surface 132 
which is likewise substantially clear. Visual path 112 extends from clear 
end surface 130 to a third clear end surface 134. An optional illuminating 
means 136, such as a light; can be placed inside inflatable enclosure 102 
for enhancing the operation thereof by illuminating clear end surface 134 
and, hence, instrument panel I, for example. Light 136 is electrically 
connected to a power source 140, in a manner which will readily 
appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
Power source 140 is preferably a stand-alone power source, such as a 
battery, so that the operation of visual assurance apparatus 100 is 
independent of the power source of the aircraft, so that the visual 
assurance apparatus operates even when no other power is available. 
An indicator panel 150 (e.g., a battery status display panel) has a series 
of indicator lights indicating the state of battery 140. For example, a 
green indicator light 152 can correspond to a fully charged, "good" or 
"ok" state; a yellow indicator light 154 can indicate a low charge, 
"replace" state; and a red indicator light 156 can indicate a discharged, 
"inoperable" state. An on/off switch 158 electrically connects and 
disconnects blower 160 as well as light 136 with power source 140, as 
shown. Blower 160, when powered, draws in ambient fluid 162, such as 
particulate-laden air, filters out light-blocking particles in a known 
manner with a filter, and discharges filtered fluid 164 (e.g., filtered, 
clear, colorless air) into inflatable enclosure 102. A battery test switch 
168 is electrically corrected between indicator panel 150 and power source 
140. A control switch 180 serves to electrically remove power source 140 
from the remainder of the system. 
A voltage sensor/switch combination S is preferably electrically connected 
to two or more batteries 140, the front one of which is shown. In the case 
of a system using two batteries 140, voltage sensor/switch combination S 
determines whether one or both of batteries 140 is electrically connected 
for powering blower 160. Voltage sensor/switch combination S determines 
whether one or both batteries 140 is electrically connected for powering 
blower 160. 
In the case of a two-battery system, when visual assurance apparatus 100 is 
turned on, both batteries 140 are electrically connected for driving 
blower 160 at a high rate of speed for filling inflatable enclosure 102 
rapidly with filtered ambient air 164. 
After a short period of time, inflatable enclosure 102 will be in its fully 
inflated state, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, blower 160 
need only operate at a relatively low speed for maintaining adequate 
inflation of inflatable enclosure 102. Adequate inflation means that 
visual paths 106 and 112 are visually unobstructed such as by obstructions 
including partially collapsed portions of inflatable enclosure 102. A 
reliable means for driving blower 160 at a lower rate of speed is to 
simply calculate the voltage drop which will occur owing to the discharge 
of two batteries 140 during the initial rapid deployment of inflatable 
enclosure 102, and calibrating the voltage sensor/switch combination S 
accordingly. Voltage sensor/switch combination S electrically "cuts out" 
one of the two batteries 140 when the predetermined voltage drop is 
reached, and blower 160 is driven at a slower rate of speed. 
As will be readily appreciated by person having ordinary skill in the art, 
a conventional timer may be used instead of or in combination with voltage 
sensor/switch combination S. When a timer is used, a standard, preset time 
will be entered based on the average time for filling inflatable enclosure 
102 with filtered ambient air 164, and an internal clock of such timer 
will be appropriately calibrated. 
Turning to FIGS. 3-8, a couple of preferred embodiments of the invention 
having separate power units that are particularly suited for permanent 
installation in the cockpit of aircraft are shown. 
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a visual assurance apparatus 200 including a power 
unit 204 separate from an inflatable enclosure housing 208. A hose 212 
extends therebetween. A power source is provided in a battery housing 242, 
the battery being electrically connected to a battery status display panel 
250, in manner such as suggested by the schematic diagram of FIG. 2. A 
filter 264 is schematically shown associated with blower 162. Inflatable 
enclosure 202 is schematically illustrated as an accordion fold or 
fan-fold type. 
Inflatable enclosure 202 is fluidly connected to blower 160 by hose 212. A 
free end 216 of inflatable enclosure 202 will be one of the first of a 
plurality of folded portions 220 to extend outwardly in a direction of 
extension 218 when inflatable enclosure 202 is inflated. A pull tab 224 
assists in removing a front panel for exposing inflatable enclosure 202 
when ready for inflation. 
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a further preferred embodiment of the invention, 
similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, in which a visual assurance 
apparatus 300 has a power unit 304 and an inflatable enclosure housing 
unit 308. 
Visual assurance apparatus 300 includes a lower control panel 312 at the 
front thereof and a removable upper panel 316 above control panel 312. 
Lower control panel 312 includes the electrical controls for visual 
assurance apparatus 300, such as on/off switch 158 and battery test switch 
168. This embodiment allows separate power unit 304 to be placed at any 
desired location in the aircraft distant from inflatable enclosure housing 
unit 308, because power unit 304 only needs to be accessed for service and 
maintenance, not for deployment purposes. 
FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 installed in an aircraft 
cockpit, power unit 204 being installed in a centrally located console 
extending between the conventional two pilots seated on the left and right 
of the aircraft. 
FIG. 8 shows the manner in which inflatable enclosure housing unit 308 of 
the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 is installed in the instrument panel of 
the cockpit of the aircraft, while power unit 304 is located on the floor, 
such as below the pilot's seat (not shown). 
FIGS. 9 and 10 show a further preferred embodiment of the invention, in 
which a visual assurance apparatus 400 includes an inflatable enclosure 
402 and a directly adjacent power unit 404. 
A portable, metal housing 408, such as a briefcase or suitcase, is used for 
transporting and compactly stowing visual assurance apparatus 400. Tube 
412 fluidly connects power unit 404 to inflatable enclosure 402, in a 
manner similar to the fluid connection in the previous embodiments. A pull 
tab 416 is attached to a cover 420 which encloses at least a part of 
inflatable enclosure 402 in order to maintain inflatable enclosure 402 in 
a properly folded or rolled-up state for ready deployment. Preferably, 
pull tab 416 includes a message on a front face thereof, such as "pull 
here" or "pull to open". 
Conveniently, cover 420 simply surrounds at least a top part of folded 
inflatable enclosure 402 in the manner of a large, open-ended strap and is 
held in place by readily detachable tabs, such as conventional hook and 
loop fasteners 424 placed at a free end 428 of cover 420. 
A window 430 is provided for allowing the pilot to visually check the 
status of the battery without opening metal housing 408. 
A strap 432 similar to a conventional safety belt serves not only as a 
means for keeping metal housing 408 closed, but also functions as a means 
for securing visual assurance apparatus 400 to a surface in the cockpit 
when visual assurance apparatus 400 is stowed. A male end 434 is shown 
disconnected from a female end 436. As will be readily appreciated by a 
person having ordinary skill in the art, when in use, male end 434 and 
female end 436 can be attached to respective female and male ends of 
safety belts found in the typical aircraft, or added for the purpose of 
restraining visual assurance apparatus 400, when in use, such as instead 
of or in conjunction with clamp 116. 
An optional tamper-indicator 440, e.g., a seal attached to lid 444 and 
bottom 448 of metal housing 408 gives the user a quick visual indication 
as to whether metal housing 408 has been opened, such as by an 
unauthorized user. 
Turning to FIGS. 11-14, a spirally wound inflatable enclosure 502 is shown 
having an upper portion 503 and a lower portion 505. 
A fluid connection port 540 fluidly connects inflatable enclosure 502 to a 
blower, as described above. 
FIG. 11 shows spirally wound inflatable enclosure 502 in its normally 
rolled-up state ready to be deployed. 
FIG. 12 shows spirally wound enclosure 502 a few moments after the 
deployment has begun. After initiation of the inflating of enclosure 502, 
upper portion 503 begins unrolling, such as in a counterclockwise 
direction 542 shown in FIG. 12, while lower portion 505 simultaneously 
unrolls as it is being inflated, the unrolling proceeding in a clockwise 
direction 544. 
FIG. 13 illustrates the inflation of inflatable enclosure 502 a few moments 
after the partially inflated state shown in FIG. 12. 
The fully inflated state of inflatable enclosure 502 is illustrated in FIG. 
14, in which a free end 553 of upper portion 503 is adjacent windshield W. 
Likewise, a free end 555 of lower portion 505 is disposed adjacent 
instrument panel I. In this manner, visual paths are established between 
pilot P and windshield W, as well as between pilot P and instrument panel 
I, similar to the visual paths shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above. 
FIG. 15 shows a typical installation of the visual assurance apparatus 
according to the portable embodiment of the invention, as it will be 
located for a pilot on the left side of the cockpit. It can be seen that 
inflatable enclosure 602 is disposed on the left, power unit 604 being 
disposed on the right. Visual assurance apparatus 600 can be used for the 
right hand pilot, although it is preferred that a right side model having 
the power unit on the left and the inflatable enclosure on the right be 
used. 
FIGS. 16 and 17 show another preferred embodiment of the invention in which 
a visual assurance apparatus 700 is configured for use as either a 
portable or as a permanently installed unit. 
A control panel c includes a removable panel 708 and a fixed control panel 
C. Control panel C retains battery indicator lights 752, 754, 756, as well 
as on/off switch 758, analogous to indicator lights 152, 154, 156 and 
on/off switch 158, described regarding FIG. 2 above. When removable panel 
708 is separated from the remainder of visual assurance unit 700 in order 
to deploy inflatable enclosure 702, control panel c remains in place as 
best seen in FIG. 17. Conveniently, removable panel 708 can be permanently 
or detachably attached to inflatable enclosure 702. A blower 760 inflates 
inflatable enclosure 702, which in this embodiment is shown in a accordion 
or fan-fold configuration, upon actuation of switch 758. 
FIG. 18 shows visual assurance unit 700 installed in instrument panel I of 
the cockpit of an aircraft. 
FIG. 19 shows visual assurance unit 700 removably stowed in a portion of 
the cockpit near to the pilot. In use, removably stowed visual assurance 
unit 700 will be placed on glare windshield G, similar to the manner shown 
in FIG. 1. 
Although the disclosed portable and fixed visual assurance apparatuses 
according to the invention are illustrated as used in an aircraft cockpit, 
the present invention is equally applicable to any similar environment 
where constant monitoring of instrument panels by an operator is required, 
even in the presence of particulate-laden fluids, such as smoke-filled 
air. 
A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that other 
inflatable enclosures, switches, blowers, may be used. Filtered, ambient 
air is merely one example of clear, colorless fluid to be used in 
inflating the inflatable enclosure for establishing a visual path between 
the operator and the objects which need to be seen. Other sources of fluid 
such as compressed air, compressed nitrogen, or other gases or fluids 
could be used. 
OPERATION 
When the operator's field of vision is obscured, as in the case of an 
in-flight smoke emergency, pilot P initiates the inflation of inflatable 
enclosure 102 by removing release pin R after placing visual assurance 
apparatus 100 on glare shield G as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Withdrawing 
retainer pin R activates or allows activation of switch 158, thereby 
powering blower 160 for inflating enclosure 102. 
As seen in FIG. 4, for example, a filter 264 associated with blower 160 
filters ambient air to remove smoke and other particulate matter. As shown 
in FIG. 2, filtered fluid 164 inflates enclosure 102 and establishes 
visual paths 106 and 112 between pilot P and windshield W and instrument 
panel I, respectively. 
As will be appreciated, when the portable embodiments of the visual 
assurance apparatus, such as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are to be deployed, 
visual assurance apparatus 400 is moved into position on glare shield G in 
its uninflated position. 
After securing visual assurance apparatus 400 in place with male end 434 
and female end 436 of strap 432, as by connecting with appropriate mating 
couplings in the cockpit, and lid 444 having been opened, the pilot pulls 
pull tab 416, thereby removing cover 420 to expose inflatable enclosure 
402. On/off switch 158 is then actuated, and blower 160 fills inflatable 
enclosure 402 with filtered air. The pilot may assist in directing the 
direction of deployment of inflatable enclosure 402 as it is filling up 
with fluid, if necessary. 
As schematically shown in FIGS. 11-14, when spirally wound inflatable 
enclosure 502 is used, it is preferred that the spirals unwind so that 
inflatable enclosure 502 is deployed in the direction away from the pilot 
and toward the windshield and instrument panel. As will be appreciated, 
after inflatable enclosure 502 is no longer needed, it will be rolled up 
in a return direction beginning from free ends 553 and 555, rolling up 
upper portion 503 and lower portion 505 to resume the normal, deployable 
state illustrated in FIG. 11. 
To assist in the rapid deployment of the inflatable enclosure, it is 
preferred that the blower be driven at a first, high-rate of speed for 
initial deployment; and, then, at a reduced rate of speed for maintaining 
the inflated inflatable enclosure in its inflated state. This initial, 
high speed inflation of the inflatable enclosure according to the 
invention can be achieved by use of the voltage sensor/switch combination 
S illustrated and described regarding FIG. 2 above. As will be readily 
understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, alternative 
timers such as electronic clock means can be used for determining the 
period of time during which the blower is operated at the high rate of 
speed. Further, the on/off switch can be used as the sole actuator for 
inflating the visual assurance apparatus, without the use of the actuating 
pin. 
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is 
understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or 
adaptations of the invention following in general the principle of the 
invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as 
come within the known or customary practice in the art to which to 
invention pertains and as may be applied to the central features 
hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention and of 
the limits of the appended claims.