Whistler Corporation

Metritape, Inc.

John H Turner, Jr

A top mounted buoy signaling device for marine navigation which is selectively activated in response to a coded address signal. The buoy signaling device includes a buoy having a top mounted receiver assembly which is activated by a transmitter assembly. The receiver circuit, transmitter circuit and antennas therefor are printed on circuit boards. The transmitter circuit includes an encoder chip which is preset to provide a coded address. The coded address is utilized to modulate a carrier signal to provide a coded address signal to activate the receiver circuit. The receiver circuit includes a decoder chip which is preset to the coded address of the corresponding transmitter. A lamp driver subcircuit is enabled in response to the coded address signal. The lamp driver subcircuit includes a master timer subcircuit which maintains the driver subcircuit in an operative condition for a predetermined period of time and a flash timer subcircuit which periodically energizes a lamp to provide a flashed output. The receiver circuit may also include a power timer subcircuit to periodically energize the receiver circuit for short-interval operation and a sweep circuit to allow the receiver circuit to receive coded address signals within a predetermined bandwidth.

Top mounted buoy signaling device

A marine transponder system which is selectively activated to produce a predetermined signal pattern of light/sound/radio transmissions for maritime devices and structures such as navigational aids, mooring, docking or slip facilities and/or EPIRBs and other emergency signalling devices. A remote transmitter is used to broadcast an uncoded or coded signal at a predetermined frequency to activate the marine transponder system. The transponder system includes an RF receiver tuned to the predetermined frequency, and optionally a decoder unit for verifying the coded signal. Upon receipt of the transmitted frequency signal, the transponder system causes an omni-directional light/sound/radio source to be energized to produce the predetermined signal pattern. The marine transponder system may be an add-on adapted for integration with existing navigational buoys, a standalone buoy, a package configured for mounting on a dock, pier or boat, or a package adapted to be mounted on a life vest/preserver. This system permits quick and positive user identification and location of a desired, unknown locus and avoids continuous power usage.

Marine transponder system

For use with a resistance level and temperature sensor, operative to provide a measure of the level and temperature of a fluent material, a readout and alarm system operative to provide a numerical readout of material level and temperature as well as visual and audible indications of alarm conditions. The system is contained within a portable housing which can be employed in hostile environments and which can provide intrinsically safe operation in explosive atmospheres.

Growing community of inventors

Cambridge, MA, United States of America

John H Turner, Jr