L-3 Communications Corporation

L-3 Communications Coporation

Michael C Winterhalter

Endre M Berecz

Glenn C Wilson

A flight recorder includes an enclosure having a notch formed on one side or corner of the enclosure. An electronic interface is disposed within the enclosure. The electronic interface is coupled for receiving flight data, video data, and audio data. A memory unit is disposed within the enclosure and electrically connected to the electronic interface for storing the data. The memory unit contains a non-volatile memory device. A reserve power supply is physically disposed within the notch of the enclosure. The reserve power supply contains a rechargeable battery. A clamp secures the reserve power supply to the enclosure to make the reserve power supply removable from the enclosure. The reserve power supply has an electrical connector coupled to the enclosure for providing an operating voltage to the electronic interface and memory unit. The reserve power supply and electrical connector physically reside within a form factor of the enclosure.

Flight recorder having integral reserve power supply within form factor of enclosure and method therefor

A flight recorder includes an information input device, heat sensitive memory device electrically connected to the information input device, and housing enclosing the heat sensitive memory device. The housing is made with a first material and having a plurality of openings made through the housing. A sacrificial material is disposed between the housing and heat sensitive memory device. The sacrificial material having a lower melting temperature than the first material such that the sacrificial material changes state and egresses through the openings in the housing when exposed to heat to create an air gap between the housing and heat sensitive memory device. The first material includes nickel and the sacrificial material includes aluminum. A heat insulating layer is disposed between the sacrificial material and heat sensitive memory device. A second sacrificial material is disposed between the heat insulating layer and heat sensitive memory device.

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Nokomis, FL, United States of America

Michael C Winterhalter