The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 20, 1990
Filed:
Feb. 09, 1988
Walter Koechner, Great Falls, VA (US);
Fibertek, Inc., Herndon, VA (US);
Abstract
An improved wire detection and avoidance system for helicopters is characterized by the use of a solid state laser transmitter which emits radiation in the near infrared wavelength region. Using either a beam dividing device or a plurality of laser diode arrays, separate laser beam lobes are generated which are passed through optical lenses for deflection in slightly different directions to define a field of coverage. A wire obstacle in the field of coverage intercepts one or more of the lobes and reflects return signals thereof to a receiver detector array. The return signals are compared with the transmitted laser lobes, with the difference therebetween being a function of the range between the obstacle and the helicopter. The range information is displayed to the pilot who then takes evasive action to avoid striking the obstacle.