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:
Aug. 04, 1988
John H Turner, Jr, Cambridge, MA (US);
Whistler Corporation, Westford, MA (US);
Abstract
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.