Inflating aircraft flotation device
AssigneeFloatLogic, Inc.
InventorsTony W. Mears, David G. Walder, Thomas Edward Berg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flotation device for maintaining an aircraft in a floating and stable condition is provided. The flotation device comprises at least one flotation bladder mounted to the aircraft and an inflation mechanism for inflating the flotation bladder. A method for maintaining an aircraft in a floating condition is also provided.
Claims26
A flotation device for maintaining an aircraft in a floating and stable condition, the aircraft having an outer surface, the flotation device comprising:
- at least one flotation bladder mounted to the outer surface of the aircraft;
- and
- inflation means for inflating the flotation bladder;
- monitoring means for determining the occurrence of a predetermined event;
- wherein the inflation of the flotation bladder occurs upon the predetermined event;
- and
- wherein the flotation bladders can be used during emergency landings on land or water.
An emergency buoyant support for an aircraft in the water, the emergency buoyant support comprising:
- a cover releasably secured to the aircraft;
- at least one inflatable flotation bladder positioned between the cover and the aircraft;
- wherein upon inflation of the flotation bladder, the flotation bladder moves the cover in a general direction away from the aircraft.
A method for maintaining an aircraft in the water in a stable floating condition, the aircraft having an outer surface, the method comprising:
- mounting at least one flotation bladder to the outer surface of the aircraft;
- inflating the flotation bladder upon occurrence of a predetermined event activating an emergency beacon upon inflation of the flotation bladder;
- and
- using the flotation bladders during emergency landings on land or water.
A flotation device for maintaining an aircraft in a floating and stable condition, the flotation device comprising:
- at least one flotation bladder mounted to the aircraft;
- inflation means for inflating the flotation bladder;
- and
- monitoring means for determining the occurrence of the predetermined event.
A flotation device for maintaining an aircraft in a floating and stable condition, the flotation device comprising:
- at least one flotation bladder mounted to the aircraft;
- inflation means for inflating the flotation bladder;
- and
- a float switch activating a valve upon a predetermined amount of water entering the aircraft, the valve connected to the inflation means for activating the inflation means.
A flotation device for maintaining an aircraft in a floating and stable condition, the flotation device comprising:
- at least one flotation bladder mounted to the aircraft;
- and
- inflation means for inflating the flotation bladder;
- wherein the flotation bladder is in a substantially flattened spiral configuration prior to inflation.
A flotation device for maintaining an aircraft in a floating and stable condition, the flotation device comprising:
- at least one flotation bladder mounted to the aircraft;
- and
- inflation means for inflating the flotation bladder;
- wherein the activation of the flotation bladder triggers an emergency beacon.
A method for maintaining an aircraft in the water in a stable floating condition, the method comprising:
- mounting at least one flotation bladder to the aircraft;
- inflating the flotation bladder upon occurrence of a predetermined event;
- and
- monitoring the occurrence of the predetermined event.
A method for maintaining an aircraft in the water in a stable floating condition, the method comprising:
- mounting at least one flotation bladder to the aircraft;
- inflating the flotation bladder upon occurrence of a predetermined event;
- and
- activating a valve upon a predetermined amount of water entering the aircraft, the valve connected to the inflation means for activating the inflation means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.