Visual distress signal device
AssigneeSirius Signal Co.
InventorsAnthony W. Covelli, Robert B. Simons, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a Visual Distress Signal Device that will float vertically and provides a high-intensity pattern of light which incorporates both a radially symmetrical and omni directional/beam electrically-powered, LED light emitting electronic visual distress signaling device (eVDSD) incorporating a GPS transmitter that can interface with the internet using a cell phone adaptor to enable mobile handheld smartphone application (apps) devices to alert and locate vessels and persons in distress. This device can be used as a replacement for pyrotechnic flares utilized in search and rescue of vessels and persons in distress, especially in a marine environment.
Claims22
A visual distress signal device comprising:
- a floating waterproof housing having a watertight upper compartment and a floodable lower compartment;
- an electronically microcontroller controlled light source located within said watertight upper compartment, wherein said microcontroller is capable of controlling flashing of the light source at varying intervals, including in an S O S visual distress pattern;
- an optical lens having a conical upper reflective cavity located directly above said electronically controlled light source located within said watertight upper compartment wherein said optical lens is configured to refract light in a radially symmetrical pattern, and further wherein said optical lens is configured to refract three separate collimated beam light patterns including two separate horizontal 360 degree light patterns and a vertical light pattern of about 15 degrees and further wherein said optical lens is configured to refract light in a radially symmetrical pattern includes water shedding capability configured as drain slits and drain holes integrated into said optical lens;
- a power source located directly below said electronically microcontroller controlled light source located within said watertight upper compartment;
- wherein when activated the waterproof housing floats in an upright position with said upper compartment above said lower compartment and emits a light signal.
A method for making a visual distress signal device comprising the steps of:
- providing a floating waterproof housing having a watertight upper compartment and a floodable lower compartment;
- providing an electronically microcontroller controlled light source located within said watertight upper compartment, wherein said microcontroller is capable of controlling flashing of the light source at varying intervals, including in an S O S visual distress pattern;
- providing an optical lens having a conical upper reflective cavity located directly above said electronically controlled light source located within said watertight upper compartment wherein said optical lens is configured to refract light in a radially symmetrical pattern, and further wherein said optical lens is configured to refract three separate collimated beam light patterns including two separate horizontal 360 degree light patterns and a vertical light pattern of about 15 degrees and further wherein said optical lens is configured to refract light in a radially symmetrical pattern includes water shedding capability configured as drain slits and drain holes integrated into said optical lens;
- providing a power source located directly below said electronically microcontroller controlled light source located within said watertight upper compartment;
- wherein when activated the waterproof housing floats in an upright position with said upper compartment above said lower compartment and emits a light signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.