INFLATABLE RADAR SIGNAL DEVICE

摘要

An inflatable RADAR signal device that is capable of rising above the surface of the water when deployed and that reflects RADAR emissions. The signal device is a self-contained, small, independent system that can withstand being present in a maritime environment, including being submerged in the water and/or being located on a vessel in the water, for an extended amount of time. The device includes a housing that houses one or more deflated balloons that are constructed of a material that, when inflated, rise above the level of the water and that reflect RADAR emissions. The device includes at least one gas cylinder for inflating the balloon(s), and a mechanism to trigger release of the balloon(s) from the housing including a mechanism to trigger release of the gas from the gas cylinder(s) to inflate the balloon(s).

主权项

1. A RADAR signal device, comprising:
a housing defining a liquid tight interior space; at least one gas cylinder disposed within the interior space, the gas cylinder is charged with a lifting gas; at least one inflatable balloon mounted on the housing, the balloon is fluidly connectable to the gas cylinder to permit inflation of the balloon by the lifting gas, the balloon is tethered to the housing, and the balloon includes RADAR-reflecting material; an actuatable gas release mechanism that provides controlled release of the lifting gas from the gas cylinder into the balloon in order to inflate the balloon; a balloon release mechanism that provides release of the balloon from the housing so that when the balloon is inflated, the balloon floats upwardly above the housing while remaining tethered to the housing.