Inventors:
John H. Turner - Cambridge MA
Assignee:
Whistler Corporation - Westford MA
International Classification:
H04B 159
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.