Personal Cabin Pressure Altitude Monitor and Warning System (KSC-12168)

Hypoxia results from unprotected exposure above certain altitudes. Defined as an insufficient supply of oxygen to the body's tissues, hypoxia insidiously affects the central nervous system and organs. The most dangerous aspect of hypoxia is that the victim may lose the ability for critical judgment before detecting any impairment. Hypoxia is particularly dangerous for an aircraft crew when there is a slow, progressive increase in cabin altitude or a sudden exposure to high cabin altitude. NASA Kennedy Space Center has developed a personal safety device that alerts the user of dangerous or deteriorating cabin pressure altitude conditions, based on the limits prescribed in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). The device provides an alert when a programmed cabin pressure altitude is reached and an alarm if a second programmed cabin pressure altitude is reached, or after 30 minutes between the two altitudes. This technology uses a calibrated, temperature-compensated, pressure transducer that functions independently from other aircraft systems. The end product serves as an important backup device for pressurized aircraft and is useful for time-at-altitude monitoring for nonpressurized aircraft. A standard unit is the size and weight of a personal pager. It contains a battery, the pressure transducer, a timer, alarms (auditory, vibratory and visual), and a display that indicates the cabin pressure altitude and battery life.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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