Thomas C Junk

US Patent:

8533964, Sep 17, 2013

Filed:

Jun 14, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/159476

Inventors:

Thomas Junk - Ogden UT, US

International Classification:

G01C 9/14
G01C 9/16

US Classification:

33378, 33398

Abstract:

The vertical orientation indicator includes a liquid filled sphere into which two internal spheres are provided, which define a vertical axis that is useful to a person trapped under snow after an avalanche. The internal spheres have different densities such that one internal sphere rises to the top of the liquid or is otherwise buoyant with respect to the fluid. The second internal sphere has a density that places the internal sphere at the bottom of the liquid, and thus indicates a down direction. The outer sphere containing the liquid is clear and may include a loop to provide a means of attachment to outerwear used by the end user. The internal spheres may be coated in phosphorescent paints of differing colors, which are energized by light such that the device may be used in a dark environment, such as under snow after an avalanche.