Abstract: A searching apparatus, especially an avalanche transceiver, including a receiving unit (22) for receiving transmission signals for locating a transmitter and a transmitting unit (20) for transmitting transmission signals, wherein at least a first (10) and a second transmitting antenna (12) are associated with at least the transmitting unit (20), which are disposed in the searching apparatus oriented in different spatial directions, wherein only one of the transmitting antennas (10; 12) is in operation in the transmission mode, wherein the searching apparatus further includes: at least one position sensor (28) adapted to determine a spatial position of the searching apparatus and to provide a position signal on its output, which is correlated with the spatial position; and a switching device (16) coupled to the at least one position sensor (28) for supplying the position signal on the one hand and to the at least one first (10) and second transmitting antenna (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a searching apparatus, especially an avalanche transceiver, including a receiving unit (22) for receiving transmission signals for locating a transmitter and a transmitting unit (20) for transmitting transmission signals, wherein at least a first (10) and a second transmitting antenna (12) are associated with at least the transmitting unit (20), which are disposed in the searching apparatus oriented in different spatial directions, wherein only one of the transmitting antennas (10; 12) is in operation in the transmission mode, wherein the searching apparatus further includes: at least one position sensor (28) adapted to determine a spatial position of the searching apparatus and to provide a position signal on its output, which is correlated with the spatial position; and a switching device (16) coupled to the at least one position sensor (28) for supplying the position signal on the one hand and to the at least one first (10) and second transmitting antenna (12) on the other

Abstract: Search device for locating a transmitter, in particular an avalanche-victim search device (1), such that for scanning a search area the search device (1) is swiveled by a user through a range of search angles that covers the region to be searched, which independently determines the position of an avalanche victim or several such victims in a reliable and economical manner, with a magnetic-field sensor that sends to a signal-processing means sensor signals related to the earth's magnetic field that are then sent on as processed signals to the output unit, and to every search direction there is assigned a fixed search angle relative to the earth's magnetic field, so that at every time it is possible to associate the signal received from a transmitter with a fixed search angle.

Abstract: A search apparatus and related method facilitate the final stage of a search for a buried person carrying a transmitter. When the searcher is in the close vicinity of the buried transmitter, the search enters a point-localization phase where the apparatus displays a representation of the current target distance from the apparatus to the buried transmitter as well as a representation of a previously-stored value for the target distance. By comparing the current distance to the previously-stored distance, the searcher can readily see whether the apparatus is getting closer to the buried transmitter or further away. Preferably, graphic symbols are displayed to represent the current distance and the previously-stored distance. The display can also provide a representation of whether the current distance is greater than or less than an immediately preceding distance that has been stored.

Abstract: A rescue device has a motion detector and a transceiver that either transmits a locating signal, which can be tracked by others, when worn by user and operated in a transmit mode or receives and tracks a locating signal transmitted by another transmitter when the device is operated by the user in a receive mode. A control logic circuit suppresses transmission of the locating signal unless a motion signal, generated by the motion detector responsive to the user's movement, indicates that the user has not moved for a predetermined time interval. Thus, the rescue device can transmit the locating signal when the user is motionless, providing notice that the user is immobile and aiding others in locating the user. When receiving, the device guides the user in locating the source of a transmitted locating signal to aid the user in locating an immobilized person or a building exit.

Abstract: A search apparatus and related method facilitate the final stage of a search for a buried person carrying a transmitter. When the searcher is in the close vicinity of the buried transmitter, the search enters a point-localization phase where the apparatus displays a representation of the current target distance from the apparatus to the buried transmitter as well as a representation of a previously-stored value for the target distance. By comparing the current distance to the previously-stored distance, the searcher can readily see whether the apparatus is getting closer to the buried transmitter or further away. Preferably, graphic symbols are displayed to represent the current distance and the previously-stored distance. The display can also provide a representation of whether the current distance is greater than or less than an immediately preceding distance that has been stored.

Abstract: A rescue device has a motion detector and a transceiver that operates either to transmit a locating signal, which can be tracked by others, or to receive and track a locating signal transmitted by another. A control logic circuit suppresses transmission of the locating signal by the transceiver unless a motion signal, generated by the motion detector responsive to the user's movement, indicates that the user has not moved for a predetermined time interval. Thus, the rescue device can transmit the locating signal when the user is motionless, providing notice that the user is immobile and aiding others in locating the user. When the receiver is operating, it guides the user in locating the source of a transmitted locating signal to aid the user in locating an immobilized person or a building exit. An override can be provided to allow transmission of the locating signal regardless of movement.

Abstract: Search device for locating a transmitter, in particular an avalanche-victim search device (1), such that for scanning a search area the search device (1) is swiveled by a user through a range of search angles that covers the region to be searched, which independently determines the position of an avalanche victim or several such victims in a reliable and economical manner, with a magnetic-field sensor that sends to a signal-processing means sensor signals related to the earth's magnetic field that are then sent on as processed signals to the output unit, and to every search direction there is assigned a fixed search angle relative to the earth's magnetic field, so that at every time it is possible to associate the signal received from a transmitter with a fixed search angle.

Abstract: An improved rescue device for locating persons buried by avalanches operates in either a transmit mode or a receive mode. A first belt terminator is lockably engagable with a first belt terminator receptor on a case, and is associated with a power switch. The power switch switches between a power on position and a power off position in response to the engagement and disengagement of the first belt terminator with the first belt terminator receptor, and preferably is also independently manually operable. A second belt terminator is lockably engagable with a second belt terminator receptor on the case, and is associated with a mode switch. The mode switch toggles between a transmit mode position and a receive mode position, and preferably is also independently manually operable. A signal processing system generates a visual display which provides graphic information to expedite searching.