TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to a technique for locating a carrier suspected to have met an accident in water, and more specifically, to an apparatus and a method thereof, to locate a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water.
BACKGROUND
Sometimes when a carrier meets an accident and submerges in water, it becomes a daunting task to locate the place of submergence of the carrier. Generally, in existing arts, GPS or similar location indicating electronic techniques are implemented to search a carrier submerged. Last location data received from such electronic systems become basis to conduct search for the carrier submerged.
In an existing art, an emergency beacon is configured to replace of one or more navigation lamps installed on an aircraft, which has a fuselage with an outer face, on which is fixed a second interface, on which such a navigation lamp is typically disposed; the emergency beacon includes a base, which has a first interface configured to cooperate with the second interface of the aircraft to fix the base onto the outer face of the fuselage; a casing with a control unit, a radio transmitter for transmitting a distress signal, and a detector to detect abnormal aircraft behavior; and a fixing structure to take up a fixation position, ensuring the casing is fixed to the base, or a separation position, in which it does not ensure the casing is fixed to the base; the transition from fixation position to separation position is controlled by the control unit when an abnormal behavior is detected.
In another existing art, a system for quickly locating and retrieving flight data of an aircraft after an aircraft mid-air mishap comprises: a flight data recorder; a tracking device comprising at least one camera; a rapid ejection system for ejecting the flight data recorder and tracking device; a soft landing system; and a tow system, wherein the tow system is configured to continue to transmit flight

information from the aircraft to the tracking device via the data communication link for a period of time after the ejection of the tracking device; and wherein the tracking device transmits to the flight data recorder the flight information received from the aircraft after ejection and the images captured by the tracking device immediately following the mid-air mishap, and wherein the flight data recorder is configured to in turn transmit said flight information and images to the remote device. However, the existing arts utilize electronic networking systems which are complex, expensive and prone to failure. These existing systems need to be complemented with other techniques to enhance probability of successfully locating the location of submergence of the carrier. Furthermore, the existing systems heavily rely on the black box or radar or GPS signal for tracking and are prone to fail if the signal receiver is not within range and if the black box gets submerged completely or gets damaged.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides technique for locating a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water. The technique is primarily based on principles of principle of fluid mechanics and force of buoyancy. The object of present invention is to provide technique for locating a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water which is low cost, compact and light weight and can complement existing network based location tracking techniques (such as GPS) to increase probability and preciseness in finding location/ region of submergence of the carrier.
The present invention provides an apparatus that assists in locating a crashed aircraft. The apparatus is configured to be attached on the body of the aircraft, preferably wings and at the bottom of the body of the aircraft. In an implementation, the apparatus/ system may be configured on any part of the ship, boat. The system is provided with a housing 102 that opens mechanically or automatically on detecting a crash in water or on sensing flow of water in the housing 102 beyond a level. A floating member attached to a long wire/ thread 122/ string is placed inside the housing 102 which floats on the water once the housing 102 gets opened. The floating member comes out of the housing 102 once

the housing 102. One end of string is attached to the floating member and other is attached to a heavy support to ensure that the floating member is not displaced from its position by a substantial difference. The floating member is provided with a trigger mechanism that is pulled down once the floating member starts coming out of the housing 102. Further, the floating member is provided with suitable moving lights, sparkling means, and painted with night glowing colors that assist in tracing the floating member.
According to an embodiment of present invention, an apparatus for protecting a predetermined area from flood water comprises: a housing 102 comprising a top portion 104, a middle portion 106 and a bottom portion 108, wherein the top portion 104 includes a cover 110 detachably coupled to an inner surface area of the top portion 104 with a latch, wherein the bottom portion 108 is temporarily attached with the middle portion 106; at least one first underwater pressure sensor 114 disposed on a top surface of the top portion 104 of the housing 102, wherein the at least one first underwater pressure sensor 114 is adapted to determine current pressure when the housing 102 is submerged within the water and configured to generate a signal for deactivation of the latch when the housing 102 is at a first predetermined distance from a water surface; a gas filled floater 116 and a vacuum filled floater 118 stored within top portion 104 of the housing 102, wherein the gas filled floater 116 acts as a guide for the vacuum filled floater 118 to reach to top of the water surface upon deactivation of the latch, wherein deactivation of the latch opens the cover 110 disposed on the top portion 104 causing water to enter within the top portion 104 and allowing the gas filled floater 116 to move out of the cover 110; a cylindrical shaft 120 adapted to rotate around a rotational axis, wherein the cylindrical shaft 120 is stored within the middle portion 106 of the housing 102, wherein the middle portion 106 and the top portion 104 share an opening for a thread 122, wherein one end of the thread 122 is tied to a seal of the vacuum filled floater 118 and other end of the thread 122 is tied to the cylindrical shaft 120 in a manner such that the cylindrical shaft 120 is rotated through a first motor to provide free movement to the vacuum filled floater 118 without causing any pull force to the vacuum filled floater 118; a rotational movement detector 124 configured to detect movement of the

cylindrical shaft 120 and generates a signal when cylindrical shaft 120 stops rotational movement of the cylindrical shaft 120; a second underwater pressure sensor 126 disposed on the middle portion 106 of the housing 102, wherein the second underwater pressure sensor 126 generates a signal when the housing 102 is at a second predetermined distance from the water surface; and a dislodging mechanism 128 configured to be activated upon generation of signals from the rotational movement detector 124 and the second underwater sensor, wherein upon activation, the bottom portion 108 is dislodged from the middle portion 106 and middle portion 106 generates the pull force to the seal of the vacuum filled floater 118, wherein on application of the pull force, the seal is broken and air is filled within the vacuum filled floater 118 causing a substantial increase in the surface area of the vacuum filled floater 118 over the water surface.
It is an object of the invention to provide a mechanism that is able to float on water and is provided with a restricted movement due to water and wind flow It is another object of the invention to provide a visible means to locate a passenger carrier submerged in water. It is another object of the invention to provide apparatus that comes handy when the black boxes, GPS signal of the passenger carrier's GPS devices stop working or fail to transmit signal to the receiver.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of electro-mechanical latches configured to be in latched mode when the housing 102 is at a distance lesser than the second predetermined distance from the water surface, wherein the plurality of the electro-mechanical latches holds the bottom portion 108 with the middle portion 106; and an controller causing deactivation of the latched mode upon generation of signals from the rotational movement detector 124 and the second underwater sensor, wherein deactivation of the latched mode dislodges the bottom portion 108 from the middle portion 106. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the gas filled floater 116 comprises a global positioning locator configured to transmit current co-ordinates to at least one pre-stored number at a regular frequency to ensure tracking of the apparatus.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the middle portion 106 is water sealed from the top portion 104 and the rotational axis of the

cylindrical shaft 120 aligns within a longitudinal axis of the housing 102. According to another embodiment of the present invention, weight of the middle portion 106 and the top portion 104 compensate buoyant forces created by expansion of the vacuum filled floater 118 which causes the vacuum filled floater 118 and the gas filled floater 116 to float on the water surface. According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the thread 122 is in unwoven state to ensure release of the gas filled floater 116 without presence of downward strain forces, wherein the remaining portion of the thread 122 is woven around the shaft. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first motor mechanically coupled to the rotational shaft is activated when the housing 102 is at the first predetermined distance from the water surface and remains activated till the remaining portion of the thread 122 is unwoven around the shaft. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second underwater pressure sensor 126 is disposed in an external pocket disposed around an external side wall of the middle portion 106 of the housing 102.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for locating a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water is provided. The method comprises following steps: determining, by a first underwater pressure sensor 114 , under water pressure when a housing of the apparatus is submerged within the water, whereon the housing 102 comprises a top portion 104 , a middle portion 106 and a bottom portion 108 , wherein the top portion includes a cover 110 detachably coupled to an inner surface area of the top portion with a magnetic latch 112 , and wherein the bottom portion 108 is temporarily attached with the middle portion 106 ; generating, by the first underwater pressure sensor 114 , a signal for deactivation of the magnetic latch 112 when the housing 102 is at a first predetermined distance from a water surface; opening the cover 110 disposed on the top portion 104 caused by deactivation of the magnetic latch 112 and causing water to enter within the top portion 104 , and allowing a gas filled floater 116 and a vacuum filled floater 118 to move out of the cover 110 , wherein the gas filled floater 116 and the vacuum filled floater 118 are stored within top portion of the housing 102 , wherein the gas filled floater 116 acts as a guide for the vacuum filled floater 118 to reach to top of the water surface upon deactivation of the

magnetic latch 112 , detecting rotational movement, by a rotational movement detector 124 , of a cylindrical shaft 120 , wherein the cylindrical shaft 120 is adapted to rotate around a rotational axis, wherein the cylindrical shaft 120 is stored within the middle portion 106 of the housing 102 , wherein the middle portion 106 and the top portion 104 share an opening for a thread 122 , wherein one end of the thread 122 is tied to a seal of the vacuum filled floater 118 and other end of the thread is tied to the cylindrical shaft 120 in a manner such that the cylindrical shaft 120 is rotated through a first motor to provide free movement to the vacuum filled floater without causing any pull force to the vacuum filled floater 118 ; generating, by the rotational movement detector 124 , a signal when cylindrical shaft 120 stops rotational movement; generating, by a second underwater pressure sensor 126 disposed on the middle portion 106 of the housing 102 , a signal when the housing 102 is at a second predetermined distance from the water surface; activating a dislodging mechanism 128 upon generation of signals from the rotational movement detector 124 and the second underwater sensor 126 , wherein upon activation, the bottom portion 108 is dislodged from the middle portion 106 and middle portion 106 generates a pull force to a seal of the vacuum filled floater 118 , wherein on application of the pull force, the seal is broken and air is filled within the vacuum filled floater 118 causing a substantial increase in the surface area of the vacuum filled floater 118 over the water surface.
Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to

scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
Figure 1 represents an exemplary implementation of an apparatus for locating a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water in accordance with an embodiment of present invention;
Figure 2 represents an exemplary implementation of an apparatus for locating a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water with opening of cover 110 in accordance with an embodiment of present invention;
Figure 3 represents an exemplary implementation of an apparatus for locating a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water with the disengaging of the bottom portion 108 with the middle portion 106 and expansion of the vacuum filed guide in accordance with an embodiment of present invention; and
Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart for a method for locating a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Figure 1, an apparatus for locating a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water is represented. The passenger carrier may be an aerial vehicle, a ship, boat, a submarine or any water vehicle. The apparatus comprises a housing 102 comprising a top portion 104, a middle portion 106 and a

bottom portion 108. The housing 102 is basically a hollow structure containing space to store various components of the apparatus. The top portion 104 includes a cover 110 detachably coupled to an inner surface area of the top portion 104 with a latch. The cover 110 acts as an opening to the inner storage compartment of the housing 102. The cover 110 is configured to be open either through mechanical means, electro mechanical means. In an implementation, the latch for opening the cover includes a mechanical latch that is connected to a lever and may be manually opened. In an implementation, the latch automatically opens the cover when the pressure sensor detects the pressure under water beyond a predefined limit or when it is detected the water has started entering the housing for which a water/ humidity detecting sensor may be used. The bottom portion 108 is temporarily attached with the middle portion 106. The top portion 104, middle portion 106 and the bottom portion 108 are temporarily attached to each other through mechanical or electromechanical means are configured to be detached from each other generally on receiving a signal or on detecting change in water pressure beyond a predefined limit. At least one first underwater pressure sensor 114 is disposed on a top surface of the top portion 104 of the housing 102, which is adapted to determine current pressure when the housing 102 is submerged within the water. The first underwater pressure sensor 114 is configured to generate a signal for deactivation of the latch when the housing 102 is at a first predetermined distance from a water surface. The predetermined distance may be set based on the depth of the water or based on the pressure under the water.
A gas filled floater 116 and a vacuum filled floater 118 stored within top portion 104 of the housing 102. The gas filled floater 116 acts as a guide for the vacuum filled floater 118 to reach to top of the water surface upon deactivation of the latch. In an implementation, the gas filled floater 116 includes a gas including helium gas that allows the gas filled floater 116 to move upwards towards the surface of water. The deactivation of the latch opens the cover 110 disposed on the top portion 104 causing water to enter within the top portion 104 and allowing the gas filled floater 116 to move out of the cover 110. As the gas filled floater 116 moves upwards on opening of the cover 110, the vacuum filled floater 118

that is attached to the gas filled floater 116 also moves upwards. A cylindrical shaft 120 adapted to rotate around a rotational axis. The cylindrical shaft 120 is stored within the middle portion 106 of the housing 102.
The middle portion 106 and the top portion 104 share an opening for a thread 122. One end of the thread 122 is tied to a seal of the vacuum filled floater 118 and other end of the thread 122 is tied to the cylindrical shaft 120 in a manner such that the cylindrical shaft 120 is rotated through a first motor to provide free movement to the vacuum filled floater 118 without causing any pull force to the vacuum filled floater 118. The vacuum filled floater 118 is made of a flexible foam material, such as foam rubber, and is compressed by encasing the article in a substantially air-tight sack, and withdrawing air from the sack, thereby reducing the size of the vacuum filled floater 118 for packaging inside the housing 102. The vacuum filled floater 118 is provided with a seal that is connected to the thread 122 and is configured to be open on receiving a force from the thread 122. Once the vacuum seal is broken, air enters the vacuum filled floater 118 and the vacuum filled floater 118 expands to its original size and shape.
In an implementation, initially, the air is removed from the vacuum filled floater 118 by suction. The air from the vacuum filled floater 118 may be drawn using a vacuum pump through the seal of the vacuum filled floater 118. As air is withdrawn from the vacuum filled floater 118, the vacuum filled floater 118 collapses. The vacuum filled floater 118 in an embodiment may include sponge wherein the air pressure outside of the vacuum filled floater 118 bag compresses the sponge to a small fraction of its original volume. As the sponge is compressed, the vacuum filled floater 118 is inserted into the housing 102 as the vacuum filled floater 118 pillow shrinks. In this manner, the vacuum filled floater 118 sponge is urged to conform to fit inside the housing 102 owing to its compressed size. When substantially all of the air has been drawn out of the the vacuum filled floater 118, the vacuum filled floater 118 pillow is sealed through the sealing opening. Alternatively, the vacuum filled floater 118 bag is first be taped with the gas filled floater 116, or tied with the thread 122 attached to the cylindrical shaft 120, to prevent the vacuum filled floater 118 from popping out of

the housing 102 during the sealing operation. Once the vacuum filed floater seal gets break because of the straightening of the thread 122 and the downward pull exerted because of the heavy weight of the housing 102, the seal gets broken and air is filled through the seal causing the vacuum filled floater 118 to expand to its original size before compression. The expanded vacuum filled floater 118 has a much greater surface area which prevents it from submerging in water because of the pull force exerted due to the attached thread 122 and housing 102.
A rotational movement detector 124 configured to detect movement of the cylindrical shaft 120 and generates a signal when cylindrical shaft 120 stops rotational movement. The rotational movement detector 124 includes a Rotary Motion Sensor that is a bidirectional angle sensor designed to measure rotational or linear position, velocity and acceleration cylindrical shaft 120. The rotational movement of the cylindrical shaft 120 stops when the thread 122 wrapped on the cylindrical shaft 120 reaches its end where it is temporally wrapped on the cylindrical shaft 120. As the final part of the thread 122 gets unwrapped from the cylindrical shaft 120, the rotational movement of the of the cylindrical shaft 120 stops and is detected by the rotational movement detector 124 including the Rotary Motion Sensor and signal is generated indicating the stopping of the rotational movement.
A second underwater pressure sensor 126 disposed on the middle portion 106 of the housing 102, wherein the second underwater pressure sensor 126 generates a signal when the housing 102 is at a second predetermined distance from the water surface. Generally, the pressure under the water changes with the depth. Thus, based on the depth of the water, the sensor readings of the second underwater pressure sensor 126 (and the first underwater pressure sensor 114 referred previously) are fixed. In one implementation, the predetermined distance may be determined based on the pressure readings of the second underwater pressure sensor 126. In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined distance may also be determined based on the rotational movements of the cylindrical shaft 120, on which the thread 122 is wrapped, captured by the rotational movement detector 124. Each rotational movement allows a particular portion of the thread 122 to be

unwrapped and hence, based on the number of rotational movements, the distance may be determined. A dislodging mechanism 128 is configured to be activated upon generation of signals from the rotational movement detector 124 and the second underwater sensor, wherein upon activation, the bottom portion 108 is dislodged from the middle portion 106 and middle portion 106 generates the pull force to the seal of the vacuum filled floater 118, wherein on application of the pull force, the seal is broken and air is filled within the vacuum filled floater 118 causing a substantial increase in the surface area of the vacuum filled floater 118 over the water surface.
In an implementation, the first underwater pressure sensor 114 and second underwater pressure sensor 126 may include Micro electromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensors which measure the pressure difference across a silicon diaphragm. The pressure of the on submerged apparatus submerged increases based on the density of the liquid and depth. Generally, for fresh water, pressure increases 0.43 psi per foot and in salt water it is 0.44 psi per foot. Typically, when the apparatus gets is lowered into the water (for example, ocean) and gets submerged, water pressure is exerted on the diaphragm of a pressure sensor. The deeper the system is submerged, the higher the pressure. By calculating salt water density at 1.025 (or 2.5% more dense than fresh water at 4°C) a correlation between pressure and output signal can be made to measure equipment depth. For example, when a pressure sensor is packaged with a pressure range of 350 Bar and a 4-20mA output signal, the pressure sensor will read 4mA at the surface. When the sensor is submerged with the equipment, the pressure will increase along with the linear output signal up to 20mA at a depth of approximately 3657.6m. The pressure sensors used for in sea water need certain mechanical considerations to survive the corrosive environment. To meet this need, the pressure sensors may be made up of stainless-steel wetted parts, including the pressure sensing element, housing 102 and electrical connection to survive sub-sea environments.
In an implementation, the dislodging mechanism 128 comprises a plurality of electro-mechanical latches configured to be in a latched mode when the housing

102 is at a distance lesser than the second predetermined distance from the water surface, wherein the plurality of the electro-mechanical latches holds the bottom portion 108 with the middle portion 106; and an controller causing deactivation of the latched mode upon generation of signals from the rotational movement detector 124 and the second underwater sensor, wherein deactivation of the latched mode dislodges the bottom portion 108 from the middle portion 106.
In an implementation, the latch for opening the cover includes a mechanical latch that is connected to a lever and may be manually opened. In an implementation, the latch automatically opens the cover when the pressure sensor detects the pressure under water or when it is detected that the pressure sensor that water has started entering the housing. In an implementation, the latch is an electro-mechanical latch and includes a selectively operated bolt or latch which, when the bolt or latch is unblocked, may be selectively moved between a lock and an unlock position. A bolt blocking pin, which is float-mounted on a bias spring, is driven, by a first solenoid to a bolt blocking position, when the bolt is in a lock position. A spring biased solenoid pin of a second solenoid, is normally held against the blocking pin by the bias-spring and is driven by the bias-spring, to secure the bolt blocking pin in a bolt or latch locking position when the blocking pin is driven to the latch blocking position by the first solenoid. The spring biased pin is withdrawn from securing the blocking pin in bolt blocking position by energization of the second solenoid. Actuation of the solenoids to drive the bolt blocking pin into the bolt blocking position and to release the bolt blocking pin from a bolt securing position is accomplished by command or code operated switching.
In another implementation, the electro-mechanical latch includes an electronic lock controller for disengaging a latch assembly securing the bottom portion 108 with the middle portion 106 in a closed, locked position. Upon actuation, the electro-mechanical latch disengages the latch assembly and enables the bottom portion 108 to disengage from the middle portion 106. In another implementation, the electro-mechanical latch includes a solenoid having an armature movable from a normally biased first position to a second position in

response to an electrical current applied to the solenoid, and means for holding the armature in the second position to allow subsequent removal of the current from the solenoid. When the armature is in its first position, it is adapted to latch the middle portion 106 and bottom portion 108 in a locked/ engaged position. The electro-mechanical includes means for releasing the holding of the armature in response to the signals to disengage the middle portion 106 and bottom. Other electromechanical latches that are used for engaging and disengaging as used in vending machines, doors may be used as known to a person skilled in the art.
In an implementation, the middle portion 106 is water sealed from the top portion 104 and the rotational axis of the cylindrical shaft 120 aligns within a longitudinal axis of the housing 102. In another implementation, the weight of the middle portion 106 and the top portion 104 compensate buoyant forces created by expansion of the vacuum filled floater 118 which causes the vacuum filled floater 118 and the gas filled floater 116 to float on the water surface.
In another implementation, at least a portion of the thread 122 is in unwoven state to ensure release of the gas filled floater 116 without presence of downward strain forces, wherein the remaining portion of the thread 122 is woven around the shaft. In simple terms, a part of the thread 122 is in unwoven state to allow free movement of the gas filled floater 116 and the vacuum filled floater 118 to reach the surface of the water as the housing 102 is gong downwards due to its weight. Due to the unwoven thread 122 and the nature of the helium gas in the gas filled floater 116, the gas filled floater 116 gets a free movement to move upwards towards the surface of the water along with the vacuum filled floater 118.
In an implementation, the first motor is mechanically coupled to the rotational cylindrical shaft 120 is activated when the housing 102 is at the first predetermined distance from the water surface and remains activated till the remaining portion of the thread 122 is unwoven around the cylindrical shaft 120.
In another implementation, the gas filled floater 116 and a vacuum filled floater 118 are provided with a glowing coating and comprise a plurality of

lights powered by solar cells on top of their surfaces. The glowing coating is
gives off visible light through fluorescence, phosphorescence, or radio
luminescence. A luminous paint that glows in the dark containing a phosphor, or a substance that emits light for a certain length of time after exposure to an energy source, such as ultraviolet radiation may be used as a glowing coating. Zinc sulphide and calcium sulphide are such phosphors. The plurality of lights is connected to a solar battery and may be useful in tracking the apparatus in the night. Both glowing coating and solar charged battery acts as a useful to old in locating the apparatus in night as well.
In an implementation, the second underwater pressure sensor 126 is disposed in an external pocket disposed around an external side wall of the middle portion 106 of the housing 102. The external pocket (not shown) is a small compartment in which the second underwater pressure sensor 126 may be placed and is suitably adhesively attached or may be inbuilt along with the housing 102 as a single structure.
In an implementation, the vacuum filled floater 118 has an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) attached to it to alert search and rescue services (SAR) in case of an emergency out at sea. It is tracking equipment that transmits a signal on a specified band to locate a lifeboat, life raft, ship or people in distress. In one implementation, the vacuum filled floater 118 may be provider with a pocket containing a powder material that is configured to spread on surface of water. The powder material may be a sparkling material and also may include a glowing material.
Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary implementation of the apparatus indicated in Figure 1 is shown with the cover 110 in open condition. As referred in Figure 1, the cover 110 is attached to the top portion 104 of the housing 102 and is detachably coupled to an inner surface area of the top portion 104 with a latch 112. In an implementation, the latch 112 may be a magnetic latch. In another implementation, the latch 112 may include an electromechanical latch. The electro-mechanical latch is connected to a controller that is configured to receive

the signals from the underwater pressure sensor disposed on a top surface of the top portion 104 of the housing 102. The at least one underwater pressure sensor is adapted to determine current pressure when the housing 102 is submerged within the water and configured to generate a signal for deactivation of the latch 112 when the housing 102 is at a first predetermined distance from a water surface. As the latch 112 gets deactivated, the cover 110 of the housing 102 opens as indicated in Figure 2 and the gas filled floater 116 and a vacuum filled floater 118 stored within top portion 104 of the housing 102 start to come up towards the surface of the water with the housing 102 going down due to its weight. The deactivation of the latch 112 opens the cover 110 disposed on the top portion 104 causing water to enter within the top portion 104 and allowing the gas filled floater 116 to move out of the cover 110. The gas filled floater 116 and the vacuum filled floater 118 are provided with the opening for free movement on opening of the cover 110.
Referring to Figure 3, an exemplary implementation of the apparatus indicated in Figure 1 is shown with the disengaging of the bottom portion 108 with the middle portion 106 and expansion of the vacuum filed guide. As can be seen in the figure 3, the bottom portion 108 is dis engaged from the middle portion 106 and the vacuum filed floater and the gas fillet floater are completely out of the housing 102. In the present figure, the gas filled floater 116 and the vacuum filed floater may be assumed to be present on the surface of the water. During the operation of the apparatus, the second underwater pressure sensor 126 generates a signal when the housing 102 is at a second predetermined distance from the water surface. The second predetermined distance may be ascertained based on a predefined readings obtained from the second underwater pressure sensor 126. The dislodging mechanism 128 is activated upon generation of signals from the rotational movement detector 124 and the second underwater sensor, wherein upon activation, the bottom portion 108 is dislodged from the middle portion 106 and middle portion 106 generates the pull force to the seal of the vacuum filled floater 118, wherein on application of the pull force, the seal is broken and air is filled within the vacuum filled floater 118 causing a substantial increase in the surface area of the vacuum filled floater 118 over the water

surface. Due to substantial increase in the size of the vacuum filled floater 118 over the water surface, the floater surface is not pulled downwards even if the housing 102 is attached and the vacuum filled floater 118 and the gas filled floater 116 keep floating on the surface of water. Furthermore, due to part of the housing 102 still attached to the vacuum filled floater 118 and the gas filled floater 116 through the thread 122, the movement of the vacuum filled floater 118 and the gas filled floater 116 because of the flow of water and winds is minimised because of the underlying weight of the housing 102. Thus, the expanded vacuum filled floater 118 and the housing 102 play a critical role in controlling the movement of the apparatus. The presence of the vacuum filled floater 118 on the surface of water helps in tracking the location of the passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water. The location of the visible vacuum filled floater 118 on the surface of the water gives a starting point to locate a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water and got submerged completely.
Referring to Figure 4, a flow chart for a method for protecting a predetermined area from flood water is illustrated using the apparatus indicated in Figures 1-3. The method 400 comprises step 402 of determining, by a first underwater pressure sensor 114 , under water pressure when a housing of the apparatus is submerged within the water, whereon the housing 102 comprises a top portion 104 , a middle portion 106 and a bottom portion 108 , wherein the top portion includes a cover 110 detachably coupled to an inner surface area of the top portion with a magnetic latch 112 , and wherein the bottom portion 108 is temporarily attached with the middle portion 106 ; step 404 of generating, by the first underwater pressure sensor 114 , a signal for deactivation of the magnetic latch 112 when the housing 102 is at a first predetermined distance from a water surface. Thereafter, the method 400 includes step 406 of opening the cover 110 disposed on the top portion 104 caused by deactivation of the magnetic latch 112 and causing water to enter within the top portion 104 , and allowing a gas filled floater 116 and a vacuum filled floater 118 to move out of the cover 110 , wherein the gas filled floater 116 and the vacuum filled floater 118 are stored within top portion of the housing 102 , wherein the gas filled floater 116 acts as a guide for the vacuum

filled floater 118 to reach to top of the water surface upon deactivation of the magnetic latch 112 , and step 408 of detecting rotational movement, by a rotational movement detector 124 , of a cylindrical shaft 120 , wherein the cylindrical shaft 120 is adapted to rotate around a rotational axis, wherein the cylindrical shaft 120 is stored within the middle portion 106 of the housing 102 , wherein the middle portion 106 and the top portion 104 share an opening for a thread 122 , wherein one end of the thread 122 is tied to a seal of the vacuum filled floater 118 and other end of the thread is tied to the cylindrical shaft 120 in a manner such that the cylindrical shaft 120 is rotated through a first motor to provide free movement to the vacuum filled floater without causing any pull force to the vacuum filled floater 118. The method 100 includes step 410 of generating, by the rotational movement detector 124 , a signal when cylindrical shaft 120 stops rotational movement; step 412 of generating, by a second underwater pressure sensor 126 disposed on the middle portion 106 of the housing 102 , a signal when the housing 102 is at a second predetermined distance from the water surface; and step 414 of activating a dislodging mechanism 128 upon generation of signals from the rotational movement detector 124 and the second underwater sensor 126 , wherein upon activation, the bottom portion 108 is dislodged from the middle portion 106 and middle portion 106 generates a pull force to a seal of the vacuum filled floater 118 , wherein on application of the pull force, the seal is broken and air is filled within the vacuum filled floater 118 causing a substantial increase in the surface area of the vacuum filled floater 118 over the water surface.
Thus, the invention provides simple, compact, lightweight cost-effective technique to aid in locating a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water. Floater gives a reliable indication of region in which the passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water. The apparatus can be suitable electro mechanical arrangement placed on a ship or an airplane etc. as a location indicator device to indicate their location when they submerge in a waterbody.
Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the

accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of, "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claim

We claim

1.An apparatus (100) for locating a passenger carrier suspected to
have met an accident in water, the apparatus (100) comprising:
a housing (102) comprising a top portion (104), a middle portion (106) and a bottom portion (108), wherein the top portion includes a cover (110) detachably coupled to an inner surface area of the top portion with a latch (112), wherein the bottom portion (108) is temporarily attached with the middle portion (106);
a first underwater pressure sensor (114) disposed on a top surface of the top portion of the housing (102), wherein the first underwater pressure sensor (114) is adapted to determine current pressure when the housing (102) is submerged within the water and configured to generate a signal for deactivation of the latch (112) when the housing (102) is at a first predetermined distance from a water surface;
a gas filled floater (116) and a vacuum filled floater (118) stored within top portion of the housing (102), wherein the gas filled floater (116) acts as a guide for the vacuum filled floater (118) to reach to top of the water surface upon deactivation of the magnetic latch (112), wherein deactivation of the magnetic latch (112) opens the cover (110) disposed on the top portion (104) causing water to enter within the top portion (104) and allowing the gas filled floater (116) and a vacuum filled floater (118) to move out of the cover (110);
a cylindrical shaft (120) adapted to rotate around a rotational axis, wherein the cylindrical shaft (120) is stored within the middle portion (106) of the housing (102), wherein the middle portion (106) and the top portion (104) share an opening for a thread (122), wherein one end of the thread (122) is tied to a seal of the vacuum filled floater (118) and other end of the thread is tied to the cylindrical shaft (120) in a manner such that the cylindrical shaft (120) is rotated through a first motor to provide free movement to the vacuum filled floater without causing any pull force to the vacuum filled floater (118);

a rotational movement detector (124) configured to detect movement of the cylindrical shaft (120) and generates a signal when cylindrical shaft (120) stops rotational movement;
a second underwater pressure sensor (126) disposed on the middle portion (106) of the housing (102), wherein the second underwater pressure sensor (126) generates a signal when the housing (102) is at a second predetermined distance from the water surface; and
a dislodging mechanism (128) configured to be activated upon generation of signals from the rotational movement detector (124) and the second underwater sensor (126), wherein upon activation, the bottom portion (108) is dislodged from the middle portion (106) and middle portion (106) generates a pull force to a seal of the vacuum filled floater (118), wherein on application of the pull force, the seal is broken and air is filled within the vacuum filled floater (118) causing a substantial increase in the surface area of the vacuum filled floater (118) over the water surface.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dislodging
mechanism (128) comprises:
a plurality of electro-mechanical latches configured to be in latched mode when the housing (102) is at a distance lesser than the second predetermined distance from the water surface, wherein the plurality of the electro-mechanical latches holds the bottom portion with the middle portion (106); and
a controller causing deactivation of the latched mode upon generation of signals from the rotational movement detector (124) and the second underwater sensor (126), wherein deactivation of the latched mode dislodges the bottom portion (108) from the middle portion (106).

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the middle portion (106) is water sealed from the top portion (104) and the rotational axis of the cylindrical shaft (120) aligns within a longitudinal axis of the housing (102).
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein weight of the middle portion (106) and the top portion (104) compensate buoyant forces created by expansion of the vacuum filled floater (118) which causes the vacuum filled floater (118) and the gas filled floater (116) to float on the water surface.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the thread (122) is in unwoven state to ensure release of the gas filled floater (116) without presence of downward strain forces, wherein the remaining portion of the thread (122) is woven/ rolled around the cylindrical shaft (120).
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first motor mechanically coupled to the rotational cylindrical shaft (120) is activated when the housing (102) is at the first predetermined distance from the water surface and remains activated till the remaining portion of the thread (122) is unwoven around the cylindrical shaft (120).
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second underwater pressure sensor (126) is disposed in an external pocket disposed around an external side wall of the middle portion (104) of the housing (102).
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas filled floater (116) and a vacuum filled floater (118) are provided with a glowing coating and comprise a plurality of lights powered by solar cells on top of their surfaces.
9. A method for locating a passenger carrier suspected to have met an accident in water, the method comprising:
determining (step 402), by a first underwater pressure sensor (114), under water pressure when a housing of the apparatus is submerged within the water, whereon the housing (102) comprises a top portion (104), a middle portion (106) and a bottom portion (108), wherein the top portion includes a cover (110)

detachably coupled to an inner surface area of the top portion with a magnetic latch (112), and wherein the bottom portion (108) is temporarily attached with the middle portion (106);
generating (step 404), by the first underwater pressure sensor (114), a signal for deactivation of the magnetic latch (112) when the housing (102) is at a first predetermined distance from a water surface;
opening (step 406) the cover (110) disposed on the top portion (104) caused by deactivation of the magnetic latch (112) and causing water to enter within the top portion (104), and allowing a gas filled floater (116) and a vacuum filled floater (118) to move out of the cover (110), wherein the gas filled floater (116) and the vacuum filled floater (118) are stored within top portion of the housing (102), wherein the gas filled floater (116) acts as a guide for the vacuum filled floater (118) to reach to top of the water surface upon deactivation of the magnetic latch (112),
detecting (step 408) rotational movement, by a rotational movement detector (124), of a cylindrical shaft (120), wherein the cylindrical shaft (120) is adapted to rotate around a rotational axis, wherein the cylindrical shaft (120) is stored within the middle portion (106) of the housing (102), wherein the middle portion (106) and the top portion (104) share an opening for a thread (122), wherein one end of the thread (122) is tied to a seal of the vacuum filled floater (118) and other end of the thread is tied to the cylindrical shaft (120) in a manner such that the cylindrical shaft (120) is rotated through a first motor to provide free movement to the vacuum filled floater without causing any pull force to the vacuum filled floater (118);
generating (step 410), by the rotational movement detector (124), a signal when cylindrical shaft (120) stops rotational movement;
generating (step 412), by a second underwater pressure sensor (126) disposed on the middle portion (106) of the housing (102), a signal when the housing (102) is at a second predetermined distance from the water surface;

activating (step 414) a dislodging mechanism (128) upon generation of signals from the rotational movement detector (124) and the second underwater sensor (126), wherein upon activation, the bottom portion (108) is dislodged from the middle portion (106) and middle portion (106) generates a pull force to a seal of the vacuum filled floater (118), wherein on application of the pull force, the seal is broken and air is filled within the vacuum filled floater (118) causing a substantial increase in the surface area of the vacuum filled floater (118) over the water surface.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the weight of the middle portion (106) and the top portion (104) compensate buoyant forces created by expansion of the vacuum filled floater (118) which causes the vacuum filled floater (118) and the gas filled floater (116) to float on the water surface.