Featured Entrepreneur:
Byron Derringer, President, Runway Technologies
Byron Derringer, President, Runway Technologies
Photo courtesy of Byron Derringer.
Wheaton, MD - December 12, 2006 --- An innovative, new automated technology using optical lasers designed to prevent airport runway incursion and detect debris received a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Patent No. 7,148,815) today. The idea for this technology is simple: optical lasers, installed around the perimeter of the runway, will constantly monitor the runway for incursion, debris, and other potentially hazardous objects. If detection occurs, that information is provided to the aircraft, air traffic controller, and/or ground -based personnel prior to aircraft landing and takeoff, thus providing time for corrective action. The system is designed to provide situational awareness and direct safety warnings to those most able to take immediate action such as the pilot, controller, vehicle operator and ground personnel.
Runway Technologies is the brainchild of entrepreneur and technologist, Byron Derringer. Byron is the President of Runway Technologies, and a 1996 graduate of George Mason University. Derringer says, “The genesis for this idea came after the Concorde crash tragedy in France in 2000.” The Concorde crashed on take-off after a small strip of metal, which came from a tire, ruptured the jetliner’s fuel tank. Runway Technologies ’ system provides 24/7 monitoring of the runway surface for just such debris. The optical lasers can be customized to detect debris at various heights and ranges. Another component of the system, the “object characterizer” can recognize, analyze, and understand what is seen, and in turn, report that information so corrective action can be taken.
“Take pride and exceed all expectations in everything you do. Dress for the position you want; not the one you have.”
—Advice for the aspiring entrepeneur from Byron Derringer, Runway Technologies
While commercial aircraft spend only six percent of their flight time in takeoff, climb, final approach, and landing, this period accounts for 70 percent of hull loss accidents according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Foreign objects and debris alone have a $4 billion global price tag according to the National Aerospace FOD Prevention, Inc. This patented technology, combining method and apparatus to detect both runway incursion and debris, will help reduce both minor and catastrophic runway events. Derringer says, “Ultimately, my goal is to further protect what is important to everyone – our loved ones who travel the skies.”
Market inquiries :
Runway Technologies is a company created to further the benefits of this patented technology. Exclusive and non-exclusive license opportunities are currently available.
Inquiries can either be sent via email to license@runwaytechnologies.com, or by contacting Byron Derringer directly at 240-426 -7499.
Website: http://www.runwaytechnologies.com
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