Aviation Safety Patents Protected

STG Aerospace has been awarded global patents for its WEPPS technology, a new system for managing and powering emergency aircraft lighting systems. The patent awards follow the UK-based firm’s successful defense against challenge  to patents for SafTGlo, its photoluminescent (PL) emergency floorpath marking technology. WEPPS (Wireless Emergency Primary Power System) has the potential to reduce aviation industry maintenance costs by up to US$1billion each year by eliminating the emergency lighting system’s entire maintenance schedule. It features a built-in wireless monitoring and diagnostic capability that removes the need for a daily visual inspection of the cabin emergency lights. Since 2003, STG Aerospace has applied for worldwide patents for many innovative aspects of the WEPPS system. One patent relates to the reduced power requirement in the operation of emergency LED lighting. Another patent covers SecureControl, the reliable, low power, wireless communication that is the core technology being used for all of STG's wireless products. STG successfully defended the U.S. and European patents for its pioneering SafTGlo PL floorpath marking system. STG Aerospace has had worldwide patent protection for the innovative application in commercial and military aircraft. Peter Stokes, STG Aerospace’s chief executive, said : “As the pioneers of PL on aircraft, we view our responsibilities as ‘guardians’ of best practice and the technology very seriously. SafTGlo is installed on over 4,000 aircraft operated by over 100 airlines. It is in the best long-term interests of aircraft safety and the technology as a whole to maintain the highest standards in the application of PL systems.”