Rescue device for distressed swimmer

• US 10,059,448 B1
• Filed: 05/24/2017
• Issued: 08/28/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stephen P. Shoemaker Jr
• Original Assignee: Stephen P. Shoemaker Jr
• Inventors: Shoemaker, Jr., Stephen P.
• Primary Examiner(s): McFall, Nicholas
• Application Number:
  US15/603,853
• Time in Patent Office: 461 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 9/082 Annular or U-shaped life-buoys intended to be thrown to persons
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 9/26 Cast or life lines; Attachments thereto; Containers therefor; Rescue nets or the likeadaptations of aerial cableways to shipboard use B63B27/18; guns for line throwing F41F; line-carrying missiles F42B12/68
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 39/024 of the remote controlled vehicle type, i.e. RPV
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 1/02 Dropping, ejecting, or releasing articles jettisonable fuel reservoirs B64D37/12
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 10/13 Flying platforms
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/60 for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 30/20 Rotors; Rotor supports

Abstract

A pilotless drone is equipped with a life preserver or other buoyant device for delivery to a distressed swimmer. The drone includes a vacuum pump and a vacuum release mechanism to remotely release the life preserver once the drone is positioned over the swimmer. A camera on the drone can be used to locate the swimmer, and a remote control operates the release mechanism so that the operation can be performed from a remote location (such as a life guard station, vessel, etc.).

Claims

1. A rescue device for delivering emergency apparatus to a distressed swimmer, comprising:

an unmanned aerial vehicle controlled remotely by a control unit, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprising rotors for generating lift, and a camera;

a vacuum pump including a conduit connected to a suction cup;

a buoyant flotation member connected to the suction cup; and

wherein the control unit disconnects the vacuum pump to release the buoyant flotation member from the unmanned aerial vehicle.

2. The rescue device of claim 1, wherein the buoyant flotation member is a toroidal life preserver.

3. The rescue device of claim 1, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is a quadcopter.

4. The rescue device of claim 1, further comprising multiple buoyant flotation members.

5. The rescue device of claim 1, wherein the buoyant flotation member includes substantially smooth plates for adhering to the suction cup.

6. The rescue device of claim 1, wherein a voltage to the vacuum pump is equivalent to a voltage to the rotors.

7. The rescue device of claim 1, wherein the control unit cuts off power to the vacuum pump.

8. The rescue device of claim 1, wherein the control unit releases a negative pressure holding the buoyant flotation member to the unmanned aerial vehicle.