METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING A SAFETY APPARATUS TO DISTRESSED PERSONS
First Claim
1. A system for providing lifesaving equipment to a person in distress, the system comprising:
- an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in wireless communication with a control device and comprising an equipment engagement mechanism configured to releasably secure the lifesaving equipment to the UAV;
wherein the equipment engagement mechanism is operable between a closed configuration in which the lifesaving equipment is secured to the UAV and an open configuration in which the lifesaving equipment is released from the UAV;
the control device configured to;
generate one or more directional signals in response to user input indicating a desired direction for the UAV, wherein the directional signals are indicative of a desired direction of travel for the UAV;
generate a release signal in response to user input indicating a request to release the lifesaving equipment from the UAV; and
transmit the one or more directional signals and the release signal to the UAV; and
wherein the UAV is configured to, in response to receipt of the directional signals, move in the desired direction of travel and, in response to receipt of the release signal, move the equipment engagement mechanism into the open configuration to release the lifesaving equipment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Various embodiments of the present invention comprise systems for providing a lifesaving apparatus to a distressed individual. Such systems may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to selectably support a lifesaving apparatus. The UAV may comprise a release mechanism configured to release the lifesaving apparatus when proximate a distressed person. The system may additionally comprise a control device configured to wirelessly communicate with the UAV such that a user can pilot the UAV from a distance and deliver the lifesaving apparatus to a distressed person. Methods of using the same may comprise piloting the UAV proximate a distressed person, providing a signal to the UAV to release the lifesaving apparatus by operating the release mechanism, and then pulling the lifesaving apparatus and the distressed person to safety via a control line secured to the lifesaving apparatus.
75 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A system for providing lifesaving equipment to a person in distress, the system comprising:
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an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in wireless communication with a control device and comprising an equipment engagement mechanism configured to releasably secure the lifesaving equipment to the UAV; wherein the equipment engagement mechanism is operable between a closed configuration in which the lifesaving equipment is secured to the UAV and an open configuration in which the lifesaving equipment is released from the UAV; the control device configured to; generate one or more directional signals in response to user input indicating a desired direction for the UAV, wherein the directional signals are indicative of a desired direction of travel for the UAV; generate a release signal in response to user input indicating a request to release the lifesaving equipment from the UAV; and transmit the one or more directional signals and the release signal to the UAV; and wherein the UAV is configured to, in response to receipt of the directional signals, move in the desired direction of travel and, in response to receipt of the release signal, move the equipment engagement mechanism into the open configuration to release the lifesaving equipment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for providing lifesaving equipment to a person in distress, the method comprising steps for:
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piloting an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to the person in distress by causing data indicative of a desired direction of travel to be wirelessly transmitted from a control device to the UAV, wherein the UAV comprises an equipment engagement mechanism configured to releasably secure the lifesaving equipment to the UAV and the equipment engagement mechanism is operable between a closed configuration in which the lifesaving equipment is secured to the UAV and an open configuration in which the lifesaving equipment is released from the UAV; causing transmission, from the control device to the UAV, of a release signal indicating the lifesaving equipment should be released, such that the UAV moves the equipment engagement mechanism into the open configuration to release the lifesaving equipment; and after the lifesaving device is released from the UAV, causing a length of control line secured to the lifesaving device to be recalled in a direction of safety, thereby pulling the lifesaving device in a direction of safety. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification