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Adaptable aircraft airbag protection apparatus and method

  • US 5,335,884 A
  • Filed: 04/28/1993
  • Issued: 08/09/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for minimizing the prospect for loss of control in a craft which has a movable control yoke having a post extending from a control panel to a member which is manually grippable by an individual for multiple degrees of motion thereof for controlling the craft operation comprising:

  • means for sensing that the craft has experienced an abnormal force,an airbag assembly including an inflatable airbag mounted relative to the control yoke for responding to an actuation signal by expanding so as to substantially fill the space both between the control yoke and an individual in proximity to the control yoke as well as between the control yoke and the control panel of the craft thereby obtaining a balanced position between the control panel and said individual while allowing said control yoke to remain in a relatively neutral position,means mounting said airbag assembly for free movement along a line in a direction generally parallel to the control yoke post while retaining said airbag assembly against movement in any other direction, andmeans responsive to said sensing means for producing said airbag actuation signal for rapidly expanding said airbag upon the occurrence of the abnormal force relative to the craft whereby said airbag assembly will assume a neutral position along said control yoke post parallel line.

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