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Impact protection apparatus

  • US 8,979,023 B1
  • Filed: 04/21/2014
  • Issued: 03/17/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An impact protection apparatus for an unmanned aerial vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

  • an inflatable member configured to be coupled to the unmanned aerial vehicle and inflatable to reduce forces experienced by the unmanned aerial vehicle during an impact;

    a container coupled to the inflatable member, said container comprising compressed gas;

    a control mechanism powered by a first power source separate from a second power source that provides power to the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the control mechanism is configured to cause the compressed gas to flow from the container into the inflatable member in response to a signal indicative of malfunction of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and

    a deactivatable safety mechanism that, unless deactivated, prevents inflation of the inflatable member, wherein the safety mechanism is deactivated by a safety signal indicating that the unmanned aerial vehicle is airborne.

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