Patent · US Active

Impact protection apparatus

US8979023B1 · kind B1 · utility

28Cited by
10References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 21, 2014
Grant dateMar 17, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 21, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64U2201/20
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An impact protection apparatus is provided, comprising a gas container configured to hold a compressed gas and an inflatable member configured to be inflated by the gas and function as an airbag of a movable object, such as an aerial vehicle. A valve controls flow of gas from the container to the inflatable member in response to a signal from a valve controller. The valve and valve controller are powered by an independent power source than one or more other systems of the movable object. A safety mechanism may also be provided that, unless deactivated, prevents inflation of the inflatable member.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.