Rescue device for distressed swimmer
View Patent ↗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.).
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.