A buckle assembly includes at least one socket to receive and retain at least one lug therein, and an emergency release arrangement. The emergency release arrangement is operable to release the at least one lug from the socket in response to a predetermined trigger signal. The assembly also includes a manually operable resetting arrangement that is operable to retain the lug(s) re-inserted into the socket(s), following the triggering of the emergency release arrangement.

An aerial vehicle for delivering a package. The aerial vehicle having a package deployment system coupled to the aerial vehicle. The package deployment system having a spool coupled to the aerial vehicle, a lowering line fixedly coupled to the spool at a first end, the lowering line having a second end secured to a grasping device, and a cutting device coupled to one of the spool or the lowering line. The aerial vehicle also having a package coupled to the grasping device and a monitoring system couple to one of the aerial vehicle or the package deployment system. The package deployment system is configured to deliver the package at a delivery location. The cutting device is configured to sever the lowering line to deliver the package. A method for delivering a package with an aerial vehicle having the package deployment system.

A system for payload delivery and drone recovery, wherein the system functions with the use of a lightweight parachute and a directional control module. The system can include a drop system for payload delivery, wherein the drop system releases the parachute and payload upon reaching a target site. The system can also include a recovery system, wherein the recovery system deploys the parachute and steers the failed drone to a target site. A lightweight ram-air parachute is used to provide a lighter steerable parachute system.

A package launch system can be implemented to propel a package from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a generally vertically descent trajectory, while the UAV is in motion. The package launch system can apply the force onto the package in a number of different ways. For example, flywheels, coils, and springs can generate the force that establishes the vertical descent path of the package. Further, the package delivery system can also monitor the package during its vertical descent. The package can be equipped with one or more control surfaces. Instructions can be transmitted from the UAV via an RF module that cause the one or more controls surfaces to alter the vertical descent path of the package to avoid obstructions or to regain a stable orientation.

A package launch system can be implemented to propel a package from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a generally vertically descent trajectory, while the UAV is in motion. The package launch system can apply the force onto the package in a number of different ways. For example, flywheels, coils, and springs can generate the force that establishes the vertical descent path of the package. Further, the package delivery system can also monitor the package during its vertical descent. The package can be equipped with one or more control surfaces. Instructions can be transmitted from the UAV via an RF module that cause the one or more controls surfaces to alter the vertical descent path of the package to avoid obstructions or to regain a stable orientation.

A method of identifying operational modes experienced by a user during a jump from an aircraft may comprise estimating a user altitude and a user descent rate, based on a set of navigation state data vectors. The method may further comprise determining that the user is ready to transition from a flight mode to a descent mode when the user altitude is above a jump altitude threshold, and a variation of the user altitude is below a predetermined altitude variation threshold. After determining that the user is ready to transition from the flight mode to the descent mode, the method further comprises determining that the user has transitioned from a flight mode to a descent mode when a user ground speed is below a ground speed threshold, and one or both of (i) a GNSS position error estimate, and (ii) the user descent rate estimate, indicates a jump signature.

A method of identifying operational modes experienced by a user during a jump from an aircraft may comprise estimating a user altitude and a user descent rate, based on a set of navigation state data vectors. The method may further comprise determining that the user is ready to transition from a flight mode to a descent mode when the user altitude is above a jump altitude threshold, and a variation of the user altitude is below a predetermined altitude variation threshold. After determining that the user is ready to transition from the flight mode to the descent mode, the method further comprises determining that the user has transitioned from a flight mode to a descent mode when a user ground speed is below a ground speed threshold, and one or both of (i) a GNSS position error estimate, and (ii) the user descent rate estimate, indicates a jump signature.

Disclosed herein is a human transporting drone including a drone core, a human receptacle for accommodating a human, the human receptacle being detachably housed in the drone core, ropes connected to the human receptacle, and rope winding mechanisms mounted on the drone core, for winding the ropes to house the human receptacle into the drone core and unwinding the ropes to release the human receptacle from the drone core.

Disclosed herein is a human transporting drone including a drone core, a human receptacle for accommodating a human, the human receptacle being detachably housed in the drone core, ropes connected to the human receptacle, and rope winding mechanisms mounted on the drone core, for winding the ropes to house the human receptacle into the drone core and unwinding the ropes to release the human receptacle from the drone core.

Aspects herein provide for an apparel item having an integrated parachute structure and a set of intake ducts. The parachute structure is configured to transition from a first slack state to a second inflated state subsequent to air entering the set of intake ducts incident to ground locomotion of the wearer thereby increasing air resistance to wearer movement.