An inflatable flotation device includes an inflatable body configured to be stored in a deflated state and to be inflated in response to an event. The inflatable flotation device also includes a switch attached to the inflatable body and configured to switch from an off state to an on state in response to the inflatable body being inflated at least one of to or beyond a predetermined inflation level. The inflatable flotation device also includes a speaker attached to the inflatable body, electrically coupled to the switch, and configured to generate an audio signal indicating that the inflatable body is ready for use in response to the switch being switched from the off state to the on state.

An inflatable flotation device includes an inflatable body configured to be stored in a deflated state and to be inflated in response to an event. The inflatable flotation device also includes a switch attached to the inflatable body and configured to switch from an off state to an on state in response to the inflatable body being inflated at least one of to or beyond a predetermined inflation level. The inflatable flotation device also includes a speaker attached to the inflatable body, electrically coupled to the switch, and configured to generate an audio signal indicating that the inflatable body is ready for use in response to the switch being switched from the off state to the on state.

A compound helicopter with braced wings in joined-wing configuration, a fuselage that extends from a front fuselage section to a rear fuselage section, and an emergency floatation system with main floatation balloons and lateral floatation wherein balloons, the main floatation balloons comprise at least one front floatation balloon that is arranged in the front fuselage section and at least one rear floatation balloon that is arranged in the rear fuselage section, and wherein the lateral floatation balloons comprise at least one first lateral floatation balloon that is arranged close to an interconnection region of the first braced wing and at least one second lateral floatation balloon that is arranged close to an interconnection region of the second braced wing.

A compound helicopter with braced wings in joined-wing configuration, a fuselage that extends from a front fuselage section to a rear fuselage section, and an emergency floatation system with main floatation balloons and lateral floatation wherein balloons, the main floatation balloons comprise at least one front floatation balloon that is arranged in the front fuselage section and at least one rear floatation balloon that is arranged in the rear fuselage section, and wherein the lateral floatation balloons comprise at least one first lateral floatation balloon that is arranged close to an interconnection region of the first braced wing and at least one second lateral floatation balloon that is arranged close to an interconnection region of the second braced wing.

An emergency evacuation system is configured to be stored in a compartment below an exit door of an aircraft. The emergency evacuation system includes a first floatation device including an internal inflator, and a second floatation device including an open inflation system. The second floatation device is coupled to the first floatation device.

An emergency evacuation system is configured to be stored in a compartment below an exit door of an aircraft. The emergency evacuation system includes a first floatation device including an internal inflator, and a second floatation device including an open inflation system. The second floatation device is coupled to the first floatation device.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) damage mitigation system includes a drone housing, a processor, a memory, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and associated electronics configured to determine if the drone is experiencing a failure event or is in danger of crashing. If such a failure is indicated, then the drone includes a parachute, alarm, and programming intended to mitigate or minimize damage to people and property on the ground. The UAV damage mitigation system also includes a mobile software application that is notified if the drone is experiencing a catastrophic event, and is notified of all other aerial vehicles in a proximity to the drone housing.

A canopy support for an inflatable evacuation device may comprise a first canopy support segment and a second canopy support segment configured to fit at least partially within the first canopy support segment when the canopy support is in a stowed state and configured to interlock with the first canopy support segment in an extended position when the canopy support is in a deployed state. The first canopy support segment may include a first interlocking portion. The second canopy support segment may include a second interlocking portion. The second interlocking portion may be configured to mate with the first interlocking portion.

A canopy support for an inflatable evacuation device may comprise a first canopy support segment and a second canopy support segment configured to fit at least partially within the first canopy support segment when the canopy support is in a stowed state and configured to interlock with the first canopy support segment in an extended position when the canopy support is in a deployed state. The first canopy support segment may include a first interlocking portion. The second canopy support segment may include a second interlocking portion. The second interlocking portion may be configured to mate with the first interlocking portion.

Embodiments of the present invention provide reinforcements for inflatable device assemblies. Specific embodiments provide a welded reinforcement for crotch areas of inflatable devices. Particular benefits may be achieved when the areas to be reinforced with the reinforcement system described are non-linear, defining a geometry with at least one curve or angle. Specific aspects of the reinforcement system provide one or more precut gusset elements that are configured to be secured with respect to a crotch area of a base substrate and welded.