A system and a method of detecting and notifying of an occurrence of an overboard passenger on a vessel are used to automatically and immediately track and locate the overboard passenger as soon as the passenger has fallen overboard. In order to accomplish this, the method uses at least one tracking beacon and at least one central computing device. The central computing device is mounted onto a water-faring vessel to passively track the status and location of the tracking beacon so that the central computing device can automatically locate the tracking beacon once an overboard occurrence is detected. The tracking beacon utilizes spatial-positioning and orientation data and water submersion data to transmit an emergency alert when the passenger wearing the tracking beacon falls overboard from the water-faring vessel. Once the emergency alert is received, the central computing device executes a rescue response to expedite the rescue of the overboard passenger.

A system and a method of detecting and notifying of an occurrence of an overboard passenger on a vessel are used to automatically and immediately track and locate the overboard passenger as soon as the passenger has fallen overboard. In order to accomplish this, the method uses at least one tracking beacon and at least one central computing device. The central computing device is mounted onto a water-faring vessel to passively track the status and location of the tracking beacon so that the central computing device can automatically locate the tracking beacon once an overboard occurrence is detected. The tracking beacon utilizes spatial-positioning and orientation data and water submersion data to transmit an emergency alert when the passenger wearing the tracking beacon falls overboard from the water-faring vessel. Once the emergency alert is received, the central computing device executes a rescue response to expedite the rescue of the overboard passenger.

A search and rescue drone system includes a buoyant body member, a frame attached to the buoyant body member for carrying a motor and propeller, and an electronic array including a camera, GPS, an EPIRB radio distress beacon, and a transmitter/receiver for remote control flying the drone and communicating with an operator. A laser guidance system may provide coordinates for landing near a swimmer in distress. The search and rescue drone may also be programmed to simply fly to the location of an electronic wearable device, like a bracelet, that is worn by a man overboard. In another embodiment, the search and rescue drone includes pivoting motor mounts, so that it can take off and land vertically with propellers rotating in a horizontal plane, and then the propellers may pivot to rotate in a vertical plane for propulsion across water similar to a fan boat with rescued people aboard.

A search and rescue drone system includes a buoyant body member, a frame attached to the buoyant body member for carrying a motor and propeller, and an electronic array including a camera, GPS, an EPIRB radio distress beacon, and a transmitter/receiver for remote control flying the drone and communicating with an operator. A laser guidance system may provide coordinates for landing near a swimmer in distress. The search and rescue drone may also be programmed to simply fly to the location of an electronic wearable device, like a bracelet, that is worn by a man overboard. In another embodiment, the search and rescue drone includes pivoting motor mounts, so that it can take off and land vertically with propellers rotating in a horizontal plane, and then the propellers may pivot to rotate in a vertical plane for propulsion across water similar to a fan boat with rescued people aboard.

An end-effector for a hoist includes a drive and an articulating arm. The articulating arm includes support disks, control cables extending through the support disks, and a hoist cable extending through the support disks. The drive includes an actuator connected to one of the control cables. The actuator deploys and retracts the control cables, thereby displacing the articulating arm from an end-effector axis. The drive also includes a stabilizer mounted on a drive housing, the stabilizer generates a stabilizing moment in response to the articulating arm displacing from the end-effector axis.

An end-effector for a hoist includes a drive and an articulating arm. The articulating arm includes support disks, control cables extending through the support disks, and a hoist cable extending through the support disks. The drive includes an actuator connected to one of the control cables. The actuator deploys and retracts the control cables, thereby displacing the articulating arm from an end-effector axis. The drive also includes a stabilizer mounted on a drive housing, the stabilizer generates a stabilizing moment in response to the articulating arm displacing from the end-effector axis.

A stretcher that can be rolled up may comprise at least two straps for securing a person in a longitudinal direction of the stretcher. The at least two straps for securing the person in the longitudinal direction of the stretcher are disposed such that the at least two straps are fastened above a first region. The first region may be configured to accommodate shoulders of the person. The stretcher may further comprises a foot plate that is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the stretcher. In addition, a deployable buoyancy device may be mounted on the stretcher. The deployable buoyancy device may be fastened in a second region on the stretcher, wherein the second region is configured to accommodate the person's neck. The deployable buoyancy device may have a tubular configuration, and the deployable buoyancy device may be connected in the second region to the at least two straps for securing the person in the longitudinal direction.”

Various embodiments of the present invention comprise systems for providing a lifesaving apparatus to a distressed individual. Such systems may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to selectably support a lifesaving apparatus. The UAV may comprise a release mechanism configured to release the lifesaving apparatus when proximate a distressed person. The system may additionally comprise a control device configured to wirelessly communicate with the UAV such that a user can pilot the UAV from a distance and deliver the lifesaving apparatus to a distressed person. Methods of using the same may comprise piloting the UAV proximate a distressed person, providing a signal to the UAV to release the lifesaving apparatus by operating the release mechanism, and then pulling the lifesaving apparatus and the distressed person to safety via a control line secured to the lifesaving apparatus.

A search and rescue drone system includes a buoyant body member, a frame attached to the buoyant body member for carrying a motor and propeller, and an electronic array including a camera, GPS, an EPIRB radio distress beacon, and a transmitter/receiver for remote control flying the drone and communicating with an operator. A laser guidance system may provide coordinates for landing near a swimmer in distress. The search and rescue drone may also be programmed to simply fly to the location of an electronic wearable device, like a bracelet, that is worn by a man overboard. In another embodiment, the search and rescue drone includes pivoting motor mounts, so that it can take off and land vertically with propellers rotating in a horizontal plane, and then the propellers may pivot to rotate in a vertical plane for propulsion across water similar to a fan boat with rescued people aboard.

A search and rescue drone system includes a buoyant body member, a frame attached to the buoyant body member for carrying a motor and propeller, and an electronic array including a camera, GPS, an EPIRB radio distress beacon, and a transmitter/receiver for remote control flying the drone and communicating with an operator. A laser guidance system may provide coordinates for landing near a swimmer in distress. The search and rescue drone may also be programmed to simply fly to the location of an electronic wearable device, like a bracelet, that is worn by a man overboard. In another embodiment, the search and rescue drone includes pivoting motor mounts, so that it can take off and land vertically with propellers rotating in a horizontal plane, and then the propellers may pivot to rotate in a vertical plane for propulsion across water similar to a fan boat with rescued people aboard.