Abstract: A rescue basket having the capacity to safely hold two full-sized individuals increases the efficiency and effectiveness of helicopter water rescue and recovery operations. The rescue basket includes an open end, which affords an additional option for loading passengers, along with a door mechanism that can at least partially close off the open end for passenger safety. The rescue basket includes a flotation system that maintains the basket at a desired flotation level when completely immersed in water, along with sufficient reserve buoyancy to safely maintain the passengers above water when loaded. Methods of performing a water rescue utilizing the present rescue basket on board of a helicopter are also provided.

Abstract: A method for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes supplying an inflation gas at an operative pressure to an inflation actuated soft gripper device to change form from an undeployed state to a deployed grip state that accommodates and grips a human torso. The inflation actuated soft gripper device includes a first inflatable gripper arm having a first distal end and a second inflatable gripper arm having a second distal end. The first distal end and the second distal end approach one another from the undeployed state to the deployed grip state. The first and second distal ends are spaced apart from one another further in the undeployed state than in the deployed grip state. An actuator power and a CPR control signal are delivered to a CPR pressure application device to cyclically extend and retract a pressure applicator along an axis in alignment with a sternum of the human torso.

Abstract: A method for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes supplying an inflation gas at an operative pressure to an inflation actuated soft gripper device to change form from an undeployed state to a deployed grip state that accommodates and grips a human torso. The inflation actuated soft gripper device includes a first inflatable gripper arm having a first distal end and a second inflatable gripper arm having a second distal end. The first distal end and the second distal end approach one another from the undeployed state to the deployed grip state. The first and second distal ends are spaced apart from one another further in the undeployed state than in the deployed grip state. An actuator power and a CPR control signal are delivered to a CPR pressure application device to cyclically extend and retract a pressure applicator along an axis in alignment with a sternum of the human torso.

Abstract: A portable cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) system includes a first module hub housing, an inflation actuated soft gripper configured to receive an inflation gas, and in response, to change form to a deployed grip state that accommodates and grips a human torso. Features of the portable CPR system include modularity for in-the-field reconfigurability, in which a second module hub housing attaches to the first module hub housing, carrying a CPR pressure applicator configured to receive an actuator power and a CPR control signal causing, concurrent with the deployed grip state, cyclic extension and retraction of the CPR pressure applicator along an axis aligned with a sternum of the human torso.

Abstract: An improvement to portable cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), includes a first module hub housing, an inflation actuated soft gripper configured to receive an inflation gas in response, to change form to a deployed grip state that accommodates and grips a human torso. Improvements include the inflatable gripper not requiring lifting the patient. Improvements also include modularity for in-the-field reconfigurability, in which a second module hub housing attaches to the first module hub housing, carrying a CPR pressure applicator configured to receive an actuator power and control signal causing, concurrent with the deployed grip state, cyclic extension and retraction of a pressure applicator along an axis aligned with a sternum of the human torso.

Abstract: In an example, a respirator includes a respirator body having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion including a filter housing wall and an open distal end. The proximal portion includes a facial interface which is compliant and deformable from an undeformed state to a deformed state to conform to a facial contour of an individual. One or more filter frames are inserted into the distal portion and supported by the filter housing wall to separate filter media on opposite sides of at least one of the one or more filter frames. A filter cover is releasably attached to the open distal end to enclose the one or more filter frames and filter media, forming a filter housing. The one or more filter frames are removable from the distal portion and replaced into the distal portion to allow replacement of the filter media.

Abstract: In an example, a respirator includes a respirator body having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion including a filter housing wall and an open distal end. The proximal portion includes a facial interface which is compliant and deformable from an undeformed state to a deformed state to conform to a facial contour of an individual. One or more filter frames are inserted into the distal portion and supported by the filter housing wall to separate filter media on opposite sides of at least one of the one or more filter frames. A filter cover is releasably attached to the open distal end to enclose the one or more filter frames and filter media, forming a filter housing. The one or more filter frames are removable from the distal portion and replaced into the distal portion to allow replacement of the filter media.

Abstract: In an example, a compliant shaft enclosure support system for coupling to a shaft enclosure surrounding a shaft includes a bar having a first member slidably coupled to a second member. The bar is oriented along the pitch axis of the shaft. A first bar end of the bar is rotatably connected, around the roll axis and pitch axis of the shaft, to the shaft enclosure at a first connection. A second bar end of the bar is rotatably connected, around the roll axis and pitch axis, to the structure at a second connection. A link is rotatably connected, around the roll axis, at a first link end to the bar, at an intermediate location spaced from the first and second bar ends. The link is rotatably connected, around the pitch axis, at a second link end to the shaft enclosure at a third connection spaced from the first connection.

Abstract: A modular wound treatment system includes a central modular hub having a modular connection for one or more pneumatically-actuated, modular components, such as a pneumatically-actuated soft robotic gripper component configured to curve and at least partially encircle the wound when actuated and thereby apply direct pressure to the wound, and a pneumatically-actuated tourniquet component configured to apply pressure proximal to the wound to limit the flow of arterial blood to the wound. The system also includes a pressurized gas supply in pneumatic communication with the modular connection, sensors for measuring the amount of pressure being applied by the pneumatically-actuated, modular components, a display for providing system information, and a controller for controlling the system. Methods of treating a wounded subject using the system are also provided.

Abstract: A modular wound treatment system includes a central modular hub having a modular connection for one or more pneumatically-actuated, modular components, such as a pneumatically-actuated soft robotic gripper component configured to curve and at least partially encircle the wound when actuated and thereby apply direct pressure to the wound, and a pneumatically-actuated tourniquet component configured to apply pressure proximal to the wound to limit the flow of arterial blood to the wound. The system also includes a pressurized gas supply in pneumatic communication with the modular connection, sensors for measuring the amount of pressure being applied by the pneumatically-actuated, modular components, a display for providing system information, and a controller for controlling the system. Methods of treating a wounded subject using the system are also provided.

Abstract: A buoy corrosion detection system includes a buoy having a double hull section in which the outer hull is designed to corrode and fail prior to the rest of the hull. The double hull section is positioned at the waterline, which is the area most prone to corrosion. As the outer hull corrodes, water passes through the hull and is detected by a moisture detector. The moisture detector then relays a signal that water has entered through the hull, and a signaling circuit then sends a communication signal to the user indicating that the buoy has corrosion. The buoy corrosion detection system leads to an “as-needed” maintenance cycle for buoys.

Abstract: A rescue basket having the capacity to safely hold two full-sized individuals increases the efficiency and effectiveness of helicopter water rescue and recovery operations. The rescue basket includes an open end, which affords an additional option for loading passengers, along with a door mechanism that can at least partially close off the open end for passenger safety. The rescue basket includes a flotation system that maintains the basket at a desired flotation level when completely immersed in water, along with sufficient reserve buoyancy to safely maintain the passengers above water when loaded. Methods of performing a water rescue utilizing the present rescue basket on board of a helicopter are also provided.

Abstract: A buoy corrosion detection system includes a buoy having a double hull section in which the outer hull is designed to corrode and fail prior to the rest of the hull. The double hull section is positioned at the waterline, which is the area most prone to corrosion. As the outer hull corrodes, water passes through the hull and is detected by a moisture detector. The moisture detector then relays a signal that water has entered through the hull, and a signaling circuit then sends a communication signal to the user indicating that the buoy has corrosion. The buoy corrosion detection system leads to an “as-needed” maintenance cycle for buoys.