Zipline

Abstract Containers and parachutes for payloads to be delivered via an aerial delivery system are disclosed. In one example, a system for aerial delivery of a payload includes a parachute having a canopy, a plurality of legs extending from the canopy, one or more attachment features arranged on an end of the legs. The system also includes a payload container with a plurality of anchors and where the plurality of anchors are integral with the payload container and receive the one or more attachment features.

Abstract A diagnostic device is configured to capture diagnostic information about a subject (e.g., the subject's ears). The diagnostic device may include a diagnostic extension housing diagnostic elements (e.g., imaging chip, light sources, or lenses) and an ear canal engagement section coupled to the diagnostic extension. The ear canal engagement section may be shaped to position the diagnostic extension superiorly within the ear canal. For example, one side of the ear canal engagement section may be longer than another, which may enable the ear canal engagement section to contact the inferior wall of the ear canal for a longer distance than it contacts the superior wall. This configuration may allow more movement of the diagnostic extension when the device is inserted into the ear, which further improves the alignment of diagnostic elements with a desired area of the ear for diagnoses (e.g., the eardrum).

Abstract Devices, methods, and systems for treating an ulcer or skin defect are disclosed. First and second base panels of a closure device are adhered to first and second sides of the ulcer or skin defect, respectively. Lateral ties couple the first and second base panels together and provide a predetermined separation distance or lateral gap between the inner edges of the panel. The predetermined separation distance or lateral gap is sufficient to treat the most common sized ulcers or skin defects, for example, accommodating an ulcer or skin defect with a minor axis of at most 50 mm. The lateral ties have their ends fixed to one panel and their opposite ends adjustably and reversibly attached to the other panel so that the separation distance can be reduced or adjusted to provide a lateral compressive force to the ulcer or skin defect, thereby promoting healing.

Abstract A method of preconditioning a battery for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle unmanned aerial vehicle may include fluidly coupling a fluid channel of a thermal management apparatus to an opening in fluid communication with the battery, determining a predicted temperature change of the battery as a result of the unmanned aerial vehicle traversing a predetermined flight path, determining a target initial temperature for the battery, wherein the target initial temperature is based at least in part on the predicted temperature change and is configured to operate the battery within a preferred temperature range during traversal of the predetermined flight path, selectively actuating a covering of the opening to allow air from the fluid channel of the thermal management apparatus to the battery, and at least one of heating or cooling the battery to the target initial temperature by directing air to the battery.

Abstract An audio signal received at audio sensors of an aircraft is analyzed to determine directional information for a source of the audio signal. A location of the source of the audio signal is determined based on the directional information for the source of the audio signal.

Abstract A docking system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) includes a docking housing that defines a docking compartment, and a docking assembly coupled to the docking housing and configured to suspend the UAV within the docking compartment. The docking assembly may include a guiding feature configured to receive a docking feature of the UAV and direct the UAV toward a first captured position. The docking assembly may further include an advancement assembly operatively coupled with the guiding feature and configured to move the UAV from the first captured position to a second docked position.

Abstract An ear ailment diagnostic device includes an ear piece, a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction channel and a miniature digital camera, which is capable of taking still or digital images. The earpieces may optionally comprise a thermometer and/or tympanometer. Each earpiece is coupled to an air conduction tube, an insufflator and an electrical wiring/data tube which is coupled to a computer. The insufflator may be manually, electronically, or battery powered. In the preferred embodiment the computer comprises a smart phone with data processing capability and wireless communication capability. Any data sent from the device can then be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote location so that an accurate treatment is prescribed.

An apparatus for closing a surgical incision comprises left and right base panels, a plurality of closure components, and a plurality of left and right axial supports coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components couple the left and right base panels to each other laterally and have left and right ends coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components are positioned laterally across the left and right panels, the left axial supports are disposed between pairs of left closure component ends, the right axial supports are disposed between pairs of right closure component ends, and the left and right axial supports are offset from one another such that a serpentine arrangement of consecutive closure components and axial supports is formed. The apparatus can be made of antimicrobial materials or materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents. A flexible adhesive cover can be provided over the apparatus when in use.