# US 2022/0033103 A1 · Self-leveling support apparatus > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2022/0033103 A1 - Document ID: US20220033103A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 17/389,769 - Filed: 2021-07-30 - Published: 2022-02-03 - Earliest claimed: 2020-07-31 - Inventors: James O'Neill; Jonathan Fleming - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20220033103A1 ## CPC - A47B 91/16: Self-levelling legs - B64F 1/12: for anchoring aircraft - B64U 60/50: with landing legs - B64C 2025/008: {Comprising means for modifying their length, e.g. for kneeling, for jumping, or for leveling the aircraft} - B64U 10/20: Vertical take-off and landing [VTOL] aircraft (flying platforms B64U10/13; helicopters B64U10/17) - A47B: TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE (furniture jointing F16B) - B64F: GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - B64U: UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR - B64C: AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS ## Abstract Provided is a self-leveling support apparatus for use with a UAV or stationary device such as a table or ladder, the apparatus having multiple leg members, each associated with a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder; a connection among the hydraulic or pheumatic cylinders such that they share a common reservoir of fluid; a locking mechanism that obstructs free flow of fluid among the cylinders and stabilizes the UAV or stationary device without the need for electronic sensors or control systems. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A self-leveling support device for use with an associated unit, the self-leveling support device comprising: two or more fluid cylinders each having a piston rod extending in a downward angle and a housing the upper end of which is attached to the unit being supported; wherein the cylinders are connected by one or more fluid lines configured to allow the cylinders to share a single reservoir of fluid such that compression of one cylinder resulting from contact between the piston rod and a surface produces elongation of the other cylinders. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The self-leveling support device of claim 1 further comprising a foot member attached to the lower end of each piston rod and adapted to provide traction as appropriate to the application. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The self-leveling support device of claim 1 further comprising a leg member hingedly attached at a point along its midsection to a point near the lower end of each piston rod and with its upper end hingedly attached to the unit being supported. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The self-leveling support device of claim 1 further comprising one or more locking valves disposed in the fluid lines connecting the cylinders such that activation of the locking valve or valves prevents flow of fluid among the cylinders. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The self-leveling support device of claim 3 wherein the locking valves each comprise a piston that accesses the fluid such that the piston is displaced, and the locking valve activated, by an increase above a threshold value in pressure of the fluid in the cylinders and lines. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The self-leveling support device of claim 3 wherein the locking valves are activated by means of an electronic control system. ### Claim 7 (depends on 3) The self-leveling support device of claim 3 wherein the locking valves are activated by means of a solenoid electrically connected to a pressure sensor disposed to detect pressure of the fluid. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The self-leveling support device of claim 1 wherein the fluid comprises hydraulic fluid. ### Claim 9 A self-leveling support device for use as a landing gear apparatus for an associated UAV, the self-leveling support device comprising: two or more pneumatic cylinders each having a piston rod extending only downward and a housing the upper end of which is attached to the unit being supported; wherein the cylinders are connected by one or more pneumatic lines configured to allow the cylinders to share a single volume of gas such that compression of one cylinder produces elongation of others. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The self-leveling support device of claim 9 further comprising a foot member attached to the lower end of each piston rod and adapted to provide traction as appropriate to the application. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The self-leveling support device of claim 9 further comprising a leg member hingedly attached at a point along its midsection to the lower end of each piston rod and with the upper end of the leg member hingedly attached to the unit being supported. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The self-leveling support device of claim 9 further comprising one or more locking valves disposed in the hydraulic lines connecting the cylinders such that activation of the locking valve or valves prevents flow of fluid among the cylinders. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The self-leveling support device of claim 12 wherein the locking valve or valves are activated by an increase above a threshold value in the pressure of the gas in the cylinders and lines. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The self-leveling support device of claim 12 wherein the locking valves are activated by means of an electronic control system. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The self-leveling support device of claim 12 wherein the locking valves are activated by means of a solenoid electrically connected to a pressure sensor disposed to detect pressure of the gas.