Protective helmet having a microprocessor controlled response to impact

A system for reducing the concussive effects of impact, comprising:

• a helmet for protecting the head of a user, the helmet having a plurality of vents to permit air flow and to dampen impact forces;
• an array of strain gauges attached within the helmet for detecting a strain profile resulting from impact;
• an array of inflatable cells attached within the helmet, the cells being selectively inflatable for re-directing impact forces, each cell has a fluid conduit and a valve for inflating and deflating each cell;
• and
• a microprocessor connected in operative communication with the array of strain gauges and with the valves;
• whereby when impact is detected by the strain gauges and communicated to the microprocessor, the microprocessor selectively signals at least some of the valves to adjust pressure in the cells.

A helmet for reducing the concussive effects of an impact, comprising:

• a protective shell having an inner surface;
• an array of strain gauges attached to the shell for detecting an impact;
• an array of cells attached within the helmet, each cell being selectively inflatable for generating responsive forces to counter the impact;
• a fluid reservoir attached to the helmet;
• a fluid conduit including a valve, the fluid conduit being attached in fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and cells for inflating and deflating each cell with fluid;
• and
• a microprocessor connected in operative communication with the array of strain gauges and with the valves;
• whereby, when the system detects impact the microprocessor sequentially signals at least some of the valves to adjust pressure in the cells.