Laura Butterbrodt wants to hear from you! Tips? Thoughts? Story ideas? Send them her way, lbutterbrodt@duluthnews.com. Written By: Laura Butterbrodt | × A retired surgeon from the Iron Range has patented an invention to minimize the serious risks seniors face from falling. The SAF-T VEST, which is still in the prototype stage, is designed like a human airbag system that will deploy around the head, spine, wrists and pelvis to break the wearer’s fall. Inventor Dr. Jay Davenport, who lives in Great Scott Township near Buhl, said his idea for the system started to form more than two decades ago. After securing his patent earlier this month, he can work with engineers and other experts to help his vision come to life.