Abstract: A power source for inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use an electrically powered inflation system, wherein the power source of the inflation system is a thermal battery. Particular embodiments may find use in connection with inflating evacuation slides or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel. Other embodiments may be used for inflating shelters, life vests, or any other inflatable safety device that requires a rapid inflation.

Abstract: Described is a fabric or flexible composite material for an inflatable safety product having an emissivity of less than or equal to 0.25. The fabric or flexible composite material may include a substrate defining a surface and a metallic layer covering at least one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A seam tape, accessory material, and/or component material may be used for an inflatable safety product. The seam tape, accessory material, or component material includes a hot melt adhesive, and the hot melt adhesive adheres the seam tape, accessory material, and/or component material to a fabric or flexible material of the inflatable safety product.

Abstract: Described is a fabric or flexible composite material for an inflatable safety product. The fabric or flexible composite material includes a substrate and a hot melt adhesive on the substrate. The substrate and hot melt adhesive may include a same base polymer. A method of forming an inflatable safety product includes forming a fabric or flexible composite material by applying a hot melt adhesive to a substrate using heat and pressure.

Abstract: Described is a fabric or flexible composite material for an inflatable safety product having an emissivity of less than or equal to 0.25. The fabric or flexible composite material may include a substrate defining a surface and a metallic layer covering at least one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A seam tape, patch material, accessory material, or component material may be used for an inflatable safety product. The seam tape, patch material, accessory material, or component material includes an emissivity of less than or equal to 0.48. An inflatable safety product or an accessory for an inflatable safety product may include the seam tape, patch material, accessory material, or component material.

Abstract: Described is a fabric or flexible composite material for an inflatable safety product. The fabric or flexible composite material includes a substrate and a film covering a surface of the substrate. In certain embodiments, the substrate and the film have a same base polymer. The film may be fused to the substrate without an adhesive. A method of forming an inflatable safety product includes forming a fabric or flexible composite material by fusing a film to a substrate without an adhesive.

Abstract: An inflatable safety product may include a fabric or flexible composite material. The fabric or flexible composite material includes a low weight, high strength substrate. In certain embodiments, the fabric or flexible composite material has a tensile strength of at least 190 lbs/in and/or a tear strength of at least 13 lbs/in and/or a radiant heat resistance of at least 180 seconds, and a substrate weight of less than or equal to 3 ounces/yd2.

Abstract: A power source for inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use an electrically-powered inflation system, wherein the power source of the inflation system is a solid state battery. Particular embodiments may find use in connection with inflating evacuation slides or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel. Other embodiments may be used for inflating shelters, life vests, or any other inflatable safety device that requires a rapid inflation.

Abstract: Air-holding fabrics and improvements to reinforced tape used to join multiple fabric panels. Specifically disclosed is a joining system and method for securing two air-holding panels to one another, while eliminating air leakage through the seam tape. The disclosed reinforced tapes find particular use in connection with evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices.

Abstract: Air- or gas-holding fabrics and improvements to welded seam tapes used to join multiple fabric panels and/or to join accessories to one or more fabric panels. Specifically disclosed is a joining system and method for securing air- or gas-holding panels to one another and/or to joining accessories to one or more panels without causing damage due to overheating the seam area. This disclosure has been found particularly useful with improved lightweight fabrics that would otherwise be more susceptible to damage during welding processes. The disclosed seam tapes and accessory fabrics find particular use in connection with inflatable devices, but may be used in other applications. This disclosure relates to a dedicated seam tape or dedicated accessory fabric that (a) utilizes specialized coatings with a lower melt temperature compared to coatings that are used on inflatable fabric material and/or (b) is manufactured from material that has not been treated to have substantial reflective properties.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating inflatable devices made from air- or gas-holding fabrics. Specific embodiments relate to seam tapes, films, structural components or accessories welded to one or more fabric panels. Specifically disclosed is a fabrication system and method that reduces potential damage due to overheating seam areas. This disclosure has been found particularly useful with improved lightweight fabrics that would otherwise be susceptible to damage during welding processes.

Abstract: Systems to prevent water ingestion during use of an electrically powered inflation system for an inflatable device in order to ensure that the inflatable device remains either upright in the water during the inflation process, or that prevents water from entering the inflation system air intake during the inflation process, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A lighting system for use with evacuation systems for aircraft during emergency situations. The lighting system has a chasing or running light rhythm that provides the image of lights moving down the system to help provide clarity to the evacuees about the direction of descent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for controlling the temperature of inflatable evacuation systems. Specific examples provide a system that heats at least one portion of an inflation system of the evacuation system in order to regulate the temperature of the inflation gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to valves that provide controlled inflation. The valves are designed to allow inflation of one or more inflatable devices and to stop inflation once a desired inflation level has been reached. This can allow the valve to be used with a single inflation source in order to inflate a plurality of inflatable devices. In a specific example, this disclosure provides systems and methods for inflating an ejector bag for door-mounted or fuselage-mounted inflatable evacuation slides or slide/rafts used for evacuating passenger vessels, such as aircraft. Other examples relate to sustaining the inflation of individual tubes that communicate with one another in evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, life rafts and/or other inflatable devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a raft carrying case that allows deployment of a life raft while also securing a survival kit for access by the life raft passengers. The case includes two parts, a detachable survival kit and a raft enclosure portion.

Abstract: Described is a release system for inflatable life saving devices, such as evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, emergency floats, emergency flotation systems, and life rafts. The release system incorporates an energy storing device and a securement system that can be released upon activation. Once the release system is activated, the securement system is opened to allow deployment of the inflatable.