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: 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: 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to slide ramps designed for use with an aircraft exit door positioned near or over a wing of the aircraft. The embodiments provide a plurality of tubular structures comprising differing diameters and tapering lengths. The tubular structures form a ramp that transitions aircraft evacuees from the wing to the evacuation slide. The resulting ramp helps provide an even exit surface along a sloped/angled wing, and with respect to the angled wing/fuselage connection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide reinforcements for inflatable device assemblies. Specific embodiments provide a welded reinforcement for crotch areas of inflatable devices. Particular benefits may be achieved when the areas to be reinforced with the reinforcement system described are non-linear, defining a geometry with at least one curve or angle. Specific aspects of the reinforcement system provide one or more precut gusset elements that are configured to be secured with respect to a crotch area of a base substrate and welded.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filaments formed in various directions.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for an actuating system for inflating an inflatable structure in which a pressurized fluid piston is coupled directly to the valve an inflatable structure. The coupling of actuator to valve is such that the pairing will remain rigid and secure until the deliberate act of operating the actuator. When the actuator is operated, the actuator displaces a translating chock. This activation simultaneously (a) decouples the valve from actuator, allowing the inflatable to deploy without impedance and (b) activates the inflation of the structure via the valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filaments formed in various directions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to nonwoven substrate materials that find particular use in connection with evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, life rafts, life preservers/vests, or other emergency flotation devices. Such devices are typically formed from woven substrates, but the present inventors have determined that using nonwoven substrates in connection with such devices can provide improved benefits. The nonwoven substrates further have a gas barrier formed thereon by using layer-by-layer (LBL) nanocoating technology.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use a mixed flow compressor to deliver a diagonal airflow for inflation. The inflation systems disclosed do not require the use of compressed gas, but can use a battery-powered or otherwise electric motor for generating airflow from ambient air. 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 safety device that requires a rapid inflation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filaments formed in various directions. The substrate layer then has a layer (e.g., a coating or a film or both) on one or both surfaces of the substrate of nonwoven material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filament fibers formed in various directions. The substrate layer then has a first and second layer of polyurethane. The first and second layers of polyurethane may be laminated or coated to a nonwoven substrate of the filament fibers. An isocyanate-based adhesive or primer may be particularly useful in causing cross-linking of the materials to one another.

Abstract: Evacuation slide systems including a slide pack comprising a packboard coupled to an aircraft door, a girt bar coupled to an aircraft floor when the aircraft door is armed, and a restraint coupled to the packboard and the girt bar are detailed. The restraint controls a speed at which the aircraft door opens when the aircraft door is armed until the aircraft door has traveled beyond a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Ballast systems for, particularly, inflatable decontamination shelters are described. The systems may be integrated into the overall structures of the shelters so as to avoid need for sand bags or other discrete weight-providing objects. They additionally may use liquids (rather than or in addition to solids) for weight-providing purposes, with the liquids including water supplied by the same plumbing system that supplies a shower of a shelter.

Abstract: Embodiments generally to raft assembly components and methods. Specific aspects provide a tape configuration that can assist positioning of raft tubes with respect to one another, as well as positioning a life raft floor with respect to one or more of the raft tubes. The tape configuration may have a base and an extending T-shaped flange.

Abstract: Evacuation systems including slide readiness indicators are detailed. The indicators may include lights colored, preferably, red and green and powered using either pre-existing or dedicated electricity sources. Associated switching equipment defaults to illumination of a red light until a slide is satisfactorily inflated and deployed, at which time the red light is extinguished and a green light is illuminated to provide affirmative indication that evacuation via the slide may commence.

Abstract: Detailed are restraints intended principally (but not necessarily exclusively) for inflatable evacuation slides or rafts. At least one such restraint may be designed to release based on geometric shape of an object (such as a slide) rather than merely as a function of its inflation pressure or length. One version of this type of restraint includes a connector pin attached to a cord, with tensioning of the cord eventually retracting the pin to effect release of the restraint.