Abstract: A low profile inflation valve intended to be installed with an article to inflated with air, water or other fluid. The valve of the invention comprises a valve body which is sealed, such as by an adhesive, heat-sealing or RF sealing, to a corresponding opening in the article to be inflated. The body comprises a generally circular cylindrical configuration with internal threads for receiving a cap. The cap correspondingly comprises a circular cylindrical configuration having exterior threads for threaded engagement into the valve body. A flapper is affixed to the underside of the cap and functions as a one-way valve to prevent fluid from within the article from escaping therefrom when the cap is partially threaded within the body and yet which allows inflation of the article. Moreover, full tightening of the cap within the body sealingly entraps the flapper between the cap in a lower portion of the body so as to create an airtight seal and prevent further inflation (or deflation) of the article.

Abstract: A reflux valve engageable with corresponding structure, such as with another corresponding valve or instrument. The reflux valve includes an actuator which is located in, and shiftable in, a valve body. When the corresponding structure is engaged with the actuator, the actuator shifts in the valve body, and pushes a valve stem out of engagement with a valve seat. As a result, liquid is allowed to flow, in one direction, through the actuator, past the valve seat, along an area adjacent a periphery of the valve stem, and out the valve body. Preferably, when the valve stem is unseated from the valve seat, liquid can also flow in an opposite direction, i.e. along an area adjacent a periphery of the valve stem, past the valve seat, through the actuator, and out the valve body. Preferably, a spring or an extended end portion of the valve stem biases the valve stem into the valve seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve engageable with an instrument, where the valve includes a deformable stem located in a valve body and shiftable from a first position. When an instrument is engaged with an aperture in the stem, the stem is urged from the first position into the valve body and the aperture deforms to allow liquid to flow through the stem, to or from the instrument. The stem and the valve body are configured such that when the instrument is not engaged with the stem, the valve body engages the stem and urges the aperture closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a female-type valve engageable with a male component or instrument, where the valve includes a deformable stem which is located in a valve body and is shiftable therein to receive said instrument in sealed engagement. When an instrument is engaged with an aperture in the stem, the stem shifts in the valve body and the aperture deforms to seal against said instrument and allow liquid to flow through the stem, to or from the instrument. A plug member is carried by the stem, and the plug member can shift to a position of generally sealed engagement with the stem, or it can be displaced by the instrument to permit fluid flow. The plug can reseat upon initial retroactive movement of the instrument, while the instrument is still engaged with the aperture in the stem.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator system for use with inflating devices that use a cylinder of compressed gas. The indicator system is comprised of a cylinder adapter which receives and supports a cylinder and, concurrently, is received by an inflating device. The cylinder adapter includes an indication means that signals whether the attached cylinder is full or has been discharged by way of the indication means being responsive to the high pressure release from the cylinder during a discharge. The indication means incorporates the use of the color green to signify that the cylinder is full and the color red to signify that the cylinder has been discharged. The indicator system is designed to have a one-time use after which it is disposed of.

Abstract: An an inflator for the inflation of inflatable articles such as life vests and the like, such inflator being operated automatically upon being subjected to water as upon the ditching or parachuting of an aviator wearing a life vest provided with such inflator. In the preferred embodiment of the inflator disclosed, the automatic operating portion of it is embodied as an attachment to a known manually operated inflator, the resulting inflator being capable of operation both manually and automatically. The automatic operating portion of the inflator incorporates a releasable blocking device which holds an actuator pin operated by a coil compression spring in cocked condition until the releasable blocking device releases the actuator pin, which thereafter thrusts a piercing pin against and through the sealing diaphragm of a gas-containing capsule.

Abstract: An inflator for the inflation of inflatable articles such as life vests and the like, such inflator being operated automatically upon being subjected to water as upon the ditching or parachuting of an aviator wearing a life vest provided with such inflator. In the preferred embodiment of the inflator disclosed, the automatically operating portion of it is embodied as an attachment to a known manually operated inflator, the resulting inflator being capable of operation both manually and automatically. The automatically operating portion of the inflator incorporates a releasable blocking device which holds an actuator pin operated by a coil compression spring in cocked condition until the releasable blocking device releases the actuator pin, which thereafter thrusts a piercing pin against and through the sealing diaphragm of a gas-containing capsule.

Abstract: An inflator adapted to be heat-sealed directly to an inflatable article thereby obviating the need for inflation manifolds and the like. The inflator of the invention comprises a housing having an integrally formed mounting flange composed of a plastic material such as polyurethane, polyester or polyether capable of being easily sealed to the materials conventionally used in the manufacture of inflatable articles such as personal floatation devices, rafts, buoys and emergency signaling equipment. A pierce pin assembly is reciprocatably mounted within a bore in the housing. A firing lever is pivotably connected to the rear of the housing in alignment with the rearward end of the bore and is operatively configured such that upon pivotable movement by means of a lanyarded ball, the pierce pin assembly is forced forwardly within the bore to pierce the frangible seal of the gas cartridge.

Abstract: An autoinflator for automatically actuating a gas cartridge upon sensing of water. The autoinflator includes a fusible link actuator assembly positioned within a longitudinal bore. The fusible link assembly includes an actuator housing with a blind link hole, an actuator cap, and a pair of retaining balls protruding from the sides of said actuator housing which engage into a corresponding slot in the longitudinal bore to retain the actuator housing in a cocked position. A slidable link, positioned within the blind link hole, includes an annular groove positioned about its circumference at a rearward portion thereof and a taper positioned at a forward position thereof. A fusible link interconnects the actuator cap and the slidable link for retaining the slidable link rearwardly in a cocked position within the blind link hole.

Abstract: An electric autoinflator for inflating inflatable devices such as personal flotation devices, life rafts, buoys and emergency signalling equipment. The electric autoinflator comprises an actuator assembly including a fusible link. A water-sensing electrical circuit and battery supplies electrical current to the fusible link actuator assembly upon immersion in water for a predetermined period of time. Upon fusing of the link, the actuator assembly forcibly causes a firing pin of the inflator to pierce the frangible seal of a compressed gas cartridge. The escaping gas then inflates the inflatable device.

Abstract: A check valve having a presettable cracking pressure. The check valve employs a spring-loaded valve element in which the compression spring and valve element are held into position in the valve body by means of an apertured plug.

Abstract: An oral inflation and relief tube for connection to an inflatable article. The oral inflation and relief tube includes an elongated tube having an oppositely positioned first opened end and second opened end, with a flanged opening positioned therebetween at ninety degrees for connection to the inflatable article. The flanged opening comprises a mounting flange and boss integrally formed through a wall of the elongated tube. The oral inflation and relief tube also includes an inflation valve sealingly positioned within the first opened end as well as a relief valve sealingly positioned within the second opened end. The elongated tube comprises an in-line configuration.