Abstract: A beverage dispenser having replaceable dispensing components allows beverage-contacting elements to be removed and replaced. A needle or other conduit arrangement may be adapted for replacement, and the needle may be adapted to be inserted through a cork or other closure of a beverage container. A dispensing outlet may also be replaceable, allowing all beverage-contacting components to be replaced. The needle or other conduit may be engagable with a dispenser body by inserting a distal end of the needle into and through an opening in the body. A dispensing outlet may secure the needle to the body in an operation that fluidly connects the dispensing outlet to the needle.

Abstract: A cable connection (16) for a dosing module (6) for exhaust gas reduction, with a dosing module end (16b), which is designed for connection to the dosing module (6), and an end (16a) distant from the dosing module, comprising at least one electrical cable (19a, 19b) having at least one electrical conductor (28a, 28b) and a cable insulation (15a, 15b) surrounding the at least one electrical conductor (28a, 28b). The cable connection (16) is crimped in one region (26a) at the dosing module end (16b) of the cable connection (16). In the crimped region, a space (36) between the at least one electrical conductor (28a, 28b) and the cable insulation (15a, 15b) surrounding the at least one electrical conductor (28a, 28b) is filled with a silicone material (17a, 17b).

Abstract: A mobile phone attachment allows a mobile phone to be recovered if dropped in water by inflating an air bag in the attachment whenever the mobile phone is dropped in water.

Abstract: Canisters are provided that include a cylindrical body and a cap welded to the body to define a cavity filled with carbon dioxide or other fluid. The canisters may be loaded into a medical device, e.g., to provide an energy source for operating the device. Methods for making such canisters are also provided.

Abstract: A heating or atomising unit for an electronic cigarette vaporiser, in which the unit includes a protective elastomer wall or barrier configured to enable (i) the unit to fit inside a body in the vaporizer and to prevent leakage around the outside of the unit whilst e-liquid is being supplied under pressure to a reservoir surrounding the unit and (ii) e-liquid to pass from the e-liquid reservoir outside of the unit and into the unit. The unit can be a cylindrical ceramic cell and the elastomer wall can be a pair of silicone end-caps placed on each end of the cylinder, separated by a gap through which e-liquid can reach the outer surface of the ceramic cell and pass through the ceramic and into the atomizing chamber in the cell.

Abstract: This invention describes a device which attaches to the threaded base connector of a whipped-cream dispenser and which allows for a simple and quick charging of said dispenser using disposable compressed gas canisters. This device allows for safe charging of the dispenser and employs multiple directions of lever operation/movement to provide this safety.

Abstract: A medical spraying device and method for irrigating a wound, in particular lavage system, having a liquid reservoir for a medical irrigation liquid or a connection for such a liquid reservoir, and a compressed gas reservoir. The compressed gas reservoir is connected or connectable via a pressure line to the liquid reservoir, such that the irrigation liquid can be pushed by the gas pressure of the compressed gas reservoir acting on the irrigation liquid through a nozzle in order to produce a spray cone. A pressure reduction valve is arranged in the pressure line and limits the gas pressure acting in the liquid reservoir on the irrigation liquid. The device and method produce a spray cone of a medical irrigation liquid in which a gas pressure is limited using a pressure reduction valve, wherein the gas pressure limited by the pressure reduction valve is conveyed through a pressure line to a liquid reservoir of the medical irrigation liquid.

Abstract: A receptacle for storing, pressurizing, and dispensing packaged beverages. The receptacle includes an airtight chamber with a removable lid, wherein the joint between the lid and the chamber is also airtight. A gas valve allows for the inflow and outflow of gas, and a tap port and tap stem allow the beverage to be dispensed without breaking the seal of the chamber. A pressure relief valve allows for more rapid depressurization. The chamber can be used at high and low pressures, such as a partial vacuum, to prevent oxidation of a number of open beverages, such as beers, wines, and sodas. A pressure gauge port coupled with an optional pressure gauge allows a user to verify the appropriate pressure for the type of beverage being preserved. The gas valve may be disposed on a base of the receptacle, as may the pressure relief and/or the pressure gauge port.

Abstract: A medical spraying device and method, for irrigating a wound, having a liquid reservoir for a medical irrigation liquid or a connection for such a liquid reservoir and an arrangement for applying pressure to the medical irrigation liquid, such that the irrigation liquid is pushable through a nozzle by the pressure acting on the irrigation liquid in order to produce a spray cone. The nozzle has a plurality of openings, which are arranged at an angle to one another in such a way that the irrigation liquid jets exiting from the openings, at a such flow rate and angle, meet in an atomization space and/or a discharge opening of the nozzle; thus, a spray cone is produced from the atomized irrigation liquid.

Abstract: A receptacle for storing, pressurizing, and dispensing packaged beverages. The receptacle includes an airtight chamber with a removable lid, wherein the joint between the lid and the chamber is also airtight. A gas valve allows for the inflow and outflow of gas, and a tap port and tap stem allow the beverage to be dispensed without breaking the seal of the chamber. A pressure relief valve allows for more rapid depressurization. The chamber can be used at high and low pressures, such as a partial vacuum, to prevent oxidation of a number of open beverages, such as beers, wines, and sodas. A pressure gauge port coupled with an optional pressure gauge allows a user to verify the appropriate pressure for the type of beverage being preserved. The gas valve may be disposed on a base of the receptacle, as may the pressure relief and/or the pressure gauge port.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated opener device includes a holding unit, an air valve unit, an air injection unit, and a mounting member. The holding unit includes a hollow grip and a high pressure nitrogen bottle. The air valve unit includes a valve seat and a compressed nozzle module. The air injection unit includes a hollow air duct, a hollow push rod, and an air injecting needle. The mounting member has a through hole and a hollow slot, and the hollow push rod of the air injection unit is extended through the through hole of the mounting member. Thus, the cork is pushed upward by the thrust force of nitrogen from the high pressure nitrogen bottle and is detached from the wine bottle smoothly so that the cork will not be broken and will not produce chips during the opening process.

Abstract: An inflator used for inflation of an object such as life jackets, life boats, etc is revealed. A needle-shaped shaft is driven by a transmission arm to pierce a seal of a gas cylinder on the inflator. Thus compressed gas in the gas cylinder is released and flowing through the inflator to inflate the object. The needle-shaped shaft is arranged with two color areas for representing state of the inflator. The color area is displayed through windows of the inflator to show the state now. The inflator features on simple structure, convenience in use, reduced cost and precise movement.

Abstract: The carbonation device includes a cap system selectively mounted to the mouth of a liquid container. The cap system includes a cap, a syringe piston reciprocable within the cap, an actuating mechanism for reciprocating the syringe piston, and a reaction vessel selectively attached to the bottom of the cap. The syringe piston includes a storage area to be filled with reactant liquid (water) by repeated activation of the actuating mechanism. The water from the charged syringe piston discharges into the reaction vessel that has been filled with a preselected amount of reactants to initiate the carbonation reaction. In various embodiments, the carbonation device includes a rotatable control ring to selectively puncture a CO2 cartridge inside the reaction vessel or introduce water into the reaction vessel to initiate carbonation reaction. In various embodiments, the CO2 flows from the reaction vessel into the container to carbonate the liquid or beverage contained therein.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) includes a container (3) for the storage of a liquid, a gas cartridge receiving portion (5) for holding a gas cartridge (4) so that the contents of the container may be pressurized by gas in a gas cartridge, a dispensing arrangement for dispensing the liquid as a spray. The dispenser includes an activator (13) for moving a gas cartridge so that the gas cartridge is in position to pressurize the container, and an inhibitor (17) which inhibits movement of the dispensing arrangement. The activator is associated with the inhibitor so that movement of the inhibitor from the first to second inhibitor positions causes the activator to move the gas cartridge so that the gas cartridge is in position to pressurize the container.

Abstract: A device and method for preservation of an oxidizable substance, e.g. a liquid such as a beverage of which wine is an example, is described. In a first aspect, a device is described for controlling the delivery of a predetermined amount of inert gas into a container with a single opening such as a wine bottle at a pre-determined pressure, suitable for an efficient delivery of the inert gas, with a simultaneous displacement of the air present in the top space of the container or bottle, in a simple actuation. In a second aspect, an improved container or bottle stopper is described with simple features that allow easy and cheap manufacture significantly reducing the cost of the stopper. In a third aspect to an efficient and cost-effective method is described for the preservation of a degradable substances especially liquids such as beverages of which wine is an example.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a fuel storage chamber having a fuel gas stored within a plurality of microspheres. A releasing mechanism releases the gas from the microspheres, such as by fracturing the spheres or diffusing the gas through the spheres. A ratcheting mechanism controls the release of the gas, such as hydrogen, from the microspheres. The ratcheting mechanism is controlled by either the pressure within the fuel storage chamber or an electronic controller. Additionally, the gas-generating apparatus of the present invention includes a fuel introducing system that has a fuel transporting system that is pressure regulated.

Abstract: Apparatus for puncturing a gas filled bottle uses a spring force upon an inflator tack, which punctures the gas filled bottle, rather than a manual or explosive force. The spring force is retained prior to puncturing the bottle by a retention element disposed in a hole. The retention element is released upon actuation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A gas charging device includes a housing section (61), a gas charging section (62), a lid (64) and an opening member (65). The housing section houses a gas ejection device (1) provided with a gas container (5) and an operating member (9) for opening/closing the gas container. The gas charging section is formed with a supply duct (68) for supplying the gas and a discharge duct (69) for discharging the gas and is faced by one end of the housing section (61). The lid may hermetically seal the gas charging section (62). The operating member may be engaged with the operating member (9) to open the gas container (5). The gas charging section (62), in the housing section (61) of which the gas ejection device (1) is housed, is hermetically sealed by the lid (64), and the gas container (5) of the gas ejection device (1) is opened by the opening member (65).

Abstract: An inflator comprising a housing having an integrally formed mounting flange adapted to be heat-sealed directly to an inflatable article. A sleeve is injection molded in-situ inside the housing in which a pierce pin assembly is reciprocatably mounted within a central bore thereof. The sleeve within the housing allows the wall thickness of the housing to be significantly reduced and assures that the escaping gas from the cylinder always contacts the housing material. The sleeve includes a skirt extension with a socket defining the blind hole for receiving the end of the pivot pin of the firing lever to allow the injection-molding of a blind hole for the pivot pin without the need for subsequent drilling of the hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher has two cylindrical bodies that can house a plurality of gas cylinders; a plurality of cylinder holders; a plurality of needle tubes that can break sealing plates sealing the gas cylinders; and a plurality of needle tube holders. Either the cylinder holders or the needle tube holders can move at the same time to break the sealing plates of the gas cylinders about the same time.

Abstract: A hand-held, low-flow dispenser comprises an enclosure holding a gas cartridge. A spring-biased needle is advanced to puncture a septum on the gas cartridge, and a separate spring-biased ball valve is used to turn the resulting gas flow off and on as well as to control the flow rate.

Abstract: A piercing apparatus for piercing a small compressed gas bottle to quickly inflate an expandable sack (1) comprises a small gas bottle (6), a housing (20) carrying in an inner chamber (21) thereof a piercing element (7) having a bit (72) provided with an axial passageway (73) communicating with the sack (1), and a release mechanism (8), being charged by a counteracting spring (89) to push the piercing element (7) against the small bottle (6). The release mechanism comprises a release element, being connected to a flexible transmission (30) of control means (3), as a protuberance (87), and the piercing element (7) is fixed on a front end of a collet chock (70), which is provided with fingers (88) to grip the protuberance (87). The collet chock (70) is slidable between a gripping condition and a releasing condition of the protuberance (87) upon the operation of control means.

Abstract: Device by means of which a supply container subjected to positive pressure is connected in a sealed manner to a consumer element with the aid of a sealing element, sealing in the direction of the surroundings taking place before an opening element opens the valve of the supply container. This is realized by a sealing element which, as measured in the longitudinal direction (L) from the base of the cutout, is wider than the opening element, and by an amount of play, which allows the sealing element to accommodate the full displacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a cartridge with a liquid comprises, a platform on which the cartridge is supported and which can be lifted relative to a stationary filling needle (5) so that this filling needle is moved into the cartridge (6), a pump (1) feeding liquid through the filling needle (5) into the cartridge (6), a sensor head (10) from which a beam of light is sent from one side of the cartridge to the other along a path immediately over an upper edge of the cartridge (6), and a reflector (11) reflecting the light beam back to the sensor head (10), which is connected to a sensor box (12) which produces a signal stopping the pump (1) and causing the needle (5) to be drawn out of the cartridge (6) when this cartridge is full and the liquid forms a droplet over the opening of the cartridge, which droplet deflects the light beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a cartridge with a liquid comprises, a platform on which the cartridge is supported and which can be lifted relative to a stationary filling needle (5) so that this filling needle is moved into the cartridge (6), a pump (1) feeding liquid through the filling needle (5) into the cartridge (6), a sensor head (10) from which a beam of light is sent from one side of the cartridge to the other along a path immediately over an upper edge of the cartridge (6), and a reflector (11) reflecting the light beam back to the sensor head (10), which is connected to a sensor box (12) which produces a signal stopping the pump (1) and causing the needle (5) to be drawn out of the cartridge (6) when this cartridge is full and the liquid forms a droplet over the opening of the cartridge, which droplet deflects the light beam.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a liquid material from a source container which includes a blend of fluids of a first composition that normally fractionate upon boiling. A material of a second composition (different than that of the first composition) and capable of maintaining the first composition of the material remaining in the source container is added to the source container during the transfer of liquid from the source container. This addition of a material of a second composition to the supply container during the transfer can minimize and/or even eliminate fractionation of the liquid in the source tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a cartridge with a liquid comprises, a platform on which the cartridge is supported and which can be lifted relative to a stationary filling needle (5) so that this filling needle is moved into the cartridge (6), a pump (1) feeding liquid through the filling needle (5) into the cartridge (6), a sensor head (10) from which a beam of light is sent from one side of the cartridge to the other along a path immediately over an upper edge of the cartridge (6), and a reflector (11) reflecting the light beam back to the sensor head (10), which is connected to a sensor box (12) which produces a signal stopping the pump (1) and causing the needle (5) to be drawn out of the cartridge (6) when this cartridge is full and the liquid forms a droplet over the opening of the cartridge, which droplet deflects the light beam.

Abstract: A cartridge plunger with at least one gas evacuation opening and at least one gas evacuation element covering the cartridge plunger opening. For a simple and dependable gas evacuation and to prevent any undesirable leakage of the filler material, the gas evacuation element is at least one cover disk that forms a labyrinth path running transverse to the plunger axis. The path is located between the contact surface of the cover disk facing the gas evacuation opening and a corresponding contact surface on the cartridge plunger.

Abstract: A cork removal apparatus in the invention has an exterior barrel, a interior barrel mounted inside the exterior barrel, a telescoping barrel engaged between the exterior barrel and the interior barrel, a needle, a partition plate attached inside the telescoping barrel and extended through by the needle, and a cover with a press-in member. The needle fixed at a bottom of the interior barrel has a gas inlet, a gas passageway and a gas outlet. Place a gas container into the interior barrel with its release nozzle downwardly aligned to the gas inlet, combine the cover on the exterior barrel and penetrate the needle through a cork so that a depressing of the press-in member can force gas of the gas container to flow through the needle into the bottle to extract the cork upwardly from the bottle to achieve a rapid, convenient, laborsaving and safe removal of a cork.

Abstract: A threaded connecting assembly includes a first threaded connecting member having a body portion, an end portion, a bore extending axially from the end portion enabling the passage of a fluid through the body portion, and a plurality of spaced apart three sided threads defining grooves therebetween projecting along an exterior surface of the body portion at the end portion, and a cap member having a plurality of complementary three sided threads adapted to mate with the plurality of the three sided threads of the first threaded connecting member by seating in the grooves, and an opening configured for engagement with the bore of the first threaded connecting member to provide a passageway for the flow of the fluid therebetween.

Abstract: A carbon-dioxide pump for tires which comprises a dispensing head which is provided with a nosepiece for coupling to the tire valve which is connected to a threaded hole for the hermetic fixing of a bottle of carbon dioxide and to a sliding hole for a needle-equipped pin for piercing the membrane of the bottle which is rigidly coupled to a flow control element of the frustum-shaped type which can be actuated manually so as to rotate in order to hermetically close the bottle after piercing the membrane, a shell for containing the bottle which is screwed hermetically onto the head and on which a handgrip is slidingly fitted with the interposition of guiding and sliding sealing elements which are suitable to provide a short manual pump in which the air compressed by the movement of the handgrip flows between the shell and the bottle and is fed to the nosepiece through a nozzle which is closed by a valve system provided in the head.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure accumulator system comprising a plurality of small-sized gas bombs connected. This dispenses with any large-sized gas bomb that is hard to handle. The pressure accumulator system comprises a plurality of gas bombs each having an ejection port sealed by a membrane member, a membrane-breaking mechanism mounted in the ejection port of each of the gas bombs and operated in accordance with a given electrical signal to force the membrane member of the gas bomb to break, a sequencer for sending an electrical control signal to the membrane-breaking mechanisms to activate them, and a pressure sensor mounted in a conduit communicating the gas bombs and an actuator for producing an output signal to the sequencer. The sequencer is operated according to the output signals from the pressure sensor and, when the pressure inside any one of the gas bombs becomes lower than a present pressure.

Abstract: An inflator device uses a compressed gas cylinder or cartridge for inflating a tire or the like having an inflator valve. It has an internally screwthreaded supply bore adapted to have screwed into it the neck of the cylinder or the cartridge closed by a capsule and at the bottom of which is provided a perforator surrounded by a supply seal. The supply bore communicates via an axial hole with a distribution bore, the communication being controlled by a selectively operated valve carried by a distributor moveable axially. The device further includes a cavity adapted to receive in sealed fashion the inflator valve of the tire or the like and communicating with the distribution bore. The seal is assured by a valve seal which has two coaxial circular parts joined by a transverse annular part. The valve seal is placed in the cavity with the annular part facing outwards and held in the cavity by a cap provided with a passage for the valve of the tire or the like.

Abstract: A portable emergency instant inflation device includes a box and a fastening plate with slots. The upper side of the box is provided with fastening hooks for engaging slots of the fastening plate. An inflation tube is formed at one end of the box. A tie string extends from the other end of the box to connect to a pull ring. A partition plate with through holes is disposed inside the box to divide the interior of the box into upper and lower spaces. The upper space contains a sac filled with citric acid solution while the lower space is filled with soda powder. The lower space further communicates with the inflation tube, which is internally provided with a valve flap. A slide cutter is further disposed in the upper space and has cutting edges slightly abutting the sac. The slide cutter is connected to the tie string via a cutter mount.

Abstract: A pressurization and regulating device uses a CO.sub.2 cartridge for pressurizing a fluid container such as the fuel tank of a gasoline lantern or stove, a garden or lawn sprayer, and the like. The device includes an elongated body having an open end for receiving the cartridge and a cap for forcing the cartridge toward the body. The other end of the body is provided with a fluid outlet opening. An outlet cap is mounted on the second end of the body. A piston is reciprocably mounted in the outlet opening of the body, and a seal on the piston is engageable with a valve seat in the outlet opening for closing the outlet opening. A spring in the outlet cap biases the piston away from the valve seat. An eccentric shaft is rotatably mounted in the outlet cap and engages the piston. The eccentric shaft is rotatable between a first position in which the seal engages the valve seat and a second position in which the spring moves the seal away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically releasing a gas from a pressurized cartridge of the gas is provided, especially for the purpose of inflating an emergency balloon. The apparatus includes an automatic signal balloon inflator, having a support structure, an upper surface and a bottom plate. The bottom plate has at least a single cartridge mount, each with a vent and a pin port. The pin port connects to the cartridge mount. At least a single pressurized cartridge, containing a gas stored under pressure, is received into each cartridge mount in the support structure. A spring loaded piston is mounted upon the support structure. A plunger with a piston contact surface and a puncture pin is forced by the spring loaded piston to depress and penetrate the pressurized cartridge, releasing the gas contents of the pressurized cartridge through the vent. A firing spring forces the piston to engage the plunger.

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: A tire inflation device for delivering a fluid, such as carbon dioxide, from a liquid gas cartridge to a pneumatic tire wherein the device has a capability of controlling inflation to enable the user to achieve a preset desired tire pressure. A cartridge activating mechanism is provided. A cartridge securing mechanism is provided which prevents removal of an activated, unspent cartridge from the inflating device.

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: The present invention is an inflation system utilizing an inflation device and an adaptor therefor. The inflation device includes a cylindrical housing which receives a pressurized cartridge of gas, a head unit, and a nozzle. The head unit of the device includes structure for creating and delivering a metered bolus of gas per each actuation of the device. The device audibly indicates to the user when a single bolus of gas has been successfully delivered to an inflatable bladder. In another aspect of the invention, an elastomeric inflation port which serves as an adaptor for connecting the inflation device of the invention to an inflatable bladder is provided. The inflation port of the invention may also function as a fluid release mechanism to vent fluid from the bladder.

Abstract: A gas actuator assembly for supplying a compressed gas to a container, the assembly includes a self contained supply of compressed gas, preferably in the form of a cartridge of compressed gas which is transmitted through a tube to below the level of a liquid contained in a vessel such as a wine bottle or into a resealable container such as that for the storage of food, an evacuation tube that is provided to remove air from the vessel and an activating device for simultaneously activating the flow of compressed gas and the evacuation of air.

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: The invention relates to a small utility air storage tank that includes a pressure gage and an air flow regulator. The storage tank may be used alone or in conjunction with a second storage for storing and supplying a larger amount of air for use with an airbrush or air blower. The storage tank and second storage tank may be filled with air from an air source. One of the storage tanks may be filled by discharging gas cartridges into the storage tank. An auxiliary tank may be attached to the storage tank for use in sand blasting or to create a vacuum.

Abstract: The closure of the bottle is achieved with the aid of a cylindrical ring (20), the base of which is closed by a membrane (22). This ring (20) is put in place together with a filling adaptor which is screwed onto the neck of the bottle and which allows the ring (20) to be tightened after filling. A drawing-off adaptor is also designed to be screwed onto the neck of the bottle and includes a bevelled drawing-off tube intended to pierce the membrane.

Abstract: A gas actuator assembly for supplying a compressed gas to a container, the assembly includes a self contained supply of compressed gas, preferably in the form of a cartridge of compressed gas which is transmitted through a tube to below the level of a liquid contained in a vessel such as a wine bottle or into a resealable container such as that for the storage of food, an evacuation tube that is provided to remove air from the vessel and an activating device for simultaneously activating the flow of compressed gas and the evacuation of air.

Abstract: An auto inflator having a dissolvable element that abuts and prevents sliding movement of a retainer pin that is under very low pressure. The auto inflator further includes a rotatably mounted lever arm that effects puncturing of a gas-filled cartridge by a puncture pin when the lever arm is rotated. Rotation of the lever arm occurs when the retainer pin is retracted upon dissolution of the dissolvable element. A slide member is slidably mounted in an elongate track and is biased to slide away from the retainer pin but the retainer pin, when extended, prevents that movement. The retainer pin is biased to retract, but the dissolvable element prevents that retraction until it is dissolved. Upon dissolution, the retainer pin retracts and the slide member moves along the track, pulling a lanyard with it. The lanyard is engaged to the lever arm and effects its rotation so that the puncture pin is driven into the membrane that seals the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting penetration and mass transfer at a penetrable situs, comprising: (a) a penetration member constructed and arranged for movement between (i) a first position disengaged from the penetrable situs, and (ii) a second position engaged with the penetrable situs to form a penetration opening in the penetrable situs communicating with an interior region thereof; (b) a motive driver for selectively moving the penetration member between the first position and second position; and (c) a mass transfer assembly (i) selectively engageable with the penetration opening in the penetrable situs, after formation thereof by the penetration member in the second position and subsequent movement of the penetration member by the motive driver to the first position, and (ii) constructed and arranged to effect mass transfer through the penetration opening between the interior region of the penetrable situs and a locus exterior to the penetrable situs, when the mass transfer assembly is engaged with the penet

Abstract: An emergency locating device allows an injured person to inflate and deploy a balloon using only one hand. The device has a cylindrical housing holding a cartridge pressurized with a quantity of a lighter-than-air gas, a quick-release fitting for removably attaching the balloon to the upper end of the housing, and an actuator extending from the lower end of the housing for causing a pin to puncture the cartridge when the actuator is depressed to allow gas to flow from the cartridge through the fitting to inflate the balloon. The fitting can be manually separated into a lower segment that remains attached to the housing, and an upper segment attached to the balloon that includes a one-way valve to prevent gas from escaping. The inflated balloon is tethered by a line to the housing. The upper portion of the housing can be used as a reel or spool to store the tether line when not in use.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 cartridge is screw threadedly received into an inflator having a lanyard-operated, pivotally mounted bell crank. A pin having a round in section pointed end capable of puncturing the cartridge is slidably positioned within a bore formed in the inflator and the length of the pin exceeds the length of the bore so that the head of the pin protrudes out of the bore. Rocking the bell crank about its pivot point drives the head of the pin into the bore so that the pointed end of the pin punctures the thin center of the cartridge. The pin in hollow so that the gas escaping from the cartridge flows through the pin and is directed into another bore formed in the inflator which is confluent with the inflation manifold of an inflatable device.

Abstract: Stopper removal apparatus of the type in which gas under pressure is directed into a container thereby to eject a cork or like stopper. The apparatus directs gas from a gas cylinder into a gas reservoir sealed by a piston valve. Each gas cylinder has its own seal to prevent gas escaping during storage. As a new cylinder is installed and the cylinder seal is broken, the resulting gas from the cylinder forces the piston valve to its sealing position, so no gas escapes. The gas pressure provides the sealing force. When an actuator moves the piston valve to an open position, gas passes through passages and a hollow needle that penetrates the stopper to exit within the container to eject the stopper.A cover assembly completely encloses the needle. A disk at one end of the cover retracts as the needle is inserted into the stopper. After the stopper is ejected it remains on the needle within the cover.