Abstract: Use of the present invention allows a crew member who has suffered a marine emergency, for example, fallen overboard or had to abandon ship, to survive for an extended period of time by providing the tools and equipment found in commercial survival systems yet does so at an economical cost. The system of the present invention includes a package that may be easily attached to a round buoy/life ring, horseshoe buoy, life vest or, alternatively, stored in a standalone manner. The system of the present invention has a number of features of more expensive survival systems including a life raft, both manual and electronic signaling equipment, basic survival tools including a water collector, knife and first aid kit, as well as other items not usually found in such systems. Additionally, the survival system of the present invention advantageously provides an attachment mechanism such that in adverse conditions the various components of the system are kept together.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (20), a system and a method for collecting material from a water system, and the use of the apparatus (20) as an oil-combating device or rescue device. The apparatus (20) can be arranged to float and be moveable on the water surface (1). The apparatus comprises a cargo space (2) for storing the collected material, a collecting platform (12) connected to the cargo space, over which platform the water of the water system and/or material to be collected from it is arranged to pass before passing into the cargo space, water exhaustion means (5) for removing water from the cargo space, means (11) for adjusting the height of the collecting platform as desired in relation to the level of the water surface of the water system, at least one ballast tank (3) to control the draught of the cargo space as desired and/or means (7) for controlling the effect of the water exhaustion means.

Abstract: A solar life-saving equipment in the water, which includes a conventional life-saving floatable equipment body. A solar cell, an energy storage device, a switch and a signal generator are integrated in the floatation body. The solar cell is located on the floatation body at a location which is easy to receive sunlight radiation and the switch is situated in a location easy for the user's hand to reach. The solar cell, the energy storage device, the switch and the signal generator are electrically connected to each other to form a complete electric circuit.

Abstract: An infant personal flotation device (PFD) that comprises a torso float, a head float and a harness. The torso float is wider at the leg region than at the neck region and includes a non-conforming and planar buoyant material. The torso float is wider than the torso of an infant, such that an infant falling in water will automatically assume a supinating position regardless of the position the infant had when he entered the water.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides for rescue of victims trapped in a body of water is disclosed. The invention utilizes a conventional fire hose as the main component of the invention. One end of the hose is capped with a retrieval end comprising a solid cap with a swivel based tether. The end is also provided with a pair of removable rudders which aid in the guiding have said apparatus in a controlled manner through the water. The opposite end of the fire hose is capped with a pressurizing mechanism that allows for the inflation and deflation of the fire hose. When inflated, the preferred embodiment floats upon the water surface thus providing for simplified water rescues. The invention is also envisioned as providing simplified ice rescues as well. The use of the present invention provides a greatly simplified method of water rescue which not only provides for quicker rescues for victims, but increased safety for rescue personnel as well.

Abstract: A power driven marine ladder apparatus includes a vertically extendable cable section and a horizontally extendable rung section connected transversely to the cable section. An axially rotatable winder is mounted on a marine vessel or fixed marine structure and the cable section is attached to and wrappable about the winder. A motor drives the winder rotatably in a first direction to unwrap the cable section and lower the ladder apparatus, and in an opposite second direction to wrap the cable section on the winder and raise the ladder apparatus.

Abstract: A water rescue device for use in man overboard situations, comprising a foldable frame structure formed from a plurality of individual segments. The device is restrained in a compact storage configuration until needed. When deployed, resilient band or elastic cord material causes the foldable frame structure to assume an unfolded deployed configuration which floats and can be seen by rescuers. In an alternative embodiment, the device also serves as a lifting basket to assist in lifting a victim from the water.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus has a cuff member, an inflatable bladder affixed to the cuff member, a gas line affixed to the cuff member so as to be in fluid communication with the bladder, and a gas canister affixed to the cuff member in valved fluid communication with the bladder. A rope is affixed to and extends along the gas line and has an end affixed to the cuff member. A gas source is connected to the opposite end of the rope for selectively delivering a gas into the bladder through the gas line from a location remote from the cuff member.

Abstract: The rescue system includes a mobile trailer on which are mounted telescoping hydraulic arms and a winch. A net is connected to the winch and passes over a roller mounted at the outer ends of the hydraulic arms which are vertically and horizontally movable to position the net over the body of water. The net hangs downwardly from the roller into the body of water. A ballast is attached at the lower end of the net so that the net is vertically oriented in the water. A rope connected to the lower end of the net and a set of pulleys enable the lower end of the net to be lifted to envelope a person therein. When the person is enveloped in the net, the winch is actuated via an electric motor to reel in the net and lift the net and the person out of the body of water and to a place of safety.

Abstract: A system detects a man overboard and facilitates the rescue of the overboard individual. The system includes sensors that provide surveillance of a peripheral envelope of a boat to detect when an individual fall through the envelope. When an individual is detected falling through the peripheral envelope, an alarm is sounded and a floatation device is dispensed into the water.

Abstract: A motor-driven mechanical netting device includes a net assembly, a slide assembly, a bracket, and a mount. The slide assembly is structured to support the net assembly and includes a guide bar. The bracket is structured to support the net assembly, the slide assembly, and a motor. The mount is structured to support the bracket.

Abstract: A vest with air bag is a durable survival vest with shoulder pads and a front chest protector having ventilation holes therethrough and an attached air bag. The vest includes a shell defining a neck opening, a torso opening, and a pair of opposed arm holes. The vest also has a chest protector attached to the shell and an air bag attached to the chest protector. The air bag is configured to expand in front of a torso of a user. The vest includes a cartridge/canister, an activator, and a D-ring. The vest may include a power source, a sensor, a die marker, a cartridge/canister, an activator, a positioning device, a communication device, an antenna, control logic, and a communication bus. The D-ring is configured to operatively engage the activator to release breathable gas from the cartridge/canister when the D-ring is pulled by a user.

Abstract: A life vest container includes a hollow housing defining a storage volume adapted to receive a flotation device, the housing having an opening communicating with the storage volume. A cover is attached to the container and is moveable between a closed position in which it encloses the opening, and an open position in which the opening is accessible. Structure is provided for attaching the housing to a passenger seat, and for securing the cover in the closed position. At least a portion of the housing or the cover is sufficiently light-transmissive to allow observation of the condition of a flotation device disposed within the storage volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting users of surfboards, kayaks and other personal water activity apparatus against sharks and other water-borne predators is provided. A plurality of lights is provided on the bottom and side surfaces of the personal water activity apparatus. The lights are actuated to mask and distort the shadow, shape or outline of the user together with the personal water activity apparatus, in effect camouflaging the user and his or her personal water activity apparatus. The lights may be actuated either manually or automatically. Sensors are provided to detect the stage of ambient light in order to automatically actuate the light sources.

Abstract: A crew overboard retrieval system for retrieving an object in the water including a flotation device, a net connected to the flotation device and a line connected to the net. A method of retrieving an object in the water, including the steps of: providing a crew overboard retrieval system including a flotation device, a net connected to the flotation device and a line connected to the net; connecting the line to a marine structure; deploying the crew overboard retrieval system in the water by casting off the flotation device and the net; at least partially encircling the object in the water with the net; capturing the flotation device; and retrieving the object in the water with the net.

Abstract: Self-propelled life vest for assisting a swimmer in water includes an inflatable body, the body being configured for being worn on a torso of a swimmer. An upper connector is provided and configured for connecting the body to an upper portion of a swimmer, in use. A lower connector is configured for connecting to a lower portion of a swimmer, in use. A propulsion unit on the vest is sufficiently strong for propelling a swimmer through water, in use. A power is operatively connected with the propulsion unit for powering the propulsion unit. An inflation control is provided on the body and operatively connects with the inflation device for inflating and deflating the inflation device, in use. A propulsion unit housing prevents the swimmer from contacting the propulsion unit, and directs inflow and outflow of propelled water, in use, for assisting in moving the swimmer in the desired direction.

Abstract: A marine assembly which obviates the need for a rescuer to enter the water 500 to rescue an individual 400, and which includes a containment portion 14 which is generally semi-cylindrical in cross-section and which has a first firm portion 12 and a second substantially pliable netting portion 68, and which is selectively and pivotally articulable from a first closed position to a second open position, and a hoist assembly 100 which is operatively coupled to said containment portion 14, and a method of rescuing an individual 400 from a body of water 8.

Abstract: An underwater flotation safety device includes a base that may be positioned below the water surface of a swimming pool with ballast, a hook, or the like. A buoyant member is releasably coupled to the base and is also positioned below the water surface. A release member is positioned within a channel defined by the base for selectively releasing the buoyant member from the base. A transmitter is connected to the buoyant member for selectively transmitting a sing. A sensor for detecting a release of the buoyant member from the base is in communication with the transmitter for sending a signal when the buoyant member is released. An alarm unit remote from the transmitter includes a receiver for receiving the signal indicative of a release of the buoyant member. The alarm unit includes another transmitter for transmitting an emergency signal indicative of an emergency condition.

Abstract: A device for a basket (20) for scooping up or rescuing objects lying in the sea is described, where the basket, in connection to a landing site, such as onboard a vessel (10), can be shifted from a parked position to a scooping up position adjoining the sea surface (11), and vice versa, and a drive gear is arranged to operate the basket via a mounting unit, to provide said position shift. The device is characterised in that the mounting unit is an extended body (30) which is fastened to the basket (20), and the shift between the positions occurs in that the body (30) is displaced axially, and for placing the basket (20) in the correct rescue position in relation to the object, the body (30) is subjected to a rotary movement about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An animal flotation device that provides full support under the animal with flotation pods on both sides and an additional detachable flotation pod located under the head of the animal to prevent the head and nose from going under water. The front flotation pod hangs down when out of the water and immediately supports the head of the animal when in the water. The front legs of the animal pass through holes located in the front of the center support to prevent the animal from slipping out of the device while in use, either on land or water. To keep the unit secured on the animal, there are two sets of straps, one located just behind the front legs of the animal and the second set located just in front of the rear legs of the animal. The straps have quick releases for ease and rapidity of use during attachment and detachment. The device is made of nylon for durability and is bright yellow in color for safety.

Abstract: A floatation enhancing structure for providing improved flotation of a baby seat, a car seat, or a child/infant carrier includes a buoyant collar that is attached to the seat or carrier generally horizontal to the plane of the seat in repose. A vertical hoop or buoyant material is connected to a carrying handle of the carrier. The vertical hoop will serve to assist in righting the carrier in the event the carrier is inadvertently dropped into a significant body or water having depth sufficient to allow self-righting of the floatation enhanced baby seat. Variations and methods with different advantageous features are also described.

Abstract: A rescue flotation buoy integrated with a pressurized containment and dispensing device containing a pressurized repellent for sharks. Sodium lauryl sulfate, a well-known shark repellent, is one such material that could be utilized. The repellent material can be dispensed more than one time by the use of a valve connected to the containment and dispensing device. The integration of a rescue flotation buoy and a shark repellent will allow rescue personnel to repel sharks when saving a victim of a shark attack. The purpose is to expose the predator to an immediate high concentration of the appropriate repellent, thereby diverting the predator from its attack. Subsequent applications of the shark repellent can also be performed.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used in emergency situations requiring floatation and rescue. An inflatable raft with a waterproof cover is connected to a telescopic shaft equipped with electric generators and wind catchers. The electricity, which is produced powers a motor and propeller underneath and outside the raft.

Abstract: A secure life jacket container assembly includes a hollow container defining a storage volume which receives a life jacket in a packed condition. A cover is attached to the container with a tamper-evident sealing material. Removal of the cover causes an irreversible change in the sealing material which provides an indication that tampering has occurred.

Abstract: A man overboard retrieval device where a frame supports a net and rollers. The frame is secured to a handle. The frame includes a hinged arm.

Abstract: The floating aluminum box to protect dockworkers is an aluminum cube with each side being approximately eighteen inches long. The floating aluminum box is watertight and made of one-quarter inch thick aluminum plate and of welded construction. The floating aluminum box has a front, back, two sides, a top, and a bottom. The floating aluminum box has an internal support structure having two concentric aluminum pipes and a plurality of bracing plates that extend from the pipes to the sides of the cube. The floating aluminum box is also equipped with a handle and eye brackets.

Abstract: A garment is provided for deterring a physical assault on a wearer and creating evidence of the assault, comprising a vest having visual indicia affixed thereto, such as the word “Evidence”, displaying that the vest may be used as evidence in a criminal investigation. A dye release system containing a permanent and luminescent dye is affixed to the vest, which can be activated by the wearer prior to or during an assault. The dye is caused to be forcefully ejected from the dye release system, thereby contaminating the vest, the wearer, the assailant and the place where the assault took place. Preferably, the vest includes an electronic locating device, such as a sonic transmitter or GPS transmitter. Also, the vest preferably includes an audible alarm, a canine-detectable scent, and fingerprint susceptible surfaces thereon.

Abstract: A rescue device with a substantially rigid support member, which support member facilitates attaching the rescue device to a number of fixtures, and which support member has an attachment portion and a receiving portion, which allows multiple such rescue devices to be connected together through their respective support members. Vertical net members are coupled to the support member and hang down from it, and horizontal net members are coupled to the vertical net members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system to float an automobile on water. The system comprises holder assemblies, a detecting sensor, a pneumatic system, envelopes, a propulsive system, and a steering system. The holder assemblies are fixed on the beams of the automobile. The pneumatic system is connected to air inlets of the envelopes with pipes and to a battery with a circuit. The envelopes are fixed at the holder assemblies. When the pneumatic system operates, the envelopes expand to float the automobile on water. The detecting sensor connects to the pneumatic system, the battery, and a first switch with circuits. The propulsive system connects to the battery and a second switch with circuits. The steering system comprises two steering boards that are fixed on fellies of the automobile.

Abstract: A rescue device for a distressed person at night or in low light situations is provided. The rescue device comprises at least one piece of rescue equipment, at least one photo-luminescent marking applied to the rescue equipment, and at least one reflective marking applied to the rescue equipment.

Abstract: A buoyant boom having: an elongate band extending across a water surface; floats rotatably mounted to the band with rotary bearings between each float and the band; and anchors securing the band at its ends or middle portion to a support, such as a river bed or a river bank structure for example.

Abstract: A rescue vest has a spaced apart pair of vertical roller frames attached to the front, each frame having an inline array of wheels or alternate roller track on roller track wheels. Each adjacent pair of wheels or roller tracks having a narrow space therebetween has an axle attached to the frame between the narrow space and an external surface on which the user is rolling to prevent debris from entering therebetween. A lower front vest extension has an additional pair of tracks below the waist each with wheels or a roller track aligned with the tracks above the waist. Side spaces between a front and back vest portions or pair of back straps accommodate equipment carried on the hip of the wearer. Shoulder spaces and a front opening allow attachment of safety lines to a harness worn under the vest.

Abstract: A device to enable the escape of small animals, for placement at the perimeter of a swimming pool, which is comprised of a length of flexible netting suspended from and weighted by a flexible tube filled with water. The length of netting hangs into the water, floating slightly beneath the surface, enabling the escape or eventual rescue of an animal swimming the perimeter in search of a means of exit.

Abstract: A personal wear throw bag lifeline rescue apparatus provides a lifeline-containing bag member arranged for quick release attachment to a wearer, the lifeline being secured at one of its ends to the interior of the bag member and arranged at its opposite outer, free terminal end for secure attachment to the wearer, whereby in an emergency situation the bag member may be grasped and pulled off of the wearer and thrown, carried or otherwise moved to a distant location defined by the overall length of the lifeline cord where a rescuing person may pull on the lifeline to pull the wearer connected to the lifeline to safety.

Abstract: A device to enable the escape of small animals, for placement at the perimeter of a swimming pool, which is comprised of a length of flexible netting suspended from and weighted by a flexible tube filled with water. The length of netting hangs into the water, floating slightly beneath the surface, enabling the escape or eventual rescue of an animal swimming the perimeter in search of a means of exit.

Abstract: A personal water rescue device. A gas device is connected to a housing and releases gas bubbles. A light device is contained within the housing and illuminates the gas bubbles. The light device includes a pair of vials that contain chemicals that when mixed form chemical illuminance and which communicate with inwardly deformable bulging ribs on the housing so as to allow mixing the chemicals and forming the chemical illuminance when the inwardly deformable bulging ribs are squeezed and their displacement ruptures the pair of vials. A tubular member of the housing terminates in a pin that punctures the gas device when the tubular member is further threaded into a connector sleeve of the housing, and in so doing, releases the gas bubbles for heads up surface positioning for a disoriented water victim, while the chemical illuminance from the light device provides illumination therefor.

Abstract: A composite material with high resistance to impact energy, comprising expanded polypropylene, dispersed in a resin chosen among melaminic resin, phenolic resin and polyurethane resin and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A windsock for inflating a personal life raft. The windsock gathers wind and with sufficient wind velocity such that it will blow through a flapper valve. If the wind is not strong enough to open the flapper valve, the windsock is used to scoop up air and the opening is closed by one hand while the other hand slides down the windsock transferring the air through the one-way flapper valve into the raft. As the pressure mounts in the first chamber a medium pressure valve opens into the adjacent raft tube in the bulkhead allowing air to fill both portions of the raft's perimeter tube.

Abstract: A child restraint system for securing a child aboard a watercraft, the child restraint system including a base to be secured to a fixture of the watercraft, a seat assembly adapted to be releasably coupled to the base in a manner to support the child in a seated position, a restraint for securing the child to the seat, a release mechanism that cooperates with the base and the bottom portion of the seat assembly when the seat assembly is coupled to the base, and a floatation device to float the child on a surface of water such that the head of the child is maintained above the surface of the water. The release mechanism automatically releases the child from the watercraft when a portion of the seat assembly is immersed in the water.

Abstract: In the broader aspects of this invention there is provided a safety throw comprising a bag having a bottom with a bottom opening therein. A float is positioned in the bag. The float has an opening therein. A cord having opposite ends extends through the float and the float is positioned in the bag between the opposite ends to partition the bag into a first cord section and a second harness section. An over-the-shoulder harness is secured to the cord at one end. The harness is stored in the section adjacent the bag bottom and on the opposite side of the float from the cord section. The bag has a weight with the harness and float in the bag such that the bag may be thrown to a person in peril. The harness may be attached to the person in peril and the person in peril may be pulled to safety by the cord.

Abstract: An arrangement for deployment of an inflatable structure consisting of a pressurized container, a cable and a cable guide block. At least one conduit extends within the cable guide block. The cable is positioned for guided movement within the conduit. Such guided movement of the cable within the conduit under the applied pull force causes activation of the pressurized container and inflation of the inflatable structure by the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for floating an automobile and communication in an emergency. The invention comprises sensing means to detect submergence of an automobile, a control means for generating output signals, air bags, driving units for the air bags, and means for generating and broadcasting an emergency signal. The device according to the present invention further comprises an emergency switch driven by sensing that the automobile is not started by the key switch but forcibly started. According to the present invention, submergence of an automobile can be prevented and the human life can be protected, and also by the generation of an emergency signal in case of abnormal manipulation of a key due to a car theft and the like, the property can be protected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device provided in the form of a carrying device for transporting an injured person in a horizontal reclined position. Said device is comprised of two belts whose ends are joined to one another. One of the belts is placed around the upper body and the other belt is placed around the thighs of the injured person. The ends of the belts are provided with a shared coupling element, by means of which they can be coupled to a lowered end of a rescue line. The aim of the invention is to use simple means to provide the ability to fasten both belts at once to the injured person by using a handle, to then separate both belts from one another using a second handle, and to slide the second belt under the buttocks of the injured person.

Abstract: Apparatuses for handling cargo in a body of water incorporate a high floating slender pylon floating upright in the water. The pylon is maintained afloat by a submerged variable buoyancy chamber carried by the pylon between its ends. Ballast carried by the pylon below the buoyancy chamber creates a righting couple about the buoyancy chamber that maintains the upright orientation of the pylon in the water. In a method of handling cargo, the top of the upright pylon is drawn toward a surface vessel carrying cargo to be transferred using the pylon. Cargo placed on the upper end of the tilted pylon can be supported stably above the water surface when the pylon is allowed to return to an upright orientation. The cargo can then be transferred to another surface vessel by reversing the steps used to place the cargo on the pylon. Among other uses, the pylon can be deployed for rescue at sea.

Abstract: The invention in the simplest form is an emergency rescue device the stores conveniently and provides a rapid deployment. The invention comprises a length of rope interconnected to a weighted throwing unit having a loop portion with an automatic restraining system. The throwing unit is used to position the loop in close proximity to the distressed person, wherein the person only need to insert his/her hands within the loop. The rescue personnel pulls the rope which tightens the loop and firmly holds the wrists of the person in a hyper extended position.

Abstract: The flotation cushion with deployable tether is generally the contour shape of a cushion without tether. A pocket is formed in the flotation cushion to conform to existing cushion structures. The tether is stored in the pocket in a manner to minimize bulging. With the tether attached at one end to the flotation cushion interior to the pocket, the flotation cushion may be thrown to a person in need of rescue while the user is grasping the tether at its free end. When the person to be rescued grabs the flotation cushion the tether may be used to retrieve the person and cushion.

Abstract: A rescue mission is initiated by deployment of an unmanned water surface vehicle some distance from a location at which an overboard person may be in distress. The water surface vehicle is self-propelled under signal responsive or remote manual control for directionally guided travel toward the distress location, at which a raft stored in the vehicle is ejected and inflated so as to floatingly support thereon the person to be rescued. The deployed raft is then moved from the vehicle for delivery to a rescue location.

Abstract: A vehicle evacuation system for aiding the escape of a person trapped in a motor vehicle having a vehicle seat, a vehicle seat belt and vehicle windows, which has entered a body of water, includes a cutting tool for cutting through a vehicle seat belt; a glass breaking tool for breaking a glass vehicle window for escape; a combined compressed breathable air tank and mouthpiece; an inflatable buoy bag and compressed gas cartridge for lifting the person to the water surface; a distress and position indicating signal generating mechanism for sending an alarm signal to a receiving station, the alarm signal being trackable by a tracking device; and an element unification structure for holding elements of the system together in a readily accessible configuration prior to and during use.

Abstract: Onboard device for the recovery of a person overboard permitting self-recovery by a conscious victim. The floating trailing end (1) is adapted to be recovered by the person in the sea and serves as a control means to actuate the release of the towrope floating element (3), said floating element (3) is connected to the boat by an end serving as a towrope (4) and a comprising at least one means serving as a shock absorber (5); said flotation element is provided with towrope attachments and is symmetrical; said flotation element (3) has a hydrodynamic shape and entirely or partially supports the victim (6) with a minimum of resistance to pulling through water. The invention is applicable to boats.

Abstract: A water safety and survival system is disclosed that provides a multi-chambered personal flotation device and break away counterweight that provides a heads-up righting moment that reliably positions a scuba diver's airway out of the water when at the surface, and provides for a comfortable heads down position during the dive. The break away counterweight stows the ballast needed to heel the diver into a heads up position in an inactive state. Once released, the counterweight drops away and becomes capable of actively rolling the diver's face out of the water into the heads up position. The counterweight is preferably utilized in conjunction with a buoyancy compensator that further provides for rotation of the diver into a heads up orientation, and that can provide buoyancy compensation for the counterweight.