Abstract: A rescue basket having the capacity to safely hold two full-sized individuals increases the efficiency and effectiveness of helicopter water rescue and recovery operations. The rescue basket includes an open end, which affords an additional option for loading passengers, along with a door mechanism that can at least partially close off the open end for passenger safety. The rescue basket includes a flotation system that maintains the basket at a desired flotation level when completely immersed in water, along with sufficient reserve buoyancy to safely maintain the passengers above water when loaded. Methods of performing a water rescue utilizing the present rescue basket on board of a helicopter are also provided.

Abstract: A device (1) for use in recovering a person who may be exhausted, injured or unconscious from the sea. The device (1) comprises a plurality of rigid rods (2) enclosed within a sheath (7) made from flexible tubular webbing. The sheath (7) comprises at least one flange (3) extending radially outwards from the rod (2). The device (1) also comprises a plurality of linking webbing elements (4) made from a flexible material. The linking webbing elements (4) are attached to the flange (3) of the sheaths (7) encasing the rods (2) to form a network of rods (2) enclosed within tubular webbing sheaths and linking webbing elements (4).

Abstract: An emergency pod configured for use with a rotary wing aircraft is provided including a rigid, generally hollow shell. The shell includes a movable portion configured to move between a closed position and an open position. An inflatable raft is arranged within an interior portion of the hollow shell. The life raft is coupled to an inflation mechanism. A first activation device and a second activation device are operably coupled to the inflation mechanism. The first activation device and the second activation device are configured to operate the inflation mechanism to initiation inflation of the life raft when a force is applied thereto.

Abstract: When carrying out a water emergency rescue, to rescue, particularly from a helicopter, a plurality of victims in a wide area of water without any drowning occurring. [Solution] A water rescue device is formed from: a hollow tube-shaped air chamber which is stored in an evacuated state; a gas injection mechanism which injects a pressurized gas in the air chamber; a pressurized gas tank which retains the pressurized gas; and a case which houses the air chamber, the gas injection mechanism, and the pressurized gas tank. When the case is lowered upon a water surface from a helicopter, the pressurized gas in the pressurized gas tank is injected via the gas injection mechanism into the air chamber, and the air chamber is released from the case, expanded in a swirl shape, and deployed on the water surface.

Abstract: A rescue device for marooned victims consists of a pair of holding arms (10, 10?) for holding the victims and a pair of seating arms (11, 11?) for providing seating facility to the victim. A motor (20) mounted on top of holding arms (10, 10?) moves arms (10, 10?) and (11, 11?) in a direction opposite to each other. The two pair of arms (10, 10?) and (11, 11?) rotate co-axially around main holding bar (40) in directions opposite to each other whenever motor (20) is activated without destabilizing the suspension above, wherein the holding arms (10, 10?) are closed in for holding the victims body by the arc or V shaped structures (30, 30?) when the seating arms (11, 11?) are closed in for providing a seating facility (16) through electrical means (50) and lock (51).

Abstract: A visual locating device comprises an elongate, inherently buoyant, flexible sheet for floating on the surface of a body of water that has a longitudinal axis. At least three buoyant support struts are secured to the sheet and disposed across the longitudinal axis of the sheet such that the sheet is divided into a plurality of sections defined between respective pairs of struts. A light source is disposed on the sheet to provide nighttime visibility to the sheet. A pouch, which receives the sheet when stowed, is configured to release the sheet when immersed in water. The sheet is at least z-folded inside the pouch.

Abstract: An inflatable rescue collar is disclosed. The collar is formed of an elongated inflatable cylindrical tube having appropriate ends and which is of a size to extend around the upper torso of an individual. The bladder is generally toroidal in cross-section and defines an open channel along the length thereof through which a web strap extends. The strap is constructed such that it may be cinched adjacent the free ends thereof so as not to bind on an individual, or clipped so as to be capable of applying a compressive force about the upper torso of an individual.

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: A rescue device to be deployed from an airborne device or aerial location, that has an upper portion, with a substantially rigid frame portion, lateral and transverse net members, that are coupled to the frame portion, and a substantially planar sheet member, that is coupled to the frame portion, an intermediate portion, with side portions having vertical net members, that extend downward from the perimeter of the upper portion, and are coupled to the lateral and transverse net members of the upper portion, and also having horizontal net members, that are coupled to the vertical net members, and a bottom portion, with lateral and transverse net members that are coupled to the vertical net members of the intermediate portion. The rescue device may also have a flotation device, coupled to the rescue device, and has multiple lines coupling the rescue device to a rigging plate, and multiple lines coupling the rigging plate to the airborne device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device suspended from a carrier craft for the recovery of persons or items of equipment, of the type comprising a connection (21) joining the craft to a foldable and deployable pod (20) formed by a framework associated with a flexible support (23). The framework includes, fixed to the connection (21), a central mast (2, 3) connected to mobile means (4, 6) bearing the flexible support (23), to ensure the folding and deployment of the mobile means and of the flexible support around the central mast. Application to the rescue of persons in danger from a helicopter.

Abstract: An animal rescue device 10 for suspension from the exterior periphery 102 of the side 101 of a swimming pool 100 wherein the device 10 includes a collapsible framework member 20 adapted to be attached to the swimming pool 100 and having a cross-piece element 21 attached to the upper end 31 of a sheet of netting 30; wherein, the lower end 32 of the sheet of netting 30 is provided with a negative buoyancy unit 13 which maintains the sheet of netting 30 in a vertical orientation relative to the side 101 of the pool 100 to allow an animal to climb out of the pool.

Abstract: The rescue device comprises a first sheet member and two second sheet members that are disposed on each side of the first sheet member. The second sheet members are angled relative to the first sheet member to define an angle alpha. The rescue device has a plurality of carrying means enabling the device to be carried. The first and second sheet members each has a stable first sheet and a resilient and thermally insulating second sheet that has closed pores and a third sheet that is disposed adjacent ot the second sheet.

Abstract: A floatable marine rescue snare is provided comprising one or more buoyant elongate rods axially connected by a tie line and formed in a loop, with a slippage device fixed to one end of the snare and slidably engaged with a portion of the snare between its two ends. The tie line connects to a rescue rope by which it may be thrown to a victim. Once looped around the upper torso of the victim, the snare can be tightened by pulling on the rescue rope to secure a rescue link while the buoyant body of the snare maintains the victim afloat.

Abstract: A method is presented for detecting a body at sea. A lidar system provided nboard an aircraft transmits radiation at a wavelength in the blue/green region of the energy spectrum towards the surface of the sea. The lidar system is tuned to receive return reflections occurring over a specified wavelength range. A shaped area located near the body is designed to inhibit any return reflections that would be detectable by the lidar system. The shaped area defines a shape that is abnormal for the area of the sea being searched and defines a size that is larger than the body. The presence of the body is indicated by a null return corresponding to the shape and size of the shaped area.

Abstract: A system for establishing a towing connection between a marine casualty and a salvage vessel, characterized in that it comprises a loop-forming arrangement which is held distended in the horizontal plane and which is connected to a towline, the towline being releasably connected to a distending system by a device whereby the connection is released when the distending system loses its distending effect, the loop-forming arrangement defining an open and unobstructed space being adapted to be brought in, over and around a strong structural member on the casualty by a helicopter or the like.

Abstract: A man overboard rescue device comprises a sheet-like lifting harness having an effective shape as defined by a top, a first foot and a second foot with each of the top. Each of the first foot and the second foot including means for securing each foot to a stationary part of a vessel. The top of the lifting harness including means for connecting the lifting harness to a halyard for moving the lifting harness top relative to the first foot and the second foot. The lifting harness in an area associated with the top thereof being formed at least in part from a mesh-like material which is capable of passing substantially freely through water.

Abstract: This apparatus is a tongs-like device for remotely scooping up cargo and personnel, comprising two identical elongated members pivoted at a selected distance from the device's top with a pivot pin. The lower portions are curved and vertical with cushions attached to their inner surfaces to enable the apparatus to hold either cargo or a person securely in place.Each inner lower surface has an inflatable pillow with a perforated spongy cushion attached to it and removable for replacement. The cushions' perforations enable a snatched person to breathe easily, thus avoiding any possibility of suffocation, while being hoisted upwards by hoist equipment. A sturdy net is fastened to the shoulders of the lower portions and draped for the person to sit on. In another technique a pliable plastic sheet, having pie-shaped triangular cuts, allows a person to pass through in one direction but not in the reverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an air, sea, or land deployed rapid response, self-propelled, autonomous or semi-autonomous marine vehicle (AMV) possessing a pair of extendible hydraulic cylinders encased in a pneumatic inflation chute, with an ability to be directed toward, and to autonomously seek out and recover physically restricted persons in peril from an aqueous environment. The AMV uses video, thermal, and audio sensors to actively and autonomously detect persons floating in an aqueous environment, and can be directed to a person or persons in distress on the sea surface through an aircraft, ship, or shore mounted, GPS linked, laser targeting system. The present invention also possesses the ability to provide life support functions, propulsive mobility, and two way real-time radio frequency and satellite based voice, video and data telemetry with the rescue aircraft, ship, or shore based coordination center responsible for deploying, operating, or monitoring the AMV.

Abstract: Floating stretcher designed, in particular, for the recovery of injured persons at sea, of the type including a metallic framework (1) capable of being winched by a helicopter, supporting a panel (2) of composite material ensuring the buoyancy of the whole, characterized in that the panel (2) and the framework (1) are hinged (27, 6) in their median portion, so that the whole can be folded back on itself lengthwise.

Abstract: Floating stretcher, designed, in particular, for recovering injured persons at sea, of the type including a metallic framework (1) capable of being winched by helicopter and supporting a panel of composite material (2) ensuring the buoyancy of the whole, characterized in that the panel of composite material (2) is pivotably fixed to the front of the metallic framework (1) and in that means (25, 34) are provided for maintaining the said panel (2) either in a position inclined at a given angle in relation to the plane of the framework (1) and above the latter, or in the plane of the framework.

Abstract: A signalling device for indicating, by day or night, the position of a person lost at sea (on land or in space) comprises an elongate brilliantly colored streamer made up of flat, flexible, inherently buoyant material with built-in support struts to keep the material at maximum outstretched surface area. The streamer can be coated with any one or more of the following in any combination: brilliant color, phosphorescent pigment, reflective material, or International Distress Signal indicia. The device may be attached to a life jacket and rolls up into a water-release container secured to the life jacket. Upon deployment, the container converts into a sun-protective, radar-visual reflective, and water catchment hat. The streamer is extended manually or automatically and can remain in an outstretched manner indefinitely.

Abstract: A rescue system and method includes a net which is mounted on a bridge or overpass so that it generally hangs therefrom. Attachment ropes are secured to the upper edge portion of the net and to a suitable vehicle on the bridge or overpass. The net has lateral border straps which are preferably channeled so that a cable can movably pass therethrough. The lower edge portion of the net has a pair of hooks secured thereto to which a ballast weight is attached. The hooks have a quick release mechanism allowing the ballast to be released from the net when an imperiled person is in a rescue position adjacent the net. A pair of lifting ropes are connected to lower corners of the net which allow the bottom of the net to be pulled up and thereby enclose the individual therein and also allow the individual to be lifted out of the body of water.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new concept for the transportation of injured or stranded people and a new rescue capsule suitable for this purpose. The process involves the following stages. A capsule which can be closed on all sides, and which has an inflatable floor designed to form at least one bearing surface or litter for an injured person, and a roof and walls is first erected. One or more injured persons are placed in the capsule and installed in the litters. The injured person is secured in the capsule and then the capsule is carried away, together with the injured person, using a suspension fixture attached to the capsule.

Abstract: The invention relatres to an Air/Sea Rescue Device to allow retrieval of persons or objects floating near the surface of water for use with a rescue helicopter. The device provides for the use of an upper frame which is attached to the skids of the helicopter and a lower net frame which is spaced from the upper frame by a plurality of support bars extending between the upper frame and the lower net frame. A scoop-like net is carried by the lower net frame, the net having an open front end and an open top to facilitate positioning of the retrieved persons or objects within the frame even without any cooperation from the persons or objects to be rescued, and the objects are in full view of pilot at all times.

Abstract: This airborne rescue system includes a boom (25) with telescoping members (31) for extending a line (19) and collar (14) to a rescue victim (16). The boom extends beyond the tip of the helicopter rotor (18) so that the victim may avoid in the rotor downwash. The rescue line is payed out and reeled in by winch (23). The line is temporarily retained under boom (25). When the boom is extended, the rescue line passes through clips (28). When the victim dons the collar and the tension in the line reaches a predetermined level, the clips open and release the line from the boom. Then the rescue line can form a straight line between the victim and the winch, and the victim can be lifted to the helicopter. A translator (57) is utilized to push out or pull in the telescoping members. The translator comprises a tape (58) and a rope (59). Inside the telescoping members the tape is curled around the rope and the tape has a tube-like configuration. The tape and rope are provided from supply spools 81 and 82, respectively.

Abstract: Additional shock absorbing structure composed of separate fluid filled rubber tubes disposed on a base spreader ring of a personnel/cargo net for absorbing shock on landing to prevent injuries to passengers on the net.

Abstract: Survival apparatus for an aircraft or the like. The survival apparatus includes a survival canister 12 in which survival gear is stowed. The canister assembly is buoyant and water tight. It is stowed prior to use in a cylindrical member 16 which is closed at one end. A maintaining structure 74 is provided to normally maintain the canister assembly 12 within the cylindrical member 16. A handle assembly 90 is provided to provide for the manual withdrawal of the assembly 12 from the cylindrical member 16, the handle assembly also engaging the maintaining structure and causing it to release the canister assembly upon application of force in one direction. A condition responsive gas discharge apparatus 14 is disposed in the closed end of the cylindrical member 16 and, in the event of an accident, it can forceably eject the canister assembly from the cylindrical member.

Abstract: Rescue apparatus for rescuing a person in water has a body with inflatable pontoons interconnected by an upwardly bowed upper connector and a downwardly bowed lower connector to provide an opening between the pontoons to receive the person. Thrusters cooperate with the lower connector below the surface, and receive power and control signals to control movement of the apparatus on the surface. A net enclosure encloses the pontoons and connectors and has an opening adjacent one end to receive the person. The upper portion of the apparatus is lighter than the lower portion, to provide a low center of gravity for self-righting if the apparatus becomes inadvertantly inverted. Self-righting can be assisted by providing inflatable flotation cooperating with the upper connector. The connectors are shaped to fit closely adjacent each other to reduce storage volume of the collapsed apparatus when the pontoons are deflated.

Abstract: A sea rescue kit deployable from a helicopter includes a first self-inflating life raft, a second self-inflating life raft, a line connecting the first and second life rafts, and a device associated with the line to retard the line in the water relative to the life rafts to cause the life rafts and line to assume a substantially horseshoe-shaped configuration around a predetermined position in the sea after deployment from a helicopter upwind of the predetermined position.

Abstract: Rescue apparatus for rescuing a person in water has a body with inflatable pontoons interconnected by upper and lower frames to provide an opening between the pontoons to receive the person. Thrusters cooperate with the lower frame below the surface, and receive power and control signals to control movement of the apparatus on the surface. A net enclosure encloses the pontoons and frames and has an opening adjacent one end to receive the person. The upper portion of the apparatus is lighter than the lower portion, preferably by having the upper frames inflatable, to provide a low center of gravity for self-righting if the apparatus becomes inadvertently inverted. The lower frame can include two generally U-shaped frame members which are shaped to fit one within the other to reduce storage volume of the collapsed apparatus when the pontoons are deflated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for airplane deployment over water of survival kit apparatus is provided. A pair of deflated, inflatable rafts are contained in a rigid container shell having a removable tail cone. A stabilizer drogue may be used to longitudinally stabilize the container prior to tail cone release and assist with the tail cone removal after release. The tail cone is mechanically released and removed from the container shell at a predetermined time after deployment from an aircraft, thereby pemitting the container shell contents to be removed. The life rafts are contained in the container shell so that one life raft having associated with it an aerodynamic brake is released after the tail cone has been removed, with the container and second life raft continuing their trajectory downwards. The rope joining the two life rafts is continuously payed out as the first left raft falls to the water and the container with the second life raft therein continues its trajectory.

Abstract: A rescue device for use with a helicopter comprises a floatation ring large enough to surround several standing persons and a rigid, non-buoyant open decking capable of supporting those persons. A collapsable netting surrounds the deck and connects the floatation ring thereto. The floatation ring has sufficient buoyancy to support the whole device when in the water with the deck suspended below the water level and with several persons standing on the deck and who are partially submerged. Supporting cables for use with a helicopter hoist are fixed both to the ring and to the deck so that when the device is lifted the ring is held a predetermined distance above the deck.

Abstract: A pivotable support mechanism for an aircraft rescue hoist or the like. The pright position provides sufficient structural strength to support objects to be lifted by the hoist. The swing-away position provides clearance for access to other equipment without requiring removal of the hoist from the aircraft.

Abstract: A rescue basket structure to be suspended from a helicopter winch cable comprises a cruciform-like suspension frame and a collapsible rectangular basket-like container suspended by cables from the frame. The suspension frame has tail fins to stabilize the structure when it is airborne and the cable configuration is designed to impart a scooping action to the container when it is lowered into water to facilitate access thereto by a person being rescued or an object being recovered. The basket-like container may also be partially covered over its base and may trail a sea anchor to enhance the scooping action.