Abstract: Air-holding fabrics and improvements to reinforced tape used to join multiple fabric panels. Specifically disclosed is a joining system and method for securing two air-holding panels to one another, while eliminating air leakage through the seam tape. The disclosed reinforced tapes find particular use in connection with evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices.

Abstract: Air- or gas-holding fabrics and improvements to welded seam tapes used to join multiple fabric panels and/or to join accessories to one or more fabric panels. Specifically disclosed is a joining system and method for securing air- or gas-holding panels to one another and/or to joining accessories to one or more panels without causing damage due to overheating the seam area. This disclosure has been found particularly useful with improved lightweight fabrics that would otherwise be more susceptible to damage during welding processes. The disclosed seam tapes and accessory fabrics find particular use in connection with inflatable devices, but may be used in other applications. This disclosure relates to a dedicated seam tape or dedicated accessory fabric that (a) utilizes specialized coatings with a lower melt temperature compared to coatings that are used on inflatable fabric material and/or (b) is manufactured from material that has not been treated to have substantial reflective properties.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating inflatable devices made from air- or gas-holding fabrics. Specific embodiments relate to seam tapes, films, structural components or accessories welded to one or more fabric panels. Specifically disclosed is a fabrication system and method that reduces potential damage due to overheating seam areas. This disclosure has been found particularly useful with improved lightweight fabrics that would otherwise be susceptible to damage during welding processes.

Abstract: Systems to prevent water ingestion during use of an electrically powered inflation system for an inflatable device in order to ensure that the inflatable device remains either upright in the water during the inflation process, or that prevents water from entering the inflation system air intake during the inflation process, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A lighting system for use with evacuation systems for aircraft during emergency situations. The lighting system has a chasing or running light rhythm that provides the image of lights moving down the system to help provide clarity to the evacuees about the direction of descent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for controlling the temperature of inflatable evacuation systems. Specific examples provide a system that heats at least one portion of an inflation system of the evacuation system in order to regulate the temperature of the inflation gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to valves that provide controlled inflation. The valves are designed to allow inflation of one or more inflatable devices and to stop inflation once a desired inflation level has been reached. This can allow the valve to be used with a single inflation source in order to inflate a plurality of inflatable devices. In a specific example, this disclosure provides systems and methods for inflating an ejector bag for door-mounted or fuselage-mounted inflatable evacuation slides or slide/rafts used for evacuating passenger vessels, such as aircraft. Other examples relate to sustaining the inflation of individual tubes that communicate with one another in evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, life rafts and/or other inflatable devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a raft carrying case that allows deployment of a life raft while also securing a survival kit for access by the life raft passengers. The case includes two parts, a detachable survival kit and a raft enclosure portion.

Abstract: Described is a release system for inflatable life saving devices, such as evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, emergency floats, emergency flotation systems, and life rafts. The release system incorporates an energy storing device and a securement system that can be released upon activation. Once the release system is activated, the securement system is opened to allow deployment of the inflatable.

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

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

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

Abstract: Described is a release system for inflatable life saving devices, such as evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, emergency floats, emergency flotation systems, and life rafts. The release system incorporates an energy storing device and a securement system that can be released upon activation. Once the release system is activated, the securement system is opened to allow deployment of the inflatable.

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

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

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

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use a mixed flow compressor to deliver a diagonal airflow for inflation. The inflation systems disclosed do not require the use of compressed gas, but can use a battery-powered or otherwise electric motor for generating airflow from ambient air. Particular embodiments may find use in connection with inflating evacuation slides or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel. Other embodiments may be used for inflating shelters, life vests, or any other safety device that requires a rapid inflation.

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

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