Abstract: A device which, under the effect of water, separates the cartridge-like receiving means and the connector of a retainer for an oxygen mask, preferably for pilots. The receiving means is connected with a support, for example a helmut on the head of a person, and the connector, to which the oxygen mask is attached, is safely held in the receiving means with securing elements which are under tension and which can be released by a bracket mounted on the connector. The device includes a housing which is held directly on the connector. A spring bolt, which can be moved against the force of a compression spring, is guided in the housing. A lever arm which can shift the bracket is mounted on the spring bolt. A self-acting element, which loses its rigidity in water, and which holds the compression spring in the tensioned position, acts on the spring bolt.

Abstract: A device for inflating the floating body of lifesaving equipment, in which gas under pressure is released from a compressed gas containing container, normally closed by a diaphragm, into lifesaving equipment to be inflated, by causing a striker to pierce the diaphragm. The striker is movable against the diaphragm, selectively by a manually operable lever or by the thrust of a spring. In the last mentioned instance, a spring is held in its loaded condition by a control element having a section adapted to disintegrate in water. A lever system including a pivoting lever operatively engages the striker. When the pivoting lever is in its ineffective position and the spring is in loaded condition, the pivoting lever is continuously urged to its effective position, in which the lever system causes the striker to pierce the diaphragm.