Abstract: An inflatable device for aircraft buoyancy, configured to be inflated in case of emergency landing on water, the device comprising a first inflatable chamber configured to be inflated from a source of gas, to change from a folded state to an inflated stated, a plurality of second inflatable chambers, each configured to be supplied from gas flowing in the first chamber, via at least one supply passage, each second inflatable chamber configured to be inflated to change from a folded state to an inflated stated, wherein each supply passage comprises a check valve.

Abstract: An inflatable device for aircraft buoyancy, configured to be inflated in case of emergency landing on water, the device comprising a first inflatable chamber configured to be inflated from a source of gas, to change from a folded state to an inflated stated, a plurality of second inflatable chambers, each configured to be supplied from gas flowing in the first chamber, via at least one supply passage, each second inflatable chamber configured to be inflated to change from a folded state to an inflated stated, wherein each supply passage comprises a check valve.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices for stabilizing floating structures and systems and methods utilizing such stabilization devices. Some embodiments of the stabilization device include a fabric material having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expanded configuration of the fabric material may form a column of the fabric material. The column of fabric material may define an internal volume. The front end of the column of fabric material may be closed, and the back end of the column of fabric material may define an opening for receiving water for filling the internal volume. When filled with water, the stabilization device may improve roll stabilization of a floating structure. The floating structure may be a flotation device of an emergency flotation system, boat, or inflatable raft, for example. The emergency flotation system may be used with aircraft, (e.g., helicopters) to provide stabilization when the aircraft is ditched in water.

Abstract: Described are self-tensioning girt assemblies with one or more straps that form loops that extend around opposing sides of an inflatable structure. The one or more strips are configured to apply multi-directional forces such that the girt assembly is self-tensioning. The self-tensioning girt assemblies may comprise at least two sleeves coupled to the inflatable structure and that receive the straps in a way that permits the straps to rotate around the inflatable structure. In some embodiments, the straps are attached to a panel that extends between the straps.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices for stabilizing floating structures and systems and methods utilizing such stabilization devices. Some embodiments of the stabilization device include a fabric material having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expanded configuration of the fabric material may form a column of the fabric material. The column of fabric material may define an internal volume. The front end of the column of fabric material may be closed, and the back end of the column of fabric material may define an opening for receiving water for filling the internal volume. When filled with water, the stabilization device may improve roll stabilization of a floating structure. The floating structure may be a flotation device of an emergency flotation system, boat, or inflatable raft, for example. The emergency flotation system may be used with aircraft, (e.g., helicopters) to provide stabilization when the aircraft is ditched in water.

Abstract: Described are self-tensioning girt assemblies with one or more straps that form loops that extend around opposing sides of an inflatable structure. The one or more strips are configured to apply multi-directional forces such that the girt assembly is self-tensioning. The self-tensioning girt assemblies may comprise at least two sleeves coupled to the inflatable structure and that receive the straps in a way that permits the straps to rotate around the inflatable structure. In some embodiments, the straps are attached to a panel that extends between the straps.

Abstract: Flotation systems including separately packed floats and life rafts are disclosed. Such systems, advantageously used for helicopters or other vessels, attach rafts to exterior covers of the floats. Thus, if not needed, or if maintenance or repair is required, the rafts may be removed from the float covers quickly and easily and without unpacking the floats themselves. Likewise, removal of the rafts permits maintenance to be performed on the floats without any need to unpack the rafts. Also identified are mechanisms for indirectly connecting both floats and rafts to vessels and for independently inflating both floats and rafts using a single actuator.

Abstract: Flotation systems including separately packed floats and life rafts are disclosed. Such systems, advantageously used for helicopters or other vessels, attach rafts to exterior covers of the floats. Thus, if not needed, or if maintenance or repair is required, the rafts may be removed from the float covers quickly and easily and without unpacking the floats themselves. Likewise, removal of the rafts permits maintenance to be performed on the floats without any need to unpack the rafts. Also identified are mechanisms for indirectly connecting both floats and rafts to vessels and for independently inflating both floats and rafts using a single actuator.