Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting an inflator, exhaust valve or relief valve interiorly of an inflatable article, comprising a receiver having an integral mounting flange formed about its upper periphery that is heat sealed interiorly about an opening in the fabric of an inflatable article to be substantially flush with the contour of the inflatable article once inflated. The receiver comprises a generally circular cylindrical bore for removably receiving a corresponding generally circular cylindrical portion of the inflator, exhaust valve or relief valve therein. A locking key removably engages into corresponding detents in the mounting flange to removably secure the inflator, exhaust valve or relief valve in the bore. An O-ring is provided about the generally circular cylindrical portion of the inflator, exhaust valve or relief valve to form a seal with the bore and prevent any leakage of gas from the interior of the inflatable article.

Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatus and methods employing a gas produced from a tetrazine-based energetic material such as that known as “BTATz” containing 3;6-BtS(1H-1,2,3,4-Tetrazol-5-ylamino)1-,2,4,5-tetrazine 3;6-BtS(1H-1,2,3,4-Tetrazol-5-ylamino)1-,2,4,5-tetrazine or salts thereof. The tetrazinebased energetic material is ignited through the use of a percussion cap, a piezoelectric crystal or a battery-supplied electric spark or by encapsulating it in a container that is then exposed to a burning flame. The gas produced upon ignition is employed a propellant such as to inflate life rafts, life vests, emergency evacuation slides, tires, air bags and other inflatable devices. The gas produced upon ignition is alternatively employed to power an engine and many other applications such as a fire suppressant.

Abstract: A line splice has two lengths of fibrous rope that have multiple strands and interstices. The two lengths are held adjacent to each other by a plastic encapsulate that both surrounds the two rope lengths and fills the interstices. In forming the splice a two part polyurethane complex plastic is injected into the mold to create an exothermic reaction and heat sufficient to cause the plastic to flow both inside and outside the two lengths of fibrous rope.

Abstract: A personal flotation device includes a back portion of buoyant material and a separate mesh layer between the back portion and the wearer of the personal flotation device for increasing the comfort of the personal flotation device. The mesh layer and the buoyant material are connected together at the top and bottom and are unconnected along at least a portion of the sides, and the length of the mesh layer is less than the length of the buoyant material so that the buoyant material buckles outwardly away from the wearer.

Abstract: A personal flotation device is provided with auxiliary pads for partially closing the arm openings. The pads are attached to the back of the flotation device, and a strap is attached to each pad. The pads can be maintained at the lower portion of the arm openings by connecting the straps in front of the flotation device. When the straps are not connected, the pads hang freely from their attachment points at the back.