Abstract: A payload release mechanism is provided, which operates utilizing a pressure differential between the mechanism and the surrounding medium. A piston is movably seated within a chamber of the release mechanism. The piston serves to seal the chamber from the surrounding medium, though one end of the piston is in communication with the surrounding medium. The pressure differential between the end of the piston in communication with the surrounding medium and the medium within the chamber causes the piston to move. The piston movement is used to trigger the release of the payload. The amount of movement which triggers the release can be calibrated to correspond to a predetermined pressure differential.

Abstract: A pivoting joint assembly includes a base, a plate, and at least one bolt. The base has one or more semi-spherical sockets with each socket having a centrally-positioned hole extending through the base. The plate has one or more semi-spherical sockets recessed within the plate with aligned semi-spherical protrusions extending from the plate. The plate has a hole extending through a central portion of each of the plate's sockets and a corresponding protrusion aligned therewith. Each protrusion is partially fitted in a corresponding socket in the base. Each bolt has a head and a post extending from the head. The head includes a semi-spherical portion adjacent to the post. The post extends through aligned holes in the plate and base. The post is coupled to the base such that the semi-spherical portion of bolt's head nests within one of the plate's sockets.

Abstract: A controlled corrosion release system for a payload is provided. The payload is submerged in a conductive medium, such as seawater. The system includes clips which restrain the payload against a housing. A circuit is established to allow electrical current to flow from a power source contained within the housing, through the clips which serve as anodes, through the seawater, into the housing which serves as a cathode, and back to the power source. Accordingly, the clips corrode and weaken structurally. The clips eventually fail and the payload is released. The time for release is proportional to the power supplied, such that the release time can be controlled.

Abstract: A sleep apnea treatment device that includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and an energy storage component. The first chamber receives a patient's exhaled breath, which causes the second chamber to be expanded with fresh air that is drawn in during expansion of the second chamber. Energy from the patient's exhaled breath is stored in the energy storage component and then used to expel the air in the second chamber under positive pressure into the patient's airway. The first chamber can expand during the patient's exhaled breath which causes a plate or other movable member to simultaneously expand the second chamber to thereby draw in the fresh air that is subsequently expelled to the patient using the energy in the energy storage component.