Abstract: In one embodiment, a personal flotation device that can be worn by a user includes an inflation system including an inflatable bladder, a gas-generating component configured to generate gas using a chemical reaction and inject the generated gas into the bladder to inflate it, and an actuator configured to activate the gas-generating component; a sensor configured to sense one or more physiological parameters of the user; and an inflation control system configured to receive physiological parameter data from the sensor, to determine whether or not the user is experiencing a medical event that places the user at risk of drowning, and, if the user is experiencing such a medical event, to signal the actuator to activate the gas-generating component so as to provide floatation to the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a personal flotation device that can be worn by a user includes an inflation system including an inflatable bladder, a gas-generating component configured to generate gas using a chemical reaction and inject the generated gas into the bladder to inflate it, and an actuator configured to activate the gas-generating component; a sensor configured to sense one or more physiological parameters of the user; and an inflation control system configured to receive physiological parameter data from the sensor, to determine whether or not the user is experiencing a medical event that places the user at risk of drowning, and, if the user is experiencing such a medical event, to signal the actuator to activate the gas-generating component so as to provide floatation to the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a personal flotation device that can be worn by a user includes an inflation system including an inflatable bladder and a gas-generating component, the gas-generating component being configured to generate gas using a chemical reaction and inject the generated gas into the bladder to inflate it, and an inflation control system configured to control activation of the gas-generating component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a personal flotation device that can be worn by a user includes an inflation system including an inflatable bladder and a gas-generating component, the gas-generating component being configured to generate gas using a chemical reaction and inject the generated gas into the bladder to inflate it, and an inflation control system configured to control activation of the gas-generating component.

Abstract: Self-heating apparatus and methodology for customizing a time-temperature profile thereof. The layered apparatus includes at least a layer of phase change material and a layer of air- or oxygen-activated material. When the air- or oxygen-activated material is activated, heat is released rapidly and is absorbed by the phase change material. The phase change material then releases the absorbed heat over a long period of time. Time-temperature profiles can be adjusted based on type, amount, and configuration of phase change and air-activated materials used. The apparatus and methodology allows rapid heat-up of times of a few minutes and lasts several hours at near constant tunable temperatures.