Abstract: An inflator including in combination an inflator body having at one end an input for receiving the neck of a gas cartridge, a manifold assembly intended to be fluidly connected to an inflatable, a combination automatic and manual actuator assembly including a spring-loaded actuator including a pierce pin for fracturing a frangible seal of the gas cartridge, a bobbin with a dissolvable pill that retains the spring-loaded actuator in a cocked position and a hood connected onto the end of the inflator body, said hood including an inwardly-extending tab that engages the actuator to securely retain the hood onto the end of the inflator body by means of the inwardly-extending tab being grasped by the forked end of the actuator.

Abstract: An inflator including in combination an inflator body having at one end an input for receiving the neck of a gas cartridge, a manifold assembly intended to be fluidly connected to an inflatable, a combination automatic and manual actuator assembly including a spring-loaded actuator including a pierce pin for fracturing a frangible seal of the gas cartridge, a bobbin with a dissolvable pill that retains the spring-loaded actuator in a cocked position and a hood connected onto the end of the inflator body, said hood including an inwardly-extending tab that engages the actuator to securely retain the hood onto the end of the inflator body by means of the inwardly-extending tab being grasped by the forked end of the actuator.

Abstract: A pierce pin for an inflator for piercing the frangible seal of a gas cartridge including in combination a shaft having a axial bore forming a tubular member having a tip with a rim and a pair of slots formed across the rim into the tip into the tubular member to an appreciable depth to form a tab, the tab being bent inwardly into the axial bore after formation of the slots.

Abstract: An inflator including in combination, an inflator body having at one end an input for receiving the neck of a gas cartridge, a manifold assembly intended to be fluidly connected to an inflatable, a combination automatic and manual actuator assembly including a spring-loaded actuator including a pierce pin for fracturing a frangible seal of the gas cartridge, a bobbin with a dissolvable pill that retains the spring-loaded actuator in a cocked position by an annular ring seat that engages the bobbin and a hood connected onto the end of the inflator body, the hood including an inwardly-extending tab that engages the actuator to securely retain the hood onto the end of the inflator body by means of the inwardly-extending tab being grasped by the forked end of the actuator.

Abstract: A pierce pin for an inflator for piercing the frangible seal of a gas cartridge including in combination a shaft having a axial bore forming a tubular member having a tip with a rim and a pair of slots formed across the rim into the tip into the tubular member to an appreciable depth to form a tab, the tab being bent inwardly into the axial bore after formation of the slots.

Abstract: An inflator including in combination, an inflator body having at one end an input for receiving the neck of a gas cartridge, a manifold assembly intended to be fluidly connected to an inflatable, a combination automatic and manual actuator assembly including a spring-loaded actuator including a pierce pin for fracturing a frangible seal of the gas cartridge, a bobbin with a dissolvable pill that retains the spring-loaded actuator in a cocked position by an annular ring seat that engages the bobbin and a hood connected onto the end of the inflator body, the hood including an inwardly-extending tab that engages the actuator to securely retain the hood onto the end of the inflator body by means of the inwardly-extending tab being grasped by the forked end of the actuator.

Abstract: A relief valve having a crenelated exhaust ring surrounding the poppet. The crenelated exhaust ring comprises a series of alternating crenels and merlons which together define an increasing cross-sectional exhaust area circumferentially about the poppet during cracking (i.e., once the pressure in the inflatable device exceeds the cracking pressure) as the poppet rises in the relief valve in response to increased pressures and, conversely, a decreasing cross-sectional exhaust area about the poppet during closing as the poppet lowers to its re-seated, sealed position. The design of the crenels in the form of a larger upper cross-sectional area to a smaller lower cross-sectional opening, advantageously achieves a reseating pressure that is substantially equal to or slightly less than the cracking pressure while minimizing possible oscillations during re-seating of the poppet.

Abstract: A relief valve having a crenelated exhaust ring surrounding the poppet. The crenelated exhaust ring comprises a series of alternating crenels and merlons which together define an increasing cross-sectional exhaust area circumferentially about the poppet during cracking (i.e., once the pressure in the inflatable device exceeds the cracking pressure) as the poppet rises in the relief valve in response to increased pressures and, conversely, a decreasing cross-sectional exhaust area about the poppet during closing as the poppet lowers to its re-seated, sealed position. The design of the crenels in the form of a larger upper cross-sectional area to a smaller lower cross-sectional opening, advantageously achieves a reseating pressure that is substantially equal to or slightly less than the cracking pressure while minimizing possible oscillations during re-seating of the poppet.

Abstract: An assemblable jerk handle for a lanyard cord including in one embodiment a base portion having a center channel with interior progressive teeth for receiving the lanyard cord and a cap portion for permanently snap-fitting to the base portion to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion. In another embodiment, the assemblable jerk handle comprises a base portion having a center channel positioned therethrough for receiving a bifurcated plug that receives the lanyard cord therein and forcibly closes about the lanyard cord to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion.