Abstract: The signal assembly includes a deflated balloon capable of retaining a lighter-than-air gas. It also includes a container for the gas under pressure which has an opening in it. The open edges of the balloon in deflated form are sealingly fixed to the opening. The balloon is retained in deflated form within the container by means of a lid or cap for the container which prevents outward movement of the balloon through the opening which would be necessary to inflate the balloon. The lid is normally attached to the container in a way sufficient to prevent escape of its contents except when the assembly is to be actuated. In one form of the invention, the balloon is disposed and retained in deflated form toward the open top of a rigid container having a lid that is tightly fitted around the upper edge of the container.

Abstract: The signal assembly includes an inflatable ballon capable of retaining a lighter-than-air gas connected to a container of the gas under pressure. A seal is provided to prevent the contents of the container from being released into the balloon. The container has a manually yieldable and resilient wall portion to which a needle or equivalent is connected so that, upon inward pressure on the resilient wall portion, the needle breaks the seal. When the manual pressure is released, the restorative action of the resilient wall portion causes the needle to withdraw from the seal leaving a punctured passageway through which gas flows from the container into the balloon. A one-way valve may be provided adjacent the seal to prevent reentry of the gas from the balloon into the container.