Abstract: An inflation device is provided which is inflatable upon impact by water for marine flotation life preservers, wherein the tip of a striking pin is moved by means of a plunger which is driven by igniting a pyrotechnic charge in the direction of the sealing membrane of a pressure gas cartridge and against the force of a spring, and wherein the tip of the striking pin and the sealing membrane are of electrically conducting material, and wherein during a ready position of the device, the tip of the striking pin bears against the sealing membrane of the pressure gas cartridge and wherein the tip and the sealing membrane are in electrical connection with an indicator unit to form a closed electrical circuit, whereby the presence of an intact sealing membrane of the pressure gas cartridge, or the absence thereof, is detectable.

Abstract: A self-inflating device for lifesaving equipment, in which the lifesaving equipment automatically inflates itself as soon as a piercing member forming part of the device is projected by a spring-urged shank into a closure diaphragm of a compressed air containing vessel. The spring-urged shank pertaining to a first housing section is prevented from hitting the piercing member by a preferably annular member arranged in a second housing member disengageably connected to the first housing member, as long as the device is not in the water but as soon as the device is in the water, the preferably annular member disintegrates and thereby permits the shank under the influence of the spring acting thereon to cause the piercing member to pierce the closure diaphragm for the compressed air containing vessel which then dispenses its content into the lifesaving equipment to be inflated.