Abstract: A technique for varying buoyancy of an apparatus includes providing a substrate configured to produce gas on demand when exposed to a liquid, exposing the substrate to such liquid, and capturing the gas produced by the substrate to increase the buoyancy of the apparatus within a fluid. In some examples, the liquid and the fluid contain the same material, such that gas may be produced using fluid already in the environment.

Abstract: A system for retrieval of objects submerged and lost in water is disclosed. The system comprises a gas release cartridge, an activation assembly arranged for activation of the gas release cartridge in response to at least one of: lapse of time, pressure, trigger-wire, indirect water contact, or remote acoustic command or any combination thereof, components of which are all contained in an inflatable bladder. A guide line, one end thereof attached to the bladder and the other end connectable to the object, is housed inside a non-watertight casing together with the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a system for launching an aerostat may include a reactor defining a chamber, an inflatable structure including a balloon and a neck, the balloon and the neck collectively defining a volume, a coupling defining a passage in fluid communication between the chamber of the reactor and the volume of the inflatable structure, the passage defining a longitudinal axis, and a collar supported on the reactor, the collar defining an orifice in fluid communication between the chamber of the reactor and the passage of the coupling, and the collar releasably restricting displacement of the passage of the coupling, the volume of the inflatable structure, and the chamber of the reactor relative to one another along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Provided is a maritime overboard locator system for use in locating and rescuing a person or asset that has fallen overboard into a body of water. The system includes a locator attached to a person or asset that is activated manually or automatically upon immersion in water. The apparatus emits light, sound, radio, or any combination thereof. The locator is detected by one or more detectors onboard a boat, ship, vessel, or structure. The detectors detect a unique signal that is assigned to each person/asset. Once detected, the detector sends an overboard alert and deploys an unmanned aerial or underwater drone. The drone can include an inflatable life preserver or life raft and a tether cord that helps the person to remain afloat until rescue can be accomplished.

Abstract: A muscle memory training apparatus restores muscle memories that have become aberrant to previous normal or superior performance. It restores reflex stabilization muscle memories thereby providing a stable platform upon which voluntary muscle memories are restored. It is based on the universally accepted fact that muscle memories may be improved with practice and the yet to be accepted fact that reflexes execute muscle memories that may likewise be improved. The apparatus generates movements, perturbations, that are applied to the user; thereby stimulating reflex sensory neurons, effectuating stabilization reflexes, executing reflex muscle memories, and contracting muscles that countervail the apparatus perturbations. The perturbations and thereby the execution of the muscle memories is repeated over a protracted period and practiced multiple times per second. Practice improves the performance of the stabilization reflexes thereby restoring stabilization.

Abstract: A crowd management system (CMS), is disclosed which includes a command and control (C2) subsystem, a sensor network in communication with the C2 subsystem and adapted to provide signals corresponding to geographical number of individuals in a venue, and one or more crowd management devices (CMDs) further in communication with the C2 subsystem, each of the CMDs including a base adapted to release air at a high pressure, the base further including a positional device adapted to position the base according to a selective position, and an inflatable body terminating into a predefined shape adapted to convey a predefined message to individuals near the CMDs.

Abstract: An emergency signaling system is disclosed. The system includes a receptacle and a painting device. The painting device is covered in a paint material and stored in the receptacle. The receptacle can be used to launch the painting device onto a surface, such as a roof, in the event that a user needs to signal a search and rescue team or anyone near their present location. The painting device, upon contact with a surface, creates a painted signal. The painted signal can have different shapes according to the shape of the painting device. The painting device can include weight members or flexible frame members to facilitate opening the painting device from a closed or folded configuration to a fully open configuration once the painting device has been launched from the receptacle.

Abstract: A boat ladder alarm system for a foldable boat ladder having a base rail and a movable rail is disclosed. In one embodiment, the boat ladder alarm system includes a first bracket, a second bracket, and a sensor system. The sensor system is configured to trigger an alarm when the first bracket and the second bracket are unconnected and to turn off the alarm when the first bracket and the second bracket are connected. In this manner, if the foldable boat ladder is unfolded and someone is trying to climb on the boat, the alarm is triggered to warn the boat operator that it is not safe to turn on the boat engine.

Abstract: A system for deploying an inflatable structure may include a balloon defining an envelope having a first stiffness, a valve assembly including a control valve, and a reactor defining a chamber having a second stiffness, the valve assembly disposed in fluid communication between the chamber and the envelope, the control valve selectively actuatable to control fluid communication between the chamber and the envelope, the second stiffness of the chamber greater than the first stiffness of the envelope, and the reactor foldable onto itself along the chamber and elastically deformable to unfold in response to an increase in pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrying device, in particular a backpack (10), for an avalanche airbag system (12), which includes an airbag (14) and a filling device (16) for introducing at least one medium into the airbag (14). The airbag (14) brought into a stowage position is received in a container (18) if the avalanche airbag system (12) is coupled to the carrying device. The container (18) comprises a closure element (34). After opening the closure element (34), the container (18) can be brought from a closed position into an open position. The carrying device includes at least one spring element, which is tensioned if the container (18) is brought into the closed position, and by means of which bringing the container (18) from the closed position into the open position can be effected. The closure element (34) can be opened by actuating an actuating device (28), by means of which the filling device (16) can be brought into a triggered state.

Abstract: An inflatable warning system for roads that enables the user to warn the rear driver by expanding an inflatable tube, which is a warning system. More specifically, when the driver pulls the handle of the gas injector formed on the main body, the compressed gas stored in a gas container is instantaneously injected to the inflatable tube, and the warning system expanded by the injected compressed gas stands up, thereby notifying the rear driver to recognize the warning system to prevent an accident.

Abstract: An automatically opening and closing inflatable holiday ornament includes a box that has a base, a plurality of side panels hingedly connected to the base, and a top portion connected to each of the plurality of side panels. The ornament further includes a motor, a plurality of pull cables, such that each of the plurality of pull cables has a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end connected to one of the plurality of side panels. The ornament also includes a first blower, an inflatable disposed in the box and surrounding the first blower such that operation of the first blower blows air into the inflatable to inflate the inflatable, and a controller operatively connected to the motor and to the first blower such that the controller controls operation of the motor and the blower.

Abstract: A food processing container includes a food processing chamber and a cover assembly with a latch mechanism operable between latched and unlatched positions. The latch mechanism includes a first magnetic member disposed therein. An interlock assembly is disposed outside of and adjacent to the food processing chamber and includes a sealed cavity with a plunger member moveable disposed within the sealed cavity. The plunger is operable between at-rest and actuated positions within the sealed cavity and includes upper and lower magnetic members disposed at opposite ends of the plunger member. The plunger member moves to the actuated position as the latch mechanism moves to the latched position due to a repulsion force between the first magnetic member and the upper magnetic member, and further wherein the lower magnetic member moves into the lower portion of the sealed cavity as the latch mechanism moves to the latched position.

Abstract: A pressure activated release system and method are disclosed for deployment of surface, aerial and subsea payloads. The system and method include a payload release switch that is activated, without human intervention, by a pressure differential. The system and method also includes a payload release mechanism having an unreleased configuration at pressures below a specified pressure. The release mechanism has a released configuration at pressures above the specified pressure. The switch causes the release mechanism to move from the unreleased configuration to the released configuration.

Abstract: The present application relates an automatically arranged emergency shipwreck position-indicating buoy, which belongs to the technical field of navigation (ship) aids. The automatically arranged emergency shipwreck position-indicating buoy comprises a gasbag, a rope, a high-pressure gas storage device, and a position-indicating light assembly; a rear end of the rope is wound onto a shaft arranged on the gasbag and a front end of the rope is arranged on a ship; a gas outlet of the high-pressure gas storage device is communicated with a gas inlet of the gasbag, and a sealing device is arranged at the gas outlet of the high-pressure gas storage device, and the sealing device is connected to the rope by a connector so as to be arranged on the ship; the position-indicating light assembly is arranged above the gasbag.

Abstract: An identification tag comprising a display and a mechanical actuator is disclosed. A visual indication associated with a manufacturer is displayed by a display. The mechanical actuator comprises a reservoir to contain a fluid component. The mechanical actuator is connected to the display via a conduit.

Abstract: An indicator to be snapped onto an inflator to indicate the “ready” operating condition of the inflator and, upon firing of the inflator by jerking the jerk handle to pivot the firing lever, the firing lever pops off the indicator from the inflator, thereby indicating the “fired” inoperable operating condition.

Abstract: A MEUV that is able to navigate aerial, aquatic, and terrestrial environments through the use of different mission mobility attachments is disclosed. The attachments allow the MEUV to be deployed from the air or through the water prior to any terrestrial navigation. The mobility attachments can be removed or detached by and from the vehicle during a mission.

Abstract: A location detector kit having a pouch with a cartridge containing a gas and the cartridge having a gas-release-activator, when the cartridge releases the gas through a gas straw on the cartridge, a rip cord is pulled from the outside of the pouch to release the gas, a deflated balloon then connects to the gas straw of the cartridge, when the balloon is inflated and rises above the pouch, the gas-release-activator breaks to allow the balloon to be fully deployed above the pouch, the cartridge is secured to the cable, and rises with the cable as the balloon rises and pulls the cable upward.

Abstract: High-altitude balloons and apparatuses for filling such high-altitude balloons are provided. As an example, an apparatus for filling a high-altitude balloon includes a tube extending through envelope material of the balloon is provided. The apparatus also includes a flange connected to a first end of the tube. The flange is connected to an interior surface of the balloon. A fitting is connected to a second end of the tube. The fitting is configured for attachment with an apparatus for filling the balloon with lift gas. In addition, methods of filling high-altitude balloons with lift gas and methods of manufacturing balloons are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector. In the method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector, four corners are connected to a lower end of support lines coupled to be disposed vertically downward from a plurality of airships, and sunlight is reflected by a reflector unfolded into a tetragonal shape in the air, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflector plate is maintained at an angle to remain perpendicular to an incident angle of sunlight to shield, or redirect, the land surface from incident sunlight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for a rapid deployment beacon that may be hand-held. A rapidly deployable untethered beacon device will gain elevation while transmitting an emergency, or other, beacon and location signal is enabled to clear obstructions such as terrain and buildings in order to extend the communications range of said beacon.

Abstract: A MEUV that is able to navigate aerial, aquatic, and terrestrial environments through the use of different mission mobility attachments is disclosed. The attachments allow the MEUV to be deployed from the air or through the water prior to any terrestrial navigation. The mobility attachments can be removed or detached by and from the vehicle during a mission.

Abstract: An emergency signaling device allows a user to signal for help in an emergency. The device includes a lifejacket configured for being worn by a user to promote buoyancy in water. A tether is coupled to the lifejacket. The tether has a distal end with respect to the lifejacket. A balloon is coupled to the distal end of the tether. A gas storage tank is coupled to the lifejacket. The gas storage tank contains compressed lighter-than-air gas. The gas storage device is fluidly coupled to the balloon for injecting the balloon with the gas. The balloon extends above the lifejacket when the balloon is inflated with the gas to indicate a location of the lifejacket.

Abstract: A balloon inflating device with an illuminating/sound effect, for being provided at a gas entrance mouth of a balloon, includes an illuminating lamp/sounder, a battery and a shell. The shell covers at least the illuminating lamp/sounder; the illuminating lamp/sounder is mounted in front of the battery. The illuminating lamp/sounder has two wires, wherein a first wire is directly connected to the battery and a second wire extends to a back of the battery along a periphery of the battery; the shell has a discharging hole below the battery. A rotary sleeve which is hollow and provided at a back part of the battery is provided within the shell. The rotary sleeve has a gas hole or a gas groove for discharging gas into the balloon; and the shell is sleeved with the rotary sleeve.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, harness, and a container. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the use from impact and/or provide flotation during an avalanche. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber. The harness may be a backpack that enables a user to transport the system while engaging in activities that may be exposed to avalanche risk. The container is releasably coupled to the harness including a coupled and a separate state. The container independently includes a container chamber that is selectively enclosable by a container opening. The releasable coupling between the container and the harness may include a periphery zipper type coupling.

Abstract: An emergency location device with a deployable rescue balloon is presented. The balloon is housed in tube body in its stowed state with a frangible foil holding it in place at the proximal edge of the tube body. The device includes a ball valve attached to the opposite end of the balloon and further coupled to a charger valve. The charger valve includes a piercing needle configured to pierce a helium pressure tank thereby deploying and inflating the rescue balloon. The helium tank, the charger valve, and the ball valve are all enclosed in the lumen of the tube body. The balloon is attached to the inside of the tube body via a lanyard, which unravels when the balloon is deployed. A threaded cap coupled to the distal end of the tube body, which is also used to deploy the balloon, secures the helium pressure tank in the tube body.

Abstract: A confetti popper device is provided. The confetti popper has a quantity of confetti stored within a body. A balloon or similar expandable membrane within the body may be inflated until a pressure within the interior against a cover reaches a certain pressure. Upon reaching this pressure, the cover of the body may release, causing the confetti to be ejected (“popped”) from the body.

Abstract: An ejection device for a flight data recorder includes an ejection spindle, which can be detachably connected to the flight data recorder by means of a bayonet coupling. The bayonet coupling can be released by means of force application by the ejection spindle, a disengaging device, which has a compression-resistant housing and into which the ejection spindle can be screwed, and a gas pressure generator, a valve, which is located within the disengaging device and which permits a flow connection between the outlet of the gas pressure generator and the ejection spindle when the ejection spindle is screwed in and which disables the flow connection between the outlet of the gas pressure generator and the ejection spindle when the ejection spindle is unscrewed.

Abstract: A shooting target apparatus which can be used for mounting air-pressurized containers as targets in shooting ranges. When the pressurized container is hit by a projectile, the sound of a small explosion provides an added excitement in the shooting experience. The container can also be partially filled with a fluid or granular material to create an added visual effect of an explosion.

Abstract: A system for locating a downed aircraft is provided. The system includes a canister. The canister has an internal housing and a door. The door covers an opening leading into the internal housing. The present invention includes a plurality of inflatable pods having a light and a battery powering the light. The pods include a deployed position and a stowed position. The stowed position includes the deflated pods within the canister and the deployed position includes the inflated pods released from the canister and inflated. When an aircraft is crashing, the canister may be released from the aircraft, the pods may be released from the canister and inflated, and the light may be powered.

Abstract: A system for filling balloons with lift gas is provided. The system includes apparatus for use with a balloon envelope of a balloon. This apparatus includes a main body having first and second portions. The first portion has a fill port and a hollow tube portion in communication with the fill port. The second portion has a surface and is insertable into a predefined opening in the balloon envelope. The surface of the second portion is configured to attach to an inner portion of the balloon envelope when the second portion is inserted in the predefined opening.

Abstract: Method of protecting a device using a protection device is provided. The protection device includes a water pressure sensor, a visibility sensor, an airbag, and a protection unit that is in communication with the water pressure sensor, the visibility sensor, and the airbag through a data bus. The protection unit obtains a water pressure value from the water pressure sensor, and activates the visibility sensor when the water pressure value is greater than a first predetermined value. The protection unit further obtains a visibility value from the visibility sensor, and inflates the airbag when the visibility value is less than a second predetermined value for a predetermined duration.

Abstract: A portable device for rapidly inflating an inflatable bag is disclosed, which comprises at least one inlet intended to be connected to a source of compressed gas, in order to allow this gas to expand into an air intake chamber, the inlet being associated with a mechanism that triggers the release of the compressed gas to the air intake chamber, the latter having an opening allowing atmospheric air to be admitted and an outlet intended to be connected to the bag that is to be inflated. The device further comprises an intermediate distribution chamber for the compressed gas, which chamber is arranged between the inlet and the air intake chamber in order to connect the one to the other, and ejection holes arranged so as to open into a lateral wall of the air intake chamber in order to connect the latter to the intermediate distribution chamber.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to filling and lifting high altitude balloons. For instance, one example system for lifting and filling a balloon having a balloon envelope includes an apparatus for use with the balloon envelope. The apparatus includes a load line, a fill tube having a hollow portion nested within the load line and a termination member attached to the fill tube and load line. The load line is configured to lift the balloon envelope during inflation. The fill tube extends through the load line and is configured to allow lift gas to pass through the hollow portion. The termination member is configured to mate with an opening in the balloon envelope so that lift gas can pass through the hollow portion of the fill tube and into the opening in the balloon envelope.

Abstract: A device and technique for impact detection and indication includes a housing; a mass member located within the housing, the housing configured to enable movement of the mass member from a first position to a second position within the housing in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event; and first and second biasing members disposed within the housing and biased toward each other to retain the mass member in the first position. In response to receipt by the housing of the acceleration event, the mass member is configured to overcome the biasing force of the first biasing member and move from the first position to the second position, and wherein the first and second biasing members each comprises a leaf spring member having a length greater than a width of the mass member and disposed transversely to a direction of movement of the mass member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an airbag system and, more particularly, to such a system employed as a rescue or life-saving system to enable a person to survive an avalanche. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to an airbag system utilized with a backpack to be worn by a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or snowmobiler, for example. Instead of relying upon compressed gas cartridges or cylinders to inflate the airbag(s), the invention inflates the airbag(s) with ambient air only. In a particular embodiment, air is supplied to the airbag by means of a battery-powered electrical motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an aircraft location system comprising an aircraft structure and a number of acoustic reflectors associated with the aircraft structure. The number of acoustic reflectors is configured to generate first sound signals in response to receiving second sound signals.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from impact and/or provide inverse segregation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system is configured to transmit gas into and out of the inflatable chamber to transition between the inflated state and compressed state. The inflation system may automatically deflate or transmit the gas from the inflatable chamber external of the system. Automatic deflation of the inflatable chamber may be via a valve corresponding to a particular value such as time or three dimensional position of the user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The activation system also includes a reinflation algorithm configured to automatically reactivate the inflation system after a period of time to maintain the inflated state of the inflatable chamber. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A system for assisting a distressed diver in order to communicate with the surface includes a housing that includes a portion containing a gas canister and an upper portion that is in fluid contact with an expandable balloon. By manipulating the upper portion, a needle or other activation mechanism dispenses the gas in the canister and allows the balloon to inflate. The housing is lifted by the balloon to the surface and is attached to a lockable spool reel tethered to the diver. The balloon may be also inflated for other uses in buoyancy, notification, and to frighten potentially dangerous threats when the spool reel is locked at an appropriate depth.

Abstract: A rescue locator signal is provided that includes a central member with a first arm extending therefrom in a first direction. A second arm extends from the central member in a second direction that is completely opposite to the first direction, and a third arm extends from the central member in a third direction. A fourth arm extends from the central member in a fourth direction that is completely opposite to the third direction. A plurality of reflective members are located on upper surfaces of the first arm, second arm, third arm, and fourth arm.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, diagnostic system and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber. The diagnostic system includes a at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter corresponding to the inflation system and a display configured to visually, audibly, and/or tactilely display the parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emergency notification device comprised of an inflatable balloon with an attached receiver, a reel containing a tethering string, a tank containing a lighter-than-air-gas for filling the balloon, and a balloon filling adapter. The balloon can be inflated and elevated to a height in order to make the location of the lost or injured person more conspicuous. A user can thread the tank into the adapter, attach the adapter to the receiver, and fill the balloon with a sufficient amount of lighter-than-air gas to achieve buoyancy. The device further includes an anchor strap for securing the balloon to the ground, and an illumination means that illuminates the entire balloon for increased visibility in lowlight or dark conditions.

Abstract: A location signaling device comprising a wing balloon for signaling a location. The wing balloon is fixed to a tether line that itself is fixed to the location to be signaled. The wing balloon has an inflatable aerodynamically shaped hollow body to be at least partly be filled with a lighter-than-air gas and having a wing attack surface for air flowing relative to said wing balloon. The floating aloft of said wing balloon is supported by said air flow. When the wing balloon is inflated, a flexible wing portion is passively variable. The stronger the wind, the less attack is given. Thus, the dragging force on the tether line is generally static.

Abstract: A light emitting inflatable safety beacon is disclosed for identifying a location of the beacon. The beacon comprises an elongated bladder defining an interior chamber extending between an upper end and a lower end. A tether extends between a first end and a second end. A couple links the tether with the elongated bladder for suspending the tether within the interior chamber. A light source is secured to the tether for emitting an electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation internally illuminates the elongated bladder for creating an illuminated beacon. The electromagnetic radiation traverses the elongated bladder for creating a location beacon.

Abstract: A location signalling device comprising a wing balloon for signalling a location. The wing balloon is fixed to a tether line that itself is fixed to the location to be signalled. The wing balloon has an inflatable aerodynamically shaped hollow body to be at least partly be filled with a lighter-than-air gas and having a wing attack surface for air flowing relative to said wing balloon. The floating aloft of said wing balloon is supported by said air flow. When the wing balloon is inflated, a flexible wing portion is passively variable. The stronger the wind, the less attack is given. Thus, the dragging force on the tether line is generally static.

Abstract: A battery includes a housing, a cathode and an anode within the housing, and a battery-life indicator including a fragrance that is released to indicate usage of the battery.

Abstract: There is provided a object locator device, convertible between an undeployed state and a deployed state, comprising an inflatable portion (2) of at least two linear portions arranged such that the angle between them is less than 180° when the device is in the deployed state, each linear portion being attached to an indicator portion (15) formed by a sheet, means for attachment of the device to the object at one or more pivot points and means (62) for inflation of the inflatable portion.

Abstract: An avalanche rescue device includes as functional parts at least one inflatable buoyant body attachable close to the body of the user, a filling unit for the buoyant body, and a compressed gas unit having a compressed gas tank and a release unit. The device is provided with a carrier system for the user to carry the functional parts on his or her back. The carrier system includes at least one flexible fabric element and is provided with a first connecting mechanism which interacts with a second connecting mechanism of a separate container such that the carrier system can be detachably connected to the container to form a jointly-manipulable backpack and which is thereby sandwiched between the user's back and the container in the conjoined state. This avalanche rescue device is universally applicable compared to the previously-known avalanche rescue devices.