Abstract: The present invention is about the emergency position indicating device using RCS. As the present invention is to solve problems finding out the locations of victims in emergency, it allows easily to find the location of victims immediately in day/night time or even in bad weather, and exceeds the weak points of EPIRB that have 4 miles of the error range and is not applicable for individual portables, and Cyalume Lightstick that have a limit for the indication range. As floating it on the air (10˜30 m) for a long time after injecting the lighter gas than air into the balloon type equipment that contains the reflection body covered (coated) by the metal film of Dihedral or Tri-hedralal structure of which can maximize RCS, it has the characteristic to notify the locations of victims effectively by strongly reflecting the radar wave from a sailing or searching radar of adjacent ships or the rescue.

Abstract: A deployable signaling device and method of use thereof which includes material with detectable properties such that it can be distinguished from a background when deployed in various environments. Such detectable properties may include visible detection, detection by hyperspectral imaging sensors, radio wave detection, and/or detection other electromagnetic differentiation from the background in which the material is associated or adjacent to. In one preferred form, the selectively detectable material has an deployable shape having a plurality of directional biasing elements associated with said material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air-floating device for rescue, which comprises a portable box divided into several compartments, a gas bottle containing a gas lighter than the air, a reel having an appropriate length of string, balloons, and ribbons of different colors. The gas bottle, balloons, reel, and ribbons are respectively arranged inside the compartments. When a disaster or disorientation occurs during an activity like mountain-climbing or rafting, the balloon is filled with the gas from the gas bottle and tied with the ribbon and string at the mouth, and then let the balloon float high above to make a conspicuous mark for the rescue team. Further, the color of the ribbon indicates the status of casualty, such as injury or death.

Abstract: A device for deploying an aerostat includes a cylindrical shaped container having an open end and a closed end and a center tube axially oriented in the container. A tapered disc is mounted for axial movement on the center tube, and it has a taper of increasing diameter in an axial direction from the closed end toward the open end of the container. In its operation, the tapered disc is held in a first position while a portion of the aerostat is loaded into the container. It is then moved to a second position wherein the tapered disc holds the loaded portion of the aerostat in the container. Thereafter, the disc is moved to a release position wherein the disc directs deployment of the aerostat from the container.

Abstract: An automated balloonsonde launcher and a method for an automated balloonsonde launch are disclosed. The automated balloonsonde launcher, for example, may comprise a collapsible protective cover forming an inner region for receiving a balloon, a gas inlet for receiving a gas, a gas outlet for mating with a balloon, a valve operable between the gas inlet and the gas outlet for inflating a balloon within the inner region of the protective cover. The launcher further comprises a controller that controls the valve to inflate a balloon within the protective cover, opens an opening in the protective cover and releases a balloon through the opening of the protective cover.

Abstract: A apparatus for use in surviving at least one of an avalanche and a mudslide. The apparatus includes a housing having a selectively inflatable member stored therein. The apparatus further includes a means connected to the housing for securing the housing to a user and means connected to the selectively inflatable member for inflating the selectively inflatable member. Upon activation of the inflating means the selectively inflatable member is caused to inflate and be expelled from the housing forming a support for the user and stay on a surface of at least of avalanching snow and sliding mud.

Abstract: A resin fixture that is inserted into a stator for an electric motor for a pump for the purpose of insulating the stator with resin. The resin fixture includes a rubber cover that is inflated. The fixture thereby prevents the stator bore from filling with resin.

Abstract: A self-contained, emergency marker for attaching to, and selectively ascending from, a scuba diver's buoyancy control device. A buoy portion is contained in an enclosure and is selectively released therefrom by an activating apparatus. A buoy inflates, escapes from a buoy sub-enclosure by buoyancy, and tethers a buoy cord out of a buoy cord sub-enclosure when a pull pin is released, causing an upper end of an arm to bias away from the buoy sub-enclosure, causing a lower end of the arm to pivot toward the buoy sub-enclosure, causing a pin to rise and puncture a CO2 cartridge. The buoy has thereon a beeper and a flashing strobe light that electrically communicate with a battery interface that, in one embodiment is located in the buoy, and in another embodiment is located in the buoy cord sub-enclosure.

Abstract: A device for locating a person has a housing with an interior and an opening into the interior. The device also has a locator balloon stored the housing interior which is deployable from the housing through the housing opening when the device is actuated. The balloon is stored in a nesting arrangement with a portion of the housing with the balloon being collapsed around the housing portion and substantially conforming therewith. The balloon is deployed in a manner such that the balloon passes over the housing portion as the balloon expands out of through the housing opening and inflates with the housing attached to the balloon. The device also has a source of gas that is lighter than air positioned within an interior of balloon. The gas source is released to expand and inflate the balloon when the device is actuated.

Abstract: An individual's location is marked to facilitate rescue even under windy weather conditions by using a device including a deflated kite-type balloon attached to a secured line. When rescue is desired, the deflated kite-type balloon is inflated with lighter than air gas and released while secured by the line.

Abstract: A device for locating a person has a housing with an interior and an opening into the interior. The device also has a locator balloon stored the housing interior which is deployable from the housing through the housing opening when the device is actuated. The balloon is stored in a nesting arrangement with a portion of the housing with the balloon being collapsed around the housing portion and substantially conforming therewith. The balloon is deployed in a manner such that the balloon passes over the housing portion as the balloon expands out of through the housing opening and inflates with the housing attached to the balloon. The device also has a source of gas that is lighter than air positioned within an interior of balloon. The gas source is released to expand and inflate the balloon when the device is actuated.

Abstract: A hands free signal device for use in conjunction with a scuba system. The hands free signal device includes an inflatable member engaged with an inflation source. The inflation source, for example, can be a tank of compressed air commonly used in scuba diving or can be a smaller, self-contained cylinder of carbon dioxide. The signaling device is adapted for use in conjunction with a scuba diving buoyancy compensation jacket and is activated by pulling on a cord within easy reach of the scuba diver.

Abstract: A emergency indicating and signaling device for indicating the area of an emergency. The emergency indicating and signaling device includes a housing having a tubular configuration and wall having a top edge and a bottom edge. A balloon and launch device is extended in a top opening of the housing defined by the top edge. The balloon and launch device includes a helium containing gas canister, a biasing member biasing a strike pin toward the canister, and retaining pin extended through the biasing member. A balloon is positioned over the canister. Removing the retaining pin causes the strike pin to puncture the canister such that air flows from the canister and into the balloon. An elongated cord has a first end coupled to the housing and a second end coupled to the balloon for holding the balloon to the housing after it is inflated and floats into the air to signal for help.

Abstract: A rescue signal device for indicating the location of a person requiring rescue attention. The rescue signal device includes a canister. The canister has a lumen therein adapted for holding helium under relatively high pressure. The canister has an aperture therein for access into the lumen. A valve means releases the helium from the canister. The valve means is fluidly mounted to the aperture in the canister. A balloon has an opening therein. An elongate tube has a first end and a second end. The first end of the tube is fluidly coupled to the valve means. The second end of the tube is fluidly coupled to the opening in the balloon, such that the helium may enter the balloon via the tube.

Abstract: A hands free signal device for use in conjunction with a scuba system. The hands free signal device includes an inflatable member engaged with an inflation source. The inflation source, for example, can be a tank of compressed air commonly used in scuba diving or can be a smaller, self-contained cylinder of carbon dioxide. The signaling device is adapted for use in conjunction with a scuba diving buoyancy compensation jacket and is activated by pulling on a cord within easy reach of the scuba diver.

Abstract: A deterrent device comprises a portable container having a cavity disposed therein and an actuator mechanism disposed within the cavity. An inflatable deterrent extends outwardly from the actuator mechanism, the inflatable deterrent is substantially contained within the cavity in a non-operative configuration. The actuator mechanism is activated by an operator to attain an operative configuration in which the actuator mechanism inflates the inflatable deterrent outwardly from the container, an assailant being deterred by the inflated inflatable deterrent.

Abstract: The present invention is a rescue device including a casing having a hollow interior area. The casing includes an opened top and enclosed bottom. Removably secured to the opened top is a lid. Located within the casing is a gas cylinder, having a gas that is lighter than air. This gas cylinder is coupled to a collapsible and inflatable balloon. A sensing mechanism is coupled to a valve. This valve is coupled to the gas cylinder. Once a change in the electrical potential is detected via the sensing mechanism, it triggers the valve. This will cause the valve to open and hence allow for the gas to enter and fill the balloon. During the inflation process, the balloon expands and inherently causes the top to be lifted and remove for allowing the balloon to float and travel upwards. The balloon is maintained to the device via a tether.

Abstract: A hands free signal device for use in conjunction with a scuba system. The hands free signal device includes an inflatable member engaged with an inflation source. The inflation source, for example, can be a tank of compressed air commonly used in scuba diving or can be a smaller, self-contained cylinder of carbon dioxide. The signaling device is adapted for use in conjunction with a scuba diving buoyancy compensation jacket and is activated by pulling on a cord within easy reach of the scuba diver.

Abstract: A signal balloon for providing a portable assembly to launch a signal balloon to indicate the location of the user to others. The signal balloon includes a case having a top that can be opened. A spool is rotatably mounted in the case. An elongate flexible element is wound around the spool. A container is disposed in the case and coupled to an end of the flexible element. An inflatable balloon is disposed in the case and coupled to the container such that the balloon is in fluid communication with the container. A check valve is interposed between the balloon and the container.

Abstract: A marker suitable for use in a golf fairway having a base portion suitable for installation in a ground hole, and a hollow upper body portion fixed to the upper end of the base portion which includes a dome formed of resilient material. The dome has a normal, unstressed raised condition in which it protrudes above ground level, to be readily visible to golfers, and has a depressed condition in which it is close to ground level and in which the material is stressed such that it tends to move to the normal, raised condition. A generally closed chamber beneath the dome has one-way valve means which allows air to be rapidly expelled from the chamber when the dome is depressed but restricts air flow into the chamber to delay recovery from the depressed condition.

Abstract: A emergency rescue aid system including a waistpack having an open interior with a removable flap and a waistband attached thereto for coupling with a user. At least one balloon is positioned within the waistpack. Each balloon includes a netting positionable therearound. A light is positioned within the waistpack and is positionable on the upper extent of each balloon. A reel of wire is provided. The wire having a central electrical power cable, an exterior woven wire and an intermediate electrically insulating shield, adapted to couple at its upper end the light and to be supported on the reel at its lower end. At least one helium container is positioned on the waistpack. The helium container being adapted to fill at least one balloon to effect its rising upon being inflated.

Abstract: A location identification balloon system for use by lost or injured hikers and the like that includes a balloon filled with helium that is secured with a tether and allowed to float above the tree level to allow a search plane or helicopter to readily locate the missing person. Cause the balloon to provide a flickering effect, the balloon has a number of air capturing pockets that cause the balloon to spin in the wind. The balloon and tether are attached by a swivel to allow the balloon to spin freely. The balloon is filled by pulling on a spool driven compression mechanism to cause a compression plate to compress the sealed tip end of a pressurized helium canister over the piercing tube end of a valve.

Abstract: A parking aid in the form of a vehicle position indicator and parking method that includes an alerting mechanism that deploys when a portion of the vehicle contacts a deployment mechanism positioned in a predetermined location to alert the driver that the desired position has been achieved. The vehicle position indicator includes a weighted base assembly, a deployment bellows assembly in connection with the weighted base assembly, and an inflatable recoil tube in air flow communication with the deployment bellows assembly and supported on the weighted base. The deployment bellows assembly has an air volume equal to the air volume of the inflatable recoil tube such that when the deployment bellows is fully compressed, the inflatable recoil tube is fully inflated.

Abstract: Lifesaving device for people in avalanches with two balloons at least one balloon is a tear-resistant balloon, which can be securable close to a user's body by means of an attachment. In an emergency the device is inflated by mean of pressurized gas so that it, just like a buoyancy body, keeps its user at the surface of the avalanche. A filling device connects at least one of the balloons to at least one pressurized gas container. The filling device includes a device to open the container and is connected to a filling hole of the balloon, in which case the pressurized gas container with filling device is secured, independent of the balloon, to the body of the user. Each balloon includes at least one pressurized gas container. The filling device for a complete, full filling of the balloons by means of the pressurized gas drawn from the pressurized gas bottles is connected via a pressure line to the filling hole of the balloon. All opening devices can be actuated via a common release mechanism.

Abstract: A swimmer's safety device including a casing having a top surface with a plurality of perforations to allow water to enter once submerged, and having a deflectable membrane along with a plunger to penetrate a dye material and puncture a rupturable bottom surface to release the dye into the water, once the casing is submerged to a depth predetermined aforehand, and for a time interval set in accordance with the skills of the swimmer, as well. The casing, in accordance with the invention, could be incorporated as part of a swimsuit construction, could be temporarily secured to the swimsuit of a wearer, or could be worn as a swimsuit accessory as a wristband, armband, headband, or necklace.

Abstract: A locator device used to provide location information for a user. The device comprises a case containing a deflated airfoil and an inert gas cylinder. The inert gas flows into the airfoil upon puncture of the cylinder by a valve having a puncture valve. The valve is operated by a twist from a user. The twist of the valve causes the puncture valve to be driven into the gas cylinder, thereby puncturing the gas cylinder. The gas flows into the airfoil until it is fully inflated. The inflation of the airfoil automatically pulls a pin from a quick-release assembly thereby allowing the airfoil to be released and deployed upon full inflation. The airfoil is anchored to the area of the user by attachment to the invention. All of the invention's elements are contained within a case having easily separable halves.

Abstract: A location indicator system is provided including a gas tank for containing helium gas therein. Also included is an actuation assembly for releasing the gas from the tank. Connected to the tank is a balloon adapted to inflate and lift the balloon upon the release of the gas from the tank.

Abstract: An aerial lift balloon and signaling components attached thereto are stored within a closure member held assembled with a breakaway housing to form a package storing an inflating device for the balloon. Removal of the closure member initiates inflation of the balloon and operation of the signaling components, while removal of an end cover of the package permits separation of the breakaway housing enabling the positioning of the inflating device by a flotation collar portion of the package for aerial launching of the balloon. A stroboscopic light suspended between the floatation collar and the aerial lift balloon provides enhanced visibility of the signal device.

Abstract: A rescue system is provided including a transmitter housing and a recovery assembly including a transmitter situated within an interior space of the transmitter housing. The transmitter is adapted for emitting an emergency signal via free space upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a moisture sensor situated on the transmitter housing and connected to the transmitter for actuating the same during the detection of a predetermined amount of moisture. A receiver unit includes a direction sensor for indicating a direction of the transmitter housing upon the receipt of the emergency signal via free space.

Abstract: An automatic, telescoping, buoyant identification device for use with a water sports life vest is provided having an otherwise conventional life vest/floatation device that is equipped with a telescoping spotting pole or flag mounted to the back of the vest. The spotting pole, constructed of a buoyant foam, slides freely within a tubular main housing such that when the wearer becomes submerged, the spotting pole automatically telescopes from the main housing into the air. It is envisioned that the spotting pole has a visible identification device, such as a flag, mounted on its end. The identification device is colored in a manner such that it will be highly visible to approaching boaters. It is envisioned that the present invention may also be sold as an add-on kit. The unit will attach to existing life vests using fastening devices, such as hook and loop fasteners, ties or belts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically releasing a gas from a pressurized cartridge of the gas is provided, especially for the purpose of inflating an emergency balloon. The apparatus includes an automatic signal balloon inflator, having a support structure, an upper surface and a bottom plate. The bottom plate has at least a single cartridge mount, each with a vent and a pin port. The pin port connects to the cartridge mount. At least a single pressurized cartridge, containing a gas stored under pressure, is received into each cartridge mount in the support structure. A spring loaded piston is mounted upon the support structure. A plunger with a piston contact surface and a puncture pin is forced by the spring loaded piston to depress and penetrate the pressurized cartridge, releasing the gas contents of the pressurized cartridge through the vent. A firing spring forces the piston to engage the plunger.

Abstract: The device of this invention has a deployable signalling or display structure for displaying messages on a display area of the structure to signal an event that exists within the building, including a distress event. The messages are provided by indicia placed on a display area of the structure. The signalling structure is large enough to be easily seen by persons who approach the entrance to the building, as well as persons at a safe distance from the building. The deployable signalling structure is stored within an enclosure adapted for installation to a portion of the building with a deployment opening directed to an exterior location away from the building. The signalling structure is deployed by forcing a fluid into the structure by way of a supply conduit from a deployment unit. A control valve is used to control the supply of fluid to the signalling structure from the deployment unit and to maintain the signalling structure deployed.

Abstract: An emergency signalling device is provided. The emergency signalling device includes a cylindrical canister pressurized with a quantity of a lighter than air gas. A valve is provided on the top of the canister for sealing the gas. An inflatable balloon is sealed to the top covering the valve. A cord is attached on one end to the canister and wrapped around the canister in a plurality of layers of cord, the combined canister and wrapped cord having a first diameter. A waxy substance secures the cord to the canister and each layer of the cord to adjacent layers of the cord. A loop forms a closed circle on the other end of the cord, the loop having a second diameter greater that the first diameter. In a specific embodiment the valve on the top for sealing the gas includes scoring on the top of the canister.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device 10 for marking an individual's location to facilitate rescue. The method comprises the step of removing a cover member or cap 24 of the device 10 which contains an inflatable balloon 40 to open a valve 28 of a cylinder 18 containing a pressurized, lighter than air gas which inflates a balloon 40, so that the balloon rises in the atmosphere. The balloon 40 is tied to one end of a line 48 that has another end attached to the device 10. Thus, the balloon 40 travels upward a distance essentially equal to the length of the line 48, hovering overhead to identify the individual's location.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon signalling device having a container which houses a balloon, a pressure vessel containing a lighter-than-air gas, a gas release actuator assembly, a gas release lever arm, a balloon filler connector and tube, and a rotatable spool carrying a tether line connected to the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for identifying a down diver in distress comprising activating automatic inflation means to inflate a tube, activating automatic signal means, to provide sensory indication of a diver in distress, releasing the tube and the signal means away from a diver's body, allowing the tube and the signal means to float to the surface of the water and signalling for help with the signal means.

Abstract: A rescue kit (10) for marking the position of a person or persons. The rescue kit (10) includes a balloon (12) having a body and a neck, and a canister (34) defining a cavity for containing a lighter-than-air gas (18) for inflating the balloon (12). The canister (34) is provided with a hole (58) for accessing the cavity and is provided with a membrane (26) covering the hole (58). The rescue kit (10) also includes a spool (32) which receives a securing line (20). The securing line (20) defines first and second ends, the first end of the securing line (20) being attached to the balloon (12), and the second end of the securing line being attached to the spool (32). Further, an inflating mechanism (50) is provided for selectively rupturing the membrane (26) of the canister (34) and communicating the lighter-than-air gas (18) from the canister (34) to the balloon (12).

Abstract: A floatable twin carcass hose has a main carcass surrounded by a secondary carcass adapted to expand radially if pressurized fluid leaks through the main carcass to between the two carcasses. There is buoyancy material around the secondary carcass, an outermost cover layer, and inextensible hoop reinforcement between the secondary carcass and outer cover at one or more localized positions along the length of the hose thereby locally to inhibit expansion of the cover if fluid leaks to between the carcasses.

Abstract: A novelty item is provided comprising a balloon, a container adapted to contain the balloon in a deflated state, and an inflation device adapted to act on the balloon. The inflation device includes a high pressure gas container and a valve coupled to the gas container. The valve is adapted to self-regulate and control the flow of gas into the balloon upon actuation thereof.

Abstract: An aerial marker device includes a bracket to attach the device to an elevated structure such as a power line. A body is attached to the bracket and includes an outer envelope which is inflatable to provide the desired shape of the aerial marker device.

Abstract: An emergency locating device allows an injured person to inflate and deploy a balloon using only one hand. The device has a cylindrical housing holding a cartridge pressurized with a quantity of a lighter-than-air gas, a quick-release fitting for removably attaching the balloon to the upper end of the housing, and an actuator extending from the lower end of the housing for causing a pin to puncture the cartridge when the actuator is depressed to allow gas to flow from the cartridge through the fitting to inflate the balloon. The fitting can be manually separated into a lower segment that remains attached to the housing, and an upper segment attached to the balloon that includes a one-way valve to prevent gas from escaping. The inflated balloon is tethered by a line to the housing. The upper portion of the housing can be used as a reel or spool to store the tether line when not in use.

Abstract: A distress signaling device is disclosed which may be used on land or water which supports a light system spelling out S.O.S. or other indicia which may also become inflated automatically when coming in contact with water and which also may contain a switch which activates the lights automatically when the device is unrolled from it's carrying position. It may also be inflated automatically by a compressed air canister when coming in contact with water or may be blown up manually by mouth and also becomes an emergency air supply. Also the device has a cavity in it's center through which a person's head may be inserted to keep their head above water and becomes an emergency supply of air.

Abstract: A marker device for marking an underwater location is provided and comprises a heavier-than-water weight member including a reel thereon, an elongated connector line attached to the weight member and wrapped on the reel when the marker device is not in use and unwrapped from the reel when a location is to be marked, an inflatable/deflatable marker balloon on the connector line and stored on the weight member in the deflated condition when the marker device is not in use and removed from the weight member for inflation when a location is to be marked, and valve means communicated to the marker balloon for permitting introduction of gas therein to inflate the balloon and release of gas therefrom for deflating the balloon.

Abstract: An emergency location marker system for capsized vessels is housed in an emergency location marker canister or container (10) secured by a bracket (22) to an exposed or outside surface of the vessel (60). An inflatable aerial location marker (40) is deflated and folded in the small space of the canister. The aerial location marker is formed to provide upon inflation a relatively large surface area flat configuration to blanket a sufficient area of the sea surface for high visibility. The high visibility sea surface area blanketing marker (40) is formed with at least one flexible joint (41) for responding flexibly to wave motion while adhering to the sea surface. The sea surface area marker may be in a flat circular configuration, for example six feet in diameter and formed with a high visibility color. Flexible joints (41) along intersecting diameters permit flexing of the flat circular configuration marker in response to waves from all directions.

Abstract: An emergency signaling system (10) is provided for simultaneously reflecting electromagnetic energy in two distinct bandwidths of the electromagnetic spectrum. The inflatable bladder (20) includes a first portion (22,24) reflective of electromagnetic energy in a visual portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and a second portion (30) being reflective of electromagnetic energy external the visual portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Inflatable bladder (20) is depolyed by applying a pulling force to the lanyard cord (50) which triggers release of a lighter-than-air gas from a cartridge (90). The expansion of the inflatable bladder (20) causes the closure flap (62) of the storage case (61) to be unlatched from the front wall (67), allowing the inflated bladder to ascend therefrom. Inflatable bladder (20) is tethered to the storage case (60) by way of a cord (50), the cord (50) being unwound from the cord storage assembly (70) of storage case (60).

Abstract: A self-contained, self-inflating balloon unit comprising a closed, inflatable balloon, a cannister containing compressed gas, at least partly inside the balloon, and a device for releasing the compressed gas from the cannister into the balloon to inflate the balloon. The balloon comprises an inflatable body portion and a neck portion, and the cannister is located in the neck portion. The cannister is preferably slidably mounted in a sleeve in the neck portion of the balloon. The sleeve includes a pin for rupturing the cannister when the cannister is urged against it. A one-way valve allows the gas to inflate the body portion but prevents its escape.In some embodiments the unit also includes a tether which is connected at one end to the sleeve and at the other end to the cannister. After the balloon is inflated, the cannister can be removed from the sleeve, extending the tether. The empty cannister serves as a handle for the tether.

Abstract: A balloon signalling system includes a hollow, generally cylindrical casing having a container section with an upper open end and a bottom closed end, and a cap placeable on the upper end of the container section to form an enclosure. Also included is a spool on which a string may be wound, with the spool being disposed in the container section near the bottom end thereof to rotate about a transverse axis. A cartridge containing lighter-than-air gas under pressure is disposed in the container section above the spool so that a nozzle end of the cartridge protrudes from the container section when the cap is removed. A valve is disposed in the nozzle end of the cartridge and is manually operable from a closed position to an open position to allow gas to escape from the cartridge out the nozzle end and into a balloon which is mounted on the nozzle end. The balloon is dimensioned to fit in the cap when deflated and includes a mouth which may be placed over the nozzle and to secure the balloon to the cartridge.

Abstract: A helium balloon is attached to, and in communication with a helium bottle and has attached thereto four guide lines so that selected lines can be pulled as needed to guide the balloon through clearings in overhead foliage. When not in use the lines are wound on a spindle to be packed with the deflated balloon. The spindle carries an arrowhead to be extended from one end thereof and driven into the ground to anchor the guide lines.

Abstract: A balloon signalling system which includes a hollow flexible casing having a container section with an upper open end and a bottom closed end, and a cap for placement on the upper end of the container section. A hollow flexible flask having an opening is disposed in the container section. Disposed in the flask is a reactable material which when contacted by a certain solution, produces hydrogen gas. Also disposed in the flask is a cartridge which is breakable when bent, with the cartridge containing the certain solution. A string or other tether is held in the container section of the casing, with one end of the string being attached to the casing. Also included is an inflatable balloon dimensioned to fit in the cap when deflated and having a mouth through which gas may pass into and out of the balloon. Positioned in the mouth is a one-way valve for allowing hydrogen gas to enter the balloon and for preventing discharge of gas therefrom.

Abstract: A location and signaling balloon device includes a lifting body balloon, a pressurized vessel of lighter-than-air gas and tethering apparatus for an inflated balloon. The tethering apparatus includes a tether line wound on a friction spool which is attached to a necked-down portion of the pressurized vessel. The friction spool prevents the tether line from freely paying out and snarling.