Abstract: A self-inflatable balloon has a communication discernible on its surface and has its mouth opening pneumatically sealed to a funnel through which air is selectively directed upon actuation of a triggering event. Audible communication may also be actuated by the same or a different triggering event. A method of communicating comprises a message which becomes cognizable upon inflation of a message carrying device.

Abstract: An airfoil which is capable of being inflated either by using a lighter-than-air or other gas from a gas cylinder or by oral inflation comprising an aerodynamically shaped inflatable portion, a flexible keel and two flexible winglets, one spaced on each side of the keel equipped with a tether system for providing the airfoil aerodynamic stability and maneuverability in flight.

Abstract: An inflatable marking device for marking a position comprising an inflatable balloon for receiving a lighter than air gas for inflating the balloon to cause the balloon to rise to mark a position. A line is secured at one end around the throat of the balloon and at the other end to a handle to maintain the balloon at the desired position. The handle is provided with a nipple for receiving the throat of the balloon, a spool around which the line is wound, and a shoulder to keep the line from overlapping onto the nipple when unwinding the line from the spool. One end of the handle is an opening for sealing around a gas cartridge when the cartridge is inserted therein, and a pin valve is positioned within the opening for engaging the cartridge to cause the gas to escape from the cartridge, through the nipple, and into the balloon.

Abstract: While the broad invention is directed to a device automatically releasable of a balloon when a predetermined degree of inflation has been achieved, in a preferred combination there is included the inflatable balloon, the balloon being restrained by a restraining mechanism until inflation by a lever mechanism when moved beyond a predetermined point representing the degree of balloon inflation desired, causes the restraining mechanism to release the balloon, and the restraining mechanism including a biasing spring to facilitate rapid release, together with the balloon gas-input spincter rubber valve having inserted therethrough a gas-inflating needle providable of inflating gas from a compressed or pressurized gas source or gas container contained in an open-top box having a lid, until the opening of the lid actuates a gas-release valve to inflate the balloon; release of the inflated balloon facilitates the pulling of the balloon's spincter rubber valve off-of the gas-inflating needle, the gas being preferably

Abstract: An amusement device constructed to simulated a gift package, e.g. for a birthday, or for Christmas. The package is subdivided into a compressed air chamber and a balloon storage compartment. When the person receiving the gift package attempts to open it, the balloon is automatically inflated so as to pop out of the package.

Abstract: A survival kit apparatus is set forth wherein the same provides for a container formed with a pivotally mounted lid securable about a forward face of the container. The kit includes a selectively illuminated compass formed within the lid and a secondary storage container formed through the lid containing food rations and cutlery therein. The interior of the container includes a spool of flexible tether line formed with axially extending axles from the spool. A valved pressurized helium container has secured thereto an inflatable signal balloon and a flashlight removably positioned within a padded tubular support holder removably secured within the container along a forwardmost wall thereof.

Abstract: An emergency signal balloon apparatus having a helium canister, an emergency signal balloon, a predetermined length of tether line, a valve assembly and a two part canister housing within which all of the components can be carried. The balloon is constructed of ultra-light, high-strength material, such as Mylar, and most of it would have an iridescent color, such as hunter's orange, with the upper portion having large wedged shaped sections of a highly reflective silver material. The balloon would further have large black letters, "CALL 911" which is the universal distress telephone number. Each of the letters of the message is bordered with highly reflective material so that when light strikes the material at night the message is clearly reflected and is highly visible.

Abstract: Two half sections of bamboo defining three chambers contain a pre-inflated helium gas balloon with a radio beacon, two bags of surface dye, and bait fish. The sections are secured together by multiple wrappings of line ending in hooks or lures. When the associated probe is deployed, the windings unravel in free-fall--separating the half sections and dispersing the bait. The balloon is released and descends to the water surface, where the line hooks and the bait submerge. An aquatic nibble causes the balloon to bob. A more forceful bite separates the bags of dye--creating a surface marker. If a hook is set, the line also extracts a pin from the balloon--activating the radio beacon and freeing it to rise to an altitude where an induced leak soon results in the balloon redescending to the surface of the water. Upon reaching the surface, normal wave propagation forces out the residual gas and the balloon, being no longer buoyant under the weight of the radio beacon, sinks to the ocean bottom.

Abstract: Identification of work pieces such as wrenches by providing a unique color marking that permits a desired wrench to be selected from a group of wrenches by identifying the unique marking. The marking can be a color code provided by a single band of colored tape affixed to the work piece and unique for each different size of the work piece. In another color coding scheme a different color is assigned to each different digit of the numerical system. Two color bands can then represent a two digit numerator of a functional size and two additional color bands can represent the denominator so that any size from 0 to 98/99 can be indicated.

Abstract: Helium inflatable emergency locator balloon having a longitudinal body and side wings defining horizontally a triangular, bilaterally symmetrical tetralobate monochamber having a forward lobate nose, a rearward lobate hind section and flanking rearward lobate wings, the latter three lobate portions being in side by side spaced apart and unconnected relation to each other and the hind section end extending rearwardly slightly beyond the wind ends, and in inflated condition each of the body and wings defining in longitudinal cross section a bilaterally symmetrical convex profile having a slightly rounded upper side and underside, a small rounded leading edge and an acutely pointed trailing edge, and a respective tail of streamer strips attached to each of the hind section and wing ends, such strips preferably constituting tuned radar reflective dipole strips, and optionally alternatively similar dipole strips being individually loosely disposed within the balloon, and a gas supply device for inflating the ballo

Abstract: A device for providing location data for use by a lost child or adult or an individual in need of assistance. The device is in the form of a small compact unit including a container having a top case and a bottom case containing a deflated airfoil and a gas cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas such as helium. A release key which when pulled allows the top case to separate from the bottom case and automatic inflation of the airfoil commences. The plunger strikes a lever driving a puncture pin into the gas cylinder filling the airfoil through a one way valve. The airfoil is tethered at one end by a line and is attached to the bottom case and maintains flight even in adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: A signal balloon (2, 2') has an inflated configuration that is horizontally elongated with opposite tapered ends (4, 6, 4', 6'). The balloon (2, 2') is shaped and dimensioned to cause it to ascend in response to an increase in wind speed. The sidewalls of the balloon (2, 2') have light transmitting portions (10, 10') and reflective portions (12, 12'). A light (40, 40') is positioned inside the balloon (2, 2'). The light may be an electric lamp (40) connected to a power source (64) on the ground via an electrically conductive tether (34). The light (40') may also be the upper end of a fiber optic conductor tether (34') which has a lower end connected to a light source (92') on the ground. The balloon (2') is provided with pivotable lower and upper lift members (22', 24') which are connected to the tether (34') and pivot in response to changes in orientation of the tether (34') to increase the lift of the balloon (2') when the tether (34') inclines away from a vertical position.

Abstract: A warning and signaling system includes a kite attached to a flexible tether rope wherein one end of the rope is secured to a person or a lifeboat. The kite is made from a material having high visibility and includes radar reflective material. The tether rope may carry an antenna for a radio transmitter and receiver. An optional inflatable chamber provides rigidity to the kite. The kite may be provided with a tail having radar reflective swatches attached thereon.

Abstract: A balloon closure head for mounting a balloon and a lamp for illuminating the balloon, as well as apparatus for conducting air to inflate and deflate the balloon and apparatus for conducting electricity to the lamp. The conducting apparatus employs needle nose piercing elements which pierce supply channels for both gas and electricity carried by rectangular conduits sealably clamped to the closure head. In one embodiment, a single pair of conductive hollow needle nose piercing elements and cooperating non-return valves supply both gas for the balloon and electricity for the lamp.

Abstract: A non-rigid, gas inflatable airfoil having a bulbous inflatable forward body and three spaced-apart rearwardly extending inflatable tails. The tails are attached to the rearward portion of the body and form with the body a single inflatable chamber. The central tail is yieldably biased into an upwardly inclined position, and a pair of sheets extend between the tails. The airfoil has a generally delta shape and provides a positive lift when exposed to wind. The airfoil is connected to a single tie down line by a single attachment member and swivel attached to a central portion of the underside of the body. The body and tails have sufficient interior gas containing volume that when filled with a lighter-than-air gas will offset the weight of the airfoil. The bulbous body contains enough lighter-than-air gas that the airfoil assumes a vertical orientation with the body above the tail when in the water or in the air without wind.

Abstract: A torpedo recovery unit positionable within a torpedo casing having an opening for receiving the unit. The unit includes a body with an interior cavity having an open end mountable within the torpedo casing with the open end at the torpedo casing opening. The body is rigidly supported within the torpedo casing. A non-rigid, gas-inflatable airfoil is foldable within the body cavity for deployment therefrom upon inflation. A bottle containing pressurized helium is rigidly and removably attached to the body. A release valve on the bottle releases the pressurized gas on depression. A valve member is rigidly attached to the body. A first end portion extends through the body end wall and projects into the body cavity and has an inflation needle mounted thereof for inflation of the airfoil. A valve member has a second end portion positioned outside of the body and operatively engaging the release valve when the bottle is attached to the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to life spotting package comprising a lighter than air inflatable cylindrical device of an international orange composite having an inflated diameter of the order of one foot in diameter and a length of the order of five feet. A mirror finish helical strip of highly light reflective material runs from the top of the cylinder and winding axially 360.degree. down and around the cylinder to its bottom. The cylinder is of a metallic foil over plastic composite and is radar reflective. The bottom of the cylinder has an apron for the attachment of signaling devices by way of grommet eyelets and velcro patches. The cylinder is provided by a helium charged no return cannister. There is provision for introducing the helium from the cannister into the inflatable cylindrical device making the cannister part of the airborne lighter than air cylindrical device.

Abstract: An improved emergency signalling device for use by skiers, hunters and other persons who may be exposed to the outdoors, remote from civilization, and who may in the course of their avocation or occupation become injured or disabled while far removed from contact with assistance. The device comprises a package, which may be secured by straps to a limb or the body of the person, the package containing a signal balloon, a helium container and a reel for paying out a length of tether line together with means for easily inflating the balloon with the helium and sending it aloft to attract the attention of searchers who may be looking for the person in distress. Radar reflective streamers are provided to improve the radar reflectivity of the balloon and thus make it easier to locate by searchers using radar from the air or water.

Abstract: A balloon distress marker wherein the balloon has, in a wall thereof, a small compartment interiorly of the balloon and accessible through an aperture in the wall of the balloon for retaining an article therein. The compartment is substantially smaller than the volumne of the balloon and is useable for interconnecting balloons in series or inserting a flashlight therein to illuminate the balloon. A coupling for interconnecting balloons is preferably a small balloon in itself which can be inflated when in the compartment. A two-part balloon wherein the two parts are interconnected by a narrow neck portion rendering the marker useable as a life preserver. A rescue kit consisting of a casing having a removable top that can be illuminated by flashlights in the cap. Located within the container is a cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas for inflating the balloon.

Abstract: A system for automatically filling and launching balloons which may be used, for example, for cloud seeding. The system includes a balloon launching station frame, a nozzle mounted on the frame onto which the narrow end of a balloon can be attached so that gas can flow through the nozzle into the balloon, a conduit coupled to a source of gas and to the nozzle for delivering gas through the nozzle into the balloon, gas flow control apparatus responsive to first signals for controlling the flow of gas through the conduit, and a release mechanism responsive to second signals for disengaging the balloon from the nozzle to thereby release the balloon to the atmosphere. For launching a series of balloons, the system may include a plurality of nozzles, conduits, gas flow control mechanisms, and release mechanisms arranged so that after one balloon is filled and released, a second balloon may be filled and launched at a selectable time thereafter, etc.

Abstract: A safety diving backpack, specifically a one-piece, detachable diving backpack, that may serve to dispose water-resistant handlights, life buoys, kettles and spin reel, complete with wires or ropes in the hollow cylinder and in the spaces as provided on both sides and on the underside thereof respectively. The linkage as provided by such wire-ropes to fellow divers allows divers to ask for help from such fellow divers in case of an emergency that befalls a diver equipped accordingly. In addition, by virtue of the striking marks and alarm signals of the headlights and life buoys released at the outbreak of fatal tides or other dangerous situations to the diver, the rescue teams can detect them in time so as to give necessary help to the endangered diver.

Abstract: A system for automatically filling and launching balloons which may be used, for example, for cloud seeding. The system includes a balloon launching station frame, a nozzle mounted on the frame onto which the narrow end of a balloon can be attached so that gas can flow through the nozzle into the balloon, a conduit coupled to a source of gas and to the nozzle for delivering gas through the nozzle into the balloon, gas flow control apparatus responsive to first signals for controlling the flow of gas through the conduit, and a release mechanism responsive to second signals for disengaging the balloon from the nozzle to thereby release the balloon to the atmosphere. For launching a series of balloons, the system may include a plurality of nozzles, conduits, gas flow control mechanisms, and release mechanisms arranged so that after one balloon is filled and released, a second balloon may be filled and launched at a selectable time thereafter, etc.

Abstract: A signal device for indicating, by day or by night, the location of a person adrift on the surface of a body of water, consisting of a vividly colored inflatable tube made of thin, flexible but nearly inextensible material, provided with a one-way valve for inflation by mouth, and a miniature electric lamp coupled to a water-activated battery. The tube is permanently attached to a life jacket or other garment and has a flag secured to its free end. The tube or the flag or both contain a metallic pigment or are covered with a layer of such material so as to be radar detectable.

Abstract: An aerial lift balloon and signalling 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 signalling 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 with the signalling components suspended therefrom.

Abstract: A rescue signal for use by a person in the water, consists of a tube of thin flexible material, at least about as long as the user's arm and as wide as his hand, inflatable by mouth, of a vivid color such as the international emergency orange. A flag of a similar but contrasting color may be fastened to the distal end. A lanyard for fastening to the user's garment is preferably included. The signal is folded into a compact package and is carried in a downward opening pocket on the user's outer garment, which is preferably a life jacket.

Abstract: A self-contained signal balloon dispensing apparatus provides a lower case having a bottom and attaches to enclosing side walls with an open top. An upper lid assembly hingedly affixes to the lower case at the open top, the lid assembly providing at least a pair of half enclosure sections, at least one of which provides a horizontal partition when in a closed position to at least partially seal the open top. A vertical partition is mounted within the lower case and divides the lower case into two parts. A shaft is mounted within the lower case and attaches at one end portion to the partition and at the opposite end portion to the side wall. A dispensing spool wound with a length of tether line is rotatably mounted on the shaft. A helium gas dispensing canister is mounted in the lower case on the opposite side of the partition from the spool. An inflatable balloon is mounted within the case and connects to the canister.

Abstract: An impact apparatus responsive to a time rate of change of velocity of a housing is used to activate a system. A specific application of the invention fixes the housing to an aircraft body with an inertial member movably contained within the housing and uses the relative movement between the housing and inertial member upon impact to inflate and elevate a balloon above the aircraft.

Abstract: A device for producing a rescue signal for use by a person who is lost or has had an accident. The device is in the form of a compact package including a casing containing a deflated and collapsed balloon, and a cartridge of compressed gas, such as helium, air, or CO.sub.2, and a hand lever for forcing the cartridge to puncture it. A needle tube has a first, pointed, end for puncturing the cartridge, and a second end extending into the balloon, and the balloon has a sphincter valve normally holding the balloon on the needle tube, and closing when the balloon is inflated and released. A pull tab is provided on the balloon for grasping by the user for releasing the balloon, and a tether line is tied to the balloon and wound on a spool. The casing is normally closed, confining nearly all of the other components and readily opened manually for exposing those elements. It may be small and light in weight for carrying on the person as in hiking, ski-ing, mountain climbing, etc.

Abstract: The present warning and/or signalling device is intended to provide radar signal reflections for locating a ship or an aircraft wreck or reflected warning signals when sensing the approach of a vessel, such as a submarine. For this purpose a radar reflector forms a unit with a first buoyancy or lift structure. The unit in turn is stored in a second buoyancy or lift structure which may be placed below or above sea level. The second buoyancy or lift structure is further equipped with identification and/or other types of sensors.

Abstract: A signalling device for underwater divers, in the form of an inflatable bladder held within a container and attached to a reel. The device can be attached to a diver, being strapped to his arm or to his air tank, for example. The device can be actuated by pulling a handle, which releases a gas cartridge to inflate the bladder as it is simultaneously released from the container to float to the surface. Rescuers can then follow the line down to the reel to locate the diver.

Abstract: An inflatable automobile warning reflector device, usable also as a floatation buoy, comprises an inflatable triangular body formed of three tubular sides joined at their ends to define a triangle. The front faces of the tubular sides forming the triangular body are covered with reflecting material. At two lower corners of the triangular body, inflatable L-shaped tubular supports project rearwardly to support the triangular body in an upright position on the ground and also to receive weights for anchoring the device. One leg of one of the supports serves as an inflating tube. A belt hook at the upper corner provides for hanging the device from a raised trunk lid of a car or other support.

Abstract: A device for aiding in the location of a person or object comprises a balloon connected by a valve to a container for a pressurized gas lighter than air, all of which are disposed within a casing in which a tethering line for the balloon is disposed and held closed by a releasable strap and lid which also holds the valve closed and which is operative to permit escape of the balloon and gas container from the casing whilst simultaneously opening the valve to admit gas into the balloon whereby the inflated balloon with the gas container connected thereto can rise into the air at one end of the tethering line.

Abstract: A distress signal device comprising an inflatable balloon, a tether line with one end attached to the balloon and its other end attached to a casing and a gas cartridge or vial containing water or ammonium halide solution and metal hydride crystals located within the casing. A cartridge actuator apparatus is also provided which comprises a spring loaded pin axially aligned with the end of the glass vial, a line connected to a blunt end of the pin with the other end of the line being looped around an inclined leg of a support member connected to the inner side wall of the casing and a rod. A ball weight is connected by a universal joint to the lower end of the rod, and coil springs are located between the inner casing wall and the ball weight on all sides so that upon an impact of predetermined force the ball weight moves a sufficient distance to release the rod causing the pin to puncture the glass vial to allow mixing of the liquid and crystals to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: A rescue signal device of this invention can be used on a life boat and on other objects for rescue, here more concerned about the use on a life boat. The device consists of a signal balloon which can float in the air high above the boat or object when the balloon is inflated with hydrogen in an emergency. The balloon used on a life boat is made of foldable, semi-transparent, red color and air proof material in cone shape having one end flat like a cut football. A circular board serving as a sail is attached to the flat end of the balloon. The balloon is linked to the life boat by several cables tied to the periphery of the circular board. Wind force acting on the face of the circular board gives power to sail the boat for saving the refugee's physical strength. The circular board can change the angle of attack of the wind by operating the cables to co-operate with rudder for proper heading of the boat.

Abstract: A flexible hose line which may be used for loading and unloading oil tankers having a secondary fluid retaining reinforcement carcass to retain leakage and to indicate by radial expansion failure of the main carcass. The secondary carcass may be of high elongation material or may have an angle of lay of the reinforcement to give radial expansion on pressurization.