Abstract: An evacuation slide to provide an egress path from an exit of an aircraft. The evacuation slide includes one or more slide lanes. One or more jump targets and indicators are positioned along each of the slide lanes to visually inform persons how to enter a ramp of the slide. Lights illuminate one or more sections of the slide to further provide visual guidance on how to enter the ramp.

Abstract: A freestanding, adjustable, modular spiral staircase embodied in a unique method of spiral staircase design is provided. The steps of the spiral staircase are arrayed and supported in a circular pattern around a central column with the outside edges or leading or trailing corners of the steps are supported by three peripheral columns, while step posts interconnect adjacent steps. Many parts are interchangeable and the steps adjustable to allow for shortening or lengthening the staircase. The base of the staircase unit is heavy to provide maximum stability and to prevent tipping.

Abstract: A cat rescue device comprising a plastic mesh tunnel to serve as a passageway, support rings to keep the tunnel open, and weather-resistant material on top. Primarily designed to rescue cats, the device can also be used for cats to escape outdoor predators. The device is flexible, lightweight, and collapsible. It can be attached to a tree or building in an S-shape or spiral configuration, allowing the cat to come down in a gradual descent while moving forward. Multiple cat rescue devices can be adjoined to create any size tunnel. This solves the problem of tree climbers risking their lives, spending many hours in dangerous situations trying to coax the cat into their net, with ice, high winds, or rain further complicating matters. The tree climber will be able to quickly install the device and leave, allowing the cat to come down on its own. This makes the operation easier and less dangerous for both the cat and the rescuer.

Abstract: An inflatable slide may comprise a ramp portion and a slide portion having a head end attached to the ramp portion and a toe end opposite the head end. A ramp barrier readiness indicator may include a bendable portion located proximate the head end of the slide portion. The ramp barrier readiness indicator may be configured to pivot between a raised position and a lowered position in response to inflation of the slide portion.

Abstract: An evacuation slide may comprise a ballast bag attached to an underside of the evacuation slide. A first tension strap may be attached to the ballast bag. The tension strap may be configured to extend a bottom surface of the ballast bag away from the underside of the evacuation slide upon deployment of the evacuation slide.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a package delivered by an unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a collapsible package receiver adapted to be movably coupled to a building. The collapsible package receiver is configured to be placed from a collapsed position to a pop-out position to receive the package from the unmanned aerial vehicle. The apparatus has a memory associated with the package receiver which stores computer-readable instructions. A processor is configured to execute the instructions to: (a) determine a characteristic of the package delivered by the unmanned aerial vehicle to the package receiver; and (b) notify a user of the delivery of the package.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a compartment assembly having a blowout panel and a packboard configured to stow an evacuation system. The blowout panel may comprise a cover having a bracket mount and a bracket coupled to the bracket mount. The bracket may comprise a mating portion, a flange extending from the mating portion, a curved portion extending from the flange away from the blowout panel, and a lip portion extending from the curved portion opposite the direction of the curved portion. The packboard may comprise a slot configured to receive the bracket.

Abstract: An evacuation slide may comprise a sliding surface extending from a head end to a toe end of the evacuation slide. An extendable dropdown volume may be configured to increase a height of the sliding surface at the toe end of the evacuation slide. The extendable dropdown volume may be configured to remain in a stowed position at a first sill height and deploy at a second sill height greater than the first sill height.

Abstract: A shade adapted for covering a classroom viewing window and assisting with compliance with emergency protocol during an emergency is disclosed. The shade may include a plurality folds connected to each other by a plurality of hinges configured to cover a classroom viewing window. Emergency related information and status indicators may be revealed upon the unfolding of the shade to assist teachers, school officials, police, and others to comply with established school emergency protocol. The shade further fulfills the requirement that the classroom viewing window be covered during an emergency lockdown. The shade may function as a standard “Exit” sign during non-emergency time.

Abstract: Head support devices including two side supports with a central support suspended therebetween. In some embodiments, the central support may be configured to hold and provide support to a user's chin. A connector such as a strap may be configured to connect the side supports to one another, with the connector configured to wrap around the rear of a user's head or neck.

Abstract: An evacuation system may comprise an evacuation slide configured to be deployed from an aircraft, a first strap coupled to the evacuation slide, a second strap coupled to the evacuation slide, and a releasable restraint extending through the first strap and the second strap. The releasable restraint may comprise a first stem connected to a first bead and a second stem connected to a second bead, wherein a diameter of the second stem may be different from a diameter of the first stem.

Abstract: A release system for an evacuation slide assembly of an aircraft includes a fluid delivery manifold, a first actuator, and a second actuator. In various embodiments, a fluid is configured to flow into and pressurize the fluid delivery manifold from a fluid source in response to an evacuation event. In various embodiments, the first actuator is fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery manifold, wherein the first actuator is configured to release a blowout panel of the evacuation slide assembly in response to the fluid pressurizing the fluid delivery manifold. In various embodiments, the second actuator is fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery manifold, wherein the second actuator is configured to release a soft cover of the evacuation slide assembly in response to the fluid pressurizing the fluid delivery manifold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to slide ramps designed for use with an aircraft exit door positioned near or over a wing of the aircraft. The embodiments provide a plurality of tubular structures comprising differing diameters and tapering lengths. The tubular structures form a ramp that transitions aircraft evacuees from the wing to the evacuation slide. The resulting ramp helps provide an even exit surface along a sloped/angled wing, and with respect to the angled wing/fuselage connection.

Abstract: An inflatable slide for use in an emergency evacuation system of an aircraft includes a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface and that is configured to inflate in response to receiving a flow of fluid. The inflatable slide further includes a first lanyard coupled to the main body. The inflatable slide further includes an airfoil coupled to the first lanyard and configured to exert a force on the main body in a downward direction corresponding to a direction of gravity in response to receiving a wind flow.

Abstract: An evacuation system may comprise an evacuation slide comprising an inflatable portion; and a reactant packet disposed within the inflatable portion including a chemically reactive material configured to produce gas and inflate the evacuation slide.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide is disclosed. The inflatable evacuation slide includes an inflatable tube having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end and an anti-kiting device disposed proximate the second end of the inflatable tube, wherein the anti-kiting device may include a suction surface panel having a first side portion attached to an outer surface of the inflatable tube and a second side portion attached to the outer surface of the inflatable tube.

Abstract: An evacuation slide assembly for an aircraft may comprise a main body configured to extend from a sill of the aircraft toward a surface within a range of angles relative to vertical when deployed so as to allow persons to safely slide down the main body to the surface. The main body may include a head end configured to attached to the sill of the aircraft, and a toe end opposite the head end. A first extendable portion may be coupled to the head end of the main body and may be in operable communication with a height sensor. The first extendable portion may be configured to deploy to adjust for a variation in a positional relationship between the surface and the sill to maintain the main body within the range of angles.

Abstract: A releasable restraint for an evacuation system may comprise a first female fastener, a second female fastener, and a center member coupled between the first female fastener and the second female fastener, wherein the center member is configured to separate in response to a predetermined tensile force. The releasable restraint may further comprise a first tape extending from the first female fastener and a second tape extending from the second female fastener.

Abstract: An evacuation assembly may comprise an evacuation slide and a first yoke coupled to the evacuation slide. The first yoke may comprise a first strap and a second strap. The first strap may be longer than the second strap. The evacuation assembly may optionally include a second yoke coupled to the evacuation slide. A first strap of the second yoke may be longer than a second strap of the second yoke.

Abstract: The inflatable component includes, according to various embodiments, a first inflatable bladder defining a first fluid chamber and a second inflatable bladder defining a second fluid chamber. The second inflatable bladder may circumscribe the first inflatable bladder such that the first inflatable bladder is disposed in the second fluid chamber. The inflatable component also includes, according to various embodiments, an inlet valve coupled to the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder, wherein the inlet valve is configured to deliver fluid to the first fluid chamber. In various embodiments, the inflatable component also includes a pressure relief valve coupled to the first inflatable bladder, wherein fluid communication between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber is via the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evacuation systems are provided. A evacuation system for an aircraft may include a packboard, an inflatable, a blow-out panel for the packboard, and a plurality of straps coupled to the blow-out panel. A first strap is coupled between an inner surface of the blow-out panel and the packboard and a second strap is coupled between the inner surface of the blow-out panel and the inflatable. The first strap is coupled to the blow-out panel in close proximity to a first edge of the blow-out panel and the second strap is coupled to the blow-out panel in close proximity to a second edge of the blow-out panel, the first edge being positioned opposite the second edge of the blow-out panel. The blow-out panel may be retained to the evacuation system after the inflatable is deployed.

Abstract: A releasable restraint for an inflatable slide is disclosed, in accordance with various embodiments. The releasable restraint may comprise a first mating portion having a receptacle. The releasable restraint may comprise a second mating portion having a protrusion. The protrusion may be configured to fit within the receptacle. An adjustment fastener may be coupled to the receptacle and configured to adjust a coupling strength of the releasable restraint.

Abstract: An amusement ride is formed from a self-equalizing dual line affixed to a pulley at its upper end and to pulley and counterweight system at its lower end. An upper platform at the upper dual line end launches a rider who is connected via a line to a pulley riding on the dual line. A slide is carried by the upper platform from which the rider is launched, resulting in the rider swinging in an arcuate motion about the pulley. A belay, carried by the dual line, is movable to confront the pulley as the rider is carried down the dual lines and to enhance the arcuate swinging of the rider. A lower landing permits the rider to demount the amusement ride.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle escape slide assembly includes a recreational vehicle that has an emergency exit window. The emergency exit window has a opening mechanism for opening the emergency exit vehicle. A slide unit is coupled to the recreational vehicle and the slide unit is aligned with the emergency exit window. The slide unit is inflated into a deployed position when the emergency exit window is opened to safely transport a user to the ground in the event of an emergency. An inflation unit is coupled to the recreational vehicle and the inflation unit is operationally coupled to the opening mechanism of the emergency exit window. The inflation unit is in fluid communication with the slide unit. The inflation unit is turned on to inflate the slide unit when the opening mechanism opens the emergency exit window.

Abstract: An inflatable flotation device includes an inflatable body configured to be stored in a deflated state and to be inflated in response to an event. The inflatable flotation device also includes a switch attached to the inflatable body and configured to switch from an off state to an on state in response to the inflatable body being inflated at least one of to or beyond a predetermined inflation level. The inflatable flotation device also includes a speaker attached to the inflatable body, electrically coupled to the switch, and configured to generate an audio signal indicating that the inflatable body is ready for use in response to the switch being switched from the off state to the on state.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation device for an aircraft may include at least one chamber and at least one canopy support in fluid communication with the at least one chamber. A retention device may be configured to restrict inflation of the at least one canopy support during inflation of the at least one chamber.

Abstract: An emergency escape mechanism is disclosed. A deployable and inflatable slide is located proximate the exit door of a building. When the alarm switch on the alarm box next to the door is set to unlock the door may be opened and a chute or slide falls out to the exterior of the building. A mercury switch or the like is activated as the uninflated slide tilts out which activates an inflation means, preferably a compressed gas cylinder or the like. The slide or chute is anchored to the building by a girt bar anchored in the floor and a plurality of chute support straps. This allows for rapid evacuation of the building. Additionally, the alarm box switch may operate a silent alarm to alert the police of a potentially hazardous situation.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, disclosed is a slide configured to be supported on a ground surface at a slide angle, comprising a support structure, a sliding surface supported by the support structure, and a weakened support region in the support structure, wherein the weakened support region enables the slide to buckle and the slide angle to change in response to a bending load imposed on the slide. According to various embodiments, the slide is an aircraft evacuation slide.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emergency slide system comprising a slide having a telescoping structural support, and a slide surface. The emergency slide system further comprises a gas deployment device comprising a gas generator, compressed gas cylinder, or both. The gas deployment device may further include an aspirator, according to various embodiments. The telescoping structural support provides a more compact and quickly deployable system.

Abstract: A mechanical rocker-arm type vertical feeding cushioning device, consisting of two identical cushioning units and a box body (7). The two cushioning units are respectively arranged with a certain height difference on the inner side of the box body (7). Each cushioning unit consists of a cushioning mechanism and a fixing hinge mechanism. The cushioning mechanism is composed of a cushioning plate (1), a spring (5) and a balance weight (6). The fixing hinge mechanism is composed of a hinge plate (2), a right angle circular rod (3) and an elastic limiting device (4). The cushioning plate (1) is fixed to the hinge plate (2) via connection holes and using bolts. The hinge plate (2) is welded to the right angle circular rod (3). The elastic limiting device (4) consists of two elastic limiting plates and a hollow iron ring in a welded manner. The right angle circular rod (3) is connected to the elastic limiting device (4) in a sleeved manner via the hollow iron ring of the elastic limiting device (4).

Abstract: A light assembly for an aircraft evacuation system may comprise a first casing including a weighted portion. A light source may be disposed within the first casing. A second casing may be coupled to the first casing by a bearing. The first casing may be configured to rotate with respect to the second casing about an axis. A center of mass of the first casing may be offset from the axis.

Abstract: An evacuation system is provided. The system may comprise a door sill, a girt coupled to the door sill, a slide coupled to the girt, and a measurement device coupled the girt and/or the slide. The measurement device may further comprise a line having a predetermined length and a weight coupled to the line, and the measurement device may be configured to adjust a length of the slide in response to a position of the weight. A method is also provided. The method includes opening a door to expose a door sill, inflating the emergency slide with the emergency slide coupled to the door sill, and deploying a measurement device configured to measure a height of the door sill from a surface. The measurement device may comprise a line coupled to the door sill and a buoyant weight coupled to the line, and wherein the line has a predetermined length.

Abstract: An evacuation system is provided. The system may comprise a girt coupled to a door sill and an evacuation slide. The evacuation slide may comprise a head end coupled to the girt, an extension, a hinge portion coupled between the head end and the extension, and a lane diverter coupled to the evacuation slide. A method is also provided. The method may include opening a door to expose a door sill, inflating the evacuation slide with the evacuation slide coupled to the door sill, bending a hinge portion of the slide in response to a door sill height being less than or equal to a predetermined height, and redirecting a slide lane to a side exit.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to replace the rope bar of the door evacuation slide with individual connections. According to a preferred embodiment, the mechanism for arming/disarming an aircraft door evacuation slide (1, 15, 16) includes two releasable connectors (21) disposed to either side of the base of the door and each includes two half connectors (21s, 21i), a so-called upper half connector (21s, 41, 4a, 42) rigidly connected to the door (1) and having an attachment device (33) for attachment to the slide, and a so-called lower half connector (21i) fixed to the cabin floor (6). Each upper half connector (21s) includes a movable inner part controlled by a ring (43) and housed in the corresponding lower half-connector (21i). The mechanism can also include an electric motor coupled to two rods (31), each rod (31) being capable of rotating the control ring (43) of each upper half connector (21s) between two angular positions: an armed position and a disarmed position.

Abstract: A device for indicating an activation status of an aircraft emergency slide. The indicating device comprises an optical and/or acoustic signal emitting device, a status signal input, with a first input signal for an emergency slide activated state, and a second signal for a deactivated state, and a control, connected to the signal device, and to the status signal input, and configured to operate the signal device as a function of the status signal received, to indicate the status signal state. The indicating device comprises an inclination angle measurement device connected to the control for determining the inclination angle about a predetermined axis and provide an inclination angle signal output. The control determines, based on the determined inclination angle, whether a predetermined inclination angle has been exceeded for a predetermined time period and outputs, via the inclination angle signal output, a predetermined output signal only when this has occurred.

Abstract: Connection box assembly is provided for connecting evacuation slide actuation cable of evacuation slide actuation system to evacuation slide inflation system. Connection box assembly comprises connection box, connection box lid coupled thereto, electrical connector blocker coupled to connection box lid, and connection box slider disposed within connection box. Connection box lid is configured to slide between an open and closed position. Electrical connector blocker is configured to prevent electrical connection to electrical connector coupled to evacuation slide inflation system when connection box lid is in open position and to permit electrical connection to electrical connector when connection box lid is in closed position. Connection box slider is positioned to receive first cable end of evacuation slide actuation cable when connection box lid is in open position.

Abstract: An embodiment of an inflatable tube includes an elongated tube portion formed from a first fabric, the tube portion including at least one outer wall segment defining a cavity therein. A web is formed from a second fabric, and includes two or more edges secured to an interior surface of the at least one outer wall segment such that the web is disposed along a portion of a tube length.

Abstract: A movement control strap for an off-wing evacuation system is disclosed. The strap is coupled between the ramp and slide, and engages with the edge of the wing. The strap stabilizes the evacuation system by providing a tensioning force to control movement of the ramp and slide. The strap assembly utilizes the edge of the wing as a leverage point for extra tensioning and control of the system.

Abstract: An inflatable life raft system for an aircraft includes a window coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft. A mechanism is used to selectively detach the window from the fuselage. An inflatable life raft is deployable to the exterior of the aircraft upon detachment of the window from the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and system to provide an electrical connection and a releasable attachment includes a girt sleeve having a plurality of lacings, wherein at least one lacing of the plurality of lacings is an electrically conductive lacing, and a girt having a plurality of openings to receive the plurality of lacings, wherein the girt sleeve and the girt are in electrical communication via the electrically conductive lacing when releasably attached.

Abstract: Anchorage devices for an aerial lift that can include a base plate and a slide bar coupled to the base plate. The aerial device can include a bucket, and the base plate can be coupled to the inside or outside of the bucket. Supplementary anchorage points of the anchorage device can be attached to the lift using lanyards. The slide bar can be attached to the base plate using stanchions. A removable anchorage device can include inner and outer mounting bars, bucket engaging brackets coupling the mounting bars, and a slide bar; where the bucket engaging brackets fit over the bucket for attachment to and detachment from the bucket. The removable anchorage device can include supplementary anchorage points for attaching to the lift using lanyards. One of the mounting bars can be hollow and a supplementary lanyard attached to the lift can pass through the hollow mounting bar.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filament fibers formed in various directions. The substrate layer then has a first and second layer of polyurethane. The first and second layers of polyurethane may be laminated or coated to a nonwoven substrate of the filament fibers. An isocyanate-based adhesive or primer may be particularly useful in causing cross-linking of the materials to one another.

Abstract: Evacuation slide systems including a slide pack comprising a packboard coupled to an aircraft door, a girt bar coupled to an aircraft floor when the aircraft door is armed, and a restraint coupled to the packboard and the girt bar are detailed. The restraint controls a speed at which the aircraft door opens when the aircraft door is armed until the aircraft door has traveled beyond a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Described are self-tensioning girt assemblies with one or more straps that form loops that extend around opposing sides of an inflatable structure. The one or more strips are configured to apply multi-directional forces such that the girt assembly is self-tensioning. The self-tensioning girt assemblies may comprise at least two sleeves coupled to the inflatable structure and that receive the straps in a way that permits the straps to rotate around the inflatable structure. In some embodiments, the straps are attached to a panel that extends between the straps.

Abstract: Devices and systems include housing members with sliding hinges that allow straight linear outward extension before allowing the front housing member to pivot open provide access to interiors for service using smaller footprints and/or without disrupting abutting instrument operation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a playground assembly includes a beam having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis that extends between the first end and the second end such that the beam is elongate along the longitudinal axis. The beam defines a length measured between the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis, and a width measured in a direction perpendicular to the length, wherein the length is at least five times greater than the width and the beam is at a height above a ground level. The playground assembly also includes at least one flexible strip extending between the beam and the ground level.

Abstract: A restroom partition mounting bracket that allows vertical load to be transferred to a wall or other surface without creating tension loads on the wall fasteners from prying, thus eliminating the most common failure mode of typical restroom partition installations. The bracket will accept attachments to the wall and partition using hole locations from a previously installed, typical, bracket of varying dimension. The two-eared U-bracket has a plurality of slots that accepts fasteners at locations of existing holes. An additional connection is added to the partition to mitigate bracket rotation due to load eccentricity. The mounting bracket is used to replace previously installed, typical, attachment brackets, or it may be used to secure a partition in a new installation.

Abstract: Improvements in a fire escape having a structure of a Helix/Spiral Cylinder shape. It's a building within a building. It provides a quick and safe evacuation for all fire victims, including the A.D.A., the injured and the elderly. Its spiral design can accommodate a large number of floor levels. It eliminates the hazards acquainted with stairs and elevators. It has the capability of removing some of the smoke from the high-rise fire by way of a metal Ducting System. It draws the smoke into the center smoke shaft. The spiral is a two-way traffic pathway, which offers Fire Department personnel and their equipment a method of upward transportation to any floor-level they need for fighting this fire incident. My design can be retrofitted to any existing building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an escape device, involving a tube, a rail member, and a sliding unit. The tube, extending along a longitudinal direction, is provided with an exit end and intermittently with a plurality of escape openings. The rail member includes a plurality of sliding tracks sequentially connected to one another, wherein the neighboring sliding tracks are connected to each other by associating a relatively wide first end with a relatively narrow second end, the second end facing the exit end of the tube. The sliding unit comprises a deformable member which is adapted to slide on the rail member and configured to be pressed against by the second ends of the sliding tracks such that a slide resistance is generated to reduce sliding velocity. Therefore, the effects for the reduction of descending velocity as well as rapid and safe escape are achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a life-saving apparatus and method for escaping from a second floor or a third floor of a burning building, wherein the life-saving apparatus includes a container, a set of wheels, an inflatable pillow, an inflatable slide, a set of canisters full of compressed gas, and a set of activators operatively connected to the canisters.