Abstract: A pressure-activated flotation device for use with an electronic device includes an attachment feature, chemicals, a container, a removable cap, an inflatable tube, and a pressure-activated valve. The inflatable tube is fluidly connected to the container and is configured to inflate with the expanding gas when the chemicals are exposed to a liquid. The pressure-activated valve leads from the outer surface of the container to the inner volume of the container and includes a one-way valve that opens to allow liquid to flow to the inner volume of the container when the pressure-activated flotation device is submerged in the liquid to a depth where the pressure applied against the pressure-activated valve by the liquid is greater than an actuation pressure. The one-way valve also closes when the expanding gas generates a gas pressure inside the inflatable tube that exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A self-inflating device can include a container configured to receive a chemical compound, a one-way valve covering an opening leading to an inner volume of the container, and an inflatable portion fluidly connected to the inner volume of the container and configured to inflate with gas produced when the chemical compound is exposed to water. The inflatable portion can be configured to inflate when a gas pressure inside the self-inflating device exceeds a water pressure outside the self-inflating device. As the inflatable portion inflates with gas produced by the chemical reaction of the chemical compound, the inflatable portion can increase in volume and can displace water in a body of water. Consequently, the overall buoyancy of the self-inflating device can increase, causing the self-inflating device to rise in the water column toward the surface of the body of water where a user can easily retrieve the self-inflating device, as well as any object that is attached to the self-inflating device.

Abstract: A self-inflating device can include a container configured to receive a chemical compound, a one-way valve covering an opening leading to an inner volume of the container, and an inflatable portion fluidly connected to the inner volume of the container and configured to inflate with gas produced when the chemical compound is exposed to water. The inflatable portion can be configured to inflate when a gas pressure inside the self-inflating device exceeds a water pressure outside the self-inflating device. As the inflatable portion inflates with gas produced by the chemical reaction of the chemical compound, the inflatable portion can increase in volume and can displace water in a body of water. Consequently, the overall buoyancy of the self-inflating device can increase, causing the self-inflating device to rise in the water column toward the surface of the body of water where a user can easily retrieve the self-inflating device, as well as any object that is attached to the self-inflating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation device for use in retrieving an object that is dropped in water. According to the invention the flotation device comprises attachment means and a holder that is resistant in regard of spray water and atmospheric humidity. The holder comprises an inflatable body of a substantially waterproof and air-impervious material, and gas-forming reagents within the inflatable body. The inflatable body is sealed off from the rest of the interior of the holder by means of a narrow seal. In the event of activation of the flotation device, water ingresses in the holder and through the seal and comes into contact with the gas-forming reagents. The formation of gas required for the exertion of a flotation or driving force occurs within the inflatable body itself. The formed gas inflates the inflatable body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in retrieving an object, e.g. a pair of spectacles, a key ring or a GPS device, that falls in water. According to the invention the device is provided with a holder that is resistant in regard of spray water and atmospheric humidity in which an inflatable body is enclosed. In the event of activation of the device, the formation of gas required for the exertion of a flotation or driving force occurs within the inflatable body itself. The reagents required for the gas formation are preferably provided in mutual separation within the inflatable body.

Abstract: A water retrieval device that is attached to a valuable item to prevent that item from sinking and being lost in muddy or deep water. The device may be in the shape of a latex fish, which contains chemicals that react with the surrounding water that is drawn into the device. Once the device and the attached item are in the water, the device sinks and resurfaces to the top of the water with the reaction of the chemicals releasing carbon dioxide gas within the internal cavity of the device. The device then becomes more buoyant and brings the attached item to the surface of the water, thereby preventing the item from sinking further down into the water. The device can also be brightly covered and can protect a wide variety of items such as wallets, glasses and other valuables.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a peddle powered aquatic vehicle with a propeller driven by pedal cranks, a flywheel, and water-cooled belt drive transmission, the vehicle hull including T-bar steering handles, a saddle seat and lateral outriggers to enable a passenger to ride the vehicle like a bicycle on water. The aquatic vehicle has a buoyant hull with a central longitudinal body with the saddle seat allowing a passenger to be supported in a startling position. To provide lateral stability two elongate outriggers are disposed laterally from the central hull body with outrigger arms connecting the body to the outriggers. A manual steering mechanism is attached to the hull for steering by the passenger; preferably in the form of a T-bar journaled to the hull connected with cords to a rear mounted rudder. Pedal powered drive means are mounted in the hull for driving a stern mounted propeller. A pair of pedal cranks are journaled for rotation about the transverse axis.

Abstract: A self-inflating enclosure providing a fracturable first envelope; a first reactive component contained within the first envelope, the first reactive component being fluid; a second envelope having at least one self-sealing aperture therethrough, the first envelope being contained within the second envelope, the first envelope being in fluid communication with the second envelope upon fracturing of the first envelope, the first reactive component being dischargeable into the second envelope upon fracturing of the first envelope; a second reactive component contained within the second envelope, the second reactive component being reactable with the first reactive component to generate a gas; and, a third envelope, the second envelope being contained within the third envelope, the third envelope being in gas communication with the said second envelope only during the second envelope having a predetermined internal pressure, the gas being dischargeable into the third envelope only upon the second envelope having

Abstract: A boom for collecting material floating on the surface of a body of water comprises a first collapsible tube which can be stored either as flat layers of folded material or by rolling it on a roller. Transverse seals are provided along the length of the tube to provide a longitudinal sequence of compartments. A reactant body is disposed in at least one compartment, and being capable of producing an inflating gas. The reactant body is disposed within a pouch which is frangible under pressures applied by rollers or the like during the deployment of the boom from its stored condition. In a modification, a small collapsable tube is provided in longitudinally secured relationship to the first tube and the interior of the small tube is provided with fluid connection to each of the successive compartments.

Abstract: A boom for collecting material floating on the surface of a body of water comprises a first collapsible tube which can be stored either as flat layers of folded material or by rolling it on a roller. Transverse seals are provided along the length of the tube to provide a longitudinal sequence of compartments. A reactant body is disposed in at least one compartment, and being capable of producing an inflating gas. The reactant body is disposed within a pouch which is frangible under pressures applied by rollers or the like during the deployment of the boom from its stored condition. In a modification, a small collapsible tube is provided in longitudinally secured relationship to the first tube and the interior of the small tube is provided with fluid connections to each of the successive compartments.

Abstract: The invention provides novel inflatable enclosure means including an inflatable outer envelope surrounding novel means for generating a gas to inflate the outer envelope. The novel gas generating means includes a fracturable first envelope, which contains a first reactive component of a multi-component gas generating chemical system, and a second envelope in fluid-communication with the first envelope upon fracture of the first envelope and containing a second reactive component of the gas generating chemical system. The first envelope is fractured to release the reactive component contained therein, so that it mixes with the other reactive component contained in the second envelope, thereby generating an inflating gas.