Abstract: A membrane puncturing mechanism comprises a first element and a second element arranged with opposing surfaces. At least one opposing surface comprises a sloping region inclined relative to the other opposing surface. The first element is moveable towards and away from the second element. A pin for puncturing a membrane is coupled to the first element such that movement of one of the pin and first element causes movement of both. A spring is operable to bias the first element towards the second element. An actuator is removably positioned between the opposing surfaces, the actuator being withdrawable from between and moveable along the opposing surfaces such that, as the actuator is withdrawn, the actuator progressively moves the first and second elements apart against the bias of the spring so as to load the spring and such that the actuator being fully withdrawn from between the opposing surfaces.

Abstract: A personal safety flotation device which can be carried on a person for an evacuation requiring entry into a body of water. The personal safety flotation device is for individual use comprising a carrying bag and an inflatable platform which is stowed in the carrying bag in a deflated state. The inflatable platform has a hexagonal shape allowing stability on the water and ability to connect to other inflatable platforms to create a larger surface area. The inflatable platform comprises additional safety features such as an emergency radio beacon, LED lights, light reflective strip, radar reflective pad, rope around a perimeter, and spring hooks for attachment. The carrying bag is attachable to a person and upon entry into a body of water the inflatable platform is automatically inflated with a connected compressed gas cylinder and the inflatable platform remains connected to the carrying bag via a connection strap.

Abstract: An inline for an inflatable assembly may comprise a first end defining a primary gas inlet and a second end defining a primary gas outlet. An internal surface may define a flow path extending from the primary gas inlet to the primary gas outlet. An orifice may be located between the first end and the second end. The orifice may be defined, at least partially, by a radial wall extending from the internal surface to the external surface. The orifice may be configured to entrain ambient air with a primary gas flowing from the primary gas inlet to the primary gas outlet.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic valve assembly includes a valve having a valve housing and a poppet and a solenoid valve having an actuator housing and a valve body. The valve housing has a wall that defines a valve inlet that is arranged to receive a fluid flow from a pressurized container and defines a valve outlet and a first port. The poppet is disposed within the valve housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. The actuator housing defines an opening. The valve body has a first wall that defines an inlet that is fluidly connected to the first port and a second wall that defines an outlet that is fluidly connected to the second port.

Abstract: A support arrangement for an inflatable evacuation system may comprise an inflatable member configured to be elongated and stiffened in a longitudinal direction in response to being in an inflated condition, a protrusion extending orthogonal to a surface of the inflatable member, a tensile member attached at least two locations to the inflatable member on opposing sides of the protrusion and being slidably engagable over the protrusion so as to maintain about equal tension in the tensile member on opposing sides of the protrusion, and a sleeve attached to the protrusion configured to maintain the tensile member laterally relative to the protrusion even as the tensile member is able to slide longitudinally.

Abstract: An inflatable flying disc isincludes an inflatable annular body having an air inlet to inflate and deflate the flying disc; a base membrane being attached to the inflatable annular body along a peripheral edge; a first membrane being attached to the base membrane along the perimeter of the first membrane. The base membrane and the first membrane is form a water-tight compartment.

Abstract: An inflatable life raft assembly is disclosed, including a deployable and inflatable life raft that a user can voluntarily and repeatedly deploy from a storage carrier, inflate for use, and fold back into the container after use. The carrier is integrally formed with or permanently attached to the inflatable life raft. A compressed gas cylinder can assist the user in inflating the life raft. The storage carrier can automatically open when the life raft inflates, by pressure exerted from within the carrier by the expanding life raft. The inflatable life raft includes weight inserts to render the life raft assembly throwable, both when the life raft is folded and stored in the carrier, and when the life raft is deployed and inflated, greatly assisting a user in tossing or throwing the life raft to a person in need of a floating aid.

Abstract: An inflatable life raft assembly is disclosed, including a deployable and inflatable life raft that a user can voluntarily and repeatedly deploy from a storage carrier, inflate for use, and fold back into the container after use. The carrier is integrally formed with or permanently attached to the inflatable life raft. A compressed gas cylinder can assist the user in inflating the life raft. The storage carrier can automatically open when the life raft inflates, by pressure exerted from within the carrier by the expanding life raft. The inflatable life raft includes weight inserts to render the life raft assembly throwable, both when the life raft is folded and stored in the carrier, and when the life raft is deployed and inflated, greatly assisting a user in tossing or throwing the life raft to a person in need of a floating aid.

Abstract: Embodiments generally to raft assembly components and methods. Specific aspects provide a tape configuration that can assist positioning of raft tubes with respect to one another, as well as positioning a life raft floor with respect to one or more of the raft tubes. The tape configuration may have a base and an extending T-shaped flange.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flotation platform engineered to permit aquatic based exercise routines in a pool or Shallow calm waters for fitness or rehabilitation. An exercise method directed for a total body workout. A raft that exercise routines are performed on water to reduce stress, as if compared to ones workout With heavy equipment or on hard surfaces. The workout raft includes a removable pillow to allow more Resistance for both upper and lower body. The raft includes flexible connectors for the arm rest for a Variety of arm exercises. The raft includes a quarter hole behind the users knees to allow the user to Bend the raft easily in and out of the water. Disclosed is a raft that works out about every part of the Body. It has a number of color coded chambers that can be inflated for the desired level of resistance.

Abstract: A housing has an upper end, a lower end, and an opening extending between the upper and lower ends, the housing being sealingly attachable to an inflatable device. A check valve has a body member with an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface sized and shaped to be selectively matingly received in the opening of the housing, and an inner surface defining a passageway. The check valve is coupled to the housing by a first tether. A cap has an upper end, a lower end, and an outer surface sized and shaped to be selectively matingly received in the passageway of the check valve. The cap is coupled to the housing by a second tether.

Abstract: An inflatable buoyant platform (100) comprising a hollow inflatable enclosure (105) having a top surface (165) and a bottom surface (170), which are being peripherally joined by a flexible curtain (175). A support means (180) being provided inside the enclosure (105), the support means (180) adopts an extended form inside the enclosure (105) to enhance the rigidity of the enclosure (105) when the platform (100) is inflated, the support means (180) adapts a retracted form inside the enclosure (105) when the enclosure (105) is deflated. At least one inflating valve (135) on the enclosure (105) for inflating the enclosure (105) by an external source of compressed gas; at least one deflating valve (145) on the enclosure (105) for deflating the enclosure by the external source of compressed gas; and at least one exit valve (185) on the enclosure (105) for allowing the compressed gas to escape while deflating the enclosure (105).

Abstract: An external brass seal for a floatation device includes a body having an upper portion, a lower portion, at least one aperture, and a seal. The aperture extends through the body and is adapted to transfer fluid into the upper portion and out of the lower portion.

Abstract: A method of controlling a watercraft is disclosed which comprises actuating a reverse gate operator, sensing a speed of the watercraft, controlling a thrust generated by a jet propulsion system differently depending on whether the speed of the watercraft is above or below a predetermine watercraft speed when the reverse gate operator is actuated, and moving the reverse gate to a position in which the reverse gate redirects a jet of water expelled from the jet propulsion system in response to the actuation of the reverse gate operator. A watercraft implementing the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assemblable jerk handle for a lanyard cord including in one embodiment a base portion having a center channel with interior progressive teeth for receiving the lanyard cord and a cap portion for permanently snap-fitting to the base portion to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion. In another embodiment, the assemblable jerk handle comprises a base portion having a center channel positioned therethrough for receiving a bifurcated plug that receives the lanyard cord therein and forcibly closes about the lanyard cord to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion.

Abstract: A manual gas inflator incorporating a cylinder status indication mechanism that is independent from the cylinder piercer. Prior to detonation, an indicator post abuts a sensor protrusion which positions a green surface of the indicator within the inflator window to indicate that the attached cartridge is ready for use. The jerking of a lanyard assembly causes the piercer to break the cylinder seal to allow gas to escape out of the cylinder and into a manifold secured to the inflator and also causes the indicator post to break the sensor protrusion from the cylinder. As the protrusion is broken, a second red surface of the indicator is viewable through the inflator window to indicate that the cylinder has been used and unavailable for inflation purposes.

Abstract: A sea survival device (1) comprising a container (2) with several shells (3, 4) enclosing respective pneumatic liferafts (5, 6) in the deflated and folded-up state, and inflation means; one half-shell (4) enclosing a liferaft (6) is closed by a closure partition (7); the automatically triggered inflation means are operationally associated with at least the first liferaft (5) in a manner such that said first liferaft (5) is inflated first when the survival device (1) is deployed operationally; and the liferaft (6) is operationally associated with inflation trigger means suitable for trigging inflation thereof only once the first liferaft (5) is inflated.

Abstract: A life raft canister is launched from a below deck doorway. A launcher is activated and pneumatically opens a below deck door, exposing the doorway. The same inflation tank inflates an elongated bladder that forces the life boat canister out of the doorway. The canister drops to the sea where the life boat is deployed from the canister. The life raft auto-inflates. As a result, a life raft is deployed from below-deck.

Abstract: A rescue water craft comprising an elongated closed-loop tubular structure and a floor is described. The tubular structure has a mid portion and two end portions. Both end portions rise upwardly and outwardly from the mid portion at an angle comprised between 70 and 85 degrees. The floor partially runs along the mid portion. The floor is attached to and encircled by the tubular structure. Each of the two end portions defines an opening between the tubular structure and the floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable device that is particularly useful for floating a motor vehicle on water. The present invention also relates to an inflatable device that can be affixed to the motor vehicle, when flooding is expected, thus enabling the vehicle to float on flood waters. The present invention further relates to an inflatable flotation device that is reliable, easily affixed to the vehicle. The method used to affix the present invention to a motor vehicle is important since flood conditions are often foreseen and flood warnings are often given ahead of time. Therefore, the present invention is a quickly deployable flotation device that is useful when flooding is expected or anticipated.

Abstract: A seamless life-like mannequin comprising a unitary inflatable outer body with an inflatable inner body disposed therein and a related process of manufacturing such a mannequin is disclosed. The outer body of the mannequin comprises a torso portion and a head portion with a seamless transition between the two portions for providing a realistic life-like appearance to the mannequin.

Abstract: A sea survival device (1) comprising a container (2) with several shells (3, 4) enclosing respective pneumatic liferafts (5, 6) in the deflated and folded-up state, and inflation means; one half-shell (4) enclosing a liferaft (6) is closed by a closure partition (7); the automatically triggered inflation means are operationally associated with at least the first liferaft (5) in a manner such that said first liferaft (5) is inflated first when the survival device (1) is deployed operationally; and the liferaft (6) is operationally associated with inflation trigger means suitable for trigging inflation thereof only once the first liferaft (5) is inflated.

Abstract: An inflatable boat possessing at least two inflatable chambers (1) and a device (2) for distributing gas under pressure, the device comprising: a leaktight enclosure (3) possessing a first orifice (5) and at least two second orifices (6) connected to said chambers (1); at least two closure valves (7) associated respectively with the two second orifices (6) and normally urged into a position for closing the respective second orifices (6); and means (9) for simultaneously driving all of the closure valves (7) selectively in the opening direction or in the closing direction; this makes it possible to control simultaneous inflation or deflation of all the inflatable chambers (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable structure comprising an inflatable frame and a single inflation valve. The inflatable frame has at least two chambers in fluid communication with at least one other chamber through a check valve, whereby the chambers are inflated through the inflation valve.

Abstract: An inflation valve includes a main valve body having an outlet port, a rupture port, and a pull cord retainer. A puncture retainer body secures a puncture disc within the main valve body to seal the outlet port to gas flow. A slot in the puncture retaining body permits gas flow to the outlet port. A puncture pin received within the puncture retaining body includes a center bore permitting gas flow to the outlet port. A rupture disc breaks under high pressure conditions to permit pressurized gas to exit the rupture port. The rupture disc and puncture disc are interchangeable. A release assembly associated with the pull cord retainer permits manual release of the puncture pin. A vacuum washer is sealed between a vacuum retainer and the pull cord retainer to prevent gas from exiting the pull cord retainer when the inflation valve is activated under vacuum.

Abstract: A valve structure includes a valve body on which is mounted a first valve and a second valve. The first valve traverses the valve body at a first position and the second valve traverses the valve body at a second position spaced apart from the first position. The first valve may comprise a fill valve and the second valve may comprise a pressure relief valve. Alternatively, a single valve structure may incorporate both the fill and pressure relief functions. The valve structure may be incorporated with a bladder made of a flexible and elastic material. In this arrangement, the valve body is positioned in a valve receiving opening in the bladder material and is sealed to the bladder material around the periphery of the valve receiving opening so as to define a sealed bladder interior with the bladder material. Such a valve and bladder combination may be used together with a hull tube to form a portion of an inflatable hull for a boat.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a dunnage bag wherein in the valve body a valve diaphragm is mounted on a shaft and is supported by a mounting bar such that the valve diaphragm may be reciprocally moved from the closed position to the open position by a simple axial push on the valve shaft. The valve shaft is retained in the mounting bar in an orifice and the shaft diameter is enlarged at its end distant from the valve diaphragm so as to generate a frictional force fit or lock in the open position to facilitate the removal of air from the bag. The valve may be released form the friction lock by the air pressure of a recharged bag and/or by the manual movement of the valve diaphragm and shaft axially toward the open end of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve structure includes a valve body on which is mounted a first valve and a second valve. The first valve traverses the valve body at a first position and the second valve traverses the valve body at a second position spaced apart from the first position. The first valve may comprise a fill valve and the second valve may comprise a pressure relief valve. Alternatively, a single valve structure may incorporate both the fill and pressure relief functions. The valve structure may be incorporated with a bladder made of a flexible and elastic material. In this arrangement, the valve body is positioned in a valve receiving opening in the bladder material and is sealed to the bladder material around the periphery of the valve receiving opening so as to define a sealed bladder interior with the bladder material. Such a valve and bladder combination may be used together with a hull tube to form a portion of an inflatable hull for a boat.

Abstract: A sports device (10), preferably a snow or water vehicle, has an outer shell (15) which when inflated, forms a support surface (13) underneath and a lying down or sitting surface (20) on top. An inflatable tubular shell (20) with two segments (21, 22) extending crosswise across it is provided in this outer shell (15). The outer shell (15) is formed of a robust fabric which is coated or laminated with plastic. The tubular shell (20), which is in itself separate from the outer shell, is produced from plastic films, preferably without any fabric reinforcement. The outer shell may also be connected to the tubular shell in such a way that they form a single film. The sports device can therefore be produced with optimal materials for the outer shell or the tubular shell, with the result that it has a long service life.

Abstract: An improved cross over valve for use in conjunction with inflatable devices such as life rafts, escape slides, white water rafts, kayaks, etc. The invention is specifically a cross over valve for inflatable rafts and the like where the valve fluidly connects at least two separate compartments in the inflatable device thereby allowing inflation of the multiple compartments while also providing control of fluid flow therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention includes an air valve having a housing sealed to an inflatable device. The housing includes an opening that matingly receives a check valve with an inner surface defining a passageway. A cap is in turn matingly received in the passageway of the check valve. The housing, check valve, and cap are all attached to and interconnected by a tether. During the inflation process, the check valve is positioned in the opening in the housing and a source of pressurized air is delivered to the check valve until the desired degree of inflation is achieved, at which time the cap is inserted in the passageway of the check valve. To deflate the device, the end of the tether is pulled up which acts to sequentially pull the cap free from the passageway of the check valve and pull the check valve free from the opening in the housing.

Abstract: An inflatable plant support system for receiving, moving and growing potted plants. The system includes an elongated inflatable member having recesses defined in a top surface thereof to accept potted plants. Channels defined in the top surface distribute water to the plants. The inflatable member may be rolled onto a reel and inflated as it is unrolled so that plants may be placed thereon. An interior of the inflatable member is heated.

Abstract: An arrangement for deployment of an inflatable structure consisting of a pressurized container, a cable and a cable guide block. At least one conduit extends within the cable guide block. The cable is positioned for guided movement within the conduit. Such guided movement of the cable within the conduit under the applied pull force causes activation of the pressurized container and inflation of the inflatable structure by the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A water skiing float, jacket attachment structure consisting of a jacket externally sleeved around the water skiing float utilized for protection, towing, and grasping which has through-holes of identical size disposed in alignment with input/output air stems projecting from the water skiing float such that after being fitted over them, sealing retainers clip it onto water skiing float. After sleeving around the water skiing float, there are round, tooth-shaped ligature openings in an alternating arrangement along its interior edge, with each ligature opening having a perforation at its lateral margin through which a rope is threaded for binding and attachment around the inside of the water skiing float. As such, when utilized at rapid speed or in powerful currents, the practical invention herein prevents the dislodging of the water skiing float, the easy movement of the jacket, and the unrestrained tearing of the ligature openings that could result in injury.

Abstract: A floating inflatable device which is to be able to be inflated on the surface of liquid and which for this purpose comprises inflation means including an on-board source of pressurized gas, wherein said inflation means comprise a venturi supplied by said source of pressurized gas and capable of entraining ambient air which contributes to the inflating of the device, and wherein said venturi inflation means, being mounted on a wall of said device, are protected by protective means covering them in such a way as to allow ambient air to pass freely while at the same time preventing liquid from being able to gain entry to the device to any appreciable extent.

Abstract: A low profile inflation valve intended to be installed with an article to inflated with air, water or other fluid. The valve of the invention comprises a valve body which is sealed, such as by an adhesive, heat-sealing or RF sealing, to a corresponding opening in the article to be inflated. The body comprises a generally circular cylindrical configuration with internal threads for receiving a cap. The cap correspondingly comprises a circular cylindrical configuration having exterior threads for threaded engagement into the valve body. A flapper is affixed to the underside of the cap and functions as a one-way valve to prevent fluid from within the article from escaping therefrom when the cap is partially threaded within the body and yet which allows inflation of the article. Moreover, full tightening of the cap within the body sealingly entraps the flapper between the cap in a lower portion of the body so as to create an airtight seal and prevent further inflation (or deflation) of the article.

Abstract: A floating inflatable device which is to be able to be inflated on the surface of liquid and which for this purpose comprises inflation means including an on-board source of pressurized gas, wherein said inflation means comprise a venturi supplied by said source of pressurized gas and capable of entraining ambient air which contributes to the inflating of the device, and wherein said venturi inflation means, being mounted on a wall of said device, are protected by protective means covering them in such a way as to allow ambient air to pass freely while at the same time preventing liquid from being able to gain entry to the device to any appreciable extent.

Abstract: A life raft inflation valve has a body with a bore extending therethrough. A threaded gas intake fitting is on the body and communicates with the bore. An elongated valve spool is slidably mounted in the bore and normally closes the gas intake fitting. A lanyard is operatively connected within the lanyard fitting to the spool for longitudinally moving the spool in the bore to open the gas intake fitting. A lanyard fitting has a rounded or flared shoulder at its discharge end to facilitate the longitudinal movement of the spool by pulling on the lanyard even if it is pulled outwardly at an angle to the center axis of the bore.

Abstract: The present invention regards personal rescue devices for use by individuals separated from watercraft in open water. Provided are an inflation valve and rescue device having high reliability and insensitivity to environmental conditions. The inflation valve includes a fusible element, such as a stainless steel wire, which is fused or broken by application of an electrical current. Prior to use, the fusible element retains a trigger in a position to prevent a penetrator from releasing compressed gas from a gas canister. Upon activation and breaking of the fusible element, the penetrator is forced into the gas canister releasing gas to inflate the rescue device. The rescue device is retained within a deployment canister having a cover that is easily sealed and resealed to ease maintenance and operation. The rescue device is incorporated into a remotely activated rescue system including a miniature radio frequency transmitter which may be worn on a user's body such as on a wrist strap.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seating substrate, an outer seat covering, and a housing containing an integrated self-inflating floatation device. The self-inflating flotation device includes one or more inflatable flotation bladders and an inflator that is activated to automatically inflate the one or more inflatable flotation bladders when the seat or a vehicle to which it is attached is immersed in water. The one or more inflatable flotation bladders are releasably received and secured within the housing when the bladders are deflated. The housing is received within the vehicle seat such that upon activation of the inflator the one more inflatable flotation bladders inflate and are completely released and detached from the housing and from the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A raft inflation valve includes a one-piece valve body which is connected to a pressure vessel and which has an inlet communicating with the pressure vessel, a recess for receiving a cartridge having a puncture disc, and a passage which connects the inlet and the recess and which is covered by the puncture disc. The cartridge includes a disc retainer holding the puncture disc in position to block the passage in the valve body, and a bayonet having a cuffing edge which is biased by a spring toward the puncture disc but prohibited from such motion by a ball/link pin held in place by the pull cable ball until the cable is pulled. Once the cable has been pulled to remove the ball, the bayonet is driven by the bias force toward the disc to clearly cut and puncture the disc and permit flow of gas from the pressure vessel through the inlet passage through the disc to the outlet passage in the outlet of the valve.

Abstract: An automatically inflatable boat including at least two separate compartments which are connected to one another by an intercommunicating valve which can be opened to connect adjacent compartments or closed to isolate adjacent compartments. The inflatable boat is provided with a gas pump permanently mounted on the boat and in fluid communication with a connection for receiving pressurized gas of at least one of the inflatable compartments. The pump can be actuated in order to automatically inflate the inflatable compartments of the boat to a preset pressure. Also shown is an inflatable enclosure which can be deflated and inflated and to house an adult and a commode to provide privacy.

Abstract: In inflatable large-size structures such as life boats it is required that an external and easily accessible gas cylinder is hose-connected with a plurality of mutually separated injection areas, because the gas medium, by evaporation and expansion, produces a substantial reduction in temperature at each injection area there will potentially exist choking ice formations. This can be counteracted by distributing the injection over more areas or spots in order to achieve a more rapid and effective transfer of heat from the surroundings for making sure that the inflation can take place in a desirably rapid manner. Conventionally this implies that the structure exhibits exposed connector hoses to the different injection spots, these hoses causing trouble in use of the structure. With the invention it has been recognized that the relevant distribution system may be arranged in the interior of the structure, whereby these troublesome exterior hoses can be entirely avoided.

Abstract: Pneumatic valve (1) for an inflatable object such as an inflatable boat, arranged so as to be partially embedded in an aperture (22) in the flexible wall (21) of the inflatable object carrying it and comprising a valve body (2) containing a valve mechanism (1) and two collars (18, 20) like truncated cones surrounding the valve body (2) and gripping between them in a leak-proof manner the portion of the flexible wall (21) peripherally bordering the aperture (22); the two collars (18, 20) belong to two respective rings (17, 19) removably attached to the valve body (2), and sealing means (16) are provided between the lower ring (17) and the valve body (2); thanks to which the valve body (2) can present a transverse dimension approximately identical to that of said aperture (22) of the flexible wall (21) and fitting the valve (2) to or removing it from the flexible wall (21) can be carried out entirely from the exterior of the flexible wall (21).

Abstract: Compact and light weight deployable flotation devices with improved elasticity, tensile strength, shear strength, and puncture resistance using higher quality materials and sequencing of layers of polymer coating with greater mechanical strength in outer layers, and improved impermeability to gas leakage from within. The flotation devices are folded in containers with the containers having an integral gas supply cannister for use in a vehicle or vessel and for portability. The flotation devices are deployed by inflation by means of mechanical pull cord, automatically by float switches, hydrostatic release, electronic panic buttons, or switches used with a pyrotechnic release valve mechanism, or by pyrotechnic inflators. Restraining mechanisms form part of inflatable bag construction for permanent mounting in a vehicle or vessel. A protective cover enshrouds the inflatable bag and its integral restraining mechanism, the shroud being able to expand at the end of bag inflation.

Abstract: A method for inflating a life raft, wherein the life raft has an inflatable base, at least two curved inflatable supports spanning the base, and extending parallel to one another, and a cover skin connected to the inflatable base and to the at least two inflatable supports, wherein in the inflated state of the life raft the base and the cover skin enclose the passenger compartment, includes a first step in which a first inflatable support is inflated until the first inflatable support is stable and provides a supporting action for the cover skin while subsequently in a second step the remaining inflatable support or supports are inflated.

Abstract: An inflatable pneumatic enclosure 1 of constrained geometric shape, comprising two main walls 2, 3 held the one relative to the other, in the inflated state of the enclosure, in a pre-specified relative position by a multiplicity of flexible links 4 interposed between said walls 2, 3, an inflation valve 6 being fixed in one of said walls 2 for the inflation of the enclosure, characterised in that the valve 6 is of the embedded or semi-embedded type with a valve body 7 extending inside the enclosure 1 under said mounting wall 2 and in that a spacing body 8 extends between the valve body 7 and the opposite wall 3 of the enclosure and is fixed to these, said spacing body 8 being dimensioned so that the two aforementioned walls 2, 3 are held in a desired relative position in relation to that obtained by the surrounding flexible links.

Abstract: An inlet check valve for use with inflatable buoyancy tubes such as are used on life rafts and escape slides. The inlet check valve being freely rotatable within the flange affixed to the raft fabric thereby allowing for easier packing and deployment due to the design of the inlet check valve to rotate within the flange to seek a lower stress orientation. In addition, the inlet check valve is readily removable from the flange if valve replacement or repair is needed. Furthermore, a manifold may be used which includes multiple inlet check valves coupled together.

Abstract: An aspirator assembly having an air-gas mixing tube mated with an aspirator housing cap with a tapered socket interface and wherein an inlet check valve closure mechanism provides for manually selectable permission or prevention of the opening of ambient air inlet check valves by employing twin lock bars mounted in central swiveling relation about a check valve hinge support member which spans the inlet end of the aspirator housing cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflator device that is adapted for producing a sufficient quantity of a gaseous product to substantially inflate an inflatable member. The inflator device has a first stage gas source in fluid communication with a second stage gas source, which, in turn, is in fluid communication with the inflatable member. The second stage gas source contains a liquified gas in an amount sufficient to inflate the inflatable member upon vaporization of the liquified gas, and the first stage gas source is capable of providing a sufficient quantity of gas at a sufficiently high temperature to the second stage gas source to vaporize substantially all of the liquified gas in the second stage gas source.