Abstract: A water rescue system comprising at least a tubular element connectable to crafts, wherein the tubular element comprises a housing for an inflatable boat.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a self-orienting raft system. The self-orienting raft system may comprise a base comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first tube wall coupled to the first side of the base, a charged cylinder coupled to a second side of the base, and an anchor coupled to a second side of the base. The charged cylinder and the anchor may be coupled to the second side of the base proximate to a geometric center of the base when the self-orienting raft system is in an inflated configuration.

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 and/or manual inflator or pump 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 can include one or more gas impervious chambers, such as two or more communicated or isolated air chambers.

Abstract: An emergency escape slide container includes a first portion having a first end wall and a first side wall, the first side wall and the first end wall defining a first storage space that is sized and shaped to receive an emergency escape slide. The first side wall also includes a first rolling mechanism. The emergency escape slide container also includes a second portion having a second end wall and a second side wall, the second side wall and the second end wall defining a second storage space sized and shaped to receive the emergency escape slide. The second side wall also includes a second rolling mechanism. The first portion and the second portion cooperate to define a third storage space therebetween, the third storage space being equal to a combination of the first storage space and the second storage space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable floatable liferaft (1) for marine rescue which in its deflated state is capable of being stored in a container on board a ship, vessel or sea installation, and which is inflatable when deployed into the water, the fully inflatable floatable liferaft (1) extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a non-rigid bottom element (2) having a water side (2a) and an air side (2b). The inflatable floatable liferaft (1) further comprises a plurality of non-rigid floatation tubes (3) arranged beneath the non-rigid bottom element (2), the non-rigid bottom element (2) extending in the longitudinal direction and being arranged with an intermediate distance (ID1) between neighbouring non-rigid floatation tubes (3). The present invention further more relates to improved propulsion through the water of such an inflatable liferaft (1).

Abstract: A convertible emergency device for enabling a user to deploy a floatation device from a wearable structure in an emergency situation. The convertible emergency device comprises in one embodiment waist pack which can convert to an inflated life vest by actuation of a pull cord. Such actuation of the pull cord causes portions of the body of the waist pack to automatically inflate with air from a gas cylinder canister. The convertible emergency device comprises in another embodiment a backpack configured to convert into an inflatable life boat having a pair of oars. When in the backpack state, the uninflated life boat is releasably attached to the shoulder strap and the oars, with the pair of oars disposed on the either side of the uninflated life boat. When a pull cord is pulled, the life boat is inflated to enable it to provide a floating vessel for a user.

Abstract: From the beginning of mankinds encounters with the sea there have been great perils involved with oceanic voyages and so few ways to protect ones self from them. Over the years as population has increased and more and more people are navigating waterways the demand for life saving devices has grown enormously. The devices that do exist are just adequate and very costly because you can't simply buy one device that contains all the components required for survival at sea. There is clearly a market for a device that has multirole capabilities and contains all the necessary components for surviving at sea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floatable unit for evacuation purposes, which in a storage situation comprises at least two shells made of rigid or semi-rigid material, said shells being adapted to accommodate a deflated structure. Said deflated structure of the unit, during an evacuation situation, is inflated and the shells are attached to the inflated structure whereby the shells operate as hull parts for the floatable unit.

Abstract: An assembly for stowing away and removing a survival kit in a passenger cabin of an aircraft, includes a first stowage compartment configured to be put in place in a floor of the passenger cabin. The first stowage compartment is equipped for completely accommodating the survival kit and for leading out a hook that is connected to the survival kit by way of a strap. The hook is used for hooking the survival kit to an attachment device of a rescue device with the first stowage compartment remaining closed.

Abstract: A submarine (1) has an assembly (3) for deploying a life raft (5), the assembly (3) being located in a well (7) formed outside the submarine's pressure hull (11). The assembly includes a pressure vessel (4) for storing the life raft (5) in a pressurized state. To deploy underwater, a lid (71) covering an opening to the well (7) is released to permit the assembly (3), which is buoyant, to ascend towards the water surface. A sensor (43) determines proximity to the water surface, whereby a pneumatic ram (42) in the pressure vessel is activated to eject the life raft (5) from the pressure vessel (4).

Abstract: An inflatable life raft has a platform or platform portion formed by two flexible panels joined together by each of a plurality of threads to limit the distance apart that the panels can be moved, the panels being sealed to each other at their edges to form a chamber. A sensor can detect when the life raft is in the water, and an inflation system is operable in response to such detection to inflate the chamber with a gas. Preferably, the threads have similar lengths so that, when the chamber is inflated, the panels are substantially parallel. Accordingly, it is possible to fabricate an inflatable life raft which does not balloon out and which can provide a substantially flat platform.

Abstract: A submarine escape suit assembly comprises a submarine escape suit (10) and a liferaft pack (11). The pack (11) is formed by an outer casing (20) that can be pulled open to access a sealed inner casing (21) containing a liferaft. A cord (27) on the inner pack (11) is pulled to commence inflation of the liferaft (10).

Abstract: Apparatus for helping a person survive on a cold body of water includes a suit capable of covering at least a substantial portion of the user's body while allowing the user to move and work out of water. An inflatable raft is provided to hold and support the person on water when the raft has been inflated. The raft in a deflated state is foldable into a compact configuration and is sufficiently light in weight to be carried on a back of the person out of water. There is a raft holder adapted to hold the raft in its compact state and adapted for carrying on the suit. The raft can be tethered to the suit or the raft holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floatable unit for evacuation purposes, which in a storage situation comprises at least two shells made of rigid or semi-rigid material, said shells being adapted to accommodate a deflated structure. Said deflated structure of the unit, during an evacuation situation, is inflated and the shells are attached to the inflated structure whereby the shells operate as hull parts for the floatable unit.

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 liferaft system has a container (10) which contains an inflatable liferaft (24) in a hermetically sealed bag (23) and an emergency pack (29) outside the bag (23). The emergency pack (29) is connected to the liferaft so that, upon inflation of the liferaft (24), the emergency pack (29) is automatically drawn into the liferaft (24). The container (10) is separable into two parts (11, 12) to allow deployment of the liferaft (24) and includes also a hatch (33) through which the emergency pack (29) can be removed and replaced without disturbing the liferaft (24).

Abstract: A pressure activated latch includes a latch housing, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, an internal biasing member and a sliding latch pin that is configured to engage a latch tab that is substantially adjacent to the latch housing. The latch pin is slidable between a first position in which the latch pin prevents fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and engages the latch tab and a second position in which the latch pin is disengaged from the latch tab and fluid communication is permitted between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The internal biasing member is configured to apply a force upon the latch pin to bias it into the first position.

Abstract: A rigid container having a generally horizontal elongated and non-parallelepiped shape, for containing a pneumatic inflatable life raft in deflated and folded state, is detailed. The container may be formed by two respectively upper and lower mutually assembled half-shells. The lower half-shell has, on its outer convex face, a zone with generally planar axial surface whereby the container can rest in stable position on a subjacent substantially planar support surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rigid container having a generally horizontal elongated and non-parallelepiped shape, for containing a pneumatic inflatable life raft in deflated and folded state, said container (1) being formed by two respectively upper and lower mutually assembled half-shells (2, 3). The invention is characterised in that at least the lower half-shell (2) has, on its outer convex face, a zone with generally planar axial surface (6) whereby the container can rest in stable position on a subjacent substantially planar support surface.

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: 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 bung plug assembly (30), of a type including a tubularly-shaped housing (32) having a grommet cap (34) at one end thereof, also includes a hard-material bulkhead adapter assembly (37). The bulkhead adapter assembly includes a bulkhead adapter (69) with a smooth-surface bulkhead-adapter bore (41) therethrough and a separate bulkhead-adapter nut (80). The bulkhead adapter has a tube portion (70) with left-hand male threads thereon and a radially-outwardly extending flange portion (74). The tube portion is extended through a grommet cap bore (40), until the flange portion abuts on a surface of the grommet cap, for also being extended through an opening (88) in a wall (39) of a life raft canister. The separate bulkhead-adapter nut is for being screwed onto the tube portion for clamping the wall of the life raft canister between the bulkhead-adapter nut and the grommet cap.

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 device (1) for survival at sea, comprising a pneumatic raft (2) or the like in the uninflated and folded state, together with at least one reservoir (3) of inflation fluid, which raft and reservoir are enclosed in a rigid container (4), the device being characterized in that the container (4) includes a hatch (9), and in that the reservoir of inflation fluid (3) is provided with at least one sensor (10) for detecting at least one magnitude characteristic of the state of the fluid contained in the reservoir, in particular its pressure and/or its temperature, and is organized in such a manner that said detected magnitude can be measured through the open hatch of the container, thereby enabling the state of the survival device to be inspected without opening the container.

Abstract: A flotation system for supporting a person on a body of water for a variety of activities comprises an endless inflatable tube for supporting a person on a body of water, the tube having a circumference that defines an interior space extending from a stern end of the tube to a bow end of the tube. At least a portion of the interior space is open at the stern end. A seat platform is secured to the tube within the interior space at a location whereby a person sitting on the seat platform may face the stern end and extend his feet and legs through the open portion of the interior space into the body of water. The flotation system comprises a storage pack adapted to fit between the seat platform and the bow end. The storage pack is designed to hold the water vehicle in its uninflated condition for stowage and may be designed to be carried (much like a suitcase) or worn (much like a backpack) or both.

Abstract: A water survival device has an inflatable liferaft and a pressurized gas bottle packed in a container. The container has a first waterproof compartment containing the liferaft and a second waterproof compartment containing the pressurized gas bottle. The first and second waterproof compartments are separated by a substantially planar rigid watertight partition. The second waterproof compartment can be opened without opening the first waterproof compartment so that it is possible to inspect the pressurized gas bottle without opening the first waterproof compartment.

Abstract: A life raft storage and inflation assembly, or system (12) of a type having a deflated life raft (22) stored in a separable canister (14) includes a hose assembly (34, 34') which can be broken down for coupling a selectively activated nozzle of a compressed-gas cylinder (24, 24') to an inlet cock (32, 32') of the deflated life raft. The hose assembly is comprised of a thermo-plastic hose (36); two brass sockets (38) which thread onto an outer surface of the hose; and two coupling fittings, a male life raft coupling fitting and a female cylinder coupling fitting. Each of these coupling fittings has a threaded nipple (52) on one end. These nipples are screwed through ends (48) of the sockets into the interior of the hose. Couplings at the other ends of these coupling fittings are designed differently. A female, or cylinder, coupling (60) of the female coupling fitting has female threads (82) that mate with a male nipple on the gas cylinder.

Abstract: A water vehicle comprising in combination an ovoid, inflatable tube with an open bottom, rigid seat platform suspended above the water line, a dry duffel compartment, a removable, dry, duffel day-pack and detachable wet and dry stowage compartments which allow the user easy access to stowage areas during operation and ease of portage of the entire water vehicle as a lightweight tote when stowed in a removable, dry, duffel day-pack or a backpack.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion including a watertight container adapted thereto, the container being provided with an eye for threading a carrying strap therethrough. The container includes an upper and a lower hollow part, each of which is open at the front face, and an intermediate piece whereby the container is provided with separated upper and lower cavities. The upper and lower parts are attachable directly to one another without said intermediate piece to form a cavity of about double size. The cushion is adjusted in its dimensions to the container so that it will fit into one of the separated cavities only when in a non-inflated condition. The watertightness of each one of the cavities is maintained when the other part (forming the respective other cavity) is separated from the intermediate piece.

Abstract: A normally deflated and folded life raft in combination with a canister of pressurized materials connected to the life raft in fluid flow relation so that the contents may be released to inflate the life raft at an emergency scene at which a normally closed inflation inlet structure on the raft is opened and a normally closed valve of the canister is opened by an exteriorly accessible operator. As seen from above, the life raft is oval in shape to support a person in a prone attitude; and a net is provided spanning the oval-shaped life raft to support the person. Exterior handles at the forward and aft portions of the life raft are provided for towing the life raft.

Abstract: A recreational raft apparatus which comprises an inflatable, floatable body portion, and at least one closable pocket in association with the body portion of the raft. The raft may further comprise an inflatable pillow which is attached to the body portion, as well as handles attached to the body portion of the raft for carrying the raft. A towel may be attached to the top side of the raft by clips.

Abstract: An actuation system for a two-section encapsulating life raft system is pided which includes a manually releasable spring-biased linkage assembly that normally serves to link a cable from the pressurized source for the encapsulating raft section and a cable for automatically actuating both the main raft section and the encapsulating section. Furthermore, by a simple manual operation, the linkage assembly undergoes rapid disassembly, and the cable for the pressurized source is disconnected from the actuating cable. A spring in the spring-biased assembly is compressed to store energy during connection of the assembly to the pressurized source cable, and the spring is retained in a compressed state as long as the linkage function is maintained. A manually removable retention pin is provided that normally retains the spring in the compressed state to retain the linkage function.

Abstract: Survival apparatus for an aircraft or the like. The survival apparatus includes a survival canister 12 in which survival gear is stowed. The canister assembly is buoyant and water tight. It is stowed prior to use in a cylindrical member 16 which is closed at one end. A maintaining structure 74 is provided to normally maintain the canister assembly 12 within the cylindrical member 16. A handle assembly 90 is provided to provide for the manual withdrawal of the assembly 12 from the cylindrical member 16, the handle assembly also engaging the maintaining structure and causing it to release the canister assembly upon application of force in one direction. A condition responsive gas discharge apparatus 14 is disposed in the closed end of the cylindrical member 16 and, in the event of an accident, it can forceably eject the canister assembly from the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A portable water survival kit includes a small life raft apparatus which may be attached to and carried by a user. When needed, the small life raft may be quickly removed from a carrying case and inflated through the use of a permanently attached compressed gas cartridge.

Abstract: An inflatable system for opening a door of a container in which is located an inflatable shoot includes a retaining member connecting a door for the container to a portion of the wall structure of the container with the retaining portion including a breakable section which houses an explosive device which is exploded upon supplying of fluid under pressure to the container system.

Abstract: A sea rescue kit deployable from a helicopter includes a first self-inflating life raft, a second self-inflating life raft, a line connecting the first and second life rafts, and a device associated with the line to retard the line in the water relative to the life rafts to cause the life rafts and line to assume a substantially horseshoe-shaped configuration around a predetermined position in the sea after deployment from a helicopter upwind of the predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for airplane deployment over water of survival kit apparatus is provided. A pair of deflated, inflatable rafts are contained in a rigid container shell having a removable tail cone. A stabilizer drogue may be used to longitudinally stabilize the container prior to tail cone release and assist with the tail cone removal after release. The tail cone is mechanically released and removed from the container shell at a predetermined time after deployment from an aircraft, thereby pemitting the container shell contents to be removed. The life rafts are contained in the container shell so that one life raft having associated with it an aerodynamic brake is released after the tail cone has been removed, with the container and second life raft continuing their trajectory downwards. The rope joining the two life rafts is continuously payed out as the first left raft falls to the water and the container with the second life raft therein continues its trajectory.

Abstract: A vacuum-packed assembly for the compact storage of compressible survival equipment is provided. The assembly includes a compressed article of survival equipment, such as a sleeping bag, life raft, or parachute within a flexible, evacuated, heat-sealed envelope of gas-impermeable material. An outer envelope of thicker, more durable material is preferably employed for protecting the inner envelope. The outer envelope is also evacuated. If a parachute is stored within the assembly, an actuation neck is provided for allowing the envelopes to be ruptured upon deployment of a drogue or pilot parachute. Both the drogue parachute and an aircrewman can be connected to the parachute externally of the vacuum envelopes without risking vacuum integrity.

Abstract: Life preserving equipment in the form of an elongated housing having an open side and a cover for said housing hinged at one end thereto, an inflatable member having a compressed gas cartridge including a diaphragm within the member including a cartridge puncturing pin and cooperating lever and levers carried by the housing and cover and operable upon opening of the cover to actuate the cooperating lever and force the pin into the diaphragm to permit the discharge of gas into the member for inflation thereof and a cord tethering the member to the housing.

Abstract: The container (12) has an inflation opening (46) which is closed by a valve (56) with seals (66) compressed by spring (90) pressure during the packing process. Air is removed from the container (12) for deflation by a vacuum pump (20) and excessive vacuum necessary for deflating the container (12) in a reasonable time but which is too high for the packing process and may damage the valve (56) or seals (66) is limited by a vacuum control unit (20) adjusted to maintain the vacuum below a predetermined vacuum and then admit atmospheric air over that level. The vacuum control unit (20) may have a screw adjustment (34) engageable with a spring (36) for increasing or decreasing pressure on an inlet valve member (32).

Abstract: A vacuum packaged flotation device is provided comprising the combination of an inflatable flotation device, equipment for inflating the flotation device which comprises a valve, a container for holding an inflating medium and the inflating medium, and a sealed vacuum package containing the inflatable flotation device and the equipment for inflating same, which is provided with at least one device for automatically or manually, actuating the inflation of the flotation device; wherein the inflation of the flotation device is triggered by a pull force which acts either automatically or manually on one or more connecting lanyards which are attached at one end to the actuation device, which lanyards extend through the vacuum package in such a manner as to preserve the integrity of the vacuum seal, while at the same time allowing the manual triggering of the actuation device with the exertion of a pull force of no more than about 7-15 Kg from any of a plurality of angles.

Abstract: An inflatable liferaft comprising a pressurized air or gas inflation unit, an elongate flexible support connected between a point of attachment on the liferaft and the inflation unit for supporting the inflation unit at a position remote from the point of attachment and carrying an air or gas flexible supply line or lines from the inflation unit to the liferaft, whereby during inflation of the liferaft the point of attachment has freedom to move relative to the inflation unit.

Abstract: An actuating system for inflating a dual compartment life raft includes a spaced pair of inflation tanks, each mounted on a different one of the two compartments for relative movement when inflation of the raft is initiated. One end of each of a pair of pullout cables is operatively connected to a different one of the tank valves, with the free end of each cable being anchored to the other tank valve. A pull lanyard is secured to the cables for movement along their lengths. A short pull stroke on the lanyard in any direction opens both tank valves. In the event that only one tank valve is manually opened in this manner, the resulting partial inflation of the raft moves the tanks further apart, pulling the still connected cable from its valve and automatically completing the inflation process.