Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating recovery of objects from a hydraulic channel containing a flowing fluid, the apparatus comprising: a porous planar surface for disposition within the hydraulic channel, the porous planar surface being elevated in the direction of flow in the hydraulic channel at an angle to a plane extending normal to the force of gravity such that the horizontal component of the angle of elevation is greater than the vertical component thereof; wherein the porous planar surface is configured to permit the fluid flowing in the hydraulic channel to flow through the porous planar surface without materially obstructing the flow of the fluid in the hydraulic channel.
Abstract: Systems to prevent water ingestion during use of an electrically powered inflation system for an inflatable device in order to ensure that the inflatable device remains either upright in the water during the inflation process, or that prevents water from entering the inflation system air intake during the inflation process, or combinations thereof.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 18, 2019
Date of Patent:
September 26, 2023
Assignee:
AIR CRUISERS COMPANY, LLC
Inventors:
Christian W. Thomson, Thomas W. Swierkocki
Abstract: A life raft system for an aircraft, comprising a storage container; an inflatable life raft that is stored in the storage container in normal operation mode, an inflation device for inflating the inflatable life raft in an emergency mode, and a control unit for activating the inflation device in the emergency mode; wherein the control unit comprises a floatable control buoy with an activation member that is operable for activating the inflation device, wherein the floatable control buoy is provided for operation at a predetermined distance remote from an associated aircraft in an emergency mode.
Abstract: A flotation device that can include a multi-chamber flotation element having an active inflation chamber and a passive inflation chamber. The flotation device can have a first valve in fluid communication with the active inflation chamber but not the passive inflation chamber and an opening in fluid communication with the passive inflation chamber but not the active air chamber. The active inflation chamber can be configured to be inflated through the first valve. The active inflation chamber can be configured to expand the passive inflation chamber from a collapsed state to an expanded state as the active inflation chamber is expanded by, for example and without limitation, permitting ambient air to enter the passive inflation chamber when a pressure within the passive inflation chamber is less than an ambient air pressure.
Abstract: A boat in which at least a portion of at least one of the port side and the starboard side of the hull is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the moveable portion forms a generally upright portion of the port or starboard side of the hull, and, in the second position, the moveable portion forms a generally horizontal deck surface. A walkway connects a seating area within the boat to an area aft of the seating area, and at least a portion of the walkway is adjacent to the moveable portion of the port or starboard side. A first seat is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the walkway and a removable seat is configured to be positioned over the walkway and adjacent to the first seat.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 12, 2021
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2022
Assignee:
MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
Inventors:
Nick P. Waters, David F. Ekern, Paul M. Harrison, Chadrick E. Curts
Abstract: A stretcher including a flexible base panel sized to support a person lying thereon during a rescue or extrication operation. The base panel includes a header end and an opposite footer end, and further includes a support mat resting on the base panel between the header and footer ends. The stretcher further include a shoulder harness with a pair of shoulder straps and a groin harness with leg straps fixedly coupled to the support mat for securing the person to the base panel. A securement strap may be coupled to the base panel and extend across the flexible base panel to help prevent the injured person from rolling off the sides of the stretcher. The rescue stretcher may further include one or more flotation devices attached thereto to facilitate water evacuations.
Abstract: A search and rescue drone system includes a buoyant body member, a frame attached to the buoyant body member for carrying a motor and propeller, and an electronic array including a camera, GPS, an EPIRB radio distress beacon, and a transmitter/receiver for remote control flying the drone and communicating with an operator. A laser guidance system may provide coordinates for landing near a swimmer in distress. The search and rescue drone may also be programmed to simply fly to the location of an electronic wearable device, like a bracelet, that is worn by a man overboard. In another embodiment, the search and rescue drone includes pivoting motor mounts, so that it can take off and land vertically with propellers rotating in a horizontal plane, and then the propellers may pivot to rotate in a vertical plane for propulsion across water similar to a fan boat with rescued people aboard.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 10, 2019
Date of Patent:
October 5, 2021
Inventors:
Thomas Lawrence Moses, Merrill Stuart Ross
Abstract: A lighting device according to one embodiment comprises: a housing having an opening; a half mirror member arranged in the opening; a first light source unit for emitting light at the half mirror member; a mirror member for re-reflecting light reflected by the half mirror member; a diffusion plate arranged between the first light source unit and the half mirror member; and a guide unit protruding from the lower surface of the housing, wherein the housing includes a first area and a second area formed by the guide unit, the first light source unit is arranged in the first area and the mirror member is arranged in the second area, and the diffusion plate can be supported by the guide unit. Therefore, the lighting device can implement various three-dimensional effects of an optical image according to a field of view by using the half mirror member and the mirror member during lighting.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 11, 2018
Date of Patent:
June 1, 2021
Assignee:
LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
Inventors:
Young Jae Choi, Seong Jin Kim, Hyun Duck Yang, Eay Jin Lim
Abstract: The LED lights for a surfboard is a safety device. The LED lights for a surfboard is configured for use with a surfboard. The surfboard is a floating structure. The surfboard is a roughly disk shaped structure. The surfboard comprises a superior face and an inferior face. The LED lights for a surfboard illuminates when the LED lights for a surfboard is placed in water. The illumination of the LED lights for a surfboard discourages predators in the water from attacking the LED lights for a surfboard. The LED lights for a surfboard comprises a housing, an illumination circuit and the surfboard. The housing contains the illumination circuit. The housing mounts on the inferior face of the disk structure of the surfboard. The illumination circuit automatically illuminates when the LED lights for a surfboard is placed in water.
Abstract: A search and rescue drone system includes a buoyant body member, a frame attached to the buoyant body member for carrying a motor and propeller, and an electronic array including a camera, GPS, an EPIRB radio distress beacon, and a transmitter/receiver for remote control flying the drone and communicating with an operator. The search and rescue drone may be flown manually, or may have some autonomous flight and locator capabilities. For example, in one embodiment, the search and rescue drone may be programmed to simply fly to the location of an electronic wearable device, like a bracelet, that is worn by a man overboard. In another embodiment, the search and rescue drone includes a basket, harness, or other means for actually recovering a swimmer in distress, and flying that person back to safety on a ship or on shore.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 25, 2018
Date of Patent:
June 2, 2020
Inventors:
Thomas Lawrence Moses, Merrill Stuart Ross
Abstract: A personal flotation device having a vest, an inflatable balloon, a radar reflector, a gas cartridge, a pocket, a flap, a tube, a string, and a harness assembly. The vest comprises a first prong, a second prong opposite the first prong; and a connection member connecting the first prong to the second prong. The pocket extends from the first prong through the connection member to the second prong. The gas cartridge is disposed in the first prong of the vest. The tube connects the inflatable balloon to the gas cartridge. An end of the tube is directly attached to the inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon is characterized by a deflated condition, stored in the pocket, and an inflated condition.
Abstract: A floating assembly for suspending a person on water has a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, the frame member defining a periphery for the assembly. A sheet material covers portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A plurality of floatation sleeves are attached to the periphery. A plurality of floatation devices are removably inserted into each of the floatation sleeves.
Abstract: An operating handle for an avalanche rescue system, with at least one functional element, is arranged to be coupled to the at least one functional element of the avalanche rescue system. The operating handle is used to trigger the functional element. The operating handle is designed on one end as a mouthpiece or embodies such a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece of the operating handle can be coupled to a ventilation functional unit.
Abstract: A lifesaving device and a lifesaving control method are provided. Wherein, the lifesaving device includes: at least one first detection module (200) configured for detecting human body biological characteristic information, a lifesaving device body (100) capable of being worn on a body of a user, and at least one first gasbag module (300) arranged on the lifesaving device body (100); after the first gasbag module (300) is activated, a lifesaving gasbag (1) can be popped up; the first detection module (200) is in signal connection with the first gasbag module (300) and is configured for activating the first gasbag module (300) when the biological characteristic information detected meets a first preset condition.
Abstract: The invention is directed to an airbag system and, more particularly, to such a system employed as a rescue or life-saving system to enable a person to survive an avalanche, for example. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to an airbag system utilized with a backpack to be worn by a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or snowmobiler, for example. Instead of relying upon compressed gas cartridges or cylinders to inflate the airbag(s), the invention inflates the airbag(s) with ambient air only. In a particular embodiment, air is supplied to the airbag by means of a battery-powered electrical motor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 29, 2016
Date of Patent:
August 15, 2017
Assignee:
AMER SPORTS CANADA INC.
Inventors:
Michael Douglas Blenkarn, Thomas Walker Clarke Fayle, Gordon Thompson Rose
Abstract: A man-overboard rescue and retrieval system includes a net assembly having a pair of laterally spaced apart side ropes and a plurality of net portions, each net portion being constructed of a material that floats, extends laterally between the side ropes, and is spaced apart longitudinally from an adjacent net portion. The system includes a deployment capsule defining an interior space configured to selectively receive the net assembly therein. A launching device includes a framework configured to receive the deployment member. A first compressed air canister is in fluid communication with the launching device and the deployment member and configured to apply force to the deployment member when actuated that is sufficient to propel the deployment member from the launching device. Each net portion includes a net spreader connected to a second compressed air canister for selective inflation thereof so as to spread apart the side ropes and net portions.
Abstract: The invention is directed to an airbag system and, more particularly, to such a system employed as a rescue or life-saving system to enable a person to survive an avalanche, for example. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to an airbag system utilized with a backpack to be worn by a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or snowmobiler, for example. Instead of relying upon compressed gas cartridges or cylinders to inflate the airbag(s), the invention inflates the airbag(s) with ambient air only. In a particular embodiment, air is supplied to the airbag by means of a battery-powered electrical motor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 23, 2014
Date of Patent:
March 1, 2016
Assignee:
AMER SPORTS CANADA INC.
Inventors:
Michael Douglas Blenkarn, Thomas Walker Clarke Fayle, Gordon Thompson Rose
Abstract: A marker and recovery device has a body for securing to a torso and an arch secured to the body at spaced locations. The arch is extendable from a stored to a deployed condition. In the deployed condition, the arch extends from the torso of the wearer to function as a visible marker. The arch facilitates recovery of the wearer.
Abstract: An ejectable floatation device includes a foldable inflatable cell coupled to a compressed gas cartridge. The inflatable cell includes a tether with one end attached to the inflatable cell and the opposite end attached to the user. The inflatable cell fits within a pocket encapsulating the ejectable floatation device, and is made buoyant upon actuation by the user of compressed gas. The inflated cell exits the pocket floating to the waters surface while still being attached to the user to identify his/her position in the water. The pocket encapsulating the ejectable floatation device may be formed on a waistband or armband or the like.
Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Visual Distress Signal Device that will float vertically and provides a high-intensity pattern of light which incorporates both a radially symmetrical and omni directional/beam electrically-powered, LED light emitting electronic visual distress signaling device (eVDSD) incorporating a GPS transmitter that can interface with the internet using a cell phone adaptor to enable mobile handheld smartphone application (apps) devices to alert and locate vessels and persons in distress. This device can be used as a replacement for pyrotechnic flares utilized in search and rescue of vessels and persons in distress, especially in a marine environment.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 4, 2014
Date of Patent:
October 27, 2015
Assignee:
Sirius Signal
Inventors:
Anthony W. Covelli, Robert B. Simons, Jr.
Abstract: A gear rescue system is configured to attach to gear in water and to deploy when a deployment water pressure is reached. The gear rescue system includes an upper housing mechanically coupled to a lower housing and an upper cap. A line spool is housed within the upper housing with some line extending through the lower housing and attached to a locking attachment ring. The locking attachment ring is attached to the gear. A blow out plug is detachably coupled to the lower housing and configured to blow out when the deployment water pressure is reached. When he gear pulls the gear rescue system to the deployment water pressure, the blow out plug enters into the lower housing causing the line spool to deploy line enabling the gear rescue system to rise to a surface of the water.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 4, 2014
Date of Patent:
September 8, 2015
Inventors:
Richard Burns Ryan, Dillon Alexander Novak, Shannon Maureen Winters
Abstract: A light sequence generation system is provided on human associated aquatic objects such as surfboards, boogie boards, and kayaks to deter shark attacks. Light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) are configured to emit sequences of pulses in arrangements and/or patterns that are unnatural to sharks. Batteries and/or capacitors may be used along with solar panels to power the light sources. The batteries and/or capacitors can also power electromagnetic repellents or may be completely shield to prevent attractant effects. The unnatural light sequence generation system can be used in conjunction with other chemical and electromagnetic repellents.
Abstract: A support assembly for an individual lying in a supine position comprises a first support unit, a second support unit, a first bridge slidably detachably engaging the first and second support units, a head rest, a second bridge detachably interconnecting the head rest and the first support unit, and a hinged torso compression alert strap mounted on and extending over the first support unit and including an indicator reflecting the degree of compression achieved by tightening the strap against the chest of an individual lying supine on the support assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 11, 2013
Date of Patent:
July 7, 2015
Inventors:
Ryan J. Porter, Brett N. Chapman, Matthew A. Del Bianco, Robert Q. Riley, Ronald A. Dicarlo
Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provides for improving the reliability of the rescue of a man overboard, or MoB, whether or not that person is able to assist in their own rescue and whether or not the MoB is slightly submerged. The apparatus of the present invention is comprised of a foldable set of arms that, when deployed, are fixed at 90 degrees to each other forming an “H” geometry. The advantage of the “H” geometry is that it deploys both on, above and under the surface of the water, such that when the tether attached to the rescue device passes the MoB it readily becomes entangled. Advantageously, the apparatus of the present invention may be used with the majority of contemporary rescue devices.
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: A system and method are used for dispatching a rescue flotation device to an individual who has fallen overboard from a ship. A water-activated transmitter is carried or worn by each and every passenger on a given ship. Upon detecting moisture, the transmitter is activated to send a data signal to a radio signal receiver on the ship. The contents of the data signal may be the location and/or coordinates of the victim, as determined by triangulation of the signal, a GPS receiver and/or radar. Upon transmission of the data, a rescue flotation device or vessel is automatically deployed from a portion of the vessel into the water. The rescue device may be dispatched from a portion of the ship nearest to the determined location of the victim, and/or the rescue device may be self-propelled such that it navigates to the approximate location of victim.
Abstract: A water rescue device for connecting a sling includes a frame body having a loading seat; a hollow post erected on the loading seat; a plurality of connecting rods connected between the hollow post and the frame body; and a submerged weight disposed under the loading seat. One end of the sling passes through the hollow post to connect the submerged weight.
Abstract: The shark wear of the present invention provides protection against aquatic predators comprising a lanyard, gloves and flippers equipped with a defensive device comprising an arrowhead having four sides, and wherein each side has a flange, and the four flanges terminate in a single point.
Abstract: A marine lifesaving system is disclosed. A marine lifesaving system comprises an insulated container comprising a plurality of walls and a lid, at least one locking means to selectively and co-operatively secure said lid with said insulated container, at least one storage receptacle defined in one or more of the walls, or the lid, of the insulated container, at least one bladder system located in the at least one storage receptacle, at least one compressed gas canister connected to each of the at least one bladder systems, and an activation device for activating the at least one compressed gas canister, thereby inflating the at least one bladder system, wherein the activation device consists of a pull-string that extends exterior to the at least one storage receptacle.
Abstract: Disclosed is a personal flotation and rescue device. The device includes a life vest with an interconnected backpack. The backpack includes an interior area that is enclosed by a peripheral zipper. A boom is initially stored within the backpack in an uninflated and accordion-like state. A water activated inflator is secured to the boom and is adapted to fully inflate the boom upon contact with water. Inflation of the boom causes the zipper to open and thereby permit the boom to be fully extended from the back of the wearer. Joints are included along the length of the boom such that it takes on a bounded configuration after inflation. The bounded area and then be used by rescue personnel in retrieving the wearer of the device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 6, 2013
Date of Patent:
January 13, 2015
Assignee:
Carleton Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Brian Ford, Matt Scholes, M. Elizabeth Bolint, Donald Blackman
Abstract: A device (1) for use in recovering a person who may be exhausted, injured or unconscious from the sea. The device (1) comprises a plurality of rigid rods (2) enclosed within a sheath (7) made from flexible tubular webbing. The sheath (7) comprises at least one flange (3) extending radially outwards from the rod (2). The device (1) also comprises a plurality of linking webbing elements (4) made from a flexible material. The linking webbing elements (4) are attached to the flange (3) of the sheaths (7) encasing the rods (2) to form a network of rods (2) enclosed within tubular webbing sheaths and linking webbing elements (4).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 21, 2008
Date of Patent:
December 9, 2014
Assignee:
Fibrelight Developments Limited
Inventors:
Anthony James Patrick Hobbs, David Allan Taylor
Abstract: A remote controlled motorized buoy is provided for rescuing people in the water. The buoy may be controlled by a person with a remote control to navigate to the person in need. The buoy may have flotation mechanisms to keep the buoy right side up in rough water conditions and includes visual indicators to help the user keep track of the buoys location, such as a flag and beacon. When the buoy is near the swimmer, the swimmer may grab the buoy and the buoy may be remotely navigated to bring the swimmer to a safe location.
Abstract: The invention is directed to an airbag system and, more particularly, to such a system employed as a rescue or life-saving system to enable a person to survive an avalanche. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to an airbag system utilized with a backpack to be worn by a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or snowmobiler, for example. Instead of relying upon compressed gas cartridges or cylinders to inflate the airbag(s), the invention inflates the airbag(s) with ambient air only. In a particular embodiment, air is supplied to the airbag by means of a battery-powered electrical motor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 13, 2011
Date of Patent:
November 4, 2014
Assignee:
Arc'Teryx Equipment Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Douglas Blenkarn, Thomas Walker Clarke Fayle, Gordon Thompson Rose
Abstract: A marine harness (1) comprising a tow attachment (2), the tow attachment being such that a person wearing the harness can be towed along by way of attaching a tow line to the attachment, and the tow attachment arranged rearwardly of the harness.
Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from impact and/or provide inverse segregation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system is configured to transmit gas into and out of the inflatable chamber to transition between the inflated state and compressed state. The inflation system may automatically deflate or transmit the gas from the inflatable chamber external of the system. Automatic deflation of the inflatable chamber may be via a valve corresponding to a particular value such as time or three dimensional position of the user.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 29, 2012
Date of Patent:
October 7, 2014
Assignee:
Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd
Inventors:
James Thomas Grutta, Nathan Kuder, Peter Thomas Gompet, Derick J. Neffsinger, Robert John Horacek, Joseph Benjamin Walker, David Kuhlmann Blackwell
Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The activation system also includes a reinflation algorithm configured to automatically reactivate the inflation system after a period of time to maintain the inflated state of the inflatable chamber. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 24, 2012
Date of Patent:
October 7, 2014
Assignee:
Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd
Inventors:
James Thomas Grutta, Nathan Kuder, Peter Thomas Gompert, Derick Noffsinger, Robert Joan Horacek, Joseph Benjamin Walker, David Kuhlmann Blackwell
Abstract: A multifunctional walking staff, to aid in balance and support on an ice surface, and to function as a survival or a rescue tool in the event of breaking through thin ice into water. Secure traction on ice is attained by a metal tip, which may be further pressed onto the ice by a foot peg, serving also as a grapple hook. Secured onto the ice, the staff affords reliable anchorage to an attached rescue line, which is ordinarily stowed in multiple folds therewithin. An adjustable loop is formed integrally with, or adjoined to the rescue line, which loop may be maneuvred by the staff to facilitate engagement with the rescuee. A buoyant projectile linked to the loop is releasably disposed within a top section of the staff, and is of such weight that it and the loop may jointly be cast the full extent of the rescue line.
Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, diagnostic system and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber. The diagnostic system includes a at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter corresponding to the inflation system and a display configured to visually, audibly, and/or tactilely display the parameter.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 24, 2012
Date of Patent:
July 15, 2014
Assignee:
Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd
Inventors:
James Thomas Grutta, Nathan Kuder, Peter Thomas Gompert, Derick Noffsinger, Robert John Horacek, Joseph Benjamin Walker, David Kuhlmann Blackwell
Abstract: The invention is both a functional piece of furniture, but also claims to serve as an emergency haven that can be used as a tornado shelter or as a floating device. The device may offer protection for people who may not have the ability to reach a shelter, due to physical handicaps, distance to shelter, and deficiencies in their habitats. It offers protection if airlifted and a shield against flying debris, in case of flood the top is detached and the bottom can be used as a canoe-shape floating device. The sofa is built with an aluminum titanium alloy covered in glass reinforced GRP; it is sized to accommodate two adults. It has ventilations slots covered with built-in air filters; it has removable cushions and non-removable foam padding. The device is equipped with a callout GPS and a safe storage compartment for valuables and medications.
Abstract: The invention relates to a method of use, of a mixture of chemical compounds for a shark repellent, as well as methods of protection garments in using such material(s). Generally, there are not many shark repellents. This shark repellent contains a mixture of chemical compounds that are highly toxic and trenchant, which will deter the shark from injured or non-injured humans or animals, once the mixture is immersed in water.
Abstract: A buoyant rescue device for retrieval of drowning victims, particularly those that have fallen through floating ice, in the configuration of a catamaran with an opening in the bow to allow a ladder structure to rotate into the water. The ladder is pivotally mounted to the center of the craft and is lowered into the water the so the victim can climb the ladder onto the craft, or if the victim is injured or too weak to do so, a rescuer can provide a downward force at the top of the ladder and lift the victim out, such as a teeter totter would operate. The centrally located pivot point alleviates most of the listing or tilting and potential capsizing that would occur if a person were to climb onto the edge of the boat or if rescuers were reaching into the water to retrieve the person.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 15, 2010
Date of Patent:
January 28, 2014
Inventors:
John Patrick Connolly, Joseph Patrick Farais
Abstract: A water survival system and a method are disclosed for detecting the danger of a person drowning in a body of water. The water survival system includes a breast belt and a life jacket. The breast belt has at least one physiological condition sensor affixed thereto while the life jacket has an expandable chamber connected to a compressed gas supply via an activating mechanism. As the compressed gas enters the expandable chamber, the life jacket increases in buoyancy. The life jacket also has a water contact sensor, a global positioning system device, first and second body orientation sensors, a transmitter which is capable of sending a signal to a remote receiver, and a control unit capable of receiving real time signals from each of the sensors and evaluating and comparing the real time signals against corresponding ranges of preset acceptable values to determine if the person wearing the life jacket is in danger of drowning.
Abstract: A transfer device for transferring people and/or personal equipment from a first location to a second location, the transfer device being coupled to a lifting device and comprising an outer structure in the form of a cage connected to a base and defining an inner space. Seating elements are disposed on the device's base, arranged radially around its center. The device also comprises shock absorbing means situated on the sides of the outer structure facing each of the seating elements to protect passengers from frontal impacts.
Abstract: The invention is both a functional piece of furniture, but also claims to serve as an emergency haven that can be used as a tornado shelter or as a floating device. The device may offer protection for people who may not have the ability to reach a shelter, due to physical handicaps, distance to shelter, and deficiencies in their habitats. It offers protection if airlifted and a shield against flying debris, in case of flood the top is detached and the bottom can be used as a canoe-shape floating device. The sofa is built with an aluminum titanium alloy covered in glass reinforced GRP; it is sized to accommodate two adults. It has ventilations slots covered with built-in air filters; it has removable cushions and non-removable foam padding. The device is equipped with a callout GPS and a safe storage compartment for valuables and medications.
Abstract: A rescue appliance for evacuating physically-compromised persons is disclosed. A rescue appliance includes a platform configured to support a prone evacuee, a set of wheels coupled with the platform to support the platform relative to a floor surface, and a protection assembly coupled with the platform. The protection assembly is configurable to surround the prone evacuee to protect the evacuee from a fire. The protection assembly can be configured to encase the prone evacuee. The rescue appliance can be configured to be sufficiently buoyant to support an evacuee on water to allow evacuation in a flooding emergency. Two or more rescue appliances can be coupled together to form a train so that multiple persons can be evacuated simultaneously.
Abstract: A light emitting inflatable safety beacon is disclosed for identifying a location of the beacon. The beacon comprises an elongated bladder defining an interior chamber extending between an upper end and a lower end. A tether extends between a first end and a second end. A couple links the tether with the elongated bladder for suspending the tether within the interior chamber. A light source is secured to the tether for emitting an electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation internally illuminates the elongated bladder for creating an illuminated beacon. The electromagnetic radiation traverses the elongated bladder for creating a location beacon.
Abstract: The present invention is a convertible emergency device that includes a waist pack that includes an interior portion with a first zipper is disposed on the front side of the interior portion, a pair of straps each that extend from the interior portion that wrap and secure the convertible emergency device around a user's waist and a pair of snaps that fasten the pair of straps around the user. The device also includes a backpack portion with a front that includes an inflatable life boat with two sides, a pair of oars disposed on the sides of the inflatable life boat and a second zipper disposed on the front portion of the backpack portion that is opened to access a second pull cord to inflate the inflatable life boat. There is also a pair of straps and snaps to attach the emergency device to a user's vest and inflatable boat.
Abstract: A swiftwater rescue board capable of traveling across a river or other current flow under guidance of a single land-based rescuer using a single line. The board has a generally planar, double-ended flotation body with a longitudinal fin offset to the “victim” side of the board's centerline, and line attachment points located adjacent the ends of the board and offset to the “rescuer” side of the board's centerline. The board is placed in a river with the fin generally aligned with the current and closer to the victim being rescued, with a line attached to the attachment point at the upstream end of the board. The rescuer stays on land or in a relatively safe location and pays out line in a manner allowing the board to be driven across the river diagonally to the victim, driven only by the current flow.
Abstract: The invention is a health monitoring system that determines the spine stress dose value for an individual on a high speed boat. The boat can produce impact injury from whole-body vibration embedded with multiple shocks. The system includes an RFID tag; a GPS; a display; a RFID reader; a multi-axis sensor unit that is an accelerometer which enables the determination of impact, vibration and shock, impact and vibration; and a central data acquisition apparatus. The apparatus includes processors in communication with the GPS, the sensor unit, and the RFID reader. The apparatus samples the RFID reader frequently, confirming the status of all individuals having RFID tags as being onboard or overboard. An application records a GPS location and time if an individual is overboard, and generates a course to the GPS location. The display illustrates a ride roughness graphically, in terms of injury potential at a particular speed and heading.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 15, 2010
Date of Patent:
July 9, 2013
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
Inventors:
Eric C. Pierce, Jeffery Blankenship, Brian L. Price, Eric Tuovila, Ronald S. Peterson
Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, diagnostic system and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 24, 2012
Publication date:
June 13, 2013
Inventors:
James Thomas Grutta, Nathan Kuder, Peter Thomas Gompert, Derick Noffsinger, Robert John Horacek, Joseph Benjamin Walker, David Kuhlmann Blackwell