Abstract: An apparatus, which allows a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to recover quickly from transient input to its receiving subsystem when transitioning from writing to an RFID transponder to reading its response. In particular, this apparatus is comprised of muting circuits, which both attenuate transients in its receiving subsystem while writing to a transponder, and help the receiving subsystem settle quickly after experiencing such transients.

Abstract: A three-dimensional virtual reality vest; the three-dimensional virtual reality vest may be beneficial for use by a user to enhance virtual reality, video game, movie, or other media experiences. The three-dimensional virtual reality vest includes a vest garment having a surround sound speaker system, a series of embedded haptic feedback devices, and additional features configured to provide an immersive three-dimensional user-experience for a user when worn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring device 1 for monitoring a man-overboard situation in a ship section 4, wherein the ship section 4 is monitored by video technology using at least one camera 5a,5b and the camera 5a,5b is designed to provide surveillance in the form of video data. The monitoring device comprises an evaluation device 7, said evaluation device 7 having an interface for receiving the video data, wherein the evaluation device 7 is designed to detect a moving object in the ship section 4 on the basis of the video data and to determine a kinematic variable of the moving object. The evaluation device 7 is designed to determine a starting point in three dimensions on the basis of the video data and the kinematic variable of the moving object and to evaluate the moving object as a man-overboard event on the basis of the starting point.

Abstract: The present invention provides various aspects of a novel safety light that can be attached to a bicyclist or around the body of an athlete so as to define a well lit, safe distance to avoid collision by a motorist. The present safety concerns would find advantage in an easy to attach safety light that is much larger, more conspicuous and one that provides greater lumens. It would be desirable for athletes and the sports industry if there was provided an improved safety light system to provide a significant warning to let motorists know the safe distance that any motorist and/or his vehicle needs to avoid so as not to hit the cyclist or athlete.

Abstract: An overboard tracking patch is an apparatus which increases the visibility and tracking capabilities of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for more efficient tracking of overboard individuals. In a passive embodiment, the apparatus includes an outer layer, an intermediate layer, an attachment layer, and a processor. The outer layer increases the visibility of PFDs during both daytime and nighttime conditions. The intermediate layer provides radio identification capabilities for the remote tracking of PFDs using search radars. The attachment layer enables users to attach the present invention to a PFD. The processor stores PFD information and other identification data. In a hybrid active-passive embodiment, the apparatus also comprises a thermionic layer and a power-storage layer. The thermionic layer generates power due to the heat exchange between the body of the user and the thermionic layer. The power-storage layer serves to store power generated by the thermionic layer to power up the processor.

Abstract: A Personal Flotation Device (PFD), in the form of a vest or like garment, and having a quiver-like receptacle attachment, hinged to the garment for flexibility, is provided. The quiver attachment houses a mast and flag attached to a small flotation device, such that when the user enters the water the flotation device causes the mast and attached flag to rise so that the flag can be seen from a distance and the wearer identified thereby. The quiver element is attached such that it can place the extended mast and flag unobtrusively and at a distance from the wearer's head for comfort. The quiver element comprises a housing for the mast and flotation device and is permeable to water; the quiver element is shaped to guide the mast and flag linearly at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the wearer. The device allows for the flag to be interchanged with other flags so as to better identify the wearer from other users.

Abstract: A personal flotation device having a vest, an inflatable balloon, a gas cartridge, a tube, 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 connection member comprises a pocket and a flap. 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: The illuminated lifesaving jacket is a personal floatation device compromising LED lighting, a cell phone pocket, a control unit, locator module, and a jacket battery pack. The LED lighting may increase the visibility of the jacket and may be activated by the control unit based upon input from a manual switch, a water-activated switch, or an application program running on a personal communication device such as a smart phone. The personal communication device may be held in the waterproof cell phone pocket and may wirelessly link to the control unit. The control unit may acquire location information from the locator module and may transmit messages that include location information to authorities in an effort to seek help. The jacket battery pack may provide electrical energy for the control unit, locator module, and personal communication device. A wristband may provide additional LED lighting to enhance visibility.

Abstract: A Visual Awareness Safety Accessory (VASA) is disclosed for use by a person engaged in watersport/water-based activity. The device may be worn by itself or in combination with a personal flotation device (PFD). The VASA includes a user worn deployable highly visible flag element which is lifted via an attached float when a wearer enters the water. The float raises the flag element well above a user's head whereupon the user can be more easily seen by others using the same waterway. The higher visibility more easily enables location identification of the wearer for rescue, retrieval, and/or collision avoidance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water floatation garment, and in particular, to such a swimming garment incorporating a fillable bladder and electronics provided to identify emergency situation such as drowning based on sensed data that causing the garment to trigger the fillable bladder to inflate allowing a user to float to surface therein preventing a drowning.

Abstract: The lifesaving jacket with integrated EPIRB radio is a personal safety device that is adapted for use by an individual. The lifesaving jacket with integrated EPIRB radio is designed to be worn as a garment during emergency situations. Should the individual wearing the garment come into the distress during the emergency situation, the individual can activate a beacon that is incorporated into the garment such that a distress message including the GPS coordinates of the garment is transmitted to the appropriate authorities indicating the need for assistance. The lifesaving jacket with integrated EPIRB radio comprises a vest, a beacon, and a pocket.

Abstract: A dog flotation device with safety flag includes a flotation vest having a central panel adapted to cover the back of a dog, and a safety flag including a flag staff having a lower end connected with the flotation vest and an upper end remote from the lower end. The safety flag includes a motion-activated light connected to the upper end of the flag staff and a flag attached to the flag staff below the motion-activated light. One or more buoyant elements are incorporated into the flotation vest for providing buoyancy to the dog flotation device. The motion-activated light includes an LED light, a power source, a motion detector for detecting movement of the motion-activated light, and a circuit for activating said LED light in response to the detection of motion by the motion detector.

Abstract: This device comprises an iron casing closed with a glass door to be broken in the case of an emergency, within which is located, above a bench a motor that drives a shaft in rotation, on which is mounted a reel winding a rope attached to a life jacket that fits on the rescuer body, provided with a whistle. The end of the reel shaft bearings rests on a supporting tripod at the end of the bench and, on the outer side, has a coupling in order to mount a crank for winding by hand in the case of engine failure. A pole is anchored along the beach, the end thereof having a snap hook of the quick opening type, through which the rescuer passes the rope before entering the water.

Abstract: A life saving dan buoy for marine saving is revealed. The life saving dan buoy includes a strip-shaped first air bag, a second air bag disposed on a lower part of the first air bag, at least one inflation valve arranged at the first air bag and/or the second air bag for filling gas into an air chamber and allowing the first and the second air bags to expand and float over the water, and a weight. The first air bag and the second air are communicating with each other to form the air chamber. The second air bag includes an open space area that allows a user's body to get through. The weight is connected to a lower part of the first air bag so that the first air bag is standing vertically in the sea while the second air bag is floated over the sea.

Abstract: A passive security system and personal equipment on vessels is for man over board situations. The personal equipment, prepared for being worn by a crewmember of the vessel, includes a first module (2) integrated into a belt (4); a life jacket (5) folded inside of the first module (2) and attached thereto by at least one strap (6); a second module (8) placed in the interior of the first module (2), connected to the life jacket (5) and configured to inflate the life jacket (5) when it detects a man over board situation. The first module (2) has on its rear part one flap (3) configured to be opened by the life jacket (5) inflating action, allowing the passage thereof to the exterior of the first module (2). It is used as a passive security element for “man over board” situations, to allow an immediate detection of the situation and a fast rescue.

Abstract: A glow in the dark wetsuit is disclosed that is visible in low-light conditions. The wetsuit comprises an outer surface visible in low-light conditions with at least one fastener for securing the wetsuit on a user. Preferably, the wetsuit comprises at least one glow in the dark element that is photoluminescent following sufficient exposure to a recharging source. The wetsuit insulates the user from cold water when submerged and protects the user from injury from marine life or from abrasions when diving in the water under any light condition. However, when the user is in or near the water at night, diving deep underwater, or in other low-light scenarios, the glow in the dark element radiates visible light enabling a companion, a dive buddy, or a rescuer to better visualize the user.

Abstract: A manual inflation component (13) for a personal flotation device (16) is provided in which the manual inflation device provides the antenna (17) for a warning device, as well as providing for inflation of the personal flotation device by the wearer. The component itself, personal flotation devices including it, warning systems including it and methods of manufacture are also provided. The manual inflation component (13) is well positioned on the personal flotation device to serve the role of transmission location.

Abstract: A process and system for detecting the presence of a person overboard including: setting the perimeter of an area to scan, scanning the area 180 degrees in azimuth utilizing a laser beam for receiving a reflection of the laser beam off the person, detecting the reflection and playing back a video recording of the trajectory of the person, wherein the area above and below the perimeter of an area to scan is continuously video recorded and wherein upon detecting the target, one or more of audio and visual alarms alert that crew, and wherein an alarm with location is sent to PDA system with GPS coordinates time and date. Additionally a launcher deploys a device to track the person overboard, and allows persons on the ship or in a control center to ascertain the location of the person overboard.

Abstract: An open-water swim training device provides open-water swimmers a stronger, safer swim without performance or stroke. The device includes a buoyant body having a tapered front end and an opening positioned in an upper surface thereof for removably receiving nutrition and/or hydration. A first end of a tether is connected to the tapered front end of the buoyant body. A waistband for removably connecting the training device to a swimmer is connected to a second end of the tether. A visibility marker is also affixed to the buoyant body.

Abstract: This device comprises an iron casing closed with a glass door to be broken in the case of an emergency, within which is located, above a bench a motor that drives a shaft in rotation, on which is mounted a reel winding a rope attached to a life jacket that fits on the rescuer body, provided with a whistle. The end of the reel shaft bearings rests on a supporting tripod at the end of the bench and, on the outer side, has a coupling in order to mount a crank for winding by hand in the case of engine failure. A pole is anchored along the beach, the end thereof having a snap hook of the quick opening type, through which the rescuer passes the rope before entering the water.

Abstract: A life jacket for aquatic use with a back part 1a and plurality of front parts 1b, which can be connected with each other by means of a fastener, wherein the life jacket 1 is built of a plurality of layers, is intended to improve the survival potential of its carrier in an emergency situation specifically in cold waters. Therefore it is proposed according to the invention that at or near at the interior side a layer 16 is provided, which includes a latent-heat storage material, in which an exothermic reaction takes place upon activation by a provided activation unit 20,21. The layer 16 containing the latent-heat storage material is subdivided into a plurality of chambers 24 in the back part 1a and in the front parts 1b, which are connected directly with each other or are connected to one another via connecting channels. Further the life jacket 1 has short arms 22, which cover the shoulders and extend into the upper arm area. Layer 16 continues into the shoulder area and upper arm area.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a glow in the dark flotation device that increases the likelihood of quickly locating individuals lost in water by increasing the visibility of the user, and more particularly to a durable conventional life jacket having a phosphorescent portion that emits visible light under low-light conditions.

Abstract: A buoyant article comprising a polymer containing particles of a photoluminescent material having a particle size of between 10 ?m and 250 ?m distributed throughout the polymer.

Abstract: A dog flotation device with safety flag includes a flotation vest having a central panel adapted to cover the back of a dog, and a safety flag including a flag staff having a lower end connected with the flotation vest and an upper end remote from the lower end. The safety flag includes a motion-activated light connected to the upper end of the flag staff and a flag attached to the flag staff below the motion-activated light. One or more buoyant elements are incorporated into the flotation vest for providing buoyancy to the dog flotation device. The motion-activated light includes an LED light, a power source, a motion detector for detecting movement of the motion-activated light, and a circuit for activating said LED light in response to the detection of motion by the motion detector.

Abstract: A safety device for attachment to a flotation device is disclosed comprising a light source, a housing, an actuator mounted within the housing and slideable between a first position wherein the light source is not illuminated and a second position wherein the light source is illuminated. The actuator further comprises a raised boss engageable from outside of the housing, a lanyard at least a portion of which is outside of the housing and a water activated switch wherein when the device is submerged in water, the water activated switch completes an electrical circuit illuminating said light source. The lanyard is releasably connected to an end of the actuator using a separable interconnection assembly. When the lanyard is pulled, the actuator moves from the first position to the second position and on reaching the second position the separable interconnection assembly separates thereby disengaging the lanyard from the actuator.

Abstract: A personal flotation and locating device for increasing the survivability and visibility of an individual stranded in water is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the flotation and locating device comprises a rescue streamer, the rescue streamer including a plurality of branching pneumatic stays structures.

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: 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.

Abstract: A safety device including an article to be worn by a user and an inflatable bladder which is in use attached to the article. The safety device further includes an inflating apparatus for in use inflating the inflatable bladder with an inflating product. The inflating apparatus includes an inflating product compartment for storing the inflating product and a frangible valve for deterring flow of the inflating product from the inflating product compartment. An actuator is provided for rupturing the frangible valve thereby allowing inflating product to flow from the inflating product compartment to the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: The present application discloses a device designed to be used on board of ships, vessels, boats. The device consists of a retractable tether having two ends a first end and a second end. Said first end to be securely connected to the body of said ship. Said second end to be securely connected to a personal floatation device. Said retractable tether thus connects the seaman wearing it to the body of the ship or vessels. During normal operations the seaman can enjoy additional room to move by extending a retractable reel from a retractable reel assembly. When an out of the ordinary tension is applied as when the seaman is ejected by the ship, the tether breaks dispersing in the water an high visibility dye in the water. A portable floatation device then helps the seaman to be kept afloat while waiting for aid to come.

Abstract: A portable wireless communication device includes a case having a waterproof structure and floating on water, an operation portion arranged in a front face of the case; and a wireless communication processing portion arranged inside the case, wherein a position of the center of gravity in the case is shifted to a rear face side opposite to the front face with respect to a center of the case, in a state where all components including the wireless communication processing portion are housed.

Abstract: A life jacket includes a hood and a hydration pack. The hood may be neoprene protecting the head from the water. The hydration pack may be insulated. The hydration pack may include a flow tube with a filter providing clean water to the user. The life jacket may include waterproof insulated pockets protecting contents therein.

Abstract: A personal visibility mark may increase the visibility of a person in the water to operators of watercraft or the like and may be used in combination with a personal flotation device. The personal visibility mark may include a housing including at least one intake opening. The housing may be removeably coupled to a personal flotation device or may be an integral component of the personal flotation device. A pump may be disposed within the housing and may be fluidly coupled to the intake opening and at least one nozzle for expelling a stream of water from the nozzle to increase the visibility of a user. The stream of water may include an interrupted stream. The interrupted stream may be provided by modulating the power to the pump and/or providing a self-resonating nozzle.

Abstract: A life jacket for aquatic use with a back part 1a and plurality of front parts 1b, which can be connected with each other by means of a fastener, wherein the life jacket 1 is built of a plurality of layers, is intended to improve the survival potential of its carrier in an emergency situation specifically in cold waters. Therefore it is proposed according to the invention that at or near at the interior side a layer 16 is provided, which includes a latent-heat storage material, in which an exothermic reaction takes place upon activation by a provided activation unit 20,21. The layer 16 containing the latent-heat storage material is subdivided into a plurality of chambers 24 in the back part 1a and in the front parts 1b, which are connected directly with each other or are connected to one another via connecting channels. Further the life jacket 1 has short arms 22, which cover the shoulders and extend into the upper arm area. Layer 16 continues into the shoulder area and upper arm area.

Abstract: A hydrogen power supply module includes a hydrogen production unit, a fuel cell unit, and a hydrogen flow channel. The hydrogen flow channel is in communication with the hydrogen production unit and the fuel cell unit, and a solid-state reactant is stored in the hydrogen production unit. A liquid-state reactant reacts with the solid-state reactant to produce hydrogen when the liquid-state reactant comes into contact with the solid-state reactant, and the hydrogen flows into the fuel cell unit via the hydrogen flow channel. A life preserver having the hydrogen power supply module is also provided.

Abstract: A marine safety device for deployment in water upon unwanted entry by a person into the water to indicate the location of and to provide buoyancy for that person; the assembly comprises a cover for retaining components of the device as an undeployed package, an inflatable mast having a proximal end which engages the cover and a distal free end, means for inflation of the inflatable member upon contact between the device and a body of water. A weight is located at or near the proximal end of the inflatable member to bias the inflatable member to a generally upright position. The device further comprises means to enable a person in the body of water to gain floatation from the assembly via at least one grippable member attached to the inflatable member.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a glow in the dark flotation device that increases the likelihood of quickly locating individuals lost in water by increasing the visibility of the user, and more particularly to a durable conventional life jacket having a phosphorescent portion that emits visible light under low-light conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a personal garment constructed with a buoyancy-enhancing feature whose purpose is to provide the garment wearer with the ability to float on the surface of the water for an extended period of time with minimal expenditure of energy in a water environment in order to prevent drowning. The buoyancy enhancing feature may comprise several configurations. One configuration consists of a compressed fluid canister apparatus constructed within the garment that is activated by the garment wearer. Another configuration comprises a garment constructed in part of a fabric manufactured with minute particles of a buoyancy-enhancing material encapsulated within the fabric substance. Another configuration consists of the incorporation of one or more removable buoyancy-enhancing panels into pockets constructed within the garment.

Abstract: A life vest includes a hydration pack capable of providing hydration to a user of the life vest; and a personal locator having a global positioning system receiver and a transmitter capable of transmitting the global positioning system location of the user of the life vest.

Abstract: There is elucidated a safety system for a marine vessel. The vessel includes two engines coupled to propellers for propelling the vessel through water. The vessel is provided with a digital anchor in communication with the two engines for maintaining the vessel substantially at a defined location when the anchor is activated. The safety system includes a sensor assembly coupled to a data processing assembly for sensing a region of said water at least partially surrounding the vessel for detecting one or more persons present in the region and for modifying operation of the digital anchor is response to the one or more persons being detected. The invention is of advantage in that the digital anchor is capable of responding to the one or more persons being present in the water and thereby reducing a risk of injury or loss of life when the digital anchor is employed.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for detecting the danger of a person drowning in a body of water. The device 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 device that can be permanently (or temporarily) attached to the back of a life jacket that deploys a staff or rod which sticks up high enough above the floater's head as to make them readily visible in the water. This staff or rod is generally water-activated in the sense that it is made of highly buoyant material that is forced upward out of a tube attached to the back of the jacket when in the water, and falls back down in the tube when out of the water. The staff can be brightly colored and can optionally hold a flag or other device to further increase visibility. The staff and/or flag can also have reflective portions for visibility at night.

Abstract: A location indicating attachment assembly for a personal flotation lifejacket includes a brightly colored, broad, flat, pliant covering formed with attachment straps to secure the covering with respect to an exterior outer surface of a back of the personal flotation life jacket. A brightly colored, broad, elongate, pliant flag is secured to the covering and extends outwardly with respect to the covering and the exterior outer surface of the back of the personal flotation life jacket, and cooperates with the covering to improve the ability of onlookers to visually identify a user wearing the personal flotation lifejacket during aquatic recreational activity, such as boating, waterskiing, or the like, and who may be floating in a body of water.

Abstract: A multi-functional, personal flotation device provides a life preserver for a person in combination with an integrated tethering system to aid in retrieval of the wearer. The integrated tethering system may be used alone or in conjunction with an integrated signaling device. The integrated signaling device extends when the life preserver is use. The integrated tethering system facilitates the recovery of a person wearing the multi-functional, personal flotation device. The integrated signaling device or the integrated tethering system may also include a sound or a visual alarm.

Abstract: A deployable signaling device and method of use thereof which includes material with detectable properties such that it can be distinguished from a background when deployed in various environments. Such detectable properties may include visible detection, detection by hyperspectral imaging sensors, radio wave detection, and/or detection other electromagnetic differentiation from the background in which the material is associated or adjacent to. In one preferred form, the selectively detectable material has an deployable shape having a plurality of directional biasing elements associated with said material.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the activity of freediving, providing the freediver with increased safety and protection in the event of Shallow Water Blackout, incapacitating hypoxia, or other emergency occurring in or under the water, while providing greater reliability of functioning, and comfort of wearing during the activity of freediving.

Abstract: An inflatable life-saving swimming garment for a swimmer that comprises an inflatable part for floating the swimmer while being in distress and for creating, when inflated, volume difference between upper body part and lower body part of the swimmer. The garment includes an inflating system that consists of a gas tank with compressed gas for inflating, whenever required, the inflatable part; a controllable valve connecting between the air tank and the inflatable part, for allowing, whenever required, the compressed gas to inflate the inflatable part; a controller for analyzing the swimmer's status underwater and opening the valve after the swimmer has been in an actual or impending distress for a predetermined time; and a battery for supplying power for the operation of the controller and the valve.

Abstract: A marine locator device including: a light section including a visible light emitter and an infrared light emitter; a communication device operable to broadcast an information signal; a controller operable to communicate with and control the light section and the communication device; a power supply electrically connected with the light section, the communication device, positioning system, and a controller; and a positioning system configured to determine geographic coordinates of the device, wherein the controller is operable to communicate with and control the positioning system and to incorporate the geographic coordinates into the information signal.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly is provided to enhance heads up surface positioning of a person. The assembly includes a weight/ballast member strategically disposed on a cylinder/tank worn by a diver during a dive. The weight member can be attached by several different embodiments. Preferably, the weight member is attached such that the diver cannot release or adjust the weight member while he or she is diving. The weight member rotates the person to ensure heads up surface positioning in the event the person becomes incapacitated. Also provided are several other water safety and survival devices. Also disclosed is a combined ballast and signaling device preferably neutralized by attachment to an eccentrically buoyant personal flotation device.