Abstract: A fuel treatment module treats fuel with infrared radiation from a plurality of infrared radiation emitting elements arranged in a structure configured to ensure sufficient exposure of the fuel to infrared radiation. Such structure includes a head cap and spacer having through bores providing a manifold through which fuel flows into multiple IR/shunt columns of infrared radiation emitting elements that are disposed within a canister. Then the fuel moves out of the multiple IR/shunt columns into the open area of the canister where the fuel then flows around the exterior of the columns, exposing the fuel to further infrared radiation treatment.

Abstract: An underwater rolling seal connector assembly has releasably mateable connector units with one or more rolling seals mounted in front faces of units. The rolling seals are rotatable back and forth between a closed position sealing one or more chambers within the respective units which contain one or more contacts and an open position in which bores through the seals are open to allow contacts in one unit to pass through the seal openings and engage contact in the other unit. A shell of one connector unit has inwardly facing cam formations and each rolling seal has outwardly directed eccentric rotators configured for engagement with respective cam formations on mating and de-mating of the connector units, whereby travel of the respective rotators along the respective cam formations during mating and de-mating rotates the rolling seals into the open and closed positions, respectively.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for managing and statically positioning or holding objects, and for other uses, the fastening assembly comprising a flexible, corrugated tube, the tube having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends having an attachment mechanism, for example, male and female hook and loop ends (a mechanism commonly referred to by the trademark “Velcro”), which hook and loop ends are capable of being attached to each other to secure the ends of the tube to encompass various objects. The corrugated tube is extendable and condensable, and is allowed to encompass and detachably hold together curtains, drapes, towels, cords, wires, tubes of varying widths carrying liquid or air, lines, strings, or similar groupings of products having length where an advantage exists in collecting, coalescing, binding, and fastening a single product or a grouping of products.

Abstract: A garment comprises a panel adapted to comprise or retain body armour that protects a front region of the torso when the garment is worn and respective laterally spaced side pockets that extend generally vertically at the front side regions of the torso when the garment is worn. These side pockets have openings at their upper ends to removably receive the respective arms of a generally U-shaped, deflated but inflatable personal flotation device (PFD), that thereby extends behind the neck and/or head of the wearer. These side pockets have outer side fastenings that are separable by the inflating PFD arms to thereby allow the arms to fully expand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wearable assembly, such as an article of clothing or a life-jacket, for providing a rescue function, such as buoyancy, the wearable assembly comprising:—a support structure which can be arranged round the body, being wearable as for instance an article of clothing or life-jacket,—a fluid holder such as a buoyancy provider able to at least temporarily hold a fluid, preferably a gas, with a density lower than water,—a gas generator comprising a precursor for generating gas for the purpose of generating a gas substantially at a temperature which does not damage the human body or the human skin, preferably a corresponding ambient temperature.

Abstract: A flotation device that automatically inflates when contacted by water, but minimizes the risk of inadvertent inflation, includes an inflatable bladder that is coupled to a water-activated inflator device equipped with a water sensor. The water sensor is covered by a housing that prevents the flotation device from inflating inadvertently. The water sensor and housing are positioned on the upper back area of the wearer.

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

Abstract: An automatic inflation system for a life jacket which works with an “off the shelf” inflation system (E), comprising an electronic depth sensor (100) configured to activate at a preset depth programmable by the user, opening an internal valve to release water from a stored water reservoir which enters the “off the shelf” inflation system (E), firing the gas cylinder (B) and inflating the life jacket (D).

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for identifying a diver in distress and initiating a rescue response. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for identification of a diver who is not breathing properly and in response giving local stimuli to allow the diver to response. Should he/she not respond, the instant invention will initiate steps to bring the diver back to the water surface and alert others as to his/her need of assistance.

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 emergency floatation system for an aircraft includes an actuator box assembly that activates the floatation system either electrically or manually. The actuator box assembly is separated from a valve assembly of an inflation reservoir and provides an interface between an electromechanical trigger system and a redundant mechanical trigger system. The actuator box includes a pivot member that provides an interface for the redundant trigger systems and an output actuator. For normal operation a button in the cockpit is pressed which sends an electrical signal to an electromechanical actuator in the actuator box assembly. The electromechanical actuator rotates the pivot member, which operates the output actuator and opens the valve assembly. Alternatively, should the electrical system of the aircraft fail, the pilot or other occupant may activate the mechanical trigger system, thereby rotating the pivot member and activating the output actuator to open the valve assembly.

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

Abstract: A personal anti-drowning system comprising a front fastening inflatable cocoon and inflating means: the inflatable cocoon being fabricated from a water and air resistant fabric such that at least part of the inflatable cocoon comprises air tight inflatable pockets at least on back of said suit and wherein when inflated and in water, said inflatable pockets support a person within the cocoon above the water, who can partially unfasten front fastening of the suit and sit up so that body below the waste is in said cocoon and torso, head and arms of the person protrude out of said suit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an airbag system that a user can deploy to reduce the chances of being buried in an avalanche or if buried, likely being buried near the surface, thereby improving the user's chances of surviving the experience. In one embodiment, the airbag system is comprised of an inflatable balloon, a pressure gas cylinder for holding a pressurized gas that is used in inflating the balloon, a valve that can be placed in a closed state to retain a pressurized gas in the pressure gas cylinder or an open state in which pressurized gas is released from the pressure gas cylinder. The system further comprises an ejector that operates to use pressurized gas received from the pressure gas cylinder and ambient air to inflate the balloon. Also part of the system is a flow restrictor that is located to receive pressurized gas from the pressure gas cylinder before the ejector receives the gas. A harness supports the noted elements of the system adjacent to an individual's body.

Abstract: A personal floatation device includes a housing and a plurality of bladders disposed within the housing. The plurality of bladders are movable between a non-deployed position within the housing and extendable from the housing to a deployed position. A device is provided for selectively filling the bladder with a substance that is buoyant in water and causing the bladder to be moved from the non-deployed position to the deployed position. The bladder filling and deploying mechanism can be a cartridge that contains a supply of a compressed gas.

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 personal flotation device may include a chest portion, an abdominal portion, and a connecting portion positioned between the chest portion and the abdominal portion. The width of the connecting portion may be smaller than the width of both the chest portion and the abdominal portion. The connecting portion may extend only from a center region of the chest portion. The chest portion, abdominal portion and connecting portion may be arranged to together form an approximately I-shaped portion. The personal flotation device may be secured to a garment.

Abstract: A personal water safety device includes a strap and a housing attached to the strap. The strap includes a cinch and a fastening device. The housing includes an inflatable bladder, an inflation assembly disposed within the inflatable bladder, and an actuator. The actuator includes a lanyard and a ring. The inflation assembly includes a frame and a gas container. The frame includes a retaining clip to prevent the gas container and a portion of the inflatable bladder from prematurely dislodging. The gas container deploys gas to the inflatable bladder for inflation. The inflatable bladder remains attached in a substantially stationary position adjacent to the upper arm of the user by the strap. The inflatable bladder can be disposed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The inflatable bladder can be formed from a highly visible material. A second strap can be attached to the inflatable bladder for stability.

Abstract: An inflation device and method for inflating or deflating inflatable objects, such as game balls is disclosed. The inflation device measures the pressure of a game ball and inflates or deflates the ball to a pressure selected by the user. Also disclosed is an injection apparatus that can be used to automatically retract an injection needle from the game ball or other inflatable object.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator device for divers has an expandable air chamber and at least two outlets, one arranged in an upper region and one arranged in a lower region. A manifold functionally connects the expandable air chamber and the outlets, by means of a control valve. A manifold connects the expandable air chamber to the outlets and has a control valve.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus has a cuff member, an inflatable bladder affixed to the cuff member, a gas line affixed to the cuff member so as to be in fluid communication with the bladder, and a gas canister affixed to the cuff member in valved fluid communication with the bladder. A rope is affixed to and extends along the gas line and has an end affixed to the cuff member. A gas source is connected to the opposite end of the rope for selectively delivering a gas into the bladder through the gas line from a location remote from the cuff member.

Abstract: A flotation device (10) adapted to be worn by a person, said device (10) including at least one inflatable member (23) adapted to be inflated by gas generated by solid to gas generation means (21) and having means (30) to effect such inflation. The flotation device (10) also having a body (25) substantially encompassing at least one inflatable member (23) and the gas generation means (21) as well as release means for substantially releasing any inflatable members from the flotation device (10) while retaining the inflatable members (23) in connection with the flotation device (10).

Abstract: A variable volume raft containing adjustable ratio and amounts of air and or water. The buoyancy and ballast of the raft are routinely adjusted to accommodate additional occupants and changing weather conditions. A manual pump can be the primary or back up source for initial inflation. The torque pump twisted by hand or amplified by a lever arm generates air pressure for maintenance and repairing deflating lacerations at sea. The pumps collector gathers and pressurizes rain water for drinking in one chamber while pressurizing sea water as a stabilizing ballast in another chamber. A double hull or full floor chamber allows huge variations in buoyancy or ballast as dictated by changing needs for stability versus mobility. A compressed liquid or two-part foam confers puncture resistance to a portion of the raft. A thrown self-righting manual air horn, worn water-activated air horns and water activated transmitted signals, mark the site for rescuers.

Abstract: A flexible or semi rigid container having one or more openings, including, slits, slots, or shaped holes is sealed with a sealing apparatus. The sealing apparatus covers the openings and is attached to the container, sealing the openings and preserving the environment and integrity of the container. The sealing apparatus can have a visual indicator, which allows for rapid validation of the integrity of the seal.

Abstract: A support collar having a bladder and a shell. The bladder is adapted to be inflated by a fluid. The shell is adapted to be attached to a harness. When inflated, the bladder is shaped by the shell to form an air chamber. The air chamber is characterized by a cross-section having a center of gravity and a dimension through the center of gravity. The dimension is larger at an open end than at the close end.

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

Abstract: A hands free signal device for use in conjunction with a scuba system. The hands free signal device includes an inflatable member engaged with an inflation source. The inflation source, for example, can be a tank of compressed air commonly used in scuba diving or can be a smaller, self-contained cylinder of carbon dioxide. The signaling device is adapted for use in conjunction with a scuba diving buoyancy compensation jacket and is activated by pulling on a cord within easy reach of the scuba diver.

Abstract: The present invention features an airbag to be worn by swimmers for safety. The airbag device generally relates to personal floatation in the water and more particularly comprises, a plastic inflatable airbag, an air filling tube for filling or draining air, and an air check valve. The airbag is inflated by the wearer's breath, or in an alternate embodiment, an electrical air pump or compressed gas cartridge or gas generated by a chemical reaction. The airbag is worn around the lower abdomen (for the male wearer) or placed on the ribs or breast (for the female wearer). The airbag is worn underneath the swimming apparel and is practically invisible to an onlooker. The airbag can be made in smaller sizes to be worn in other parts of the swimmer's body (such as the neck) along with the main airbag for enhancing buoyancy. When the swimmer is not inside the water, the inventive safety airbag can be comfortably deflated allowing the wearer to perform other tasks such as walking or eating, with ease.

Abstract: A rescue signal device for indicating the location of a person requiring rescue attention. The rescue signal device includes a canister. The canister has a lumen therein adapted for holding helium under relatively high pressure. The canister has an aperture therein for access into the lumen. A valve means releases the helium from the canister. The valve means is fluidly mounted to the aperture in the canister. A balloon has an opening therein. An elongate tube has a first end and a second end. The first end of the tube is fluidly coupled to the valve means. The second end of the tube is fluidly coupled to the opening in the balloon, such that the helium may enter the balloon via the tube.

Abstract: A hands free signal device for use in conjunction with a scuba system. The hands free signal device includes an inflatable member engaged with an inflation source. The inflation source, for example, can be a tank of compressed air commonly used in scuba diving or can be a smaller, self-contained cylinder of carbon dioxide. The signaling device is adapted for use in conjunction with a scuba diving buoyancy compensation jacket and is activated by pulling on a cord within easy reach of the scuba diver.

Abstract: The subject invention is a buoyancy jacket constructed of a pair of separate buoyancy compartments overlying each other. There is an inner buoyancy compartment and an outer buoyancy compartment with the inner buoyancy compartment to be located directly adjacent the skin of the wearer of the jacket. Each of the buoyancy compartments are to be inflated by a separate inflation valve. The body of the jacket includes a plurality of baffles with each baffle including a small loop of sheet material. Each loop is to be fixedly connected between the outer layer of the jacket and the intermediate layer, and also between the inner layer of the jacket and the intermediate layer. It is the function of the loops to limit the expansion of the buoyancy compartments when inflated.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for floatation is provided in which a compressible and expandable float has a variable volume air chamber enclosed within a tubular main body portion made up of a foldable, cylindrical side wall and opposing end walls. One of the end walls of the floatation apparatus is non-apertured while the other end wall has an aperture therethrough which is openable and closable by means of a cap may be positioned on a spout surrounding the aperture in order to open and close the aperture against movement of air or water in or out of the air chamber. The cap allows for the opening and closing of the aperture in order to expand or compress the tubular body of the floatation apparatus by increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air chamber.

Abstract: An atmospheric air pressure inflatable garment has an inner layer and outer layer define a confined space with a compressible material therein. The compressible material has resiliency and strength characteristics so that it compresses under atmospheric conditions when the air pressure in the confined space is reduced to sub-atmospheric pressure and an air passage adapted to permit passage of air into and out of the confined space but not water when a seal for sealing the passage is released. The garment is stored with the air removed and permitting atmospheric air to fill the space when the seal is opened raise the pressure in the space to atmospheric and causes the compressible material to expand separating the inner and outer layers and forming an insulation therebetween.

Abstract: An inflatable immersion suit is provided with an inner layer which is inherently more elastic than the outer layer so as to ensure a close fitting of the inflated suit around the body of the wearer, thereby providing effective anti-hypothermia protection to the wearer.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator insertable backpack is disclosed herein in the form of a configured insert having an inverted T conformation. The inverted T conformation has an upright portion with ribs thereon which provide rigidity to the upright and includes at least one set of slits therethrough in order to secure a breathing gas tank by a metal band passing therethrough and around the tank. The lower or transverse portion of the inverted T shaped backpack is curved to follow the contour of a person's torso so that support can be provided to the upright portion by having a load distributed across a person's torso in the pelvis, small area of the back, or hip area. The entire insertable backpack is implaced with a buoyancy compensator so as to provide for support of a breathing gas tank on the backpack within the buoyancy compensator, all of which are secured on a user's body for providing buoyancy compensation and attendant support of a breathing gas tank.

Abstract: An exposure suit 10 has an attached lifejacket (14) which includes a part-annular rear portion (17) within a sheath (26) secured across the back of the shoulders of the suit 10 and a front portion 16 which is secured at (19) to the chest center of the suit. In a stowed deflated condition (FIG. 1) the portion (16) is folded or rolled to form a package restrained by a restraint such as a flap 31 on one side of a suit fastener (12), inflation of the lifejacket causing it to release its restraint and automatically to adopt a position overlying the chest of the suit (10) and wearer in a body supporting position.