Abstract: The practice of this invention enables saving a life. A passive distress alert for distressed vessel in water is provided. The self-activating alert is positioned on or near hull bottom zone and distress message is at least partially presented, without human or mechanical, electronic or other trigger, when vessel is keel over or in other overturned positioned and can indicate relative percent keel over. The alert reflects natural and artificial light and/or has components which are fluorescent, with or without special black light, either at day or night to present a distress message to a detector. Detector can be an aided or unaided human eye, camera, bar code reader, or other alphabetic or numerical character or symbol electronic recognition device. Distress message can be SOS, MOB, HELP, CQD, R&R, MAYDAY and other local or universal distress messages or combinations thereof or special distress alert comprising bars, dots, dashes and other symbols.

Abstract: A portable device for inflating an inflatable bag (60) comprises at least one inlet (46), for forming a fluid connection to a gas source. The gas source is attached or attachable to the inlet. The device further comprises an air intake chamber (32) which has an opening allowing atmospheric air to be admitted and an outlet intended to be connected to the bag to be inflated. The gas source comprises a first and at least a different second gas component. The first component is stored at least partially in liquid form; preferably, the first component is carbon dioxide. The gas source contains at least 10%, preferably more than 30% and most preferably more than 60% of the first component. The second component is gaseous or supercritical at a temperature of 243K and up to a pressure of 200 bar, preferably, the second component has a critical temperature below 243K.

Abstract: A garment comprises a panel adapted to comprise or retain body armor 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: 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 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: The personal floatation device (PFD) sleeve presented in this application comprises a sleeve in the form of a strip that can be worn on a swimmer's appendage including leg, calf and arm. The PFD sleeve may be made of a flexible, water resistant material. The PFD sleeve comprises a single compartment wherein a deflated PFD with CO2 cartridge is stored during swimming, and a first and a second connection panel whose major function is to wrap around the appendage of a swimmer using the fastening means on their surfaces. The present invention provides a PFD that is simple, reliable, light-weight, compact and can be inflated and deployed quickly during an emergency to support a swimmer floating on the water but does not affect the swimmer's mobility before it is deployed.

Abstract: A personal floatation device includes an attachment device that selectably couples to a user's body. The personal floatation device includes a housing that couples to the attachment device. The housing includes a base and an outer wall extending outwardly from a perimeter of the base. The housing includes an inner wall enclosed by the outer wall and extending outwardly from an interior region of the base. The housing includes a compressed air container extending through the inner wall. The housing includes a compressed air activation device functionally coupled to the compressed air container such that, when triggered, releases air therefrom. The housing includes an air bladder in fluid communication with the compressed air container. The housing includes a breakaway cover coupled to the outer wall that detaches when exposed to pressure from the air bladder inflating. The housing include a trigger device functionally coupled to the compressed air activation device.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensation apparatus for underwater use by a SCUBA diver, includes a pressurized air source, a buoyancy vest including air chambers and a pressure regulating unit. The pressure regulating unit includes a chamber in communication with the vest air chambers and the pressurized air source. The pressure regulating unit also includes a normally closed air injection valve and a normally closed relief valve. The wall of the pressure regulating unit chamber includes a flexible portion that flexes inwardly when outside water pressure exceeds the pressure in the vest air chambers, which, in turn, opens the air injection valve. The relief valve opens when air pressure in the vest air chambers exceeds outside water pressure. The air injection and relief valves respond faster than the walls of the buoyancy vest air chambers so that the volume of the vest air chambers remain generally constant even as the diver changes depth.

Abstract: An inflatable swim vest is constructed with a first layer and a second layer having respective outer edges variously secured together by fixtures to define a compartment therebetween. An inflatable bladder arrangement includes an inflatable bladder stored and housed in a deflated condition in separate areas of the compartment. The inflatable bladder arrangement further includes an inflator mechanism operatively connected to a charged gas canister and to the inflatable bladder. The fixtures securing the outer edges of the first and second layers include a temporary closure configured for temporarily affixing the outer edges together and to be easily separable such that upon actuation of the inflator mechanism, gas is delivered to the inflatable bladder. This results in an inflated condition of the bladder, and produces a force that will open the temporary closure and enable expansion of the bladder out of the compartment of the vest.

Abstract: The personal floatation device (PFD) sleeve presented in this application comprises a sleeve in the form of a strip that can be worn on a swimmer's appendage including leg, calf and arm. The PFD sleeve may be made of a flexible, water resistant material. The PFD sleeve comprises a single compartment wherein a deflated PFD with CO2 cartridge is stored during swimming, and a first and a second connection panel whose major function is to wrap around the appendage of a swimmer using the fastening means on their surfaces. The present invention provides a PFD that is simple, reliable, light-weight, compact and can be inflated and deployed quickly during an emergency to support a swimmer floating on the water but does not affect the swimmer's mobility before it is deployed.

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 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: The personal floatation device (PFD) sleeve presented in this application comprises a sleeve in the form of a strip that can be worn on a swimmer's appendage including leg, calf and arm. The PFD sleeve may be made of a flexible, water resistant material. The PFD sleeve comprises a single compartment wherein a deflated PFD with CO2 cartridge is stored during swimming, and a first and a second connection panel whose major function is to wrap around the appendage of a swimmer using the fastening means on their surfaces. The present invention provides a PFD that is simple, reliable, light-weight, compact and can be inflated and deployed quickly during an emergency to support a swimmer floating on the water but does not affect the swimmer's mobility before it is deployed.

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 personal floatation device (PFD) sleeve presented in this application comprises a sleeve in the form of a strip that can be worn on a swimmer's appendage including leg, calf and arm. The PFD sleeve may be made of a flexible, water resistant material. The PFD sleeve comprises a single compartment wherein a deflated PFD with CO2 cartridge is stored during swimming, and a first and a second connection panel whose major function is to wrap around the appendage of a swimmer using the fastening means on their surfaces. The present invention provides a PFD that is simple, reliable, light-weight, compact and can be inflated and deployed quickly during an emergency to support a swimmer floating on the water but does not affect the swimmer's mobility before it is deployed.

Abstract: Wet suits used by water sports enthusiasts (e.g., surfers) are provided with the ability to be inflated during emergency situations to provide life-saving buoyancy and floatation aid. The inflatable wet suit will preferably include a torso section having a back pocket and a bladder assembly having an inflatable bladder bag and an inflator valve adapted for operative connection with a compressed gas canister positioned within the back pocket. A rip cord has one of its ends connected to the inflator valve and extends over a shoulder region of the torso section so that the other end thereof is graspably positioned adjacent a front portion of the torso section. A canister pouch within the back pocket of the torso section is provided for receiving the gas canister therein. The canister pouch includes a front wall attached to the torso section along side and bottom edges.

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 personal water safety device comprising a strap and a housing secured to the strap. The housing releasably encloses a bladder and an inflation assembly. The bladder completely encloses the inflation assembly. The inflation assembly includes a gas container that provides gas to the bladder to inflate the bladder upon the selective deployment of gas from the gas container. The strap keeps the bladder secured to a user's appendage before and after inflation of the bladder.

Abstract: A compressed gas system component coupling device and method are described herein that use correlated magnets to enable a first component to be secured and removed from the second component. Some examples of components of the compressed gas system include a first stage regulator, a second stage regulator, an air pressure gauge, a dive computer, an air hose, a tank valve and a buoyancy control device. Furthermore the compression force created by the correlated magnets mounted on the first and second components create a hermetic seal therebetween.

Abstract: A disposable toilet seat cover apparatus is for use on the existing seat of a toilet. The apparatus is provided in a textured biodegradable water soluble material and resists slippage on the seat. A pull tab provides for the gas chamber within the valve assembly of the initially compactly folded apparatus to release a compressed gas to fill the seat cover/cushion. After use, the apparatus' biodegradable makeup provides for either discarding in a trash bin or for deposit into the bowl water, where the apparatus quickly deflates and dissolves. Any of the apparatus not immediately dissolved in the bowl water is easily flushed.

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: 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: 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: The invention relates to a lifejacket used in the field of safety equipment aboard a boat. The jacket comprises an inflatable vest having two faces opposite one another, which can be housed, folded, in a protective envelope, which comprises an external peripheral opening fitted with temporary closing means by which the vest can expand when inflated. The jacket also comprises a carrying harness to which the envelope can be fixed. The vest comprises inside at least one non-inflatable zone in which its two faces opposite one another are assembled, especially by thermowelding. Thus, this non-inflatable zone, inside the vest and not on its periphery, allows it to have a hooking zone for correct attaching of the vest, the protective envelope and the harness.

Abstract: The swimmer's safety apparatus is worn around a user's waist or proximal thereto and is selectively inflated. The apparatus has a small rigid case with spaced apart rigid housings, each rigid housing holding an inflation device with compressed gas therein. Upon selection, each inflation device is separately released and inflated via a separate rotating handle for each. The compact device is provided in embodiments which can be attached to clothing, included in clothing, or worn about the waist in either attachment fashion or included with an optional belt.

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: A method and apparatus for the self-illumination of various objects designed for use in sports, entertainment, safety, and emergency related activities. The objects are caused to self-illuminate by chemiluminescence to facilitate usage of the objects during non-daylight hours or in areas that are otherwise surrounded by darkness. Chemiluminescence may be activated through a variety of injection, acceleration, or tactile manipulation that are utilized to cause emission of visible light from within one or more cavities of the objects, from exterior portions of the objects, or from various inserts of the objects. Subcutaneous layers are also provided that may be caused to emanate visible light through chemiluminescence.

Abstract: A personal anti-drowning system comprising an inflatable body suit and inflating means: the inflatable body suit being fabricated from a water and air resistant fabric wherein at least part of the inflatable body suit comprises air tight inflatable pockets.

Abstract: An inflatable safety belt is disclosed. The inflatable safety belt includes a belt including a means for buckling the belt about a waist of a wearer, a pair of pockets disposed in spaced relationship along a length of the belt and oriented toward a top thereof, and a source of compressed gas in fluid communication with the pair of pockets and the belt, each of the pockets and the belt being inflatable into an inflated chamber extendable around the waist and about the front torso of the wearer's body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wetsuit/floatation device which advantageously provides a combination wetsuit/flotation device integral with the wet suit so that a user can maintain unrestricted movement during water-sport activities and have the option of gaining instant buoyancy during times of dangerous water conditions. The invention can be made in a number of embodiments, with one being a vest which can be worn over a person's skin or over another wetsuit. The vest has an inflatable bladder extending from two chest panels around the back of the user's neck, with a valve connected to a removable CO2 canister which is triggered by a pull cord/handle extending outside of the wetsuit. The vest also has an inflation adjustment valve located near the neck by which a user can orally inflate or adjustably deflate the vest.

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: The flotation device includes an inflatable bladder, inflation means, activation means for the inflation means and is self-contained. Preferably, a plurality of flotation bladders which are inflatable by the user, a third party or automatically are used. A closure system prevents accidental inflation of the inflation means. The devices provides buoyancy to personnel and associated equipment.

Abstract: A compact personal inflatable flotation device comprising a cylindrical canister, an inflatable bladder attached to the first end of the canister, the bladder of sufficient size to provide flotation support for a user, a compressed gas cartridge removably housed within the canister, a user strap attached to the canister, a bi-directional activation mechanism with a control button disposed on the outer surface of the canister, whereby the bi-directional activation control button must be moved sequentially in the Y plane then the X plane to allow the compressed gas cartridge to fill the bladder.

Abstract: Inflator regulator having a threaded sleeve and a plurality of different size adapters for connection to a plurality of different size BC hoses. Connecting the inflator regulator to a selected BC hose is accommodated by selecting the corresponding size adapter. The selected adapter is inserted concentrically through the threaded sleeve and then mechanically affixed, such as by a plastic cable tie, to the end of the BC hose. The sleeve is then threaded onto the inflator regulator. In the event that it is desired to connect to a different size BC hose, the above process is simply reversed and repeated using an appropriately selected different adapter.

Abstract: There are known proposals for protective garments comprising ballistic and stab resistant body armour and inflatable bags or bladders to give buoyancy. The improved garment of this invention has body armour and a gas inflatable bladder between the armour and the wearer's body so as to be shielded by the armour whilst being arranged not to harm the wearer when the bladder inflates. This is facilitated by regulating the inflation pressure and/or by providing expansion joints in the garment that allow the armour to move away from wearer's body to make room for the inflated bladder.

Abstract: A diving jacket 1 having a strap 26 extending from one of paired shoulder regions 7 to the other of the shoulder regions 7 via an upper end of the jacket 1. The strap 26 has its opposite ends fixed to the shoulder regions 7 and the length of the strap 26 is adjustable in at least one of the shoulder regions 7.

Abstract: A vehicle evacuation system for aiding the escape of a person trapped in a motor vehicle having a vehicle seat, a vehicle seat belt and vehicle windows, which has entered a body of water, includes a cutting tool for cutting through a vehicle seat belt; a glass breaking tool for breaking a glass vehicle window for escape; a combined compressed breathable air tank and mouthpiece; an inflatable buoy bag and compressed gas cartridge for lifting the person to the water surface; a distress and position indicating signal generating mechanism for sending an alarm signal to a receiving station, the alarm signal being trackable by a tracking device; and an element unification structure for holding elements of the system together in a readily accessible configuration prior to and during use.

Abstract: An automatic inflator having a status indicator that indicates whether a fully-charged, unspent gas cylinder has been installed to the automatic inflator, whether a fully-operable bobbin has been properly installed within the automatic inflator and whether the threaded cap of the automatic inflator has been fully installed, including an indicator window that displays the color “green” when the automatic inflator is fully operational automatically or the color “red” when the automatic inflator is at least partially inoperable automatically due to the removal of the gas cylinder, due to at least partial removal of the threaded cap, or due to the firing of the inflator resulting in a spent bobbin or gas cylinder.

Abstract: A backpack for underwater breathing gas tanks including a substantially flattened body, at one side of which is connected at least one tank, the other side designed to be connected with the diver's back, and provided with a handle for easy lifting. The handle is positioned in a cavity formed in the body of the backpack and may be moved from a raised, active position to an inserted, inactive position.

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: An avalanche life jacket having an airbag inflatable by a gas release system upon actuation is disclosed. The life jacket provides a torso strap and buckles for attaching the life jacket to the user. Prior to inflation, the airbag is folded and enclosed within the harness. The harness encloses the airbag via an enclosure mechanism which opens during inflation of the airbag to allow the airbag to fully expand. The life jacket further comprises a gas release system which may be automatically actuated by an accelerometer and/or manually actuated by the user's pulling of a release handle. Upon actuation, the gas release system releases gas into and inflates the airbag. The airbag inflates to surround at least the back and sides of the user's head to thereby provide physical protection and a thermal buffer between a portion of the user and the external environment, for example, during and after an avalanche and to facilitate search and rescue of the user after the avalanche.

Abstract: An avalanche life saving system has at least one inflatable buoyancy body of balloon design secured close to a user's body, a filling unit, a compressed gas unit with a compressed gas container and a release mechanism capable of actuation without a tool and attached to said compressed gas unit via a quick coupling and a release tubing. Compressed gas is transmitted to the buoyancy body via the filling unit upon actuation of the release mechanism. Actuation of the release mechanism produces a controlled pressure wave, which starts the flow of compressed gas from the compressed gas container to the filling unit.

Abstract: A balancing jacket for scuba divers includes at least two valves for discharge of air. All the valves are connected to a pneumatic-control pipe, and preferably at least one of the valves is located in the bottom part of the balancing jacket and at least one in the top part. The air-discharge valves are air valves of the open-close type with spring-operated return combined with non-return valves to prevent any entry of water into the jacket.

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

Abstract: A personal floatation device (PFD) comprising an inflatable bladder which is attached to the wearer by a waist belt and anchor straps joined to a second belt attached directly to the bladder. Both a gas cartridge device and a oral device are provided for inflating the bladder. The gas nozzle through which the gas enters the bladder from the gas cartridge includes a plurality of gas paths which permit gas flow substantially perpendicular to the gas inlet nozzle axis thus overcoming difficulties in inflating the PFD caused by the extremely cold gas vented from the cartridge freezing the bladder material of the PFD in the vicinity of the gas inlet nozzle. a similar gas inlet nozzle can also be used for the oral inflation device.

Abstract: A life saving device that can be attached to the body of a user including an attachment strap, a housing, an inflation sac, a rope, a pressure release device and a compressed air cylinder. The attachment strap is attached to the user's body. The housing accommodates the inflation sac, the rope, the pressure release device and the compressed air cylinder. An upper cover of the housing is popped off when the inflation sac is being inflated. The inflation sac envelops the compressed air cylinder and most of the pressure release device with a press element of the latter partly projecting from an opening of the inflation sac. When the press element is pressed, a steel ball stopping the compressed air cylinder is pushed away so that compressed air escapes from the cylinder through a tubular body and an air outlet of the pressure release device into the interior of the inflation sac to form a life ring. The rope is provided to allow the user to pull back the inflation sac if it floats away from him/her.

Abstract: The present invention features a pocket-sized, portable, flotation device that folds into a storage or carrying case, which is the size of a cellular phone. It can be carried upon a person in a shirt pocket or clipped to a waistline belt. The flotation device includes a life vest with a collar having separate cells, each of which is substantially sealed from adjacent cells to prevent deflation of the adjacent cells through puncture to one of the cells. The collar of the life vest inflates, cell by cell, allowing the user to position the vest over his or her head during inflation. The carrying case has a body and a detachable, arch-shaped cover, constructed so that a tether can be inserted into the cover and the device automatically activated by pulling the cover from the body. Moreover, the case includes a belt loop through which the belt of the user can be inserted. The handle can be hollow, to form a loop into which the tether (attached to the life vest itself) can be threaded.

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

Abstract: Scuba diving apparatus includes a buoyancy compensator attachable to a diver, and a depth control device for sensing the depth of the diver and for automatically increasing the buoyancy of the buoyancy compensator when the diver is submerged at a predetermined depth in the water, to thereby prevent the diver from exceeding the predetermined depth.