Abstract: A safety device to be worn by a diver includes means for monitoring the breathing of the diver and causing release and inflation of a surface marker buoy attached thereto by a line if it detects he has stopped breathing. The monitoring means may also be operable to cause release of a cover of the device allowing the surface marker buoy to rise or the cover may be a simple friction fit pushed aside by the inflating marker buoy. The monitoring means includes a transducer monitoring the pressure of gas breathed, or the flow of gas inhaled or exhaled, by a diver. Various forms of electrical and electro-mechanical logic circuits are described, each of which provides for the comparison over pre-set or pre-settable time intervals of measurements made of gas pressure or flow rate values with pre-set values or with earlier recorded values. The device may be incorporated in the divers breathing equipment or be separate from the equipment but linked to the equipment by a flexible connection.

Abstract: The present invention features a pocket-sized, portable, flotation device that folds into a carrying case, which is the size of a cellular phone or camera. It can be carried upon a person in a shirt pocket or clipped to a waistline belt. The flotation device inflates into a diamond-shaped collar. The diamond shape of the flotation collar is uniquely constructed, so as to provide sufficient buoyancy to keep the user's head afloat. The diamond shape is also useful in preventing deflation of the device; it uniquely separates the flotation balloon into four separate compartments or cells, each of which is substantially sealed from adjacent compartments to prevent or reduce deflation of the adjacent cells through puncture or other mishap to one of the cells. The unique sealing construction is operative by the simple means of an approximately sixty-degree construction angle at the apex seam between the lobes.

Abstract: An improved coupling for an air hose of a diver's jacket includes an outer sleeve with one end fitted onto one end of the air hose, the outer sleeve having an inner tube with multiple annular teeth locked therein, such that the air hose is tightly clamped therebetween. The other end of the outer sleeve is connected to a coupling which has a restriction ring and multiple steel balls provided at one end thereof. The coupling may be speedily connected to a fastening element of the air hose. The coupling accommodates an air intake element one end of which has multiple intake holes circumferentially provided thereon and a groove for receiving an oil ring, the other end of which is a raised stop portion. The air intake element may urge against an inner rim of the coupling by means of the oil ring due to the action of the spring prior to connecting the coupling with the fastening element, so that the inner wall of the coupling and the oil ring may block the intake holes.

Abstract: A water safety and survival system that provides a multi-chambered personal flotation device that operates on minimal volume to create a single heads up righting moment that reliably stabilizes an unconscious victim with his airway out of the water. This is accomplished with a minimal amount of lift, less deflated bulk, improved cosmetic appeal and reduced cost. These combined advances result in a safety vest conducive to actually being worn, a key feature for a safety vest. The system also provides for incorporation of a separating second inflatable life ring, rescue board, artificial respiration assist platform and ultimately a raft for removal of the victim from the water to protect him from hypothermia. This sequentially inflated, multi-chambered, multi-faceted inflatable rescue product is incorporated within the body of the safety vest.

Abstract: An inflatable flotation device having a belt for securing same to the user. A pair of VELCRO.TM. carrying flaps are secured to the belt and overlap a folded inflatable bag. A release mechanism is carried by the belt and a manifold secured to the release mechanism extends through the belt and into the bag to secure the release mechanism and the bag to the belt. When the release mechanism is activated the bag inflates and opens the flaps.

Abstract: A rescue buoy package for use on a boat for marking the location of a person overboard and for remaining in that location until help can arrive includes an outer cylindrical tube that is mounted within arm's reach of the ship's helm and an inner cylindrical tube that fits into the outer tube and to which a heavily weighted cap is affixed. The cap extends downwardly over the open upper end of the outer tube keeping the contents dry and secure. The contents include an inflatable mast and a vest-type flotation device. The buoy can be packaged in a normal mode in which it must be deployed manually or in a second mode in which deployment is automatic. In the normal mode the buoy is deployed by pulling upwardly on a knob on the cap to remove the inner tube, the mast and the flotation device from the outer tube, and throwing the inner tube and its affixed cap into the water along with the mast and flotation device.

Abstract: A personal inflatable flotation apparatus comprising a flotation unit and an enclosure for the flotation unit. The flotation unit comprises an inflatable flotation bladder of sufficient size to provide flotation support to the user; a cannister of compressed gas for inflating the bladder; and an inflation valve connecting the bladder and the cannister, which when actuated releases the gas from the cannister to inflate the bladder. The enclosure comprises at least first and second enclosure members that interfit to form an enclosure for the flotation unit. The first enclosure member comprises a generally cylindrical hollow member, and the second enclosure member comprises a closure for the first enclosure member. A portion of the flotation unit is attached to the first enclosure member so that as the first and second members are separated the flotation unit is pulled from the first enclosure member.

Abstract: A safety lock for preventing inadvertent activation of an inflator of the type connected to a gas cartridge for the rapid inflation of inflatable articles. A common bore extends through the inflator body and a bell crank that causes piercing of the gas cartridge when rotated about a pivot shaft. A rivet extends through the bore and keys the crank to the inflator body so that the crank cannot be inadvertently pivoted. The rivet includes a weak middle section that breaks when a firm force is exerted upon the bell crank, thereby assuring that the safety lock does not prevent intentional activation of the inflator. The second end of the rivet includes a pair of resilient prongs that negate the need for a second head on the rivet.

Abstract: A water-activated, squib-powered inflator for fracturing a frangible seal of a gas cartridge allowing the gas therein to flow into an inflatable drive.

Abstract: An individual rescue apparatus for use around the waist of a person comprising a waist encircling support belt (1) with a Fastener (2a,2b) at its extremities, an inflation system (9-14) adapted to be secured to the support belt, a pressurized gas reservoir adapted to be able to be placed in communication with the inflation system, and a release device adapted to assure the inflation of the system from the gas reservoir, the inflation system comprising a atubular portion (9) extending along the support belt and connected to the gas reservoir, and cells (11-14) distributed along the tubular portion and communicating therewith for inflating the cells by the action of the release device, the support belt (1) comprising an upward extension (3) of a height adapted to extend approximately above the center of gravity of the person when the belt is worn around the waist, the extension (3) being provided with an attaching zone (3a) in its upper portion, the inflation system (9-14) being maintained, in the passive posit

Abstract: A life vest of the inflatable type is disclosed in which the inflation cell or cells are combined with a back panel and a single-attachment, single-adjustment, waist strap. The single-attachment waist strap may be permanent, or alternatively separable. The waist strap is stitched or otherwise non-movably connected to the inflatable cell or cells, and has a sliding connection to the back panel, for self-adjustability when tightened about the waist of the user, in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: Rescue apparatus comprising, a launcher, a missile and a supply of line mounted on the launcher, the launcher comprising a non-lethal firearm adapted to fire a blank round and having a barrel with a bore closed at its muzzle end, the muzzle end having gas ports therein, the missile being sleevable on the barrel and having means for connecting the line thereto, whereby when the firearm is discharged, gas escapes from the bore through the gas ports to propel the missile into space, carrying the line therewith.

Abstract: A backpack is disclosed for use with scuba gear wherein the backpack includes a rigid housing substantially enclosing an air tank, an interior chamber vented to the surrounding water and formed by the rigid housing for receiving an inflatable buoyancy compensator and a mounting for receiving and securing an adjustable amount of retrievable ballast. The rigid backpack provides a particularly streamlined configuration for the scuba gear, greater puncture resistance for the buoyancy compensator and greater variation in the amount of ballast carried by the diver. The backpack is preferably configured to better support the weight of the scuba gear upon the diver with a trim bladder separately inflatable by the diver and arranged between the backpack and the diver for allowing the diver to adjust for variations in slack, particularly at different diving depths.

Abstract: An anti-exposure suit is disclosed that protects a wearer against environments characterized by extremely cold temperatures. The suit comprises a coverall type garment including an outer layer of lightweight fluid impervious material and an inner fluid impervious layer defining an air-tight bladder therebetween for injection of gas to form an insulative layer between the wearer and the surrounding environment. In a preferred embodiment of the suit the inwardly facing surface of both the inner layer and the outer layer are highly reflective to minimize the loss of radiant heat. A life vest including pockets adapted for in place injection of buoyant material may be provided as an integral part of the suit or provided separately as an overgarment as desired. The outwardly facing surface of the outer layer may be provided with a highly visible surface to facilitate location of a wearer during a search and rescue operation.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a diving buoyancy compensator being capable of regulating a buoyance of a diver and achieving rapid flotation of the diver in case of emergency. The compensator is equipped with a safety valve device adapted to be automatically opened when the compensator has been filled with an excessive quantity of air and, in the case of emergency, adapted to be opened through manual operation by the diver, to exhaust the quantity of air filling the compensator. The safety valve device includes an operating mechanism mounted in an air inlet port provided in the compensator to which an inflation hose capable of expansion and contraction is connected at one end. A pull cord connecting a portion of the operating mechanism to a portion of a power inflator carried on the other end of the hose extends through the hose so that the hose may be expanded to open the safety valve device through the pull cord.

Abstract: A line throwing bag comprising a bag with a sidewall, an open end, a closed end formed by an end wall, and an interior compartment with sufficient size to loosely receive a plurality of folds of a central portion of a line. The line has a first end portion fixedly attached to the bag and extending through an aperture in the bag end wall with a loop positioned exterior of the bag for grasping by the person to be rescued. A looped second end portion extends through the bag open end and is positioned exterior of the bag for grasping by the person throwing the bag. A weight is fixedly attached to the bag end wall and weighs a sufficient amount to carry the bag forward when thrown for a distance substantially equal of the length of the line central portion and to gradually play the line out of the bag under the rearward drag created by holding the second line end portion stationary.

Abstract: An inflatable lifejacket for providing buoyancy in water to a wearer of the lifejacket, comprises an inflatable buoyancy envelope and an inflation unit mounted within the envelope for inflation thereof. The inflation unit comprises a storage cylinder which stores inflation gas and which is openable by an operating arm which in an inoperative disposition extends alongside the cylinder in spaced relation thereto and which when pulled away from the cylinder in an operating stroke is operative to release gas from the cylinder. The envelope includes a projecting tongue portion which receives the arm and which is so positioned in relation to an adjacent support portion of the envelope that, when the unit is assembled in a mounted disposition in the envelope with the arm located in the tongue portion, the cylinder is aligned with the adjacent support portion and is supported thereby when the arm is pulled to release gas from the cylinder.

Abstract: A combined life vest device and buoyancy compensator is disclosed for use by divers along with scuba gear including a back pack for mounting a compressed air tank on the back of the diver. One embodiment of the invention comprises a single garment for the diver including inner and outer shells providing abrasion protection with first and second airtight chambers forming respectively a buoyancy compensator adjacent the compressed air tank and a part of life vest surrounding the diver's torso. A conventional power inflator is employed for regulating pressure within the buoyancy compensator. An inflating device for the second chamber preferably includes an interconnection between the two chambers with a one-way check valve so that the second chamber is automatically inflated when pressure in the first chamber exceeds a predetermined level. A rebreathing tube is provided in communication with the second chamber so that the diver may use it as an emergency air supply.

Abstract: The life-saving appliance (1) is arranged in a covering (5), which is evacuated. So that the covering (5) cannot be damaged, it is enclosed in a hard foam casing (6). Through openings (7, 8) the life-saving appliance (1) can be released from the casing with the help of a pull member (4), or the vacuum in the covering (5) can be tested by touching the latter.

Abstract: Scuba gear is disclosed for use by divers and the like for carrying a compressed air tank to provide an underwater source of oxygen, a backpack being adapted for securing the tank to the diver and including quick release components for permitting the diver to rapidly free himself of the tank, an inflatable transport raft being secured to the tank and held in compact and gathered form by releasable fasteners in order to permit the raft to open in response to internal inflation pressure, the backpack being adapted for connection to the diver's upper torso together with a separate vest type buoyancy compensator, the backpack being adapted to permit inflation of the buoyancy compensator if desired and also permitting separation of the tank with the buoyancy compensator remaining in place on the diver, the transport raft providing flotation for the tank when the tank is freed from the diver, the raft also providing transport for the diver on the surface of the water.

Abstract: A low temperature inflator assembly for an inflatable life raft or life perver for ensuring sufficient buoyancy in low ambient temperatures. A CO.sub.2 cartridge and a solid pyrotechnic gas generator are positioned side-by-side in a heat transfer housing. A single actuator punctures the cartridge and ignites the generator. Combustion gas from the generator supplies immediate low pressure inflation while heat transferred from the generator to the cartridge accelerates a subsequent high pressure source of CO.sub.2. Higher gas capacity and pressure are obtained with no tradeoff of total size compared to the conventional CO.sub.2 cartridge inflators.

Abstract: A liquid-sensitive actuator for actuating a displacement responsive device, such as an inflator for a flotation device. The actuator comprises a sensing member within a housing which expands upon contact with a liquid entering the housing through an inlet. Expansion of the sensing member imparts displacement to the device and thereby causes its actuation. In the case of a flotation device, actuation may involve displacement of a trigger member to cause discharge of gas from a cartridge to deploy an inflatable cell. The sensing member may comprise a dried, compressed natural sponge member which expands rapidly and forcefully when immersed in water to actuate the device. A cover is provided for the housing which is movable between a latched, closed position substantially sealing the liquid inlet and an open position to permit entry of liquid into the housing. When the cover is in the closed position, the sensing member is physically immobilized to prevent premature activation of the actuator.

Abstract: An underwater air valve assembly which is to be connected to an air inflatable vest worn by a diver. The air valve assembly is located within a housing, which in turn, has a depth gauge and a pressure gauge mounted thereon. The housing is connected through a flexible hose to the air inflatable vest. A separate conduit extending from the pressurized air tank worn by the diver is located within the hose. The conduit is connected through a connecting conduit to a manually operated first valve, which when operated, will cause conducting of pressurized air from the conduit into the hose and hence into the inflatable vest. A second manually operated valve is mounted within the housing and when moved to the open position causes conducting of air from the hose to the ambient. A second valve assembly can also be utilized in conjunction with an oral inflation passage for the conducting of pressurized air orally into the hose and hence into the inflatable vest.

Abstract: Dual firing inflator for an inflatable article. A first gas containing capsule is pierced by energy supplied either manually or by a compressed spring of the like and the gas from the pierced first capsule powers a second piercing pin which pierces a second gas containing capsule. This reduces the amount of externally applied energy which is necessary to operate the inflator while supplying the inflatable article with an amount of gas which is twice that contained in capsules which are normally used with inflators of the same general type.

Abstract: A guard to prevent the inadvertent operation of an inflator for use with an inflatable article, the inflator having a piercing pin which is operated by a manually operated lever. The guard of the invention, which is used instead of the formerly used headed frangible pin which extended through the lever and the body of the inflator on both sides thereof, is of U-shape and is mounted on the body of the inflator so that the broad main part of the guard straddles the lever when the latter is in retracted position, and the legs of the guard tightly pinch the opposite sides of the inflator body between them. The guard is simple and economical to make, can be quickly applied to the inflator body, is reusable, and can readily be applied in the field, in contrast to the formerly employed frangible pin which required the use of special heading equipment in order fully to apply it to the inflator body.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the same total buoyancy of a scuba diver at all depths including means for re-setting total buoyancy and for maintaining the new buoyancy automatically. This apparatus includes a flexible air vest and an air valve system, with the air valve system being adjustable, by means of a knob, to compensation for different wetsuits, and having a failsafe feature.