Abstract: An inflator for automatically inflating an inflatable article, such as a personal flotation vest, upon immersion in water. A plunger and a piercing pin are movably mounted within a housing and are movable with respect to a pressurized gas canister attached to the housing. A force generating mechanism, mounted within the housing, acts on the plunger to forcibly move the plunger and the piercing pin to pierce the canister to release the pressurized gas therefrom through the housing to an inflatable article attached to the housing. A pair of spaced water sensor probes mounted in the housing provide a signal to a control device indicating that the housing is immersed in water. The control device activates a release mechanism which rotates a cam to release a spring-biased ram in the force generating mechanism from a first, retracted position such that the ram engages the plunger and urges the plunger and the piercing pin under force into the sealed end of the gas canister.

Abstract: An automatic valve for inflating an inflatable article, includes a pin for piercing an operculum seal of a container for a compressed gas, a spring for urging the pin in a first direction to pierce the operculum seal of a compressed gas container, an arming mechanism for causing movement of the pin against the spring into an armed position and a latching mechanism including a pressurizable compartment for latching the pin in the armed position. The latching mechanism is arranged so as to release the pin on release of pressure of the pressurizable compartment, and a release mechanism for causing the release of pressure from the pressurizable compartment on immersion of the valve in water.

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 inflator for automatically inflating an inflatable article, such as a personal flotation vest, upon immersion in water. A plunger is movably mounted within a housing and is movable with respect to a pressurized gas canister attached to the housing. An internally resettable automatic actuator mechanism, mounted within the housing, acts on the plunger to move the plunger to pierce the canister to release the pressurized gas therefrom through the housing to the inflatable article attached to the housing. A pair of spaced water sensor probes mounted in the housing provide a signal to a control device indicating that the housing is immersed in water. The control device activates the automatic actuator mechanism to release a spring-biased ram from a latched position such that the ram engages and urges the plunger under force into the sealed end of the gas canister.

Abstract: An automatic flotation device is disclosed which uses an electric circuit to fire a detonator or allow a spring loaded arm to open a CO.sub.2 cartridge which then in turn inflates a bladder which lifts a swimmer to the surface. The circuitry utilizes a pressure sensor to determine the depth of the swimmer under the surface. The circuitry is such that if the swimmer has been below a first depth for a given period of time the bladder is inflated or if the swimmer has been below a second, greater depth for any interval the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: A raft inflation valve includes a cylinder head which is connected to a pressure vessel and which has an inlet communicating with the pressure vessel, a recess for receiving a puncture disc, and a passage which connects the inlet and the recess and which is covered by the puncture disc. A disc retainer holds the puncture disc in position in the cylinder head covering the passage. The bayonet piston has a cutting edge formed between an abbreviated cutting face and an inverted conical cutting head for cutting and not tearing the puncture disc upon collision. A bias spring applies a bias force to the bayonet piston, and an actuating cable ball prevents movement of the bayonet piston until the cable is pulled. Once the cable has been pulled to remove the ball, the bayonet piston is driven by the bias force toward the disc to clearly cut and puncture the disc and permit flow of gas from the pressure vessel through the inlet passage through the disc to the outlet passage in the outlet of the valve.

Abstract: An inflator for automatically inflating an inflatable article, such as a personal flotation vest, upon immersion in water. A plunger is mounted in a housing and is movable with respect to a pressurized gas canister attached to the housing. An actuator mechanism, mounted within the housing, acts on the plunger to move the plunger to pierce the canistor to release the pressurized gas through the housing to the inflatable article attached to the housing. A pair of spaced water sensor probes provide a signal to a control device mounted within the housing when immersed in water. The control device automatically activates the actuator to drive the piercing end of the plunger into the canister. A manual lanyard is extensibly mounted within the housing and is connected to a link and lever to drive the plunger into the canister when the lanyard is pulled outward from the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflator assembly for life vests which includes a one-piece housing heat sealed to the wall of an associated cell of the vest. Exteriorly of the cell, the housing has an end-to-end bore, in one end of which a carbon dioxide cartridge is mounted, in position to be pierced by a plunger slidable within the bore. The bore is stepped to form communicating chambers. Normally the plunger is in a position in which O-rings thereon sealably engage the walls of both chambers, at opposite sides of a port through which the gases are to flow into the cell when the cartridge is pierced. Springs within the respective chambers exert their force in opposite directions. A lever handle has a cam surface, such that when the handle is thrown the cam surface will act upon the springs to bias the plunger to a cartridge-piercing position. Further movement of the handle permits the other spring to partially withdraw the plunger.

Abstract: Helium inflatable emergency locator balloon having a longitudinal body and side wings defining horizontally a triangular, bilaterally symmetrical tetralobate monochamber having a forward lobate nose, a rearward lobate hind section and flanking rearward lobate wings, the latter three lobate portions being in side by side spaced apart and unconnected relation to each other and the hind section end extending rearwardly slightly beyond the wind ends, and in inflated condition each of the body and wings defining in longitudinal cross section a bilaterally symmetrical convex profile having a slightly rounded upper side and underside, a small rounded leading edge and an acutely pointed trailing edge, and a respective tail of streamer strips attached to each of the hind section and wing ends, such strips preferably constituting tuned radar reflective dipole strips, and optionally alternatively similar dipole strips being individually loosely disposed within the balloon, and a gas supply device for inflating the ballo

Abstract: A valve mechanism for opening the seal on a high pressure gas cylinder, e.g., a cylinder having an internal pressure on the order of 6,000 psi, is provided. The valve includes a piston assembly which carries a cutter for puncturing the cylinder's seal. The initial puncture is performed manually. Thereafter, the escaping gas from the cylinder is used to force the piston towards the seal to complete the puncturing process.

Abstract: A device for providing location data for use by a lost child or adult or an individual in need of assistance. The device is in the form of a small compact unit including a container having a top case and a bottom case containing a deflated airfoil and a gas cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas such as helium. A release key which when pulled allows the top case to separate from the bottom case and automatic inflation of the airfoil commences. The plunger strikes a lever driving a puncture pin into the gas cylinder filling the airfoil through a one way valve. The airfoil is tethered at one end by a line and is attached to the bottom case and maintains flight even in adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: A garment to be worn conveniently and comfortably over the upper body of a seagoing person to gain protection from rain, wind, and/or cold, which includes an interior deflated fluid tight enclosure, i.e. a bladder, to be very quickly inflated inside the garment in a time of emergency. The deflated fluid tight enclosure covers at least the interior upper back portion of this garment and also covers at least the interior of the right and left chest portions of this garment. An inflating subassembly is operatively secured between the deflated fluid tight enclosure and to either the right or left chest portion of this garment. This inflating subassembly has an alternatively usable mouth and lung inflatable valved air intake-discharge communicating with the deflated fluid tight enclosure, and an alternatively usable filled compressed fluid valved cylinder discharge also communicating with the deflated fluid tight enclosure and having a coilable pullable lanyard.

Abstract: A portable water survival kit includes a small life raft apparatus which may be attached to and carried by a user. When needed, the small life raft may be quickly removed from a carrying case and inflated through the use of a permanently attached compressed gas cartridge.

Abstract: A flotation device (10) attached to a skid member (11) of an aircraft skid undercarriage comprises a flexible bag member (15) adapted for inflation from a collapsed condition to a shape in which it provides at least partial support for an aircraft when it lands on water. A source of pressurized gas for inflating the bag member comprises a pressurized gas bottle (21) housed within and surrounded by the bag member.

Abstract: Rescue apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a tear-resistant balloon bound to a frame that is securable to a person. To initiate rescue action, the ballon is inflated by pressurized gas to buoy the attached person at, for example, the surface of the avalanche. The apparatus is formed by a frame with a collar to which the balloon is attached. A filling mechanism for the balloon is positioned within the frame and includes a nozzle valve that operates in accordance with Venturi action.

Abstract: A personal flotation assistance device includes a housing having an open end, a cover pivotally movable from a first position closing the open end and a second position opening that end, a container of pressurized fluid having a frangible membrane, a pin for puncturing the membrane, an expandable envelope disposed in an initially collapsed condition, and a gear assembly connecting the cover and pin. User manipulation of the cover to move the same from its first to its second position causes pin movement both rotationally about its axis and translationally along that axis into membrane puncturing abutment, thereby releasing the pressurized fluid for inflating the envelope to provide the user with flotation assistance. Cover movement to its second from its first position additionally serves to clear the housing open end thus enabling expansion of the inflating envelope outwardly from the housing interior.

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: An inflatable article adapted for automatic inflation, for example a life jacket, an inflatable suit, or a life raft. The article has a compressed gas cylinder for inflating the article with a gas, and a diaphragm for comparing the ambient fluid pressure with the internal gas pressure in a closed flexible compartment such as the internal space of the article and for activating the article automatically when the ambient fluid pressure exceeds by a predetermined amount the internal gas pressure in the compartment.

Abstract: Hurlable, water rescue aid 10 comprising an initially collapsed, gas-inflatable buoyancy element 12, a ball-shaped bracket 24 supporting the buoyancy element in collapsed condition generally within the locus of the bracket, a compressed gas supply 32 within the bracket for inflating said element, a penetrating tip 40, adapted to release the gas supply from the cylinder in advance of hurling the aid toward a person to be rescued, and passageways 52 metering flow of released gas from the supply into the buoyancy element, whereby the buoyancy element is substantially collapsed at the commencement of flight but substantially inflated at the termination of flight for use by the person.

Abstract: An automatic inflation system for use as an emergency locating system which is activated by the severance of an initiator wire which in turn begins the operation of a transmitter and a timer. Following a period of time as determined by the timer, a pair of electrically activated pyrotechnic thrusters are actuated and cause the rupture of seals on a pair of compressed gas storage cylinders which in turn results in the inflation of two sections of a twin mast, raising a radio antenna and radar reflective material. A radio transmitter is also activated at the start of the time delay with an emergency locating signal broadcast from the antenna, after the mast is raised. This system provides improved means of locating missing equipment when searched for by radio search, radar search, and/or visual search.