Abstract: A survival aid which includes an inflatable floating body provided with a compressed gas cartridge for inflating the floating body, a bag for accommodating the floating body in an uninflated state, the bag being provided with looped tabs and a securing pin which extends through the looped tabs whereby upon the removal of the securing pin from the looped tabs, the floating body is released from the bag in an inflated state.

Abstract: A selectively inflatable watersports inflation device is disclosed. The device is a vest or another wearable device having an inner layer, an outer layer, and a bladder between the inner and outer layers. The device also includes one or more canisters coupled to the bladder and configured to selectively deliver pressurized gas into the bladder to provide flotation when actuated. The device also includes a pressure release valve that can also be manually actuated to release pressure from the bladder. The device can include multiple discrete canisters that can each be deployed independently of one another to provide an inflatable device that can be triggered multiple times even in hazardous conditions such as high surf.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas release device that is adapted to be secured to an inflatable article. The device includes an container, which can be a commercially available gas bottle, a salinity sensor, and an end cap. The salinity sensor operates an electrically fireable primer that serves to release an inflation gas from the container and inflate the article. The end cap includes a cylindrical through hole that accepts a rotatable D-ring. The D-ring is dimensioned to fit over the valve of the inflatable article. The D-ring includes a series of peripheral apertures that can be selectively aligned with a slot to create a fluid passage between the container and valve. The D-ring allows the device to be rotated between different angular positions while maintaining a pneumatic coupling between to the inflatable article and the container.

Abstract: A selectively inflatable watersports inflation device is disclosed. The device is a vest or another wearable device having an inner layer, an outer layer, and a bladder between the inner and outer layers. The device also includes one or more canisters coupled to the bladder and configured to selectively deliver pressurized gas into the bladder to provide flotation when actuated. The device also includes a pressure release valve that can also be manually actuated to release pressure from the bladder. The device can include multiple discrete canisters that can each be deployed independently of one another to provide an inflatable device that can be triggered multiple times even in hazardous conditions such as high surf.

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

Abstract: 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 thereof with a top edge being unattached to the torso section so as to define a pouch space with an open upper end.

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: A buoyancy adjustment device utilizes an inflation valve connected between the diver's breathing gas supply and a compartment to admit gas into the compartment to increase the diver's buoyancy. An exhaust valve connects between the compartment and the outside of the vest, to release gas from the compartment to the surrounding environment to decrease the diver's buoyancy. A hand-operated controller connected to the inflation valve, when caused to move from a neutral position to an inflation position, actuates the inflation valve and admits gas to the compartment. The hand-operated controller is also connected to the exhaust valve via a flexible pushrod so that, when caused to move from the neutral position to an exhaust position, actuates the exhaust valve and releases gas from the compartment. The flexible push rod is housed in a sleeve that is totally contained within the compartment.

Abstract: A flotation aid which has an inflation unit comprising an inflatable bladder and a gas container assembly including a capsule containing a compressed gas for inflating the bladder and having a valve through which gas may be released into the bladder, the gas container assembly being located substantially within the bladder and actuating means actuable externally of the bladder for actuating the valve to allow release of gas from the capsule into the bladder to inflate the bladder. In one form, the inflation unit is housed within a two-part longitudinally split casing, the parts of the casing being interconnected but being separated upon and by inflation of the bladder to release the bladder. In another form, the floatation aid is incorporated in pants or other article of clothing being located in a pocket and secured to the pants or article of clothing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method in connection with SCUBA diving to control a diver's buoyancy, in which method the diver (11) is equipped with diving equipment comprising at least one air pressure tank (1), a valve device (2) connected to the pressure tank (1) and arranged to supply air from said pressure tank via first supply means (5) to a breathing regulator (4) and via second supply means (7) to an inflatable diving jacket (6) in order to control the diver's buoyancy, inflation of the diving jacket being initiated when the diver has not affected the air flow through the breathing regulator (4) for a certain time period. The invention also relates to a safety device and diving equipment.

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 buoyancy adjustment device utilizes an inflation valve connected between the diver's breathing gas supply and a compartment to admit gas into the compartment to increase the diver's buoyancy. An exhaust valve connects between the compartment and the outside of the vest, to release gas from the compartment to the surrounding environment to decrease the diver's buoyancy. A hand-operated controller connected to the inflation valve, when caused to move from a neutral position to an inflation position, actuates the inflation valve and admits gas to the compartment. The hand-operated controller is also connected to the exhaust valve via a flexible pushrod so that, when caused to move from the neutral position to an exhaust position, actuates the exhaust valve and releases gas from the compartment. The flexible pushrod is housed in a sleeve that is totally contained within the compartment.

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: 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: The present invention relates to a method in connection with SCUBA diving to control a diver's buoyancy, in which method the diver (11) is equipped with diving equipment comprising at least one air pressure tank (1), a valve device (2) connected to the pressure tank (1) and arranged to supply air from said pressure tank via first supply means (5) to a breathing regulator (4) and via second supply means (7) to an inflatable diving jacket (6) in order to control the diver's buoyancy, inflation of the diving jacket being initiated when the diver has not affected the air flow through the breathing regulator (4) for a certain time period. The invention also relates to a safety device and diving equipment.

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 flotation aid which has an inflation unit comprising an inflatable bladder and a gas container assembly including a capsule containing a compressed gas for inflating the bladder and having a valve through which gas may be released into the bladder, the gas container assembly being located substantially within the bladder and actuating means actuable externally of the bladder for actuating the valve to allow release of gas from the capsule into the bladder to inflate the bladder. In one form, the inflation unit is housed within a two-part longitudinally split casing, the parts of the casing being interconnected but being separated upon and by inflation of the bladder to release the bladder. In another form, the floatation aid is incorporated in pants or other article of clothing being located in a pocket and secured to the pants or article of clothing.

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: The present invention includes an in-line device that improves safety and ease of use associated with a scuba diving buoyancy compensation device (BCD). Specifically, a rotational coupling and associated valves are provided to assist in closing the air passageway without physically disconnecting the air hose from the BCD for a diver in case of an emergency and may be utilized together with or independently from currently commercially available air hose configurations and is described as an improved buoyancy compensator coupling device (BCCD).

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: A multifunction manually oriented inflator to amplify the volume of gas provided for low-pressure inflation of multiple bladders. A default operation can be as a high pressure fixed-volume inflator. A shut off valve preserves excess gas supply while regulated flow allows optimizing volume versus rate of inflation and risk of aspiration. A detachable low-resistance check valve-coupler allows the valve to also serve as an oral inflate and rapid deflate valve for improving volume amplification. Audible alarms distinguish functional inflation from gas wasting over-inflation. Conserved gas can be used to inflate or pressurize additional survival devices or operate signal horns. A locking mount can align and secure a cylinder adjacent the piercing mechanism. Spent cylinder threads can be degraded preventing reinstallation of a micro-pierced cylinder.

Abstract: An air supply and exhaust system used for a buoyancy compensator includes an air supply and exhaust unit attached to a jacket, a manipulating unit connected to a hose extending from an air cylinder and first and second hoses connected to these two units. The air supply and exhaust unit uses the air supplied from the manipulating unit to supply the air to the jacket and to open an air exhaust valve and thereby to exhaust the air from the jacket. The manipulating unit uses a rotary change-over switch to supply the air from an air cylinder to a main supply pipe or an air chamber of the air supply and exhaust unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to emergency flotation devices, particularly to a wearable device in the form of a collar; and most particularly to a device suitable for wear by a pet or young child which may be worn during watersports, and which will not deploy until predetermined nominal safety parameters have been exceeded. The present invention provides a personal flotation device, suitable for children, pets or the like, which will activate automatically in response to changes in pressure, e.g. water depth, time of submersion, or a combination thereof. As the device senses the change in pressure or time of prolonged submersion, the internal triggering mechanism punctures a hole permitting the compressed gas reservoir contained therein to be released, thereby inflating the device's inner flotation member.

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: A device is provided for operating inflation and deflation valves of an air chamber of a scuba diver's balancing jacket. The device comprises inflation and deflation valves and a push-button for operating the valves that can be controlled by the diver. The device also has a handgrip projecting forwardly from a side position on a lower edge of the jacket, the push-button being situated on the handgrip.

Abstract: Inflating device for balancing jackets for diving activities equipped with at least partially horseshoe-shaped inflatable chamber comprising two descending branches communicating one with the other on their upper portion, characterized in that on the connection of the inflating valve ending on the base of one of the branches of the inflatable chamber of the jacket is arranged a tubular connection with a substantially T-shaped branch comprising a first tube portion ending directly on the basis of said first chamber, and a second tube portion covering the whole ascending arch of said first chamber and at least part of the descending arch of the second chamber of the jacket until it ends on the base of the second inflatable chamber of said jacket.

Abstract: A buoyancy control device includes a buoyancy compensator to be worn by a scuba diver, a compressed air tank, a depth or pressure gauge and a valve connecting the buoyancy compensator and compressed air tank for releasing air into and out of the buoyancy compensator. A microprocessor is connected to the depth gauge and the valve for controlling the amount of air in the buoyancy compensator in response to the depth of the diver. In addition, the microprocessor is programed for automatically controlling the rate of ascent of a diver under normal conditions and for a faster rate of ascent under emergency conditions. The device also includes an override function which allows a second diver to override the normal rate of ascent and to initiate the faster rate of ascent in an emergency.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator for scuba divers having an integrated system for controlling the functions of inflation and discharge, which comprises a single control (20) stably connected to the inflatable vest (1) in a fixed position readily accessible by the scuba driver, and designed to perform the functions of inflation, by use of a push-button valve (21, 22), and of remote discharge, by use of a purely mechanical remote control consisting of a maneuvering lever (26) which acts on a sheathed flexible cable (11, 12) in such a way as to exert a tensile force on the obturator (9) of a discharge valve (5) located on the vest (1) in a hydrostatically advantageous position and, in any case, a position at a distance from the single control (20). The inflatable vest (1) may have a mixed one bag/two bags construction.

Abstract: An air valve of a balancing jacket can be opened not only by a conventional driving cable located within the corrugated pipe of the balancing jacket, but also independently from the conventional driving cable by an auxiliary driving member integral or operationally connected with the valve element of an air valve and controlled by the diver directly with his hands and/or by a separate control member.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket comprising at least one air chamber (3) associated to a back portion (2) of the jacket and a couple of quick-release valves (6, 7), arranged on an outer face (2a) of said back portion (2), respectively near the upper and lower edges (2b, 2c) thereof. Respective ropes (8, 9) extend from the valves (6, 7) for the operation thereof. A supplementary operation rope (11) extends from the lower valve (7), the supplementary rope (11) of the lower valve (7) and the rope (8) of said upper valve (6) being mutually connected at least in correspondence to the free ends, whereby the air chamber (3) can be deflated through both valves (6, 7) by means of a single action.

Abstract: A life raft inflation valve has a body with a bore extending therethrough. A threaded gas intake fitting is on the body and communicates with the bore. An elongated valve spool is slidably mounted in the bore and normally closes the gas intake fitting. A lanyard is operatively connected within the lanyard fitting to the spool for longitudinally moving the spool in the bore to open the gas intake fitting. A lanyard fitting has a rounded or flared shoulder at its discharge end to facilitate the longitudinal movement of the spool by pulling on the lanyard even if it is pulled outwardly at an angle to the center axis of the bore.

Abstract: The invention comprises a buoyancy compensator for supporting an air cylinder to the back of a scuba diver. The buoyancy compensator comprises a vest to be worn about the diver's torso and an inflatable air bladder assembly interconnected to the vest by tank straps which rigidly secure the air cylinder of the vest in a backpack configuration. The inflatable bladder assembly comprises a horseshoe-shaped configuration positioned over the cylinder with the sides of the air bladder assembly being positioned along the opposing sides of the air cylinder so at to not obstruct the diver's view or freedom of movement. The vest of the buoyancy compensator comprises a back section, an adjustable torso section, adjustable shoulder strap sections connected to the adjustable torso section and adjustable left and right waistband sections. The vertical adjustment of the torso section relative to the vest allows the height of the buoyancy compensator to be easily adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seating substrate, an outer seat covering, and a housing containing an integrated self-inflating floatation device. The self-inflating flotation device includes one or more inflatable flotation bladders and an inflator that is activated to automatically inflate the one or more inflatable flotation bladders when the seat or a vehicle to which it is attached is immersed in water. The one or more inflatable flotation bladders are releasably received and secured within the housing when the bladders are deflated. The housing is received within the vehicle seat such that upon activation of the inflator the one more inflatable flotation bladders inflate and are completely released and detached from the housing and from the vehicle seat.

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 buoyancy compensator jacket comprising at least one air chamber (3) associated to a back portion (2) of the jacket and a couple of quick-release valves (6, 7), arranged on an outer face (2a) of said back portion (2), respectively near the upper and lower edges (2b, 2c) thereof. Respective ropes (8, 9) extend from the valves (6, 7) for the operation thereof. A supplementary operation rope (11) extends from the lower valve (7), the supplementary rope (11) of the lower valve (7) and the rope (8) of said upper valve (6) being mutually connected at least in correspondence to the free ends, whereby the air chamber (3) can be deflated through both valves (6, 7) by means of a single action.

Abstract: An equipped balancing jacket includes a stiff back containing a first stage reducer connected by lines to a high and low pressure distributor connected to various equipment. The jacket further includes pneumatic exhaust valves, a manual emergency control and a mouth inflation devcie.

Abstract: An underwater air supply system for use with an air supply tank and a buoyancy chamber includes a base module and a plurality of interchangeable modules releasably connectable to the base module. Each module includes at least one of an air supply buoyancy chamber inflator for selectively supplying air from the air supply tank to the buoyancy chamber, a buoyancy chamber exhaust for selectively exhausting air from the buoyancy chamber, an oral buoyancy chamber inflator for enabling a diver to orally inflate the buoyancy chamber, and a regulator for supplying air to a diver from the air supply.

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: An inflatable life saving belt comprising a gas source linked to a reusable inflatable bag at multiple locations on the belt. The bags are attached to the gas source in a manner such that should one of the bags fail to deploy, the other bags can be activated.

Abstract: A valve controls the flow of an inflation substance such as carbon dioxide from a pressurized container when the valve is actuated. The valve comprises a valve body having an inflow bore, inlet conduit, chamber, interior chamber and interior passage connected to each other and with the pressurized container. The valve is connected to an inflatable apparatus such as an emergency slide or raft by an outlet conduit connected to the valve body and with the interior passage. The valve is closed by a piston assembly which is balanced. The piston assembly includes a guidance collar and a first piston rod connected to the guidance collar. The first piston rod has an O-ring seal, and the piston rod is attached to the valve body by a fitting. The second end of the piston rod extends through the piston fitting and has a valve actuation receiving means.

Abstract: A diving control valve device includes a casing having a nozzle device fitted in the casing for connecting an air source from an air tank, an inflating valve device, a deflating valve device and an alarming valve device integrally encased in the casing for forming a compact valve unit for an ergonomic operation of the inflating valve, deflating valve and alarming valve by a diver's single hand and also for decreasing the frictional water resistance by the compact volume of the integrally formed valve unit in order for facilitating the diving velocity and enhancing the diving maneuverability.

Abstract: A volume control module for controlling the volume of a fluid such as air in a buoyancy chamber of a buoyancy compensator device comprises a main unit and a selector pad. The main unit includes a main unit housing having a first opening connectable to the buoyancy compensator device and a second opening connectable to an inflator hose assembly. Three pressure sensors, a microprocessing unit, and intake and vent valves are provided in the main unit housing. A first pressure sensor measures ambient pressure; a second measures the pressure inside the buoyancy chamber; and a third measures the air pressure entering the intake valve. The microprocessing unit carries out a variety of buoyancy-control functions responsive to output signals from the pressure sensors. The intake and vent valves are both controlled by the microprocessing unit and are both normally closed. The intake valve is connectable to a source of low pressure fluid, while the vent valve vents fluid from the buoyancy chamber.

Abstract: To provide a device (100) for inflating a container or a floating body, more particularly a life jacket, with the aid of a cartridge filled with pressure gas, which device comprises a releasing mechanism being independent of a tablet and being easily ready for operation, allowing a flexible operation and permitting an easy adjustment of the delay time in the case of release, it is suggested that, in said releasing unit (11; 11a-c), said first means comprise a sensor (49, 60, 73) which transmits an electric signal and that said second means comprise an electrically controllable locking means which, in the operative state, holds said retaining element in the retaining position and releases the same in the case of release.

Abstract: Scuba apparatus utilizes light-weight pressure vessels, or tanks, of relatively thin aluminum wrapped with fiber in a resin binder. Since such tanks are not approved for use in water, the tanks are enclosed within a water tight enclosure, and the enclosure in pressurized to exclude all water. A connection for filling the tanks extends through the enclosure, a burst disk is provided externally of the enclosure, and connections for the scuba mask and other accessories are provided. An automatically adjusting buoyancy control may be included within the enclosure in space not occupied by the tanks. A container fits within the void, and a flexible bladder is within the container. Water can be allowed to flow into the bladder, and air under pressure fills the balance of the container and balances ambient pressure. The size of the container cannot change, and the amount of water remains fixed, so the buoyancy remains fixed.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator assembly includes an inflatable bladder for supporting on a diver's back. Inflation of the bladder and venting of the bladder are controlled from a control unit carried at the front of the diver. The bladder has a passageway extending under a portion of the bladder for guiding hoses from the outside of the bladder at the rear of the diver towards the control unit at the front of the diver. A guide sleeve extends from the bladder over the diver's shoulder for holding hoses close to the diver's body.

Abstract: A depth sensitive diver safety system to be utilized with underwater breathing apparatus, the safety system including a first automatic ascent control stage which initiates gradual regulated inflation of a personal flotation device upon an air pressure from a pressurized air source of a user dropping to a danger/low air level corresponding a diver's depth, and a second automatic ascent control stage which is structured to initiate gradual, regulated inflation of the personal flotation device upon the diver's depth exceeding a preset safe depth level.

Abstract: The invention herein provides a kind of life-saving assistance device that includes an electroluminescent component that constitutes an illumination emission source mounted on string netting enshrouded on an inflatable balloon, wherein the aforesaid inflatable balloon can be packed into a satchel attached to a securing belt, and there is a battery case on the aforesaid securing belt and in the aforesaid battery case is a electric current driver device and switch for a battery-driven electroluminescent component illumination source. The securing belt can be worn by any user whatsoever and utilized to pump air into the inflatable balloon of the invention herein to provide a kind of device that emits illumination at night to indicate the exact location of rescue victims.

Abstract: A power inflator housing has a pressurized gas inlet for connection to a gas supply hose, an inflation outlet for connection to a buoyancy compensator inflation hose, a passageway connecting the gas inlet to the inflation outlet, and a valve actuating stem extending through part of the passageway into the gas inlet for selectively actuating a control valve at the outlet end of a gas supply hose coupled to the gas inlet. A manually operable button on the housing is linked to the stem for selectively urging the stem outwardly into an operative position to open the hose control valve. The stem is biassed towards an inoperative, retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a triggering mechanism that utilizes stepped triggering of successively higher-pre-loaded, counterdirected, nested stages. The present invention thus presents a triggering mechanism whereby an input force of a first value can result in an actuation force of a second value. In the preferred embodiment, the second force is greater than the first force. The present invention is suitable for incorporation in any apparatus taking advantage of its ability to use an input force of a given magnitude and provide an actuation force of different magnitude. Such devices include, but are not limited to, those utilizing hydrostatic pressure for actuation of flotation, marking, and retrieval devices, devices actuated by barostatic, mechanical, and pneumatic pressure, and devices that trigger chemical (including pyrotechnic), electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic devices. There is theoretically no limit to the number of successive stages in the triggering mechanism of the present invention.