Abstract: A device is constituted by an inflatable neck float (1), with a U shape placed around the neck and closed by a safety closure (2) to allow perfect fitting around the neck, inside said neck float (1) there is a flexible tube (3) that carries a gas (11), introduced in liquid state and which, upon being released suddenly, will expand and inflate the lifesaving neck float.

Abstract: A self-contained emergency flotation device, the flotation device, with attached reflective material that is manual and/or automatic inflatable which is permanently, semi-permanently or temporarily mounted to a pleasure vessel, boat, canoe, kayak or personal watercraft, the vessel. The flotation device provides additional flotation, incremental buoyancy to the vessel. The flotation device includes one or more reusable flotation bladder, one or more inflators coupled to the bladder(s), one or more cartridges of compressed gas coupled to the inflator(s), one or more retention straps, a mounting mechanism, at least one backup inflator, one or more rollover strap is provided. The inflator activates to inflate one or more inflatable bladders when the flotation device is immersed in water. The flotation device remains attached to the vessel of which it is fastened. However, the temporary mounted flotation device can be reattached before and/or after inflation to assist the vessel's flotation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a personal flotation and rescue device. The device includes a life vest with an interconnected backpack. The backpack includes an interior area that is enclosed by a peripheral zipper. A boom is initially stored within the backpack in an uninflated and accordion-like state. A water activated inflator is secured to the boom and is adapted to fully inflate the boom upon contact with water. Inflation of the boom causes the zipper to open and thereby permit the boom to be fully extended from the back of the wearer. Joints are included along the length of the boom such that it takes on a bounded configuration after inflation. The bounded area and then be used by rescue personnel in retrieving the wearer of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable article that is designed to be launched to an intended target. The article is launched by a gun in an un-inflated state and inflates upon contacting water. The target can be, for example, a person being rescued. The article is initially stored in an outer layer of material. The outer layer of material may be shrink-wrap or a foam layer. The outer layer permits the article to be retained in a compact configuration prior to being launched. This, in turn, allows the article to be launched over great distances. The outer layer is designed to rupture upon inflation of the article.

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: A flotation device for use with objects includes a bladder forming part of an inflatable assembly having an inflatable volume defined by a first wall and a second wall sealed about a periphery. An inflation valve is in fluid communication with the inflatable volume through one of the walls, and the inflatable assembly wraps over the inflation valve to protect the inflation valve.

Abstract: A pill for insertion into a bobbin of a bobbin assembly of an automatic inflator, the pill including a distal surface and a proximal surface, at least one of the surfaces including an undulating configuration.

Abstract: An inflatable personal flotation device for positioning at the shoulders of a user has front and rear float portions, automatic inflating apparatus for operation upon immersion in water, a harness comprising a belt disposed about the user, at least one shoulder strap between the belt and the float, and elastic straps between the harness and the float front and rear portions to urge downwardly thereon on the float portions in response to the weight of a user urging downwardly the central portion of the float. Hinges are preferably provided between the front and rear float portions for improved bendability therebetween. A chin strap may be provided for the user's head when the float is inflated.

Abstract: An improved automatic actuation device for inflatable life-saving equipment which comprises a housing, a compressed gas cylinder, a piercing pin for piercing the seal cap of the gas cylinder to open it, a L-shaped lever for driving the piercing pin and an automatic actuation device which will automatically operate when submerged in water to actuate the lever, characterized in that the automatic actuation device can be readily fitted on the compressed gas cylinder of any kind of the conventional life-saving equipment and comprises an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, an actuating spring being compressing received between two cylinders, a water-soluble paper coil being surrounded around two projecting pins of the cylinders when two cylinders are pressed and fastened together and the water-soluble paper coil is used in the form of a replaceable unit.

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.