An apparatus that facilitates search and rescue, for example, in open water. The apparatus comprises a substrate with a particular geometry and a perimeter. The apparatus further comprises a cover positioned atop the substrate with the cover also having a particular geometry and perimeter, which correspond to the geometry and perimeter of the substrate. An air-tight seal seals the substrate perimeter to the cover perimeter and creates a sealed internal region. A breakable vessel holding an activator is located in the sealed internal region, along with illuminable dyes that are also located in the sealed internal region. When the breakable vessel is broken, the activator reacts with the illuminable dyes and illuminates the illuminable dyes.

A visual distress signal device that generates and emits bright light and/or infrared light to alert bystanders during times of distress. The device may be particularly suited for use on boats. The device may comprise a heat sink assembly that includes a screw-on collar that is attached to a housing of the device, such that the screw-on collar dissipates heat generated by electromagnetic radiation emitting elements away from an interior of the housing. The device may be configured for activation by a mobile phone or other mobile device which may be connected to the device via wireless communication. Furthermore, the mobile device may comprise a software application that can be used to alert persons in a contact list regarding the user's location and emergency status.

A personal flotation device having a vest, an inflatable balloon, a gas cartridge, a tube, and a harness assembly. The vest comprises a first prong, a second prong opposite the first prong; and a connection member connecting the first prong to the second prong. The connection member comprises a pocket and a flap. The gas cartridge is disposed in the first prong of the vest. The tube connects the inflatable balloon to the gas cartridge. An end of the tube is directly attached to the inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon is characterized by a deflated condition, stored in the pocket, and an inflated condition.

An air deployable buoyant device for transmitting data on its location and the conditions in the air as it descends to the surface of a body of water, and on conditions on a body of water on a real-time basis is disclosed. The device includes a buoy and a plurality of sensors and a transmitter associated with the buoy. The transmitter transmits data on the location of the device and the conditions in the air and on a body of water on a real-time basis to at least one receiver. The receiver may be located over the horizon or in line of sight with the device. The sensors are in communication with the transmitter, and each sensor measures at least one condition in the air and/or on a body of water to assist in locating a person in the water and provide information on the water conditions to a rescue team. Methods of deploying and using the buoyant device are also disclosed herein.

An air deployable buoyant device for transmitting data on its location and the conditions in the air as it descends to the surface of a body of water, and on conditions on a body of water on a real-time basis is disclosed. The device includes a buoy and a plurality of sensors and a transmitter associated with the buoy. The transmitter transmits data on the location of the device and the conditions in the air and on a body of water on a real-time basis to at least one receiver. The receiver may be located over the horizon or in line of sight with the device. The sensors are in communication with the transmitter, and each sensor measures at least one condition in the air and/or on a body of water to assist in locating a person in the water and provide information on the water conditions to a rescue team. Methods of deploying and using the buoyant device are also disclosed herein.

The present invention relates to a life jacket based on a fuel cell that can store hydrogen fuel in it. Particularly, the present invention provides a fuel cell based life jacket that can utilize electricity, heat and water generated during the operation of a fuel cell as a power source of a life extension tool and a personal location beacon. The fuel cell based life jacket of the present invention comprises a fuel cell unit for supplying electricity, a hydrogen fuel supply unit for storing and supplying the hydrogen fuel required for the fuel cell unit to generate electricity, a signal output unit for transmitting a signal using the electricity generated by the fuel cell unit, and a heat generating unit for recovering and transferring the heat generated in the fuel cell unit, wherein the hydrogen fuel supply unit generates hydrogen by using a hydrogen generation composition.

The present invention relates to a life jacket based on a fuel cell that can store hydrogen fuel in it. Particularly, the present invention provides a fuel cell based life jacket that can utilize electricity, heat and water generated during the operation of a fuel cell as a power source of a life extension tool and a personal location beacon. The fuel cell based life jacket of the present invention comprises a fuel cell unit for supplying electricity, a hydrogen fuel supply unit for storing and supplying the hydrogen fuel required for the fuel cell unit to generate electricity, a signal output unit for transmitting a signal using the electricity generated by the fuel cell unit, and a heat generating unit for recovering and transferring the heat generated in the fuel cell unit, wherein the hydrogen fuel supply unit generates hydrogen by using a hydrogen generation composition.

A water propelling device is invented to rescue a drowning person with more efficiency and less risks, which includes an adjustable clamp apparatus, a hydro-driving mechanism, a waterproof chamber and a control monitor. The adjustable clamp apparatus is able to fasten various type of life-saving buoy rings. Inside the waterproof chamber, electronic circuit boards, a power supply unit with batteries, a wireless signal communication module and antennas, various sensor modules and an electronic speed controller are wired together as a control unit. The hydro-driving mechanism is at the bottom of the adjustable clamp apparatus, which is connected with the control unit to actuate and control the movements. Wireless signals are transmitted and received between the control monitor and the control unit, allowing a rescuer to operate the water propelling device remotely to deliver a life-saving buoy ring over the surface of water toward the drowning person.

A water propelling device is invented to rescue a drowning person with more efficiency and less risks, which includes an adjustable clamp apparatus, a hydro-driving mechanism, a waterproof chamber and a control monitor. The adjustable clamp apparatus is able to fasten various type of life-saving buoy rings. Inside the waterproof chamber, electronic circuit boards, a power supply unit with batteries, a wireless signal communication module and antennas, various sensor modules and an electronic speed controller are wired together as a control unit. The hydro-driving mechanism is at the bottom of the adjustable clamp apparatus, which is connected with the control unit to actuate and control the movements. Wireless signals are transmitted and received between the control monitor and the control unit, allowing a rescuer to operate the water propelling device remotely to deliver a life-saving buoy ring over the surface of water toward the drowning person.

The illuminated lifesaving jacket is a personal floatation device compromising LED lighting, a cell phone pocket, a control unit, locator module, and a jacket battery pack. The LED lighting may increase the visibility of the jacket and may be activated by the control unit based upon input from a manual switch, a water-activated switch, or an application program running on a personal communication device such as a smart phone. The personal communication device may be held in the waterproof cell phone pocket and may wirelessly link to the control unit. The control unit may acquire location information from the locator module and may transmit messages that include location information to authorities in an effort to seek help. The jacket battery pack may provide electrical energy for the control unit, locator module, and personal communication device. A wristband may provide additional LED lighting to enhance visibility.