Force-independent release systems are disclosed. Releasable links are designed for use in connection with inflatable safety devices. Particular examples for use include evacuation slides and/or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel, or any other inflatable safety device that requires a rapid inflation. In one example, the force-independent release system separates when a certain inflatable pressure is achieved. In another example, the force-independent release system separates at a certain predetermined time. It is possible for the force-independent release system to also include current force-dependent technology as a redundant backup.

A system and method for an aircraft evacuation system with hydrogen inflation is disclosed. The system includes an aircraft having an integrated hydrogen-electric engine. A fuel cell stack for powering an aircraft motor of the integrated hydrogen-electric engine. A hydrogen fuel source in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack, the hydrogen fuel source containing hydrogen. An inflatable slide and a pump operably coupled with the hydrogen fuel source and the inflatable slide to selectively pump the hydrogen to the inflatable slide for inflating the inflatable slide.

A system and method for an aircraft evacuation system with hydrogen inflation is disclosed. The system includes an aircraft having an integrated hydrogen-electric engine. A fuel cell stack for powering an aircraft motor of the integrated hydrogen-electric engine. A hydrogen fuel source in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack, the hydrogen fuel source containing hydrogen. An inflatable slide and a pump operably coupled with the hydrogen fuel source and the inflatable slide to selectively pump the hydrogen to the inflatable slide for inflating the inflatable slide.

A valve arrangement for a pressurized fluid source includes a valve housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the valve housing. The valve arrangement further includes a spool and a regulating poppet valve coaxially located in the main fluid channel. The spool and a regulating poppet valve are both configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing independent of each other. In response to the spool moving to an open position, the poppet valve regulates the flow of a pressurized fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet of the valve housing.

A valve arrangement for a pressurized fluid source includes a valve housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the valve housing. The valve arrangement further includes a spool and a regulating poppet valve coaxially located in the main fluid channel. The spool and a regulating poppet valve are both configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing independent of each other. In response to the spool moving to an open position, the poppet valve regulates the flow of a pressurized fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet of the valve housing.

A releasable restraint may comprise a spline housing and a plunger removably coupled to the spline housing. A plurality of snap clips may be rotatably coupled to the plunger. The plurality of snap clips are configured to create an interference with the spline housing to limit movement of the plunger with respect to the spline housing. The plunger is configured to release from the spline housing in response to a pull force exceeding a predetermined threshold value.

A releasable restraint may comprise a spline housing and a plunger removably coupled to the spline housing. A plurality of snap clips may be rotatably coupled to the plunger. The plurality of snap clips are configured to create an interference with the spline housing to limit movement of the plunger with respect to the spline housing. The plunger is configured to release from the spline housing in response to a pull force exceeding a predetermined threshold value.

An escape system comprises a passage (1), a platform (3) and at least one craft (4), the platform (3) and the craft (4) being deployable from a structure (2) to water to facilitate evacuation of the structure via the passage. The passage is mounted to the platform such that the platform is urged towards the structure when deployed. The passage may be mounted to the platform such that movement of the passage relative to the platform is restricted in at least one direction. A plate (64) may support the passage, platform and/or craft during deployment, and/or stabilises the passage, platform and/or craft after deployment in the water.

A monolithic pressure regulator may comprise a boding comprising a base wall, an end wall, and a side wall, a cavity within the body, an input port in fluid communication with the cavity, an output port in fluid communication with the cavity, a first vesicle configured to regulate a flow of fluid through the input port into the cavity at a source pressure to exit through the output port at a regulated pressure, wherein the first vesicle comprises a first vesicle wall contiguous with a bulkhead and at least one of the base wall or the end wall.

A monolithic pressure regulator may comprise a boding comprising a base wall, an end wall, and a side wall, a cavity within the body, an input port in fluid communication with the cavity, an output port in fluid communication with the cavity, a first vesicle configured to regulate a flow of fluid through the input port into the cavity at a source pressure to exit through the output port at a regulated pressure, wherein the first vesicle comprises a first vesicle wall contiguous with a bulkhead and at least one of the base wall or the end wall.