The present invention relates to improved personal flotation devices and their methods of use. Advantageously, the devices and methods of the invention eliminate the need for a pyrotechnical firing mechanism, and compared to current devices, are less apt to be spontaneously activated by deterioration that is caused by storage in a humid environment or the passage of time. Instead, the devices and methods of use of the present invention incorporate electronic circuitry to activate automatic operation.

An inflation device is provided including a shell, a pin, a restraining element, and a moveable element. The shell is adapted to be coupled to an inflation canister. The pin is positioned within the shell. The pin is adapted to open a seal of the inflation canister. The restraining element is positioned within the shell. The moveable element includes a shape memory alloy. The moveable element is moveable from a first position to a second position responsive to electrical energy sent to the moveable element. While the moveable element is in the first position, the restraining element is secured within the shell to restrain the pin from opening the seal of the inflation canister. While the moveable element is in the second position, the pin is releasable to open the seal of the inflation canister.

An inflation device is provided including a shell, a pin, a restraining element, and a moveable element. The shell is adapted to be coupled to an inflation canister. The pin is positioned within the shell. The pin is adapted to open a seal of the inflation canister. The restraining element is positioned within the shell. The moveable element includes a shape memory alloy. The moveable element is moveable from a first position to a second position responsive to electrical energy sent to the moveable element. While the moveable element is in the first position, the restraining element is secured within the shell to restrain the pin from opening the seal of the inflation canister. While the moveable element is in the second position, the pin is releasable to open the seal of the inflation canister.

A connection device is for connecting a compressed gas cylinder to an inflatable device. The connection device has a releaser providing a fluid connection between the compressed gas cylinder and the inflatable device. The releaser has a primary activation mechanism for controlled puncture of the compressed gas cylinder via a piston provided with a bunching dart. The primary activation mechanism has means for axially displacement of the piston towards the compressed gas cylinder. The releaser further has: a rotatable adapter with means for irreversible fastening of the compressed gas cylinder to the adapter; a secondary trigger device adapted for puncturing the compressed gas cylinder, the secondary trigger device having a displacing means for axially displacing a trigger towards the compressed gas cylinder, where the secondary trigger device is in an activated position when the adapter is in an axially displaced position.

A connection device is for connecting a compressed gas cylinder to an inflatable device. The connection device has a releaser providing a fluid connection between the compressed gas cylinder and the inflatable device. The releaser has a primary activation mechanism for controlled puncture of the compressed gas cylinder via a piston provided with a bunching dart. The primary activation mechanism has means for axially displacement of the piston towards the compressed gas cylinder. The releaser further has: a rotatable adapter with means for irreversible fastening of the compressed gas cylinder to the adapter; a secondary trigger device adapted for puncturing the compressed gas cylinder, the secondary trigger device having a displacing means for axially displacing a trigger towards the compressed gas cylinder, where the secondary trigger device is in an activated position when the adapter is in an axially displaced position.

An inflation device for an inflatable article comprises a housing for supporting a container of pressurized fluid and for supporting piercing means which is displaceable from a retracted position to penetrate the container and allow release of pressurized fluid, said container being contained within a protected casing which is secured non-releasably to the housing thereby to prevent removal of the pressurized container.

An inflation device for an inflatable article comprises a housing for supporting a container of pressurized fluid and for supporting piercing means which is displaceable from a retracted position to penetrate the container and allow release of pressurized fluid, said container being contained within a protected casing which is secured non-releasably to the housing thereby to prevent removal of the pressurized container.

An inflation device is provided including a shell, a pin, a restraining element, and a barrier. The shell may be coupled to an inflation canister. The pin is positioned within the shell in order to open a seal of the inflation canister. The restraining element is positioned within the shell and is positioned to prevent the pin from opening the seal of the inflation canister. The restraining element is dissolvable. The barrier is positioned within the shell. The barrier includes a fluid resistant skin and a heating element coupled to the fluid resistant skin. The heating element may open a portion of the barrier responsive to an electrical current running through the heating element.

An inflation device is provided including a shell, a pin, a restraining element, and a barrier. The shell may be coupled to an inflation canister. The pin is positioned within the shell in order to open a seal of the inflation canister. The restraining element is positioned within the shell and is positioned to prevent the pin from opening the seal of the inflation canister. The restraining element is dissolvable. The barrier is positioned within the shell. The barrier includes a fluid resistant skin and a heating element coupled to the fluid resistant skin. The heating element may open a portion of the barrier responsive to an electrical current running through the heating element.

A connection device is for connecting a compressed gas cylinder to an inflatable device. The connection device has a releaser providing a fluid connection between the compressed gas cylinder and the inflatable device. The releaser has a primary activation mechanism for controlled puncture of the compressed gas cylinder via a piston provided with a bunching dart. The primary activation mechanism has means for axially displacement of the piston towards the compressed gas cylinder. The releaser further has: a rotatable adapter with means for irreversible fastening of the compressed gas cylinder to the adapter; a secondary trigger device adapted for puncturing the compressed gas cylinder, the secondary trigger device having a displacing means for axially displacing a trigger towards the compressed gas cylinder, where the secondary trigger device is in an activated position when the adapter is in an axially displaced position.