A power source for inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use an electrically-powered inflation system, wherein the power source of the inflation system is a solid state battery. Particular embodiments may find use in connection with inflating evacuation slides or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel. Other embodiments may be used for inflating shelters, life vests, or any other inflatable safety device that requires a rapid inflation.

A personal aquatic safety system includes a device that monitors vital signs of the wearer. If one or more of the monitored vital signs falls outside predetermined acceptable parameters, the safety device will emit an alarm and send a wireless distress signal. The safety device may be integrated into a garment such as an inflatable vest and maybe programs to automatically inflate pockets in the vest when the safety device detects that the wearer is experiencing physical distress based on the readings of the vital sign monitor. The monitoring device may also include a deployable tracker that can be released from the safety device and sent to the surface of a body of water so that it may emit a visual and audio alarms, and sends a wireless distress signal.

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 water safety garment and apparatus configured to avoid drowning can be configured to permit submergence for a predetermined period of time without inflation. After the predetermined time has passed, the garment or other apparatus can be configured to inflate to help a person wearing the garment float on top of the water to avoid drowning or other potentially harmful condition that may result from being underwater for too long. In some embodiments, a circuit may be utilized to detect the submergence condition of a person wearing the apparatus or garment. Upon a determination that the detected submergence condition has occurred continuously for a pre-determined period of time, an inflation mechanism can be actuated to force the person wearing the apparatus or garment to float to the top of the water.

A personal flotation device and method are disclosed to provide improved visibility for a person wearing the device in the water. The device is composed of a complex inflatable manifold including an extension that, when inflated, projects above the water's surface. The extension may also include a light and may also include a flag.

A water safety garment and apparatus configured to avoid drowning can be configured to permit submergence for a predetermined period of time without inflation. After the predetermined time has passed, the garment or other apparatus can be configured to inflate to help a person wearing the garment float on top of the water to avoid drowning or other potentially harmful condition that may result from being underwater for too long. In some embodiments, a circuit may be utilized to detect the submergence condition of a person wearing the apparatus or garment. Upon a determination that the detected submergence condition has occurred continuously for a pre-determined period of time, an inflation mechanism can be actuated to force the person wearing the apparatus or garment to float to the top of the water.

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 water safety garment and apparatus configured to avoid drowning can be configured to permit submergence for a predetermined period of time without inflation. After the predetermined time has passed, the garment or other apparatus can be configured to inflate to help a person wearing the garment float on top of the water to avoid drowning or other potentially harmful condition that may result from being underwater for too long. In some embodiments, a circuit may be utilized to detect the submergence condition of a person wearing the apparatus or garment. Upon a determination that the detected submergence condition has occurred continuously for a pre-determined period of time, an inflation mechanism can be actuated to force the person wearing the apparatus or garment to float to the top of the water.

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.

A wearable flotation device. The wearable flotation device includes a garment having an interior volume that can receive a bladder therein, wherein the bladder is designed to receive a compressed gas to enable flotation of a wearer of the garment in a body of water. A deployable signal is operably connected to the bladder via a tube having a sensor, wherein the sensor can actuate a one-way valve upon detection of moisture. The one-way valve is designed to enable the flow of the compressed gas, whereby the compressed gas actuates the deployable signal upon the sensor's detection of moisture. When actuated, the deployable signal extends upwardly beyond a periphery of the garment to alert a nearby individual of the wearer's location in the event of an emergency. The garment further includes a plurality of lights thereon for illuminating the wearer to assist in identifying the wearer's location.