Terence Magee

US Patent:

6368174, Apr 9, 2002

Filed:

Jun 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/595000

Inventors:

Terence Magee - Santa Rosa CA 95401

International Classification:

B63C 908

US Classification:

441 89, 441106

Abstract:

An apparatus for the detection of a person afloat in the water includes a garment portion that is worn by the person. The garment portion preferably includes an inflatable vest. An actuation mechanism detects immersion in the water, preferably at a predetermined depth, and then automatically inflates the vest by puncturing or opening a first container and releasing a gas therein. A balloon is also attached to the vest and is also inflated by the gas of the first container providing the gas in the first container is a lighter-than-air type of a gas that is able to cause the balloon to rise in the air. A tether secures the balloon to the vest. If the gas in the first container is not suitable for filling the balloon, a second container is used that contains the desired lighter-than-air gas and it is also either punctured or otherwise opened by the actuation mechanism so as to inflate the balloon. The balloon automatically releases apart from the vest upon inflation and rises the length of the tether above the person. Devices to manually inflate the vest and the balloon are also described.

US Patent:

6374413, Apr 23, 2002

Filed:

Aug 14, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/638440

Inventors:

Terence Magee - Santa Rosa CA 95401

International Classification:

A41B 112

US Classification:

2 69, 2 1, 2456, 2 214, 2102, 2900

Abstract:

An apparatus for the detection of a wearer includes a first inner layer that is adapted to reflect a portion of radar energy back toward its source. A second outer layer is disposed over the first inner layer and it provides a texture and visual appearance that is preferred. For some applications, an especially easy to spot brightly colored visual appearance is preferred for the second outer layer. For other applications, a more subdued visual appearance is preferred. For still other applications, a camouflage appearance is preferred. A space is provided intermediate the first inner layer and the second outer layer accordingly to a modification and an additional material is used to fill the space. The additional material must be substantially transparent to radar energy and it may provide additional floatation capability or additional insulating capability or both to the garment, as desired.