WO2005002674A2

WO2005002674A2 - Variable-position multi-function anterior pneumatic strut for life and dive jackets

Info

Publication number: WO2005002674A2
Application number: PCT/US2003/038951
Authority: WO
Inventors: William L. Courtney
Original assignee: Courtney William L
Priority date: 2002-12-10
Filing date: 2003-12-08
Publication date: 2005-01-13
Also published as: AU2003294597A1

Abstract

Gas inflated pneumatic strut relocates the ballast of the head, converting a force opposing corrective turning into a keeling force driving corrective turning doubling or trebling torque per unit displacement. A variable position and or a anterior-posterior bladders adjust body angle to ocean conditions. A Jacket Style Buoyancy Compensator’s vertical pneumatic strut or the Back Mounted BC’s horizontal pneumatic strut provides anterior abdominal displacement and axial torque to stabilize face up positioning. Posterior-anterior fluid communication provides a continuously variable ratio between posterior and anterior buoyant moments, stabilizing an infinite range of body angles optimized for comfort or sea conditions. A self-folding high-volume abdominal bladder with thumb loops controls rapid hydrostatic deflation even with neoprene gloves. BC Integrated access port allows latter upgrade to an anterior bladder. Dual-chambered abdominal bladder localizes emergency CO2 displacement while allowing the reversible redistribution between the anterior/posterior displacements which are in fluid communication.

Description

VARIABLE-POSITION MULTI-FUNCTION ANTERIOR PNEUMATIC STRUT FOR LIFE AND DIVE JACKETS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the improved function and safety of life and dive jackets, and particularly to the use of a pneumatic strut to entrain the ballast of the head in order to drive, rather than oppose, corrective turning and then uses fluid communication to adapt the body angle to any sea condition.

2. Description of the Prior Art The sinking of the Titanic brought the global community together by convening the first Safety Of Life At Sea ("SOLAS") Convention to create requirements for the carriage of life jackets. Latter disasters at sea resulted in requirements for increased displacement and performance. The recent Sleipner tragedy has led to the discovery that fielded life jackets and reference vests fail to supply airway protective turning if the victim is unable to participate through movement and body positioning. The most recent maritime tragedy has led to; the withdrawal of approval and product recall of a fielded SOLAS life jacket, the failure of prior reference vests to withstand close scrutiny, as well as the redesign then failure of replacement reference vests. Improved test methodologies and tester selection has identified that no existing life jacket design provides adequate face up flotation. A recently convened SOLAS Workshop called for prototypes with improved performance. Despite existing national and international mandates for corrective turning, despite broad based international efforts to develop life jacket designs capable of supplying reliable airway protection for the unconscious survivor, serious concerns remain regarding reliable provision of corrective turning. Current Personal Flotation Devices ("PFDs") attempt to provide airway protection to individuals of widely divergent sizes. The adult size proposes to provide corrective turning to any individual above 90 lbs. Some adults have 25" diameter necks while other have 13" diameter necks and consequently if the neck opening is sized for a large adult it will be loose on a small adult. National safe boating campaigns urge continuous use, which is dependent upon comfort. A normal range of motion and freedom of movement require the neck opening be sized to not constrict or restrict the movement of the head and neck. The inherently buoyant Tested and Approved Type II Near Shore PFD is designed to keep the retail cost under five dollars while meeting legal carriage requirements for certain private boats. While the commercial SOLAS Type I OffShore PFD provides twice the buoyancy, failure to control the head means that if the head falls forward its ballast it is still sufficient to offset the buoyant moment of even the commercial PFD. Failure to control the flexion of the neck with its consequent anterior shift on the heads ballast, contributes significantly to the failure of the former and current reference vests. This inventor has disclosed the attachment of posterior or lateral, rigid or fluid ballast to the personal flotation device in order to apply additional torque to the axis of corrective turning in the pursuit of airway protection. While any attached ballast should be located on the PFD to assure it contributes to rather than oppose corrective turning, the amount of ballast that can be attached without aggravating comfort and compliance was insufficient to offset the massive ballast of the head that has shift forward of the axis of rotation. Other co-pending applications have disclosed various means by which control and support of the head and neck can be achieved. These efforts, which limited flexion of the neck left the anterior buoyant force solely responsible for generating the torque, required for corrective turning of the flaccid unconscious victim. Consequently the size, cost and bulk of the anterior buoyant foam or bladder remained so sizeable that it interferes with comfort, appearance and therefore compliance. Recent research indicates that 50% of the 140,000 people who drown annual suffer from cold shock in the first 3 minutes or swimming failure within the first thirty minutes. The pathopyhsiology of these events suggest that cardiac or neurological events lead to loss of consciousness and drowning. Today twice as many people drown while wearing life jackets in one year as those who died secondary to air bag accidents in six years. The dive jacket is a special case providing primary buoyancy and numerous dual chambered devices over the years including patents issued to the current inventor which placed restrictors of one sort or another to regulate the flow of compressed gas from the posterior to the anterior bladder. A check valve or over pressure valve was placed that kept the buoyant moment behind the diver till at the surface in which case the power inflator could be actuated until sufficient pressure built to over come the over pressure relief valve opened inflating the surface flotation bladder. Many dual chamber designs would not allow reverse flow such that the forward chamber had to have its own valve means to allow deflation. Prior designs interposed a valve inline between the posterior and anterior chambers creating two structurally distinct bladders, such an interposed valve required frequent operation to allow or prevent inflation and or deflation. Thus there remains a need, which is provided by the present invention, for a life jacket that can roll an unconscious victim from any position into an airway-protected position within the International Maritime Organization mandated 5 seconds. Thus, the prevention invention uses a small amount of gas which can be used to rigidify a pneumatic strut whose positioning allows it to relocate the ballast of the head of an unconscious water entry victim. Thus a very small cheap cylinder of CO2 can treble its corrective turning torque by relocating the ballast of the head for a force opposing airway protective turning into a force the drives corrective turning. This synergistic use of ballast and buoyancy allows an inexpensive inflatable vest to perform at the same level as a much more expensive system that relies upon excessive buoyancy to over power the ballast of the head. In the special case of the dive jacket considerable buoyancy is already provided to the victim and the anterior portion of the dive jacket which allows the free flow of gas from the front to the rear or rear to front creates an infinite variable body angle as required to provide stable face up positioning in calm seas through rough seas. The pneumatic ram when added to the inflated dive jacket is aligned vertically in the vest style and horizontally in the back mount design. Ideally the anterior element which is and extension of the posterior element includes a second segregated chamber for emergency inflation such as by CO2 allowing for the buoyant force to be restricted to the anterior where the pneumatic strut creates Type III PFD face up stability. A self-folding anterior bladder facilitates easy of underwater operation even while wearing neoprene gloves. Current Personal Flotation Devices are designed for a particular size chamber. A jacket designed to hold the contents of a 16 gram cylinder is tested to oral inflation of 0.6 psi plus 16 gram plus 20% overfill. It is not designed to hold 25 yet alone a 38 gram discharge yet the inflator with a 3/8" threaded neck will allow all three cylinder to be threaded in. Current designs do not incorporate over pressure protection in the primary bladder only on the secondary bladder. Thus there remains the need for a life jacket that will provide corrective turning torque with economical 16 gram cylinders yet cannot take good advantage of the additional displacement available from the much more expensive 25 or 38 gram cylinders. Current vests provide a single body angle that is a compromise between preserving line of site found with a more vertical body angle positions or reducing the incidence of being submerged by a passing wave as occurs in the horizontal body angle. Such a compromise design cannot be optimized for both sea state and scanning for search and rescue. While scanning may be advised during the day as night falls the safer zero degree body angle is a much more comfortable and airway protected position even in nonnal ocean conditions. Thus there remains a need for a life jacket that allows the body angle to be changed back and forth between an upright position to monitor for search and rescue activities and the horizontal position required in a mounting sea state. Classically inflatables offer many advantages but at a steep price, a Type III Hybrid that converts to a Type II upon inflation costs sixteen times the cost of a Type II foam PFD. Besides the initial cost the rearm cost of $40 to $50 dollars restricts the availability of the inflatable life jacket to many segments of the population. Pending legislation will require all those on vessels of less than 20 feet in length to wear no longer just carry life jackets. The well documented inability of foam life jackets to provide airway protection means that inflatable or hybrid products are an important part of reducing the 600+ boating fatalities/ year. The primary initial function of a life jacket is to make sure the unconscious victim's airway is not allowed to float underwater. Secondary but important properties are improving the amount of freeboard and body angle positioning. Thus there remains the need, which is provided by the present invention, for an economical 16 gram CO2 life jacket capable of supplying powerful corrective turning for the unconscious user who is unable to assist in the products inflation. The performance of that same PFD after entry can be improved to provide the secondary PFD properties by oral enhancing the buoyancy as is currently allowed for in the standards for constant wear PFDs. As the user's budget grows the significantly more costly larger cylinder can be safely used to provide the simultaneous acquisition of both airway protection and enhanced freeboard assistance. Accordingly, it is therefore to the effective solution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings that the present invention is directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a variable-position multi-function anterior pneumatic strut; which first entrains cephalic ballast driving corrective turning and then relocates to adjust body angle to sea state in life jackets or dive jackets. Gas inflated pneumatic strut relocates the ballast of the head, converting a force opposing corrective turning into a keeling force driving corrective turning doubling or trebling torque per unit displacement. A variable position and or a anterior-posterior bladders adjust body angle to ocean conditions. A Jacket Style Buoyancy Compensator's vertical pneumatic strut or the Back Mounted BC's horizontal pneumatic strut provides anterior abdominal displacement and axial torque to stabilize face up positioning. Posterior-anterior fluid communication provides a continuously variable ratio between posterior and anterior buoyant moments, stabilizing an infinite range of body angles optimized for comfort or sea conditions. A self-folding high-volume abdominal bladder with thumb loops controls rapid hydrostatic deflation even with neoprene gloves. BC Integrated access port allows latter upgrade to an anterior bladder. Dual-chambered abdominal bladder localizes emergency CO2 displacement while allowing the reversible redistribution between the anterior / posterior displacements which are in fluid communication. When the pneumatic strut is used in conjunction with the dive jacket it can be moved from a superior position such as attached to the sternum strap to an inferior position such as attached to the cummerbund. In an emergency it is widely reported that panic interferes in the diver's taking actions to improve their survival such as dropping their weights. It is likely that the diver will only do one thing, if anything at all, and that action will only be taken after education and training. In this instant if at the onset of an emergency the diver actuated the CO2 inflator of their life jacket component of their BC they would be assured of active corrective turning with its inherent airway protection. In the event the diver suffers an over pressure accident on ascent it is common that arterial gas emboli with present with the loss of consciousness a few minutes after surfacing. If that loss of consciousness occurred while swimming back to the boat or shore, upon that loss of consciousness their BC-PFD would take over and roll them from a face down swimming position into an airway protected face up position. When the pneumatic strut is located on the sternum strap the displacement and mechanical relocation of the ballast of the head, produce a very aggressive angular torque required for corrective turning of a diver wearing a lot of dive gear. Deployment on the sternum strap produces a 30 to 40 degree body angle that is optimal for turning but is a compromised position in a mounting or agitated seaway. If the arterial gas emboli only produced an embarrassment of the cerebral vasculature and the diver regains consciousness they can move the cephalic ram embodiment of the pneumatic strut from the sternum strap down to the cummerbund. Once the anterior buoyant moment has been shifted from high on the chest to the waist the buoyant force now places the diver in a 0 degree body angle. In the horizontal position the cross sectional area presented to the water column is at its maximum. If sea conditions deteriorated during the dive they could cause the dive boat anchor to lift and the dive boat to drift away in the current. Such a sea states with its increasing wave height creates vertical travel for any object floating on the surface. In the sternum strap position with its reduced cross sectional area as the wave passes and the dive drops down the backside the momentum generated by that acceleration is minimally opposed by the buoyancy of the diver being submerged. If the diver is near vertical with only their head out of the water the momentum is sufficient with a 2-3 ft sea to submerge the diver's airway. Shifting the pneumatic strut to the cummerbund increases the cross sectional area by a factor of 4 to 6 depending on the divers size. This distribution of the momentum results in minimal plunging action as the trough of the wave passes by. If the sea is not agitated it still might behoove the divers to relocate the anterior buoyant force from the sternum to the waist. This places the buoyant force in a position where the diver can quickly shift the location of the predominant buoyant force to either the front of rear as indicated. As the diver leans back with unobstructed fluid communication, the air moves in the opposite direction in proportion to angle of the initial lean. Once the diver stops leaning the air stops shifting either backwards or forwards and a new ratio of anterior to posterior buoyant force is establish which equates with a new stable body angle. While the diver may prefer to be inclined backwards it has a reduced line of site. If the diver hears a boat approaching the diver moves into a vertical position and the air passively redistributes to create the exact ratio of anterior to posterior buoyancy required to stabilize the new body angle. Alternatively, the horizontal or vertical pneumatic strut can be initially located on the cummerbelt. A dive has just begun and the diver is in the water listening to a last minute review of the dive site highlights from the dive master. After entering the water the diver inflates the BC to desired displacement then leans forward assuming a face to face vertical body angle position. The dive bladder being a functional continuum spread across both the anterior and posterior aspects of the diver allows the air to move backwards creating a stable vertical position in place of the strong classic tendency of the back mount BC to push the diver forwards into a face down position. Another diver in the group has a back mount with its strong face forward tendency and to counter this force is constantly fining to maintaining a vertical position. Secondary to the fining the other diver is constantly moving away from the other diver's circled around the dive master. Once the introduction to the dive site is over, the diver leans forward and the anterior extension of the dive bladder is evacuated by the hydrostatic force generated by the dive leaning forward. This evacuation is so quick that simultaneously the diver pulls on thumb tabs and the bladder width is instantly reduced to 1/4 the size of the inflated bladder. Completely deflated the left and right sides fold over and the bladder is stowed within the width of the cummerbelt. The above BC was designed to operate with two bladders roughly distinguished as dive and surface bladders. As such, the fluid communication conduit is permanently connected between both bladder components. The design of dual chamber BC allows the rear chamber volume can be reduced because it only has to meet the minimal buoyancy requirements that occur when the diver's thermal gear is compressed at depth underwater. However, the above diver's buddy was on a restricted budget when he bought his

BC and could only afford to buy a traditional single chamber BC. Fortunately, the buddy's BC does include an integrated port that allows his BC to add an anterior bladder with all the above advantages without having to buy a whole new BC as soon as he can work it into the budget. Given today's demonstration, the $50.00 anterior bladder addition to the $400 BC could be a real lifesaver and is worth the upgrade. When the pneumatic strut is used without any assistance provided by an associated buoyant device the strut functions as an inflatable ram that is centered on the anterior midline of the wearer. Upon oral or compressed gas pressurization the mandibulo-cephalic ram first prevents the head from falling forward along the midline. The mandibulo-cephalic ram can supply reliable airway protection when used in conjunction with the high displacement Type I inherently buoyant PFD by simply preventing the head from falling forward along the centerline. This assures that the considerable ballast of the head is neutralized by being aligned along the axis of corrective rotation. With the head aligned along the axis of rotation the unopposed buoyant force supplied by a Type I Offshore high displacement PFD is now sufficient to provide corrective turning. An inexpensive Near Shore Type II PFD provides nearly 50% less buoyant force. The reduced material costs and the reduced construction tolerances contribute to the production of a PFD that retails for less than $5.00. Speed and ease of construction is achieved by use of an over sized fabric cover into which the reduced amount of foam is loosely stuffed. The loose cover expedites the time it takes to sew the cover closed. The low cost low displacement Type II PFD requires that the mandibulo-cephalic ram in addition to preventing the head from falling forward the ram hyper-extends the neck such that the ballast of the head is now behind the midline where it actively contributes to the forces driving corrective turning. When the ballast of the head is posterior to the axis of rotation it functions like the keel of the sailboat helping to orient the vessel in the water. When the mandibulo-cephalic ram hyper-extends the head the heads ballast contributes to the axial torque required to roll the unconscious victim floating face down into an airway protected position. A small amount of specifically-positioned, compressed air allows the ram to not only block the anterior flexion of the cephalic ballast but to force the head into alignment with the axis of rotation or to hyperextend the head moving the cephalic ballast posterior to the axis of rotation. In the adult, the cephalo-mandibular ram repositions the 10 -14 lbs. of cephalic ballast so that rather than the ballast of the head actively opposing corrective turning as is the case in current PFDs, the ballast of the head now augments the corrective turning effort. The use of an approximately 10-14 lb. cephalic keel allows the amount of buoyant force required for airway protection to be reduced. The dual use of the compressed air to not only displace water and supply buoyant torque about the axis of rotation but to use that same air in the form of mechanical strut to relocate cephalic ballast of the unconscious victim introduces a major advance in the provision of an affordable yet uniquely effective 16 gram CO2 inflatable life jacket providing true airway protection. In the BC due to its marked inflatable buoyancy the sternum strap mounted pneumatic strut not only blocks against anterior midline failures but active repositions the head's ballast to convert a 14 lb liability to a 14 lb asset that drives corrective turning torque. The dual position pneumatic strut can be moved from the sternum strap to the cummerbund in rough seas. When mounted on the cummerbund the strut now elevates the diver's waist placing the diver in the zero degree body angle position. If the seas calm the diver leans forward and the air redistributes into a new ratio of posterior buoyancy to anterior buoyancy stabilizing the diver in a more vertical body angle as would facilitate scanning for pick up or rescue. Reversible fluid communication allows continuous adjustment of the body angle to fit the exact requirements of sea state or personal preference anywhere between from about 0 to about 90 degree as desired or required. As the diver rolls forward the hydrostatic pressure expresses the air back to the rear buoyant element while a simultaneous gentle tug on the thumb-pulls aligns the accordion shaped bladder in a self-folding process conducive to easy, rapid storage. Thus it is the primary object of this invention to supply a centerline bladder that acts as a mechanical ram preventing heads ballast from falling forward. It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram complements any inherently buoyant PFD converting it into an airway protective life jacket. It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed from unsupported film with combined connector / inflate-deflate valve It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed from unsupported film with a secured folded top that inflates into a horizontal surface It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed from unsupported film with lateral folds that allow the PFD to open for donning It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed from supported film with distinct oral valve to comply with commercial construction requirements. It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed with an integrated spray shield It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed a deployment chamber It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed with a rigid inferior strut It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed with a planar mounted ram cylinder section ■ It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed with a ram that tensions wearer attachment means upon inflation It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed includes distinct cephalic pillow It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed so that the ram bladder can convert into and abdominal bladder It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed so that ram can be eliminated converting bladder mandibular shelf It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed so that it individualized to users chest to chin length It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed so that it can contain varying amounts of compressed gas to vary displacement It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed from one or more chambers It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed to mix compressed gas and oral inflation chambers It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed to supply centerline mounted direct buoyancy upon pressurization It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed to self deploy It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed to vary its mounting position and functional length It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed to utilize a self compressing cover securing means It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed to be functionally contained within larger displacement bladder It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed to be shaped by external fabric cover It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed to be transferred between numerous garment or simple chest strap. It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed to be inflated orally, inflated from CO2, inflated from directly from SCUBA tank, from low pressure line leading to buoyancy compensator power inflator or from compressed gas stored in buoyancy compensation bladder. It is also an object of this invention to provide a buoyancy compensator ram life jacket to be complemented by (1) deflation of rear buoyancy moment, (2) deflation of rear buoyancy moment passively, and/or (3) deflation of rear buoyancy moment actively by manual actuation, pneumatic actuation of over pressure valve or venruri exhaust It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed from the hydration or alimentation bladder It is also an object of this invention to provide a hydration or alimentation bladder (1) with flange for mounted in centerline position, (2) with flange allowing ram to be mounted with varying ran lengths to match ram to user height, or (3) with over pressure valve located at inferior end to displace water with compressed gas. It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed from a bladder combining a high displacement thoracic bladder with a low volume mandibulo-cephalic ram bladder It is also an object of this invention to provide a combined thoracic-mandibular ram bladder of varying size rams to accommodate variation in PFD neck openings. It is also an object of this invention to provide a passive redistribution life jacket that converts posterior displacement to anterior displacement. It is also an object of this invention to provide an offset ram mounted on one arm of PFD. It is also an object of this invention to provide a centerline ram attached within mid-seam of PFD with expanding bilateral flanges. It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram be constructed to deploy from dress garment through parallel blow a part zipper. It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram by located on the centerline of the diver's buoyancy compensator, body armor vest, foul weather gear, wet suit, dry suit, parachute harness. It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram include a universal mounted allowing attachment to body armor with a snap grid, loop grid or transferred to a belt or chest strap for use with any other garment It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram by water activated and easily removed for conversion into a thrown rescue device. It is also an object of this invention that the mandibulo-cephalic ram by supplemented by oral or compressed gas inflated cephalic pillow. It is an object of this invention that the sternum mounted pneumatic strut bladder be moveable to the abdominal cummerbund. It is an object of this invention that the sternum mounted pneumatic strut bladder or cummerbund mounted bladder be in fluid communication with the posterior bladder. It is an object of this invention that the ratio of the displacement between the posterior bladder and either the sternum mounted bladder ors cummerbund mounted bladder be continuously and reversibly variable. It is an object of this invention that the buoyancy compensator can distribute the buoyancy moment about the diver such that the body angle can be stabilized at any position between vertical or horizontal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG 1 is a lateral view illustrating and inflated mandibulo-cephalic ram that pushes the head posterior to the axis of rotation facilitating airway protective rotation.

The ram is shown extended over the face supplying a shield against splash and rain.

Alternatively the ram can be pulled back into a secondary position for improved visibility.

A cephalic pillow can be optionally inflated to supply improved freeboard. The expansion of the pillow upon inflation tightens the chest strap securing the ram in position. A break away body armor vest is floated at the surface by a combined abdominal bladder and body armor recovery bladder, which inflates simultaneously with actuation of the body armor's ripcord. FIG 2 is a frontal view illustrating a range of pneumatic struts. The vertical orientation entrains the cephalic ballast to multiple the corrective turning torque. The vertical height can be adjusted to individual of varying height. The pneumatic strut can be relocated from the upper strap to the lower strap to enhance open ocean safety by increasing the corssection area presented to the water column rapidly decelerating the MOB sliding down the wave preventing plunging submersions. FIG 3 is a frontal view illustrating a mandibulo-cephalic ram of constant height but varying volumes. If the soldier's load was to increase from 20 to 50 to 80 lbs. the size of the ram bladder could be increased to match the volume of gas produced in detonation of a 16 gm, 25 gm or 38 gram CO2. FIG 4 is a frontal and lateral view illustrating a mixed inflation means, variable volume ram bladder. A small compressed gas bladder can be inflated by a cost effective 16 gm CO2 while additional high volume displacement can be achieved by orally inflating a larger secondary bladder. The dual bladders can share a wall in common to reduce bulk and costs. FIG 5 is a lateral view illustrating a value of a planar mounted ram bladder. In the upper row a victim if placed in a face up position can be supported in that position by a buoyant aid. However if the victim slumps forward or a wave tosses them over onto their face the bladder that is attached only at the inferior margin re-orients and the unconscious victim will now be stabilized in an airway submerged position. In the lower row the deflate or partially inflated ram can also support the unconscious victim face down however the pressurized ram become rigid and the inferior portion acts as a lock preventing the ram from moving from its operational position. FIG 6 is a lateral view illustrating a two-step deployment of a mandibular ram. A sharp crease functionally separates a portion of the bladder so that upon water activation a small portion of the bladder acts as a detonation bladder by opening the blow-a-part cover. The detonation bladder then inflates to form a pneumatic lock to prevent the ram bladder from slipping from position. A mid section of the bladder forms a ram cylinder defined by a rigid planar mount. The lower right drawing is a frontal view of a variable length ram. A self-compressing mounting mechanism can be moved to accommodate individuals of varying height. FIG 7 is a lateral view illustrating a dual position ram in which the upper drawing depicts a recently deployed ram bladder, which creates an about 30 to about 40 degree body angle. Once the cephalic pillow is in place the bladder can flip around the bladder mounting strap and be converted into an abdominal bladder which creates a horizontal body angle significantly more resistant to submerging the victim at the bottom of a wave trough. FIG 8 is a combined frontal and lateral view illustrating specific embodiments of a ram bladder adapted to a Type II and Type I PFD. The upper row illustrates a larger thoracic bladder combined with a smaller mandibular ram. The lower row of drawings is an oversized bladder configured by an external fabric shell. The outer fabric shell shapes both a mandibular ram component and the bilateral cervical support bladders, which prevent the head from falling side to side. FIG 9 is a frontal view illustrating the range of garments that can benefit from a centerline mounted mandibulo-cephalic ram bladder. The upper row illustrates a three- belted ski jacket, a boater Type III PFD and a neoprene wet suit. The second row, a paddlers Type III PFD, a divers buoyancy compensator and a body armor vest. The third row demonstrates a ram attached to a parachute harness. The center drawing is of a universal body armor mounting system allowing the ram to attach to vests with snap grids or loop grids while the belt loops allow the PFD to be transferred to a chest strap for use with any garment. The lower right hand drawing is of a low profile ram stowed on a belt for quick transfer to the chest upon exposure to water. FIG 10 is a frontal view illustrating adapting the centerline mounted mandibulo- cephalic ram to various jackets. The upper left locates the ram behind the pullover jacket front pocket. The upper center foul weather jacket has a ram life jacket mounted externally. The top right hides the Ram behind an over lapping cover. The lower row demonstrates a cosmetic mounting with an internal chest strap to assure that the ram is kept secured to the centerline. The lower right drawing demonstrates the sequential deployment, which open the blow-a-part zipper before the while bladder inflates within the garment. FIG 11 is a frontal view illustrating the mandibulo-cephalic ram attached to the diver's BC. Each drawing depicts a different means of inflation. The upper left, an orally inflated ram, the middle a manual CO2 inflated ram, the upper right is inflated from the air pressure within the buoyancy compensator bladder. The lower left BC ram life jacket is inflated directly from the SCUBA tank. The lower right BC ram life jacket is inflated from a PFD valve in the low pressure line which supplies pressure to the BC power inflator. FIG 12 is a frontal view illustrating a BC with a low-pressure inflated center mounted ram and a power deflated BC bladder. FIG 13 is a lateral view illustrating the redistribution of buoyancy about the diver.

Upon release of the ram bladder air is moved from the rear BC bladder forward to the ram bladder. This shifts the buoyant force from face down to face up. Simultaneously the ballast is moved from the inactive inner position posteriorly toward the keel position. The combined shift of buoyancy anterior and ballast posterior creates a strong corrective turning action. FIG 14 is a lateral view illustrating the conversion of a soft canteen into a centerline mounted mandibulo-cephalic bladder. The shoulder strap mounted backpack serves as a framework for mounting the bladder anteriorly as a ram. A side flange allows the user to select a ram length appropriate for their height. An inferior vent allows a compressed gas inflator to displace the canteen water with air thereby converting the canteen into a PFD. FIG 15 is a frontal view illustrating a progressive series of combined thoracic and mandibular ram bladders. The top left drawing is of a bladder layout with an attached mandibular bladder extension. The top right shows the bladder inflated with a fabric retained directing the ram bladder under the chin. The middle drawings are of a bladder with a longer neck, which creates a deeper penetration by the mandibular bladder. The lowest drawings illustrate the deepest mandibular penetration in which a flange pulls the mandibular bladder back towards the thoracic bladder. FIG 16 is a lateral view illustrating a BC life jacket in which due to the dramatic shift of applied buoyant and ballasting forces that occurs when you concurrently deflate the posterior BC bladder while inflating an anterior bladder and releasing the trim weight into the keel position, a ram is not necessary for effective and reliable airway protective corrective turning. FIG 17 is an anterior and inferior view illustrating a low volume ram bladder attached to a single arm of an inherently buoyant Type I PFD allowing easy entry. The 35 lbs. of displacement common in the Type I class of PFDs only requires that the ballast of the head be prevented from falling forward. A middle flange allows the bladder to be attached along the medial edge of the PFD. A lateral flange allows an eccentric planar mount to be established. Upon inflation the right half extends across the midline creating the midline-mounting characteristic of a mandibular ram. A superior gusset provides a broad platform that extends within the PFD neck opening allowing the ram to successfully engage the inferior aspect of the mandible, thereby converting the PFD into a life jacket. FIG 18 is an anterio-lateral view illustrating a center seam mounted mandibular ram hybrid PFD. The medial flanges are strictly fabric so that the aπns of the inherently buoyant PFD are not pried apart during inflation. The inflatable ram bladder is supported by the bilateral fabric flanges. The bilateral flanges also provide additional material so that the PFD can be splayed open for donning. FIG 19 is a lateral view illustrating the use of shifting air back and forth between the anterior and posterior buoyant means to create a body angle compatible with varying wave conditions. With the relative inflation of the anterior aspect compared to the posterior aspect of the BC bladder creates a horizontal body angle ideal for a rough sea. With the relative inflation of the posterior aspect compared to the anterior aspect of the BC bladder creates a vertical body angle ideal for a calm sea. FIG 20 is a lateral view illustrating the balance of anterior and posterior buoyant moments to create varying body angles in the same sea state to optimize comfort or scanning. In the swimming position the pressure of the water deflates the anterior extension of the BC bladder to facilitate storage during the dive. FIG 21 is a frontal view illustrating a dual chambered forward bladder. One chamber is in fluid communication with the posterior bladder so that they both function as a single bladder. The fluid communication allows the rear chamber for be connected to the supply of gas, the means to vent and over pressurization. The second forward chamber has rapid alternative source of compressed gas for inflation and is used in an emergency to supply a rapid positive shift in buoyancy and in conjunction with the posterior bladder and tank selection can supply a stable face up position. FIG 22 is a frontal view illustrating the horizontal anterior pneumatic strut of a back mount BC and the vertical strut of a vest style BC both in fluid communication with the more posterior bladder. Both benefit from the forward bladder's accordion design, which uses the lateral tension applied through from thumb pulls during deflation to refold the bladder fabric while hydrostatic pressure assists in transferring the air back into the rear chamber. A variable volume forward chamber accommodates variations in equipment / ballasting during differing dive profiles. FIG 23 is a frontal view illustrating a dual chambered forward bladder design that allows compressed gas released in an emergency to be retained in the anterior bladder. The conjoined primary forward chamber can be inflated by the SCUBA tank or connected to the rear chamber by valve, check valve, pony bottle or preferably be in fluid communication allowing gas to shift back and forth between the rear chambers so that the body angle can be quickly adapted to sea state or personal preference. FIG 24 is a frontal view of a vest style BC with a variably positioned forward bladder. As the bladder is raised up the torso the body angle falls away from zero degrees or horizontal, through 45 towards 90 degree or a nearly vertical in water body angle. The vertical position provides improved line of sight but at the expense of increased vulnerability to being submerged as the trough of a wave passes by in an agitated sea state. FIG 25 is a lateral view illustrating a PFD with a universal bladder design that can be safely used with 16, 25 or 38 gram CO2 cylinder. Use of a functional distinct cephalic ram allows reliable corrective turning, while free board is provided for by either the more expensive larger cylinder or oral inflation. Partial inflation of the posterior and anterior segregated bladder allows the Man Over Board to infinitely adjust their body angle by moving air forwards or backwards as required to adjust the body angle position anywhere from vertical which is optimal scanning to horizontal with its vastly improved airway . protection in a mounting seaway. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In Figure 1 a soldier has jettisoned their quick release body armor 421 to escape the 9.5-lb. tactical plate 26. This maneuver also resulted in the loss of their combined mandibulo-cervical splint and ballistics cushion 396. The ballistic PFD 396 with its integrated lateral cervical splint wing 397 and mandibulo-thoracic bladder extension 390 with its integrated cervical trough 394 can no longer provide airway protective assistance. While wearing the quick release body armor panels 421 the air in the cushion 396 was prevented from ballooning by baffle 427. Compressed gas from cylinder 398 upon release is passed from the lower chamber 428 to the upper ram bladder 429 by passing through the over pressure check valve 395. Concurrent with jettisoning body armor panels 421 by pulling on the rip cords 424 connected to a central pull 419, a recovery bladder activation lanyard 418 is simultaneously pulled detonating compressed gas cylinder 12 inflating variable volume bladder 417. Bladder 417 can hold 16 gm, 24 gm or 38 gm of CO2 398 as dictated by the amount of body armor and attached gear. Alternatively bladder 417 can be inflated manual while wearing body armor panels 421 by pulling on separate manual activation means 420 whereby the operator can acquire additional buoyant assistance when heavily loaded. In the upper left hand drawing an unconscious soldier is placed and held in a face up airway covered position 400 by a centerline mandibulo-cephalic ram 401. A localized expansion chamber 402 is inflated on contact with water, detection of hydrostatic pressure by inflator 393 which blows open cover 422. Expansion chamber 402 directs expanding gas towards the blow a-part cover allowing ram 401 to be gently deployed. Over pressure valve 407 accommodates the release of excess gas if the variable volume ram has reduced by connecting reversible, adjustable complementary buckles 406. The superior portion of ram 401 is an inflatable oral-nasal spray shield 408. Adjusting the length of the ram limiter strap 416 allows one to eliminate the inflatable spray shield or in calm water to convert the mandibular ram 401 into a mandibular support. Upon complete inflation of the ram 401, the expansion chamber 402 converts into a pneumatic strut 402 located beneath pivot strap 403. The expansion chamber now strut 402 forces the ram against mandible and head of the victim 399. The oral-nasal sculpting baffle 409 with sculpted concave edge 410 creates an oral-nasal protective concavity 411 that keeps the inflatable spray shield 408 from occluding the nose and mouth yet protecting the airway from rain or breaking seas. Right hand grip 412 allows the conscious user to secure bladder 401 tight against the chest as they jump ship into the water. A conscious operator after initial entry can inflate the cephalo-cervical cradle 426 orally by use of secondary valve 414. The right lateral cervical splint upon inflation of valve 414 turns about break point lateral baffle 6 and about central baffle 392 to create a sculpted cradle for the head. The cephalo-cervical inflatable cradle 426 is secured about the head and neck by strap and adjustment means 415. Once the operator has secured secondary head support, the ram 401 can be flipped about pivot 403 to shift the majority of the displacement initially located at the head towards the abdomen thereby converting the body angle from about 45 degrees to about zero degrees creating a dramatically increased surface area, reducing vertical travel and airway submersion in a mounting sea state. Grip strap 412 and the buckle 406 that allows the ram length to be adjusted are secured to bladder 401 along seam 423. Chest strap 408 can be adjusted to be comfortable because as ram 401 inflates strap 404 pneumatically tightens the chest strap 405 holding ram 401 secure in the operational position. In Figure 2 the upper left hand drawing in the top row is a simple economical ram life jacket 450. An underlying Yoke Collar style PFD Type I or II 431 includes the PFD chest strap 432 secures both the foam PFD 431 and the inflatable ram 401 to the wearer. The top edge 452 of the bladder is folded under 451 and welded back onto itself at 449. Upon inflation the weld 449 allows only limited inflation so that the top flattens out and engages the chin. Only the central portion of the ram 401 is attached to the PFD cover at 454, this allows the top folded portion 451 to stow out of the way for donning and comfort. The ram 401 is attached to the front face of the PFD in from the edge forming lateral expansion fold 453 allowing the PFD to spread open for easy donning. The middle drawing of the top row shows a dual position hybrid bladder mounted in the traditional mandibular support position 433 by mandibular support chest strap attachment means 434. The exposed face of the mandibular support position is colored a traditional orange 436 indicating a personal flotation device level of performance. Also seen is the alternate pneumatic ram chest strap attachment means 435. When the hybrid bladder is mounted on chest strap 432 using the ram guides 435 the outer face is a contrasting color 437 indicating airway protective status. The mandibular ram position 438 occludes part of the neck opening assuring the head cannot fall forward. The second row of drawings shows a multi-purpose, variable displacement hybrid bladder 439. The left hand drawing shows the bladder in the mandibular ram position 438 while the right hand drawing has the bladder folded in half converting it into a mandibular shelf 433. The ram status 438 is color indicated 437 and upon conversion to a shelf 433 the color is changed 436. The hybrid bladder's volume is varied by adjusting the length of adjustment means 441. The hybrid bladder can be permanently attached to chest strap 432 during manufacture or built to slide 440 over strap 432 allowing fielded life jackets to acquire increased airway protective, corrective-turning torque. In the left lower corner, a column of three drawings demonstrate that the critical length of the cephalo-mandibular ram 443 can be adjusted at 441 to provide the right ram length for a wide range of body heights. A ram can be mounted on an adjustable diameter chest strap 445 and the ram length 443 set to provide concurrent mechanical and buoyant forces required for corrective turning to any individual from about 3' to about T in height. In the two drawings on the right hand lower corner a dual strap PFD 455 allows the vertical ram found up the upper strap to be relocated to the abdominal strap 457. Turning the pneumatic strut to the horizontal position the buoyant force is fully submerged where its displacement is optimized. The horizontal strut also moves the buoyant force outboard stabilizing the man over board from rolling to the side. When the strut is mounted on the upper chest strap the buoyant force creates an about 30 to an about 45 degree body angle which has superior corrective turning but is more inclined to allow the MOB to submerge at the bottom of the wave secondary to the momentum generated as the MOB slides down a passing wave. When the pneumatic strut is shifted from the superior to the inferior position it shifts the body angle from inclined to horizontal where the cross sectional area of the MOB decelerates the momentum generated as the MOB slides down the wave. With the dramatic increase in cross sectional area, submersions of the airway fall to zero as the body angle is moved to zero when the pneumatic strut is relocated from the superior to the inferior mounting position. Figure 3 is a series of cephalo-mandibular rams of fixed length with varying volumes 460 that can all be inflated with an about 3/8" neck diameter inflator 472. Zipper pull 471 places the edges of the bladder in three different positions. When zipped closed 469 to its smallest volume a 16 gm CO2 461 generates a bladder of approximately 16 lbs. of displacement 464 for the lowest profile ram 470. The 25 gm CO2 depicted in the lower left hand drawing generates a ram with approximately 25 lbs. of lift providing an intermediate displacement ram 468. A 38 gm CO2 463 generates a 38 lb. bladder 465 for the highest displacement bladder 467 for a given ram length Figure 4 is a mixed inflation means pneumatic ram 480 in which a small compressed gas inflated corrective turning bladder 481 while freeboard is augmented by an orally inflated bladder 482 filled through oral inflation means 485. The middle drawing shows the compressed gas inner wall 483 being welded to the inner face of the outer wall 484 allowing use of single coated fabric throughout. Alternatively if one of the exterior walls of the orally inflated chamber 482 is laminated on the outside as well as inside 489 then the compressed gas chamber 481 exterior wall 488 can be welded to the outside of the orally inflated chamber 482. Figure 5 compares bladders of comparable displacement in terms of their ability to provide corrective turning. The upper left hand drawing is of a unconscious victim who fell into the water in a face up position 508 with a 16 lb. thoracic bladder 504 attached at its inferior margin 505 to chest strap 445. The upper right hand drawing is of an unconscious victim who fell into the water face down 509. The bladder's inferior attachment 505 allows the bladder to swing into an abdominal position stabilizing the victim in a face down position 509. The lower left hand drawing shows a partially inflated bladder 501 supplies undirected buoyancy transiently supporting face down flotation 502. Upon full pressurization 503 the inferior portion if the bladder 402 pivots about the bladder face attachment 500 forcing ram 401 down and up realigning the mass of the head and neck and thereby creating timely reliable airway protected face up flotation. Figure 6 diagrams the effect of directed buoyancy on head position. In the upper right hand drawing a partially inflated bladder 501 has been released from splayed open ram bladder cover 525 when the compressed gas was released from cylinder 398. Bladder flexion crease 515 transiently restricts gas flow which first inflates the functionally isolated expansion bladder 513. The rapid inflation of the expansion bladder 513 blows opens the blow, a part cover 422. In the upper right hand drawing the pressurization of the mounted ram cylinder portion of the bladder 511 directs the ram 401 up and against the mandible. A ram cylinder 511 is created by sewing the lateral margins 510 of the ram 401 to a platform rigidified by the body. The left and right lateral attachments indicated by 510 and the line drawn between the superior points which creates the leading edge 500, and the line drawn between the inferior points which creates the trailing edge 528 of the planar mount 527 indicated as the dashed rectangle of the lower right hand drawing of Figure 6. The planar mount 527 secures and orients the ram cylinder 511 up and along the center midline axis 529. The left lower drawing in Figure 6 details the expansion bladder 513, which is isolated by restriction crease 515 from ram cylinder 511 of the mechanical mandibular ram 401. A variable position bladder mount 522 is created by stitching 524 rungs into a webbing ladder 523. A self-securing pneumatic compression lock 526 creates a linear attachment 512 that directs the buoyancy of the ram 401. The superior portion of the ram turns about the leading edge 500 of the bladder attachment 526. The lower right hand drawing depicts a single position ram with a stitched ram cylinder 510. As the bladder is being stowed the expansion bladder 513 must be folded back along crease line 515. When manual inflation D-Ring 520 pulls lanyard 517 or the inflator comes in contact with water, the compressed gas cylinder 398 releases its gas and expansion of bladder 513 separates hook closure 519 from loop closure 518. Once the blow a-part closure 422 is open and the expansion bladder unfolds out, gas then passes quickly without restriction through the ram cylinder 511 to fully and then functional inflate the Cephalo-mandibular ram 401. As the ram 401 pressurizes it drives the head up and back into then to the opposite side of the axis of corrective rotation converting the cephalic ballast from a liability opposing turning into a synergistic asset acting as a keel driving airway protective turning. Figure 7 contrasts the dual position bladder. In the upper drawing face up flotation

400 is created by the centerline mandibulo-cephalic ram 401 when the expansion bladder 402 pivots about strap 403 and mechanically drives ram 401 into position. The victim is positioned in an about 45-degree position 530. If conscious the orally inflated and repositioned cephalic pillow 536 allows the cephalic ram to be converted into an abdominal bladder 533 which establishes a rough water horizontal position 531. Adjustable closure 534 secures abdominal bladder to the victim by secondary waist strap 534. Figure 8 demonstrates a stowed cephalo-mandibular ram bladder hybrid PFD 540. The ram portion 550 folds behind the thoracic bladder 552. The combined thoracic- mandibular ram bladder 543 is attached at to the inherently buoyant PFD 541 at 510. Upon inflation of oral valve 485 the deployed cephalo-mandibular ram 401 rises up pushing the chin and head back, creating the inflated ram PFD 542. The lower row depicts the frontal view 544 and lateral view 545 of a SOLAS type I Offshore PFD with a continuous frontal foam block 546. A deflated oversized bladder 548 and is protected within fabric gusset 547. Even after inflation of the mandibular ram component 551 and the lateral cervical splints 549 the internal bladder remains over sized 548 which allows the pneumatic strain to be borne by the externally configuring fabric shell 550. The combined mandibular ram and mandibular displacement bladder 553 elevates the head while simultaneously increasing cephalic turning torque. Figure 9 applies the centerline mounted mechanical ram and buoyant bladder to a variety of products. The upper left garment in the top row is a ski vest 560 with classically no detectable corrective turning. Attached to which is a manually operated mandibular ram 401, which could provide airway protection if actuated in an emergency. The second garment is a boater's type III PFD 561, which is more appropriate for water, activated inflation of the mandibular ram 401 automatically converting the PFD into an airway protective life jacket upon unexpected water entry. Water passes through water entrance orifice 569 the cover is pneumatically opened at blow a part opening 422. The wet suit or dry suit, which is depicted on the far right of the top row, would require a manually activated pneumatic ram due to the sport related immersion. A low profile ram 562 includes a mechanical flap 579, which allows head first diving without the neoprene ram pocket 577 scooping up water. The entire pocket zips across the midline at 578. On inflation the shallow over lapping flap 579 flares open to allow the ram to emerge and travel up the midline. The second row begins on the left with a paddler's vest 563 with large armholes that likewise is a buoyant aid that would be enhanced by a manual actuated compressed gas inflation of a centerline ram 401. Diver's buoyancy compensator 564 is the middle garment in the second row, which has the option of utilizing compressed air from the SCUBA tank 565 to inflate the centerline ram and demonstrates a sternum strap adjustment 558 to which mandibular ram 401 is secured. The body armor vest 566 the garment on the right hand side of the second row can be rapidly and inexpensively converted into an airway protective life jacket with a small centerline ram. A low profile manual detonation pull 575 prevents accidental deployment. Blow apart closure 422 with its zipper pull 576, which tucks within the hood of the cover. Double sided snaps 574 preserves the snap grid for mounting armaments while the low profile ram stows in only half a space. The lower left-hand garment is a parachute harness 567, which comfortably mounts a centerline mandibular ram 401. The middle drawing details the universal mount for the body armor ram 570. Female snaps 571 mount the life jacket onto a body armor vest with a snap grid. The 1 inch loop grid 572 allows the same PFD to attach to a body armor vest with a loop grid and the 2 inch belt loops 573 allow the life jacket to be used on any with a rucksack chest strap that ties the shoulder straps together or to mount onto a universal chest strap. A low profile ram can be folded to the width of the chest strap 568. Figure 10 depicts a range of garment integrated cephalo-mandibular rams. The upper row far left is a pull over jacket 580 with the ram hidden behind the center pocket. The center drawing is a hooded garment including an external encircling strap mounted cover 581 that mounts the centerline ram across the centerline opening jacket. The garment at the far right side of the top row has the centerline ram hidden beneath a cover flap with an internal strap 587 providing secure mounting to the torso. In the lower row a cosmetically hidden ram 583 blows out through a breakaway zipper 584 which parallels the garment zipper 588. For light fabrics an internal chest strap 587 is adjusted and secured at 585 that will transfer the mechanical and buoyant forces to the victim after the garment is immersed. The lower left hand drawing depicts the directed deployment in which water activated inflator 393 upon immersion pierces cylinder 398 gas flows up in the direction of arrow 516 directed by cul-de-sac welded pocket 589 creating a transient expansion chamber 513 that opens blow a part zipper 584. Compressed gas then fills ram cylinder 511 and pneumatic lock 590 holding the ram firmly in place against the chin. Figure 11 demonstrates a selection of sources of inflation of the cephalo- mandibular centerline diver's ram. The first Buoyancy Compensator BC has a centerline orally inflated diver's ram 600. The middle BC has CO2 inflated ram 601. The far right on the top row has a diver's ram that is passive inflated from pressurized rear chamber once ram cover is opened 602. The second row on the left uses a no-lock pressure coupling 603. A low-pressure hose 604 from the primary regulator connects through a low profile no-lock coupler 605. The lower left BC in the second row utilizes a low pressure source 604 operated from the power inflator 609 through valve 607 to inflate the BC ram 606.

The BC itself is inflated by valve 608 or the BC can be orally inflated at mouthpiece 610. Figure 12 is a pneumatic powered buoyancy compensator life jacket 630. A triple function pneumatic valve 631 inflates BC-Ram 606 while deflating the BC chamber 611 and releasing dual position keel. Air from the primary regulator attached to the tank behind the diver is pass over the shoulder through low-pressure hose 604 to BC power inflator 609. For routine inflation of BC bladder 611 button 608 is depressed passing air large bore tube 612 that connects the power inflator valve body 609 with the bladder 611. Alternatively oral inflate button 613 can be depressed allowing the diver to blow through mouthpiece 610. The air passes from the diver's mouth through power inflator valve body 609, large bore tube 612 into bladder 611. PFD button 631 receives compressed air via low-pressure hose 604 from the diver's tank. Depressing button 621 passes compressed air through tube 614 to inflate BC ram 606. Concurrent with inflating ram 606 depressing PFD button 631 passes compressed air through tube 615 to pneumatic deflate of BC bladder 611 and pneumatic pressure to actuate release of a dual position keel on the back ofthe PFD BC 630. Figure 13 is a BC bladder inflated BC ram 641. Upon manual release of pneumatic lock 636 ram cover 625 splays open and a low pressure inflated divers ram 634 receives air from the portion of the bladder system lowest in the water column. The most inferior portions of BC bladder 611 begin to deflate first indicated as deflated bladder component 632 as air passes through supply line 633 and quick disconnect 645 into ram 634. If the tank 637 is empty and the BC 611 are both empty back up compressed gas means 635 can be used to inflate the life jacket ram 634. With a passive diver's ram life jacket 641, dual position keels 639 are released manually by pulling on keel release ripcord 643. An independent dual position keel weight system 644 can mount the keel weights 639 onto tank mounting means 638 while release rip cord 643 is brought forward for easy access. Figure 14 demonstrates a dual function bladder that serves as both canteen and PFD 650. Fabric cover 651 contains canteen-PFD bladder 654. Tube 655 is used for fluid delivery from canteen and for air inflation of PFD. Bite valve 658 is for accessing liquids for drinking or for containing compressed air within PFD. Shoulder strap 652 and cross over chest strap 653 secure the fabric covered 651 canteen bladder 654 to the back of the operator. When the canteen-PFD bladder 654 is removed from fabric cover 651 and cross over chest strap 653 is threaded through slot 656 within sizing flange 659 and the bladder inflated via bite valve 658 the bladder converts from a canteen into a PFD. The fabric cover 651 and shoulder straps 652 and cross over chest strap 653 secure and position the PFD-canteen bladder 660 in position to drive the mandible 661 rearward augmenting the buoyant force of the PFD-canteen bladder 660 with complementary cephalic ballast 413 on the opposite side of the axis of corrective turning 663. Additional slots 657 with in sizing flange 659 allow ram length X 443 to be adjusted to fit the individual. Figure 15 is a series of combined thoracic and mandibular ram bladders 680. The planar bladder patterns is juxtaposed wit the shape the bladder assumes upon inflation. In the first bladder pattern 685 designed for a PFD with a small neck opening 685, the mandibular bladder 682 is a direct extension of the thoracic bladder 681. Strap 684 directs the mandibular ram medially by limiting the bladder expansion upon inflation. As the ram inflates it engages the chin. In the second row the mandibular ram bladder 682 is connected b a fluid communication conduit 683 to the thoracic bladder 681. Due to the distance between the mandibular bladder 682 and the thoracic bladder 681 there is a broader shelf created that is useful in a PFD with an intermediate size neck opening 686. In the bottom role the mandibular ram makes its deepest incursion into a PFD with a large neck opening 687 because of the increased length of the flanges connecting the mandibular ram 682 to the thoracic bladder 681 both via the fabric containing the fluid communication conduit 683 and the superior expansion bridge 688. Figure 16 is a diver's Passive buoyancy redistribution BC 700. The anterior buoyant element 701 and the posterior buoyant element 703 are in fluid communication via conduit 633. Displacement flows freely back and forth between the anterior and posterior elements of the BC in a reversible fashion. Upon manual release, bladder cover 525 splays open and the abdominal bladder 701 passively receives air from that portion of the BC-PFD bladder system that is lowest in the water column 632. The most inferior portions of BC bladder begin to deflate first indicated by the deflated BC bladder component 632. Air in the BC raises to the top of bladder 703 where it can pass through port 702 into unregulated fluid communication conduit 633. If both the tank 637 and BC bladder 611 are empty, the diver can optionally inflate the abdominal PFD bladder 701 by use of oral inflation means 704. The cephalic ballast offset chamber 705 can be inflated orally before the dive to achieve a range of compensatory displacements of from 1 to 20 lbs. The specific amount of fixed buoyancy is selected as required to maintain a constant sized releasable weight belt 706 while diving with cylinders 637 that range from 20 lbs. positive to 20 lbs. negative when empty. A dive cylinder 637 that is buoyant requires a larger keel weight 639 to retain corrective turning. In warm water with little thermal protection the ballast required of a buoyant cylinder may exceed the amount of releasable ballast found on the weight belt 706. In which case an amount of air is placed in the ballast offset chamber 705 equal to the amount of ballast required to offset the dual position keel weight system 644. The keel weights 639 are shown in the active position attached to tank 637 by tank band 638. The abdominal bladder 701 redistributes the air from behind the diver while the cephalic offset chamber 705 positions non-ventable displacement beneath the divers head and neck supplying freeboard. The activated keel 639 triangulates between the abdominal and cephalic buoyant moments stabilizing the diver in the face up position. The lower inset drawing of Figure 16 demonstrate a traditional high displacement BC design 707 which uses the rear chamber to supply both surface as well as under water buoyancy. Surface buoyancy needs are significantly larger. Depending on water temperature the associated thermal protection and offsetting ballast, the cold-water bladder is often sized to supply 30 to 50 lbs of lift. Underwater needs range from 10 to 15 for the 190 lb diver planning a 120 foot deep dive, the limit of recreational diving and associated with the greatest compression of the diver's wet suit determined to be 9 lb loss of buoyancy at depth. A smaller diver or shallower dive would result in less of a loss of buoyancy due to compression of the neoprene bubbles. The drawing in the middle left side is of a high lift traditional BC bladder with an integrated port 702 and reversible cap 715. If the diver wants improved surface position and or additional lift the cummerbund mounted forward bladder 711 can be connected through optional fluid communication conduit 712 connected to the BC through coupler 716 which connects to BC integrated port 702. The forward chamber 710 is connected through reversibly connected fluid communication conduit 712 or a permanently connected conduit 714. In the lower right drawing of Figure 16 the stowed forward chamber is permanently in fluid communication 714 to the posterior buoyant element 703 and as a single system are two elements are designed to accomplish a specific task. The dedicated rear chamber 713 is sized for use under water where there are minimal buoyancy needs. This low profile low volume rear chamber 713 has a reduced profile 717 compared to traditional rear BC bladders 707 which must supply high volume surface flotation as well as low volume dive flotation or buoyancy offset. Since the low volume rear chamber 713 cannot be separated from the high volume forward surface flotation chamber it is freed of the necessity of providing the freeboard that is proportional to displacement. Figure 17 is a drawing of a high displacement Safety Of Life At Sea ("SOLAS")

Type I Off Shore PFD 771 in which an ultra low volume mandibular ram 772 is attached to the midline seam 776 by a center edge flange 761 or a center mid-seam flange 766. In the lower drawing of Figure 17 the center mid-seam flange 766 is welded to the low volume mechanical ram 772 because to back side of ram 772 is constructed from a fabric that is not only laminated on the inside allowing creation of the air retentive ram bladder 772 but the back side is also laminated on the outer face 762 allowing flange 766 to be attached while maintaining the bladders air retentive integrity. Alternatively the ram 772 is constructed from unsupported film such as polyvinyl allowing center edge flange 761 or center mid-seam flange 766 to welded to middle of ram bladder 772. The center mid- seam flange 766 is incorporated in to the PFD 771 when the midline seam 776 is sewn closed at 767. The lateral edge of the mini-ram bladder 772 is attached to the PFD 771 by way of lateral flange 763, which is an extension of the less expensive single coated top layer 763. The lateral flange 763 is attached to the PFD 771 by attachment means 765. Alternatively in the upper left hand drawing of Figure 17 the low volume ram 772 is attached to one arm of the PFD 771 by a center edge flange 761 which is a more complicated sewing operation but produces a cleaners folded appearance to the deflated mini-ram 758. The use of a combined oral inflate deflate valve and connector 448 markedly reduces the cost of the low volume ram 772. Also illustrated in the upper left hand drawing of Figure 17 is the use of a welded perpendicular gusset 768 which allows additional fabric 759 to insert under the mandible when the ram 772 is inflated. Without the gusset a simple bladder would curve away from the chin to form the alternate top seam 769. While a simple bladder works when the ram is attached to a chest strap, when a ram 772 is attached to a PFD 771 the bladder is already moved away from the chest by the thickness of the PFD 756. The thickness of the PFD 756 summates with the loss of ram mandibular contact due to the simple bladders convex curvature away from the mandible. This fabric mandibular hook 759 or gusset 768 allows the ram 772 to acquire a better purchase on the chin whereby ram 772 can more reliably hyper-extended the neck and employ the ballast of the head to facilitate corrective turning rather than allow the heads ballast to fall down along the midline opposing corrective turning. An unsupported film bladder 755 is more tolerant of the requisite step off junction 754 where 4 layers of fabric are welded at one point then only 2 layers are welded immediately adjacent. Use of supported fabric laminated on both sides 762 or one side 764 with its typical nylon core fabric creates uneven compression by the radio frequency die. The nylon is less compressible than the laminate or unsupported film 755 such as polyvinyl creating a step off weld. When there is a ledge beneath the RF die it creates a weak spot in the weld and is the common site of seam failure leading to loss of air or arcing due uneven power distribution during cost effective high volume production. Figure 18 is an alternate drawing of a high displacement SOLAS Type I Off Shore PFD 771 in which, an ultra low volume mandibular ram 772 is attached to the midline seam 776. Fabric flange 775 is not an inflatable bladder inflate rather it allows the low volume bladder 772 that is sewn into the midline seam at 767, to rise up and elevate the mandible without separating the right arm 777 and left arm 778 of the inherently buoyant PFD 771. Weld line 773 separates volume vertical mandibular ram 772 from the un- inflated fabric flange 775. Figure 19 shows that the variable body angle buoyancy compensator 800 body which can be adjusted to meet a wide range of sea conditions. In the upper image a rough sea state 801 has marked wave height 815, which is the distance between wave peak 813 and trough 814. A rough sea is best countered by the diver placing him or herself in a horizontal body angle 619. This is a balance between a fully inflated anterior element 807 and significantly deflated posterior element 808. Given the continuous nature of the distribution and the individual variation it diver lean body mass and thermal buoyant garments the degree of inflation and deflation of the anterior and posterior buoyant elements vary. The general trend follows the description. In the horizontal rough sea position 619 the broadest cross sectional area is presented to the water column so that the momentum generated as the diver descends down the wave face is distributed across the largest cross sectional area. This reduces the amount of submersion at the bottom of the wave trough 814, which keeps the airway dry. By comparison in Figure 19 if the diver were in the vertical position 616 in high seas 801 there head would be driven under the water with each passing wave. In moderate seas 803 the diver may select a 20 -40 degree body angle 804. In the 20 to 40 degree body angle 804 the abdominal bladder is partially deflated 809 while the rear chamber is only minimally deflated 810. This intermediate body angle 804 confers improved scanning of the horizon if the diver is looking for a rescue or pick up boat. In the lower right hand drawing of Figure 19 the calm seas 805 allow the diver to assume the vertical position 616, which is created by a fully inflated rear chamber 812 and a minimally inflated abdominal bladder 811. In Figure 20 the diver's body angle can be infinitely adjusted to accommodate body build and need for vigilance versus relaxation. That is any position or body angle can be selected such as slightly inclined 804. As the diver leans back 821 air passively shifts forward 822. Air leaves the lowest portion of the rear chamber 823 to fill the upper portion of the abdominal bladder 824. A vertical position 616 might be preferred for its enhanced perspective on the horizon if the diver hears a boat approaching. If so the diver leans forward 825 and air shifts backward 826 deflating the forward chamber 827 and inflating the rear chamber 828. In the lower drawing of Figure 20 the diver has submerged. If there is there is un-inflated space in the rear chamber the hydrostatic water pressure quickly evacuates the anterior bladder component 830, inflates the rear chamber 828 which is in reversible fluid communication through conduit 633 allowing deflated forward chamber to be easily stowed for the dive. In Figure 21 a BC with integrated self-folding forward chamber 850. The dual chambered bladder 851 is comprised of one chamber in fluid communication through conduit 633 with the rear bladder of the BC while the second forward chamber 852 which might be of lower volume to ease routine use. The conjoined emergency use chamber 854 might be inflated by a fast acting compressed CO2 chamber 398, which also inflates a cephalic pillow 855 through conduit 856 or from the compressed gas in the SCUBA tank 637. Emergency use cephalic pillow 855 includes a deflation valve 857 that serves both the abdominal 851 and cephalic bladders 855. Fluid communication conduit 633 can be removable or permanent. In Figure 21 it is permanently attached 714 to the back mount BC chamber 611. Fluid communication conduit 633 allows air to move freely forward or backward in response to varying hydrostatic pressure as the diver shifts their body forward or backward. Once the diver stops shifting the balance between posterior and anterior buoyant moments is reestablished striking a new proportional balance that now stabilizes the diver at the new body angle. Fig 22 compares and contrasts the horizontal forward chamber required to move the buoyant moment lateral to offset the marked back buoyancy inherent in a Back Mounted BC 611 versus the vertical forward bladder 871. The back mount BC 611 is open in front and a cummerbund mounted forward bladder 870 can be restricted in folded height to the size of the cummerbund 877 so it keeps low hydrodynamic profile. Yet on inflation the bladder needs to be considerably larger. The volume of the forward chamber is ideally 50% of the volume of the rear chamber 611. This allows the rear chamber to be half deflated and supplying some buoyancy yet still able to receive the entire contents on passive redistribution of the forward chamber on deflation. The diver leans forward and the hydrostatic pressure of the water quickly deflates the forward bladder in a single step. If all the venting and connecting means are on the rear chamber there is less bulk attached to the forward chamber leading to a sleek profile. The size of the forward chamber when inflated is many times the size of the BC cummerbund width 877. In the column below the upper left hand drawing of the back mount BC 611 are details of a self folding design. In the bottom row is a range of bladder volumes and associated fold patterns required to reduce the bladder to the cummerbund width 877. A bi-fold pattern 878 might yield 10 lbs of displacement for a 15 to 18" final width 874. A tri-fold accordion design 879 might yield 20 lbs on inflation and a quadra-fold pattern 880 might yield 30 lbs of displacement upon inflation. Deflation can be accomplished in several ways but if there is sufficient available space in the rear BC 611 as the diver leans forward their weight submerges the forward bladder and the air quickly moves through reversible couple fluid communication conduit 712 through coupling 716 into the back mounted BC 611. The air moves so fast that thumb loops 853 need to be pulled simultaneously to fold and align the forward bladder fabric. If force is not applied to the ends of the bladder as the diver leans forward the bladder crenates and the fabric may not fold smoothly leading to a marked increase in bulk of the deflated bladder. Once the bladder is deflated while being pulled into its full horizontal length 874 the left and right sides are folded over one another as shown in the middle left drawing of Figure 22, reducing length 874 to 1/3 its size or length 873. In the right hand column vertical self folding bladder 871 is shown in its fully extended vertical height 891 as well as the height once reduced to 1/3 885 after folding for storage. In the lower right hand drawing of Figure 22 is of a variable volume forward buoyant moment 886. The inflated vertical bladder height 891 can be reduced by securing the folded bladder by quick release fastener 888, which includes means to adjust height limiting strap 892. Restriction band 887 can also mount thumb pulls 853 to facilitate optimal folding of any accordion design such as 878, 879 or 880, when simultaneously deflating and folding under hydrostatic pressure. Further the sliding restriction band 887 can be used to reduce airflow into the portion of the bladder folded forwards. In Figure 22 fluid communication conduit 633 whether permanently attached or releasable 712 allows the over pressure relief valve 889 standard in BC bladder construction to protect both the posterior and anterior bladder components since in actuality the posterior and anterior moments are nit bladders in the sense that they are hermetically sealed but they are in fact portions of a single bladder and function as a single bladder. They main difference is in where they attach their buoyant force to the diver and how if the bladders are partially filled there is room for incremental shifts in location of the buoyancy not in the net buoyancy. The infinite variability in the location from 0% posterior and 100% anterior to from 100% posterior and 0% anterior allows any body angle from 0 degrees i.e. horizontal to 90 degrees or vertical to be quickly assumed and stabilized for the diver's safety, comfort or pleasure. Due to the buoyant forces attached to the cummerbund the cummerbund can be secured in a locked position or on deployment the cummerbund can be pulled a part. In the upper left hand drawing the back mount BC may have enough room for a terminal locking and adjustable buckle 899. While other BC designs the locking buckle 894 which secures locking strap 893 is hidden behind the forward bladder cover 895. The cover 895 is hinged at 898 so that it falls away while the cummerbund and locking strap 893 are closed and secured. Then the cover containing the forward bladder is pulled up and secured by one strap attached to the cummerbund 896 using a buckle 897 attached to the cover. This holds the folded deflated bladder tight against the body. Figure 23 depicts the dual chambered anterior bladder 900. The upper left hand drawing is of a back mount BC with an inflated horizontal self-folding dual-chambered forward bladder 903.The horizontal strut has a secure pneumatic ram base 510 attached to the cummerbund. The horizontal axis 916 lies along the long axis of the horizontal strut 903. The horizontal dual chambered bladder 903 is in continuous fluid communication with the rear dive bladder through conduit 633. The Emergency cephalic bladder 855 has a deflation means 855 that deflates both the abdominal and cephalic emergency bladders. In the lower left hand drawing the dual chambered forward bladder 900 is detailed. Fabric laminated on both sides 883 allows both routine 912 and emergency 911 forward bladders to be welded 901 to the same middle layer 883. The outer fabric can be laminated on a single side 902 or both sides for enhanced durability. In the dual chamber design depicted in the lower left hand of Figure 23, lower volume chamber 912 can be inflated from regulated or unregulated conduit 913. The conduit inflating the forward chamber has previously been regulated by a manual valve 905 or check valve 907. However the unregulated fluid communication conduit 633 allows continuous bidirectional or incremental adjustment of the ratio of displacement between BC chamber 906 and the forward chamber 912 simply by leaning forward or backwards. Since chamber 912 is envisioned as being in routine use it can also be in fluid communication with the dive jacket 906. Alternatively the chamber 912 may be inflated from a CO2 909, bail out bottle 908 or directly from the SCUBA tank 637. The larger of the conjoined anterior bladders is depicted as an emergency bladder 911 with its redundant compressed gas inflation means 398 and oral inflate deflate means 857. it can be connected to the emergency cephalic bladder 855 by a conduit 856 fed by the CO2 gas source. In the upper right hand drawing a vest style BC 872 only as room for a vertical pneumatic strut 904 whose vertical axis 914 line along the midline. The vertical dual chambered forward bladder 904 flows all the same principles listed above for the horizontal dual chambered self-folding forward bladder 903. In Figure 24 a vest style BC 872 is shown with a variable position horizontal bladder 920 that overlaps the anterior buoyant element of the vest style BC 872. The bladder can be varied in position along the torso beginning with the most inferior attachment illustrated in 921 to a low intermediate position 922 to an upper intermediate position 923 reaching it highest position in 924. As the bladder is raised the body angle drops away from zero towards 90 degrees as would increase line of site. Alternatively, as the position of the anterior bladder is lowered the waist is raised up towards the surface and the body angle approaches zero degree or horizontal with its improved airway protection in a mounting seaway. An attachment means 925 allows the base of the forward bladder to be varied across the width of the cummerbund. In Figure 25 a cost effective yet uniquely flexible inflatable life jacket with a universal bladder design 950 that allows the user to re-arm with any cylinder available, i.e. a 16 gm 945, 25 gm or 38-gram cylinder 942 in addition the life jacket can be adjusted to be stable in any body angle 940. A water activated inflator 948 inflates the mandibulo-cephalic mechanical ram 401 which uses the 16 gm cylinder 942 to rigidify ram cylinder 511 directed by it the ram secure attachment 5l Jo the body of the life jacket. Regardless of whether the user can afford a 16, 25 or 38-gram cylinder the jacket is designed to use the first 16 gm to protect the airway. If use can afford the larger cylinders that additional gas passes through over pressure valve 946 into the freeboard and body angle components of the vest. The posterior loculation 955 and the anterior loculation 956 are in fluid communication 633 at the most inferior aspect. The partial inflation 952 allows the buoyant moment to be moved forward 822 or backward 826 and needed to distribute the buoyancy about the MOB 957 to stabilize any body angle. The MOB on the lower left has been stabilized in a 20 to 30 degree body angle 804 by gas passing forward 822 partially deflating the posterior loculation 955 and inflating the anterior loculation 956. Gas is not added to the bladder it simply redistributed through the fluid communication conduit 633 changing the ration of posterior to anterior displacement. While posterior buoyancy is very important for freeboard and in water comfort it is restricted by baffles 958 so the corrective rotation prevails. Baffle 958 also forms the conduit drawing air off the cephalic end 959 of the posterior loculation 955 for passage to the anterior loculation 956. While the deployment of the cephalic ram 401 is critical to a 16 gm life jackets corrective turning, if the MOB 957 is conscious the ram can be deflated 949 for comfort after entry or re-inflated if the weather changes and the sea begins to mount. In the lower right drawing of Figure 25 a side closure 953 keeps the midline open for secure mounting 510 of ram cylinder 511 that effects relocation of the cephalic ballast 413 so that it drives corrective turning and effectively doubles or trebles the angular forces applied about the axis of rotation. In the upper drawing of Figure 25 a life jacket with a 38 gm CO2 installed 941 gives the strongest open ocean performance there is sufficient gas to deploy the ram and fill the anterior chamber. The remaining gas passes into the posterior loculation 955 to supplement freeboard but there is not enough displacement to not power the fully inflated anterior loculation 951. The open ocean horizontal positioning 619 is required for survival in an aggravated sea state 801 where submersion and splash would plague a more vertical position when the MOB passes through the bottom of the trough 814. In intermediate seas 803 more of an angle 804 can be tolerated. The lower left hand MOB is wearing a 25 gm PFD with a deflated ram 949 but sufficient oral inflation so that there is good freeboard. While the MOB 957 in the lower right started out with a 16 gm PFD 944, with a one or two breaths of oral inflation achieves the same performance as either the 38 or 25 gm devices.

Index of Reference Numerals 390 Cephalic ram bladder in fluid communication with the pneumatic-hydraulic- hydration cushion 391 Front tactical plate

392 Break point baffle turning bladder around back of head

393 Water, pressure and manual activated primary compressed gas inflation means

394 Cervical trough

395 Over pressure check valve between ballistics cushion and cephalic ram bladder 396 Combined mandibulo-cervical splint and ballistics cushion

397 Lateral cervical splint wing

398 Compressed gas means 16, 25, and 38 gm CO2 fit in same 3/8" inflator

399 Unconscious water entry victim lacking cervical muscle tone

400 Face up flotation 401 Centerline mandibulo-cephalic mechanical ram

402 Expansion chamber and pneumatic lock

403 Pivot strap

404 Pneumatic tensioning chest strap

405 Universally adjustable harness 406 Ram length female buckle

407 Over pressure valve combined with oral inflator for variable volume ram

408 Inflatable Oral-nasal spray shield

409 Oral-nasal restrictive concavity sculpting baffle 410 Sculpted baffle edge

411 Oral-nasal protective concavity

412 Right hand grip strap

413 Cephalic ballast converted to keeling force by pneumatic ram

414 Oral inflation / deflation means for secondary cephalic pillow 415 Reversible adjustable cephalic pillow strap

416 Ram limiter strap

417 Variable volume body armor recovery bladder

418 Recovery bladder activation lanyard

419 Central pull for body armor rip cords 420 Manual activation means for abdominal bladder

421 Quick release break away body armor

422 Blow a-part cover

423 Seam

424 Ripcords 425 Right cervical break point baffle directing bladder around side of neck

426 Unrolled, deflated secondary cephalo-cervical inflatable cradle

427 Baffle weld

428 Lower chamber encasing soft armor panel

429 Upper cephalic ram bladder 430 Chest strap closure and adjustment means

431 Yoke collar style PFD, Type I and Type II PFDs

432 PFD chest strap

433 Mandibular shelf-support position of a dual position bladder

434 Mandibular support position chest strap attachment means 435 Pneumatic ram position chest strap attachment means

436 Traditional orange color indicating personal flotation device

437 Contrasting color indicating airway protective pneumatic cephalic ram

438 Mandibular ram position

439 Multi-purpose, variable displacement hybrid bladder 440 Reversible chest strap mounting means

441 Bladder volume adjustment means

442 Permanent chest strap mounting means

443 Ram distance the critical length = X between the mouth and the bottom of the ram 444 Variably length pneumatic ram bladder adjusts to supply an optimal pneumatic ram for individuals from 3' to 7' in height. 445 Adjustable diameter chest strap

448 Combined connector and check valve

449 Flat ram top weld 450 Simple ram hybrid Life Jacket

451 Expanding folded flat top

452 Edge of folded bladder

453 Lateral expansion fold

454 Main bladder secured to PFD cover 455 Dual strap PFD

456 Variable position pneumatic strut

457 Horizontal abdominal-strap

458 Horizontal abdominal-strap mounted pneumatic strap- zero degree body angle

460 Variable volume constant length pneumatic ram. Matches net displacement / compressed gas source to exceed load requirements while maintaining a constant bladder to mouth pneumatic ram length

461 16 gram CO2

462 25 gram CO2

463 38 gram CO2 464 16 1b. pneumatic ram of fixed length

465 25 lb. pneumatic ram of same length

466 38 lb. pneumatic ram of same length

467 No reduction in bladder volume for highest displacement pneumatic ram

468 Mid-sized bladder volume corresponding to compressed gas source delivering a minimal final inflated rigidity

469 Secure bladder volume adjustment means

470 Lowest displacement ram for the selected ram length

471 Zipper pull

472 Compressed gas inflator accepting 3/8" neck diameter CO2 cylinders 480 Mixed inflation means pneumatic ram

481 Compressed gas inflated corrective turning bladder

482 Large volume secondary orally-inflated body angle and stability bladder

483 Internal compressed gas bladder utilizing single coat fabric 484 External compressed gas bladder requires intermediate layer of fabric laminated on both sides

485 Oral inflation means

486 Deflation valve

487 1-F water activated inflator 488 External single coat layer

489 Supported or unsupported fabric weldable on both sides

500 Leading edge bladder attachment

501 Partially inflated bladder supplies buoyancy but lacking mechanical ram function

502 Stable, neck-flexed, face-down flotation 503 Pneumatic rigidity converts bladder into cephalo-mandibular ram.

504 16 lb. thoracic bladder

505 Inferior bladder margin attachment

506 Bladder swung about inferior attachment into abdominal position 508 Face up position of an inferior margin attached buoyant aid 509 Face down position of an inferior margin attached buoyant aid

510 Longitudinal ram cylinder attachment

511 Ram cylinder supplies direction upon pressurization

512 Linear attachment

513 Loculated directed expansion deployment bladder 515 Flexion crease flow restricter

516 Expanding gases directed towards blow a-part closure break point

517 Single position manual pull cord

518 Double sided hook closure

519 Loop faced closure component of blow a-part opening 520 Manual inflation D-Ring pull

521 Pneumatic compressed fabric lock

522 Variable position bladder mount

523 Webbing ladder

524 Rungs stitched into webbing 525 Splayed open bladder cover

526 Self securing pneumatic compression lock

527 Planar mount for ram cylinder

528 Trailing edge of planar ram mount 529 Midline axis

530 Deployed 45-degree body angle

531 Secondary rough water horizontal body angle

533 Abdominal bladder

534 Secondary waist strap securing abdominal bladder 535 Closure and adjustment means

536 Orally inflated re-positioned cephalic pillow

540 Deflated and stowed cephalo-mandibular ram

541 Inherently buoyant Yoke Collar Style PFD

542 Inflated cephalo-mandibular ram PFD 543 Combined thoracic-mandibular ram bladder

544 Anterior face of Type I Off Shore PFD

545 Lateral face of Type I Off Shore PFD

546 Continuous center foam block

547 Stowed fabric gusset 548 Deflated internal over sized bladder

549 Lateral cervical pneumatic splint

550 External configuring fabric shell

551 Integrated mechanical mandibular ram component

552 Thoracic bladder buoyant component 553 Combined mandibular ram and mandibular displacement bladder

558 Sternum strap adjustment

559 Sternum strap

560 Ski vest with midline pneumatic cephalic ram

561 Boater Type III PFD with midline pneumatic cephalic ram 562 Low profile pneumatic ram on wet or dry suit

563 Paddlers Type III PFD midline pneumatic cephalic ram

564 Diver's Buoyancy Compensator with low pressure inflated midline pneumatic cephalic ram 565 Tube connecting dive bladder inflated from the tank to midline pneumatic cephalic ram

566 Body armor vest with narrow footprint midline pneumatic cephalic ram compatible with concurrent use of contiguous pockets 567 Parachute harness with midline pneumatic cephalic ram

568 Low profile cephalic ram life jacket sized to universally sized chest strap width

569 Water entrance orifice

570 Universal body armor mount

571 Standard military / non-civilian 2" square female snap pocket attachment configuration

572 Standard military / non-civilian 1 " webbing grid pocket attachment configuration

573 Dual chest strap loops for use with any chest strap system

574 Double sided male up / female down piggyback snaps for stack mounting

575 Snagless pull for manual preventing inadvertent activation of compressed gas means 576 Exterior position of a dual position blow a-part closure pull means

577 Thin neoprene cover permanently attached on one side

578 Zipper closure

579 Mechanical flap enclosing neoprene covered compressed gas inflated cephalic ram

580 Pull over coat with midline pneumatic cephalic ram behind center pocket 581 Externally mounted midline pneumatic cephalic ram

582 Internal garment integrated midline pneumatic cephalic ram life jacket

583 Dress garment with invisible internal midline pneumatic cephalic ram

584 Break away zipper paralleling garment closure zipper

585 Internal adjustable quick release buckle and chest strap securely mounts ram on thorax

586 Deployed garment integrated pneumatic ram.

587 Hidden chest strap

588 Dress garment zipper

589 Cul-de-sac welded pocket opens up 590 Pneumatic lock

600 Oral cephalic ram life jacket mounted on buoyancy compensator sternum strap

601 Compressed gas / CO2 inflated cephalic ram life jacket mounted on buoyancy compensator sternum strap

602 Passively inflated sternum strap mounted cephalic ram 603 Low-pressure hose inflation of cephalic ram from primary stage of regulator

604 Low-pressure hose from dive regulator

605 Low profile no-lock coupler

606 Power inflator mounted valve supplying 100 psi to sternum strap mounted cephalic ram

607 Normally closed valve integrated between primary stage of regulator low pressure hose and buoyancy compensator's power inflator

608 Normally closed valve for inflation of buoyancy compensator

609 Buoyancy compensator power inflator 610 Oral inflation mouth piece for buoyancy compensator inflator

611 Buoyancy Compensation bladder

612 Large bore tube

613 Oral inflate valve

614 Tube to Ram PFD 615 Tube to pneumatically deflate BC deflate and release dual position keel

616 Vertical body angle

617 Passively inflated sternum strap mounted cephalic ram 45-degree body angle

618 Cummerbund mounted anterior bladder in fluid communication with rear bladder

619 Horizontal body angle 620 Passively inflated cummerbund mounted abdominal bladder 0 degree body angle 621 Sufficiently long conduit to allow repositioning 625 Bladder cover

630 Pneumatic powered buoyancy compensator life jacket

631 Triple function valve inflates cephalic ram deflates rear bladder and deploy keel ballast

632 Deflated bladder component

633 Fluid communication conduit between posterior bladder and anterior bladder

634 Lower pressure inflated divers cephalic ram

635 CO2 emergency back inflation means 636 Manually operated pneumatic lock

637 Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

638 Dual position keel tank mounting means

639 Pneumatically deployed dual position keel 641 BC bladder inflated BC ram 643 Keel release rip cord

644 Independent dual position keel

645 Quick disconnect

650 Dual function canteen and ram PFD 651 Fabric canteen cover

652 Shoulder straps

653 Cross over chest strap

654 Canteen-PFD bladder

655 Hydration delivery and PFD inflation / deflation tube 656 Slot

657 Slots for alternate length ram

658 Oral bite and inflation / deflation valve

659 Sizing flange

660 PFD-Canteen bladder 661 Mandible

663 Axis of corrective rotation

664 Over pressure vent for draining canteen water

680 Combined high volume thoracic bladder and mandibular ram bladder

681 High torque thoracic bladder 682 Low volume mechanical mandibular strut

683 Fluid communication conduit

684 Strap

685 PFD with small neck opening

686 PFD with medium sized neck opening 687 PFD with large sized neck opening

688 Expansion bridge

700 Passive buoyancy redistribution BC

701 Directed abdominal ram

702 BC integrated port 703 Inflated superior portion of BC bladder

704 Oral inflation means

705 Variable volume ballast offset chamber

706 Releasable weight belt 707 Combined surface buoyancy and dive buoyancy bladder with integrated port for secondary surface flotation

708 Traditionally sized BC with optional cummerbund forward chamber in place

709 Dedicated dual chambered BC 710 Forward surface flotation bladder

711 Cummerbund integrated secondary flotation bladder

712 Optional fluid communication conduit, reversibly coupled to BC port

713 Low volume thermal compensating rear dive bladder

714 Permanently attached fluid communication conduit 715 Reversible cap on BC port connector

716 Reversible coupler

717 Eliminated hydrodynamic drag of dedicated dual chamber BC

718 Cummerbund

754 Step off weld junction 755 Unsupported film bladder

756 Thickness of PFD

757 Combined connector inflate / deflate valve

758 Deflated and stowed single sided ram

759 Expanded mandibular hook 760 Single-side mounted ram bladder

761 Center edge flange mount

762 Exterior weldable laminate layer or unsupported film

763 Lateral flange of planar ram mount

764 Single coat fabric 765 Lateral flange attachment means

766 Center midseam flange

767 Center midseam flange attachment

768 Horizontal top gusset

769 Location of alternate simple bladder top center seam 770 Predominantly mechanical ram PFD

771 Higher displacement yoke collar PFD

772 Ultra-low volume vertical mandibular ram

773 Weld line

775 Uninflated mounting flange 776 Midline seam

777 Right arm of inherently buoyant PFD

778 Left arm of inherently buoyant PFD

800 Variable Body Angle Buoyancy Compensator 801 Significant seaway / wave height

803 Moderate seaway / wave height

804 20-40 degree body angle

805 Calm seaway / minimal wave height 807 Fully inflated abdominal bladder 808 Significantly deflated rear chamber

809 Partially deflated abdominal bladder

810 Partially deflated rear chamber

811 Significantly deflated anterior chamber

812 Fully inflated rear chamber 813 Wave Peak

814 Wave trough

815 Wave height

821 Diver leans back

822 Air shifts forward 823 Rear chamber displacement decreases

824 Forward chamber displacement increases

825 Diver leans forward

826 Air shifts backward

827 Forward chamber displacement decreases 828 Rear chamber displacement increases

829 Body angle can be infinitely adjusted then the air redistributes to re-stabilizes the new position

830 Hydrostatic deflation

850 BC with integrated self-folding forward chamber 851 Self-folding forward chamber

852 BC inflated, lower volume routine use surface flotation bladder

633 Fluid communication conduit between dive bladder and surface bladder

853 Tensioning grip means / thumb ring

854 CO2 inflated higher displacement emergency surface flotation bladder 855 Emergency cephalic compressed-gas freeboard bladder

856 CO2 conduit

398 Compressed gas source for emergency flotation

856 Conduit for compressed gas inflation of cephalic and abdominal surface flotation bladders

857 Deflation valve for emergency bladder

858 Releasable weight pockets

870 Horizontal self-folding forward buoyant component, stowed

871 Vertical self-folding forward buoyant component, stowed 872 Vest Style Buoyancy Compensator

873 Folded width is 1/3 of the final width of the horizontal forward chamber

874 Operational width of the horizontal forward chamber

875 Fold line

876 Accordion fold pattern selected for required final displacement within a particular cummerbund width

877 Cummerbund width

878 Low volume / 10 lb bi-fold self-folding bladder

879 Intermediate / 20 lb tri-fold self-folding bladder

880 High volume / 30 lb Quad-fold self-folding bladder 881 Sewn mechanical fastening of self-folding bladder

882 Stitches

883 Fabric laminated on both sides

884 Bladder Bi, Tri, Quad folds welded together

885 Vertical bladder fold 886 Variable volume forward buoyant moment

887 Sliding flexion restriction band

888 Quick release emergency volume amplifier means

889 Over pressure protection and for both anterior and posterior buoyant elements of BC

890 1/2, 1/3. or 1/4 the width of the deflated bladder 891 Fully extended vertical self-folding bladder

892 Vertical height adjustment means (was missing)

893 Locking waist strap

894 Adjustable locking waist strap buckle hidden behind forward bladder

895 Forward bladder cover 896 Cummerbund mounted strap

897 Buckle securing forward bladder pouch to cummerbund

898 Hinge for forward bladder cover

899 Cummerbund locking adjustment buckle 900 Dual chambered anterior bladder

901 Hermetic seal

902 Fabric laminated on one of both sides

903 Horizontal self-folding dual-chambered forward buoyant bladder-component inflated

904 Vertical self-folding dual-chambered forward buoyant component inflated 905 Valve regulated communication with posterior buoyant moment

906 Unregulated communication with posterior buoyant moment

907 Check valve regulated communication with posterior buoyant moment

908 Bail out bottle supplied compressed gas inflation means

909 CO2 supplied compressed gas inflation means 910 SCUBA supplied compressed gas inflation means

911 Corrective turning bladder, higher volume, active and redundant inflation means.

912 Lower volume passively inflated / deflated - routine use surface flotation chamber

913 Conduit from regulated or unregulated source of gas

914 Vertical pneumatic strut axis 915 Cummerbund attachment of pneumatic strut 916 Horizontal pneumatic strut axis

920 Variably positioned anterior buoyant moment

921 Inferior position of forward chamber 922Low intermediate position of forward chamber 923 Upper intermediate position of forward chamber

924 Superior position of forward chamber

925 Variable position adjustment means

940 Variable body angle life jacket

941 PFD with 38 gram CO2 installed 942 38 gm CO2

943 PFD with 25 gm CO2 installed

944 PFD with 16 gm CO2 installed

945 16 gm CO2

946 Over pressure relief valve 947 Deploys at minimum as 16 gm ram life jacket with orally inflated body angle / freeboard

948 Water activated inflator ram bladder

949 Deflated cephalic ram bladder 950 Universal 3/8" cylinder bladder design: 16, 25 or 38 gm

951 Fully inflated anterior loculation/ zero degree open ocean performance

952 Partially inflated posterior-anterior loculated bladder

953 Side closure

954 Deflation and inflation valve 955 Posterior loculation

956 Anterior loculation

957 Man Over Board / MOB

958 Posterior baffles and conduit seal

959 Cephalic take off for fluid communication conduit The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A pneumatic strut assembly comprising: an elongated inflatable body member; means for inflating said elongated inflatable body member; and means for securing said elongated inflatable body member to an anterior portion of a water worn garment.

2. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 1 wherein said water worn garment is a personal flotation device having a chest strap; wherein said elongated inflatable body member is attached to said chest strap such that upon inflation the inflated body member is forced against a mandibular portion of a wearer's head.

3. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 2 wherein said inflatable body member is mounted in a vertical configuration with respect to said personal flotation device.

4. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 2 wherein said inflatable body member is mounted in a horizontal configuration with respect to said personal flotation device.

5. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 1 wherein said inflatable body member having an variable internal volume area.

6. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 1 wherein said elongated inflatable body member includes a baffle to define a concavity for receipt and protection of a wearer's oral and nasal passages.

7. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 1 wherein said water worn garment is a buoyancy compensator having a back mounted inflatable chamber in communication with said inflatable body member.

8. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 7 wherein said back mounted inflatable chamber is in communication with said inflatable body member through a reversible coupled fluid communication conduit.

9. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 1 wherein said inflatable body member is mounted in a vertical configuration with respect to said water worn garment.

10. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 2 wherein said inflatable body member is mounted in a horizontal configuration with respect to said water worn garment.

11. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 1 wherein in an inflated state said inflatable body member is disposed in an accordion configuration having at least one fold.

12. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 11 wherein said accordion configuration having a plurality of folds 13. The pneumatic strut assembly of claim 11 further including a first loop secured approximate to a first end of the inflatable body member and a second loop secured approximate to a second end of the inflatable body member.