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(11) | EP 4 538 164 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A MARITIME STORAGE DEVICE |
| (57) The present disclosure relates to a maritime storage device for housing an inflatable
liferaft, comprising an inside volume containing a non-toxic gas, the inside volume
has a controllable environment, a deflated inflatable liferaft arranged in the inside
volume, a gas cylinder at least partly arranged in the inside volume, the gas cylinder
containing an inflation gas or a mixture of inflation gasses for inflating the inflatable
liferaft, wherein the major part of the inflation gas or mixture of inflation gasses
is nitrogen or air, wherein a pressure indicator is operatively connected with the
gas cylinder for determining a pressure of the inflation gas inside the gas cylinder.
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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a maritime storage device for housing an inflatable liferaft, comprising an inside volume containing a non-toxic gas, the inside volume has a controllable environment, a deflated liferaft arranged in the inside volume, a gas cylinder at least partly arranged in the inside volume, the gas cylinder containing an inflation gas or a mixture of gasses for inflating the inflatable liferaft.
[0002] The present disclosure also relates to a maritime evacuation system and a maritime structure.
[0003] In marine settings, inflatable liferafts are stored on deck and exposed to various environmental elements such as wind, sun, salt water, and moisture. It is therefore necessary to house the inflatable liferaft in a storage device for protecting the inflatable liferaft against surrounding environment.
[0004] Since the life-saving equipment is mandatory, the equipment and inflatable liferafts are required to have service checks at predetermined times. These service checks can be time-consuming, and often requiring the vessel to stay in the harbour and thereby causing expenses for the ship-owner.
[0005] The inflatable liferaft is most often inflated using COz gas, and any leakage can be detected by measuring the CO2 content in the protected area. This may also be checked at the service check.
[0006] The present disclosure aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing an improved maritime storage device that can house and protect the inflatable liferaft from external elements and wherein leakage from a gas cylinder may be detected.
[0007] The above objects, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the present disclosure according to claim 1.
[0008] In the typical inflation of an inflatable liferaft, the gas employed often exhibits a substantial concentration of CO2. However, as per the disclosure, the principal component of the inflation gas or gas blend being utilized is composed of nitrogen or air, thus mitigating the need for CO2 and offering a more eco-conscious and sustainable alternative to the known inflation gasses. In addition, the present disclosure also provide a solution to determine the pressure inside the gas cylinder without the need for opening the maritime storage device, and especially where the inflation gas mainly contain nitrogen or air.
[0010] Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be readily apparent therefrom to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein.
[0011] The disclosure and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting examples and in which
Fig. 1 shows a maritime storage device according to the disclosure seen from the outside,
Fig. 2 shows the maritime storage device of Fig. 1 with a part of the inside visible,
Fig. 3 shows another example of a maritime storage device with a part of the inside visible,
Fig. 4 shows another example of a maritime storage device with a part of the inside visible,
Fig. 5 shows the maritime storage device of Fig. 4 wherein a pressure of the gas cylinder is being detected,
Fig. 6 shows yet another example of a maritime storage device with a part of the inside visible,
Fig. 7 shows the maritime storage device of Fig. 4 wherein a pressure of the gas cylinder is being detected, and wherein a sample of the gas inside the inside volume is collected, and
Fig. 8 shows a maritime evacuation system according to the disclosure.
[0012] All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only those parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the disclosure, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.
[0013] In Fig. 1, a maritime storage device 1 according to the disclosure is seen from the outside. An inflatable liferaft is housed inside the maritime storage device 1 and the inflatable liferafts are used as mandatory life-saving equipment throughout the world on almost any commercial ship and vessel of a given size. This type of life-saving equipment is also used on other maritime structures such as offshore platforms.
[0014] The inflatable liferaft is designed to be mounted on a vessel or ship. In case of an emergency, the maritime storage device 1 housing the inflatable liferaft is released from its mounting and thrown or deployed into the water. The maritime storage device 1 then opens and the inflatable liferaft inflates, providing a safe place for passengers and crew to wait for rescue.
[0015] To ensure that these types of inflatable liferafts are always in working condition, they must be regularly inspected and serviced according to SOLAS rules. These inspections involve taking the inflatable liferaft off the ship, unpacking and inflating it, inspecting it for any damage or corrosion, and replacing elements such as batteries, distress signals, and emergency rations and maybe the gas cylinder. Once the inspection and repairs are complete, the inflatable liferaft is repacked and returned to the ship or vessel, ready for any emergency that may arise.
[0016] The inflatable liferafts are regularly inspected and serviced at a land-based servicestation, for instance once yearly or even longer time periods, such as e.g. 30 months, or when other types of maintenance takes place on the ship.
[0017] The maritime storage device 1 may have many configurations and designs, and may comprise additional parts. In the example shown in Fig. 1 the maritime storage device 1 is made of a rigid material and is formed as an openable container having at least two container parts 30, 31. The two container parts 30, 31 are separated when the container has been deployed and the inflatable liferaft is being inflated. Hence, the maritime storage device 1 is configured to protect the inflatable liferaft when being stored on the ship or vessel so that it is ready to rescue on a given time.
[0018] In Fig. 2, the maritime storage device 1 of Fig. 1 is shown with a part of the inside visible. According to the disclosure the maritime storage device 1 comprises an inside volume V containing a non-toxic gas, the inside volume has a controllable environment. By non-toxic gas is meant any gas which is not dangerous for humans to inhale. The inside volume is a controllable environment meaning that it is well-defined both in relation to content of gasses, pressure and/or humidity. The maritime storage device 1 is configured to ensure that the inside volume V has a well-defined environment wherein the inflatable liferaft 2 may be housed without being exerted for the surrounding maritime environment. Hereby, the inflatable liferaft 2 and other parts is housed in an environment where it is ready to rescue. A pressure in the storage device 1 may be substantially equal to ambient pressure, i.e. atmospheric pressure.
[0019] The deflated inflated liferaft 2 is arranged in the inside volume V. The deflated inflatable liferaft 2 is compact packed before it is arranged in the inside volume V. In addition, a gas cylinder 3 is at least partly arranged in the inside volume V, the gas cylinder containing an inflation gas or a mixture of inflation gasses for inflating the inflatable liferaft. Normally the inflation gas used to inflate the inflatable liferaft 2 has a high content of COz. However, according to the disclosure, the major part of the inflation gas or mixture of inflation gasses is nitrogen or air. Hereby the use of CO2 is avoided, and a more environment friendly solution is provided.
[0020] The major part of nitrogen or air may be more than 50% of the total inflation gas content in the gas cylinder.
[0021] Furthermore, a pressure indicator 4 is operatively connected with the gas cylinder 3 for determining a pressure of the inflation gas inside the gas cylinder 3. Since, the major part of the inflation gas is nitrogen or air it is difficult to detect if the gas cylinder is leaking inflation gas to the inside volume V of the maritime storage device 1. It is vital that the gas cylinder content has enough inflation gas for enabling that the inflatable liferaft 3 may be inflated correctly during a rescue operation. By incorporating the pressure indicator in the inside volume V it is possible to check the current pressure available in the gas cylinder, and compare the current pressure with the required inflation pressure and thereby control whether any leakage of inflation gas has occurred and if the inflatable liferaft may be inflated correctly. If this check indicate that the pressure in the gas cylinder is below the required inflation pressure, the maritime storage device 1 shall be serviced and the gas cylinder 3 shall be replaced with a new.
[0022] In addition, the gas cylinder 3 has an outlet 5, the outlet 5 comprises a valve 6 being connected with the inflatable liferaft, so that the inflatable liferaft 2 may be inflated when the valve is being opened. In the example, the pressure indicator 4 is arranged at the outlet 5 of the gas container 3 and/or the valve 6.
[0023] The pressure indicator 4 may be pressure sensor or a pressure gauge configured to detect a pressure inside the gas cylinder 3. Furthermore, the pressure sensor or pressure gauge may be configured to indicate a pressure size digitally or analogue. The pressure sensor or pressure gauge may detect the pressure size and being configured to either display the pressure size directly or as a data. For instance, a digital display may be provided where the pressure size is shown, or in other examples a manometer display may be used.
[0024] In addition, the pressure indicator 4 may comprise a transmitter 7, the transmitter 7 is configured to transmit data regarding a detected pressure to a receiver 8 or a transceiver 8. The transmitter 7 may transmit data at predetermined time interval such as one per week or one per months, or by request from an external requester such as the transceiver 8 or other devices. When using the transceiver 8 or similar devices to request a pressure detection, the transmitter and/or the pressure indicator may be in an idle mode when not performing detection whereby a power consumption to power the transmitter and/or the pressure indicator is limited, whereby a power source, such as a battery pack may last longer without having to be replaced. The transmitter may also transmit data about power level so that this is observed as well.
[0025] The pressure indicator 4 or the transmitter 7 may be wired or wireless connected with the receiver 8 or transceiver 8. In the example shown in Fig. 2 the transmitter 7 and the transceiver 8 is wireless connected.
[0026] Moreover, the pressure indicator 4 may be configured to indicate a pressure size inside the gas cylinder 3 or a level of pressure, for instance under or above a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may for instance be the amount of pressure necessary for inflating the inflatable liferaft correctly. So when the detected pressure level is above the predetermined threshold this may be indicator, and if detected pressure level is below the predetermined threshold this may be indicated. In an example, the predetermined threshold may be set higher than the amount of pressure necessary for inflating the inflatable liferaft correctly. For instance, the pressure indicator 4 may be configured to indicate a colour as an indication of the pressure level inside the gas cylinder.
[0027] Additionally, the maritime storage device 1 comprises a part being made of a transparent material, the part being positioned opposite the pressure indicator 4 so that the pressure indicator 4 is visible from the outside of the maritime storage device 1, and the pressure indication of the gas cylinder 3 may be read directly on the pressure indicator.
[0028] In Fig. 3, another example of a maritime storage device 1 is shown. In this example, the storage device 1 comprises a first part 12 predominantly made of a rigid material and a second part 11 predominantly made of a non-rigid material, the second part 11 being arranged inside the first part 12. In the example of Fig. 3 the first part 12 is a container 12 and the second part 11 is a bag 11 arranged inside the container 12. In an example, the maritime storage device 1 may be made of a material which substantially is impermeable for gases, UV light and/or moisture. In the example shown in Fig. 3 both the container 12 and the bag 11 ensures that the inside volume of the bag is a controllable environment not being exerted from humidity, salt, UV and other parameters from the surrounding maritime environment. This is obtained by the combined maritime storage device 1 comprises a rigid outer container 12 and a non-rigid bag 11 arranged inside the container 12.
[0029] The material of the bag 11 may be configured to be breakable and/or it may comprise means for breaking the material when the inflatable liferaft 2 is being inflated. As mentioned above, the container 12 is configured to be opened when the inflatable liferaft is being inflated by the gas cylinder 3.
[0030] The pressure indicator 4 may comprise the transmitter 7 which again is connected with the receiver or transceiver 8 so that the indication of the pressure in the gas cylinder 3 may be provided.
[0031] In another example, the transmitter 7 may be operatively connected with the pressure indicator 4, but may be arranged in a distance from pressure indicator 4. Hereby the transmitter may be arranged near the outside of the maritime storage device 1 and thereby facilitating data communication between the transmitter and a receiver or a transceiver. The transmitter may be connected wireless to the pressure indicator or they may be connected via a wire.
[0032] The receiver or the transceiver may be arranged at the outside of the maritime storage device 1 and be configured to communicate the received data to a control unit or display. The receiver or transceiver may also be part of another device configured to receive data from the transmitter.
[0033] In another example, a transceiver may be operatively connected with the pressure indicator, so that it both may transmit data and receive data.
[0034] In Fig. 4, another example of the maritime storage device 1 is shown. The configuration is similar to the example shown in Fig. 2. In the example of Fig. 4, the maritime storage device 1 comprises a sealable opening unit 16 being configured to provide access to the inside volume V of the maritime storage device 1. The sealable opening unit 16 may be a sealable hatch which may be dismounted so that the pressure indicator 4 is visible from the outside. Hence, the pressure detected by pressure indicator 4 may be read directly via the sealable opening unit 16.
[0035] In Fig. 5, the maritime storage device of Fig. 4 is shown wherein a pressure of the gas cylinder 3 is being detected via the sealable opening unit 16. In the present example, the pressure indicator 4 comprises an activation contact 9, the activation contact 9 may be arranged at the inside of the storage device 1 or may be sealingly projecting through the maritime storage device 1. In Fig. 5, the activation contact 9 is arranged inside the maritime storage device 1. The activation contact 9 may be configured to be activated by an activator 10 when the activator 10 is arranged indirectly or directly in contact with the activation contact 9. In an example, the activator 10 is configured to activate the activation contact 9 by magnetism. If the inflatable liferaft is arranged inside a bag the activation contact may be arranged in so that the activation contact may be activated via magnetism through the bag. In another example, the activation contact 9 may simply be activated when being pressed and function as a switch.
[0036] In Fig. 6, another example of a maritime storage device 1 with a part of the inside visible, is shown. The storage device 1 is in the present example a bag 11 having the inside volume V wherein the inflatable liferaft 2 is arranged. In addition, the pressure indicator 4 may comprise a transmitter 7, the transmitter 7 is configured to transmit data regarding a detected pressure to a receiver 8 or a transceiver 8. Furthermore, a humidity indicator 13 for measuring and/or monitoring the relative humidity within the inside volume V is arranged. The humidity indicator 13 may be connected with the transmitter 7, or it may have its own transmitter. The storage device 1 may comprise at least one unit 14 for providing a dehumidified environment inside the storage device 1.
[0037] In addition, a tracer may be added to the content of the gas cylinder so that it may be detected if the gas cylinder is leaking gas.
[0038] As shown in Fig. 7, the storage device 1 may comprise a terminal 15 for taking out at least part of the gas from the inside volume V of the storage device 1. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the terminal 15 of the storage device 1 extends from the inside volume of the storage device 1 to the outside. Moreover, the terminal 15 of the storage device 1 may comprise a terminal valve so that the controllable environment in the inside volume is maintained.
[0039] Furthermore, two or more gas cylinders 3 may be at least partly arranged in the inside volume V. The two or more gas cylinders 3 may provide a redundant system, but also provide sufficient amount of inflation gas if the inflatable liferaft 2 has a high capacity, in which circumstance a higher amount of inflation gas is necessary.
[0040] In Fig. 8, a maritime evacuation system 100 is shown. The maritime evacuation system 100 comprises a maritime storage device 1 as described above and a detection device 101. The detection device 101 may comprise the receiver or the transceiver as described above. The detection device 101 may also have the actuator being configured to activate the actuation contact. The detection device 101 may be configured to detect a pressure provided by pressure indicator 4. Also, the detection device 101 may be configured to receive the relative humidity inside the inside volume V if a humidity indicator is arranged in the inside volume V. The detection device 101 may also be configured to detect a tracer content inside the inside volume V.
[0041] The maritime evacuation system 100 may further comprise a control unit 102 configured to control if the determined pressure is lower than a predetermined pressure level. The control unit 102 may be configured to issue an alert if the determined pressure is lower than the predetermined pressure level.
[0042] The present disclosure also relate to a maritime structure comprising the maritime evacuation system 100 as described above. The maritime structure may be any maritime structure such as a vessel or ship, or an offshore platform.
[0043] The present disclosure also relate to a method for determing a pressure of a gas cylinder 3 containing an inflation gas or a mixture of gasses for inflating the inflatable liferaft 2, the major part of the inflation gas or mixture of inflation gasses is nitrogen or air, arranged inside the maritime storage device 1 as describe above. The method comprising
- providing a pressure indicator 4 by operatively connecting it with the gas cylinder 3,
- determining a pressure of the inflation gas inside the gas cylinder 3, and
- controlling if the determined pressure is lower than a predetermined pressure level.
[0044] Certain aspects and variants of the disclosure are set forth in the following clauses numbered consecutive below.
1. A maritime storage device (1) for housing an inflatable liferaft (2), comprising an inside volume (V) containing a non-toxic gas, the inside volume has a controllable environment,
a deflated inflatable liferaft (2) arranged in the inside volume,
a gas cylinder (3) at least partly arranged in the inside volume, the gas cylinder containing an inflation gas or a mixture of inflation gasses for inflating the inflatable liferaft,
wherein the major part of the inflation gas or mixture of inflation gasses is nitrogen or air,
wherein a pressure indicator (4) is operatively connected with the gas cylinder for determining a pressure of the inflation gas inside the gas cylinder.
2. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 1, wherein the major part of nitrogen or air is more than 50% of the total inflation gas content in the gas cylinder (3).
3. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the gas cylinder (3) having an outlet (5), the outlet comprises a valve (6) being connected with the inflatable liferaft.
4. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 3, wherein the pressure indicator (4) is arranged at the outlet (5) of the gas container and/or the valve (6).
5. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressure indicator (4) is pressure sensor or a pressure gauge configured to detect a pressure inside the gas cylinder (3).
6. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 5, wherein the pressure sensor or pressure gauge is configured to indicate a pressure size digitally or analogue.
7. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressure indicator (4) comprises a transmitter (7), or the pressure indicator (4) is operatively connected with the transmitter (7), the transmitter is configured to transmit data regarding a detected pressure to a receiver (8) or a transceiver (8).
8. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 7, wherein the transmitter (7) transmit data at predetermined time interval or by request.
9. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 7 and/or 8, wherein the pressure indicator (4) or the transmitter (7) is wired or wireless connected with the receiver (8) or transceiver (8).
10. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressure indicator (4) is configured to indicate a pressure size inside the gas cylinder (3) or a level of pressure, for instance under or above a predetermined threshold.
11. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressure indicator (4) is configured to indicate a number of the pressure size.
12. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 10, wherein the pressure indicator (4) is configured to indicate a colour as an indication of the pressure level inside the gas cylinder (3).
13. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the storage device comprises a part being made of a transparent material, the part being positioned opposite the pressure indicator (4).
14. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressure indicator (4) comprises an activation contact (9), the activation contact is arranged at the inside of the storage device or is sealingly projecting through the storage device.
15. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 14, wherein the activation contact (9) is configured to be activated by an activator (10) when the activator is arranged indirectly or directly in contact with the activation contact.
16. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 15, wherein the activator (10) is configured to activate the activation contact (9) by magnetism.
17. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the storage device (1) is made of a material or a combination of materials which substantially is impermeable for gases, UV light and/or moisture.
18. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the storage device (1) predominantly is made of a non-rigid material.
19. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the clauses 1-17, wherein the storage device predominantly is made of a rigid material.
20. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 18, wherein the storage device is a bag (11).
21. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 20, wherein the material of the bag (11) is breakable and/or comprises means for breaking the material when the inflatable liferaft is being inflated.
22. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 19, wherein the storage device is a container (12).
23. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the clauses 1 to 17, wherein the storage device comprises a first part (12) predominantly made of a rigid material and a second part (11) predominantly made of a non-rigid material, the second part being arranged inside the first part.
24. A maritime storage device according to clause 23, wherein the first part is a container (12) and the second part is a bag (11) arranged inside the container.
25. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a humidity indicator (13) for measuring and/or monitoring the relative humidity within the inside volume.
26. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a pressure in the inside volume is substantially equal to ambient pressure, i.e. atmospheric pressure.
28. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the storage device comprises at least one unit (14) for providing a dehumidified environment inside the storage device.
29. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a tracer is added to the content of the gas cylinder (3).
30. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the storage device (1) comprises a terminal (15) for taking out at least part of the gas inside the storage device.
31. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 30, wherein the terminal (15) of the storage device extends from the inside of the storage device to the outside.
32. A maritime storage device (1) according to clause 30 and/or 31, wherein the terminal (15) of the storage device comprises a terminal valve.
33. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the storage device comprises a sealable opening unit (16) being configured to provide access to the inside volume (V) of the storage device.
34. A maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein two or more gas cylinders are at least partly arranged in the inside volume.
35. A maritime evacuation system (100) comprising a maritime storage device (1) according to any of the preceding clauses and a detection device (101).
36. A maritime evacuation system (100) according to clause 35, wherein the detection device (101) is configured to detect a pressure provided by pressure indicator (4).
37. A maritime evacuation system (100) according to any of the clauses 35 to 36, wherein the detection device (101) is configured to the relative humidity inside the inside volume.
38. A maritime evacuation system (100) according to any of the clauses 35 to 37, wherein the detection device (101) is configured to detect a tracer content inside the inside volume.
39. A maritime evacuation system (101) according to any of the clauses 35 to 38, further comprising a control unit (102) configured to control if the determined pressure is lower than a predetermined pressure level.
40. A maritime evacuation system (100) according to clause 39, wherein the control unit (102) is configured to issue an alert if the determined pressure is lower than the predetermined pressure level.
41. A maritime structure comprising the maritime evacuation system (100) according to any of the clauses 35 to 40.
42. A maritime structure according to clause 41, wherein the structure is a vessel or a platform.
43. A method for detecting a pressure of a gas cylinder (3) containing an inflation gas or a mixture of gasses for inflating the inflatable liferaft (2), the major part of the inflation gas or mixture of inflation gasses is nitrogen or air, arranged inside the maritime storage device (1) according to any of the clauses 1 to 34, comprising
- providing a pressure indicator (4) by operatively connecting it with the gas cylinder (3),
- determining a pressure of the inflation gas inside the gas cylinder (3), and
- controlling if the determined pressure is lower than a predetermined pressure level.
[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0046] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0047] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the system and/or device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0049] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventive concepts being set forth in the following claims.
an inside volume (V) containing a non-toxic gas, the inside volume has a controllable environment,
a deflated inflatable liferaft (2) being arranged in the inside volume (V),
a gas cylinder (3) at least partly arranged in the inside volume, the gas cylinder containing an inflation gas or a mixture of inflation gasses for inflating the inflatable liferaft,
wherein a major part of the inflation gas or mixture of inflation gasses is nitrogen or air,
wherein a pressure indicator (4) is operatively connected with the gas cylinder (3) for determining a pressure of the inflation gas inside the gas cylinder.
- providing a pressure indicator (4) by operatively connecting it with the gas cylinder (3),
- determining a pressure of the inflation gas inside the gas cylinder (3), and
- controlling if the determined pressure is lower than a predetermined pressure level.