Water actuated pressurized gas release device

A water activated gas release system for use in conjunction with a crewmember worn inflatable article, the system comprising:

• a Schrader valve in fluid communication with the inflatable article;
• a container having forward and rearward ends, the container storing a volume of an inflation gas, a diaphragm at the forward end of the container, a puncture pin proximate the diaphragm;
• a salinity sensor in communication with a primer, the salinity sensor adapted to trigger the primer upon detecting a requisite level of salinity, the primer when triggered piercing the diaphragm to permit the escape of the inflation gas;
• an end cap with a cover and a skirt fitted over the forward end of the container, a circular opening formed within the cover, a slot forming a fluid passage between the circular opening and the diaphragm;
• a lever pivotally secured to the end cap, the puncture pin connected to a distal end of the lever, whereby the lever can be manually pivoted to puncture the diaphragm and permit the escape of the inflation gas;
• a ring rotatably positioned within the circular opening, the ring having a D-shaped internal periphery that is dimensioned to fit over the Schrader valve, a series of openings formed through the periphery of the ring and adapted to be brought into registry with the slot, whereby the orientation of the device can be changed while maintaining a fluid path between the diaphragm and the Schrader valve.