Evaluation of an Improved Flotation Device for Infants and Small Children,

Abstract

A simple, lightweight, life-support infant flotation device incorporating reliable self-righting, thermal protection and automatic self-ventilation is described This design concept utilizes prior data relative to the centers of gravity of infants and small children and exhibits excellent self righting. Thermal protection is incorporated through the use of insulative neoprene foam in construction of the submerged portion of the device. Anesthetized adolescent primates exhibiting body weights and metabolic requirements equivalent to that of an infant or small child were used to test and confirm ventilatory capability as induced by air or water motion. An evaluation of the capability of the device to deter shark attack indicated that the infant flotation device, when occupied by anthropomorphic dummies or anesthetized primates, was less attractive to sharks than anthropomorphic dummies wearing a standard yellow color inflatable life vest.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0729836

Entities

People

  • Ernest B. Mcfadden
  • Joseph W. Young

Organizations

  • Civil Aeromedical Institute

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adolescents
  • Automatic
  • Body Weight
  • Construction
  • Fish
  • Flotation
  • Lightweight
  • Neoprene
  • Standards
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Ventilation
  • Weight

Readers

  • Materials Science
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics