ALPS Flotation Collar. User s Manual

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1 ALPS Flotation Collar User s Manual Capewell Aerial Systems LLC 4298 JEB Stuart Hwy Meadows of Dan, VA Phone: FAX:

2 Table of Contents Section Page 1. Introduction 3 2. Preflight Inspection 4 3. Maintenance 4 4. Storage 4 5. Annual Inspection 5 6. Functional Inspection 7 7. ALPS Flotation Collar Packing Instructions 8 8 Dual Bladder ALPS Information 12 Appendix A. Dual Bladder Functional Directions 13 Appendix B. Spare Parts List 14 Appendix C. ALPS Flotation Bladder Nomenclature 15 Appendix D. Dual Bladder ALPS Nomenclature 17 Appendix E. ACR L8-3 Water Activated Light Inspection 19 Copyright Notice This owner s manual is copyrighted, all rights reserved. It may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent in writing from Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 2

3 The following symbols are used throughout this manual: WARNINGS indicate a procedure or situation that may result in serious injury or death if instructions are not followed correctly. CAUTIONS indicate any situation or technique that will result in potential damage to the product, or render the product unsafe if instructions are not followed correctly. NOTES are used to emphasize important points, tips, and reminders. 1. Introduction The Aviation Life Preserver System (ALPS) is a flotation device designed to support air crewmen stranded in water. The collar is attached to the air crewman s flight vest. It provides a minimum of 35 pounds of flotation buoyancy and is designed to keep the user s head above the water for an extended period of time. The ALPS is packed in a low profile casing made of fire resistant materials that is designed to open when the bladder inflates. A single-pull beaded handle, when manually pulled, activates one 33 gram CO2 gas cartridges for inflation. An oral inflation tube allow the user to manually increase, decrease, or maintain the air pressure in the bladder chambers. NOTE: The CO2 cartridge must be a 33 gram (1/2 thread) bottle with a minimum gram weight of grams Your ALPS Flotation Collar is an important piece of survival equipment. Proper care and maintenance will ensure your vest will accomplish the level of safety performance it is designed for. It is important that you become familiar with these instructions to safely use this flotation collar. WARNING KEEP YOUR FLOTATION COLLAR IN USABLE CONDITION. IMPROPER WEAR MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE COLLAR. DO NOT WEAR ANY GARMENT OR PIECE OF EQUIPMENT OVER THE COLLAR. IMPROPER USE OR NEGLIGENT CARE OF THIS EQUIPMENT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 3

4 2. Preflight Inspection It is the responsibility of the air crewman to inspect the ALPS flotation collar before flight operations. Perform a preflight inspection prior to each flight and at intervals not to exceed 30 days. If damage is found during an inspection, the vest must be grounded until repaired. 1. Inspect the outside of the collar for: Cuts, tears, and abrasion damage Open seams and loose or broken stitching Contamination damage 2. Ensure that the beaded inflation handle is attached with 3 snaps fastened. 3. Ensure that the flotation collar is attached to the vest and all of the attachment snaps are fastened. 3. Maintenance Maintenance of the ALPS flotation collar consists of cleaning, service, and minor repair. The air crewman s responsibility for maintenance is limited to inspecting the outside components of the collar. Service and repairs shall be completed only by an authorized service station or the manufacturer. Remove the collar to wash the vest. 4. Storage Store your ALPS flotation collar on a clothes hanger away from direct sunlight in a dry, well ventilated place. Do not store your collar near sources of heat such as a radiator, or in a warm, humid environment where mold or mildew can contaminate the vest. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 4

5 5. Annual Inspection An inspection should be performed annually to ensure the ALPS flotation collar will perform when needed. It is the responsibility of qualified personnel to perform and log this inspection. The inspection can also be performed at the manufacturer. If damage is found during an inspection, the vest must be grounded until repaired. Repairs are limited to replacement of snaps and inflator replacement. All other repairs must be completed at the manufacturer. A functional test should be performed every third year. If a functional test is required, skip to section 6. The replacement equipment is: Replacement CO2 bottle, 33 gram, 1/2 thread. Green safety clip, 1 each. 5.1 Remove the flotation collar assembly from the vest and harness. 5,.2 Lay the flotation collar flat on the table with the underside down. Spread the outer case open and completely lay out the bladder. 5.3 Preform leak test by inflating the bladder to 2.0 PSI using the oral inflation tube. 5.4 Let flotation collar sit for 1 hour. Check pressure. Should not loose more than.4 PSI. If pressure drops more than.4 PSI, completely submerge the ALPS flotation collar in water to determine where leakage is occurring. If leakage occurs around inflator, replace inflator and gaskets and perform leak test again. If no determination can be made or bladder is leaking, return ALPS to manufacturer for repair. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 5

5.5 Remove trapped air by unlocking oral tube valve and depressing them.

7 Visually inspect the case front and back, inflatable bladder, handle, attachment straps, snaps and components of the flotation collar. 5.

6 5.5 Remove trapped air by unlocking oral tube valve and depressing them. A small electric vacuum pump used with the bladder evacuation hose adapter with single hole (P/N: AMTC-M2033) may be used to aid in removal of the trapped air. NOTE: It is important that all the trapped air be re moved to aid in the repack of the bladder assembly and to provide for a compact and low profile collar. 5.6 Lock the oral inflation tube in the closed and locked position. 5.7 Visually inspect the case front and back, inflatable bladder, handle, attachment straps, snaps and components of the flotation collar. 5.8 Inspect light and whistle as per Appendix D. 5.9 Remove CO2 cartridge and weigh. If functional is performed, discard and replace. NOTE: CO2 cylinder should weigh a minimum of grams 5.10 Ensure the actuator lever is in the up-and armed position. Install a green safety clip on the actuator as shown Install CO2 cylinder. Hand tighten the cylinder (avoid over tightening) Proceed to section 7.2 Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 6

7 6. Functional Inspection (Single Bladder) NOTE: For Dual Bladder ALPS see Appendix A for functional test specifications. A functional inspection should be performed every third year to ensure the ALPS flotation collar will perform when needed. It is the responsibility of the ALSE shop to perform and log this inspection. The inspection can also be performed at the manufacturer. If damage is found during an inspection, the vest must be grounded until repaired. Repairs are limited to replacement of snaps and inflator replacement, All other repairs must be completed at the manufacture. Functional inspection is as follows: 6.1 A functional can be performed with an individual wearing the vest with ALPS attached or on a table. 6.2 Pull the handle of the ALPS away from the bladder to inflate the ALPS flotation collar. NOTE: The ALPS should inflate fully within 10 seconds. 6.3 Adjust pressure to 2.0 PSI. Perform leakage test. Bladder should not loose more than.4 PSI in one hour. If pressure drops more than.4 PSI, completely submerge the ALPS flotation collar in water to determine where leakage is occurring. If leakage occurs around inflator, replace inflator and gaskets and perform leak test again. If no determination can be made or bladder is leaking, return ALPS to manufacture for repair. 6.4 Remove the flotation collar from the vest if applicable. 6.5 Return to section 5.5 and complete. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 7

7. ALPS Flotation Collar Repack Instructions 7.

when they are spread flat with no air in them. Orientation references the wearer s right and left.

each. 7.1.1 Remove the flotation collar assembly from the vest and harness. 7.1.2 Ensure handle is properly snapped to flotation collar with three snaps.

Spread the outer case open and completely lay out the bladder. 7.1.

8 7. ALPS Flotation Collar Repack Instructions 7.1 Preparation Repack the ALPS on a large, flat clean surface big enough to accommodate the bladder when they are spread flat with no air in them. Orientation references the wearer s right and left. The required tools are: Replacement CO2 bottle, 33 gram Green safety clip, 1 each Remove the flotation collar assembly from the vest and harness Ensure handle is properly snapped to flotation collar with three snaps Lay the flotation collar flat on the table with the underside down. Spread the outer case open and completely lay out the bladder Visually inspect the case front and back, inflatable bladder, handle, attachment straps, snaps and components of the flotation collar. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 8

7.2 Folding the Bladder 7.2.1 Lay the bladder out flat on the table.

7.2.2 Fold the bottom of the left and right lobes of the

9 7.2 Folding the Bladder Lay the bladder out flat on the table. Position the reflective tape and the oral tube facing up Fold the bottom of the left and right lobes of the inflatable bladder on top and just above the Velcro which runs horizontal Tuck bladder material under outside vertical Velcro. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 9

10 7.2.4 Fold both lower inner lobes in 1/3rd towards center of each lobe. Mate 1 Velcro on bottom Fold right side outer lobe towards center mating Velcro at three locations as indicated Fold left side same as right and mate Velcro accordingly. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 10

7.2.7 Mate Velcro in upper corners of the

8 Fold top of casing down and mate Velcro at

This will also mate the Velcro at top corners.

11 7.2.7 Mate Velcro in upper corners of the flotation system Fold top of casing down and mate Velcro at neck portion of flotation system. This will also mate the Velcro at top corners. (Shown in black Velcro above) Fill out proper paperwork. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 11

Two separate oral inflation tubes connecting to the respective bladder. The oral inflation tubes have over inflation valves built into the ends of the oral inflation tubes.

12 8. Dual Bladder ALPS Flotation Collar ALPS with dual bladder is very similar to the standard ALPS except for the following: 1. The dual bladder ALPS consists of 2 bladders on top of each other. 2. The collar has two handles (left and right side) which inflate separate CO2 cylinders 3. Two separate oral inflation tubes connecting to the respective bladder. The oral inflation tubes have over inflation valves built into the ends of the oral inflation tubes. The collar is designed to have only one handle pulled. The bladder will inflate completely. The uninflated bladder can be used as a back up. WARNING PULING BOTH HANDLES MAY CAUSE A FAILURE IN ONE OR BOTH BLADDERS BY ADDING TOO MUCH CO2. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 12

13 Appendix A. Dual Bladder Functional Test Directions 1. Inflate one side to PSI (Until over pressure valve opens) 2. Deflate to 2.0 PSI 3. Wait 1 hour 4. Minimum pressure = 1.6 PSI 5. Deflate bladder completely 6. Repeat with other side If pressure drops more than.4 PSI, completely submerge the ALPS flotation collar in water to determine where leakage is occurring. If leakage occurs around inflator, replace inflator and gaskets and perform leak test again. If no determination can be made or bladder is leaking, return ALPS to manufacture for repair. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 13

14 Appendix B. ALPS Parts List ALPS Flotation Collar - User s Manual ALPS Parts List Item ALPS Flotation Collar (Single Bladder) ALPS Flotation Collar (Dual Bladder) ALPS Flotation Collar w/auto Inflator Clip, Locking Lower Gasket, Inflator Upper Gasket, Inflator Cap Nut, Inflator Inflator, 1/2" Adapter, Bladder Evacuation Tool CO2 Cartridge, 33 Gram Part Number AMTC-R1044-XX AMTC-R1083-XX AMTC-R1084-XX 8452AMA BLA-006 BLA-005 BLA-003 BLA-002 AMTC-M Z NOTE: - The XX at the end of the part number for the flotation collars will be replaced with the case color. (i.e. BL = Black,...) - All bladders are yellow. Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 14

15 Appendix C. ALPS Flotation Bladder Nomenclature Reflective Tape Mouth Piece Knurled Locking Nut Oral Inflation Tube Right Lobe Left Lobe Inflator and CO2 bottle located between bladder and casing on right side. Front View Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 15

16 Attachment Strap Label Handle Attachment Strap Attachment Strap Left Lobe Right Lobe Back View Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 16

17 Appendix D. Dual Bladder ALPS Flotation Nomenclature ACR L8-3 Light Mouth Piece Knurled Locking Nut Oral Inflation Tube Mouth Piece Knurled Locking Nut Oral Inflation Tube Whislte Right Lobe Left Lobe ACR L8-3 Inflators and CO2 bottles located between bladder and casing on both sides. Front View Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 17

18 Attachment Strap Label Handle Handle Attachment Strap Attachment Strap Left Lobe Right Lobe Back View Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 18

19 Appendix D. ACR L8-3 Water Activated Light Inspection Maintenance as per ACR Electronics, Inc. The self life of the L8 battery is unlimited. However, it must be inspected at specific intervals. The inspection interval is determined by the manufacturer of the vest with the inspection occurring at the same interval as the vest. Inspection consists of a visual inspection of the case and the water ingress/ports. If the case is swollen, if the case has evidence of stress marks in the plastic, if any surface has any evidence whatsoever of bulging or if there is any visual evidence of effluent matter coming out of the ports the battery is failed and must be replaced. The light may be tested with an ACR P/n:3300 Test Set for L8-1(A), L8-3 and L8-4. This inspection must be done by an inspection center authorized by the vest manufacturer. If the battery has no visual indications of swelling or matter discharge and if the light illuminates with the Test Set, then the L8-3 is recertified for another inspection interval as determined by the vest manufacturer, so long as the vest is repacked by an authorized vest service station carrying a current vest inspection certificate and so long as the packing is done to the original packing standards established by vest manufacturer when the vest and light were submitted for approval. Company Information: ACR Electronics, Inc. doing business as Cobham Life Support Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL USA T:+1 (954) x2110 Capewell Aerial Systems LLC Page 19

CBP LPU- 40 Flotation Collar User s Manual

CBP LPU- 40 Flotation Collar User s Manual January 2015 Capewell Aerial Systems LLC 4298 JEB Stuart Hwy Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 www.aerialmachineandtool.com Phone: 276-952-2006 FAX: 276-952-2231 Table