Halkey Roberts Alpha Auto

The Alpha^® Auto Inflator activates when the cartridge comes into contact with water. The cartridge mechanism consists of a clear cap cartridge with water access apertures and a compressed high powered spring which is held by a cellulose salt bobbin. When the cellulose salt bobbin comes into contact with water the cellulose dissolves and it releases the spring which pushes a plunger forward, in turn forcing a cutter into the CO₂ cylinder. The cutter allows the CO₂ to travel through the one way valve in the inflator head and inflate the lifejacket.

The Automatic system is backed up by a manual override, which allows the user to pull the toggle and activate the cutter to pierce the gas cylinder in order to inflate the lifejacket alternatively.