DESCRIZIONE
An auto/manual gas inflator (10) incorporating a gas cylinder (300) and an auto cap (400) is provided. A first indication mechanism is provided for indicating the status of the gas cylinder which is visible through a first window (25) in the inflator housing (20) and a second indication mechanism is provided for indicating the status of the auto cap (400) through a second window (27) in the inflator housing (20). The auto cap (400) in one embodiment uses a dissolvable pill (460) for automatic inflation. A manual activator, such as a lanyard assembly (60) can be used for manual inflation. In either activation method, a pierce pin (190) is moved upward to break the cylinder's seal and release the gas contained within the cylinder (300).