Here is a link to an article that discusses the current crisis with Helium in the world today. Let me know what you think.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/why-the-world-is-running-out-of-helium-2059357.html

Over the Xmas break I designed and built the cut down module. To be clear the module is the housing for the NICR wire that actually cuts the balloon tether. I went through 4 designs to get to the final version. The final version uses a cardboard fiberglassed frame w/ a molded insulation around the frame. I used an 10 foot stereo speaker cable as the link between the module and the controller. I'll get a picture of the module soon. I performed several weighted test and it worked flawlessly. Next is moving the controller from a breadboard to a protoboard. I'm waiting for the protoboard to arrive.