Abstract: A backpack frame system having a frame element; and a coupling link including a frame link portion and an accessory link portion, wherein the accessory link portion includes at least one attachment portion, wherein the frame link portion is attached or coupled to the frame element, wherein the frame link portion includes a plurality of spaced apart frame link recess tabs separated by frame link spaces, wherein the accessory link portion includes a plurality of spaced apart accessory link protrusion tabs separated by accessory link spaces, wherein corresponding accessory link protrusion tabs may be inserted within a corresponding recess, and wherein the accessory link portion may be at least partially rotated relative to the frame link portion to engage corresponding accessory link protrusion tabs and frame link recess tabs.

Abstract: SCUBA diving equipment is composed of a heavy SCUBA pressure vessel, buoyancy compensation device and a heavy weight system. Together with a constricting exposure suit the current setup makes for a rather cumbersome system. Perfect buoyancy is a term used in SCUBA diving to describe the ability of the diver to maintain its vertical position in the water column. Doing so requires a thorough understanding of the governing physics principles as well as considerable practice time. Together, the cumbersome nature of standard SCUBA systems and the physical and mental requirements of operating said systems underwater are a commercial hurdle, preventing many individuals from entering the sport. The present invention provides systems that can significantly simplify both elements by allowing water to occupy some of the pressure vessel internal volume.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a diving mask comprising a body having a faceplate and a flexible skirt, and a snorkel extending a top portion of the body. The body includes an exhaled air exhaust device that puts the bottom chamber in fluid-flow connection with the air duct of the snorkel. The exhaled air exhaust includes at least a first check valve arranged to allow exhaled air from the bottom chamber to flow towards the air duct of the snorkel during a stage in which the user is breathing out, the first check valve being closed during a stage in which the user is breathing in.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring persons in the water, comprising: a carrier apparatus for fastening to a person; a monitoring apparatus held by the carrier apparatus and which has a sensor apparatus and a processor apparatus, wherein the sensor apparatus is connected to the processor apparatus; and a signaling apparatus held by the carrier apparatus and which is connected to the monitoring apparatus, wherein the signaling apparatus has a floatation body and the signaling apparatus is provided for detaching from the carrier apparatus upon a signal of the processor apparatus and rising to the water surface. The invention further relates to a system for monitoring persons in the water, comprising a device for monitoring persons in the water and a base station. The invention further relates to a method and use of the device to protect persons from dangers resulting from a lack of oxygen and drowning.

Abstract: A first stage pressure regulator is provided. A valve body has an inlet and an outlet that define a pressure chamber therebetween. The valve body defines a pressure compensation chamber having an opening fluidly communicating the pressure compensation chamber with the surrounding water. The first stage pressure regulator comprises an inlet tubular union removably received into the inlet. A removable high pressure orifice body defines an orifice therethrough. The orifice body is carried by the valve body proximate the inlet. A valve seat is within the valve body.

Abstract: An apparatus for divers is disclosed that includes both a buoy and an ascent device. The system also includes a biological sensor for detecting when a diver is in distress. Upon the biological sensor detecting an anomalous condition, the system inflates a bladder, such as that found in a diver's Buoyancy Control Device, to urge the diver toward the water surface. The system also releases a buoy, allowing the buoy to float to the water surface and alert others of the diver in distress. In an example embodiment, the buoy detects its position upon reaching the surface and issues an alarm.

Abstract: A stroke counter and a method of analyzing strokes of swimmer are provided. The stroke counter and method use changes in pressure proximate the arms and legs of the swimmer to determine when the swimmer performs a swimming stroke using either the arms or legs.

Abstract: A tank attachment arrangement for a self-contained breathing apparatus having at least one tank, including: a base member having a saddle portion comprising a contact side having at least one contact member directly or indirectly attached thereto, the at least one contact member configured to contact a surface of the at least one tank; and at least one tank retainer arrangement configured to retain the at least one tank with respect to the base member; wherein the at least one contact member includes at least one sloped portion to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the at least one tank with the tank attachment arrangement.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating device is disclosed. The buoyancy compensating device includes an air chamber for containing gas for controlling buoyancy, a vent valve for releasing the gas from the air chamber, a tube secured to a shoulder strap of the buoyancy compensating device, and a pull knob for operating the vent valve. The pull knob includes a head piece and an elongated tail piece extending from the head piece. The tail piece is extended into the tube and connected to the vent valve. The tail piece is configured to reside in the tube while the pull knob is pulled by the diver for opening the vent valve. The tail piece may be connected to a pull cord which is then connected to the vent valve. Alternatively, the tail piece may be directly connected to the vent valve.

Abstract: A safety, rescue, and recovery device that compressively secures to a limb of a user when inflated. The device can be easily adjusted to be negatively buoyant, neutrally buoyant, or positively buoyant before inflation depending on whether the application is safety, rescue, or recovery. The device may also be integrated into an article of clothing for certain applications. An elongated handle is attached to the device to provide a sliding attachment point for a rescue rope that automatically reduces torque applied to the limb of the user. Consequently, a rescue force applied to the rescue rope can act at a variety of angles along an arc relative to the device.

Abstract: A vent valve for a buoyancy control device suitable for divers, where the valve may be opened by any combination of over-pressure, manual pressure relief or a powered means, where a force to a valve plug is applied by means of a spring that is constrained to prevent entirely lateral and angular movement but in which movement of the plug in the axis of the seat is unconstrained.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) includes a back plate defining a plurality of apertures therein that are arranged in two columns extending down opposing side edges of the back plate. The apertures are sized and spaced to receive mounting straps that are configured to interface with webbing straps of a carrying jacket to fasten the back plate to the jacket. The mounting assembly also includes a tank securing strap with a quick release mechanism that is fastened to the back plate. The tank securing strap is configured to engage a supply tank to releasably fasten the tank to the back plate. The mounting assembly further includes a valve retaining mount disposed on the plate. The valve retaining mount is configured to releasably secure an air supply valve to the back plate for engagement with the supply tank.

Abstract: A dive computer system that utilizes a direct skin temperature measurement is provided. The dive computer system includes a measurement device that includes a temperature sensor and is attached to a strap. The strap is placed around a diver's chest and configured to measure the diver's skin temperature. The skin temperature is wirelessly transmitted to a dive computer that utilizes a dive algorithm to determine compartment inert gas saturation and desaturation. The dive algorithm determines an updated skin perfusion factor that is in turn utilized to determine an updated half time for the skin compartment for inert gas desaturation and a pressure tolerance for the skin compartment for inert gas saturation.

Abstract: A reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle for use by linesmen, arborists, or the like includes a gender-specific back pad assembly that supports a number of removable, optional attachments allowing customization for user preference or job environment. Gender-specific angled wing portions of the back pad contain an armor layer and extra padding to protect the bony protrusions of both the male and female pelvis. A “one size fits all” approach includes a waistband having length adjustability over approximately a 3:1 range. Each component and sub-system of the sit harness is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and minimize stresses on a user's body. The back pad features interchangeable lumbar support pads. Optional, removable features include a seat, an abdominal support, and a body harness for use with a fall restraint device. Interchangeable suspension bridges allow user attachment to a wide range of support systems.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a submersible pumping system operable under hydrostatic pressure. The system suitably comprises a prime mover submersible within a first fluid; a pump means submersible within the first fluid and sealably coupled to the prime mover; and a fluid source in fluid communication with the prime mover, the fluid source providing a second fluid effective to act on the prime mover to power the pump means; wherein the second fluid is discharged in the first fluid after acting on the prime mover; and wherein the second fluid has a chemical composition substantially similar to the first fluid.

Abstract: The GPS locatable multi-purpose life jacket system is a survival vest having usefulness in a wide variety of unfortunate situations. The vest has a GPS transmitter that transmits the wearer's location and has a multi-colored light having blue and red strobe lights visually indicating the location of the distressed wearer in a dark environment, and a white light for using as a flash light in dark locations. A removable floatation collar is attached about the neck opening which may be automatically inflated via a CO2 cylinder, to act as a life jacket, if water submersion is detected for more than thirty seconds. The red and blue lights of the multi-colored light may also be automatically activated, but can also be manually activated. The vest has pockets for carrying an I.D. card, means to start a fire, and tools for emergency survival.

Abstract: A weight system for divers employs both an interior and an exterior weight pocket. The interior weight pocket is secured at the interior distal end of the exterior weight pocket. The attachment point is a post at the interior end of the weight pocket. The weight pouch hangs from this post and is secured in the exterior weight pocket. The release force is more precisely controlled with a coil spring. More control of the opening force translates to reliability of operation and safety of the weight releasing mechanism. The weight pouch is also more precisely guided into and out of the exterior weight pocket and the lock mechanism is self-centering, allowing easy assembly or disassembly of the weight pouch into and out of the exterior weight pocket.

Abstract: A one-piece diving weight with openings to quickly add and remove the invention from a user's weight belt.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator having a locking system (27) that ensures the ballast (25) not to drop unexpectedly during diving and to removable by one hand of a scuba diver. The locking system (27) includes a releasing unit (30), a female locking unit (50) and a male locking unit (70). The releasing unit includes a turn leg (32) that is to be interposed between the female locking unit and the male locking unit. When the turn leg is forcedly turned at a certain angle clockwise or counterclockwise, an engagement of the male locking unit to the female locking unit is released.

Abstract: A reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle for use by linesmen, arborists, or the like includes a gender-specific back pad assembly that supports a number of removable, optional attachments allowing customization for user preference or job environment. Gender-specific angled wing portions of the back pad contain an armor layer and extra padding to protect the bony protrusions of both the male and female pelvis. A “one size fits all” approach includes a waistband having length adjustability over approximately a 3:1 range. Each component and sub-system of the sit harness is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and minimize stresses on a user's body. The back pad features interchangeable lumbar support pads. Optional, removable features include a seat, an abdominal support, and a body harness for use with a fall restraint device. Interchangeable suspension bridges allow user attachment to a wide range of support systems.

Abstract: A modular expandable weighting system for recreational and professional underwater divers that permits a user to selectively attach one or more individual weight units to each other to achieve a desired amount of weight to regulate the user's overall buoyancy while under water. When used with a weight belt, the weights when attached create channels through which a weight belt may be disposed. If two or less weights are attached, end caps may be attached to create the channels to allow the system to be attached to the weight belt. When used without a weight belt, such as on a buoyancy compensator device with multiple weight pockets, the weight system allows for the placement of exact amounts of weights to achieve the desired amount of overall buoyancy as well as to maintain the desired degree of horizontal trim.

Abstract: A lifejacket which is designed to be worn with, alongside, in conjunction with, or integrated within a self contained breathing apparatus.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprising at least an olefin block copolymer, an olefin copolymer, an oil, a blowing agent and a crosslinking agent is provided. The olefin block copolymer has a Mw/Mn from 1.7 to 3.5, and at least one melting point, Tm, in degrees Celsius, and a density, d, in gram/cubic centimeter, wherein the numerical values of Tm and d correspond to the relationship: Tm>?2002.9+4538.5(d)?2422.2(d)2. Foams, laminates, articles and wetsuits made from the foams are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for repelling elasmobranchs with electropositive metals, including apparatuses and methods for reducing by-catch in commercial fisheries and protecting humans from attacks by elasmobranchs.

Abstract: A wetsuit (101) is provided which comprises (a) a first central region (125, 127) comprising a first material and having a first thickness; and (b) a second lateral region comprising a second material and having a second thickness. The buoyancy per unit area of the first region is greater than the buoyancy per unit area of the second region.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device, and a harness manufactured by such method. There is provided a method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device for use in a diving application, the method including the steps of: providing polymeric material; molding the polymeric material into separate components of the harness; and connecting the components to one another so as to form the harness. A harness including a plurality of molded polymeric components interconnected is also described.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensation apparatus for underwater use by a SCUBA diver, includes a pressurized air source, a buoyancy vest including air chambers and a pressure regulating unit. The pressure regulating unit includes a chamber in communication with the vest air chambers and the pressurized air source. The pressure regulating unit also includes a normally closed air injection valve and a normally closed relief valve. The wall of the pressure regulating unit chamber includes a flexible portion that flexes inwardly when outside water pressure exceeds the pressure in the vest air chambers, which, in turn, opens the air injection valve. The relief valve opens when air pressure in the vest air chambers exceeds outside water pressure. The air injection and relief valves respond faster than the walls of the buoyancy vest air chambers so that the volume of the vest air chambers remain generally constant even as the diver changes depth.

Abstract: A one-piece diving weight with openings to quickly add and remove the invention from a user's weight belt.

Abstract: A system to permit a diver to quickly adjust a one-piece continuous piece of webbing by simply pushing or pulling the webbing in the desired direction. The system includes accessory plate which is fixed to an existing diving backplate, which allows the webbing to slide on through the attached accessories without affecting the location of the accessories with respect to the diver's body. An improved adjustable crotch strap is also secured to the backplate. An ergonomic backplate frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structural support member 10 for a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, the structural support member being generally elongate and arranged in use to support a cylinder of breathable gas, the structural support member comprising: a frame having; a lower portion 11 arranged in use to support a first end of a cylinder; an upper portion arranged in use to support a second opposed end of the cylinder; and first and second side limbs 26, 36 coupling the upper and lower portions and defining a void 14 therebetween, in a substantially central region of the frame.

Abstract: A dive computer with a free dive mode and/or wireless data transmission capabilities. In one embodiment the invention relates to a diving apparatus including a dive computer having a free dive mode, where the dive computer is configured to calculate a nitrogen loading in the free dive mode using a default value which is the fraction of oxygen in air, and where the free dive mode is used when a diver makes a dive without a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Another embodiment includes a method of operating a dive computer including recording two or more first identifiers, receiving pressure information from two or more pressure transmitters, the pressure information comprising second identifiers and pressure measurements, determining whether the pressure information contains one of the two or more first identifiers, and displaying a message indicative of the pressure information that contains one of the two or more first identifiers.

Abstract: A modular expandable weighting system for recreational and professional underwater divers that permits a user to selectively attach one or more individual weight units to each other to achieve a desired amount of weight to regulate the user's overall buoyancy while under water. When used with a weight belt, the weights when attached create channels through which a weight belt may be disposed. If two or less weights are attached, end caps may be attached to create the channels to allow the system to be attached to the weight belt. When used without a weight belt, such as on a buoyancy compensator device with multiple weight pockets, the weight system allows for the placement of exact amounts of weights to achieve the desired amount of overall buoyancy as well as to maintain the desired degree of horizontal trim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety method in connection with SCUBA diving to control a diver's buoyancy, in which method the diver (11) is equipped with diving equipment comprising at least one air pressure tank (1), a valve device (2) connected to the pressure tank (1) and arranged to supply air from said pressure tank via first supply means (5) to a breathing regulator (4) and via second supply means (7, 9, 12) to an inflatable diving jacket (6) in order to control the diver's buoyancy, an actuator (8) being able to automatically initiate inflation of the diving jacket (6) when the diver has not affected the air flow through the breathing regulator (4) for a certain time period, said actuator (8) being controlled by an actuation mechanism (20) that automatically sets the actuator in active mode when the diver is within an actuation zone (A), wherein in order additionally to improve the diver's buoyancy the actuator (8) is also arranged to automatically initiate dumping of a weight (11) carried by the

Abstract: An automatic buoyancy control device suitable for free-swimming divers, providing the functions that may include a controlled ascent rate, controlled descent rates, the imposition of a maximum depth limit, the facility to hold a set depth and to follow a dive profile or decompression profile. The device, control process and subsystems provide a high safe failure fraction.

Abstract: A vent valve for a buoyancy control device suitable for free-swimming divers, where the valve may be opened both manually and by a powered means, such as from a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure line, the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure being equalised with the ambient pressure when not activated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a buoyancy device with a constant and adjustable volume intended for any submersible entity capable of submersion at various depth, and comprising at least one float with a flexible member and filled with gas, the pressure of which is adjusted according to the submersion depth, and such that: the membrane is elastic and defines a gas volume that varies according to the elasticity of said membrane and to the relative inner pressure of said volume relative to the outer environment pressure. An expander-discharge system is used for supplying and emptying the gas to or from the inner volume of the float.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-cylinder retaining assembly 10 for retaining a gas-cylinder on a harness for breathing apparatus. The retaining assembly comprises a strap 20 arranged in use to be coupled to the harness and a retaining portion of which is arranged to pass around at least a portion of the cylinder; a tensioning device 30 arranged for tightening the retaining portion of the strap around the cylinder such that the cylinder is held to the harness, and wherein a free portion of the strap, having a free end, extends from the tensioning device; and a retaining buckle 40 arranged for retaining the free portion of the strap, the retaining buckle 40 comprises a positioning slot 42 through which in use the retaining portion of the strap passes; a pivot member 44 which in use is located between the cylinder and the retaining portion of the strap; and a retaining slot arranged in use to receive the free end of the strap 46.

Abstract: An umbilical comprising a side-emitting optical fiber or optical fiber-bundle for providing a distributed source of light along part or the whole of the length of the umbilical.

Abstract: A glow in the dark wetsuit is disclosed that is visible in low-light conditions. The wetsuit comprises an outer surface visible in low-light conditions with at least one fastener for securing the wetsuit on a user. Preferably, the wetsuit comprises at least one glow in the dark element that is photoluminescent following sufficient exposure to a recharging source. The wetsuit insulates the user from cold water when submerged and protects the user from injury from marine life or from abrasions when diving in the water under any light condition. However, when the user is in or near the water at night, diving deep underwater, or in other low-light scenarios, the glow in the dark element radiates visible light enabling a companion, a dive buddy, or a rescuer to better visualize the user.

Abstract: A weight system for divers employs both an interior and an exterior weight pocket. The interior weight pocket is secured at the interior distal end of the exterior weight pocket. The attachment point is a post at the interior end of the weight pocket. The weight pouch hangs from this post and is secured in the exterior weight pocket. The release force is more precisely controlled with a coil spring. More control of the opening force translates to reliability of operation and safety of the weight releasing mechanism. The weight pouch is also more precisely guided into and out of the exterior weight pocket and the lock mechanism is self-centering, allowing easy assembly or disassembly of the weight pouch into and out of the exterior weight pocket.

Abstract: The present disclosure could generally provide a system of controlling buoyancy compensation devices (BCDs) used in diving. The system could include an actuator to direct exhaled air from the mouthpiece to the ambient environment when the actuator is in a disengaged position and to direct exhaled air to a BCD when the actuator is in an engaged position. The system could also include a poppet valve disposed between the mouthpiece and the buoyancy compensation device and configured to restrict air from the buoyancy compensation device to enter the mouthpiece. The system could further include the use of quick connect connectors to easily retrofit existing diving equipment.

Abstract: A structural support member 10 for a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, the structural support member being generally elongate and arranged in use to support a cylinder of breathable gas and one or more components operatively associated with the breathing apparatus, wherein the structural support member comprises first and second parts 20, 30 defining therebetween a housing for retaining one or more of the components.

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for identifying a diver in distress and initiating a rescue response. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for identification of a diver who is not breathing properly and in response giving local stimuli to allow the diver to response. Should he/she not respond, the instant invention will initiate steps to bring the diver back to the water surface and alert others as to his/her need of assistance.

Abstract: An active control releasable ballast system for dive equipment is disclosed which in one embodiment includes a removable pocket that is secured with a side release buckle within a fixed pocket. The buckle is required to be opened before the weight contained in the pocket can be dropped or given to another individual in or out of the water. Thus, the release of the weights is a conscious and deliberate act.

Abstract: A scuba mask purging apparatus and method providing selective introduction of pressurized air into a scuba mask to initiate purging, pressure balancing, and de-fogging. An inlet valve, typically positioned conveniently on the top or the side of the mask may control the release of pressurized air into the mask. A pressure-sensitive outlet valve releases the pressurized air to force water from the mask. The outlet valve may be positioned on the lower portion of the mask or at a location where water is likely to collect.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensation device and method for a scuba diver or other underwater object, which decreases buoyancy by actively pumping air from a flexible bladder while the diver or object is in any orientation, said bladder having internally a manifold assembly providing access to pockets of air anywhere within the bladder. In addition, said device and method may be adapted for automatically diving, surfacing, or maintaining a predetermined water depth while the diver or object is in any orientation and while the diver's or object's orientation changes, including a sensor for measuring water depth, one or more control inputs for selecting a depth, and a controller unit that determines descent rate, ascent rate, or maintenance of a selected depth based on monitoring the water depth, the setting of the control inputs, and the diver's or objects previous habits and behavior.

Abstract: A conjoined tube within a tube located inside a lower section of a snorkel designed to steer water droplets away from the snorkel diver's breathing path. The lower section of the snorkel has two valves. One is the scupper valve positioned at the lowest point of the inside tube. The scupper valve is a light duty valve or a low resistance one-way watertight passage intended to allow droplets of water to drain into the main reservoir. The outer tube lower section contains a reservoir for holding residual water that travels down to the bottom of the snorkel and is contained therein. During the normal clearing operation, the reservoir can be emptied and water will exit out of the lower section and into the surrounding water.

Abstract: A buoyancy adjustment device utilizes an inflation valve connected between the diver's breathing gas supply and a compartment to admit gas into the compartment to increase the diver's buoyancy. An exhaust valve connects between the compartment and the outside of the vest, to release gas from the compartment to the surrounding environment to decrease the diver's buoyancy. A hand-operated controller connected to the inflation valve, when caused to move from a neutral position to an inflation position, actuates the inflation valve and admits gas to the compartment. The hand-operated controller is also connected to the exhaust valve via a flexible pushrod so that, when caused to move from the neutral position to an exhaust position, actuates the exhaust valve and releases gas from the compartment. The flexible push rod is housed in a sleeve that is totally contained within the compartment.

Abstract: An improved buoyancy compensation device having a lesser change in buoyancy with depth than conventional buoyancy compensation devices which use ambient pressure bladders is disclosed. The improved device comprises one or more elastic members that, throughout the working range of diving pressures and volumes, is always elastic and, when pressurized, maintains an internal air pressure that is always greater than the ambient pressure at any dive depth. The invention also relates to a method of providing a buoyancy compensation device with an elastic member having a lift versus depth characteristic that approaches the lift versus depth characteristic of a constant or fixed volume buoyancy compensation device.

Abstract: An embodiment of a weight system for use with a buoyancy compensator device includes a rigid plate, a weight pouch attached to the rigid plate, and an indicator device fixedly interfaced with the rigid plate. The indicator device further includes a freely moving floatation device that floats within a restrained range upward from the rigid plate in response to the weight pouch being separate from the buoyancy compensator device.