Abstract: Weight belt apparatus for divers includes a belt with one or more sleeves disposed on the belt and adjustable thereon for the convenience of the diver using the apparatus. Each sleeve includes one or more pouches for receiving and holding weights. The pouches are collapsible for convenience when no weight is disposed therein.

Abstract: A dive belt is provided for use by divers during underwater activities, such as scuba diving. The belt comprises a body member and a rapid release weight system which is quickly removal while the belt remains in place on the diver. The belt can also provide for horizontally mounted supplemental air supply system, for use in the event a main air supply is lost or not wanted. An elastic depth compensator can be built into the belt, insuring a snug fit of the belt at any depth. The belt has a plurality of D rings for convenient equipment management. A quick release tow clip is attached to the belt and may be used in conjunction with a surface air supply system for pulling the surface air supply system.

Abstract: A diver's buoyancy control device (BCD) comprises a jacket configured to be worn by a diver. The jacket includes a back portion for overlying a diver's back and a pair of side portions connected to the back portion for overlying the diver's chest. A scuba tank can be releasably connected to the back portion of the jacket. An inflatable bladder is connected to the back portion of the jacket and a mechanism is provided for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder with a pressurized gas from the scuba tank. The base of a shoulder yoke that includes a pair of shoulder straps is adjustably connected to the back portion of the jacket at a plurality of preselected vertical positions for permitting easy and rapid size adjustment. A waist belt has a pair of segments each of which has a rear end that is attached to a corresponding location on a corresponding side of the back portion of the jacket. A first mechanism is provided for releasably coupling a pair of mating forward ends of the waist belt segments.

Abstract: A thermal liner in a diving suit has a layer of incompressible phase change materials for storing latent heat energy and for later releasing the std energy while changing phase. This thermal liner provides thermal protection for divers' wetsuits, drysuits, and hot-water suits using stored energy from phase change materials, for extreme cold water diving. The thermal liner can function as an emergency backup heat source upon power failure when electrically-heated drysuits are used, or as an emergency backup heat source in case of interruption of warm water supply when hot-water diving suits are used. It can also be used as a supplemental source of heat for divers wearing passively-insulated wetsuits or drysuits to prolong acceptable durations in cold water missions. The thermal liner gives divers an emergency "come home" capability in case of power failure within drysuits supplied with an electrically-heated undergarment, or of an interruption of the warm water supply to a hot-water suit.

Abstract: A dive rescue search device has a stanchion with a locating mechanism for the device, a marking device to assist the diver and a search area marker to properly direct the search.

Abstract: An underwater air supply system for use with an air supply tank and a buoyancy chamber includes a base module and a plurality of interchangeable modules releasably connectable to the base module. Each module includes at least one of an air supply buoyancy chamber inflator for selectively supplying air from the air supply tank to the buoyancy chamber, a buoyancy chamber exhaust for selectively exhausting air from the buoyancy chamber, an oral buoyancy chamber inflator for enabling a diver to orally inflate the buoyancy chamber, and a regulator for supplying air to a diver from the air supply.

Abstract: A tank buoyancy compensator for an underwater breathing tank comprises a ballast boot having a tubular portion to receive the end of the tank remote from the diver's head. The ballast boot includes an end portion that includes weight retention pin for releasably retaining one or more annular ballast weights on the end portion. A connector is attached to the retention pin and is operable by the diver at convenient location on the ballast boot for releasing the retention pin to jettison the weight(s) from the boot, for example, when the diver experiences an emergency situation.

Abstract: A torso-conforming diver's weight pouch for use by a diver in a buoyancy compensator vest containing at least one recess. At least one weight for neutralizing the diver's buoyancy is contained within a pocket on the pouch. Attached to the pouch is a curvature retaining device which defines and retains a curved configuration of the pouch. The diver can manipulate the curvature retaining device to determine the pouch's configuration. Such configuration can be changed to conform to the diver's hips. Therefore, when the pouch is installed into a buoyancy jacket, the pouch provides more comfort to the diver.

Abstract: A neutral buoyancy auto-balancer eliminates the need for complex manipulation and operation in accordance with a change in diving depth. The auto-balancer automatically follows, rapidly and precisely, the change in diving depth by natural breathing during diving, and resolves the risk of failure of air-trapping not only in the vertical position but also in a slanted position to automatically follow a working posture of the diver. The neutral buoyancy auto-balancer comprises a weight 4 which radially outwardly extends from a shaft 14 which is rotatably supported at central holes 121, 131 of a cylinder 11 body. A nozzle 22 of an inlet duct 2 is fixed in the opposite direction to the projected weight 4. An inlet port 32 of an outlet duct 3 for both air evacuation and feed and drainage of water radially outwardly opens in the same direction as the weight 4.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensation device has a plurality of guide assemblies disposed about its outer and inner periphery, such that a plurality of resilient bands can each be disposed in a pair of complementary guide assembles, the bands biased to restrain expansion of the bladder when deflated or partially inflated to reduce drag, increase comfort and improve air distribution.

Abstract: A diving ballast (131) is adapted to be fitted to a scuba tank, so as to replace or at least supplement a waist-fitted weightbelt. The diving ballast (131) comprises an elongate flexible strap formed with open-ended weight-receiving holsters (122) therein and a plurality of weights (126) each having expanded ends and a waisted portion (127) defined between the expanded ends. Each weight is of such dimensions in relation to a weight-receiving holster (122) so that the expanded end of the weight can be worked through the holsters so that the weighted portion is held captive within the holster. The expanded end of the weight can only be worked through the holster when the strap is slack and the waisted portion (127) is held captive by the material of the holster when the strap is under tension along its length. The diving ballast extends to a waist-fitted weightbelt of the type described, as well as to an ankle-belt having a similar configuration.

Abstract: A diving jacket for retaining warmth of a diver's torso is provided with an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the diving jacket is formed from first and second front torso portions fastened to a back portion. A releasable fastener for releasably attaching the first front torso portion to the second front torso portion is also preferably secured to the diving jacket. At least one loop is attached to the outer surface of the diving jacket to define an aperture that is dimensioned to accommodate a corresponding strap of a buoyancy compensator for allowing the buoyancy compensator to be secured to the outer surface of the diving jacket.

Abstract: An amphibious audible alarm device for a diver to use with an air tank in the water or above water surface in the event of incident or emergency to get other people's attention. The device includes a valve member connecting with the air tank for controlling compressed air flow, a noise making mechanism includes a piston reciprocally movable within a cylinder because of compressed air and an impact member to receive the impact of the piston to produce audible sound, and a body to house the valve member and the noise making mechanism. The device can work equally well in the water or in the atmosphere. It is compact size, simply structured, easy to carry and use.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator for a scuba diver vest having a pocket on each side of the front of the vest, a weight module removably positioned in each pocket, each weight module includes an envelope releasably mounted in said pocket a weight packet carried within the envelope, a weight removably mounted in said envelope, a strap operatively connected to the envelope and releasably connected to the vest. The weight is dropped from the weight packet by pulling the weight packet from the pocket and the envelope is returned to the pocket by a pair of elastic bands.

Abstract: A mounting system for releasably securing a pair of main scuba tanks to a wing style back plate having an upper portion and a lower portion. The system includes upper and lower band assemblies for securing the pair of main scuba tanks to the upper and lower portions, respectively, of the wing style back plate. Each of the upper and lower band assemblies includes a pair of bands, each of which passes through a bracket that mounts to the wing style back plate and releasably encircles one tank of the pair of main scuba tanks with one end thereof having a hook thereon and the other end thereof having a quick release cam buckle thereon for releasably engaging the hook.

Abstract: A weight drop pocket for a SCUBA diver comprising a flap closed pocket for containing a weight with a stiffener secured to the pocket and having an opening through which a projection from a mating element secured to a skin diver apparatus may be inserted with the pocket and mating element retained in a preselected orientation and held in place by a spring biased rod inserted through the projection thereby locking it to the mating element until the rod is withdrawn by a force which overcomes the spring bias.

Abstract: A support garment for diving equipment includes several subassemblies for providing comfortable support of diving equipment, such as a tank of pressurized breathing gas, a buoyancy compensating air cell and a ballast weight pocket assembly. A frame is adjustably secured to a shoulder support assembly that includes adjustment straps for accommodating various body sizes. A belt assembly is pivotally secured to the lower portion of the frame. A bust or chest panel extends between shoulder supports, providing a secure and comfortable fitting structure for divers of various body types, particularly women. Elements of the garment are secured to one another via rivets placed at predetermined locations, thereby facilitating assembly and servicing of the garment.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator and support vest, harness or spider for supporting a diver's backpack, includes a pivoting fastener secured to the shoulder straps. A polyangular or triangular holder further distributes the weight of a load between the waist, back and shoulders of a user. A strap incorporating the pivoting fastener and/or the polyangular or triangular holder for use with a backpack or other back carrier or framework or support harness is also provided.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly is provided to enhance heads up surface positioning of a person. The assembly includes a weight/ballast member strategically disposed on a cylinder/tank worn by a diver during a dive. The weight member can be attached by several different embodiments. Preferably, the weight member is attached such that the diver cannot release or adjust the weight member while he or she is diving. The weight member rotates the person to ensure heads up surface positioning in the event the person becomes incapacitated. Also provided are several other water safety and survival devices.

Abstract: Scuba diving apparatus includes a buoyancy compensator attachable to a diver, and a depth control device for sensing the depth of the diver and for automatically increasing the buoyancy of the buoyancy compensator when the diver is submerged at a predetermined depth in the water, to thereby prevent the diver from exceeding the predetermined depth.

Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having an insertable weight system. The spider includes an insertable weight system disposed preferably within at least one side opening pocket attached to a waistband portion. The side opening pocket can be formed of a piece of material attached to a waistband portion to define a channel in the space between the waistband portion and the piece of material. At least one weight disposed within an envelope, preferably having stiffening material, is removably inserted within the pocket. The envelope containing the weight includes means, preferably including areas of brushed material and hooks, and a handle for inserting, securing, and removably releasing the envelope containing the weight within the pocket. Stiffening within the spider provides an open, formed, shape retaining unit to distribute the weight of the tank and for convenience in putting the spider on.

Abstract: A diving control valve device includes a casing having a nozzle device fitted in the casing for connecting an air source from an air tank, an inflating valve device, a deflating valve device and an alarming valve device integrally encased in the casing for forming a compact valve unit for an ergonomic operation of the inflating valve, deflating valve and alarming valve by a diver's single hand and also for decreasing the frictional water resistance by the compact volume of the integrally formed valve unit in order for facilitating the diving velocity and enhancing the diving maneuverability.

Abstract: An aluminum tank buoyancy compensation system, for use with aluminum tanks having a flat bottom, a diameter and a boot attached at the flat bottom, for offsetting the inherent positive buoyancy of an empty aluminum scuba tank, comprising a weight disk having substantially the same diameter as the tank bottom. The weight disk is inserted into the boot, and the boot is replaced onto the bottom of the tank. The weight disk is trapped between the boot and tank bottom, ballasting the tank sufficiently to compensate for the positive buoyancy of the aluminum tank.

Abstract: A device for allowing proper identification of a scuba tank in day or night diving conditions. The device includes a elastic body structure having a outer circumferential surface which extends from the first lip member to the second lip member which thereon has identification symbols and a inner circumferential surface which extends from the first lip member to the second lip member and which has inner ridges therein. The elastic body structure maybe made of a elastic phosphorescent material.

Abstract: A method and a device for letting out gas from a life jacket for divers, the device being adapted to be in gas flow communication with an interior of the life jacket. Gas is drawn into the device from the interior of the life jacket, compressed in the device, and discharged from the device to a medium surrounding the device.

Abstract: A volume control module for controlling the volume of a fluid such as air in a buoyancy chamber of a buoyancy compensator device comprises a main unit and a selector pad. The main unit includes a main unit housing having a first opening connectable to the buoyancy compensator device and a second opening connectable to an inflator hose assembly. Three pressure sensors, a microprocessing unit, and intake and vent valves are provided in the main unit housing. A first pressure sensor measures ambient pressure; a second measures the pressure inside the buoyancy chamber; and a third measures the air pressure entering the intake valve. The microprocessing unit carries out a variety of buoyancy-control functions responsive to output signals from the pressure sensors. The intake and vent valves are both controlled by the microprocessing unit and are both normally closed. The intake valve is connectable to a source of low pressure fluid, while the vent valve vents fluid from the buoyancy chamber.

Abstract: A dive belt is provided for use by divers during underwater activities, such as scuba diving. The belt comprises a body member and a rapid release weight system which is quickly removal while the belt remains in place on the diver. The belt can also provide for horizontally mounted supplemental air supply system, for use in the event a main air supply is lost or not wanted. An elastic depth compensator can be built into the belt, insuring a snug fit of the belt at any depth. The belt has a plurality of D rings for convenient equipment management. A quick release tow clip is attached to the belt and may be used in conjunction with a surface air supply system for pulling the surface air supply system.

Abstract: A heated decompression shelter for use by a diver underwater during decomssion at the end of a cold water dive. The heated decompression chamber provides a micro-environment within an enclosure for thermal protection during decompression stops in cold water, some of which can be of relatively long duration following relatively deep dives in near freezing water.

Abstract: A buoyancy control device for divers includes a plurality of inflatable members each adapted to be inflated to a predetermined maximum volume, or to be deflated, and a fluid distributor for selecting the inflatable members to be inflated and to be deflated, thereby controlling the buoyancy of the device. The fluid distributor includes a housing having an inlet port connectible to a source of pressurized fluid, a venting port leading to the atmosphere, and a plurality of outlet ports connected to the inflatable members. A flexible membrane overlies a grooved surface in the housing, and a valve member is movable over the membrane to press it into the groove such as to effect the communication between the inlet and venting ports with respect to selected outlet ports.

Abstract: A mirror which is attachable to an item of an underwater diver's equipment. By placing the mirror in front of his face mask and controlling the line of sight reflected by the mirror, the diver can inspect equipment on his body or easily access equipment with the hand not wearing the mirror. In addition, the diver's peripheral vision is improved so he or she can see objects, fish or a diving partner located behind them. The mirror is attached to the item of diver's equipment by attaching a portion of the periphery of a pouch to the equipment item. Affixed to the pouch is a tether which is further attached to the mirror. The pouch is formed of water resistant material such as nylon or rubber.

Abstract: A decompression gas switching manifold for technical diving with full face mask includes separate manifold blocks (for travel/bottom and decompression gases) which can be connected or isolated by an isolation valve.

Abstract: An improved coupling for an air hose of a diver's jacket includes an outer sleeve with one end fitted onto one end of the air hose, the outer sleeve having an inner tube with multiple annular teeth locked therein, such that the air hose is tightly clamped therebetween. The other end of the outer sleeve is connected to a coupling which has a restriction ring and multiple steel balls provided at one end thereof. The coupling may be speedily connected to a fastening element of the air hose. The coupling accommodates an air intake element one end of which has multiple intake holes circumferentially provided thereon and a groove for receiving an oil ring, the other end of which is a raised stop portion. The air intake element may urge against an inner rim of the coupling by means of the oil ring due to the action of the spring prior to connecting the coupling with the fastening element, so that the inner wall of the coupling and the oil ring may block the intake holes.

Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having chest portions which include stretchable material to support the breasts of a diver. The buoyancy compensator is secured to the back of a spider and has forward extensions which overlap and are loosely tethered to waistband portions of the spider. The waistband portions of the spider are secured to the back portion of the spider by adjustable means for waist size adjustment.

Abstract: Scuba apparatus utilizes light-weight pressure vessels, or tanks, of relatively thin aluminum wrapped with fiber in a resin binder. Since such tanks are not approved for use in water, the tanks are enclosed within a water tight enclosure, and the enclosure in pressurized to exclude all water. A connection for filling the tanks extends through the enclosure, a burst disk is provided externally of the enclosure, and connections for the scuba mask and other accessories are provided. An automatically adjusting buoyancy control may be included within the enclosure in space not occupied by the tanks. A container fits within the void, and a flexible bladder is within the container. Water can be allowed to flow into the bladder, and air under pressure fills the balance of the container and balances ambient pressure. The size of the container cannot change, and the amount of water remains fixed, so the buoyancy remains fixed.

Abstract: An improved adjustment mechanism for a scuba second state air flow regulator comprising a water sealed balance shaft having a cross-sectional area approximately equal to the area of contact between the poppet valve seat and the orifice of the second stage air hose coupling.

Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having an insertable weight system. The spider includes an insertable weight system disposed preferably within at least one side opening pocket attached to a waistband portion. The side opening pocket can be formed of a piece of material attached to a waistband portion to define a channel in the space between the waistband portion and the piece of material. At least one weight disposed within an envelope, preferably having stiffening material, is removably inserted within the pocket. The envelope containing the weight includes means, preferably including areas of brushed material and hooks, and a handle for inserting, securing, and removably releasing the envelope containing the weight within the pocket. Stiffening within the spider provides an open, formed, shape retaining unit to distribute the weight of the tank and for convenience in putting the spider on.

Abstract: A support device, in particular for diving equipment parts, and of the type intended to be carried by the diver, comprises a clamping clip (1) which can be elastically opened and which grips the equipment part (2), and means (3, 4) for securing the clip (1) to a part of the equipment which is worn (5), such as a garment, a jacket, or a part of the harness. The device is particularly useful, especially for supporting an emergency regulator (2), known as an octopus rig. For this purpose in particular, a cap (8) for closing off the air outlet hole in the mouthpiece of the emergency regulator (2), is attached to the device.

Abstract: A drinking device for a diver includes a water container and a hand pump for pumping water to the diver's mouth. The hand pump includes a piston rod slidably engaged in a housing and two discs secured to the piston rod for separating the housing into an upper and a lower chambers. A passage is formed in the lower portion of the piston rod and has an aperture for communicating with a space formed between the discs. A sealing ring is slidably disposed in the space and may move upward to enclose the aperture for pumping the water in the lower chamber out of the housing. The sealing ring may also move downward to open the aperture for allowing the water in the upper chamber to flow into the lower chamber.

Abstract: A diving outfit, vest and tightening device is provided for securing an air tank to a vest element. The device operates by air pressure supplied from the diver's air tank, and tightening of the belt is achieved by pressurized extension of a piston within a cylinder. The device is useful for securing air tanks to diving vests, and the outfit, vest and device are useful for allowing divers to secure the air tank with a minimal of manual force.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator assembly includes an inflatable bladder for supporting on a diver's back. Inflation of the bladder and venting of the bladder are controlled from a control unit carried at the front of the diver. The bladder has a passageway extending under a portion of the bladder for guiding hoses from the outside of the bladder at the rear of the diver towards the control unit at the front of the diver. A guide sleeve extends from the bladder over the diver's shoulder for holding hoses close to the diver's body.

Abstract: A strap retainer system is disclosed. The strap retainer system has particular utility with diving masks and includes a buckle pivotably mounted to a frame. The buckle cooperates with a swivel mechanism to permit selective adjustment of the strap length. Additionally, the swivel mechanism is rotatably mounted to the buckle to permit upward and downward pivoting of the strap along the divers head to promote comfort and fit.

Abstract: A harness for use in scuba diving is disclosed. The harness is independent of the air cell and includes arcuate shoulder straps to promote the comfort of the scuba diver, particularly when moving about above water with the air tanks and other scuba equipment in place. The harness also has an affixed webbing system to which a rigid back pack may be adjustably mounted.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel backpack for use with a vest and buoyancy compensator combination. The backpack has a recess in which is disposed a novel traction pad. The traction pad is formed of a thin pad of resilient material capable of compression when a breathing gas tank is tightly held against it by means of a strap and fastener. This active compression holds the breathing gas tank in place.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator device having a pair of tank encircling straps for connection of the backpack to a compressed air tank, inflation hoses for receiving air from a tank and inflating the buoyancy compensator device and valves for releasing air from the buoyancy compensator including selectively operational valves and automatic over-inflation air releasing valves. The buoyancy compensator includes a backpack portion for supporting the tank and a harness system for attaching the backpack and buoyancy compensator to a wearer. The harness system includes adjustable shoulder straps and adjustable waist straps including a cumber bun for comfortably securing the buoyancy compensator around a wearer's torso.

Abstract: A depth sensitive diver safety system to be utilized with underwater breathing apparatus, the safety system including a first automatic ascent control stage which initiates gradual regulated inflation of a personal flotation device upon an air pressure from a pressurized air source of a user dropping to a danger/low air level corresponding a diver's depth, and a second automatic ascent control stage which is structured to initiate gradual, regulated inflation of the personal flotation device upon the diver's depth exceeding a preset safe depth level.

Abstract: A diving mask with a drain port on the lower front of a nose on the frame body of the mask. A flow guide tube is connected to the drain port and bent toward the lower edge of the nose. The flow guide tube of the drain port is provided with a check drain valve which uses the flow guide action of the flow guide tube to smoothly guide the water and the air blown out by the diver so that it flows to the lower edge of the diving mask without water diffusion. The diving mask also includes a fixing cover to cover the flow guide tube and nose so that the flow guide tube can be stably engaged with the nose.

Abstract: The device for buoyancy is intended to be used by scuba divers. It allows the adjustment of its buoyancy and keeps this buoyancy constant even at changing water pressure. Its weight is low. The device works with a mechanism for pressure control. The controller keeps the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the tank constant. The walls of the tank are expandable to allow the adjustment of the displaced volume.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator assembly for a diver is provided with a vest having an inner gas impermeable layer adapted to face a wearer and a congruently shaped opposing gas impermeable outer layer. The peripheral edges of the inner and outer layers are sealingly bonded to each other. The vest has an opening through a back portion of the vest. A backpack for removably retaining a longitudinally extending breathing gas tank has a baseplate generally disposed within the opening. Attached to the periphery of the baseplate is an edge. The edge is disposed between and integrally bonded to the inner and outer layers whereby the layers form a chamber to be selectively inflated to adjust the buoyancy of the diver. A restraining sheet is located between and alternately attached to the inner layer and outer layer to form aligned bands. The sheet forces the inner layer to curve inward about the sides of the diver when the chamber is inflated.

Abstract: A power inflator housing has a pressurized gas inlet for connection to a gas supply hose, an inflation outlet for connection to a buoyancy compensator inflation hose, a passageway connecting the gas inlet to the inflation outlet, and a valve actuating stem extending through part of the passageway into the gas inlet for selectively actuating a control valve at the outlet end of a gas supply hose coupled to the gas inlet. A manually operable button on the housing is linked to the stem for selectively urging the stem outwardly into an operative position to open the hose control valve. The stem is biassed towards an inoperative, retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for identifying a down diver in distress comprising activating automatic inflation means to inflate a tube, activating automatic signal means, to provide sensory indication of a diver in distress, releasing the tube and the signal means away from a diver's body, allowing the tube and the signal means to float to the surface of the water and signalling for help with the signal means.