Abstract: A regulator for a self-contained breathing apparatus having a regulator body connected to a source of high pressure gas. An in-line valve within the regulator body is in communication with the source of high pressure gas. A primary burst disc is disposed within the in-line valve which is adapted to block the passage of gas from the source of pressurized gas when the gas is pressurized below a given pressure and to give way when the gas is pressurized above a given pressure when the in-line valve is closed. A first stage regulator is disposed within the regulator body for receipt of pressurized gas when the in-line valve is open. A demand regulator can be connected to the regulator body for receipt of regulated breathing gas from the first stage regulator. A conduit within the regulator body extends from the high pressure chamber to ambient and a burst disc is disposed within the conduit which will burst above a given gas pressure.

Abstract: A regulator for a self-contained breathing apparatus having a regulator body connected to a source of high pressure gas. An in-line valve within the regulator body is in communication with the source of high pressure gas. A primary burst disc is disposed within the in-line valve which is adapted to block the passage of gas from the source of pressurized gas when the gas is pressurized below a given pressure and to give way when the gas is pressurized above a given pressure when the in-line valve is closed. A first stage regulator is disposed within the regulator body for receipt of pressurized gas when the in-line valve is open. A demand regulator can be connected to the regulator body for receipt of regulated breathing gas from the first stage regulator. A conduit within the regulator body extends from the high pressure chamber to ambient and a burst disc is disposed within the conduit which will burst above a given gas pressure.

Abstract: A movable valve member is disposed within a first stage regulator within a regulator body for receipt of pressurized gas. The movable valve member is formed of a metal having an enlarged head and an attached stem with a shoulder integral with the stem adjacent the enlarged head. Surrounding the head and extending peripherally is an elastomeric or plastic material. A support washer is pressed over the shoulder against the plastic molded surface and is frictionally engaged to support the elastomeric or plastic material. A process for making the movable valve member is also provided.

Abstract: A swimmer's goggles incorporating an electronic timer and display for displaying the times of a swimmer with a display accessible to a swimmer connected to the goggles. An accelerometer is used to determine a swimmer's movement with an electronic circuit for processing the information from the accelerometer to determine a swimmer's movements and time between movements.

Abstract: A regulator of the type used for second stage regulation of air or breathing gas having a circular portion and a valve body mounted within the body. A diaphragm is mounted in the circular portion which responds to pressure differentials on either side of the diaphragm with a spring loaded poppet for valving gas. Two angled walls extend from the circular portion, each forming a plane which intersects the other, and at least one exhaust valve is mounted in each of the two respective walls which are angled to each other forming an angled cavity adjacent the valves.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein comprises a self-contained breathing apparatus regulator having a valve seat for overlying the crown of an orifice wherein high pressure gas is regulated by said valve seat into said orifice. The valve seat has a valve seat body of an inverted T shaped configuration. The upright portion of the T shaped configuration is seated within a spring block assembly having a seal around said upright portion. A continuous plastic coating is provided around the valve seat body into the zone of said orifice and beyond the zone of said seal so as to expose the junction only to intermediate pressure to prevent delamination of the plastic from the valve seat body.

Abstract: The disclosure sets forth a diver's gauge boot having a first portion for receipt of a depth gauge and second portion for receiving a tank pressure gauge therein, with a sleeve for connecting the tank pressure gauge into a high pressure hose adapted for connection to a tank for indicating pressure in the tank, and a rotational connector between the first portion and the second portion with a pocket in the second portion for receiving a second instrument on a side of said second portion disposed away from said tank pressure gauge.

Abstract: The specification discloses a diver's snorkel having an elongated tube with a fitting at the end incorporating a mouthpiece. Distal from the mouthpiece is a water drainage purge chamber extending away from the mouthpiece. The entrance conduit interconnecting the elongated tube to the mouthpiece and the purge chamber is at an angle sloping downwardly from the mouthpiece during use. The purge chamber is angled inwardly toward a diver's chin when in use so that the axis thereof is at an angle to the axis of the mouthpiece. The purge chamber has a purge valve distal from the mouthpiece and incorporates a chamber of significant volume for drainage from the mouthpiece and the elongated tube in an unobstructed manner.

Abstract: An adjustable regulator of the type having fluid coupling oil within a cavity exposed to ambient pressure and overlying a diaphragm which operates based upon imbalances of said ambient pressure and an intermediate pressure zone on the other side of said diaphragm. The adjustment of the spring on the diaphragm is accomplished by means of a cap screw which is screwed into the sidewalls of the regulator within the cavity holding the oil. The oil is prevented from draining from the cavity by a second diaphragm overlying the oil in the cavity which can flex based upon changes in ambient pressure. The cap screw has a threaded extension in the form of a stem and tool surface on the other side of said stem for turning said cap screw.

Abstract: The disclosure of this specification illustrates and teaches the use of a self contained breathing apparatus for attachment to a user's back and incorporates a plurality of tanks having a manifold between them that is common to all with a single filling block leading thereto, and a reserve system mounted at one end thereof. The reserve system comprises a poppet valve which signals a loss in pressure by closing, after which it can then be actuated to open it for supplying the remaining portion of the reserve breathing gas through the manifold.The system also has a first and second stage regulator to provide regulated breathing gas to a user. The first stage regulator incorporates a dynamically balanced piston which is supported by an O Ring or torroidal member that is deformed through its cross section to provide movement to the valving piston. The O Ring is eliptical through its cross section.

Abstract: The following disclosure discloses a buoyancy compensator having an inflatable bladder at the front and rear of a diver, so that adequate buoyancy is provided with respect to the diver's entire torso. The buoyancy compensator has a strap and harness arrangement that incorporates securement of a backpack thereto for an underwater breathing gas tank that is strapped thereon. The buoyancy compensator includes a low pressure inflation system, an oral inflation member, and a valve for releasing excess pressure either through overexpansion or by manual articulation of the valve cover. A low pressure inflation system for the buoyancy compensator utilizes exhaust breathing gas for pressurization of the buoyancy compensator from the second stage regulator exhaust. The exhaust flow into the buoyancy compensator can be controlled as to pressure and displacement by a pressure relief valve and switching and valving manifold control system.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a conformable elastomeric diving suit, known in the art as a wet suit. The suit includes conduits for delivering heated fluid, preferably water, to the diver at different portions along the diver's body by means of a conduit that has been formed as an elongated hollow member that can be stitched or adhered into the suit's seams. The conduits have openings that relate to those portions of the body to which hot water is to be delivered between the diver's skin and the interior of the wet suit. The conduits are extruded or made from plastic or elastomeric material that is stitched or adhered to seams within the wet wuit material, so as to provide one continuous seam or joining member in the seam, which serves to provide the hot water flow to the diver for heating purposes.

Abstract: The disclosure of this specification illustrates and teaches the use of a self contained breathing apparatus for attachment to a user's back and incorporates a plurality of tanks having a manifold between them that is common to all with a single filling block leading thereto, and a reserve system mounted at one end thereof. The reserve system comprises a poppet valve which signals a loss in pressure by closing, after which it can then be actuated to open it for supplying the remaining portion of the reserve breathing gas through the manifold.The system also has a first and second stage regulator to provide regulated breathing gas to a user. The first stage regulator incorporates a dynamically balanced piston which is supported by an O-ring that is deformed through its cross section to provide movement to the valving piston.The entire system is encapsulated within a package or casing which can be opened along a parting line thereof and which is secured by over-center latches.

Abstract: A compartmentalized full face mask having a flexible sealing flange around the periphery thereof for sealing the body of the mask against a diver's face. The body of the mask has an upper facially oriented opening for receipt of a viewing lens, and a lower opening for receipt of an accessory plate. The lens and accessory plate are secured in the face mask by a band which circumscribes the outer periphery of the body of the face mask for tightly holding the viewing lens and accessory plate in a groove in the body of the mask.The lens and accessory plate partially define an upper and lower chamber with a nose portion and a sealing flange dividing them. The sealing flange provides a lower chamber which can be utilized with accessories of various types in a manner not possible in the prior art. The lower chamber also serves to enhance the underwater sound transmission capabilities of the mask.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a foot fin for propelling one through the water, having a blade surface that can be oriented within the same axis as the leg of a user. The foot fin enables one to propel oneself through the water and maintain a similar axial orientation of the driving portion of the fin, to the user's leg. In order to provide for walking while the fin is not being used in the water, a hinge point is inserted within the fin to allow it to be placed within the same general plane as the sole of a user's foot.