Abstract: An underwater exhaust system and method which includes an exhaust valve having a sealing edge, an exhaust outlet for exiting an exhaust gas, and a projection for directing water flow away from the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve includes a valve head and a valve stem, the valve stem being coupled with the valve head. The system and method prevent a siphoning effect, whereby leakage of water into the exhaust valve is minimized or prevented.

Abstract: An underwater exhaust system and method which includes an exhaust valve having a sealing edge, an exhaust outlet for exiting an exhaust gas, and a bubble deflector for directing water flow away from the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve includes a valve head and a valve stem, the valve stem being coupled with the valve head. The system and method prevent a siphoning effect, whereby leakage of water through the exhaust valve is minimized or prevented.

Abstract: A tubular body is operatively coupled to an oral nasal mask and provided with lateral apertures adapted for fluid flow. A flexible valve is mounted onto one end of the tubular body and adapted to seal the lateral apertures under normal operation conditions and expose the lateral apertures for fluid flow during emergency operation conditions. The sealed lateral apertures keep exhaust gases from escaping the oral nasal mask and contaminating the interior of the diving equipment during normal operation conditions. The exposed lateral apertures allow air from an alternate source to reach the mouth and nose of a user covered by the oral nasal mask during emergency operation conditions. The exposed lateral apertures allow excess water to be removed from inside the diving equipment. The valve system may be implemented as an integrated regulator mount nut/valve system.

Abstract: A diving helmet bubble diverter comprises a front skirt portion and a rear skirt portion attached to the front skirt portion at one end. The rear skirt portion is configured for mounting onto the diving helmet breathing regulator assembly. The attached front and rear skirt portions form side pockets that divert exhaust air bubbles away from the diver's mask when the rear skirt portion is mounted onto the regulator assembly. The mounted rear skirt portion forms a protective barrier between the exterior wall of the diving helmet and the exhaust whisker of the breathing regulator assembly that prevents air bubbles exiting the whisker from coming into contact with the diving helmet during diving activities.

Abstract: An underwater exhaust system includes an exhaust valve with a valve cover operatively coupled thereto. The valve cover is adapted to create an exhaled air pocket on the water interface side of the valve. The exhaled air pocket allows the valve to operate under reduced water resistance. The valve cover includes at least one water inlet passage and at least one exhaust gas opening.

Abstract: Provided are exemplary embodiments of an underwater breathing exhaust system configured to lower the exhalation, effort and to direct water adjacent an exhaust valve to reduce the likelihood of water entering the system and/or gas free flowing from the system.

Abstract: A retaining system for the hood, face seal, and mounting band(s) of facemasks that have a hood and/or a face seal that are sealed and securely mounted to the mask using a band type of clamping method, is provided. The retaining system may include a redundant system that may not allow the mask to be separated from the hood, face seal, and the mounting band(s).