Patents by Inventor Rick Kearney

Rick Kearney has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9022025
    Abstract: A combination apparatus integrates the operation of a snorkel with a diving regulator having a breathing chamber and a diaphragm/purge valve chamber. A compressed air tank is in fluid communication with the diving regulator and a normally closed regulator valve is disposed between the compressed air tank and the diving regulator. A regulator valve spring maintains the regulator valve in the normally closed position. In a first embodiment, the regulator valve spring exerts about eight pounds per square inch on the normally closed regulator valve. Air enters into the breathing chamber from the compressed air tank through the diaphragm/purge valve chamber when the submerged diver inhales. The apparatus enables surface snorkeling and underwater diving and the diver need not switch from a snorkel mouthpiece to a diving regulator mouthpiece. Further embodiments re-locate the snorkel tube exhaust valve and add a two-position valve to the snorkel main tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Innovatech Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Hipol, David Haldane, Rick Kearney
  • Publication number: 20150020799
    Abstract: A combination apparatus integrates the operation of a snorkel with a diving regulator having a breathing chamber and a diaphragm/purge valve chamber. A compressed air tank is in fluid communication with the diving regulator and a normally closed regulator valve is disposed between the compressed air tank and the diving regulator. A regulator valve spring maintains the regulator valve in the normally closed position. In a first embodiment, the regulator valve spring exerts about eight pounds per square inch on the normally closed regulator valve. Air enters into the breathing chamber from the compressed air tank through the diaphragm/purge valve chamber when the submerged diver inhales. The apparatus enables surface snorkeling and underwater diving and the diver need not switch from a snorkel mouthpiece to a diving regulator mouthpiece. Further embodiments re-locate the snorkel tube exhaust valve and add a two-position valve to the snorkel main tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Innovatech Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Hipol, David Haldane, Rick Kearney