Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting and decompressing one or more live specimens from a relatively high-pressure environment. The apparatus includes at least one hyperbaric chamber having an inner jar and an outer jar, the inner jar being insertable into the outer jar. A pump is configured to provide a pressurized fluid to the hyperbaric chamber. The inner and outer jars are respectively dimensioned such that an annular gap is created between them when the inner jar is inserted into the outer jar. The annular gap is configured as a return path for the pressurized fluid to travel from a second outer end to a first outer end of the outer jar. At least one pressure control valve is operatively connected to and configured to control an internal pressure of the hyperbaric chamber. The pressure control valve is selectively adjusted to decompress the live specimens.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting and decompressing one or more live specimens from a relatively high-pressure environment. The apparatus includes at least one hyperbaric chamber having an inner jar and an outer jar, the inner jar being insertable into the outer jar. A pump is configured to provide a pressurized fluid to the hyperbaric chamber. The inner and outer jars are respectively dimensioned such that an annular gap is created between them when the inner jar is inserted into the outer jar. The annular gap is configured as a return path for the pressurized fluid to travel from a second outer end to a first outer end of the outer jar. At least one pressure control valve is operatively connected to and configured to control an internal pressure of the hyperbaric chamber. The pressure control valve is selectively adjusted to decompress the live specimens.

Abstract: A reuseable panel for equalizing pressure between adjacent compartments includes a frame and a movable floor which is releasably sandwiched within the frame on three sides. When there is a sufficiently large pressure differential between the compartments, the three sides of the door are dislodged from the frame (blowout) thereby exposing an opening to allow the pressure between the compartments to equalize. In order to provide additional control over the pressure at which door blowout occurs, one end of a flexible strap is fixedly attached to the door while the other end is removably connected to an attachment bracket which is fixed to the frame. By adjusting (i) the configuration of the attachment bracket, (ii) the depth at which the door is sandwiched within the frame, (iii) the number of attachment brackets, (iv) the position of the attachment brackets, and (v) the side of the frame on which the attachment brackets are mounted, the pressure differential at which door blowout occurs can be adjusted.