Diver Assistance Device Patents (Class 114/315)
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Patent number: 8667920Abstract: An underwater diver glider includes: a body having a nose and a tail, opposed left and right sides, and spaced-apart upper and lower walls, the body including: an interior space defined between the upper and lower walls that is configured to contain a gas vessel therein; an air chamber defined in an upper portion of the body beneath the upper wall; and an outlet positioned in the body near the tail and below the upper wall, in communication with the air chamber; a pair of wings extending from left and right sides of the body, respectively; and a handle extending axially aft from the body.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Glenn Faires
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Patent number: 8651041Abstract: An underwater personal vehicle that as twin battery powered motors affixed to a central body. The propellers preferably counter-rotate and are in shrouds to allow true tracking without stabilizing fins. The operator holds onto the device and controls it from handles on the aft end of the central body. A light and supplemental ballast tubes are available. The thrust produced by the motors is at approximately the center of mass of the vehicle to further stabilize it during motion.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Inventor: Michael Myers
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Publication number: 20130291781Abstract: An underwater personal vehicle that as twin battery powered motors affixed to a central body. The propellers preferably counter-rotate and are in shrouds to allow true tracking without stabilizing fins. The operator holds onto the device and controls it from handles on the aft end of the central body. A light and supplemental ballast tubes are available. The thrust produced by the motors is at approximately the center of mass of the vehicle to further stabilize it during motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventor: Michael Myers
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Patent number: 8567336Abstract: A diver propulsion assembly includes a waist belt and at least one thruster. A thruster mounting assembly cooperates with the waist belt to mount the thruster to an upper leg of the diver.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Jetboots Holdings, LLCInventor: Benjamin A. Mazin
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Patent number: 8517781Abstract: Apparatus for propelling a diver in water includes propulsion blades positioned behind the diver and blade actuators operable to move the blades to propel the diver through use of the diver's leg movements.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Inventor: Reynaldo Mariansky
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Publication number: 20130061793Abstract: An underwater diver glider includes: a body having a nose and a tail, opposed left and right sides, and spaced-apart upper and lower walls, the body including: an interior space defined between the upper and lower walls that is configured to contain a gas vessel therein; an air chamber defined in an upper portion of the body beneath the upper wall; and an outlet positioned in the body near the tail and below the upper wall, in communication with the air chamber; a pair of wings extending from left and right sides of the body, respectively; and a handle extending axially aft from the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Glenn Faires
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Publication number: 20130008366Abstract: An underwater personal mobility device is provided. The underwater personal mobility device can include a superstructure rotatably connected to a main body comprised of an observation chamber, a transport handle and at least one wheel. The superstructure may further comprise an air conduit and snorkel to provide breathable air to a user. The device may have at least two configurations, including a folded configuration, to enable ease of transport and storage of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventor: Julien Montousse
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Patent number: 8336805Abstract: The invention relates to a propulsion device comprising a body arranged for receiving a passenger and engaging with a thrust unit supplied with a pressurized fluid from a compression station. The arrangement of such a device offers great freedom of movement through the air or under the surface of a fluid. The invention also relates to a propulsion system in which the compression station can be remote in the form of a motorized marine vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Person Water Craft ProductInventor: Frankie Zapata
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Publication number: 20120309241Abstract: An underwater propulsion device includes a number of modules allowing it to be used in a range of configurations including a tow/pull type scooter 300, a thigh strap configuration 700, a calf strap configuration 1100, a push configuration 1200, a tank mount configuration 1300. The device may include an underwater changeable battery canister 1600, a hand controller 216 that senses movement about the radius bone to generate direction and speed control signals and/or a front mounted headlight 224.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: OPCON PTE LTDInventor: Chee Hui Yeo
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Patent number: 8326534Abstract: A relative positioning system enabling a user to return to a starting position or some other point on the user's path. The system may include an array of accelerometers. The output from the accelerometers may be integrated to quantify movement of the array. The various movements of the array may be reconstructed to determine a net two or three dimensional translation. The current location of the array may be compared to a reference point to derive at trajectory directing the user to the reference point, such as an originating point. The trajectory may be continuously or periodically updated. Applications may include various displays presenting images, numbers, pointers, paths, vectors, or data by digital screens, watch faces, or other devices integrated with or remote from the processor calculating the vector back to the point of origin.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventor: Phillip M. Adams
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Patent number: 8251007Abstract: A restraint system for securing a user on a watercraft, on which the user at least partially rests. The restraint system has a belt strap which is passed around the body of the user. Also, the restraint system has two stepped straps which are fitted onto the belt strap in the area of the stomach of the user and also in the area of the back of the user and are each passed through the step of the user. A connecting strap, one end of which acts on the belt strap in the area of the stomach of the user, can be fitted at its other end to the watercraft. Also, this invention relates to a watercraft having such a belt system.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Rotinor GmbHInventor: Peter Walpurgis
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Patent number: 8191494Abstract: An underwater dive plane includes a central rotating hub, rotating wing holders on either side of the central rotating hub, and wings attached to the wing holders. The attachment is accomplished by a threaded bolt inserted through the center of the central rotating hub and through the center of the wing holders in a way that permits the wing holders to rotate around the threaded bolt. A rope threaded through a hole in the central rotating hub leads to a watercraft and allows towing a person holding onto the dive plane. The rotating wings allow the diver to control the angle and direction of the dive.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventors: Paul Richard Tosch, Jr., Mark Oliver Thomas Queen
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Patent number: 8171872Abstract: An Interactive Submergible Tow Craft pulled by a powered vessel such as water skies and tubes for tubing. A user seated in the craft has control over a pair of rudders which rotate either upward or downward causing the craft to submerge in water or breach the craft while being pulled through the water. The craft may be broken down into smaller parts for customization, maintenance or easy transport.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: Robert Jenkins
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Patent number: 8136469Abstract: A floating apparatus operable for towing at least one diver and providing compressed air thereto for underwater breathing includes a water impermeable and buoyant hollow housing that floats on a surface of a body of water. A power source is mounted on the housing and a compressor is provided and is operable by the power source for generating the compressed air. A propulsion generating assembly is operable by at least one of the power source and the compressor for generating a propulsion force capable of moving the apparatus and towing such at least one diver. A control device is operatively coupled to the propulsion generating assembly and is manually operable by the at least one diver for generating the propulsion force simultaneously with generation of the compressed air.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Inventor: Timothy J. Rosenberger
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Patent number: 8056493Abstract: The present invention provides an underwater vehicle for spearfishing, comprises a carrier unit, at least one actuator unit connected to the carrier unit and having a motor and a propeller driven by the motor to rotate, at least one image acquiring unit connected to the carrier unit for acquiring images, and at least one spearing unit connected to the carrier unit and including an air cylinder, a spear shaft driven by the air cylinder to move forwards and backwards, and a spear tip connected to a front end of the spear shaft for catching targeted animals. The underwater vehicle of the present invention provides necessary assistance to a user to carry out underwater activities and spearfishing in an easy and safe manner without the need of being accompanied by a professional instructor.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Chien-Chang Huang
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Patent number: 8033234Abstract: A diver propulsion system includes separate operatively associated battery, motor, transmission, and clutch modules and a separable bracket plate and bracket base that facilitates both storage of a propulsion unit and mounting the propulsion unit on the tank of a scuba diver.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventor: Dean A Vitale
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Patent number: 8027785Abstract: A relative positioning system enabling a user to return to a starting position or some other point on the user's path. The system may include an array of accelerometers. The output from the accelerometers may be integrated to quantify movement of the array. The various movements of the array may be reconstructed to determine a net two or three dimensional translation. The current location of the array may be compared to a reference point to derive at trajectory directing the user to the reference point, such as an originating point. The trajectory may be continuously or periodically updated. Applications may include various displays presenting images, numbers, pointers, paths, vectors, or data by digital screens, watch faces, or other devices integrated with or remote from the processor calculating the vector back to the point of origin.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: Phillip M. Adams
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Patent number: 8011314Abstract: A personal dive device includes a body having a power source that is disposed in the body with a voltage of the power source being greater than or equal to about 37 volts. A controller is in electrical communication with the power source. A rotary device is in selective electrical communication with the controller and a propeller assembly is engaged with the rotary device. A method for controlling the speed of a personal dive device includes providing a personal dive device having a power source disposed within a body and an electronic controller. A signal from a trigger mechanism is received. An effective power output from the power source is varied based on the signal from the trigger mechanism. The effective power output from the power source is provided to a rotary device that is in selective electrical communication with the electronic controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventors: Benjamin McGeever, Andrew Georgitsis
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Patent number: 7992510Abstract: A personal watercraft is provided that is capable of achieving high speeds. The craft can operate on a surface of a body of water or beneath the surface of the body of water. The personal watercraft includes a hull, a streamlined water tunnel disposed within the hull, a plurality of fins extending from the hull, a propeller disposed within the water tunnel, a motor disposed within the hull and outside of the water tunnel, a water intake at the front of the water tunnel and at the front and bottom of the hull, first and second water exhausts at the rear of the water tunnel and at the rear and bottom of the hull, and first and second handgrips located at the rear of the hull. The propeller can pull water into the water tunnel via the water intake, and the amount of water entering the watercraft at any given time is substantially the same as the amount of water exiting the watercraft via the water tunnel and the water exhausts.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Inventor: Franklin D. Dial
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Publication number: 20110174209Abstract: The underwater personal propulsion device is placed between the diver's lower legs to allow hands-free operation of the device by the diver. The device includes a pair of footrests extending laterally from its lower end, and a pair of braces or pads extending from the sides of the device to allow the diver to brace the device between his or her lower legs. A series of straps, e.g., bungee cords, extend from the upper end of the device to the diver's waist belt, e.g., the conventional weight belt, or to attachments or straps extending therefrom. Power control is provided by a controller installed on the diver's belt or, alternatively, by a foot or lower leg control. The device is easily aimed or steered by manipulation of the diver's legs, thereby allowing the diver to maneuver while his or her hands remain free for other operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventor: MATTHEW J. THIESSEN
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Patent number: 7963814Abstract: An electric motor-driven water craft including a fuselage, on which a user can at least partially lie or stand. The fuselage has a flow channel with a screw that is driven by an electric motor and contains the electric motor and batteries, in addition to a control device for the electric motor and the screw, and those items are housed at least partially in the flow channel. This invention provides a higher power for motor-driven water craft of this type by locating the batteries in a water-tight housing. At least some sections of the batteries are in thermally conductive contact with the housing. The housing can be at least partially of a thermally conductive material and/or the electric motor is an internal-rotor motor. The stator is in thermal conductive contact with a housing of the electric motor by a heat conducting unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Rotinor GmbHInventor: Jürgen Grimmeisen
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Patent number: 7900867Abstract: The present invention provides a personal propulsion device including a body unit having a center of gravity, where the body unit includes a thrust assembly providing a main conduit in fluid communication with at least two thrust nozzles, with the thrust nozzles being located above the center of gravity of the body unit. The thrust nozzles are independently pivotable about a transverse axis located above the center of gravity, and may be independently controlled by a single common linkage. The present invention may further include a base unit having an engine and a pump, which provides pressurized fluid to the body unit through a delivery conduit in fluid communication with both the base unit and the thrust assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Inventor: Raymond Li
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Publication number: 20100236467Abstract: An underwater dive plane includes a central rotating hub, rotating wing holders on either side of the central rotating hub, and wings attached to the wing holders. The attachment is accomplished by a threaded bolt inserted through the center of the central rotating hub and through the center of the wing holders in a way that permits the wing holders to rotate around the threaded bolt. A rope threaded through a hole in the central rotating hub leads to a watercraft and allows towing a person holding onto the dive plane. The rotating wings allow the diver to control the angle and direction of the dive.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Paul Richard Tosch, JR., Mark Oliver Thomas Queen
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Publication number: 20100212571Abstract: A diver-propulsion unit 1 has a two-part cylindrical casing 2,3 with hand-grips 9 either side for holding forwardly of the swimming diver and giving maneuverability. Propulsion-thrust is from a propeller 15 rotating within a cylindrical duct 14 of a nozzle-mount 11 to which the casing-parts 2,3 are clamped. The propeller 15 is driven via a belt-drive 25,26 by an electric motor 22 which is mounted on the nozzle-mount 11 outside the duct 14 and which is powered by batteries in externally-projecting pods 31 of the rear casing-part 3. The belt-drive 25,26 extends across the water-flow to the duct 14 within a channel 29 of the nozzle-mount 11. The channel 29 is closed by a radial cover-shell 6 of the front casing-part 2, and a fairing 30 of the casing-part 2 projects into a cylindrical rim 13 of the nozzle-mount 11 to establish a flow-path of reducing cross-sectional area into the duct 14.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: MAYHEM UK LIMITEDInventor: Matthew Edward Thomas White
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Patent number: 7740418Abstract: An apparatus for underwater propulsion. The apparatus may include a hydrofoil, a buoyancy compensator connected to the hydrofoil, a tank containing air, and a controller regulating the passage of air from the tank into the buoyancy compensator. The controller may also regulate the escape of air from the buoyancy compensator. By positioning the hydrofoil underwater and alternating between positive and negative angles of attack, a diver may generate forward propulsion by manipulating the controller to correspondingly alternate the buoyant force produced by the buoyancy compensator between levels below and above neutral buoyancy.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Inventor: Phillip M. Adams
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Patent number: 7735772Abstract: The present invention provides a personal propulsion device including a body unit having a center of gravity, where the body unit includes a thrust assembly providing a main conduit in fluid communication with at least two thrust nozzles, with the thrust nozzles being located above the center of gravity of the body unit. The thrust nozzles are independently pivotable about a transverse axis located above the center of gravity, and may be independently controlled by a single common linkage. The present invention may further include a base unit having an engine and a pump, which provides pressurized fluid to the body unit through a delivery conduit in fluid communication with both the base unit and the thrust assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventor: Raymond Li
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Publication number: 20100126405Abstract: A diver propulsion system includes separate operatively associated battery, motor, transmission, and clutch modules and a separable bracket plate and bracket base that facilitates both storage of a propulsion unit and mounting the propulsion unit on the tank of a scuba diver.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2010Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventor: Dean A. Vitale
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Patent number: 7699017Abstract: A personal water craft propelled on the water's surface by the user pedaling a pedal crank that in turn rotates a propeller thrusting the craft in a forward or rearward direction. Steering is accomplished by an operator-controlled rudder at the aft of the craft. The craft is of unique design lending to persons who desire to snorkel observing undersea life in a comfortable prone position of appropriate pedal posture while enjoying the ease of navigating by pedal propulsion with less expenditure of effort than swimming.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Donald K. Marshall
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Patent number: 7654215Abstract: A diver propulsion system includes separate operatively associated battery, motor, transmission, and clutch modules.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Inventor: Dean A. Vitale
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Publication number: 20090249991Abstract: A personal dive device includes a body having a power source that is disposed in the body with a voltage of the power source being greater than or equal to about 37 volts. A controller is in electrical communication with the power source. A rotary device is in selective electrical communication with the controller and a propeller assembly is engaged with the rotary device. A method for controlling the speed of a personal dive device includes providing a personal dive device having a power source disposed within a body and an electronic controller. A signal from a trigger mechanism is received. An effective power output from the power source is varied based on the signal from the trigger mechanism. The effective power output from the power source is provided to a rotary device that is in selective electrical communication with the electronic controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Benjamin McGeever, Andrew Georgitsis
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Patent number: 7584711Abstract: A towable underwater craft includes a main body contoured to support the rider in the prone position, a contoured leading edge, left and right arm guards, left and right independently actuated hydrofoils and a tow rope. The majority of the craft is constructed from a foam core and a fiber-reinforced polymer exterior to provide the required buoyancy and strength. The tow rope is attached at one end to a powered water craft and to the craft at the opposite end. The pitch of the left and right hydrofoils are controlled independently by the rider. This actuation controls both the depth and roll of the craft enabling the rider to fully control the craft below the surface of the water while being towed.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Inventor: Eric W. Healy
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Publication number: 20090217859Abstract: A towable underwater craft includes a main body contoured to support the rider in the prone position, a contoured leading edge, left and right arm guards, left and right independently actuated hydrofoils and a tow rope. The majority of the craft is constructed from a foam core and a fiber-reinforced polymer exterior to provide the required buoyancy and strength. The tow rope is attached at one end to a powered water craft and to the craft at the opposite end. The pitch of the left and right hydrofoils are controlled independently by the rider. This actuation controls both the depth and roll of the craft enabling the rider to fully control the craft below the surface of the water while being towed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventor: Eric Healy
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Publication number: 20090140117Abstract: A turret mount apparatus that allows for an instrument to be rotatably and removably attached to a vehicle platform, such as an underwater scooter. In an underwater scooter implementation, such an apparatus comprises two primary components: one attached to the scooter, namely, a turret mount base, the other directly or indirectly attachable to the instrument (e.g., camera), namely, a turret mount top, these two complementary components forming a turret and allowing rotational movement in the horizontal plane when mated. The turret mount apparatus allows a diver to attach and detach the turret mount, as well as rotate the instrument to the desired angle, manually without tools.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2005Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Rodney Nairne
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Patent number: 7527011Abstract: Scuba tank compressed air can now power a dual piston compound motor driving dual water thrusters of a steady pulling underwater propulsion vehicle. Motor exhaust provides diver breathing air through a demand regulator. Motor efficiency allows continual, powerful diver thrust without curtailing normal tank dive time. Lightweight vehicle can be strapped to the scuba tank for “hands free” operation or “diver held” for driving through the water. Diver controls off/on/variable speed with a simple throttle control. Propeller or battery is not required.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Inventor: James L. Smith
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Publication number: 20090056613Abstract: A diver propulsion system includes separate operatively associated battery, motor, transmission, and clutch modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Dean A. Vitale
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Publication number: 20090044742Abstract: An apparatus for underwater propulsion. The apparatus may include a hydrofoil, a buoyancy compensator connected to the hydrofoil, a tank containing air, and a controller regulating the passage of air from the tank into the buoyancy compensator. The controller may also regulate the escape of air from the buoyancy compensator. By positioning the hydrofoil underwater and alternating between positive and negative angles of attack, a diver may generate forward propulsion by manipulating the controller to correspondingly alternate the buoyant force produced by the buoyancy compensator between levels below and above neutral buoyancy.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventor: Phillip M. Adams
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Patent number: 7487043Abstract: A relative positioning system enabling a user to return to a starting position or some other point on the user's path. The system may include an array of accelerometers. The output from the accelerometers may be integrated to quantify movement of the array. The various movements of the array may be reconstructed to determine a net two or three dimensional translation. The current location of the array may be compared to a reference point to derive at trajectory directing the user to the reference point The trajectory may be continuously or periodically updated. Another application may include an accelerometer array secured at various positions on a ski to monitor distortion of the ski and the skier's movements. Reconstructing the skier's movements may be accomplished by integrating the accelerometer output and transforming the integrated output into a two or three dimensional path or location.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Inventor: Phillip M. Adams
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Publication number: 20090000617Abstract: A floating apparatus operable for towing at least one diver and providing compressed air thereto for underwater breathing includes a water impermeable and buoyant hollow housing that floats on a surface of a body of water. A power source is mounted on the housing and a compressor is provided and is operable by the power source for generating the compressed air. A propulsion generating assembly is operable by at least one of the power source and the compressor for generating a propulsion force capable of moving the apparatus and towing such at least one diver. A control device is operatively coupled to the propulsion generating assembly and is manually operable by the at least one diver for generating the propulsion force simultaneously with generation of the compressed air.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventor: Timothy J. Rosenberger
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Patent number: 7448340Abstract: The diving device is comprised of a hollow hull with a side profile which is rounded at the front and tapered at the back for low resistance in water. The hull includes side wings on opposite sides of a bulbous body. Handles are arranged in the wings. The buoyancy of the diving device is adjusted by letting in or draining water through a valve at the back of the hull. Fill level marks on the hull show how much water is inside the hull, which is preferably transparent to show the fill level. The buoyancy provides resistance during descend and assistance during ascend. A sealed, air-filled shell is positioned inside hull to provide a minimum amount of buoyancy even if the hull is completely filled. A valve at the front of the hull may be opened during ascend to release bubbles for amusement.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Inventor: Edward Gibson
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Publication number: 20080121164Abstract: A system and method for propelling an underwater diver provides for oral activation of a propulsion means. Specifically, the system includes a mouthpiece in fluid communication with an air tank and electrically connected to the propulsion means via a circuit. A switch is positioned in the mouthpiece such that the diver may bite the mouthpiece to selectively operate the switch and complete the circuit. When the circuit is completed, the propulsion means is activated to propel the diver via a motor that operates an impellor. Preferably, the motor and impellor are contained in a housing along with a power storage device and the air tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventor: Herve Jaubert
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Patent number: 7353767Abstract: An underwater recreation apparatus and method therefor. The apparatus allows a diver to explore varying water depths with a minimal amount of equipment and with manageable equipment. The apparatus also allows the diver to cover substantial distances with minimal physical strain.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Inventor: Thomas R. Taelman
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Patent number: 7347158Abstract: A safety system for underwater propulsion devices operated by scuba divers includes sensors that detect the vertical velocity of the device. If the descent or ascent is greater than 60 feet per minute, the system reduces the vertical speed by changing the pitch of the device or reducing the speed of the device. By regulating the vertical speed, the device can be used safely with less chance of injury to the scuba diver due to rapid compression or decompression.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Inventor: Graham Hawkes
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Publication number: 20080035044Abstract: A submersible vehicle includes a hull having at least one main ballast buoyancy tank and an operator compartment. Further, the hull includes an air tank bay for receiving at least one tank of compressed air, and a battery box for holding the vehicle batteries. An opening is formed in the hull for ingress and egress of the operator compartment, and a canopy is mounted on the hull for covering the opening when the canopy is closed. Additionally, the vehicle includes a thruster unit for propelling the vehicle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the water. Further, a propeller assembly propels the vehicle in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the water. A buoyancy control system works in concert with the thruster unit and a buoyancy tank to establish the position of the vehicle relative to the surface of the water, and to maintain neutral buoyancy for the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventor: HERVE JAUBERT
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Patent number: 7328669Abstract: An apparatus for underwater propulsion. The apparatus may include a hydrofoil, a buoyancy compensator connected to the hydrofoil, a tank containing air, and a controller regulating the passage of air from the tank into the buoyancy compensator. The controller may also regulate the escape of air from the buoyancy compensator. By positioning the hydrofoil underwater and alternating between positive and negative angles of attack, a diver may generate forward propulsion by manipulating the controller to correspondingly alternate the buoyant force produced by the buoyancy compensator between levels below and above neutral buoyancy.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Inventor: Phillip M. Adams
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Patent number: 7329160Abstract: A motorized watercraft with a hull of the craft on which a user lies prone, at least partially, or stands up, with a flow channel extending in the hull of the craft with an electric motor-driven water screw. The electric motor and the batteries, as well as the control device for the electric motor and the water screw are housed, at least partially, in the flow channel in the hull of the craft. A clear increase in efficiency can be attained in connection with the motorized watercraft if a flow stator is arranged in the flow channel of the water screw, upstream, or preferably downstream, in the flow direction, which at least partially straightens the rotating water flow generated in the flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Inventor: Andrea Grimmeisen
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Patent number: 7270074Abstract: A diver propulsion system includes separate battery and motor-transmission modules.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventors: James T. Pradetto, Dean A. Vitale
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Patent number: 7258301Abstract: The present invention provides a personal propulsion device including a body unit having a center of gravity, where the body unit includes a thrust assembly providing a main conduit in fluid communication with at least two thrust nozzles, with the thrust nozzles being located above the center of gravity of the body unit. The thrust nozzles are independently pivotable about a transverse axis located above the center of gravity, and may be independently controlled by a single common linkage. The present invention may further include a base unit having an engine and a pump, which provides pressurized fluid to the body unit through a delivery conduit in fluid communication with both the base unit and the thrust assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Inventor: Raymond Li
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Patent number: 7159528Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methods for a plurality of users to work and/or play underwater with a supply of breathable air. The breathable air is taken from the atmosphere above the surface of the water. The air is sent to one or two submerged users. The apparatus and its components are enclosed in a water resistant enclosure encapsulated by an inner tube which floats on the surface of the water. The apparatus provides breathable air to one or two users from a flexible air supply line, which runs from the apparatus to each submerged user. The air pumps of the apparatus push a constant flow of breathable air to each user. Each user inhales air from the apparatus with a mouth piece that is connected to the air supply line which is connected to the air pumps. Equipment such as regulators, tanks or reservoirs are not needed. The apparatus is powered by a dry cell battery and does not require fuel to operate.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Wesley L. Hilliker
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Patent number: 7152548Abstract: A boat comprises an elevator and a boat hull having a deck and defining a dive opening. The dive opening extends vertically from the deck to the water and defines an enclosed passageway having upper and lower openings. Depending on the dive opening's location in the boat hull, the passageway may or may not be enclosed on all sides. Means are included for selectively moving the elevator between a raised configuration above the dive opening and a lowered configuration by passing through the passageway. A floor of the elevator is adjacent the boat hull deck when the elevator is at the raised configuration, and the elevator floor is below a water surface when the elevator is at the lowered configuration so a user may easily travel between the water and the elevator. Means for actuating the means for moving the elevator are preferably accessible from inside and outside the elevator.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventors: Greg Barstow, Mark Sanchez
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Patent number: 7124701Abstract: Electric Propulsion system supported by a special usable harness slinging from scuba divers, deep-sea divers or simple swimmers, advantageously fed by a sophisticated system of rechargeable batteries, inserted inside several united watertight containers between them. The innovative structure, allow to all specialized operators to move forward underwater even if the immersions will be made in depth and for prolonged for long time periods, through the use of a motorized propulsion module. Another characteristic of the system is that it will allow a user to move and be operated in complete freedom and under any condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Inventor: Osvaldo Valente