Diver Assistance Device Patents (Class 114/315)
  • Patent number: 5997216
    Abstract: A neutral buoyancy auto-balancer eliminates the need for complex manipulation and operation in accordance with a change in diving depth. The auto-balancer automatically follows, rapidly and precisely, the change in diving depth by natural breathing during diving, and resolves the risk of failure of air-trapping not only in the vertical position but also in a slanted position to automatically follow a working posture of the diver. The neutral buoyancy auto-balancer comprises a weight 4 which radially outwardly extends from a shaft 14 which is rotatably supported at central holes 121, 131 of a cylinder 11 body. A nozzle 22 of an inlet duct 2 is fixed in the opposite direction to the projected weight 4. An inlet port 32 of an outlet duct 3 for both air evacuation and feed and drainage of water radially outwardly opens in the same direction as the weight 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Yoko Kawashima
  • Patent number: 5988096
    Abstract: A tow sub that has a bullet-shaped shell to cover the front of a diver. The shell is large enough to be comfortable for a diver lying in the shell. The shell has lenses that provide ample vision for the diver. The tow sub has two independent control surfaces. The first, is a fixed dive plane that can be attached to the top, sides or bottom of the shell. This dive plane acts as a diving plane. The second is a pivoting rear elevator control surface that is mounted on a tail boom. The pivoting elevator is controlled from within the shell by a yoke controller. The tow sub has a tow hook that has a quick release mechanism. Using this mechanism, the diver can disconnect the sub from the tow line from within the shell. When disconnected in this way, the sub stops and slowly rises to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: Daniel Benesch, David Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5984739
    Abstract: A detachable propulsion unit for a scuba diver's air tank is provided to create a hands-free personal propulsion device. The invention comprises an air tank receiving boot member, a propeller motor, power supply and quick connect straps for attachment to the diver. The unit may be quickly released from the air tank in the event of an emergency. A buoyancy and trim control air bag is also provided to help the diver maintain horizontal trim in the water and to control ballast. If desired, an attachment is provided to allow conversion into a hand held propulsion unit separate from connection with the air tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Christopher Donahue
  • Patent number: 5970900
    Abstract: A streamlined towable diving board is provided for use on top of or beneath the surface of water. The board is equipped with ergonomically contoured handles featuring pistol grips and an approximate five degree radius of curvature equipped with a soft, pliable covering. The board is designed to be floatable and to automatically return to the surface upon being released by the user underwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Florida Outdoor Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Patric Sheldon, George A. LaMarca, Gary Skrobeck
  • Patent number: 5957079
    Abstract: A diving ballast (131) is adapted to be fitted to a scuba tank, so as to replace or at least supplement a waist-fitted weightbelt. The diving ballast (131) comprises an elongate flexible strap formed with open-ended weight-receiving holsters (122) therein and a plurality of weights (126) each having expanded ends and a waisted portion (127) defined between the expanded ends. Each weight is of such dimensions in relation to a weight-receiving holster (122) so that the expanded end of the weight can be worked through the holsters so that the weighted portion is held captive within the holster. The expanded end of the weight can only be worked through the holster when the strap is slack and the waisted portion (127) is held captive by the material of the holster when the strap is under tension along its length. The diving ballast extends to a waist-fitted weightbelt of the type described, as well as to an ankle-belt having a similar configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Johannes Mattheus Wessels
  • Patent number: 5906521
    Abstract: An individual water vehicle is disclosed for propelling an operator through or across the surface of water. The individual water vehicle includes a case having a foot platform upon which an operator may stand. In operation, the operator is suspended in the water in a semi-submerged position. A propeller at the base of the water vehicle creates a thrust toward the center of gravity of the operator. The operator may be propelled through or across the surface of the water in a chosen direction by shifting the operator's center of gravity toward the chosen direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Patrick A. Tippmann
  • Patent number: 5878687
    Abstract: A boat for divers comprising a hull in which there is a flow channel with a propulsion screw. The hull includes a flow channel for the water, an electric motor and control devices for the motor and the bow of the hull has a hydrodynamic configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Jurgen Grimmeisen
  • Patent number: 5785563
    Abstract: A self contained underwater ball ("SCUBall") is a self-powered, aquatic sporting device. The SCUBAll is neutrally buoyant when submerged in water, and has a center of gravity located at the SCUBall's center of buoyancy, and aligned with the axis of hydrodynamic forces. The SCUBall includes a switch, accessible from outside the SCUBall, which upon activation causes said propulsion unit to be energized for a time interval after activation of said switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas Mark Peaslee
  • Patent number: 5785565
    Abstract: A swimming flipper device that is worn on the foot of a person while swimming in the water. The flipper device has an exterior surface that is viewable from points surrounding the flipper. At least one source of light is coupled to the exterior surface of the flipper, wherein each source of light is viewable from the points surrounding the flipper. The sources of light can be light emitting diodes, chemical-luminescent devices or optical fibers coupled to a central illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Aaron Forman
  • Patent number: 5782664
    Abstract: Motorized craft, for propelling a person lying in a horizontal position, comprising a hull (1), a water pipe extending through the craft longitudinally on which a propeller is located and two handles (4) designed to be grasped by the user. The craft of the invention is characterized in that said hull (1) includes on the rear part thereof a surface (2) for supporting the user lying on his stomach, so that at least one portion of his body is supported. The user guides the craft by simply applying pressure with his forearm on the side to which he wants to turn, his legs acting as the rudder. The craft of the invention is simple, light and compact and fits easily into the boot of the car, making it rapid and handy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Laurent Casters
  • Patent number: 5746543
    Abstract: A volume control module for controlling the volume of a fluid such as air in a buoyancy chamber of a buoyancy compensator device comprises a main unit and a selector pad. The main unit includes a main unit housing having a first opening connectable to the buoyancy compensator device and a second opening connectable to an inflator hose assembly. Three pressure sensors, a microprocessing unit, and intake and vent valves are provided in the main unit housing. A first pressure sensor measures ambient pressure; a second measures the pressure inside the buoyancy chamber; and a third measures the air pressure entering the intake valve. The microprocessing unit carries out a variety of buoyancy-control functions responsive to output signals from the pressure sensors. The intake and vent valves are both controlled by the microprocessing unit and are both normally closed. The intake valve is connectable to a source of low pressure fluid, while the vent valve vents fluid from the buoyancy chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Leonard
  • Patent number: 5704817
    Abstract: A motorized aquatic propulsion device of the type that will tow a swimmer across a water surface. The main housing (10) contains the battery (58), motor (60) and propeller (62). Water enters the forward water intake tube (32), is forced through the inner water intake chamber (34) by the spinning propeller (62) and is expelled through tubes connected to the left water jet spout (38) and the opposing right water jet spout (42). Two handles are gripped and twisted to control maneuverability. The pivoting speed control handle (50) regulates the velocity of water passing through the device. The pivoting direction control handle (70) is used to govern the flow of water variably channeled between two water jet spouts. As more water is directed through one of the two water jet spouts, the device will turn in the opposing direction. The flow of water is expelled down and away from either side of the swimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Wayne P. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 5687671
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water jet propulsion device for divers and diver equipment. forward pressurized air chamber and a rearward water containing chamber are positioned inside a cylindrical housing and are separated by a flexible membrane which is adjacent to a conical deformation plate. On opening a valve located in communication with the water containing housing, pressurized air in the air chamber forces water from the water chamber through a nozzle to the exterior of the housing until the flexible membrane expands to bear against the conical rearward deformation plate. The device is thus moved in a forward direction along with its attached swimmer or equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Alfred A. Gates
  • Patent number: 5662433
    Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having chest portions which include stretchable material to support the breasts of a diver. The buoyancy compensator is secured to the back of a spider and has forward extensions which overlap and are loosely tethered to waistband portions of the spider. The waistband portions of the spider are secured to the back portion of the spider by adjustable means for waist size adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Sea Quest, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott P. Seligman
  • Patent number: 5641247
    Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having an insertable weight system. The spider includes an insertable weight system disposed preferably within at least one side opening pocket attached to a waistband portion. The side opening pocket can be formed of a piece of material attached to a waistband portion to define a channel in the space between the waistband portion and the piece of material. At least one weight disposed within an envelope, preferably having stiffening material, is removably inserted within the pocket. The envelope containing the weight includes means, preferably including areas of brushed material and hooks, and a handle for inserting, securing, and removably releasing the envelope containing the weight within the pocket. Stiffening within the spider provides an open, formed, shape retaining unit to distribute the weight of the tank and for convenience in putting the spider on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Sea Quest, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Seligman
  • Patent number: 5640922
    Abstract: The present invention is a hands free dive flag connector comprising a retractable lanyard dispenser releasably attached to dive gear on a scuba diver. Complementary hook and loop materials are attached to the dive gear and the retractable lanyard dispenser to form a releasable connection between the diver and the hands free dive flag connector. A lanyard is retractably wound on a spool in the retractable lanyard dispenser and attached to the spool at a dispenser end. A spring in the retractable lanyard dispenser maintains tension on the lanyard between the diver and the dive flag attached to the lanyard. A lanyard connecter is attached to the second end of the lanyard adjacent to an extended lanyard portion extending from the lanyard dispenser. The lanyard connecter attaches to the dive flag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventors: Alan Feldkamp, Tim Scully
  • Patent number: 5634423
    Abstract: An improved, personal, submersible marine vehicle with a fluid-tight elongated hull having an open back and a removable cover. Within the hull is a battery compartment. A shrouded propeller and motor depend from the hull. A dense, rigid cellular foam section fills substantially all of the air space in the hull and surrounds the battery compartment. Electrical speed control means for the motor are embedded in the foam section so that the battery is shielded from contact with any source of spark in the electrical control means. Further, the foam section provides a substantially greater effective hull thickness than the actual thickness of the hull so that the vehicle can be safely used at far greater depths. Also, the foam section renders the vehicle substantially leak-proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Morton E. Lashman
  • Patent number: 5626439
    Abstract: A diving outfit, vest and tightening device is provided for securing an air tank to a vest element. The device operates by air pressure supplied from the diver's air tank, and tightening of the belt is achieved by pressurized extension of a piston within a cylinder. The device is useful for securing air tanks to diving vests, and the outfit, vest and device are useful for allowing divers to secure the air tank with a minimal of manual force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Albert J. Rowlands
  • Patent number: 5619948
    Abstract: A powered swimming aid comprising a stabilizing member attached to the users back, and buoyancy device rigidly attached to the stabilizing member, the buoyancy device being located below the user's hips so as to cause the body to rotate to a good swimming position. The rigid structure also has mounted on it a drive mechanism terminating in a propeller located below the user's hips so as to cause the body to rotate to a good swimming position. The rigid structure also has mounted on it a drive mechanism terminating in a propeller located below the user's knees to provide powered motion in the motor. A buoyant board has side handles and a control for controlling the drive mechanism. A buoyant vest is worn on the user's chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Daryoush Keyvani
  • Patent number: 5617809
    Abstract: Diving tow board of the kind composed of a noticeably lengthened body which is manufactured in light and unsinkable material, of rigid constitution, manufactured in polyester reinforced with fibreglass, polypropylene, polystyrene, wood, which is constructed from a body formed by four planes in such a way that at their junctions they form three rounded edges and among which, the central one, which divides the body in two symmetrical parts, continues forwards in a prow-like protuberance and turns back forming a gentle curve until it meets the frontal edges of the planes which emerge from it, and which at its junction with the lateral planes forms other edges which are preferably rounded, from which these last-mentioned lateral planes adopt a curved plantar form in their frontal part which diminishes and turns back until it meets the rear part of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Concepcion J. Arango
  • Patent number: 5605111
    Abstract: A submersible aquatic sled capable of towing a diver both on the water's surface and below the water's surface. The sled has a tow line attachment at the distal end to attach the sled to a tow line which is pulled by a boat. The sled has steering handles which allow the sled to be steered above and below the surface by changing the orientation of the plane of the sled. The sled submerges when the distal end of the sled is pointed downward and rises to the surface when the distal end of the sled is pointed upward. The distal edge of the sled is rounded to reduce turbulence and drag resistance. Optional hand shields, mounted to the surface of the sled, protect the hands of the diver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas G. Culpepper
  • Patent number: 5577456
    Abstract: A small submersible propulsion unit for use in water sports such as snorkeling or skindiving. The propulsion unit includes an internal combustion engine and a propulsion device driven by the engine. Air is supplied to the engine for its combustion through an air box that is formed above the engine and which draws air through a snorkel device having a float operated valve for preventing the ingestion of water if the propulsion unit becomes submerged to a large extent. In addition, certain accessories for the engine are disposed in the air box and are accessible through an access opening in the air box for servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyonobu Kobayashi, Yasunari Okamoto
  • Patent number: 5568783
    Abstract: A self powered or externally powered recreational and therapeutic aquatic device that will tow a person through and across a water surface, where in use, most of the persons body is essentially in the water, but where the head and arms are supported above the surface in a manner that could be described as a powered alternative to swimming but with a higher speed capability. The towing device and the person form an essentially single combined hydrodynamically streamlined shape that diverts or guides surrounding water underneath or around the persons chest area in a smooth flow. Steering is executed with the upper arms or shoulders, instead of the hands, and a variable stretching or extending force is applied to the persons torso and spine, controlled by the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald G. Ditchfield
  • Patent number: 5546885
    Abstract: Inflatable rubber dinghies, familiar around most wharf areas, are made safe for scuba tank users by a plurality of interlocking rigid base sections which insert laterally across the floor of the dinghy and over both inflatable side tubes of the dinghy. Each base section includes a support for holding a scuba tank in an upright position and each such support is secured to a rail, running front-to-back along the axis of the dinghy, to which the base sections are secured. The interlocking inserts not only provide for secure transport of the scuba tanks but do so in a way which occupies little space and provides for increased stability for the dinghy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: William M. Porada
  • Patent number: 5524564
    Abstract: A pontoon for a catamaran includes recesses for a plurality of scuba tanks where the tanks protrude above the top surfaces of the pontoon. The exposed portions of each of an adjacent pair of tanks provide a support for a mating removable seat back. Each tank is supported by a platform at the bottom of each recess below which is a chamber which includes an air-inflatable bladder. Each bladder includes an air hose with means to connect the hose to an air supply such as a scuba tank. The air is used to expand the bladder to expel any water which may accumulate in the chamber. The pontoon not only provides increased comfort for passengers but also provides for increased seaworthiness. The structure is compatible with collapsible and self trailoring catamaran configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: William M. Porada
  • Patent number: 5509372
    Abstract: A manually operable safety control for use by a diver utilizing an electric motor for propulsion, the safety control serving to automatically prevent an unsafe powered ascent of the diver. This novel safety control comprises a motor control operatively associated with the electric motor, with the safety control utilizing at least a portion of a dive computer interconnected with the motor control. The dive computer has a pressure sensitive device responsive to changes in depth and serving to calculate rate of change of depth, with the computer being operatively connected to the motor control. The motor control is deprived of electric power in the event of the diver ascending too rapidly. In accordance with one embodiment of my invention, the safety control may utilize only the ascent limiter, but another embodiment may also comprise at least one tilt activated switch interconnected with the motor control and serving to automatically prevent an unsafe horizontal operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Culotta
  • Patent number: 5469803
    Abstract: An underwater device using a reaction propulsion system. The initial flow entering by a front end turbine (1) is divided into two laminar, partially divergent flows (2) enabling the diver to place himself in the wake of the device. The power supply (3) is built into the device or is externally attached to the diving material, and an electrical cable (4) provides the electric power supply. The novel shape of the propulsion system makes it a handy and efficient device, especially suitable for underwater diving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Fem-Aero
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Gallo
  • Patent number: 5433164
    Abstract: An underwater apparatus includes a seat portion and a pedestal extending from the front of the seat portion. A helmet is attached to the remote end of the pedestal and forms a compartment with an opening toward the seat portion. At least a part of the helmet is transparent. A tank of compressed air is attached to the apparatus and supplies air to the compartment. A diver straddles the seat portion and the diver's head extends through the opening into the compartment in order to breath air therein. In the preferred embodiment, a motorized propulsion system is operatively coupled to either the seat portion or the helmet for propelling the vessel underwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Andrew J. S. Sneath
  • Patent number: 5423278
    Abstract: A submersible marine vehicle, operable both upon and beneath water, includes a fluid-tight hull elongated along a longitudinal axis corresponding to an intended direction of travel of the vehicle, the hull having integral gripping elements and velocity controls proximal to each of the gripping elements, the hull further including internally energy storage elements for power control and transfer within an air space in the hull, the air space also defining a buoyancy characteristic of the vehicle, the hull defining a total longitudinal dimension co-linear to the longitudinal axis of the hull. The vehicle also includes a single circumferentially integral propeller shroud depending integrally downwardly from a lower surface of the hull along an axis transverse to the axis of the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Mode Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Morton E. Lashman
  • Patent number: 5417063
    Abstract: A hydraulic system which includes a pump for supplying hydraulic fluid to a load and receiving hydraulic fluid therefrom wherein the pump is acoustically isolated from the surrounding water medium. The pump and a motor which drives the pump is enclosed in a pressure vessel, the interior of which is supplied with a gas at a certain pressure less than the ambient water pressure. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the return line is maintained at a pressure less than the ambient by a reservoir arrangement which includes a piston and rod assembly with the rod being subject to the ambient water medium. A certain pressure within an oil filled compartment of the reservoir is maintained at a fraction of the ambient water medium pressure by making the ratio of the cross sectional area of the piston to the rod equal to that predetermined fraction. This reduced pressure compartment is hydraulically connected to the fluid return line as well as to a gas regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Somers
  • Patent number: 5396860
    Abstract: A propelling device comprises a floating plate and an attached floating body. The floating plate has a hole surrounded by a flange at the upper part, the flange provided along the two sides of the floating body sit on the flange of the floating plate. An electric ON/OFF switch is fixed on the floating body to control a motor provided to drive a propeller, besides, a speed switch is provided to control the speed of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Lior L. Cheng
  • Patent number: 5388543
    Abstract: A self powered aquatic device that will tow a person through and across a water surface, where in use, most of the persons body is essentially in the water, but where the head and arms are supported above the surface in a manner that could be described as a powered alternative to swimming but with a higher speed capability. The towing device and the person form an essentially single combined hydrodynamically streamlined shape that diverts or guides surrounding water underneath or around the persons chest area in a smooth flow. Steering is executed with the upper arms or shoulders, instead of the hands, and a variable stretching or extending force is applied to the persons torso and spine, controlled by the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald G. Ditchfield
  • Patent number: 5379714
    Abstract: An aquatic vehicle particularly suited for underwater transport of swimmers and divers comprises the assembly of a cylindrical body having a detachable nosecone and a shrouded propeller. The nosecone supports an externally open ballast receptacle. The propeller shroud is secured to the aft edge extremities of aft end stabilizing and directional alignment fins. Propeller supply water is drawn through aft end apertures through the cylindrical body wall located between the fins and over the electric drive motor housing for motor cooling. Front and canard fins further contribute to the directionality and ease of steering. Electric power is provided by sealed cell lead/acid batteries having a gelatinous electrolyte. Additional battery design features preclude sea water leakage damage and gaseous combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Under Sea Travel, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Lewis, Jon R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5373925
    Abstract: An underwater deployment and storage apparatus for a diving bell or the like has a reel assembly (7) with spaced flanges (9,10) to contain an umbilical services assembly (5) wound around a hub (7A) of the reel. A rotary union (12) mounted in the hub has a fixed assembly or static line (11) about which the hub rotates. The fixed assembly receives services such as gases, liquids, electricity, fibre optics and the like and feeds to a rotatable assembly connected with the hub. The umbilical services are coupled to one of the umbilical. A first drive motor rotates the reel in either direction. A second drive motor and fairlead (6) extract from or rewind the umbilical onto the reel. Both drive motors are synchronized under controls to exert and maintain either a tractive or a drag force on the run of the umbilical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Ocean Technical Services Limited
    Inventors: Roger J. Handford, Malcolm Johnson
  • Patent number: 5365868
    Abstract: A propeller driven underwater propulsion system for use by a scuba diver, comprising at least one elongate air tank to be carried on the back of the diver, with the longitudinal centerline of the tank residing in a plane approximately perpendicular to the plane of the shoulders of the diver. A propeller is operatively mounted for rotation at a location closely adjacent the rear end of the tank, but it is neither rigidly connected to nor directly supported by the tank. A motor mounting arrangement operatively supports a motor adjacent the tank, with a motor output shaft being operatively connected by a torque transmitting device for continuously supplying rotative power to the propeller, such that the propeller provides a line of thrust at a location directed essentially rearwardly of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Culotta
  • Patent number: 5363790
    Abstract: A buoyancy compensator that includes an air cylinder holder, a buoyancy compensating bag, a waist belt and a shoulder strap, these components being able to be detachably attached to the air cylinder holder, wherein the waist belt and the shoulder strap can be attached to the air cylinder holder adjustably at desired positions in the height-direction of the air cylinder holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Tabata Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Matsushiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 5346419
    Abstract: A buoyancy compensator device having a pair of tank encircling straps for connection of the backpack to a compressed air tank, inflation hoses for receiving air from a tank and inflating the buoyancy compensator device and valves for releasing air from the buoyancy compensator including selectively operational valves and automatic over-inflation air releasing valves. The buoyancy compensator includes a backpack portion for supporting the tank and a harness system for attaching the backpack and buoyancy compensator to a wearer. The harness system includes adjustable shoulder straps and adjustable waist straps including a cumber bun for comfortably securing the buoyancy compensator around a wearer's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: International Divers Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5328298
    Abstract: An ascent/decompression device for use in diving with an inflatable lift bag, includes a pack for securing the ascent/decompression device on a diving harness worn by a diver; a reel mounted for rotation to the pack and having a decompression line wound thereabout, the decompression line being connected to the lift bag; a cable having a first end and a second loop end; a snap shackle connected with the first end and releasably holding the loop end to secure the cable about a ship wreck, the snap shackle including a main section having an open side, a closure lever pivotally connected to the main section for movement between closed and open positions, and a spring-biased pin for releasably locking the closure lever in the closed position; a first release clip for receiving the decompression line to limit a rate of ascent of the lift bag connected to the decompression line, and being connected to the cable; a second release clip secured to the pack for engaging with the spring-biased pin of the snap shackle; an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Anthony N. Maffatone
  • Patent number: 5327849
    Abstract: A floating apparatus for providing pressurized air to a submerged swimmer. A floatation device supports a combination of two containers above the surface of the water. The top container, in the form of an inverted box, holds one or more electrically powered compressors. The bottom container holds a battery for powering the compressors. Water ingestion by the compressor(s) is prevented by placing the air intake inside the upper box, which forms an air trap. The air intake and compressors are isolated from any possible contamination or explosion risk from the battery outgassing, which is safely vented to the outside air from the lower compartment. Battery life is extended by pressure switch controls on the air compressor(s), running them on demand instead of continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Keene Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry R. Miller
  • Patent number: 5323727
    Abstract: A first elongated buoyant float (20) and a second elongated buoyant float (40) are joined by a joining member (50) to form a substantially "V"-shaped frame. A propulsion unit (60) is pivotably mounted at the apex of the frame and can be controlled through a pistol grip (70) having a trigger (72). Participants in a guided group underwater tour can hold onto handrails (24) and (44) and be provided with air through regulators (32) provided through air hoses (30). The handrails (24) and (44) are preferably zig-zag in shape. Optionally, audio communications means can be provided to the tour participants. An alternative embodiment includes a "V" shaped frame (112) having zig-zag legs (112b) with two main floats (120, 140) and two outrigger floats (114, 116) at the ends of the legs. Another alternative embodiment comprises a "U" shaped float (202) with a handrail (224) that is guided with guiding fins (212).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Richard A. Heaton
  • Patent number: 5311833
    Abstract: A weight release system for selectively releasing a weight from a body. The system includes a retaining member pivotally attached to the body. The retaining member is also releasably engaged to the body distal the pivotal attachment so as to retain and secure a weight relative to the body, so that the center of mass of the weight is substantially between the pivot and the releasable engagement of the retaining member. Upon releasing the retaining member from the body, the weight causes the retaining member to pivot relative to the body so that the weight is below the pivot, thereby permitting separation of the weight from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Sea Quest, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. VanTassel, Scott P. Seligman
  • Patent number: 5303666
    Abstract: A submersible marine vehicle, operable both upon and beneath water, includes a fluid-tight hull elongated along a longitudinal axis corresponding to an intended direction of travel of the vehicle, the hull having integral gripping elements and velocity controls proximal to each of the gripping elements, the hull further including internally energy storage elements for power control and transfer within an air space in the hull, the air space also defining a buoyancy characteristic of the vehicle, the hull and the hand gripping elements defining a total longitudinal dimension co-linearly to the longitudinal axis of the hull. The vehicle also includes a single circumferentially integral propeller shroud depending integrally downwardly from a lower surface of the hull along an axis transverse to the axis of the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Mode Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert DeSantis, Morton Lashman
  • Patent number: 5297545
    Abstract: An electrically-powered, diver-borne air compressor is used with a draw-type snorkel to supply air from above the surface to a swimmer. The use of a non-positive displacement compressor--e.g. a blower--allows a shallowly submerged swimmer to breathe through the apparatus when the motor is turned off, which provides extended battery life. The compressor is selected to provide an adequate volume of air to a diver submerged at the depth limit set by the length of the flexible air conduit leading from the surface to his/her mouthpiece. In the simplest embodiment of the invention, the excess air supplied to a less deeply submerged diver is vented through an exhaust valve. In other embodiments, which offer improved operational efficiency at the cost of greater complexity, this otherwise excess air is stored in a tank. When the tank becomes full the compressor is turned off (either manually or automatically) until the stored air is exhausted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Snorkel Systems
    Inventor: Anthony M. Infante
  • Patent number: 5199820
    Abstract: An attitude adjusting apparatus for use by scuba divers automatically varies the position of ballast relative to the center of buoyancy as the attitude of their body underwater changes. An elongate hollow weight tube enclosed at one end has a removable closure at the opposite end and contains a quantity of small metal balls or shot. The weight tube is carried in close proximity to the torso of the diver in a position with its longitudinal axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torso of the diver. The free-moving balls or shot are movably disposed within the interior of the weight tube and are movably distributed at varying locations within the weight tube between a forward lowermost position as the diver assumes a descending head-down position and a rearward lowermost position as the diver assumes an ascending head-up position, and will be distributed along the length of the weight tube as the diver assumes a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Joseph J. Nicklo
  • Patent number: 5178090
    Abstract: An underwater diving plane has a main frame forming an isoceles triangle, having a base part, two side legs of equal length and an apex; a detachable transverse axle which is pivotally connected to the main frame, having two ends and two main planes each fixedly attached to the axle; a foreplane attached to the frame proximal to the apex; and a tow force transition cable to allow the planes stable planing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: Brian M. Carter
  • Patent number: 5170739
    Abstract: A small personal water propulsion system adapted to be worn on the body of a user for propelling a user through a body of water. The propulsion system includes a back mounted battery pack and an electrically powered propulsion motor that is pivotally carried by the battery pack for movement between a front propulsion position and a raised storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5158034
    Abstract: An automatic swimming board for a beginner to lie on for learning swimming or diving, has a transmitting unit to move forward the board by means of a motor powered by an electric power source for rotating fans, and a water pressure sensor and a pressure signal lamp to give a warning to the user about the depth limit when the board is used to dive in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Tontech International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Hsueh Hsu
  • Patent number: 5105753
    Abstract: A multi-purpose aquatic propulsion device that may be utilized both with a water craft and separately therefrom. The device has an exhaust conduit including a check valve that permits the device to be utilized underwater. An arrangement is also provided for removably securing the housing under a water craft, whereby the propulsion device drives the craft while submerged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventors: Liu P. Chih, Jack Hwang
  • Patent number: 5085163
    Abstract: A weight release system for selectively releasing a weight from a body. The system includes a retaining member pivotally attached to the body. The retaining member is also releasably engaged to the body distal the pivotal attachment so as to retain and secure a weight relative to the body, so that the center of mass of the weight is substantially between the pivot and the releasable engagement of the retaining member. Upon releasing the retaining member from the body, the weight causes the retaining member to pivot relative to the body so that the weight is below the pivot, thereby permitting separation of the weight from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Sea Quest, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. VanTassel, Scott P. Seligman
  • Patent number: 5082464
    Abstract: An apparatus wherein a buoyant float body includes a top and bottom plate mounted to the relative top and bottom walls of the float body, wherein the top plate includes a battery support positioned adjacent a mounting bracket and an associated electric drive motor, and further including a support arrangement for mounting air tanks and the like for use in a diving procedure. Optionally, bag members are mounted to side walls of the float body for storage and subsequent access of components therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Mason L. Clink