Abstract: This assenbly (11) is an independent stabilizing/ballast weight frame (24) for under water scuba equipment. Frame (24) straps onto the external surface of any conventional scuba diving tank (22). Stabilizing legs (30L and 30R) provide a three point triangular support system to hold) the scuba tank (22) upright in a stable position with a lowered center of gravity. This aids the diver while he is getting into the equipment. Two separate and independent ballast weight modules (26L and 26R) attach to the frame (24). The weight ballast modules (26L and 26R) can be released by two separate and independent mechanisms. The weight frame (24) positions the ballast modules (26L and 26R) on either side and out in front of the divers waist to counterbalance the weight of the scuba diving tank (22), provide a low center of gravity and provide keel ballast in the horizontal swimming position. A waist belt (34) and frame (24) secures around the divers waist.

Abstract: A hand-held line and reeling structure is arranged in combination with a flotation buoy typically utilized in diving events. A tether line is secured to the dive buoy at one end and wound about a hand-held portable device to effect winding and reeling of the tether line to permit ease of return of a diver to the flotation buoy. The winding and reeling device further includes a separable cage member, including a spool formed with a triangular cross-sectional configuration groove to receive in a convenient and non-snap manner the tether line that is directed through a generally triangular opening formed within the cage head.

Abstract: An underwater propulsion device for propelling a swimmer through the water has a hand held propulsion unit which permits the swimmer to move his hand and forearm to control direction of movement in the water. This allows superior maneuverability in the water. The device includes in combination, a power unit for attachment to the body of a swimmer, the power unit containing a power supply and a sealed motor; a propulsion unit having a propeller within a cylindrical housing, a hand grip on the outside of the housing for a swimmer to hold, a strap on the housing behind the hand grip to fit over a forearm of a swimmer to support the propulsion unit from the forearm. The handgrip has operating controls thereon the the motor. A flexible drive extends from the motor in the power unit to the propeller in the propulsion unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for propelling a person in an underwater environment. The apparatus includes a hull assembly for maintaining the apparatus at the desired level of buoyancy, the hull assembly having a longitudinal axis. Support means are provided for allowing the person to position the hull assembly at the desired angular orientation relative to himself. Thruster means are connected to the hull assembly for propelling the apparatus through the water. The thruster means are positionable at the desired angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the hull assembly. The hull assembly is angularly oriented independently of the direction of the movement of the apparatus. Means are provided for connecting the thruster means to the hull assembly.

Abstract: A soft backpack for SCUBA diver air tanks wherein a bladder filled with fluid is secured to the driver's tank and disposed between the tank and the diver's body.

Abstract: An underwater diving system including a raft configured to support and carry a compressed air tank in such a manner that the raft is extremely stable and is self-bailing and self-righting because of its configuration, a diving harness communicating with the on-board compressed air source so that the diver is tethered and tows the raft while diving underwater at nominal depths up to 20 feet, for example. The diving system described herein bridges the gap that exists between snorkeling and scuba diving.

Abstract: The specification herein sets forth a combination buoyancy compensator, backpack and suspension system for divers. The suspension system incorporates a spider which is made of elastomeric foam and a knitted material that conforms closely to a user's body. The backpack is formed from an inverted T, the lateral portions of which surround a user's waist and the upright portion is adapted for receipt of a cylinder of breathing gas. The buoyancy compensator is attached to the spider at the shoulder portions and the waistband portions. The attachment is by means of adjustable loops which allow for independent suspension of the buoyancy compensator so that when it is filled it does not bind a diver. The straps interconnecting the spider, shoulder portions and the waistband portion are in a crisscross configuration to allow for freedom of movement of a diver's arms.

Abstract: A SCUBA tank mounting adapter, for mounting two SCUBA tanks to a single tank SCUBA backpack is presented. The adapter has two tank acceptors, a mounting bracket and straps to hold tanks in place. The tank acceptors are attached to the mounting bracket and the straps surround the acceptors. In accordance with this invention, the tanks can be of different sizes and diameters and still fit onto the same adapter.

Abstract: An aquascooter apparatus including a controller for preventing problems associated with water leakage into the aquascooter. The aquascooter has a battery, a driving motor and a clutch in a housing, and the controller includes a water leak detecting sensor that detects a leakage of water into the housing. A motor control is responsive to the signal from the water leak detecting sensor, and prevents the battery from supplying electric power to the driving motor responsive to this signal. This prevents electrical energy from being used if a water leak is detected, and therefore prevents any possibility of a dangerous situation of a spark in contact with hydrogen gas.

Abstract: There is herein described an improved boarding device for swimmers, divers, and the like, in the form of an invertible catamaran vessel which serves as a yacht tender in it's upright position and as a boarding device for swimmers in it's inverted position.

Abstract: A submersible drive unit for propelling a scuba diver through water. The propulsion device comprises a shrouded propeller which is removably and adjustably attached to the diver's air tank. Removably attached to the propeller shroud is a waterproof motor housing for encasing a motor to drive the propeller. Batteries for driving the motor are enclosed within two kidney-shaped cases, one located on each side of a conventional diver's weight belt. A hand grip having at least one switch is used to activate/deactivate the unit as well as to control the speed.

Abstract: An underwater sled to carry a diver and including a motor and propeller, driven by the motor, to propel the sled. There is a body extending forwardly from the propeller. A rotatable joint in the body allows relative rotation of the forward and aft ends of the body. A side member extends outwardly from each side of the forward end of the body. A foil is rotatably mounted on each side member and the diver can control rotation of the body and of each foil.

Abstract: View port for an underwater vehicle, e.g. for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) usable for underwater inspection, and provides a view port (2) which can form a component of a pressure hull of an underwater vehicle, and which can be sandwiched between hull portions (4) to provide a transparent section girdling the hull. Preferably, the view port can form a component of a substantially spherical pressure hull, the view port being sandwiched between two similar part-spherical hull portions. The invention further provides an underwater vehicle having a view port which forms a component of a pressure hull and which provides a transparent section girdling the hull. A camera (10) may be pivotally mounted in the hull so as to allow rotation of the camera to view through the port. A light source may be provided in the hull and arranged so as to allow light from the light source to be shone out through the view port.

Abstract: Bag for use by divers for transporting articles under water, including valves for controlling the buoyancy of the bag under water. An essential consideration is that this transportation shall take place while the articles are kept dry, for example tools or materials to be used in diver operations. According to the invention a receptacle (10) for articles to be transported, constitutes a buoyancy chamber, and is provided with at least one unidirectional valve (15, 16, 18) for buoyancy control, as well as a watertight closure, preferably a zipper (4) for an opening to the receptacle (10).

Abstract: A backpack is disclosed for use with scuba gear wherein the backpack includes a rigid housing substantially enclosing an air tank, an interior chamber vented to the surrounding water and formed by the rigid housing for receiving an inflatable buoyancy compensator and a mounting for receiving and securing an adjustable amount of retrievable ballast. The rigid backpack provides a particularly streamlined configuration for the scuba gear, greater puncture resistance for the buoyancy compensator and greater variation in the amount of ballast carried by the diver. The backpack is preferably configured to better support the weight of the scuba gear upon the diver with a trim bladder separately inflatable by the diver and arranged between the backpack and the diver for allowing the diver to adjust for variations in slack, particularly at different diving depths.

Abstract: Relief valve facilitating the underwater balancing of scuba divers' inflatable articles, which is finely adjustable and extremely responsive, and is designed to ensure a high functionality by using simplified components to minimize the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: The individual submarine diving equipment comprises a breathing module (MR) and a propulsion module (MP) which modules are separable, the propulsing module being releasable as desired. The equipment is a self-contained propulsion and breathing apparatus of a weight at the most equal to the weight of a conventional so-called "bi-steel" diving suit while retaining a breathing autonomy at least equal to that of the diving suit. The invention is generally applicable to nautical equipments.

Abstract: A submersible bell having a diver's compartment in the upper region thereof, a depending conduit from the diver's compartment to provide a passage for the diver to enter and leave the diver's compartment within the bell and a spiral wall between the bell and depending conduit to provide a winding passage for purging air from the diver's compartment to the water and/or for the diver to enter and leave the diver's compartment within the bell.A submersed bell having a conduit connecting a diver's compartment with the bell and a spiral passage between the bell and the conduit, the conduit and spiral passage permitting a diver to enter and leave the diver's compartment and also purging air from the diver's compartment.

Abstract: A diver's buoyancy compensator belt to be used with a diver's buoyancy compensator of the type that allows for increases and decreases of air to be provided thereto, depending upon the amount of buoyancy that is required. The buoyancy compensator belt has a first belt made of webbing for attachment to a buoyancy compensator and a backpack that in turn receives a tank connected thereto. The buoyancy compensator belt retains the buoyancy compensator around a diver's waist at distinct locations to allow for movement thereof which allows for the belt to expand and contract, due to the belt being made from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material allows for a stretching and contraction of the belt, due to various pressure conditions and can be made of elastomeric foam having discrete cells therein. As the belt expands and contracts due to the discrete cells being pressurized at various depths, it compensates for the depth.

Abstract: This invention is an adapter for a diver's buoyancy compensator vest which allows conversion from a single tank to a double tank configuration to be quickly and readily made. The adapter includes a pair of elongated rod-like members with tank locking wedges mounted on the end thereof with wing nuts. The conversion back to a single tank can be readily accomplished by simply disconnecting the adapter and removing the same from the vest.

Abstract: An underwater diving plane towed by a boat and ridden by a diver includes a longitudinal diver support member which supports the diver in the prone position, a lateral wing support member with contoured wings attached at the ends thereof and evenly spaced from the center thereof, a pivotal attachment fitting for attaching the front end of the diver support member to the center of the lateral wing support member and one or more control arms that are rigidly attached to the lateral wing support member and that extend therefrom below the diver support member so as to be within easy reach of the diver carried thereon in the prone position, whereby the diver may rotate the lateral wing support member within the pivotal attachment fitting on its lateral axis with respect to the diver support member, thereby controlling the diving angle of the diving plane as it is towed through the water by a tow line attached to the pivotal fitting.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the release by remote control of a weight from a diving bouyancy control device or vest. The device includes a sheet of flexible material secured to the bouyancy control device with the material and the bouyancy control device defining a pocket therebetween the releasable receiving the weight. The pocket has a first open end or bottom such that the weight may freely exit from the pocket through the first open end of the pocket. A fastening device is disposed adjacent to the first open end of the pocket for controlling the passage of the weight through the first open end of the pocket. A remote control device is connected to the fastening device for remotely controlling the fastening device such that in a first position of the control device, the fastening device closes the first open end of the pocket to inhibit the passage of the weight therethrough.

Abstract: An elongated buoyant body is provided having opposite longitudinal sides and fore and aft ends. The body includes a rear vertically extending and rearwardly opening recess formed therein spaced inwardly of the rear ends of said sides and of a width to receive a prone snorkler therein. A central elongated handgrip bar is supported from the body in the forward portion of the recess and is adjustable longitudinally of the body. The rear end of the body supports a forwardly opening U-shaped structure therefrom which projects rearwardly of the body and includes a rear crosspiece from which an outboard trolling motor may be mounted.

Abstract: In a lift bag used by divers to lift objects from the ocean bottom to the surface, this invention keeps constant the amount of flotation gas and hence the lift force. A hose connects the gas bubble trapped inside the bag to a point, lower on the bag wall, selected by the diver to give the desired lift force. As the device ascends, lifting the cargo to the surface, any excess volume of gas created by expansion is discharged through the hose. The purpose is to prevent uncontrolled rapid rise of the device which can cause deflation and re-sinking when the lift bag reaches the surface.

Abstract: A safety diving backpack, specifically a one-piece, detachable diving backpack, that may serve to dispose water-resistant handlights, life buoys, kettles and spin reel, complete with wires or ropes in the hollow cylinder and in the spaces as provided on both sides and on the underside thereof respectively. The linkage as provided by such wire-ropes to fellow divers allows divers to ask for help from such fellow divers in case of an emergency that befalls a diver equipped accordingly. In addition, by virtue of the striking marks and alarm signals of the headlights and life buoys released at the outbreak of fatal tides or other dangerous situations to the diver, the rescue teams can detect them in time so as to give necessary help to the endangered diver.

Abstract: The present battery-powered propulsion unit for a diver's tank has an electric motor driving a propellor and mounted in a housing which is attachable to the lower end of the tank. A belt worn on the diver's waist carries first and second groups of battery holders, each made up of separable halves which are releasably attached to the belt on opposite sides of its buckle. The buckle carries a control switch for the motor which is connected by flexible cables to the motor and to the first and second groups of battery holders.

Abstract: A weight strap adapted to be mounted circumferentially about the scuba tank of a diver is disclosed which is specifically designed to permit rapid jettisonning of the same in an emergency situation. The weight strap of the present invention is formed to utilize conventional lead diving weights and includes a resilient strap portion designed to provide tension within the strap and tightly maintain the weight strap about the scuba tank. Opposite ends of the strap are provided with a pair of mating, quick release connectors which by way of a single manual motion, may be separated from one another to selectively release the weight strap from the scuba tank.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator in the form of an air inflatable vest wearable generally about the user's chest and having a back portion encircling the user-3 s back or neck, includes an air pressure release mechanism on the vest back portion. The air pressure release mechanism may include a tube arranged to extend upwardly when the user is oriented in the normal prone swimming position. A valve located near the upper, open end of the tube may be operable by the user through a remote valve operator to release air pressure from the compensator enclosure. The remote valve operator may be positioned on the air inflation hose adjacent to the air inflation hose valve to enable one handed inflation and delfation. In one advantageous embodiment the remote valve operator is connected to the valve by a strand encased within a sleeve so that manipulation of the operator opens the valve to release air pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting the ascending speed of a diver in air-filled diving equipment includes a chamber and a separating device dividing the chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment is in communication with the inner space of the diving equipment, and a restriction is provided between the first and second compartments. A valve includes a valve seat cooperable with a closure member for opening and closing the valve, the valve being operably connected with the inner space of the diving equipment so that when the valve is open, the pressure within the inner space of the diving equipment is relieved to decrease the rate of ascent of the diver, the valve being opened when the pressure in the first compartment exceeds a value which is related to the passage of fluid through the restriction from the first compartment to the second compartment.

Abstract: A floating vessel that is propelled through the water by means of a water pump towing a diver or divers to a desired location, and then converting to an air-pump that delivers air through hoses to divers below. The hull is of fiberglass construction, and designed to be self-righting and water tight. The unit is powered by a three to five horsepower gasoline engine.

Abstract: A submersible watercraft has at least one watertight hull and a diver-exit vessel adapted to accommodate a diver is detachably connected to the watercraft by a sealable diver-exit port which enables divers to pass between the diver-exit vessel and the watercraft. The diver-exit vessel has a buoyancy and hauling apparatus such as a pair of ropes link the diver-exit vessel to the watercraft when the diver-exit vessel is not docked at the diver-exit port.

Abstract: An underwater air pocket work unit has a work chamber contained within a double walled flotation chamber, the upper end of which has a resilient gasket to seal against the hull of a vessel, or other submerged structure. The work chamber is open completely through the structure to provide unobstructed access at both ends and the flotation chamber is open at the lower end. Valves are provided for admitting pressurized air to the flotation chamber to control the buoyancy for holding the structure in place, and for admitting air to the work chamber as necessary for working space. Both chambers have dump valves for releasing the air and the work chamber has window ports for holding work lights.

Abstract: An underwater cruise device is disclosed which is mounted to a vessel by a vertical telescoping boom. The device includes a diving chair mounted to the vertical boom which can be selectively submerged during diving operations or completely withdrawn from the water for long distance, surface cruising. A concave, transparent shell canopy is mounted to the diving chair, forming an enclosed upper cavity which can contain a breathable gas ambient to surround the head of the seated diver. Controls are provided on the diving chair to enable the submerged diver to control the extension of the vertical boom into the water and the propulsion and steering of the vessel itself. Radio and television communication with the surface can be provided so that the diver can monitor surface conditions while cruising in the submerged diving chair.

Abstract: A hot-water heating system for use by submarines, divers and the like in an underwater environment includes a heating-medium circuit and a hot-water circuit. The heating-medium circuit includes an electric-motor-driven compressor in a water-tight submersible housing for compressing a heating-medium fluid. The heating-medium circuit also includes a condenser heat exchanger, a throttle valve, and an evaporator heat exchanger connected in series between a discharge outlet and a suction inlet of the compressor. The evaporator heat exchanger can make thermal contact with water surrounding the water-tight housing to absorb heat from the water and the condenser heat exchanger make thermal contact with the water in the hot water circuit to transfer heat to the water.

Abstract: A self-contained unit for underwater propulsion, for use with scuba tanks. The unit comprises an hydraulic motor which uses a special air compressor oil as an hydraulic fluid and uses the breathing medium to circulate the oil uniformly mixed therewith the mixture being powered by the breathing air supply itself and later separated, the air being then filtered for use as breathing medium by the diver.

Abstract: A towable, swimmer-controlled, aquatic plane device includes an elongated wing element having sections symmetrical about a transverse center line and a fin element also having sections symmetrical about a transverse center line, the fin element being removably attached at its transverse center line to the wing element at its transverse center line with the fin element sections extending vertically above and below the wing element. Openings are provided in each fin element section adjacent its leading edge and adjacent the wing element for attaching a tow rope. Openings are provided in each fin element adjacent its trailing edge which form hand grip portions by which a swimmer can steer the device in any one or more of four directions, i.e., down for diving, up to plane on the surface of the water, or banking for turning left or right.

Abstract: A device for the support of a prime mover for the purpose of providing a one-man locomotion apparatus when used in combination with a vehicle such as skis, skates, wheels, etc., comprising a lightweight framework construction. A harness is provided for attaching said framework to the body of the person to ensure the locomotion thereof. The device relates to carriers of prime movers, principally the internal combustion engine, and employs a new and useful steering control means to better facilitate navigation over snow, ice, land, and water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled shark-proof cage which is provided with at least one access opening and a propeller mounting frame having pivot means coupling it to the cage so that the propeller mounting frame is pivotal about two axes at right angles to each other, and the propeller mounting frame carries on it an air motor and a propeller. The frame is provided with buoyancy means so that it can be made to be of approximately the same gravity as sea-water, and the air motor is driven by compressed air so that the cage can be propelled through the water, thereby enabling abalone divers to collect abalone without fear of predators and, beacause of less exertion, for longer periods of time.

Abstract: Apparatus for submerging a floatation body for placement beneath a floating structure is comprised of a tank which is divided into at least two sealed compartments. The tank has a total gross weight which is greater than the buoyancy force of the floatation body and yet has a volume which will allow it to float when filled with air. In order to tailor the gross weight of the tank for use with floatation bodies having a range of buoyancies, weights are removably attachable to the tank. Fluid passageways are provided in the bottom of each compartment, and an air outlet, containing a control valve, is located near the top of each compartment to permit selective flooding of the compartment to submerge the tank. Air inlets entering the top of each compartment are provided with control valves to allow selectively refilling the respective compartments from a remote air generating system.