Diving Or Swimming Apparatus Patents (Class 128/201.27)
  • Patent number: 7047965
    Abstract: A front-mounted swimming snorkel with separate air intake and exhaust tubes controlled by one-way valves to prevent re-breathing exhaled air, wherein the exhaust tube cross-sectional area is selected to regulate the amount of force needed to open the water purge valve so that a swimmer can open the purge valve by exhaling with more force than normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Edwin K. Ball
  • Patent number: 7047966
    Abstract: This lifesaving floatation and breathing device comprises first and second inflatable bags having similar bag volumes, and a mouthpiece communicating with both bags. A pressurized gas cylinder filled with breathable gas is mounted to one of the bags. This pressurized gas cylinder has a gas volume and a gas pressure therein. The device also has an inflator mechanism mounted thereto for transferring the breathable gas from the pressurized gas cylinder into one of the bags. One of the characteristics of the device is that the volume of each bag is a mathematical product of the gas volume inside the cylinder and a ratio of the gas pressure inside the cylinder over atmospheric pressure. Either bags can accept the full content of the cylinder at atmospheric pressure, thereby obviating the need for a pressure regulator or flow control orifice therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Robert E. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7032591
    Abstract: A snorkel for use in swimming. The snorkel includes an elongate breathing tube having an upper portion and a lower portion. A lower opening is formed in the lower portion and an upper opening is formed in the upper portion. A mouthpiece is located at the lower opening of the snorkel. A one-way valve is disposed in the lower portion and is oriented to prevent the flow of fluids into the lower portion, but to permit the flow of gases and fluids out of the lower portion. A check valve is disposed in the upper portion. The check valve includes a plate pivotable from an open position permitting airflow through the upper opening, to a closed position preventing airflow through the upper opening. A spring member contacts the plate, biasing the plate in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: John M. Monnich
  • Patent number: 7011089
    Abstract: A sub-aqua breathing system which enables a person operating underwater to breathe air from a compressed air tank supported on the water surface. The system includes a housing containing both a buoyant material and a toroidal compressed air tank connected to an air line feeding a conventional mouthpiece regulator. The air line may be coiled and stored within, or on, the housing. Preferably the housing is of discus-like shape with the buoyant material in the form of floats normally nested within the housing, but deployable radially outward to increase stability when the assembly is floating on the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Sarkis Tokatlian
  • Patent number: 6994084
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-surf head on a dry-type snorkel, including a buoy formed on a lateral, an air chamber formed in a lid to increase buoyancy, thereby keeping an upright floating to prevent the buoy from fast shutting off or prevent seawater from entering the snorkel easily, and a set of guiding groove formed on a bottom of a partition to facilitate draining water out of the snorkel without causing retro-flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Tzong-Fuh Kuo
  • Patent number: 6994085
    Abstract: A splash prevention device, mounted on top of the breathing tube of a snorkel, including a housing having an oblique opening in communication with the breathing tube, a U-shaped pivotal member pivotally mounted on the housing, a float member pivotally located on two ends of a cross member of the pivotal member and including a top stop, a pivotal cover pivotally located on the cross member and including a tab and a projection at both ends, and a mask partially enclosed the housing and mounted thereon. The float member and the pivotal member pivot about the housing and the pivotal cover pivots about the cross member when the splash prevention device is submerged below a water surface. The pivotal actions are stopped when the opening is closed by the projection of the pivot cover to prevent splashed water from entering the breathing tube of the snorkel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: QDS Injection Molding LLC.
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Shiue
  • Patent number: 6983746
    Abstract: Provided are exemplary embodiments of an underwater breathing exhaust system configured to lower the exhalation, effort and to direct water adjacent an exhaust valve to reduce the likelihood of water entering the system and/or gas free flowing from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Morgan, Connie L. Morgan, Trent M. Schultz, Peter M. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6973928
    Abstract: A tank retaining device for inhibiting a scuba tank from slipping downwardly in reference to a buoyancy control device. The tank retaining device includes a ring member having a diameter smaller than a scuba tank designed for abutting a bottom the of the scuba tank, and a plurality of strap members operationally coupled to the ring member, each one of the plurality of strap members is couplable to a tank securing strap of a buoyancy control device operationally coupled to the ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventors: William Taylor, II, John Skadsberg
  • Patent number: 6957652
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a regulator for diving free from any possibility that smooth operation of respective components might be obstructed due to the presence of impurities in the air supplied from an air cylinder. In the regulator, a tubular coupler member coupling a regulator for diving to an air hose extending from an air cylinder is provided with a filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsushiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6932085
    Abstract: A second stage regulator and a method for using the regulator is provided. The second stage regulator has a unique design to facilitate rotation of the mouthpiece about the regulator. The mouthpiece is able to be configured and reconfigured to adapt to a plurality of uses, including commercial, emergency, military and individual use. The second stage regulator also has a plurality of openings allowing for interchangability of parts. The second stage regulator has a unique ergonomic design for optimum user configuration control. The mouthpiece may be interchanged with the exhaust opening and/or blank opening, and the exhaust may be interchanged with the mouthpiece opening and/or blank opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Krawczyk, Edward Michael Szostak
  • Patent number: 6931348
    Abstract: Unnecessary operations are eliminated in the calculation of a non-decompression limit at the current water dept. In this manner, the calculation of the non-decompression limit is made more efficient and the required computing time is shorten to the point where the function can be incorporated into a wrist worn device that provides timely data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Naoshi Furuta, Masao Kuroda
  • Patent number: 6923177
    Abstract: A versatile underwater breathing device which comprises, a pressurized gas reservoir or tank (21), a buoyancy bladder (72), bladder inflation control means (76), a breathing regulator (32) in communication with the gas reservoir; and a flexible adaptable carrier having straps (88, 90) for securely attaching the carrier to the back of a diver, which carrier wholly contains the buoyancy bladder and the gas reservoir. The bladder inflation control means operatively couple the buoyancy bladder to the reservoir so that the bladder may be inflated and deflated to control the buoyancy of a diver, and the breathing regulator is also coupled to the gas reservoir to permit the breathing of the contained gas by the diver. The flexible carrier is adapted to be carried on the back of a wide range of differently sized divers so allowing a single piece of equipment to be used by a variety of people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Patrick Hart
  • Patent number: 6920879
    Abstract: A compressed air breathing apparatus having a base plate, at least one compressed air bottle detachably mounted to the base plate using a fastening strap and an additional fixing device, and a high-pressure fitting attached to the at least one compressed air bottle. The at least one additional fixing device has at least one mounting hole which is provided in the base plate and a fixing piece on the high-pressure fitting capable of being moved directly into and locked in the mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Auergesellschaft GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Haeuser
  • Patent number: 6915801
    Abstract: A swimming snorkel and oxygen supplement apparatus that includes a mask and a headband strap to which is mounted a snorkel device, including a snorkel tube and a mouthpiece for inspiration of atmospheric air therethrough, and an oxygen supply system for communicating supplemental oxygen to the snorkel device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Norman Pokras
  • Patent number: 6915800
    Abstract: A water intake prevention device for a snorkel includes an outer housing that is affixed to the airway tube of a snorkel. The outer housing includes a plurality of inlet openings to allow the intake of air. An inner housing of the device includes a float that moves in an interior of the inner housing. When a diver drops to a depth at which the snorkel is underwater, water flows into the air inlets. The water raises the float within the interior of the inner housing, so that a tapered upper end of the float seals an airway opening, thereby preventing the flow of water through the airway. The inlet openings of the outer housing must be below and isolated from the airway opening in the inner housing and isolated from the airway of the snorkel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Kee Y. Hwang
  • Patent number: 6904910
    Abstract: The instant invention is a valve mounted on the above water end of a skin diving snorkel. The valve's opening is in-line with the snorkel's longitudinal axis, thereby providing a substantially straight and unrestricted respiratory flow path. The valve consists of a soft diaphragm mounted on a compound linkage. The linkage is attached to the conduit adjacent the valve opening. A float activates the valve linkage whenever the snorkel starts to descend below the water surface. By the time the valve end of snorkel is underwater, the linkage has moved the diaphragm over and against the valve opening thereby preventing water from entering the snorkel. Conversely, when the valve end of the snorkel is above the water surface, the linkage moves the diaphragm to the side of the snorkel, completely away from the opening and out of the respiratory flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Tony Christianson
  • Patent number: 6899101
    Abstract: A mask and regulator for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) having a lens and a nozzle, the regulator being adapted for connection to the nozzle. A bifurcated display is mounted on the regulator for displaying amounts of pressure through a port communicating with the lens on either side of the nozzle. A high pressure connection to the source of breathing gas is connected to a transducer assembly for indicating the pressure to the bifurcated display on the regulator on either side. The display provides pressure values through the exterior of the lens in a bifurcated manner analogous to an arcuate gauge display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Survivair Respirators, Inc.
    Inventors: David V. Haston, Nicolo J. Luzie, Jr., Carl E. Schaefer, Carl Toft, John Wippler
  • Patent number: 6900954
    Abstract: Viewing enhancing apparatus for visibility impaired fluid, such as turbid water or a smoke-filled room, includes a fluid-permeable sidewall and a housing defining a confluence cavity having an axis extending between first and second housing ends. The housing ends are connected by the sidewall. The second housing end is open. The sidewall has a proximal end towards the first housing end and a distal end towards the second housing end. The housing defines a supply cavity surrounding the sidewall and coupleable to a source of viewing fluid, typically clear water when operating in a turbid water environment. The sidewall provides a resistance to flow of the viewing fluid therethrough, the resistance varying according to the position on the sidewall. The viewing fluid passes through the confluence cavity and exits the second housing end. This creates a chosen velocity profile for the viewing fluid exiting the second housing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: James B. Tichy
  • Patent number: 6895961
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fully closed circuit-pendulum-storage system wherein a given amount of a ready to breathe gas mixture made of various inert gases including hydrogen and oxygen is continuously conveyed between two highly pressurized gas containers. Initially, the required breathing gas leaves the pressurized gas container and reaches the circuit at a constant dosage according to the overdosing principle. The circuit consists of an inhalation bag, a diving helmet, an exhalation bag and a single or double pack CO2 absorption filter. At a depth of 0-100 m a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen and helium is used as a breathing gas. At a depth of 100-700 m a given amount of hydrogen is mixed therewith according to the wishes of the diver, whereby the oxygen content should not exceed 3 vol. %. When the diver emerges from a depth of over 100 m, the hydrogen is removed from the breathing gas and from the circuit by means of palladium membrane diffusion or catalytic water conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Gueorgui Todorov
  • Patent number: 6889390
    Abstract: A retaining system for the hood, face seal, and mounting band(s) of facemasks that have a hood and/or a face seal that are sealed and securely mounted to the mask using a band type of clamping method, is provided. The retaining system may include a redundant system that may not allow the mask to be separated from the hood, face seal, and the mounting band(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Morgan, Connie L. Morgan, Trent M. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6843246
    Abstract: A snorkel splash protector attached at an upper end of a snorkel and having a housing connected to an end of the snorkel tube, a float member and a top cover. A sidewall between a hollow tube and supports provides plurality of water and air inlet/outlet apertures. A middle portion between the supports and the hollow tube formed an axial passage. A float member is located on a top of the passage mounting a filler and forming an opening. A top cover is located on the housing. The float member moves between open or closed positions by its buoyancy, which can float under water, and down by its own weight when located above a water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: QDS Injection Molding LLC
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Shiue
  • Patent number: 6837240
    Abstract: A full face mask has a body frame having a continuous, closed sidewall extending and compliantly resting on bony contours around facial features of a wearer, and a lateral partition extending and resting on bony contours of a wearer's face from one side to another side of the sidewall between the areas of the nose and upper lip. The lateral partition separates the frame into a lower mask section having a lower cavity with a pod opening and an upper mask section having an upper cavity. Lenses supported by the frame define a forward field of view and integrated in the frame are components including a radio frequency antenna receiving dive information signals, a display in a peripheral area outside of the forward field of view, a controller coupled for processing the signals to generate outputs, and a control that passes outputs for display at the visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William Olstad, Dennis Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20040255938
    Abstract: A scuba tank mobility device and a system comprise a cup member that may be fitted directly over the scuba tank or over a scuba tank boot. A roller member is mounted to rotate with respect to the cup member and positioned vertically with respect to bottom of the cup member so that the roller permits standing support of the scuba tank. The tank is tilted from the standing position to place weight on the roller member for transport. The cup member comprises a projection radially outside its diameter to limit rolling of the scuba tank when on its side. In a further form, a handle may be attached to the cup member and extend axially therefrom. The cup member and handle are dimensioned to provide minimal projection from the contour of the scuba tank, whereby potential for a tangling with underwater vegetation and other objects is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: S. Alexander Shragge
  • Patent number: 6827083
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a snorkel comprising a mouthpiece section, an open end section, a tubular section being contiguous to the open end section and a connector section interposed between the mouthpiece section and the tubular section and provided with a check valve. First and second halves constituting the connector section are pressed against each other along respective peripheral edges of these halves and then covered with a belt-like section welded to the connector section from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Kawashima, Katsuyuki Hori, Taro Fujima
  • Patent number: 6820615
    Abstract: A mask tightening strap, whereby a tightening device of a conventional diving face mask or swimming goggles is configured to comprise a protective sleeve attached to an inner side of a tightening strap. A fastening strap is configured on one end of the protective sleeve close to a frame of the diving mask. A hollow out portion is defined by a side of the fastening strap, and thereby enables a retaining ring of a breathing tube to clasp onto a strap in the hollow out portion. The protective sleeve can thus realize complete separation of the retaining ring from skin of a diver, and thus not only makes wearing of the face mask more comfortable, but also averting hypersusceptibility skin reactions from occurring or scratching of the skin of the diver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Li-Jen Feng
  • Patent number: 6817359
    Abstract: Self-contained underwater re-breathing apparatus having a breathing circuit, an injection system for adding fresh breathable gas to the breathing circuit, and an automatic control system including a microcomputer for monitoring physical parameters in the breathing circuit and controlling the feeding of breathable gas to the breathing circuit in accordance with said physical parameters. The re-breathing apparatus has a bailout system automatically activated in an emergency, where the breathing circuit is shut off, and the diver starts inhaling directly from the breathable gas supply and exaling to the environment. With the system of the invention, a part of the existing closed circuit is used for bailout, and no separate bailout circuit is provided. Therefore, there is no need to incorporate in the mouthpiece means for switching from one breathing circuit to another, and the mouthpiece can be kept smaller and simpler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventors: Alexander Roger Deas, Marat Vadimovich Evtukhov, Alexey Nikolaevich Bogatchev
  • Publication number: 20040200478
    Abstract: A rebreather apparatus having a gas scrubber canister with a generally oval or elliptical cross section. The canister being configured so that exhaled gases pass through the adsorbent in a radial manner through a generally hollow tube having the same cross sectional shape as the canister. The shape of the canister allows for increasing the volume of the canister relative to round cylinder shaped canisters without making it too cumbersome such that it effects the efficiency of a diver. The canisters have at least one removable end cap and the end caps are configured for housing gas addition and control systems. The rebreather apparatus can be rapidly reconfigured to provide a variety of fully closed or semi closed circuit configurations and it can be reconfigured to be worn in a variety of ways based on tasks to be performed and diver preference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: William Gordon
  • Publication number: 20040163642
    Abstract: A sub-aqua breathing system which enables a person operating underwater to breathe air from a compressed air tank supported on the water surface. The system includes a housing containing both a buoyant material and a toroidal compressed air tank connected to an air line feeding a conventional mouthpiece regulator. The air line may be coiled and stored within, or on, the housing. Preferably the housing is of discus-like shape with the buoyant material in the form of floats normally nested within the housing, but deployable radially outward to increase stability when the assembly is floating on the water surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Sarkis Tokatlian
  • Publication number: 20040139970
    Abstract: Inflator regulator having a threaded sleeve and a plurality of different size adapters for connection to a plurality of different size BC hoses. Connecting the inflator regulator to a selected BC hose is accommodated by selecting the corresponding size adapter. The selected adapter is inserted concentrically through the threaded sleeve and then mechanically affixed, such as by a plastic cable tie, to the end of the BC hose. The sleeve is then threaded onto the inflator regulator. In the event that it is desired to connect to a different size BC hose, the above process is simply reversed and repeated using an appropriately selected different adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas J. Toth
  • Patent number: 6761163
    Abstract: Inflator regulator having a threaded sleeve and a plurality of different size adapters for connection to a plurality of different size BC hoses. Connecting the inflator regulator to a selected BC hose is accommodated by selecting the corresponding size adapter. The selected adapter is inserted concentrically through the threaded sleeve and then mechanically affixed, such as by a plastic cable tie, to the end of the BC hose. The sleeve is then threaded onto the inflator regulator. In the event that it is desired to connect to a different size BC hose, the above process is simply reversed and repeated using an appropriately selected different adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas J. Toth
  • Patent number: 6755192
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or minimizing decompression illness in a scuba diver, consisting of a first safety bar, at least one first cable attached to the first safety bar, and an oxygen delivery system. The first cable supports the first safety bar at a predetermined depth. The oxygen delivery system consists of an oxygen tank, an oxygen delivery line, a manifold attached to the oxygen delivery line, and a plurality of regulators attached to the manifold. When the oxygen delivery system will be used by only one scuba diver, the oxygen delivery line can be connected directly to a single regulator without the manifold. The first cable and oxygen tank are attached to a float, which is either secured to a boat or platform via a tether line or anchored to the sea floor. In an alternative embodiment, the first cable is attached directly to a boat or platform, and an oxygen supply is provided on the boat or platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph T. Potkin
  • Patent number: 6745762
    Abstract: An illuminating device of a snorkel is located on the upper end of the snorkel. The illuminating device includes a sealed box-shaped housing wherein the circuits, batteries and LEDs . . . etc are located inside. Also, there is a switch assembled to the housing control the LED. By this way, the user of the snorkel can get attention from others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: QDS Injection Molding LLC.
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Shiue
  • Publication number: 20040089294
    Abstract: A diaphragm holder for pressure regulator of air tank used in diving includes a diaphragm seat formed on the pressure regulator for holding a rubber diaphragm therein, a cover for closing onto a top of the diaphragm seat, and a soft push member integrally formed on the cover. The diaphragm seat is provided on an outer wall surface with spaced raised rails, and the cover is provided on an inner wall surface with L-shaped grooves corresponding to the raised rails on the diaphragm seat. Each of the L-shaped grooves includes communicable wide and narrow groove portions. By closing the cover to the diaphragm seat with the wide groove portions aligned with the raised rails and turning the cover, the rails are moved into the narrow groove portions to lock the cover to the diaphragm seat with the soft push member correctly located at an outer side of the rubber diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Hsing-Chi Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6729331
    Abstract: A pressure regulator suitable for use as a breathing demand valve in self-contained breathing equipment comprising a first chamber incorporating an inlet port having an inlet valve therein, preferably in the form of a poppet valve and biased so as to seal of the inlet port, and separated from a second chamber by a diaphragm. The diaphragm co-operates with the end of a stem extending from the poppet valve member of the inlet valve such that, upon inhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected towards the inlet valve and exerts a force on the poppet valve stem sufficient to open the poppet valve and, upon exhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected away form the inlet valve so that the diaphragm no longer contacts the end of the poppet valve stem and the inlet valve closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Francis Xavier Kay
  • Publication number: 20040079365
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a snorkel clip comprising a first clip member attached to a strap of a face mask for swimming or diving and a second clip member to which a breathing conduit of the snorkel is attached. The first clip member has a guide enabling the second clip member coupled to the first clip member to be moved in a longitudinal direction of the strap. The first and second clip members are formed with stopper means adapted to retain the second clip member at a desired position in the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Hiromasa Sato
  • Publication number: 20040079366
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a snorkel comprising a mouthpiece section, an open end section, a tubular section being contiguous to the open end section and a connector section interposed between the mouthpiece section and the tubular section and provided with a check valve. First and second halves constituting the connector section are pressed against each other along respective peripheral edges of these halves and then covered with a belt-like section welded to the connector section from the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Haruo Kawashima, Katsuyuki Hori, Taro Fujima
  • Patent number: 6718971
    Abstract: This invention relates to a feeding apparatus for breathing masks that allows food and drink intake when the mask is in use, does not reduce the wearer's field of vision, requires little space, and is protected from dirt or other contamination. It is the problem of this invention to provide a feeding apparatus for breathing masks that does not reduce the wearer's field of vision, is protected from dirt or other contamination and allows for contamination-free insertion of a drinking cannula, if required. The problem of the invention is solved by placing a pivoting check valve (1) that can be closed using a sealing cap (5) and tightly encompasses a hollow axle (2) in a fitting 4 on the outside of the breathing mask. The hollow shaft (2) of the feeding apparatus is equipped with a hose and mouthpiece (3) on its end inside the breathing mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Auergeselischaft GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Horn, Klaus-Dieter Dahrendorf
  • Patent number: 6712071
    Abstract: A Self Contained Re-breathing apparatus with a single bank of oxygen sensors for signaling oxygen contact back to a display and oxygen valve control, where the signal is set via two identical and independent sets of signal control circuitry which are interconnected in a primary and secondary relationship. The primary circuitry controlling the valve and the secondary circuitry sending a signal to a display, wherein the two identical and independent sets of circuitry can perform each role and serve to confirm the satisfactory operation of a master signal processing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Martin John Parker
  • Publication number: 20040035415
    Abstract: A breathing apparatus for a diver is configured to include a second stage pressure regulator and a hollow exhaust tube. An input port is located on a side of the pressure regulator and is attached to a supply hose coming from a tank mounted on a scuba diver's back. Additionally, an exhaust port is located on the same side of the regulator as the input port. The hollow exhaust tube is attached to the exhaust port. The exhaust tube is able to trap gas therein by the placement of one-way valves at each end of the exhaust tube, thus supplying a counteracting buoyant force to the same side of the regulator as the side where the supply hose enters the regulator, while defining an exhaust port arranged so that bubbles leaving the exhaust tube do not obstruct the diver's vision. The regulator may be fit with a supporting surface designed to rest on a diver's chin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Michel Faligant
  • Patent number: 6681766
    Abstract: An air guide tube 62 is mounted within a tubular portion 42 formed in a housing 13 of a regulator 1 for diving. One end of the tube 62 is formed with a valve seal 63A against which a valve 72 is pressed and another end opposite to this end is formed on its inner surface with threads 67.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsushiro Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20040011361
    Abstract: Self contained underwater breathing apparatus in which a first stage regulator comprises a body (15) defining an internal dry chamber (20), a first port (25) in the chamber for receiving high pressure gas from a supply cylinder, a valve assembly (12, 13, 26) to reduce the high pressure gas to medium pressure gas in the chamber, a second port (29) for delivering the medium pressure gas to a user, and a hydrostatic transmitter (5) responsive to an increase in ambient water pressure and adapted to move within the body (15) accordingly to increase the supply of medium pressure gas to the user, a pressure transducer (9) with a pressure module (4) and a liquid crystal display module (30) visible to the user to indicate the pressure of the medium pressure gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Alan Clarke
  • Patent number: 6679253
    Abstract: An automatic water stopper for snorkel mainly includes from bottom to top a lower case having radially equally spaced upright air tubes, a float and a water-stopping diaphragm having corresponding radiated cross section, an air path disk, and an upper case. The air path disk includes a plurality of alternately arranged valve openings and air paths. The air paths are aligned with and therefore always communicable with the air tubes for air to flow into and out of the snorkel while the valve openings are closed or opened depending on positions of the float in the lower case. When the valve openings are opened, air flows into or out of the snorkel along a path defined by the valve openings, the air paths, and the air tubes. When the float contacts with water and moves upward to close the valve openings, external water is prevented from flowing into the snorkel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Le-Jang Feng
  • Publication number: 20040007230
    Abstract: An air inflation cushion as a float ball used in dive is disclosed. A battery and an-air compressor are placed within the float ball. Air through hole of the air compressor are connected to a respiratory tube. A bulb, a battery; a plurality of vents and a control switch are formed on the float ball. The switch serves for controlling the bulb and the air compressor. The battery supplies power to the bulb and air compressor; and the bulb emitting light intermittently to indicate position to a diver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Chung-Te Liao
  • Publication number: 20040003811
    Abstract: A self-contained open-circuit breathing apparatus for use within a body of water naturally containing dissolved air. The apparatus is adapted to provide breathable air to a diver. The apparatus comprises an inlet means for extracting a quantity of water from the body of water. It further comprises a separator for separating the dissolved air from the quantity of water, thereby obtaining the breathable air. The apparatus further comprises a first outlet means for expelling the separated water back into the body of water, and a second outlet means for removing the breathable air and supplying it for breathing. The air is supplied so as to enable all of it to be expelled back into the body of water after it has been breathed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Alan-Izhar Bodner
  • Publication number: 20040000311
    Abstract: A self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) served by a source of breathing gas with a mask and a demand regulator connected to the mask. The regulator has a flexible diaphragmatic member having a side exposed to ambient that moves in response to pressure differentials to cause a valve mechanism to introduce breathing gas to the mask. A passage provides breathing gas over said diaphragm exposed to ambient which can be a passage from one side of the diaphragm to the other. A protective cover can overlie the passage which can be displaced upon gas flow through the passage. The method purges ambient contaminants from the diaphragm by providing breathing gas over the diaphragm through an opening of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Philip L. Lowry
  • Patent number: 6668823
    Abstract: A snorkel diving mask allowing nasal breathing of a user includes a mask body having a pair of transparent portions for the eyes, a nose portion situated between the transparent portions, a resilient peripheral edge for watertight engagement with the facial skin of the user around the eyes and the nose, and a head band for maintaining the watertight engagement of the resilient peripheral edge with the facial skin. The diving mask further has a pair of air admitting hoses extending from opposite side areas of the mask body, an air exiting hose extending from the nose portion of the mask body (10), and a breather in connection and in fluid communication with the hoses. Therefore, the user can breathe in and out nasally when the breather is above the surface of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Ho Liu
  • Patent number: 6668822
    Abstract: A snorkel for use in swimming. The snorkel includes an elongate breathing tube having an upper portion and a lower portion. A lower opening is formed in the lower portion and an upper opening is formed in the upper portion. A mouthpiece is located at the lower opening of the snorkel. A one-way valve is disposed in the lower portion and is oriented to prevent the flow of fluids into the lower portion, but to permit the flow of gases and fluids out of the lower portion. A check valve is disposed in the upper portion. The check valve includes a plate pivotable from an open position permitting airflow through the upper opening, to a closed position preventing airflow through the upper opening. A spring member contacts the plate, biasing the plate in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: John M. Monnich
  • Publication number: 20030234018
    Abstract: A mask and regulator for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) having a lens and a nozzle, the regulator being adapted for connection to the nozzle. A bifurcated display is mounted on the regulator for displaying amounts of pressure through a port communicating with the lens on either side of the nozzle. A high pressure connection to the source of breathing gas is connected to a transducer assembly for indicating the pressure to the bifurcated display on the regulator on either side. The display provides pressure values through the exterior of the lens in a bifurcated manner analogous to an arcuate gauge display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: David V. Haston, Nicolo J. Luzie, Carl E. Schaefer, Carl Toft, John Wippler
  • Patent number: 6666210
    Abstract: Diving mask with compensation consisting of an outer frame, suitably shaped, and of an inner face connected to said outer frame. The frame is formed by a body shaped so as to house the diver's nose and provided on the side of at least one nostril of the diver's nose with structure for the compression of said nostril, and on the side of the other nostril with at least one abutment for said nostril. The compression structure is secured to the body and can be operated by the diver from the outside of the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Scubapro Europe S.r.l.
    Inventor: Roberto Semeia
  • Patent number: 6655378
    Abstract: A snorkel including a mouthpiece, a tube and a sealing member is disclosed. The tube extends from the mouthpiece and includes a first end proximate the mouthpiece, a second end and at least one internal passageway having a port proximate the second end. The sealing member is slidably coupled to the tube proximate the second end and is sealed about the tube. The sealing member moves between a closed position in which the member occludes the port and an open position in which the port is open. The sealing member has an interior in communication with the at least one internal passageway when the sealing member is in the closed position. In the exemplary embodiment, the sealing member is sealed to the tube via a flexible membrane. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible membrane preferably includes a bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish