Abstract: An underwater breathing apparatus is so improved that it is simple to manufacture and that it provides a decoupling of the breathing gas conducting components and attachment elements. A support vest (2) is provided which includes an inner enclosure (3) and a textile outer enclosure. The inner enclosure (3) extends from the shoulders to the hips of the person carrying the apparatus. The inner enclosure (3) is made of two panels (31, 32) which lie one atop the other. On the periphery, the panels (31, 32) are provided with a first weld seam (33) which connects the panels at the periphery. Further weld seams (34, 36, 37), which connect the panels, are provided within the inner enclosure (3). The weld seams (34, 36, 37) subdivide the inner enclosure (3) into at least an inhalation bag (38), an exhalation bag (39) and a buoyancy bag (40).

Abstract: The invention is a special modified scuba diving apparatus intended for use by an animal, and more specifically the famous diving dog “Shadow.” The invention includes a helmet, a harness for supporting the helmet and a source of breathable gas, a special regulator providing a supply of breathable gas to the interior of the helmet, an exhaust for withdrawing exhaled air and residue water from the helmet without depressurizing the helmet, and a system of weights to compensate for the buoyancy of the user, and to counteract a net moment created about the center of buoyancy. The breathing system includes a muffler. An intercom system for providing voice instructions to Shadow can also be included.

Abstract: A diving snorkel provided in the proximity of at least one of an upper opening and a mouthpiece with at least one partition extending from an inner wall of a snorkel conduit and also extending longitudinally of the conduit so as to compartmentalize the conduit in its circumferential direction, and thereby enable undesirable inflow of water to be obstructed as effectively as possible and enable efficient purging of water which enters into the snorkel.

Abstract: Self-contained diving equipment comprising means (10) for refilling a compressed air tank (40) connected via a flexible air tube (1) to a snorkel and a breathing nozzle (70). The refilling means are deactivated when underwater, and an external air intake (61) is connected via a tube to the nozzle to feed air directly from the surface (10) when the swimmer is not underwater. The equipment further comprises a moisture removal device (20) and a filter (21) between the compressor (13) and the tank (40), as well as means (30) for controlling the activation and deactivation of the refilling means.

Abstract: Breathing equipment for use in toxic atmospheres or beneath water including a breathing mask, a pressure regulator adjacent the source of breathing gas, and a source of breathing gas. A conduit transports breathing gas from the source of breathing gas to the mask. The conduit includes an inner conduit that functions to transport breathing gas to the breathing mask from the pressure regulator, and an outer conduit that surrounds the inner conduit and that protects the inner conduit and defines therewith a passageway that is sealed against the surroundings. The inner conduit is connected to the breathing mask so as to deliver thereto breathing gas that leaks from the inner conduit and does not normally transport breathing gas therethrough. A pressure regulating valve connects the inner conduit to the breathing mask and delivers breathing gas to the breathing mask at an overpressure.