Having Valve, Or Valve Control, Structure Patents (Class 128/201.28)
  • 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
  • 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: 20030234017
    Abstract: A multi-use, hand held, single patient oscillatory positive expiratory pressure respiratory therapy device which is easily assembled and disassembled for cleaning, and which is not position dependent during therapy, but operable through a wide range of device orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: DHD Healthcare Corporation
    Inventors: Richard K. Pelerossi, Gregory S. King, Jennifer M. Foran, Lawrence A. Weinstein, Fredrick M. Richards, Christopher T. Zirps, Robert H. Elden
  • Patent number: 6622722
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water preventing equipment fo a snorkel, that attaches to the end of a snorkel, which includes an embodiment and a cover. The embodiment contains a first room and a second room, which is divided by a baffle. The first room connects to the conduit. The cover is located above the end opening and it is an active structure that can flip up and down. The cover covers the end opening and is located above the first room. By using this active cover, this equipment can easily prevent large amounts of water from splashing into the conduit, and can still remain the smoothness of the airway for exhaling water and exhausting air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: QDS Injection Molding, LLC
    Inventor: Pan Chen-Lieh
  • Patent number: 6619285
    Abstract: An automatically closing ambient air device is disclosed having a generally conical passageway, containing an inlet for the flow of fluid from the ambient environment into the passageway and an outlet for the flow of such fluid from the passageway, and having valve means arranged to close fluid flow through the outlet from the passageway which is actuated by buoyant force and/or gravitational force and/or a combination thereof imposed by a weighted element in response to the spacial orientation of the conical wall of the passageway to level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Albert D. Hawkins, Jr., Steven J. Herberholt
  • Patent number: 6619286
    Abstract: A regulator assembly is provided for use in a respirator system to supply a regulated flow of air to a respirator head piece. The respirator assembly comprises a housing (15) having an air inlet port (17) for connection to a source of air at comparatively high pressure, and an air outlet port (23) for connection to the respirator head piece. The housing (15) contains an air pressure-reduction stage (19) in communication with the inlet port (17), and a noise-reduction stage (21) between the pressure-reduction stage and the outlet port (23). The noise reduction stage (21) comprises two, spaced, muffler discs (41, 43) the first of which is positioned adjacent the air outlet (39) of the pressure-reduction stage (19). A deflector plate (47) deflects the airflow from the pressure-reduction stage (19) through the first muffler disc (41), and thereby diffuses the air flow before it reaches the second muffler disc (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Kaushik I. Patel
  • Publication number: 20030116156
    Abstract: There is described a recharging valve for a breathing apparatus comprising a reservoir of breathable gas under pressure, a stop valve, a pressure reducing valve, and a facepiece for supplying gas to a wearer. The recharging valve comprises inlet means connectable to a supply of breathable gas at a pressure greater than that of the gas in the reservoir, outlet means for supplying gas from the inlet means to the reservoir, and valve means responsive to the pressure in the reservoir to control the flow of gas from the inlet to the outlet means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Peter J. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20030111076
    Abstract: An air and water hose apparatus for use in an air supply system for firefighters. The air and water hose apparatus has an air hose completely within the water hose. The air and water hose apparatus comprises only a single length of the overall water hose of the system. This ensures that no part of the air hose is exposed to possible damage. The system supplies high pressure air to the firefighters. The system allows for easy connect and disconnect of the air and water hose apparatus to the firefighter's mask and preferably can be used with standard self-contained breathing apparatus having a mask and a regulator. A branched conduit allows several firefighters to be attached to a single air and water hose apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Robert E. McCarthy
    Inventor: Fred E. Baker
  • Patent number: 6543450
    Abstract: A simple, lightweight, easily deployable mask designed for use in modern fires. The mask substantially covers a wearer's face and includes a peripheral adhesive seal for preventing contaminants from effecting the wearer's visual or respiratory systems. The peripheral seal preferably comprises an adhesive band employing the skin adhesive commonly used in surgical masks. The adhesive band provides for closed attachment of the mask to the brow, the temporal area, cheek, over the jaw and down under the chin. The mask is anchored firmly to the ears of the wearer by resilient straps. Thus attached, the mask seals the eyes, nasal passages and mouth from the toxic external environment. The mask includes an intermediate seal separating the mask into separate visual and respiratory portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: John T. Flynn
  • Publication number: 20030047182
    Abstract: A water preventing equipment of a snorkel. This equipment attaches to the end of a snorkel, which includes an embodiment and a cover. The embodiment contains a first room and a second room, which divides by a baffle. The first room connects to the conduit. The cover locates above the end opening and it is an active structure that can flip up and down. The cover covers the end opening and located above the first room. By using this active cover, this equipment can easily prevent from large amount of water splashing into the conduit, and can still remain the smoothness of exhaling water and exhausting air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: QDS INJECTION MOLDING LLC
    Inventor: Pan Chen-Lieh
  • Patent number: 6520177
    Abstract: The device has a face cover, a mouth-and-nose mask, and fasteners for holding the face cover on the face. The face cover is provided with a flexible gasket surrounding the eyes, a sea means at its periphery, and a closable coupling to a filtered gas feed. The mouth-and-nose mask, placed inside the face cover, is fitted with a demand regulator and with a direct exhaust to atmosphere. The breathe-in and breathe-out paths are separated by cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Intertechnique
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Bonhomme, Jean-Claude Urgel
  • Publication number: 20030029448
    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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish
  • Patent number: 6516797
    Abstract: A breathing structure of snorkeling apparatus of present invention is characterized in that a ventilating valve is provided between a space formed by tube body under main tube with main body under mouthpiece and above exhaust valve, the ventilating valve includes a valve seat and a valve plate, a through hole connecting with main tube is provided on the valve seat, the valve plate which can cover the through hole and its specific body; the structure of the valve plate is designed to form movement by means of closing as blowing and opening as sucking, which can make snorkelers breathe fully. A recess provided on the main body, which is a stagnant position as the valve plate being floated off. The specific gravity of the valve plate for ventilating valve is between 0.95-0.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: QDS Injection Molding LLC
    Inventor: Pan Chen-Lieh
  • Patent number: 6513525
    Abstract: Triplicate Diving Gas Valve Device, comprising: a siren unit, a Life Coat Inflation unit and a User's Respiration Unit. The Siren drives its alarm sounding by reciprocating pounding of piston in a cylinder, by reason of this, the siren will serve its purpose ready submerged in waters or on the surface. The Gas Valve can be used in combination with both the Life Coat and the Respiration Mouthpiece, it can be manipulated manually using one hand expeditiously for triplicate services including: Life Coat Inflation/Deflation, siren alarming appealing for Help, and Respiration-charged air-compression. At a suitable location in the Respiration Mouthpiece is positioned a Flow Division Block serving to block compressed gas that is supplied from the Compression Cylinder, so that the compressed gas is split to pass to flanks on both sides, in that manner safeguarded from charging straight into Diver's throat, so that the diver is relieved from any discomfort while breathing all the while.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Frankie Chen
  • Publication number: 20020170558
    Abstract: A snorkel system for allowing an individual snorkeling to dive beneath the water surface without water entering the breather tube. The snorkel system includes a breathing tube having an upper opening, a mouthpiece attached to a lower end of the breathing tube, a housing attached about an upper portion of the breathing tube, and a plurality of apertures within a lower portion of the housing. The upper opening of the breathing tube is positioned a finite distance above the highest of the apertures for creating a pressurized air pocket within the housing that prevents water level from rising above the upper opening thereby preventing water from entering the upper opening when the housing is fully submerged. The plurality of apertures within the lower portion allow the water to escape when the housing is elevated above the water surface and allow for air to immediately enter the housing and therefore the breathing tube thereby allowing the individual to freely breathe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Anthony Vinokur, Galina Levinson
  • Publication number: 20020157669
    Abstract: Triplicate Diving Gas Valve Device, comprising: a siren unit, a Life Coat Inflation unit and a User's Respiration Unit. The Siren drives its alarm sounding by reciprocating pounding of piston in a cylinder, by reason of this, the siren will serve its purpose ready submerged in waters or on the surface. The Gas Valve can be used in combination with both the Life Coat and the Respiration Mouthpiece, it can be manipulated manually using one hand expeditiously for triplicate services including: Life Coat Inflation/Deflation, siren alarming appealing for Help, and Respiration-charged air-compression. At a suitable location in the Respiration Mouthpiece is positioned a Flow Division Block serving to block compressed gas that is supplied from the Compression Cylinder, so that the compressed gas is split to pass to flanks on both sides, in that manner safeguarded from charging straight into Diver's throat, so that the diver is relieved from any discomfort while breathing all the while.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Frankie Chen
  • Publication number: 20020134380
    Abstract: A breathing structure of snorkeling apparatus of present invention is characterized in that a ventilating valve is provided between a space formed by tube body under main tube with main body under mouthpiece and above exhaust valve, the ventilating valve includes a valve seat and a valve plate, a through hole connecting with main tube is provided on the valve seat, the valve plate which can cover the through hole and its specific body; the structure of the valve plate is designed to form movement by means of closing as blowing and opening as sucking, which can make snorkelers breathe fully. A recess provided on the main body, which is a stagnant position as the valve plate being floated off. The specific gravity of the valve plate for ventilating valve is between 0.95-0.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: QDS Injection Molding LLC.
    Inventor: Pan Chen-Lieh
  • Publication number: 20020134386
    Abstract: Regulator for underwater breathing apparatus including: a box-like body having a mouthpiece; an air inlet duct connected to said box-like body through an inlet valve; one or more exhaust ducts connected to said box-like body; a flexible diaphragm frontally positioned on the opposite side as to said mouthpiece and co-operating with an opening or closing lever of said inlet valve, said regulator includes means manually workable from the outside and movable from an active position, where they limit the moving of the said lever to the inside of the said box-like body, to an inactive position where they allow said lever a complete transfer movement to the inside of said box-like body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Giovanni Garofalo
  • Publication number: 20020134385
    Abstract: Regulator for underwater breathing devices including a relatively hard material box-like body having a pipe for the connection with a mouthpiece, at least one air inlet duct and at least one opening on which it is positioned one air exhaust valve; in said regulator the box-like body is externally covered by at least one layer of a suitably shaped relatively soft material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Nino Pietrelli
  • Patent number: 6443154
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a breathing gas to a patient has a gas supply for generating a flow of breathable gas during an inspiration and an expiration phase of a patient breathing cycle. An inspiration line is provided having an inlet through which a flow of breathing gas from the supply can pass as well as an expiration line through which an expiration gas from the patient can flow. A flow controller is provided for selecting, during an inspiration phase, a first flow path for gas from the supply into the inlet and for selecting, during the expiration phase, a second flow path for gas from the supply in a direction across a venturi outlet of the expiration line, to enhance removal of expiration gas therefrom by venturi suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens-Elema AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Jalde, Göran Skog, Per-Göran Eriksson, Bo Lundin
  • Publication number: 20020117172
    Abstract: A floating ball of an underwater breathing apparatus has a hollow housing, a base, a weighted block and a tube. The base is formed on the bottom of the hollow housing. The weighted block is attached to the bottom of the base or under the base. Multiple through holes are defined in the housing. Multiple vents are defined in the housing and above all of the through holes. The tube extends into the housing to a position near the top of the housing. The tube is connected to a hose connected to a mouthpiece on the other end. Consequently, the center of gravity of the floating ball is lowered and always kept in the bottom of the housing. The floating ball is not easily turned over by waves. In addition, the seawater entering the housing can be automatically drained off through the through holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Chin-Chang Chiang
  • Patent number: 6435178
    Abstract: A swim mask apparatus having a mask equipped with a floating air-suction device is provided. The mask includes a plurality of straps extending from two lateral sides thereof to firmly attach the mask to a wearer's head and thereby provide watertight protection for the wearer's eyes and nose. The mask is provided with a one-way exhaust valve and a one-way sniffing valve. The floating air-suction device includes a float and an air hose extending therefrom. A terminal end of the air hose is connected to the one-way sniffing valve to form an inhalation airway between the float and the mask. The buoyancy of the float normally maintains the open end of the air hose coupled thereto above the water surface. When it is pulled sufficiently below the water surface by the air hose, the buoyant float is resistive to the displacement to the extent that compressing members formed therein constrictively engage the end of the air hose to prevent water from entering therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Cheng-Chi Lin
  • Publication number: 20020088460
    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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: John M. Monnich
  • Patent number: 6408844
    Abstract: A breathing apparatus adapted for use in combination with a tube for swimming, the breathing apparatus includes a floatable body having a hollow case for floating over water level and an opening; and a breathing assembly mounted detachably. The breathing assembly has a connector inserted within the opening of the floatable body; a fixing cap mounted on the floatable body for preventing separation of the breathing assembly from the floatable body, and for providing fresh air from the outside to the breathing assembly; a mouth connecting member connected to the connector and providing air to the swimmer's mouth; an air intake check member having an inlet check valve opened only in one direction for preventing upward flow of exhausted air; and a water intake check member having an outlet check valve also opened only in one direction for discharging exhausted air and for preventing entry of water into the breathing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Hwa-joon Lee
  • Patent number: 6394091
    Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a regulator which delivers air to a user wearing a mask. The regulator is connected to the mask through an adaptor. The adaptor includes an exhalation valve which enables the user's breath to pass out of the adaptor to atmosphere. The regulator includes a sensing diaphragm that is movable responsive to pressure in the mask. A main valve delivers air to the mask responsive to opening of a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes a pilot opening. A lever moves in response to the sensing diaphragm to open the pilot opening which causes flow through the main valve. Air from the main valve is also delivered to a positive pressure chamber. Pressure in the positive pressure chamber moves a positive pressure diaphragm which causes a positive pressure spring to biasingly engage the sensing diaphragm. The biasing of the sensing diaphragm causes the regulator to maintain a positive pressure in the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Giorgini
  • Patent number: 6371109
    Abstract: A dive mask pressure differential control device is disclosed for protecting a diver from the injurious effects of pressure differentials that can occur inside the dive mask as the pressure of the ambient water increases. The device is pressure sensitive and automatically allows water to pass into the dive mask when the pressure outside the dive mask exceeds the pressure inside the dive mask by a preset limit. In various embodiments, the device may include a manual release, an adjustment mechanism to adjust the activation pressure of the device, a purging mechanism to permit the expulsion of water from the dive mask interior, and a diverter for diverting air bubbles ejected from the device away from the face of the diver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Zachary R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6371108
    Abstract: The instant invention is a skin diving snorkel having a conduit with an end above the water surface, and an underwater end that terminates in a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece provides a flow path between the conduit and the interior of the diver's mouth. A buoyant chamber, separate from the conduit, surrounds and is coaxial with the conduit above water end. A lower opening in the chamber is joined to the conduit by a convoluted diaphragm. The convoluted diaphragm provides a flexible and watertight barrier that enables the chamber to be easily buoyed a short distance upward, guided by the snorkel conduit. The conduit's open end protrudes loosely through an upper opening in the chamber. The conduit open end carries a flexible circular diaphragm which, when it makes contact with the upper opening of the buoyed chamber, serves as a check valve allowing exhalation flow from the conduit to ambient, but blocks the flow of water into the snorkel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Tony Christianson
  • Patent number: 6363929
    Abstract: A snorkel with a unique strap hook and snorkel tube arrangement which permits both selective release and adjustment of the strap hook, but only when release or adjustment is desired and not by inadvertence. In a preferred embodiment, the snorkel tube is provided with a hook slide region enclosed along the tube surface by an elongated border. Inside each side of the border there is a recess for receiving rails of a strap hook having dove tail cross-section rails. The dove tail relationship between the recesses and the rails prevents inadvertent release of the strap hook from the snorkel tube. However, an opening at one end of each such recess, permits selective removal of the strap hook from the snorkel tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: QOS Injection Molding LLC
    Inventors: Carl Winefordner, Frank Hermansen
  • Publication number: 20020017301
    Abstract: A fluid pressure relief valve has an aperture for the flow through of a fluid, the aperture being disposed between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A movably mounted valve element is disposed for pressure communication with the fluid and is movable to unseal the aperture when an opening force exerted by the communicated fluid pressure on the valve element exceeds a counteracting threshold force. A biasing source provides a bias force for moving the valve element toward sealing the aperture. The valve element is disposed for pressure communication with the fluid such that a closing force less than and counter to the opening force is additionally exerted on the valve element by the communicated fluid pressure. This force in combination with the bias force generates the threshold force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: Siemens Elema AB
    Inventor: Bo Lundin
  • Patent number: 6340024
    Abstract: An improved oral/nasal mask-hood is provided for protection of individuals in the event of fire or smoke exposure. When attached to a supplemental supply of oxygen the mask-hood also provides hypoxia protection to individuals exposed to decompression as in some aircraft incidents. The mask-hood employs a five stage filtering process for converting toxic atmospheric air to breathable fresh air. The hood covers the wearer's head, neck and shoulder area. A neck seal is provided inside the hood for preventing gases from locating within the hood and irritating the wearer's eyes. A transparent member is located on the hood adjacent the wearer's line of sight to provide visibility during the emergency. The hood-mask device, as assembled, is small enough to retrofit into the space provided for the present decompression mask alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: DME Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Brookman, Eric M. Hiner
  • Patent number: 6332464
    Abstract: A scuba diving regulator includes a casing, a mouth piece, an air valve unit, an audio unit, a nozzle unit, an air charge unit and an air discharge unit. The casing has an alarm connector, a whistle connector linearly aligned with the alarm connector and a mouth piece connector for engaging with the mouth piece. The casing includes therein a longitudinal chamber adjacent a body. The air valve unit engages with the alarm connector and includes an alarm valve, an elastic member and a push button engaged with the elastic member for open or close the alarm valve. The audio unit engages with the whistle connector and includes a cylinder, an impact member located in the cylinder and a piston reciprocally movable in the cylinder for hitting the impact member to produce audio alarm sound. The nozzle unit is held in the casing and is screwed and sealed in the chamber by means of the screw member and a seal ring, and includes an air flow member which engages with the alarm valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Frankie Chen
  • Patent number: 6318363
    Abstract: A snorkel is designed for swimming is shaped to offer a minimum of drag to permit the user to expend less energy while moving with greater speed through the water. The lower portion of the snorkel is constructed from a flexible internal skeleton/external shell which enables the breathing tube to closely conform to the head of the swimmer, eliminating gaps that give rise to turbulence and drag. The snorkel also features a cross-sectional profile that minimizes water resistance. The lower portion of the snorkel is in the shape of a half circle, with the straight edge facing the user and the circular edge facing outward and offering a streamlined profile to the water. The upper half of the snorkel is in the shape of an airfoil, with the tips pointing into and away from the direction of motion, thereby facilitating movement of the snorkel through the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: John M. Monnich
  • Patent number: 6302102
    Abstract: A “dry” diving snorkel having an elongated body and separate air inlet and exhaust passages defined in the body. The snorkel body is of an arcuate configuration and the lower side of the body upper end faces downwardly during normal use. Air inlet and exhaust ports are defined in the snorkel body upper end lower side in side-by-side relationship, and a diaphragm valve is located within each port biased toward a normally closed condition. The mouthpiece at the body lower end includes a water drain valve, and a strap clamp is molded into the body configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: Edward J. Giroux, Gerald D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6295983
    Abstract: Aeration tube provided on its lower end with a mouthpiece (2) and on its upper end with an air intake hole (41), such tube consisting in its length of two or more tubular elements (1, 3) connected in such a way that the tube can be folded two or more times on itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Scubapro Europe S.r.l.
    Inventor: Roberto Semeia
  • Patent number: 6206000
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Dwane L. Folsom
  • Patent number: 6167882
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Interspiro Europe AB
    Inventors: Hans Almqvist, Staffan Ekström