Abstract: A method and system to deliver to a submerged diver only that amount of breathing gas volume and pressure required at the diver's depth by controlling the actions of a valve in response to inhalation demand. A sensing unit detects diver respiration, and a logic unit controls a valve to deliver breathing gas to the diver from a breathing gas source via a tube.

Abstract: A portable hyperbaric chamber device with forward-facing door includes a frame, an inflatable chamber, a dump valve, at least one primary pressure relief valve, at least one secondary pressure relief valve, a plurality of fill valves. Access to the inflatable chamber is gain through a door panel of the inflatable chamber. The inflatable chamber is positioned within and secured to the frame. The plurality of fill valves is in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber so that the inflatable chamber can be pressured for usage. The dump valve is in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber to deflate the inflatable chamber. The primary pressure relief valve and the secondary pressure relief valve are in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber to maintain a safe internal pressure within the inflatable chamber to protect wellbeing of the users and the structural integrity of the complete apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed having a sensor configured to measure a biological parameter of a diver and transmit a sensor signal. A controller is configured to determine that the biological parameter value correlated to the sensor signal is anomalous and responsively issue a rescue deployment signal to a buoyancy valve assembly. The buoyancy valve assembly has an inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized gas and an outlet port connectable to a buoyancy control bladder. The buoyancy valve assembly configured to receive the rescue deployment signal and responsively supply pressurized gas from the inlet port to the outlet port and buoyancy bladder, whereby the diver may ascend the water surface, even if disabled.

Abstract: An underwater rescue system, including a submersible and a rescue cage. The submersible includes a housing, a turntable and a motor. The turntable is rotatably arranged at an outer surface of the housing. The motor is fixed on the housing and connected to the turntable. The rescue cage includes a connecting rod, a first lifebuoy, a second lifebuoy and an air charging device. A lower end of the connecting rod is provided with an electromagnetic chuck attracting the turntable. An upper end of the connecting rod is connected to the first lifebuoy. A bottom of the first lifebuoy is provided with a load-bearing net. A side of the first lifebuoy is connected to the second lifebuoy by a net bag. The air charging device communicates with the first and second lifebuoys and is configured to charge air to the first and second lifebuoys.

Abstract: An overpressure or relief valve (30) for a buoyancy compensator device (10) for underwater use of the type comprising an expandable bag (12) internally provided with at least one air chamber is disclosed. The valve (30) comprising at least one mobile shutter element (32) configured to occlude at least one corresponding hole (62) formed on an abutment plate (46) that is configured to be applied on a wall of the air chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf bags, top dividers for golf bags and methods of making top dividers are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Power generating equipment comprises a support structure adapted to be disposed on the bed of a body of water, a buoyant power generating apparatus having a center of buoyancy, a winching device releasably engageable with the power generating apparatus, and operable to pay out and to retract a flexible winch tether. The flexible winch tether has first and second portions releasably connectable to one another, the first portion being connectable at one end thereof to the support structure and at a second end thereof to the second portion, and the second portion being attached at one end thereof to the winching device, and being connectable at a second end thereof to the first portion.

Abstract: A flotation device for diving, includes a u-shaped holster; a flotation piece, positioned inside the holster; and a connection harness, such that the connection harness can hold a tank with compressed breathing gas for diving, and a diver breathes underwater via a hose attached to the tank. The flotation device can further include adjustable straps, a carrying strap with a handle. The holster can further include an insertion aperture and at least one reinforcement strap. The flotation device can be a cylindrical elongated piece, including a pool noodle, and can be made from polyethylene foam. Also included is a flotation device for diving, including a u-shaped holster and a connection harness, such that a flotation piece can be positioned inside the holster.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device, and a harness manufactured by such method. There is provided a method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device for use in a diving application, the method including the steps of: providing polymeric material; molding the polymeric material into separate components of the harness; and connecting the components to one another so as to form the harness. A harness including a plurality of molded polymeric components interconnected is also described.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensation apparatus for underwater use by a SCUBA diver, includes a pressurized air source, a buoyancy vest including air chambers and a pressure regulating unit. The pressure regulating unit includes a chamber in communication with the vest air chambers and the pressurized air source. The pressure regulating unit also includes a normally closed air injection valve and a normally closed relief valve. The wall of the pressure regulating unit chamber includes a flexible portion that flexes inwardly when outside water pressure exceeds the pressure in the vest air chambers, which, in turn, opens the air injection valve. The relief valve opens when air pressure in the vest air chambers exceeds outside water pressure. The air injection and relief valves respond faster than the walls of the buoyancy vest air chambers so that the volume of the vest air chambers remain generally constant even as the diver changes depth.

Abstract: An underwater personal submersible is provided. The underwater personal submersible can include a main body comprising a tripod structure of two forward-swept stabilizing surfaces and a main section including a user compartment, a plurality of oxygen tanks, and a propulsion mechanism. The placement of the propulsion mechanism and the stabilizing surfaces increases the maneuverability of the submersible.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for recovery of artifacts and eradication of invasive species in aquatic environments. The structure may comprise an elongate flexible bladder blanket divider having first and second ends. The structure may have an open bore vertical support operably coupled to the first and second ends. Each end extends into the open bore vertical support and rests on at least one apron bladder of an apron bladder bundle. The at least one apron bladder is contained in the open bore vertical support and at least one apron bladder is between the end of the vertical support and the bottom of the body of water. A method of using the apparatus, comprising providing an apparatus having variable volume first and second compartments separated by a flexible bladder blanket divider; and introducing agents through openings in the bladder to control the growth of or kill the invasive organisms.

Abstract: An umbilical comprising a side-emitting optical fiber or optical fiber-bundle for providing a distributed source of light along part or the whole of the length of the umbilical.

Abstract: A scuba mask purging apparatus and method providing selective introduction of pressurized air into a scuba mask to initiate purging, pressure balancing, and de-fogging. An inlet valve, typically positioned conveniently on the top or the side of the mask may control the release of pressurized air into the mask. A pressure-sensitive outlet valve releases the pressurized air to force water from the mask. The outlet valve may be positioned on the lower portion of the mask or at a location where water is likely to collect.

Abstract: An improved buoyancy compensation device having a lesser change in buoyancy with depth than conventional buoyancy compensation devices which use ambient pressure bladders is disclosed. The improved device comprises one or more elastic members that, throughout the working range of diving pressures and volumes, is always elastic and, when pressurized, maintains an internal air pressure that is always greater than the ambient pressure at any dive depth. The invention also relates to a method of providing a buoyancy compensation device with an elastic member having a lift versus depth characteristic that approaches the lift versus depth characteristic of a constant or fixed volume buoyancy compensation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method in connection with SCUBA diving to control a diver's buoyancy, in which method the diver (11) is equipped with diving equipment comprising at least one air pressure tank (1), a valve device (2) connected to the pressure tank (1) and arranged to supply air from said pressure tank via first supply means (5) to a breathing regulator (4) and via second supply means (7) to an inflatable diving jacket (6) in order to control the diver's buoyancy, inflation of the diving jacket being initiated when the diver has not affected the air flow through the breathing regulator (4) for a certain time period. The invention also relates to a safety device and diving equipment.

Abstract: An underwater breathing device, such as a snorkel, may include an exhalation valve. The exhalation valve is configured to produce positive end-expiratory pressure in the airway of a user of the underwater breathing device. The exhalation valve includes a plate defining an exhalation port and at least one chamber port, an exhalation conduit connected to the exhalation port, and a flexible membrane that is sealable against a surface of the plate. A lower portion of the exhalation conduit is divided by a septum which divides the exhalation conduit and the exhalation port into a first exhalation port connected to a first exhalation conduit and a second exhalation port connected to a second exhalation conduit. The flexible membrane is sized and positioned to be capable of sealing the first exhalation port and the second exhalation port.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a transmitting device and a receiving device, in which the transmitting device generates a signal including information and transmits the signal by electromagnetic waves and ultrasonic waves in the same frequency in parallel, and in which the receiving device extracts the signal from at least one of the electromagnetic waves and the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting device and acquires the information included in the extracted signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for recovery of artifacts and eradication of invasive species in aquatic environments. The structure may comprise an elongate flexible bladder blanket divider having first and second ends. The structure may have an open bore vertical support operably coupled to the first and second ends. Each end extends into the open bore vertical support and rests on at least one apron bladder of an apron bladder bundle. The at least one apron bladder is contained in the open bore vertical support and at least one apron bladder is between the end of the vertical support and the bottom of the body of water. A method of using the apparatus, comprising providing an apparatus having variable volume first and second compartments separated by a flexible bladder blanket divider; and introducing agents through openings in the bladder to control the growth of or kill the invasive organisms.

Abstract: A portable air supply system includes a main frame for nesting paired air SCUBA cylinders therein. Saddle arms are connected for engaging the frame to pontoons of an inflatable boat. A pair of baskets are connected for carrying umbilical lines. A control box controls air flow, monitors diver status, and provides a communication link.

Abstract: An improved buoyancy compensation device having a lesser change in buoyancy with depth than conventional buoyancy compensation devices which use ambient pressure bladders is disclosed. The improved device comprises one or more elastic members that, throughout the working range of diving pressures and volumes, is always elastic and, when pressurized, maintains an internal air pressure that is always greater than the ambient pressure at any dive depth. The invention also relates to a method of providing a buoyancy compensation device with an elastic member having a lift versus depth characteristic that approaches the lift versus depth characteristic of a constant or fixed volume buoyancy compensation device.

Abstract: A weighting belt. An illustrative embodiment of the weighting belt comprises a belt strap and a plurality of weights provided on the belt strap. Each of the plurality of weights has a head portion, a pair of tapered side portions extending from the head portion and a tapered tail portion extending from the side portions.

Abstract: A scuba mask purging apparatus and method providing selective introduction of pressurized air into a scuba mask to initiate purging, pressure balancing, and de-fogging. An inlet valve, typically positioned conveniently on the top or the side of the mask may control the release of pressurized air into the mask. A pressure-sensitive outlet valve releases the pressurized air to force water from the mask. The outlet valve may be positioned on the lower portion of the mask or at a location where water is likely to collect.

Abstract: A portable air supply system includes a main frame for nesting paired air SCUBA cylinders therein. Saddle arms are connected for engaging the frame to pontoons of an inflatable boat. A pair of baskets are connected for carrying umbilical lines. A control box controls air flow, monitors diver status, and provides a communication link.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can reduce the disturbance to wild life caused when man attempts to interact with wild life and more particularly methods and compositions which can enhance the interaction of man with aquatic life with minimal disturbance to the aquatic life.

Abstract: A handheld multi-purpose device and methods used for communication, stabilization, position control, self-defense and environmental protection while in, or under, water. Said multi-purpose device is comprised of a rod approximately 24? in length, a handle shaped into one end of the rod, created by bending the rod into two loops one-on-top of the other, leaving approximately 12? of the rod straight from the handle, and two end caps, one glued on each end of the rod.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator vest for providing adjustable buoyancy at various underwater depths by having a back portion for supporting an air tank and an air bladder for inflating and deflating, a portion of the air bladder of which is situated in the arms which surround the waist of the wearer. The improvement of an adjustment strap which can provide continuous variation within limits, of the reach of each of the inflatable arms of the vest whereby the girth of the vest can be continuously and uniformly adjusted to accommodate a wide range of body sizes, in particular waist sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for recovery of artifacts and eradication of invasive species in aquatic environments. The structure may comprise an elongate flexible bladder blanket divider having first and second ends. The structure may have an open bore vertical support operably coupled to the first and second ends. Each end extends into the open bore vertical support and rests on at least one apron bladder of an apron bladder bundle. The at least one apron bladder is contained in the open bore vertical support and at least one apron bladder is between the end of the vertical support and the bottom of the body of water. A method of using the apparatus, comprising providing an apparatus having variable volume first and second compartments separated by a flexible bladder blanket divider; and introducing agents through openings in the bladder to control the growth of or kill the invasive organisms.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for repelling elasmobranchs with high-pull-force magnets, including devices and methods for reducing by-catch in commercial fisheries and protecting humans from attacks by elasmobranchs.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a shallow diving system in open sea that consists of a main vessel (2) provided with dynamic positioning system (DP) and with the equipments to monitor diving operations, and give assistance and orientation to the divers (6). The main vessel (2) operates with support vessels (3), and together they set the divers (6) and support team at the work location (4), at a safe distance from the main vessel propulsion system, to perform the job on the offshore units (1). These vessels for supporting diving operation, act like satellites of the main vessel, linked to it by means of a umbilical line (5).

Abstract: Diving aid for divers, at least comprising a power supply, alarm sound-generating means (3) and activating means (2) for activating the sound-generating means (3), which activating means (2) are designed in such a way that when the alarm device is in use said activating means can be activated by an uncontrolled shock load, and that the device comprises means (6) for attaching to the divers's body or the divers's equipment in an unmistakable orientation. The diving aid according to the invention is preferably designed in the form to a wristwatch.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can reduce the disturbance to wild life caused when man attempts to interact with wild life and more particularly methods and compositions which can enhance the interaction of man with aquatic life with minimal disturbance to the aquatic life.

Abstract: The simulator of the present invention comprises a submersible structure to be used in a body of water, for instance a pool. This structure comprises a bell defining a main chamber. An escape tower is provided over the bell. This escape tower defines an escape chamber communicating with the main chamber. The escape tower has a lower hatch between the main chamber and the escape chamber, and an upper hatch separating the escape chamber from outside the submersible structure. The simulator also comprises a mechanism for vertically moving the submersible structure relative to the water surface. A method of performing underwater submarine escape training is also disclosed. The simulator allows such training to be conducted in a safe and controlled environment.

Abstract: A scuba diver weight carrying backpack having a packboard for carrying a multiple of rectangular based weights thereon with a cover over the weights and longitudinal parallel rods engaged with the cover from top to bottom and projecting through aligned rows of the weights, the weights being held on the rods by a quick release draw pins engaged with the cover.

Abstract: Electric Propulsion system supported by a special usable harness slinging from scuba divers, deep-sea divers or simple swimmers, advantageously fed by a sophisticated system of rechargeable batteries, inserted inside several united watertight containers between them. The innovative structure, allow to all specialized operators to move forward underwater even if the immersions will be made in depth and for prolonged for long time periods, through the use of a motorized propulsion module. Another characteristic of the system is that it will allow a user to move and be operated in complete freedom and under any condition.

Abstract: An aquatic breathing apparatus includes a buoyancy vest for aquatic breathing. The vest includes a weight-bearing back portion positionable adjacent a back of a user and a front portion positionable adjacent the chest. The front portion includes a support element adapted for removably affixing an air tank thereto. The support element is positioned for resting adjacent a sternum. A buoyancy element is housed within the front portion, and a pair of side straps is provided wherein each side strap is affixable to connect the front and the back portion to respective opposed sides thereof. A system for aquatic breathing includes the buoyancy vest and an air tank and a regulator. The regulator comprises a hose that is connected in fluid communication at a first end to the air tank and at a second end to a mouthpiece. The hose is supported by a second support element on the vest.

Abstract: A jacket having a buoyancy compensating function has a pocket into which a weight can be inserted and a flap. A first locking member is attached to outer surface of the pocket and a second locking member adapted to be engaged with the first locking member is attached to outer surface of the flap. The second locking member comprises a pair of elastic arms adapted to be guided along grooves of the first locking member and stopper means adapted to be forced into a space defined between these elastic arms and thereby to prevent the elastic arms from being elastically deformed. The weight is provided with a band strip adapted to extend outward from the pocket through a gap defined between the first locking member and the stopper means after the weight has been inserted into the pocket.

Abstract: A diving back plate designed with independent shoulder and waist straps. The diving back plate accommodates either a single tank or double tank configuration without the need for an adapter. The independent straps are self-fastening to the back plate through a series of throughslots on the back plate. Items and accessories may be permanently attached to the independent straps while the straps remain fully adjustable and removable. The configuration of the back plate, throughslots, and throughbores eliminate the need for adapters when changing between a single tank configuration and a double tank configuration.

Abstract: A diving system that includes a flexible breathing gas reservoir designed to float at sea surface and including a power supply circuit through which a diver is connected to the flexible reservoir to obtain breathing gas. The system includes a device for interrupting the power supply circuit which interrupts the breathing gas supply of the diver when the pressure in the reservoir is lower than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A multi-chambered torque personal flotation device for corrective turning action of a weighted individual. The multi-chambered device is capable of being adjusted to provide a wide range of buoyancy as might be needed under differing degrees of ballistic protection. An eccentric mobile buoyant system complements a massive displacement required to float the armored victim by providing the energy required to reliably initiate corrective turning action, regardless of the gear worn, position of water entry, or state of consciousness of the wearer. In the event the conscious victim desires to shed the body armor, a series of quick release members allow the victim to shed their ballistics vest while retaining their life jacket. The integrated life jacket upon separation from the heavily ballasted body armor continues to provide reliable airway protection.

Abstract: A weight release system for selectively releasing weights from an underwater diver. The weight release system includes at least one pocket attached to a buoyancy control device or a weight belt. The pocket includes an interior portion for retaining weights. A zipper is located on the pocket. The zipper is positioned on a bottom portion of the pocket. A cord runs from the zipper to a handle. Pulling the handle opens the zipper, causing the weights retained in the pocket to fall from the pocket.

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.

Abstract: A windsock for inflating a personal life raft. The windsock gathers wind and with sufficient wind velocity such that it will blow through a flapper valve. If the wind is not strong enough to open the flapper valve, the windsock is used to scoop up air and the opening is closed by one hand while the other hand slides down the windsock transferring the air through the one-way flapper valve into the raft. As the pressure mounts in the first chamber a medium pressure valve opens into the adjacent raft tube in the bulkhead allowing air to fill both portions of the raft's perimeter tube.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating jacket is provided on a waist portion with a pocket having a first flap, a pouch having a flat cord adapted to be inserted into and taken out from the pocket with a weight packed into the pouch. As a guide means for the flat cord, at least one of a substantially C-shaped guide ring provided at a distal end of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle and a groove formed on an outer surface of the pocket and/or an inner surface of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle.

Abstract: The invention relates to diving apparatus (2) comprising a pump (4) that is actuated by muscular force. Diving apparatus (2) of this type is considered to be particularly dangerous, which prevents its widespread use. The aim of the invention is to improve on the disadvantages of diving apparatus of this type to such an extent that diving with such apparatus is made safer and the user is able to react appropriately to unforeseen circumstances. To achieve this, the diving weights (14) are fastened to the fresh-air tank (3) by means of surface zip fasteners (15), the traction element (6) lying between the pump (4) and the limbs, to which it is attached, has a quick-release device (19), the float is surrounded by a net, the float has a seat located below the surface of the water and each of the straps (20), which are used to fasten the fresh-air tank (3) to the diver (1), has at least one quick fastener (21), which can be opened easily by the diver (1).

Abstract: A protective swim suit to be worn by swimmers and surfers. The suit includes two electrodes, each connected to an electromagnetic field generating unit. In use, the suit generates an electromagnetic field in a volume of water about the wearer, which acts to repel targeted aquatic creatures such as sharks.

Abstract: A buoyancy control device includes a buoyancy compensator to be worn by a scuba diver, a compressed air tank, a depth or pressure gauge and a valve connecting the buoyancy compensator and compressed air tank for releasing air into and out of the buoyancy compensator. A microprocessor is connected to the depth gauge and the valve for controlling the amount of air in the buoyancy compensator in response to the depth of the diver. In addition, the microprocessor is programed for automatically controlling the rate of ascent of a diver under normal conditions and for a faster rate of ascent under emergency conditions. The device also includes an override function which allows a second diver to override the normal rate of ascent and to initiate the faster rate of ascent in an emergency.

Abstract: A buoyancy control device includes a buoyancy compensator to be worn by a scuba diver, a compressed air tank, a depth or pressure gauge and a valve connecting the buoyancy compensator and compressed air tank for releasing air into and out of the buoyancy compensator. A microprocessor is connected to the depth gauge and the valve for controlling the amount of air in the buoyancy compensator in response to the depth of the diver. In addition, the microprocessor is programed for automatically controlling the rate of ascent of a diver under normal conditions and for a faster rate of ascent under emergency conditions. The device also includes an override function which allows a second diver to override the normal rate of ascent and to initiate the faster rate of ascent in an emergency.

Abstract: The non-slip ballast is cast from the non-slip mold with more than two webbing material receiving passage's side by each, parallel and in a row perpendicular to the belting material.

Abstract: A ditchable trim weighting device for scuba tanks, comprised of a length of curved tubing made of elastic material (preferably rubber) filled with shot or a combination of lighter material, sealed flat on the ends which are threaded as straps to the male and female elements of a quick-release buckle (preferably side-release) providing a stretched, snug grip when fastened around a standard diameter scuba tank.