Abstract: A water safety and survival system is disclosed that provides a multi-chambered personal flotation device and break away counterweight that provides a heads-up righting moment that reliably positions a scuba diver's airway out of the water when at the surface, and provides for a comfortable heads down position during the dive. The break away counterweight stows the ballast needed to heel the diver into a heads up position in an inactive state. Once released, the counterweight drops away and becomes capable of actively rolling the diver's face out of the water into the heads up position. The counterweight is preferably utilized in conjunction with a buoyancy compensator that further provides for rotation of the diver into a heads up orientation, and that can provide buoyancy compensation for the counterweight.

Abstract: Hydrostatic balancing jacket including a coupling between at least one of the jacket walls and one ballast. The coupling includes complementary coupling elements reciprocally movable on the jacket wall and on the ballast, and a locking structure for the coupling.

Abstract: A device for operating the inflation and deflation valves of the air chamber of a scuba diver's balancing jacket (10) provided with inflation and deflation valves and means (31, 34) for operating these valves that can be controlled by the diver and comprising a handgrip (30) forwardly projecting from a side position on the lower edge of the jacket, said operating means of said inflation and deflation vales being situated on said handgrip.

Abstract: An air valve of a balancing jacket can be opened not only by a conventional driving cable located within the corrugated pipe of the balancing jacket, but also independently from the conventional driving cable by an auxiliary driving member integral or operationally connected with the valve element of an air valve and controlled by the diver directly with his hands and/or by a separate control member.

Abstract: A method for carrying out work on an object which is present under water, in particular, a shipwreck, wherein persons make their way to the object under water and carry out the work in artificial light. A cover is provided over the object, which cover in the main abuts the bottom on which or in which the object is present in surrounding relationship with respect to the object. The cover encloses a space in which persons can work and it comprises an entrance for admitting persons to the space.

Abstract: A combined digital depth control and rate of ascent control device to be used by scuba divers. The device would automatically prevent the diver from exceeding a predetermined depth and prevent the diver from ascending at an excessively high rate. The device comprises a sealed housing attachable to the apparatus so as to be submerged in the water with the diver. The housing has an inlet connectable to the pressurized gas tank, an outlet connected to the inflatable buoyancy jacket, a control passageway between the inlet and outlet, being automatically displaced to open the passageway upon sensing the predetermined depth.

Abstract: A backpack for underwater breathing gas tanks including a substantially flattened body, at one side of which is connected at least one tank, the other side designed to be connected with the diver's back, and provided with a handle for easy lifting. The handle is positioned in a cavity formed in the body of the backpack and may be moved from a raised, active position to an inserted, inactive position.

Abstract: A novel automatically submersible and refloatable underwater tubular pipe platform geometric structure adapted for deployment in underwater target monitoring systems and the like, wherein the floating upon the surface of the water enables flooding of the pipe structure and its submergence, and the introduction of compressed air drives the water out of the pipe platform structure to enable its automatic re-floating.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator vest, for providing buoyancy at various underwater depths, having a rigid back board, for supporting an air tank vertically on the rear surface of the board at the back of the diver, surrounded in part by a bladder, for inflating and deflating, and a vest back panel including a pair of spaced-apart over-the-shoulder straps projecting from the top panel edge for joining with a pair of side portions extending about the chest of the diver, and a waist belt passing from behind the compensator vest about the panel side portions and the user's waist to complete the vest, the improvement of a pouch, defined by front and rear surfaces and including an openable panel to expose the interior thereof, the pouch interposed the back board and the scuba diver's back and containing a cushion for placement against the back of the diver, to cushion the back board and tank against the diver's spine, the pouch having openings formed therein to allow filling and draining of water during under

Abstract: A low-depth water bottom observing system in which at least one guide person monitors divers underwater includes a diving base boat equipped with a deck; an air supply system equipped with a plurality of air supply shut-off valves; a plurality of diving helmets; a plurality of air tubes which connect the diving helmets to the air supply shut-off valves; an air supply source which is connected to the air supply system; a step portion equipped with a non-slip platform, the step portion being pivotally mounted to the gunwale of the diving base boat to enable the step portion to be rotated between a first position in which the step portion is stored on the deck of the diving base boat, and a second position in which the step portion is positioned slightly above the surface of the water; a diving region frame arranged on the water bottom, the diving region frame including a peripheral arrangement of pipe anchors to hold the diving region frame to the water bottom, and at least one guide rope provided around upper

Abstract: A pressure regulator for breathing apparatus controlled by a diaphragm, piston or bellows having one face exposed to a reference pressure which is automatically maintained at a level substantially the same as ambient pressure by means of a metering valve communicating with pressure at the regulator outlet and operated by a flexible diaphragm exposed to ambient pressure, and a pressure relief valve to vent excess reference pressure to the outside of the regulator.

Abstract: A dive rescue search device has a stanchion with a locating mechanism for the device mounted thereon and a search area determining device based on a reel of rope cooperating therewith to properly direct the search.

Abstract: A water safety and survival system that provides a multi-chambered personal flotation device and break away counterweight that provides a heads-up righting moment that reliably positions a scuba diver with his/her airway out of the water when at the surface, and provides for a comfortable heads down position during the dive. The scuba diver retains full control and responsibility for conversion of the equipment from face down flotation into face up flotation. The break away counterweight stows the ballast needed to heel the diver into a heads up position in an inactive state, close to the diver's longitudinal axis of rotation. Once released, the counterweight drops away from neutralized central attachment near the diver's axis of rotation out towards the counterweight's posterior attachment point. The counterweight then becomes capable of actively rolling the distressed diver's face out of the water into the heads up position.

Abstract: Weight belt apparatus for divers includes a belt with one or more sleeves disposed on the belt and adjustable thereon for the convenience of the diver using the apparatus. Each sleeve includes one or more pouches for receiving and holding weights. The pouches are collapsible for convenience when no weight is disposed therein.

Abstract: A dive rescue search device has a stanchion with a locating mechanism for the device, a marking device to assist the diver and a search area marker to properly direct the search.

Abstract: A neutral buoyancy auto-balancer eliminates the need for complex manipulation and operation in accordance with a change in diving depth. The auto-balancer automatically follows, rapidly and precisely, the change in diving depth by natural breathing during diving, and resolves the risk of failure of air-trapping not only in the vertical position but also in a slanted position to automatically follow a working posture of the diver. The neutral buoyancy auto-balancer comprises a weight 4 which radially outwardly extends from a shaft 14 which is rotatably supported at central holes 121, 131 of a cylinder 11 body. A nozzle 22 of an inlet duct 2 is fixed in the opposite direction to the projected weight 4. An inlet port 32 of an outlet duct 3 for both air evacuation and feed and drainage of water radially outwardly opens in the same direction as the weight 4.

Abstract: A weight drop pocket for a SCUBA diver comprising a flap closed pocket for containing a weight with a stiffener secured to the pocket and having an opening through which a projection from a mating element secured to a skin diver apparatus may be inserted with the pocket and mating element retained in a preselected orientation and held in place by a spring biased rod inserted through the projection thereby locking it to the mating element until the rod is withdrawn by a force which overcomes the spring bias.

Abstract: A protective container for a scuba tank. The container is made of rugged, flexible material, such as plastic or rubber. The container has an open top for placing the container over the tank, a cylindrical body for protecting the side of the tank, and a base for protecting the bottom of the tank. The upper portion of the container is tapered gently inwardly and upwardly to decrease resistance to the water. The inner surface of the container has longitudinal ribs for draining water from the top to the bottom of the container. The outer surface of the container has five longitudinal outriggers to prevent rolling of the tank when it is lying on a surface and providing the least amount of resistance to the water when the tank is in use. The container wall is extended below the base to supply protection against vertical stress when the tank is dropped. The inner surface of the base contains radial drainage channels to dispose of water inside the container. The outer surface of the base contains strengthening ribs.

Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having an insertable weight system. The spider includes an insertable weight system disposed preferably within at least one side opening pocket attached to a waistband portion. The side opening pocket can be formed of a piece of material attached to a waistband portion to define a channel in the space between the waistband portion and the piece of material. At least one weight disposed within an envelope, preferably having stiffening material, is removably inserted within the pocket. The envelope containing the weight includes means, preferably including areas of brushed material and hooks, and a handle for inserting, securing, and removably releasing the envelope containing the weight within the pocket. Stiffening within the spider provides an open, formed, shape retaining unit to distribute the weight of the tank and for convenience in putting the spider on.

Abstract: An aluminum tank buoyancy compensation system, for use with aluminum tanks having a flat bottom, a diameter and a boot attached at the flat bottom, for offsetting the inherent positive buoyancy of an empty aluminum scuba tank, comprising a weight disk having substantially the same diameter as the tank bottom. The weight disk is inserted into the boot, and the boot is replaced onto the bottom of the tank. The weight disk is trapped between the boot and tank bottom, ballasting the tank sufficiently to compensate for the positive buoyancy of the aluminum tank.

Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having chest portions which include stretchable material to support the breasts of a diver. The buoyancy compensator is secured to the back of a spider and has forward extensions which overlap and are loosely tethered to waistband portions of the spider. The waistband portions of the spider are secured to the back portion of the spider by adjustable means for waist size adjustment.

Abstract: A diving bell having a first funnel-shaped member which has a cone-shaped portion with a cylindrical portion projecting from an apex-most portion of the cone-shaped portion. A lid for sealing and unsealing egress and passage of air and water through opposite ends of the cylindrical portion of the first funnel-shaped member. A second funnel-shaped member having a cone-shaped portion with a cylindrical portion projects from an apex-most portion of the cone-shaped portion. The second funnel-shaped member being held about the first funnel-shaped member with a space between the first and second funnel-shaped members for receiving sand or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressurizing the inside of tubular members of an offshore structure that are immersed in sea water so that the internal pressure resists the hydrostatic pressure of the sea water. To achieve this internal pressure, gas is generated automatically on the inside of the members as the structure descends to its in-place location. The gas can also be used to deballast a tubular member.

Abstract: A diving outfit, vest and tightening device is provided for securing an air tank to a vest element. The device operates by air pressure supplied from the diver's air tank, and tightening of the belt is achieved by pressurized extension of a piston within a cylinder. The device is useful for securing air tanks to diving vests, and the outfit, vest and device are useful for allowing divers to secure the air tank with a minimal of manual force.

Abstract: The device for buoyancy is intended to be used by scuba divers. It allows the adjustment of its buoyancy and keeps this buoyancy constant even at changing water pressure. Its weight is low. The device works with a mechanism for pressure control. The controller keeps the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the tank constant. The walls of the tank are expandable to allow the adjustment of the displaced volume.

Abstract: A counterbalancing device and method for a diver for automatically diving, surfacing or floating at a predetermined water depth including a control element for setting the predetermined water depth, a pressure sensor for measuring a water depth of the diver, an electronic control unit for determining a rate of descent and a rate of ascent based on a change of the measured water depth over time, such that the electronic control unit controls at least one valve for one of filling air into and releasing air from at least one life jacket associated with the diver for controlling the diver's rate of ascent and descent, respectively, as a function of a difference between the determined rate of ascent or descent and a predetermined rate of ascent and descent, respectively, until the predetermined water depth is attained.

Abstract: A floating up guide device has an external wall portion forming a floating up guide device body and a hollow interior portion defined within the external wall. The external wall portion forming the floating up guide device body being formed of a hard material which does not vary the volume of the hollow interior portion. The hollow interior portion being sealingly enclosed by the external wall portion. A balancing member variable of weight being detachably attached on one end of the external wall portion.

Abstract: A diver's buoyancy compensator that allows greater design freedom in the placement of the air-containing buoyancy chambers to better suit the needs of the diver. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises four distinct surfaces, two of which make up the two halves of a floatation chamber that provides primarily back mounted floatation and the other two of which provide the chamber for more forward front mounted floatation under the arms and over the shoulder. After the two halves of each such chamber are joined to one another, the chambers are joined to each other with interchamber passageways providing free passage of air into both bladder chambers, whereby inflation and deflation in both chambers occur substantially simultaneously through a single valve or hose which may be connected to either such chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus such as a cofferdam 1, intended to be partially buried in ground beneath water comprises a hollow structural framework. The framework includes chambers 12 which have inlets 29 via which pressurized water can be supplied to the chambers. Each chamber 12 communicates with a plurality of nozzles 36 from which jets of the pressurized fluid issue to break up the ground below. Each chamber 12 also communicates with a plurality of water operated pumps 25 via inlets 24. The pumps 25 are operated by the pressurized water to draw or suck water-suspended solids from below through the pumps via the inlets 32 and discharged from the pumps via outlets 28.

Abstract: A propeller driven underwater propulsion system for use by a scuba diver, comprising at least one elongate air tank to be carried on the back of the diver, with the longitudinal centerline of the tank residing in a plane approximately perpendicular to the plane of the shoulders of the diver. A propeller is operatively mounted for rotation at a location closely adjacent the rear end of the tank, but it is neither rigidly connected to nor directly supported by the tank. A motor mounting arrangement operatively supports a motor adjacent the tank, with a motor output shaft being operatively connected by a torque transmitting device for continuously supplying rotative power to the propeller, such that the propeller provides a line of thrust at a location directed essentially rearwardly of the tank.

Abstract: An ascent/decompression device for use in diving with an inflatable lift bag, includes a pack for securing the ascent/decompression device on a diving harness worn by a diver; a reel mounted for rotation to the pack and having a decompression line wound thereabout, the decompression line being connected to the lift bag; a cable having a first end and a second loop end; a snap shackle connected with the first end and releasably holding the loop end to secure the cable about a ship wreck, the snap shackle including a main section having an open side, a closure lever pivotally connected to the main section for movement between closed and open positions, and a spring-biased pin for releasably locking the closure lever in the closed position; a first release clip for receiving the decompression line to limit a rate of ascent of the lift bag connected to the decompression line, and being connected to the cable; a second release clip secured to the pack for engaging with the spring-biased pin of the snap shackle; an

Abstract: A flexible, submersible compartment for underwater work in dry conditions which is particularly suited for work on petroleum drilling structures. The flexible, submersible compartment includes a flexible bell of reinforced elastomeric material having an opening surrounded by a collar at its top portion. A rigid platform-brace having a contractible outer ring is located beneath and attached to the flexible bell. The platform-brace also includes an inner ring which can be secured to a submerged portion of the petroleum drilling structure. In the event of contact with a rigid obstacle, the flexible bell adapts to the shape of the obstacle while the platform-brace contracts.

Abstract: An inflatable pressure vessel (1), which may be a decompression chamber for treating divers, has a flexible elongate casing (2) made of a silicone elastomer material reinforced with windings of reinforcing filaments and one or more removable end members (7,8) to provide access. An end member may be a rigid plate which seals against a frame (3,4) defining the entrance under internal vessel pressure. A transparent plastic plate gives illumination and allows inspection of a diver under treatment in a decompression chamber. Two pressure vessels (31,32) may be connected by a linking element (24) comprising a male part (25) which seals within a female part (33,34) under internal pressure and which has inter-engaging projections (29,35) and depressions (30,36) to prevent the parts from sliding apart axially under that pressure.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator includes a backpack assembly for holding a tank of compressed gas and an inflatable air cell which is removably attached to the backpack assembly. The backpack assembly includes a cummerbund and a shoulder harness so that the backpack assembly can be used to support a tank with or without the air cell. The cummerbund and shoulder harness support the entire weight of the tank, and the air cell is not required to support any of the load of the tank. The air cell is shaped to provide flotation in the lower back to buttocks area of the wearer and in the rib cage area.

Abstract: In a method and a device for paying out or hauling in a supply line cable of an underwater device from a ship or a suitable platform, the supply line cable is guided from a drum of a winch through a lower guide roller and over the edge of the ship. A pivoting device is rotated from a vertical position into a horizontal position about the axis of the lower guide roller, or about an axis parallel thereto, for lockingly coupling or uncoupling the cable coupling of the supply line cable to a cable coupling of another supply line cable. As a result of the rotation of the pivoting device, it serves as a horizontal working platform for the coupling or uncoupling process. The pivoting device is returned to its vertical position after the coupling or uncoupling has been completed. The pivoting device is dimensioned in such a manner that the cable couplings of the two supply line cables can be aligned with one another at a spatial distance governed by necessary cable connecting lines.

Abstract: A ballast tank for buoyancy compensation for scuba diving which permits greater control through the use of a hydraulic induced vacuum. The apparatus includes a rigid tank 10 and pistons 12 and 20 which are controlled by manually operated hydraulic hand pump 32 and a pressure relief valve 26 so that desired displacement is achieved and maintained regardless of external water pressure.

Abstract: A pressure equalizer for use for storing, generating and dispensing gas from substantially thin walled tanks at great depth beneath the sea has a gas generating tank contains a low-temperature, liquified gas which upon the application of heat generates a high-pressure gas which is stored in a gas storage tank into and out of which sea water freely flows through the bottom. A gas supply line is connected at one end by branches to the tops of the respective tanks and at the other end to a device utilizing gas generated in the gas generating tank.

Abstract: An attitude adjusting apparatus for use by scuba divers automatically varies the position of ballast relative to the center of buoyancy as the attitude of their body underwater changes. An elongate hollow weight tube enclosed at one end has a removable closure at the opposite end and contains a quantity of small metal balls or shot. The weight tube is carried in close proximity to the torso of the diver in a position with its longitudinal axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torso of the diver. The free-moving balls or shot are movably disposed within the interior of the weight tube and are movably distributed at varying locations within the weight tube between a forward lowermost position as the diver assumes a descending head-down position and a rearward lowermost position as the diver assumes an ascending head-up position, and will be distributed along the length of the weight tube as the diver assumes a horizontal position.

Abstract: A plurality of containers are combined in a stepped manner into a container group. Each container opens downwardly. They are sunk under water and anchored to the bed of the sea. A notch is formed at a lower portion of a side wall of each container connected to the next container so as to permit air to pass therethrough. Air is supplied into the interior of the lowermost container. The air is delivered to upper containers one after another through the notches and accumulated in all interiors of the containers. A staircase is disposed in a position spaced from the container group by a predetermined distance. A diver can use the space between the staircase and the container group. Furthermore, a diver can step down from the uppermost container to the lower ones one after another, so that he can also get deep into the sea without any scuba equipment or air accumulator.

Abstract: A projecting actuation point and a hollow ROV-operable tool for subsea equipment both have a larger diameter surface and a smaller diameter surface, the former being nearest to the subsea equipment. The smaller diameter surface of the actuation point provides a coarse guidance and early alignment of the tool over the actuation point and the larger and smaller surfaces, which fit closely, provide in combination two sets of interfaces for final alignment.The principle can be applied to a wide variety of subsea parts. The actuation point can be a spigot for a valve or choke, a point for hydraulic or electrical connection, a point for both fluid injection and valve isolation or a coupling to link a subsea component with a subsea module or to a remote power source.

Abstract: An improved scuba weight having a hex-nut locking device molded into the weight is described. The hex-nut locking device secures the weight to a diver's belt, but can be easily loosened, permitting the casting off of the weight, including in underwater operations, if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying by a diver while underwater that provides information useful for enabling the diver to expeditiously and safely work on submerged vessels without the danger of tapping into an explosive gas. The invention is particularly useful for finding liquid/gas boundary in a submerged vessel or the pressure of liquid or gas behind the wall of a vessel. A transmitting transducer provides a low frequency acoustic tone burst that is transmitted toward the hull of the ship. The reflected signal from the inner surface of the hull is received by a hydrophone and processed. Electronic circuit means, responsive to the received signal, processes the signal and computes the location of a liquid/gas interface or the presence of liquid or gas behind the hull. A display provides indications of the computed values.

Abstract: The invention is an underwater LNG pipeline system in modular sections wherein multiple LNG pipelines utilizing expansion joints to compensate for contraction are connected together by braces to form an integral frame, and including pressure vessels enclosing the expansion joints to permit access to the expansion joints for inspection or maintenance. In a second embodiment, the frame is a separate elongate space frame connected to the pipeline and the pressure vessels. In a third embodiment, the pipelines are INVAR steel and no expansion joints or pressure vessels are included.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect apparatus for quickly and conveniently disconnecting and reconnecting an inflator hose and a diver's buoyancy jacket. The invention is disclosed in the form of an elbow configuration for use on the buoyancy jacket in the place of conventional "screw" type connection devices used throughout the diving industry. The quick-disconnect of the present invention comprises a plastic right angle elbow which couples the inflation hose to the buoyancy jacket. This coupling is accomplished by a novel lock ring member and a complementary pin ring. The lock ring member provides a plurality of slotted pin guides and an expandable gap which permits the lock ring to selectively engage a nut ring secured to the buoyancy jacket. Rotation of the lock ring in one direction closes the gap and reduces the inner diameter of the lock ring to engage the nut ring.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a buoyancy compensator for a diver having a single thickness wall formed of substantially non-stretchable material that has been coated with a meltable plastic. The buoyancy compensator walls on the interior portion with the meltable plastic are adhered to each other in rounded areas or ribs having rounded ends to avoid stress when the buoyancy compensator is under pressure and provide a conformation to the buoyance compensator with a limitation of expansion in different areas of the walls of enhancement of the overall configuration and improved buoyancy relationship of a diver at a particular portion of the buoyancy compensator. The entire buoyancy compensator is served by inflation means and overexpansion gas valving means. The buoyancy compensator is fitted and secured by means of belts and shoulder straps for respective waist adjustment and shoulder and side portion adjustment.

Abstract: A weight belt for use by divers is formed at least partially from a phosphorescent material so that it will be easily visible in a low light environment. The belt may be constructed from a conventional fabric web over which slotted weights are received. The weights may be painted with a phosphorescent paint, or may be encapsulated in a plastic material impregnated with a phosphorescent substance. Alternatively, the diving belt may be formed from a plastic material impregnated with a phosphorescent substance. The slotted weights are slipped over the plastic diving belt and maintain their adjusted position due to frictional engagement of the belt with the slotted weights. The diving belt, when in use, will glow in the dark due to the phosphorescent material, thus enabling divers to locate each other and also preventing loss of the weight belt.

Abstract: A diving weight for scuba and other divers particularly designed to hold the weight in conformance to the diver's body and including a surface finish to prevent or substantially eliminate marring and scratching of the same. Belt receiving slots are provided along the length of the weight with a spacing formulation to hold the weight and maintain the attachment belt in close conformance to the user's body. The slots and weight are designed to allow the belt to pass from a recessed interior surface thereof about a recessed portion of the exterior surface and back to the interior thereof to hold the weight close to the user's body. The interior and exterior recesses of the weight allow for close conformity of the belt to the weight and the weight to the user's body. The weight is shaped with a radius on all mating surfaces to facilitate dipping and coating of the weight with a vinyl material.

Abstract: A one-atmosphere underwater modular system is provided. The modular system comprises components which can be manipulated and attached to one another through use of a submarine or the like. A variety of components are provided including: a maneuvarable submarine component; a bottom frame; a two-connection module; a one-connection module; and christmas tree modules. A variety of means and methods for connection in various orientations is disclosed. The system is specifically adapted for use in the recovery of natural resources, such as for oil and gas recovery.

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

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