Bathometer Type Patents (Class 73/300)
  • Patent number: 11268863
    Abstract: A gauge including a housing, a measuring port, an opening formed in the housing and a cover for covering the opening. The cover of the gauge is selected from a range of flexible and translucent materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sasha Handach
  • Patent number: 10985424
    Abstract: Equipment for underwater use with battery compartment cover provided with bayonet type connection system for fastening and unfastening the cover to/from the body of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Cressi-Sub S.P.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Pedemonte
  • Patent number: 10288519
    Abstract: A leak detection system includes an air source. A pipe is provided and the pipe is buried underground. The pipe has an inlet and the inlet is exposed with respect to ground. A fitting is selectively fluidly coupled between the air source and the inlet. Thus, the fitting pressurizes the pipe with air. The fitting includes a gauge. The gauge communicates air pressure within the pipe. Thus, the air pressure may be monitored to detect a leak in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Adolfo De La Cruz
  • Patent number: 9322123
    Abstract: A level measuring device for a wall mounted drum type washing machine and a level measuring method thereof, in which water levels of the left side and the right side of a tub of the wall mounted drum type washing machine are measured by first and second level measuring units, a control unit determines whether the washing machine is level from the measured water levels of the left and right sides of the tub, and a display unit displays a result of determining whether the washing machine is level, thereby reducing the installation time to install and level the washing machine, and allow a consumer to easily identify and maintain the level washing machine during use, thereby reducing vibrations and noise that occur during operation of the wall mounted drum type washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: DONGBU DAEWOO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sang III Bae
  • Patent number: 9097563
    Abstract: A field apparatus includes an apparatus case having an opening, a battery case that houses a battery and is mounted to an inner side of the apparatus case by being inserted into the apparatus case via the opening, and a mounting part that is provided on the inner side of the apparatus case and mounts the battery case such that its mounting direction can be modified in accordance with the installation direction of the apparatus case such that the battery is in a preset proper mounting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: AZBIL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Itsuki Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7451645
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for reducing or eliminating sources of systematic errors in the measurement of absolute gravity or gravity field gradients; specifically, an improved test mass for an interferometer is disclosed that reduces the influence of nearby electromagnetic fields on a freefalling test mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Micro-g LaCoste, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Niebauer, Ryan M. Billson, Fred J. Klopping, Jess G. Valentine, Derek C. S. van Westrum
  • Patent number: 6928869
    Abstract: A measurement rod for measuring the level of a liquid bath is cooled but is provided with a solid end piece so that the bath cannot solidify in front of the orifice of the measurement gas injected in the bath, for which the pressure is being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires, Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Christian Ladirat, Jean-Louis Maurin, Pascal Bouland, Guillaume Mehlman
  • Patent number: 6883246
    Abstract: A freeboard-measuring device has a central housing with streamlined fins extending along sides and bottom of the housing to prevent uplifting of the housing when lowered into water and minimize resistance to wind and current. The housing defines a chamber with a bottom water ingress allowing swift filling of the inner chamber. A calibrated gauging stick is removably a positioned within the inner chamber. A stabilizing cross bar and a transverse bar are secured by flexible connectors above the housing. The attachment of the stabilizing bars above the water-contacting portion of the measuring device allows to avoid water resistance when using the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Phillip A. Latham
  • Publication number: 20040025587
    Abstract: This measurement rod (2) for measuring the level of a liquid bath (1) is cooled but is provided with a solid end piece (5) so that the bath cannot solidify in front of the orifice (7) of the measurement gas injected in the bath, for which the pressure is being measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Christian Ladirat, Jean-Louis Maurin, Pascal Bouland, Guillaume Mehlman
  • Patent number: 5988873
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable simulator for bathymetric probes of the thermometric or calorimetric types connected at the output to an acquisition card. The simulator has at least four circuits corresponding, respectively, to the following four functions: a) selecting a probe type (thermometric or celerimetric) and establishing a firing sequence; b) generating a periodic signal of variable frequency to simulate a celerimetric type probe; c) generating a variation in temperature to simulate a thermometric probe; d) detecting a supply voltage threshold, with circuits b and c having a common section ending at the input of the acquisition card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Etat Francais
    Inventor: Alain Pipet
  • Patent number: 5834641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a depth gauge for use in angling or sports fishery. The depth of a body of water may be measured therewith from its surface to its bottom, and/or the depth and the size of strata of water of different temperatures for the purpose of offering bait to different species of fish in their preferred environments, for instance at the bottom of a water or at a thermocline stratum. In accordance with the invention, a water-proof housing a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a digital evaluation circuit, a display and a program switch are provided within a water-proof housing and electrically interconnected in such a manner, that the measurement value about the depth of the water to its bottom and/or water strata marked by temperature differences of more than 3.degree. Kelvin are processed and stored by the digital evaluation circuit. By means of the program switch, the stored measurement data may be called up and rendered visible in the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Bernd Sternal
  • Patent number: 5791187
    Abstract: For the apparatus and method to measure the water depth and level using a gas bubble type level meter, the measurement pipe for water column pressure is composed of plastic pipes of inside diameter of 2-4 mm; two measurement pipes for water column pressure are bounded that the elevation difference between the ends of two measurement pipes for water column pressure is .DELTA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Changmin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hak Soo Chang
  • Patent number: 5555518
    Abstract: An expendable oceanographic probe includes a body having a weighted nose section and an after body having a tail for stabilization. A spool of wire is paid out through the tail of the after body for coupling to a data acquisition system. The expendable oceanographic probe also includes a sensor exposed to the seawater for measuring a seawater property and for providing a signal representing the measured property to the data acquisition system over the wire. A pressure sensor of the probe is exposed to the seawater for determining the depth of the probe as the probe descends into the seawater with respect to the measured seawater property by perturbing the measured parameter signal at a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Sippican, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Whalen, Randall H. Elgin, Michael J. Balboni
  • Patent number: 5319964
    Abstract: Fluid level in a container is determined using a single pressure transducer connected to a portable body. The body contains a computer having a memory in which fluid level-to-fluid volume conversion data are stored for different shapes of containers so that fluid volume can be readily obtained for the shape of the respective container once fluid level is determined. These features allow a single monitoring apparatus to be used for monitoring different types of containers. The apparatus preferably includes a radio so that multiple apparatus can communicate in a system with a central remote operator interface device. Fluid level is determined by dividing a pressure reading from the bottom of the fluid by a fluid density determined from two prior pressure reading taken across a known distance (density equals the difference between the two readings divided by the distance).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Stanley V. Stephenson, Ronald E. Dant, Robert L. Toellner, Edward P. Arnold, Thuong Van Le, Leslie N. Berryman
  • Patent number: 5313712
    Abstract: An instrument console for use in scuba diving includes a console body having a first end adapted for connection to a pressurized air line, and a second end opposite the first end, at least one instrument being secured within the console body, a compass having top and side Lubber Lines, a compass housing configured to accommodate the compass and being connected to the second end of the console body to pivot relative to the console body, so that while held in front of the swimming diver, the compass may be maintained and read in a generally horizontal position, and the instruments may be viewed in a generally vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Dacor Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy N. Curameng, James R. Lutz, Mark L. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5303587
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an oil-filled depth gauge which is made far less sensitive to violent shock and the potential resulting inaccuracies to the maximum depth gauge indicator from such shock. More specifically, the present invention comprises an improved oil-filled scuba diving depth gauge in which the improvement provides a fluid dam member which may be affixed to or molded into the transparent enclosure covering the dial face to effectively block the flow of the oil in the region of the gauge occupied by the maximum depth indicator dial. The fluid dam reduces the likelihood that a sudden jar or other violent shock will induce a relative differential in the motion between the oil and the gauge body which might otherwise produce inaccuracies in the position of the maximum depth indicator dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Under Sea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean R. Garraffa, James T. Dexter
  • Patent number: 5277054
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for in-situ calibration of distance measuring equipment. The method comprises obtaining a first distance measurement in a first location, then obtaining at least one other distance measurement in at least one other location of a precisely known distance from the first location, and calculating a calibration constant. The method is applied specifically to calculating a calibration constant for obtaining fluid level and embodied in an apparatus using a pressure transducer and a spacer of precisely known length. The calibration constant is used to calculate the depth of a fluid from subsequent single pressure measurements at any submerged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Melvin D. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5272920
    Abstract: Fluid level in a container is determined using a single pressure transducer connected to a portable body. The body contains a computer having a memory in which fluid level-to-fluid volume conversion data are stored for different shapes of containers so that fluid volume can be readily obtained for the shape of the respective container once fluid level is determined. These features allow a single monitoring apparatus to be used for monitoring different types of containers. The apparatus preferably includes a radio so that multiple apparatus can communicate in a system with a central remote operator interface device. Fluid level is determined by dividing a pressure reading from the bottom of the fluid by a fluid density determined from two prior pressure reading taken across a known distance (density equals the difference between the two readings divided by the distance).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Stanley V. Stephenson, Ronald E. Dant, Robert L. Toellner, Edward P. Arnold, Thuong Van Le, Leslie N. Berryman
  • Patent number: 5211678
    Abstract: Fluid level in a container is determined using a single pressure transducer connected to a portable body. The body contains a computer having a memory in which fluid level-to-fluid volume conversion data are stored for different shapes of containers so that fluid volume can be readily obtained for the shape of the respective container once fluid level is determined. These features allow a single monitoring apparatus to be used for monitoring different types of containers. The apparatus preferably includes a radio so that multiple apparatus can communicate in a system with a central remote operator interface device. Fluid level is determined by dividing a pressure reading from the bottom of the fluid by a fluid density determined from two prior pressure reading taken across a known distance (density equals the difference between the two readings divided by the distance).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Stanley V. Stephenson, Ronald E. Dant, Robert L. Toellner, Edward P. Arnold, Thuong Van Le, Leslie N. Berryman
  • Patent number: 5191790
    Abstract: An assembly capable of being launched from a submarine to carry into seawater an element responsive to a property of the water to be measured, comprising a carrier member coupled to the element, a lifting body shaped to provide hydrodynamic lift, a tether for mechanically connecting the lifting body to the submarine, the lifting body and the tether being constructed and arranged so that the lifting body, when connected to a moving submarine, will move through the water at a distance above the submarine, a supply of electrically conductive cable connected to the element and stored at least in part by the lifting body for payout to accommodate movement of the submarine relative to the member and releasable coupling means for holding the member and the lifting body together during their launch from the submarine and there after releasing the lifting body from the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Sippican, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Layport
  • Patent number: 5191719
    Abstract: A depth gauge for a fishing line of the manometric type, having a transparent tube plugged at one end and a valve means closing the other end, allowing a measurable amount of water into the tube and entrapping it therein, a calibrated depth scale to compare the volume of entrapped water to the related depth, and a reset means to release the entrapped water and reset the gauge. The gauge is used when fishing, trolling or casting, wherein maximum depth obtained by the gauge and other attached tackle can be determined when the gauge is retrieved from below the surface of a body of water, whether the gauge is lowered vertically or at any angle from the horizontal into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Steve B. Kitt
  • Patent number: 5049864
    Abstract: Novel display scheme for decompression data is herein presented which can be animated by various types of decompression computers and permits the use of new, highly advantageous procedures in many aspects of diving, notably: (1) no-decompression diving, (2) decompression diving, and (3) repetitive diving. It allows a diver to choose his margin of safety, lending itself to use by divers predisposed to DCS, or by divers working under arduous conditions. It consists of graphical and digital display elements which accesses the contents of a microprocessor or other information source as to a diver's tissue's state of saturation with inert gas. This information is presented to a diver in a simple, straight forward and non-confusing manner which allows him/or to use the new highly advantageous procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Orca II, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig W. Barshinger
  • Patent number: 5046359
    Abstract: An assembly capable of being launched from a submarine to carry into seawater an element responsive to a property of the water to be measured, comprising a carrier member coupled to the element, a lifting body shaped to provide hydrodynamic lift, a tether for mechanically connecting the lifting body to the submarine, the lifting body and the tether being constructed and arranged so that the lifting body, when connected to a moving submarine, will move through the water at a distance above the submarine, a supply of electrically conductive cable connected to the element and stored at least in part by the lifting body for payout to accommodate movement of the submarine relative to the member, and releasable coupling means for holding the member and the lifting body together during their launch from the submarine and thereafter releasing the lifting body from the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: The Sippican Corporation
    Inventor: John L. Layport
  • Patent number: 4953986
    Abstract: An air/sea temperature probe is disclosed which can be deployed from a moving ship to detect the temperature profile of the atmosphere and ocean beyond the thermal influence of a ship. The probe includes a temperature transducer which utilizes a bifilar wire that provides a very quick air temperature time constant. The transducer is mounted within a radiation shield having low thermal conductance to minimize thermal and solar radiation contamination and is coupled to a signal processing network. In operation, the probe is deployed from a ship and provides temperature telemetry via an electrical data link coupled between the signal processing network and a receiving transducer located onboard the ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jack R. Olson, Herbert V. Hitney, Richard A. Paulus, Kenneth D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4887361
    Abstract: The invention relates to a freeboard measuring device which comprises an elongated housing having a rectangular cross-section form, a central part of the device body. A pair of fins fixedly connected to the housing on each of its sides extend substantially the length of the hosuing and have at least slightly greater lateral dimensions than the lateral dimension of the housing. The fins are triangular in cross section, with the tops of the triangles facing outwardly and providing the device with streamlined characteristics. The base of the triangles does not exceed in length the depth of the housing. The central portion has a main chamber for housing a gauging stick. The main chamber is divided into a lower and upper secondary chamber with the lower chamber having water ingress and separated from the upper chamber by a separation wall with openings to allow water to enter the upper chamber. The lower chamber has a packing of fibrous material to prevent water turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventor: Philip A. Latham
  • Patent number: 4854728
    Abstract: A seawater probe for measuring a physical parameter which includes a sensor element having an electrical characteristic dependent on the parameter and a detector circuit for deriving a measurement signal corresponding to a measured value of the electrical characteristic, the improvement including a reference element having a known, stable value of the electrical characteristic connected in series with the sensor element, the reference and sensor elements being powered by a single power supply, means for selectively connecting the sensor and reference elements separately in the detector circuit, and means for calibrating the detector circuit using the known value of the electrical characteristic of the reference element and the measurement signal derived when the reference element is in the detector circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Sippican Ocean Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George Baron, William H. Vreeland, Neil L. Brown
  • Patent number: 4835716
    Abstract: Only one pressure sensor is employed in a compact measuring apparatus for measuring both depths of water and altitude. A pressure-data generator generates pressure data corresponding to a pressure applied to the single pressure sensor. A water-depth data converter converts this pressure data into water-depth data. An altitude-data converter converts this pressure data into altitude data. The water-depth data and the altitude data are visually displayed on the compact measuring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Tamaki, Masayoshi Okuyama, Yasushi Ida, Toru Yamada
  • Patent number: 4809550
    Abstract: The disclosure in the specification sets forth a digital diving meter providing information on an axis to be readily observed in reading the information along the axial line of the display. The display is incorporated within the diving meter movement having a cover thereover. The cover comprises a cover for the digital dive meter having a handle extending therefrom at an axis form the axial line of display for ease of holding and reading the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: U.S.D. Corp
    Inventor: Mark Faulconer
  • Patent number: 4782338
    Abstract: Novel display scheme for decompression data is herein presented which can be animated by various types of decompression computers and permits the use of new, highly advantageous procedures in many aspects of diving, notably: (1) no-decompression diving, (2) decompression diving, and (3) repetitive diving. It allows a diver to choose his margin of safety, lending itself to use by divers predisposed to DCS, or by divers working under arduous conditions. It consists of graphical and digital display elements which accesses the contents of a microprocessor or other information source as to a diver's tissue's state of saturation with inert gas. This information is presented to a diver in a simple, straightforward and non-confusing manner which allows him/or to use the new highly advantageous procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Orca Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig W. Barshinger
  • Patent number: 4712305
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for measuring the change in the freeboard of a barge, indicating a varying amount of cargo within the barge. An oil gauging tape is used to lower the device which comprises a vertical pipe transversed by a horizontal bar with an aperture therethrough. A flexible tube is coupled to a nipple which is secured to the underside of the block. Water, entering through the tube, flows into the vertical pipe and contacts and changes the color of a chalk or water-seeking paste material lightly spread on the graduated area of a gauging stick, resting in the vertical pipe. The device is lowered until the horizontal bar is submerged approximately 3" below the apparent surface of the water and the oil gauging tape is read for a measurement. The device is held steady to ensure that the vertical pipe is filled to the outside water level and is then reeled to the deck where the gauging stick is removed and the measurement of the water mark is noted and added to the measurement on the oil gauging tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventor: Phillip A. Latham
  • Patent number: 4589283
    Abstract: A gauge for warning a scuba diver of an unsafe rate of ascent in the ocean or sea. The gauge is normally attached to the diver's forearm or wrist by means of straps. As the diver ascends, water flows through the gauge. A disk which is pivotally attached within the gauge in the path of the water flow moves in response to the water flow. As the disk moves, an indicator attached to the disk moves along a calibrated scale. As the diver's rate of ascent exceeds a predetermined safe rate, the indicator moves into a marked unsafe zone, thereby warning the diver of an unsafe rate of ascent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Inventor: Francis V. Morrison, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4557608
    Abstract: A thermal microstructure measurement system (TMMS) operates autonomously h its own internal power supply and telemeters data to a platform. A thermal array is mounted on a cross-braced frame designed to orient itself normal to existing currents with fixed sensor positioning bars protruding from the cross bars. A plurality of matched thermistors, conductivity probes and inclinometers are mounted on the frame. A compass and pressure transducer are contained in an electronics package suspended below the array. The array is deployed on a taut mooring below a subsurface float. Data are digitized, transmitted via cable to a surface buoy and then telemetered to the platform where the data is processed via a computer, recorded and/or displayed. The platform computer also sends commands to the array via telemetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael J. Carver
  • Patent number: 4528846
    Abstract: Measuring devices for small, high performance sailboats, sailboards and other watercraft comprise a transducer to convert pressure exerted by the water through which the watercraft passes into a gas pressure within a chamber in the transducer, a gage to be carried above the water on the watercraft, the gage comprising first and second gas compartments connected by a passageway plus a liquid or solid free piston moveable in the passageway responsive to variations in gas pressure occurring in the second compartment and a flexible tube connecting the transducer chamber with the second gas compartment to transmit gas pressure variations from the chamber to the second compartment. In one embodiment, the measuring device is a speedometer. In a second embodiment, the measuring device is a depthmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Inventor: Howard D. Irwin
  • Patent number: 4520668
    Abstract: A manometric instrument for use with air bottles of an underwater respirator for underwater diving, comprises a sealed casing having a transparent closure cover; a first fixed scale fixed within the casing for indicating pressure and having graduations based on a first unit of measurement; a second fixed scale fixed within the casing adjacent the first fixed scale for indicating pressure and having graduations based on a second unit of measurement; either the first or second units of measurement expressing units of length, and the other expressing residual pressure of air in the air bottles; an adjustable fixed scales; a first movable scale fixed on the support element and having graduations based on the second units of measurement and differing from the second fixed scale; a second movable scale fixed on the support element for indicating an ascent time as a function of either the depth under water and the residual pressure, when the support element is adjustably displaced such that a value on the first mova
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Emilio Allemano
  • Patent number: 4494407
    Abstract: A depthometer useful for underwater diving is constructed with a cup-shaped casing, and a rotatable transparent cover that is sealably snap-mounted to the casing and closes the front of the casing. The transparent cover houses an indicating pointer that rotates about an axis of the casing as a function of external pressure, and moves along the scale of a stationary dial. The indicating pointer cooperates with a maximum-indicating pointer by way of a dragging member that communicates with both pointers. The dragging member is idly supported by an axially bored member which extends through the cover. The axially bored member cooperates with an adjustable friction clutch and thereby also serves to support the maximum-indicating pointer. The construction of the present depthometer permits the cover to be snap-mounted to the casing without adversely affecting the water-tightness of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: Emilio Allemano
  • Patent number: 4491015
    Abstract: A combined instrument system for divers, in which a first instrument is connectable to a user by flexible attachment means and is snap engaged to a link which can be connected removably to at least one further instrument disposed alongside the first instrument and fixed in position on the said link by removable closure means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Emilio Allemano
  • Patent number: 4466285
    Abstract: An underwater instrument for the combined reading of immersion time and depth, and decompression time, wherein a depthometer, a clock device and decompression tables are mounted in mutually adjacent positions on a single support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Inventor: Emilio Allemano
  • Patent number: 4466283
    Abstract: A diver's combined gauge console having an integral mount for a knife and sheath. The gauges may include a tank pressure gauge and a depth gauge. The gauges may be slightly tilted toward one another for ease of reading. The depth gauge may be externally adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Inventor: Ralph F. Osterhout
  • Patent number: 4350042
    Abstract: A time-depth integrator for divers to indicate when a diver is approaching or has reached the maximum safe time limit for a dive without requiring decompression procedures when surfacing includes an evacuated chamber with an elongate channel communicating therewith. The channel has a breakable seal and contains an orifice so that when the seal is broken under water, water flows through the orifice into and along the channel to the evacuated chamber. Indications along the length of the channel show how far water has progressed in the channel and indicate the maximum safe limit and approach thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Inventor: Douglas MacGregor
  • Patent number: 4327584
    Abstract: A decompression meter includes a scale having a first section corresponding to conditions in which it is unnecessary for an ascending diver to carry out decompression halts, and a second section corresponding to conditions in which decompression halts are necessary. The second section of the scale is carried by a movable element which can be displaced along the first scale section by means of a manually operable member. Means are provided for indicating the position of the movable element along the first scale section. The position in which the movable element is set is selected by the diver at least on the basis of the maximum depth reached and, optionally, also on the basis of the dwell time at this maximum depth as well as possibly also on the basis of the intervening time between a preceding dive and the current dive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Inventor: Carlo Alinari
  • Patent number: 4285237
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for accurate subaqueous measurements of the vertical displacements of a reference point e.g. the head of a pile by using a pressure difference recorder at the reference point which measures the difference between an air filled chamber and the water pressure outside said chamber, said recorder being bridged by a tube interconnecting the two pressure regions and having a valve which in the open position interconnects the two regions said air chamber being located above the recorder while the valve has an electromagnetic operating member placed in a circuit with the recorder and a measuring device, the initial pressure in the air chamber being the atmospheric pressure at the water surface.There may be two identical devices each having a switch in the circuit of the recorder which brakes the circuit at the end of the measuring range, the switches of the two devices operating such that when one interrupts the other makes its circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Assignee: Hollandsche Beton Groep N.V.
    Inventor: Anthony H. Romijn
  • Patent number: 4265124
    Abstract: Disclosed is an acoustic wave sensor, including an acoustic wave oscillator having a resonant frequency which is modulated according to changes in a physical variable and a broadcast amplifier for directly transmitting the modulated frequency as a radio frequency signal. As a surface acoustic wave pressure sensor, the sensor includes a housing defining a cavity therein, an opening in the housing communicating with the cavity, a surface acoustic wave transducer attached to the housing to close the opening and adapted to deflect in response to a pressure differential across the transducer, an amplifier coupled to the transducer in a feedback loop, the transducer thereby being adapted to modulate the resonant frequency of the loop in response to the deflection, and a broadcast amplifier for directly transmitting the modulated frequency as a radio frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Teong C. Lim, Edward J. Staples
  • Patent number: 4215571
    Abstract: A temperature probe for use by submersibles when under ice, whereby impinent of the Bathythermograph against the under surface of the ice causes the probe to be released and fall to the bottom. The probe may also be released by the bathythermograph reaching the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1971
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Ralph P. Crist
  • Patent number: 4196623
    Abstract: A depth gauge, of the type having a dial with a graduated scale over which an indicator needle is movable by a manometer unit housed in a capsule filled with liquid which communicates ambient pressure to a pressure-sensitive element of the manometer, in which there are provided calibration means for adjusting the pressure within the capsule with respect to the external ambient pressure in order to adjust the needle setting to zero immediately prior to use. The capsule may have one or two flexible walls and the calibration means include a screw threaded element, which may be part of a casing for the capsule or may be screwed into a part of this casing, which engages the resiliently flexible wall and causes flexure of it one way or the other when screwed in one direction or the other, to increase or reduce the pressure in the liquid filling the capsule with respect to the external ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Inventor: Carlo Alinari
  • Patent number: 4196690
    Abstract: A device for indicating the maximum reading of a measuring instrument of the type having a needle turnable over a dial marked with a graduated scale extending for more than 360.degree. includes an auxiliary needle mounted on a pivot pin carried by a transparent screen covering the dial and lightly frictionally engaged with this pin so that it can be turned, for zero setting, by rotation of the pin by means of a knob attached to the outer end thereof. The auxiliary needle is provided with engagement means by which it is engaged by the main needle upon advancing movement, but which allows the main needle to pass the auxiliary needle should it require to do so, having reached a maximum position more than 360.degree. from the zero of the scale so that, upon returning to zero, it passes the auxiliary needle which remains fixed at the maximum position reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Inventor: Carlo Alinari
  • Patent number: 4107995
    Abstract: In underwater diving a record is made on an electronic recorder of the instantaneous pressure to which the diver is subjected at successive time intervals to give complete time-versus-pressure records for any one diver for a given time period, for example, twelve hours. A pressure transducer delivers an electronic signal to the recorder, and this pressure data is recorded at successive time intervals, for example, every minute of the twelve-hour period. The recorded data is read digitally and is read in analogue in the form of an x-y graph, either permanent or fleeting. The recorded data is preferably kept in permanent form on electronic chips also referred to as programmable read-only memories. The entire recording device can be carried by the diver, and the readout apparatus may be located at the surface of the water. Continuous topside monitoring is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Inventors: James Raymond Ligman, Richard Fred Jones
  • Patent number: 4107996
    Abstract: A gauge for measuring pressure is described having a casing, a transparent lens, a faceplate bearing indicia and indices, a primary depth pointer, a maximum depth pointer, and a rack-and-pinion gear assembly for moving the pointers relative to the indicia and the indices. In the rack-and-pinion gear assembly there is provided a spring-biased rack, a pinion gear and a flexible diaphragm. The pinion gear is mounted on a shaft supporting the primary depth pointer. The rack is threadably coupled to the gear and adapted to be moved linearly for turning the gear and the shaft. The diaphragm is mounted in a selected manner in a bore in the casing in contact with one end of the rack. The opposite end of the rack is in contact with a spring. A change in ambient pressure relative to the pressure within the casing moves the diaphragm and rack against the spring and rotates the pointers. The maximum pressure indiciator, which is driven by the primary depth pointer, is provided for indicating maximum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Assignee: Farallon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley J. Hollingsworth, Ralph B. Shamlian
  • Patent number: 4098110
    Abstract: A capillary depth gauge employs a transparent cover member having an annular magnifying lens portion overlying the capillary passageway to facilitate reading of the gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignee: Dacor Corporation
    Inventor: William A. Bowden
  • Patent number: H240
    Abstract: An adaptable thermistor array of variable length and sensor spacing. A pllity of thermistor modules are attached at any desired interval to a braided line. Each thermistor module contains its own power source, sensor, and an acoustic telemetry transmitter to transmit the temperature related data from the module to an acoustic receiver in a buoy from which the line depends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Richard C. Swenson
  • Patent number: D302393
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: U.S.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Mark Faulconer