Abstract:
A vent valve for a buoyancy control device (“BCD”) suitable for divers, where the valve may be opened by any combination of over-pressure, manual pressure relief or a powered means, where a force to a valve plug is applied by means of a spring that is constrained to prevent entirely lateral and angular movement but in which movement of the plug in the axis of the seat is unconstrained. An automatic buoyancy control device suitable for free-swimming divers, providing the functions that may include a controlled ascent rate, controlled descent rates, the imposition of a maximum depth limit, the facility to hold a set depth and to follow a dive profile or decompression profile. The device, control process and subsystems provide a high safe failure fraction.
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. The mobile shutter element (32) being operatively connected to a first end of an elastic element (34), whereas a second end of said elastic element (34) is in turn operatively connected to an electric actuator element (36), actuated by an electrical current and configured to counteract, in certain operating conditions of the valve (30), the elastic force of the elastic element (34), so as to perform the selective opening and closing of the mobile shutter element (32) and, consequently, respectively allowing or preventing air from the hole (62), and then from the inside of the air chamber, from passing towards one or more through holes (58) formed on the outer body (60) of the valve (30) and vice versa.
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 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:
A new buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design is provided. The new buoyancy compensator has a unique air bladder system that are positioned directly below the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of a diver. The new buoyancy compensator may also have air bladder systems positioned directly above the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of a diver. The unique buoyancy compensator containing the new air bladder system facilitates a streamlined bladder that makes movements in the water easier as the movement created between the vector for lift and the center of gravity is minimized. The new buoyancy compensator has an air bladder system that is contained within the front lobes of the jacket that makes the jacket more streamlined and makes access to gear contained on the jacket much easier. Moreover, the streamlined nature of the compensator increases the stability of the user during entry and exit from the water.
Abstract:
An air compressor, air reservoir and an air dryer each are provided on wheeled frame. Compressed air charges the reservoir and is dehumidified in the dryer for simultaneous delivery to plural air ventilation systems worn by individuals.
Abstract:
A new buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design is provided. The new buoyancy compensator has a unique air bladder system that are positioned directly below the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of a diver. The new buoyancy compensator may also have air bladder systems positioned directly above the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of a diver. The unique buoyancy compensator containing the new air bladder system facilitates a streamlined bladder that makes movements in the water easier as the movement created between the vector for lift and the center of gravity is minimized. The new buoyancy compensator has an air bladder system that is contained within the front lobes of the jacket that makes the jacket more streamlined and makes access to gear contained on the jacket much easier. Moreover, the streamlined nature of the compensator increases the stability of the user during entry and exit from the water.
Abstract:
Balancing jacket for diving activities equipped with integrated packing system for its transport. Onto two areas symmetrically opposed with respect to the middle of the back portion of the jacket cooperating connecting means are applied, which connect said portions in an easily engageable and releasable way. The invention also relates to a method for packing a balancing jacket for diving activities by means of an integrated wrapping system, comprising the following steps: (a) tidily folding the components of the jacket on the front side; (b) assembling said elements as a package by pulling said complementary connecting means on the back portion of the jacket, and (c) firmly connecting said complementary connecting means, thus forming a compact package or assembly.
Abstract:
A buoyancy regulator for diving includes a cylinder band for fixation of an air cylinder. The cylinder band comprises a belt-like part and a buckle which is formed with a plurality of band insertion slits arranged in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder band. Each pair of side walls respectively lying on both sides of each of the insertion slits is marked with the same letters indicating a sequence in which the belt-like part should be inserted through the buckle.