Buoyancy control device for divers
US5707177A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C11/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A buoyancy control device for divers includes a plurality of inflatable members each adapted to be inflated to a predetermined maximum volume, or to be deflated, and a fluid distributor for selecting the inflatable members to be inflated and to be deflated, thereby controlling the buoyancy of the device. The fluid distributor includes a housing having an inlet port connectible to a source of pressurized fluid, a venting port leading to the atmosphere, and a plurality of outlet ports connected to the inflatable members. A flexible membrane overlies a grooved surface in the housing, and a valve member is movable over the membrane to press it into the groove such as to effect the communication between the inlet and venting ports with respect to selected outlet ports.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.