Underwater breathing apparatus and air compressor
US5996578A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C2011/2272
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A short term underwater breathing device including one or more housings containing a compressor powered by a battery for pumping air from an air intake valve through an air filter and dryer into a storage reservoir. The user draws air from the storage reservoir through a demand regulator. An electronic controller regulates the compressor, controls the opening and closing of the air intake valve, and monitors the air storage reservoir pressure. In a preferred embodiment the compressor, the battery, the air filter and dryer, and the controller are contained within a water tight compartment of a housing, which housing is preferably worn by the user. When the user is on the surface, the air intake valve opens and the battery provides power to the air compressor which draws the air through the filter and the dryer into the air storage reservoir. When submerged, the air intake valve closes, the compressor stops, and the user breaths the air from the storage reservoir through the regulator. The reservoir can provide several minutes of air to the user while under water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.