Integrated dive flag/float and GPS navigation system for scuba divers
US6791490B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S19/19
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A SCUBA diving flag/float assembly is used to support a GPS antenna on the surface of the water for use by divers in performing underwater navigation. An associated GPS receiver is integrated with a dive flag line take-up mechanism such as a spool or SCUBA diving line reel. The dive flag line and cable interconnecting the GPS receiver to the GPS antenna is integrated within a single assembly, or in an alternate embodiment, braided together forming a single tether. Alternate embodiments include optional sensors such as a flowmeter, compass, tiltmeter, depth gauge and diver techniques to compensate for navigational errors due to a water current pushing a dive flag/float away from a diver. Alternatively, a GPS receiver may be mounted on or in the dive flag/float assembly and navigational information relayed to the diver under the water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.