Patent US4853722A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4853722A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for extending the depth range of underwater equipment
Assignee: Sea Fathoms Industries Inc
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Filing: 1988-09-12
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Granted: 1989-08-01
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Expires: 2008-09-12
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for extending the depth range of an underwater pressure hull such as an underwater camera body by providing a means responsive to ambient pressure for equalizing the pressure between the hull and its environment.
Inventors
- 👤 Harold A. Gell, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 12:22
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/02; G03B17/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
An apparatus, for use with a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus of the type which includes a pressure demand regulator, for extending the operational depth of an underwater device of the class which includes a waterproof, pressure hull, comprising: means for sealing the breathing outlet of said regulator for creating a pressure chamber within the body of said regulator; a pneumatic port pressure compensating said pressure hull; and means for pneumatically connecting said pneumatic port to said regulator chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
An apparatus, for use with a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus of the type which includes a pressure demand regulator, for extending the operational depth of an underwater device of the class which includes a waterproof, pressure hull, comprising: means for sealing the breathing outlet of said regulator for creating a pressure chamber within the body of said regulator; a pneumatic port pressure compensating said pressure hull; and means for pneumatically connecting said pneumatic port to said regulator chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said connecting means includes a flexible conduit means pneumatically coupling said pressure chamber to said pressure hull.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for connecting said pressure chamber to said pneumatic port comprises a needle valve inflation needle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said pneumatic connection includes a gas permeable, moisture barrier of the class which will allow air to pass into said passage from said regulator but will prevent water from entering said passage from said regulator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising a desiccant chamber for drying gas passing from said regulator chamber to said pressure hull.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said self-contained underwater breathing apparatus is a self-contained emergency air source including an air reservoir rigidly connected to said regulator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said regulator includes exhaust valve means responsive to external ambient pressure for permitting gas to escape from said chamber when the pressure within said pressure hull is greater than ambient.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for sealing the breathing outlet of said regulator is a plug dimensioned to fit within said breathing outlet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
66 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said plug includes a small diameter bore normally closed by the resiliency of the plug material when said plug is installed in said regulator, and said pneumatic connection means includes a hollow inflation needle means for creating a pneumatic passage through said bore in said plug into said regulator chamber when said needle is inserted in said bore.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the breathing outlet is a mouthpiece including a tubular extension from said regulator chamber which terminates in a mouth engaging flange.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said means for sealing the breathing outlet of said regulator is a cover adapted to seal about said tubular extension of said mouthpiece.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said pneumatic connection means includes a hollow needle inserted through one wall of the material of said mouthpiece tubular extension between said regulator chamber and said cover.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 11 comprising a needle value in said cover and said pneumatic connection means includes a hollow inflation needle means for providing a gas passage through said needle valve.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
95 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said pressure compensating port includes an adapter, comprising: coupling means for engaging the interior of a tubular passage dimensioned relative to the interior of said tubular passage to provide a mechanically secure, pressure tight seal; a flange means at the end of said adapter opposite said coupling means; a threaded exterior section between said flange and said coupling means; and a pneumatic passage through the body of said adapter for providing a gas conduit between openings in the coupling means end and flange end of said adapter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said pneumatic passage describes a tortuous path through the body of said adapter for preventing light from passing therethrough.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said adapter includes a curved section between said coupling means and said flange .
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said pneumatic passage is provided with a light absorptive interior surface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said adapter includes a resilient coating in the areas abutting said pressure hull.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
72 words
An apparatus, for use with a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus of the type which includes a pressure demand regulator, for extending the operational depth of a waterproof camera, comprising: means for sealing the breathing outlet of said regulator for creating a pressure chamber; a port for pressure equalizing said camera; and means for pneumatically connecting said port to said pressure chamber for supplying a gas at approximately ambient pressure to said camera.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
72 words
An apparatus, for use with a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus of the type which includes a pressure demand regulator, for extending the operational depth of a waterproof camera, comprising: means for sealing the breathing outlet of said regulator for creating a pressure chamber; a port for pressure equalizing said camera; and means for pneumatically connecting said port to said pressure chamber for supplying a gas at approximately ambient pressure to said camera.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein said connectinq means includes a flexible conduit pneumatically coupling said pressure chamber to said camera.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein said means for connecting said pressure chamber to said port comprises a needle valve hollow inflation needle.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 19 wherein said pneumatic connection includes a gas permeable, moisture barrier of the class which will allow air to pass into said passage from said regulator but will prevent water from entering said passage from said regulator.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 19, further comprising a desiccant chamber for drying gas passing from said pressure chamber to said camera.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein said self-contained underwater breathing apparatus is a self-contained emergency air source including an air reservoir rigidly connected to said regulator.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 19 wherein said regulator includes exhaust valve means responsive to external ambient pressure for permitting gas to escape from said chamber when the pressure within said camera is greater than ambient.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 19 wherein said means for sealing the breathing outlet of said regulator is a plug dimensioned to fit within said breathing outlet.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
58 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 26 wherein said plug includes a small diameter bore normally closed by the resiliency of the plug material when said plug is installed in said regulator, and said pneumatic connection means includes a hollow inflation needle means for creating a pneumatic passage through said bore in said plug into said pressure chamber.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 19 wherein said breathing outlet is a mouthpiece including a tubular extension from said pressure chamber which terminates in a mouth engaging flange.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 28 wherein said means for sealing the breathing outlet of said regulator is a cover adapted to seal about the tubular extension of said mouthpiece.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein said pneumatic connection means includes a hollow needle inserted through one wall of the material of said mouthpiece tubular extension between said regulator and said cover.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 29 comprising a needle value in said cover and said pneumatic connection means includes a hollow inflation needle means for providing a gas passage through said needle valve.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
95 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 19 wherein said pressure compensating port includes an adapter, comprising: coupling means for engaging the interior of a tubular passage dimensioned relative to the interior of said tubular passage to provide a mechanically secure, pressure tight seal; a flange means at the end of said adapter opposite said coupling means; a threaded exterior section between said flange and said coupling means; and a pneumatic passage through the body of said adapter for providing a gas conduit between openings in the coupling means end and flange end of said adapter.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 32 wherein said pneumatic passage describes a tortuous path through the body of said adapter for preventing light from passing therethrough.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 32 wherein said adapter includes a curved section between said coupling means and said flange.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 32 wherein said pneumatic passage is provided with a light absorptive interior surface.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 32 wherein said adapter includes a resilient coating in the areas abutting said camera.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
57 words
A method for extending the depth range of an underwater apparatus, including the steps of: sealing the breathing port of the regulator of an underwater breathing apparatus; pneumatically coupling the underwater apparatus to a chamber created by sealing said breathing port; and pressurizing and depressurizing said underwater apparatus through the normal pressure demand functions of the regulator.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
57 words
A method for extending the depth range of an underwater apparatus, including the steps of: sealing the breathing port of the regulator of an underwater breathing apparatus; pneumatically coupling the underwater apparatus to a chamber created by sealing said breathing port; and pressurizing and depressurizing said underwater apparatus through the normal pressure demand functions of the regulator.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
33 words
A method of extending the depth range of an underwater apparatus as defined in claims 37, wherein said breathing port is coupled to a pressure demand regulator of a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-31 | 1993-01-30 | 1993-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-31 | 1997-01-30 | 1997-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-31 | 2001-01-30 | 2001-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |