Combined digital depth control and rate of ascent control device for scubadiving

Abstract

A combined digital depth control and rate of ascent control device to be used by scuba divers. The device would automatically prevent the diver from exceeding a predetermined depth and prevent the diver from ascending at an excessively high rate. The device comprises a sealed housing attachable to the apparatus so as to be submerged in the water with the diver. The housing has an inlet connectable to the pressurized gas tank, an outlet connected to the inflatable buoyancy jacket, a control passageway between the inlet and outlet, being automatically displaced to open the passageway upon sensing the predetermined depth.

1 . A combined depth and rate of ascent control device to be used with a “Self-Contained Underwater-Breathing Apparatus”, for sensing the depth of a diver and for automatically increasing the buoyancy of a buoyancy compensator when the diver is submerged at a predetermined depth in the water, to thereby prevent the diver from exceeding said predetermined depth, and automatically to decrease or terminate ascent when it exceeds a predetermined rate, said control device includes a housing having an inlet connectable to a pressurized gas tank, an outlet connected to an inflatable buoyancy jacket, controlled passageways between said inlet and outlet, said passageways being automatically controlled by a central control unit, controlling valves which are actuated by means of solenoids.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said control unit is adopted to control the solenoids.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein said housing further includes a power source.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein said power source is a battery.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said device further includes a manual actuator.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus further includes an inflator tube permitting the diver to blow air into said buoyancy compensator.