Variable limits setting dive computer

Abstract

A variable limits setting dive computer for SCUBA divers which permits individual diver selectable time values for different diver physiology for commencing the ascent on the dive time remaining display, with diver controlled overrides, together with a tissue loading bar graph with diver pre-determined and variable visual and audible alarms actuated by the selected setting on said bar graph.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A variable setting dive computer for a SCUBA diver which permits establishing variable diver selected tissue loading limit values for a dive comprising 
 data sensors for said computer including at least water depth and elapsed time,    computer means having software based on the Navy Dive Tables for integrating the output from said sensors and producing a computer output in response thereto,    a data display including a tissue loading bar graph which is actuated by said output from said computer and indicates when DECO status has been reached, and    selection means operable by a diver to select a value on said tissue loading bar graph for triggering at least one alarm when said value is reached during a dive by said output from said computer activating said TLBG in response to integrating the output from said sensors.    
     
     
         2 . The variable setting dive computer of claim to  1  wherein said TLBG is comprised of a series of segments disposed along a portion of the periphery of said data display and which progressively appear or disappear on the display in accordance with the output of said computer.  
     
     
         3 . The variable setting dive computer of  claim 2  wherein said segments are comprised of circles varying both in size and wall thickness progressively from small and thin to large and thick as the diver's tissue loading increases.  
     
     
         4 . The variable setting dive computer of  claim 1  wherein said alarms include an audible tone and a colored LED positioned adjacent to said TLBG.  
     
     
         5 . A variable setting dive computer for a SCUBA diver which permits establishing variable diver selected tissue loading limit values for a dive comprising 
 data sensors for said computer including at least water depth and elapsed time,    computer means having software based on the Navy Dive Tables for integrating the output from said sensors and producing a computer output in response thereto,    a data display including a tissue loading bar graph which is actuated by said output from said computer and indicates when DECO status has been reached, said TLBG being comprised of a series of segments disposed along a portion of the periphery of said data display and which progressively appear or disappear on the display in accordance with the output of said computer, said segments being comprised of circles varying both in size and wall thickness progressively from small and thin to large and thick as the diver's tissue loading increases    selection means operable by a diver to select a value on said tissue loading bar graph for triggering at least one alarm when said value is reached during a dive by the output from said computer activating said TLBG in response to integrating the output from said sensors.    
     
     
         6 . The variable setting dive computer of  claim 5  wherein said alarms include an audible tone and a colored LED positioned adjacent to said TLBG near said indicator of DECO status.