Underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel system

Abstract

An aspect of the present invention addresses how to achieve a simple structure, easy and economical to build, that will permit any person, without training or specialized technical equipment, to have direct contact with the underwater environment. In one embodiment, an underwater observation tunnel is provided which operates at ambient pressure, composed of modular sections of a semicircular structure, with transparent molded panels, joined to each other, and with an elevator to transport users from the surface of the water to the operating depth. Air is pumped in a continuous manner through tubes which run along the length of the structure, thus creating an air-filled corridor, where any person can breathe normally, move freely, and observe the underwater environment. The tunnel can be installed and used in any body of water, for purposes of recreational and scientific observation.

1 . An Underwater Ambient Pressure Observation Tunnel comprising: 
 modular sections of a semicircular structure joined to each other, formed by arcs joined at the tops and sides by support bars, these elements conform the framework of the semicircular structure, giving it its form and rigidity, to the hollow spaces formed within the semicircle are attached transparent panels molded to the form of a tunnel, which hermetically seal off the top of the same, thus preventing loss of air and simultaneously forming the observation windows; the bottom part of the structure is open, and has along its sides bars which run along the length of the structure, which serve as handrails to facilitate the movement of the persons inside the tunnel; to the semicircular modular structure sections which form the ends of the tunnel will be added a cover composed of structural bars and flat transparent panels to prevent the loss of air from the tunnel.    
   
   
       2 . The Underwater Observation Tunnel of  claim 1 , further comprising an air distribution system, which is comprised of a feeder hose and perforated distribution tubes which run along the whole of the length of the perimeter of the tunnel.  
   
   
       3 . The Underwater Observation Tunnel of  claim 1 , further comprising an elevator formed by a framework of welded metal, which framework has at joined to its upper section the modular sections of the tunnel  claim 1 , to which are added caps at the ends to prevent the loss of air, composed of structural bars and flat transparent panels, the elevator also being equipped with a floor on which the passengers can stand, and with a metal basket on its bottom in which to install counterweights, the elevator being further being equipped with a fill valve and a bleeder tube with which the elevator is operated as they are used to control the amount of air within the same, the elevator being further equipped with a framework having guides at its ends that are operable to align and join the elevator with the tunnel.  
   
   
       4 . The Underwater Observation Tunnel of  claim 1 , further comprising a compressor by which the elevator receives a continuous controlled flow of air, which is distributed within the same, the flow is continuous in order to supply the elevator with the flotation necessary to rise and to guarantee the quality of the air breathed by the users.  
   
   
       5 . The Underwater Observation Tunnel of  claim 3 , wherein the volume of the air bubble formed in the upper part of the elevator is be responsible for the vertical movement of the same, at a higher volume of the bubble the elevator will rise, at a lower volume the latter will descend, this volume is controlled by the bleeder tube, by means of this tube the air can be evacuated from the elevator, modifying the volume of the bubble, in this way controlling its movement in a precise manner.  
   
   
       6 . A method of operating an underwater ambient pressure observation tunnel, the method comprising steps of: 
 Fixing a tunnel underwater at a specific depth;    Pumping a continuous flow of air through a feeder hose connected to perforated tubes which run the length of the tunnel, wherein the air introduced into the tunnel displaces the water in its interior, thus creating a bubble of air at the same atmospheric pressure as that of the environment which surrounds the tunnel, thus creating an air-filled corridor, whereby the flow of air pumped to the tunnel is continuous so that the air is at all times appropriate for breathing, and excess air escapes through the bottom of the tunnel.    
   
   
       7 . An Underwater Ambient Pressure Observation Tunnel comprising: 
 means for providing a tunnel for underwater ambient pressure observation by users; and    an air distribution means for pressurizing the tunnel with air.    
   
   
       8 . The Underwater Observation Tunnel of  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 means for elevating users to and from said tunnel;    means for controlling the amount of air within said elevating means; and    means for aligning and joining said elevating means with the tunnel.    
   
   
       9 . The Underwater Observation Tunnel of  claim 8 , further comprising means controlling the vertical movement of said elevating means.