US3857283A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Depthometer
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
•
Filing: 1973-12-12
•
Granted: 1974-12-31
•
Expires: 1993-12-12
Abstract
Abstract A wrist-carried depthometer senses the depth at which the wearer is located by sensing the water pressure acting on the back of the instrument employing a solid state strain transducer. A circuit is included to provide a digital readout of the depth in the desired units.
Inventors
- 👤 K Jennings
- 👤 R Seiple
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 14:02
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C5/00; G01C5/06; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/14; G01F23/18; G01L; G01L9/00; G01L9/02; G01L9/04; B; B63; B63C; B63C11/00; B63C11/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
A diver-worn depthometer comprising: a case configured to have a sealable compartment therein having one wall which is shaped to be flexed by a predetermined external water pressure; attaching means connected to said case for securing said case to the person of a user; an electromechanical strain transducer attached to said one all so as to provide an electrical analog signal of the pressurecaused flexure of said one wall; circuit means positioned within the sealable compartment of said case and electrically connected to said electromechanical transducer for converting the electrical analog signal to an electrical, readout signal representative of the depth of water necessary to produce the measured flexure; and electrooptical means electrically connected to said circuit means for converting the electrical, readout signal to a visual signal, whereby the diver wearing the depthometer may determine his operating depth.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
A diver-worn depthometer comprising: a case configured to have a sealable compartment therein having one wall which is shaped to be flexed by a predetermined external water pressure; attaching means connected to said case for securing said case to the person of a user; an electromechanical strain transducer attached to said one all so as to provide an electrical analog signal of the pressurecaused flexure of said one wall; circuit means positioned within the sealable compartment of said case and electrically connected to said electromechanical transducer for converting the electrical analog signal to an electrical, readout signal representative of the depth of water necessary to produce the measured flexure; and electrooptical means electrically connected to said circuit means for converting the electrical, readout signal to a visual signal, whereby the diver wearing the depthometer may determine his operating depth.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A depthometer according to claim 1 wherein said electrooptical means includes a digital display of the significant units of depth corresponding the the predetermined, external, water presure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A depthometer according to claim 2 said digital display includes an arrangement of light-emitting diodes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A depthometer according to claim 1 in which said electromechanical strain gage is a semiconductor type.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
117 words
A depthometer according to claim 1 in which said circuit means includes: a resistance bridge circuit electricAlly connected to said electromechanical transducer; a current controlled oscillator effectively connected to said bridge circuit to produce a predetermined frequency output corrsponding to the output of said electromechanical transducer when operating over the normal range of pressures associated with the depths to be encountered by the diver; a counter circuit electrically connected to said current controlled oscillator to count and store the number of pulses within a predetermined count interval and connected to said electrooptical means for energization thereof; and clock means electrically connected to said counter circuit for supplying enabling and reset pulses to establish said predetermined count interval.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A depthometer according to claim 1 in which said attaching means includes a wrist strap.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A depthometer according to claim 1 in which said attaching means is a diving mask.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A depthometer according to claim 1 in which said circuit means and electrooptical means are carried in an assembly which closes the sealable compartment in said case means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A depthometer according to claim 3 in which said electromechanical strain gage is a semiconductor type.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
120 words
A depthometer according to claim 9 in which said circuit means includes: a resistance bridge circuit electrically connected to said electromechanical transducer; a current controlled oscillator effectively connected to said bridge circuit to produce a predetermined frequency output corresonding to the output of said electromechanical transducler when operating over the normal range of pressures associated with the depths expected to be encountered by the diver; a counter circuit electrically connected to said current controlled oscillator to count and store the number of pulses within a predetermined count interval and connected to said light-emitting diode digital display for energization thereof; and clock means electrically connected to said counter circuit for supplying enabling and reset pulses to establish said predetermined count interval.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A depthometer according to claim 10 in which said attaching means includes a wrist strap.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A depthometer according to claim 11 in which said attaching means is a diving mask.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
A depthometer according to claim 12 in which said circuit means and electrooptical means are carried in an asembly which closes the sealable compartment in said case means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-30 | 1978-07-01 | 1978-12-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-30 | 1982-07-01 | 1982-12-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-30 | 1986-07-01 | 1986-12-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |