US4137912A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Diving apparatus
Assignee: WHITNEY NATIONAL BANK
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Filing: 1975-11-06
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Granted: 1979-02-06
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Expires: 1995-11-06
Abstract
Abstract A spring loaded accumulator is carried by a diver and is positioned within the gas circuit of a push-pull system wherein the diver is supplied with breathing gas from a remote source and exhaust gas is returned back to the source. The accumulator positioned in the return line reduces umbilical hose and pump capacity requirements. A regulator within the accumulator is positioned to limit the maximum differential pressure on the diver side of the return line.
Inventors
- 👤 Wilbur J. O'Neill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 15:22
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C11/00; B63C11/02; B63C11/18; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S137/00; Y10S137/907; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/7722; Y10T137/7781; Y10T137/7793; Y10T137/7796
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
Diving apparatus wherein the diver is provided with breathing gas via a supply line from a source remote from the diver and exhaust gas is returned back to said source via a return line, the improvement comprising: (a) spring loaded accumulator means; (b) said accumulator means being connected in gas communication to said return line at the diver location.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
59 words
Diving apparatus wherein the diver is provided with breathing gas via a supply line from a source remote from the diver and exhaust gas is returned back to said source via a return line, the improvement comprising: (a) spring loaded accumulator means; (b) said accumulator means being connected in gas communication to said return line at the diver location.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 which includes: (a) regulator means for limiting the maximum pressure differential within said accumulator means, relative to the ambient water medium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said accumulator means includes: (a) an outer container assembly; (b) an inner piston assembly movable with said outer container assembly; (c) diaphragm means positioned within said outer container assembly and being connected to said piston assembly and defining first and second volumes; (d) said first volume being communicative with the surrounding water medium; (e) said second volume containing said piston assembly; and being in gas communication with said return line; (f) spring means positioned relative to said piston assembly to oppose the ambient water pressure acting over the effective area of said diaphragm means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein: (a) said spring means is a spring positioned within said piston assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 which includes: (a) regulator means for cutting off said gas communication with said return line whereby the pressure within said second volume is limited to a maximum value relative to ambient.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 which includes: (a) a diver hose for conduction of exhaust gas, in open gas comunication with said second volume.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said regulator means includes: (a) a plunger assembly connected to and movable with said piston assembly; (b) said plunger assembly including a poppet; (c) a valve seat in gas communication with said return line and closable by said poppet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein: (a) said plunger assembly is movable, within limits, relative to said piston assembly.
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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) | 1982-02-05 | 1982-08-07 | 1983-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-02-05 | 1986-08-07 | 1987-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-02-05 | 1990-08-07 | 1991-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |