Propulsion system

a propulsion system and underwater technology, applied in waterborne vessels, transportation and packaging, underwater equipment, etc., can solve the problems of reducing the amount of time underwater, consuming an increased amount of air, and frequent fatigue of underwater divers

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-05-29
EXOMOS
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Structurally, the mouthpiece of the present invention is formed with a passageway that is in fluid communication with the air tank via a lumen defined by a tube. As intended for the present invention, the electric circuit is positioned within the tube, and the control switch is positioned in the mouthpiece. Thus, the electric circuit is closed to activate the propulsion unit when the diver bites on the mouthpiece to close the switch. In order to prevent the passageway from collapsing when the diver bites the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece is provided with a cylindrical rigid barrier around the passageway.
[0009]In accordance with the present invention, the propulsion device and air tank are positioned in the housing which is secured to the diver's back. When the diver submerges underwater, the mouthpiece is positioned in the diver's mouth so that the diver may breathe air in from the tank. When propulsion is desired, the diver merely bites the mouthpiece to operate the switch so that the circuit is completed from the mouthpiece to the control. As a result, the control activates the motor, the motor turns the impellor, and the impellor forces water through the channel. In this manner, the diver is propelled by the propulsion system. To control velocity, the diver may lessen or release his bite on the mouthpiece to disengage the switch and de-activate the motor and impellor.

Problems solved by technology

Underwater divers frequently experience fatigue while swimming long distances, or in areas having strong currents.
As a result of fatigue, divers consume an increased amount of air and decrease the amount of time they can stay underwater.
While powered water sleds provide for sufficient propulsion and control, they limit the diver's freedom to use other devices, such as cameras, tools or weapons since the diver must manually operate the sled.
Further, powered water sleds are not attached to the diver and can become lost if they are released underwater.
However, the diver still must manually control propulsion, which hinders the diver's maneuverability and his ability to use other instruments.
However, in systems utilizing this technique, the diver loses the ability to constantly control his propulsion and to immediately react to conditions underwater.

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

[0016]Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a propulsion system in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the propulsion system 10 is intended to be carried by an underwater diver 12 to provide for underwater propulsion. As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the propulsion system 10 includes a mouthpiece 14 that is received in the diver's mouth 16. The mouthpiece 14 is connected via a tube 18 to a reservoir of breathable gas stored in a tank 20 (shown in FIG. 4). As further shown in FIG. 4, the tank 20 is held in a housing 22 which houses other propulsion system components as discussed below.

[0017]Referring back to FIG. 2, the tube 18 defines a lumen 24 which provides for fluid communication between the tank 20 and the mouthpiece 14. Also shown in FIG. 2 is an electrical circuit 26 which provides electrical connection between the mouthpiece 14 and the components within housing 22 as discussed below.

[0018]Referring to FIG. 3, the int...

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Abstract

A system and method for propelling an underwater diver provides for oral activation of a propulsion means. Specifically, the system includes a mouthpiece in fluid communication with an air tank and electrically connected to the propulsion means via a circuit. A switch is positioned in the mouthpiece such that the diver may bite the mouthpiece to selectively operate the switch and complete the circuit. When the circuit is completed, the propulsion means is activated to propel the diver via a motor that operates an impellor. Preferably, the motor and impellor are contained in a housing along with a power storage device and the air tank.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention pertains generally to systems and methods for providing underwater propulsion. More particularly, the present invention pertains to such systems and methods that utilize propulsion means that are carried and operated by an underwater diver. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for allowing an underwater diver to selectively activate a propulsion means by biting a mouthpiece.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Underwater divers frequently experience fatigue while swimming long distances, or in areas having strong currents. As a result of fatigue, divers consume an increased amount of air and decrease the amount of time they can stay underwater. In order to avoid these effects, external propulsion sources have been used to avoid fatigue, reduce air consumption rates, and reduce the likelihood of decompression sickness for divers.[0003]One type of external propulsion source currently used is a powered water sl...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B63C11/46
CPCB63C11/46
InventorJAUBERT, HERVE
OwnerEXOMOS