Diver Assistance Device Patents (Class 114/315)
  • Patent number: 11926402
    Abstract: An underwater propulsion device is disclosed comprising two sleeves for fitting around each of a user's lower legs, with each sleeve mounting a propulsion unit, and the sleeves being connectable by a bar between them during underwater operation of the device by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventors: Brandon Robinson, Lowell Kim Robinson, Marc Barber
  • Patent number: 11772501
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes a modular battery system. The modular battery system includes at least one removable battery tray. The modular battery system further includes a battery tray system configured to hold at least one removable battery tray. The modular battery system further includes a controller coupled to the at least one removable battery tray that is configured to detect the battery chemistry of the at least one removable battery tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jennifer Martz, Kevin W. Ludlam, Jason D. Aiello, Daryl B. Slocum
  • Patent number: 11753129
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more propulsion units that are operable to help propel a user in water. The propulsion units are battery operated, such as with a rechargeable battery, and are selectively operable to create a propulsion force in water. The propulsion force propels the apparatus in water. A person wearing the apparatus, such as in the form of a vest, is propelled in water with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventors: Ralph Kelley, Cynthia Kelley
  • Patent number: 11745839
    Abstract: A subsurface diver transport vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one propulsion device. The vehicle body incorporates a number of individual mission modules mechanically assembled together to define a substantially continuous hull and deck of the vehicle. The mission modules include at least one battery module adapted for supplying electrical current to electrical subsystems of the vehicle. The propulsion device is attached to the vehicle body and capable of propelling the vehicle through a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Patriot3, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Louis Fuqua, Steven Scott Kahre
  • Patent number: 11352109
    Abstract: A subsurface diver transport vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one propulsion device. The vehicle body incorporates a number of individual mission modules mechanically assembled together to define a substantially continuous hull and deck of the vehicle. The mission modules include at least one battery module adapted for supplying electrical current to electrical subsystems of the vehicle. The propulsion device is attached to the vehicle body and capable of propelling the vehicle through a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Patriot3, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Louis Fuqua, Steven Scott Kahre
  • Patent number: 11345453
    Abstract: An underwater propulsion device is disclosed comprising two sleeves for fitting around each of a user's lower legs, with each sleeve mounting a propulsion unit, and the sleeves being connectable by a bar between them during underwater operation of the device by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventors: Brandon Robinson, Lowell Kim Robinson, Marc Barber
  • Patent number: 11325685
    Abstract: A passive ballast device, system and method of using same, configured for use with a submersible vehicle in a liquid environment, including a chamber having at least one rigid wall to define at least a portion of a chamber volume, and a passively movable compensator having at least first and second surfaces, the first surface configured to be exposed to the liquid environment, the second surface excluded from the liquid environment, and forming, together with the at least one wall of the chamber, a fluid-tight seal to establish the remainder of the chamber volume, to exclude the liquid environment from the chamber volume and configured to adjust the chamber volume to at least a first chamber volume and a second chamber volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kaeli, Robin Littlefield
  • Patent number: 11265625
    Abstract: A self-contained surface supplied air system preferably provided with backpack-wearable capability and automated setup functions for ease of use that is capable of recording valuable recreational and scientific data in an unobtrusive manner. The flotation tube process for the system can be automated to reduce setup time and electronically regulated to increase reliability and safety. The system allows recreational divers or their inherent equipment to be capable of recording valuable and reputable data in a manner that does not involve extra effort by the user. The disclosed system can use a miniature pH sensor design with automatic calibration for integration into the data recording device. In one embodiment, the novel hookah diving system comprises a portable body enclosing all necessary equipment and featuring automatic flotation tube inflation and deflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: BLU3, INC.
    Inventors: Robert M. Carmichael, Wesley Siebenthal, Blake Carmichael
  • Patent number: 11173345
    Abstract: An underwater propulsion system is disclosed comprising a foot board with one or more battery-powered propulsion units. A throttle control system may be enabled in the foot board such that a movement of the user's foot controls the throttle. Flattened Lithium batteries allow thin lightweight construction of the foot board. Use of trolling motors as propulsion units provides thrust advantages over pre-existing underwater scooters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Brandon C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11136099
    Abstract: An underwater scooter includes a scooter body, a duct, a motor, and a propeller. The scooter body includes a body part, a side part defining a first through hole, and a plurality of stopping members disposed on an inner wall of the first through hole. A gap is defined between every two adjacent stopping members. The duct includes a surrounding member defining a second through hole, a supporting member connected to an inner wall of the surrounding member, and a plurality of engaging members disposed on an outer wall of the surrounding member and spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of engaging members passes through a corresponding gap between two adjacent stopping members and abuts against two opposite sides of a corresponding one of the plurality of stopping members after rotating with respect to the corresponding one of the plurality of stopping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventors: Minyi Chen, Pingzhi Li, Xihui Jiang, Yufeng Chen
  • Patent number: 10960269
    Abstract: An underwater motive device includes a rear main housing including two opposite handle bar elements on two sides respectively, and longitudinal rear joining projections on an inner surface; a power mechanism in the rear main housing; a propeller driven by a driving shaft of the power mechanism; a bridging housing including a battery compartment, a forward joining member, a shoulder abutted the forward joining member, and a rear joining member; a hollow intermediate housing including two opposite handle bar members on two sides respectively, the handle bar members joined the handle bar elements, longitudinal front joining projections on an inner surface, and an internal annular limit element at a front end; and a front cone including a rear opening and a structure on an inner surface for securing to the forward joining member of the bridging housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: ACADIA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Fa-Hsing Lu
  • Patent number: 10780960
    Abstract: The device (50) includes at least one electronic circuit (52) and a battery (53) provided for powering the circuit, wherein the circuit and the battery are included in a block of hydrophobic material, for example a block of resin (51). The battery is, for example, an inductively charged battery and the device can include optical sockets (56a, 56b, 56c) for fiber-optic cables, so as to avoid all contact of metal parts with water. Such a device is especially suitable for a buoyancy compensator vest, for use as a “stabilizer during immersion” and as a “closed-circuit rebreather”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: LETSACT
    Inventor: Frederic Castellanet
  • Patent number: 10730592
    Abstract: A powered watercraft (1) for support and surface-transport of a user lying prone. The watercraft (1) has a hull (3) formed by a moulded shell (20) of expanded plastics strengthened by a metal framework (27) which extends lengthwise of the hull. The framework (27) has two arms (29) that extend laterally to hand-grips (10) on either side of the hull (3). The watercraft (1) is steered by shifting of the user's weight to one side or the other while gripping the hand-grips. The craft (1) is powered by an electric motor (5) coupled to a rearwardly-facing shrouded-propeller (4) on an underside (6) of the shell (20). Electronic motor controls are housed in a watertight metal box (31) incorporated into the framework (27), and motor-speed is regulated via lever mechanisms (9) at the hand-grips. Heat is dissipated via a heat-sink plate (42) exposed directly to the flow through the duct (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: ASAP WATER CRAFTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Ross William Kemp
  • Patent number: 10640188
    Abstract: A passive ballast device, system and method of using same, configured for use with a submersible vehicle in a liquid environment, including a chamber having at least one rigid wall to define at least a portion of a chamber volume, and a passively movable compensator having at least first and second surfaces, the first surface configured to be exposed to the liquid environment, the second surface excluded from the liquid environment, and forming, together with the at least one wall of the chamber, a fluid-tight seal to establish the remainder of the chamber volume, to exclude the liquid environment from the chamber volume and configured to adjust the chamber volume to at least a first chamber volume and a second chamber volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kaeli, Robin Littlefield, Michael Jakuba, Brian Guest
  • Patent number: 10625836
    Abstract: In an oscillating fin propulsion apparatus adapted for use by a disabled diver, a propulsion force may be produced by a fin adapted to sweep back and forth in a generally transverse direction relative to the traveling direction of the diver. The fin may be mounted on a scuba tank operatively connected to drive members that may be reciprocated by the diver. The oscillating fin may provide a propulsive force propelling the diver forward during both oscillating directions of the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph D Maresh
  • Patent number: 10603550
    Abstract: A handheld propulsion unit for use by a user in and under water is disclosed. The handheld propulsion unit includes a tubular shaped housing assembly having a forward and rearward end. A channel defined by the tubular shaped housing assembly allows a flow of water to move through the tubular shaped housing assembly. At least one frame member connected to the tubular shaped housing attaches an electric motor within the channel such that the electric motor is coaxially aligned with the channel. A propeller coaxially coupled directly to a rotating part of the electric motor eliminates a drive transfer assembly or a drive transfer housing from spanning the channel. Hand grips on the tubular shaped housing assembly are configured for being held by the user and allowing the user to maneuver a thrust provided by the flow of water through the channel when the propeller is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Charles Fultz
  • Patent number: 10576332
    Abstract: An underwater propulsion system is disclosed comprising a foot board with one or more battery-powered propulsion units. A throttle control system may be enabled in the foot board such that a movement of the user's foot controls the throttle. Flattened Lithium batteries allow thin lightweight construction of the foot board. Use of trolling motors as propulsion units provides thrust advantages over pre-existing underwater scooters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Brandon C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 10556151
    Abstract: A self-propelled personal flotation apparatus provides a motorized flotation board which includes internal water propulsion equipment and associated push-button controls. In use, a user straps the apparatus onto their chest area, enters a body of water such as a lake, a pond, or a pool, and is propelled across the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Sergey Malykhin
  • Patent number: 10398940
    Abstract: The invention relates to a propulsion device, in particular to an underwater propulsion device for divers (1) and swimmers comprising one or several drives (2) provided with electric motors (4) and means (3) for fixing the drives (2) to the legs or arms of the diver (1) or swimmer, wherein the electric motors (4) are provided with a sump cooling, with the electric motors (4) being arranged in waterproof housings (5) and each waterproof housing (5) only being partially filled with a cooling liquid. By arranging the drives (2) on the extremities of the diver (1) or swimmer, the flexibility and mobility are significantly increased; at the same time, the provision of a sump cooling system improves heat dissipation and thus increases the power density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Maraneo GmbH
    Inventor: Arne Grosse Austing
  • Patent number: 10368627
    Abstract: A harness for a breathing apparatus includes an interface member (6) having an elongated shape and being configured for receiving a container of breathable gas of the breathing apparatus. A hip belt (2) is connected to the interface member at a first region (50) of the interface member. A first shoulder belt (16) and a second shoulder belt (18) are connected to the interface member at the first region and at a second region (52) of the interface member. The hip belt and/or the first and second shoulder belts comprise at least one first molded heat resistant plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: INTERSPIRO AB
    Inventors: Anders Johnsson, Andreas Lindell
  • Patent number: 10308336
    Abstract: A watercraft propulsion system operably coupled to a watercraft wherein the propulsion system includes a housing assembly having a first housing and a second housing movable with respect to each other so as to provide an operational mode and a standby mode. The first housing includes at least one aperture that is configured to provide access to the interior volume of the first housing. The second housing includes at least one aperture configured to provide access to the interior volume of the second housing. In the operational mode the first housing and second housing are positioned so as to facilitate alignment of the at least one apertures formed therein. In the standby mode the first housing and second housing are positioned so as to provide an offset of the least one apertures. The first housing is movably mounted within the interior volume of the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Leonard Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 10093403
    Abstract: An underwater robotic vehicle development system for building underwater robotic vehicles (URVs), including a pressure vessel system, modular chassis elements, a propulsion system and compatible buoyancy modules. The pressure vessel system uses standardized, interchangeable modules to allow for ease of modification of the URV and accommodation of different internal and external components such as sensors and computer systems. The system also includes standard, reconfigurable connections of the pressure vessel to the modular chassis system. A standardized, modular propulsion system includes a magnetic clutch, and a magnetic sleeve used to power the URV on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Eddie Hugh Williams
  • Patent number: 10071289
    Abstract: An underwater propulsion system is disclosed comprising a foot board with one or more battery-powered propulsion units. A throttle control system may be enabled in the foot board such that a movement of the user's foot controls the throttle. Flattened Lithium batteries allow thin lightweight construction of the foot board. Use of trolling motors as propulsion units provides thrust advantages over pre-existing underwater scooters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Brandon C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 10029775
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides that includes a power supply; a propulsion device and an adapter. The propulsion device includes a housing comprising an outer surface, a motor disposed within the housing and coupled to a propeller for generating propulsion forces for propelling the propulsion device; and an electrical connection on the outer surface of the housing and connected to the motor. The adapter comprises an electrical conduit extending between a first end and a second end of the adapter, the first end configured to couple to a support for the power supply and the second end configured to releasably attach to the outer surface of the housing of the propulsion device to form a watertight seal and to electrically connect, via the electrical conduit, the power supply to the electrical connection on the outer surface of the housing to supply power from the power supply to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Houman Nikmanesh
  • Patent number: 10000266
    Abstract: An aquatic jet propulsion device basically includes a portable main control module, a plurality of submersible propulsion units and a sub-two-way communication device. The portable main control module includes a main controller and a main two-way communication device. Each of the submersible propulsion units includes a motor, a battery electrically connected to the motor and a motor controller operatively connected to the motor to control a speed of the motor. The sub-two-way communication device is configured to communicate with the main two-way communication device. The main controller is programmed to individually control the speed of the motors of the submersible propulsion units via the motor controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kohei Terada
  • Patent number: 9968806
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) includes a back plate defining a plurality of apertures therethrough arranged in first and second columns. The apertures in the columns are sized and spaced to receive corresponding first and second mounting straps woven therethrough that are configured to extend around webbing straps of a carrying jacket to fasten the back plate to the carrying jacket. The back plate includes a first press stud associated with the first column and a second press stud associated with the second column, which are configured to engage ends of the respective first and second mounting straps to releasably secure the mounting straps to the back plate. A tank securing strap on the back plate releasably fastens a supply tank to the back plate. A valve retaining mount on the back plate releasably secures an air supply valve for engagement with the supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Scott Health & Safety Ltd.
    Inventors: Graham Langford, John Patrick Kearns, Robert C. Sutton
  • Patent number: 9943714
    Abstract: A harness system includes a waist belt assembly, a first releasable retainer attached to the waist belt assembly, shoulder straps, a back plate connected to the shoulder straps, and a release system including at least a first release strap connected to and extending from the back plate. The first release strap includes at least a first releasable connector in operative connection with the first releasable retainer so that actuation of the first release strap causes disconnection of the first releasable connector from operative connection with the first releasable retainer so that the first releasable retainer becomes disconnected from connection with the back plate and the back plate can be removed by a user while the waist belt assembly remains worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MSA TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Steck, Marco Tekelenburg, Stewart Shannon
  • Patent number: 9839281
    Abstract: A multifunctional goal for ball sports is a target for sporting games which also allows for the transportation of small effects, a sporting ball, food, and drinks. The multifunctional goal includes a bottom base, a lateral wall, a top lid, a goal aperture, and a goal netting. The bottom base, the lateral wall, and the top lid delineate a storage volume to transport times and house a sporting ball. The goal aperture traverses through the lateral wall to provide a target for the sporting game. The goal netting is perimetrically connected to the goal aperture in order to partition the storage volume for a sporting ball to be stored within the partition. The bottom base includes an insulated top, an insulated lateral wall, and an insulated base in order to reduce the rate of heat transfer to the cold food or drinks stored within the bottom base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventors: Brandon Pompliano, Nicholas Radice
  • Patent number: 9745029
    Abstract: The oxygen tank flotation device is a floating structure adapted for use in recreational water activities. The oxygen tank flotation device is adapted for use with respiratory equipment that is required for use during recreational water activities. The oxygen tank flotation device receives and stores respiratory equipment, such as an oxygen tank, in such a manner that the respiratory equipment will float when the oxygen tank flotation device is placed in a body of water. This arrangement allows the respiratory equipment to float near the user when the user is involved in recreational water activities. The oxygen tank flotation device comprises a vessel, a first float, and a second float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventors: Nannette Knowles, James Knowles
  • Patent number: 9725144
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a self-propelled craft with a U-shaped main body provided with two turbines, one on each flap of the U-shaped main body, which propel the self-propelled craft through turbine operation in a chamber fed by water received by water intakes which is ejected by the ejection openings, and which turbines move inside the turbine operation chamber adopting automatically one of two possible positions due to the casing which is placed in two different positions within the turbine operation chamber, which positioning results from the placement of the device on the water being done by side A or B, the water intake being done through existing water entrances on side A or B of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Jorge Alberto Ferreira Noras
  • Patent number: 9714073
    Abstract: An underwater propulsion belt that propels a user underwater and includes a plurality of gates, each gate has a channel. A pump is found in each gate and is controlled independently form the other gates. A power supply powers the pumps to pump water in either direction through the channel. The underwater propulsion belt further includes circuitry configured to receive diver information from the user and from one or more sensors. The underwater propulsion belt controls, based on the information, the movement of the user. The user's position is calculated based on whether the user is in an upright or prone position, and maintains, based on the calculation, the user's balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Ali Salman Alshafai
  • Patent number: 9694888
    Abstract: A watercraft with a hull has a flow channel, or is associated with a flow channel, a motor-driven water-acceleration arrangement is associated with the flow channel and the motor is connected to an energy accumulator. In order to improve user convenience, two energy accumulators are integrated into the hull. The energy accumulators are arranged on both sides of the center longitudinal plane running in the longitudinal direction of the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Cayago GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Peter Walpurgis
  • Patent number: 9643704
    Abstract: An arrangement comprises: a plurality of diver propulsion vehicles (1), each configured for propelling at least one diver, wherein each diver propulsion vehicle (1) comprises a wireless communication interface (9, 10, 13) configured for providing a wireless communication, a support (30) for mechanically coupling the plurality of diver propulsion vehicles (1), wherein the support (30) is configured for mechanically coupling the plurality of diver propulsion vehicles (1) side-by-side or longitudinally via the support (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Suex S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alessandro Fenu, Marco Segatto, Arne Sieber
  • Patent number: 9604712
    Abstract: Autonomous, unmanned submersible can turn upside down in order to use instrumentation placed on one side only. Batteries (106) and instrumentation housing (104) are installed on frame rails (112,14,108,110) and can change their relative positions, thus inverting the relative positions between center of buoyancy and center of gravity and subsequently inverting the submersible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Vaganay, Leo Gurfinkel
  • Patent number: 9598158
    Abstract: This flotation device for oxygen tanks is created to allow anyone dependent upon supplemental oxygen to utilize the pool or shallow water for recreation, exercise or therapy. Having their tank close to them in the pool or shallow waters, allows for more freedom of movement and safety for themselves and for others. The flotation device for oxygen tanks includes a base member flotation board with attachment members that include flotation tubes, straps, buckles and a grommet to secure the tank to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventors: Madison Victoria Meadows, Sharon Marie Erickson, Stephen Paul Erickson
  • Patent number: 9591271
    Abstract: A method and device for displaying computer content associated with a propulsion system, include: a standalone computer element (MO), the computer element including a display screen (4) in particular for displaying the computer content; a standalone propulsion element (PO) for moving an operator; an element for securing the computer element to the propulsion element; and an element for modifying the display of the computer content according to the movement of the operator, given that the movement of the operator takes place in a sub-aquatic environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Alain Dinis, Antonio Dinis
  • Patent number: 9540090
    Abstract: A support (30) for mechanically coupling a plurality of diver propulsion vehicles (1), each configured for propelling at least one diver, wherein the support (30) is configured for mechanically coupling the plurality of diver propulsion vehicles (1) selectively side-by-side or longitudinally via the support (30), wherein the support (30) is foldable around a joint (31) and convertible between a folded state in which the plurality of diver propulsion vehicles (1) are mechanically coupled side-by-side, and an unfolded state in which the plurality of diver propulsion vehicles (1) are mechanically coupled longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Suex S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alessandro Fenu, Marco Segatto, Arne Sieber
  • Patent number: 9510520
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a greenhouse (10) for underwater cultivation of terrestrial plant species as well as to an underwater cultivation assembly using it, in which the greenhouse (10) for underwater cultivation of terrestrial plant species is characterised in that it comprises a balloon (11) adapted to being filled with air in an underwater environment (50), the balloon (11) comprising an aperture (12) for lower access, the balloon (11) being made from material that is impermeable to water and permeable to light, the balloon (11) comprising at least one inner support shelf (17) for housing at least one seedbed (53) and means for restraining (14) to the floor (51) of the aquatic basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MESTEL SAFETY S.R.L.
    Inventor: Sergio Cristoforo Gamberini
  • Patent number: 9321512
    Abstract: A diver propulsion assembly includes a waist belt and at least one thruster. A thruster mounting assembly cooperates with the waist belt to mount the thruster to an upper leg of the diver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Jetboots Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Mazin
  • Patent number: 9315248
    Abstract: A modular system for building underwater robotic vehicles (URVs), including a pressure vessel system, modular chassis elements, a propulsion system and compatible buoyancy modules. The pressure vessel system uses standardized, interchangeable modules to allow for ease of modification of the URV and accommodation of different internal and external components such as sensors and computer systems. The system also includes standard, reconfigurable connections of the pressure vessel to the modular chassis system. A standardized, modular propulsion system includes a magnetic clutch, and a magnetic sleeve used to power the URV on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Eddie Hugh Williams
  • Patent number: 9302757
    Abstract: A hydroplaning vessel that exceed speeds of 25 miles per hour with several stability and handling design improvements. It has an enhanced reactive suspension and inner hull lift system positioned in the vessel between an inner hull and a set of outer hulls. There are at least three outer hulls; a front outer hull and a mirror image pair of rear outer hulls, none of which can float on its own and all which have open transoms. Steering and braking are accomplished by a set of rear elevon flaps. The drive unit resides in the inner hull and is connected by an annular drive transmission, which is connected to the jet or prop drive, which resides on the outer hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Fred Pereira
  • Patent number: 9138617
    Abstract: A scuba tank accessory unit improves the diver experience by providing a streamlined diving unit for a back mounted diving device. The diving unit has a propulsion unit having a space for mounting a battery powered electric motor, armature extending out one end of the propulsion unit and further attached to a propellor. A battery pack is contained in a housing unit located either concentrically about the electric motor or atop it such that the electric motor extends slightly therein with a depression or cavity at the bottom of the housing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Gustavo Duboy
  • Patent number: 8978571
    Abstract: A body board (1) has a heat engine (10) and an automatic starter (11), which is capable of moving in waves and remaining on the water when the engine is stopped, and onto which the user holds in order to be pulled along in the water in a body-drag position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Marc Vaudore
  • Publication number: 20150047548
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to hand-held underwater propulsion systems. In certain embodiments, systems of the invention include a hand-held body having a water-tight compartment. There is a motor housed within the water-tight compartment. There are a plurality of propeller blades located at a front portion of the body and coupled to the motor. Each blade includes a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, and in the deployed configuration, the blades are biased away from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Ben Mazin
  • Publication number: 20140338583
    Abstract: An underwater man-powered mechanical propeller includes a screw propeller arranged on a screw propeller shaft, the screw propeller is provided with a first bevel gear arranged at the back part thereof, and is provided with a concentric protective ring on the outer side; one side of the protective ring is provided with a supporting plate; the supporting plate is provided with a first gear and a second gear meshed with each other, and a transitional gear is also arranged thereon and forming a meshing pair together with the second gear; the drive shaft of the transitional gear penetrates through the supporting plate, and one end thereof located in the protective ring is provided with a second bevel gear. The first gear is connected to a first connecting rod, the second gear is connected to a second connecting rod; and the screw propeller shaft is provided with a one-way flywheel thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Zhanluo XIN
  • Patent number: 8869729
    Abstract: An underwater personal mobility device is provided. The underwater personal mobility device can include a superstructure rotatably connected to a main body comprised of an observation chamber, a transport handle and at least one wheel. The superstructure may further comprise an air conduit and snorkel to provide breathable air to a user. The device may have at least two configurations, including a folded configuration, to enable ease of transport and storage of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Julien Montousse
  • Patent number: 8851006
    Abstract: Hydra-aerodynamic Surfing Bib affixable to a WetSuit Comprising Retractable Removable Folding Revolving Motorizedly Steerable Pectoral Flippers And Keels, And With Built-In Rechargeable Battery-Propelled Engine And Solar Energy Capturer/Collector. The present invention relates to: (A) Water use embodiments for surfing. (A) The matter is about a body garment called curved hydrodynamic water bib wet suit; such wet suit the chest casing of which, in addition to that, has flippers and keels: (1) removable; (2) revolving; (3) folding; (4) retractable. The bib wet suit (A) consists of two versions: (i) a short version: a bib wet suit; (ii) a long version: a complete body bib wet suit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Oswaldo Nicolas Burga
  • Publication number: 20140193206
    Abstract: An underwater personal submersible is provided. The underwater personal submersible can include a main body comprising a tripod structure of two forward-swept stabilizing surfaces and a main section including a user compartment, a plurality of oxygen tanks, and a propulsion mechanism. The placement of the propulsion mechanism and the stabilizing surfaces increases the maneuverability of the submersible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Julien Montousse
  • Publication number: 20140190389
    Abstract: An underwater personal mobility device is provided. The underwater personal mobility device can include a lower section rotatably connected to a main body comprised of an observation chamber. The device may have at least two configurations, including a folded configuration, to enable ease of transport and storage of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Julien Montousse
  • Patent number: 8763551
    Abstract: A human powered watercraft is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment includes a board body having a top rider surface, a bottom submerged surface, a front section half, a rear section half, a board centerline and a board plane. A leg engagement mechanism is pivotally connected to the board body positioned generally along the rear section half. The leg engagement mechanism engages a rider's legs while laying in a prone position on the top rider surface. A fin propulsion mechanism is pivotally connected to the board body positioned generally below a water line and mechanically coupled to the leg engagement mechanism. Rotating the leg engagement mechanism rotates the fin propulsion mechanism, thus creating a forward thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino