METHODS AND DEVICES FOR RESCUING A DISTRESSED DIVER

• US 20110290247A1
• Filed: 06/01/2010
• Published: 12/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Clifford G. Welles
• Original Assignee: Netanel Raisch
• Inventors: RAISCH, NETANEL
• Granted Patent: US 8,763,603 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/201.27
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2503/10 Athletes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0826 Detecting or evaluating apnoea events A61B5/4818 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/087 Measuring breath flow
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 11/2245 With provisions for connection to a buoyancy compensator

Abstract

The invention discloses devices and methods for identifying a diver in distress and initiating a rescue response. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for identification of a diver who is not breathing properly and in response giving local stimuli to allow the diver to response. Should he/she not respond, the instant invention will initiate steps to bring the diver back to the water surface and alert others as to his/her need of assistance.

Claims

1. A device for rescuing a diver in distress, including:

an air pressure sensor for determining air pressure in said diver'"'"'s breathing system;

an electronic controller;

a power source with an on/off switch; and

,

at least one response element.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor is placed in a high pressure environment

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor is placed in a medium pressure environment.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor is placed in a low pressure environment.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor and said electronic controller are realized as a single element.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said power source is realized as rechargeable batteries.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one response element includes an inflatable vest.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one response element includes an inflatable balloon.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one response element includes a belt having a plurality of weights.

17. The method according to claim 2, wherein said periods of time are determined by said controller.

10. A method for rescuing a distressed diver, including:

providing a sensor for measuring air pressure in said diver'"'"'s breathing system,

wherein said sensor is in electric communication with an electronic controller;

measuring air pressure patterns of said diver over periods of time with said controller;

determining a change in said air pressure pattern is present wherein said change exceeds a predetermined value; and

,

activating a response element in response to said change in said air pressure pattern.

11. The method according to claim 10, further including the step of training said sensor as to the breathing patterns of said diver.

12. The method according to claim 10, further including the step of alerting an authority as to the distress state of said diver.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein said response element includes any of the following features:

lights, sounds, voice, and vibration.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein said response element includes a buoyancy component.

15. The method according to claim 10, further including the step of modifying the diving depth of said diver.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein said periods of time are predetermined.

18. A method for rescuing a distressed diver, including

providing a sensor for air measuring air pressure in said diver'"'"'s breathing system, wherein said sensor is in electronic communication with an electronic controller device;

determining that said diver is not breathing;

activating an alarm; and

,

changing the buoyancy of said diver.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said alarm may be turned off by said diver.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein said changing of the buoyancy is accomplished automatically through diverting some of said diver'"'"'s air via a valve to said diver'"'"'s inflator.