Joint Commonality Submersible (JCS)

• US 20120309241A1
• Filed: 03/22/2011
• Published: 12/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Edwin Yeo Chee Hui
• Original Assignee: Opcon Inc
• Inventors: Yeo, Chee Hui
• Granted Patent: US 9,180,343 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 440/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 35/12 operated by a motor
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 11/46 Divers' sleds or like craft, i.e. craft on which man in diving-suit rides

Abstract

An underwater propulsion device includes a number of modules allowing it to be used in a range of configurations including a tow/pull type scooter 300, a thigh strap configuration 700, a calf strap configuration 1100, a push configuration 1200, a tank mount configuration 1300. The device may include an underwater changeable battery canister 1600, a hand controller 216 that senses movement about the radius bone to generate direction and speed control signals and/or a front mounted headlight 224.

Claims

1. An underwater propulsion device comprising:

at least one propulsion unit capable of attachment to two or more of a user, a tank, a scooter and a saddle;

a controller configured to receive the user'"'"'s input, and

a battery compartment capable of attachment to two or more of a user, a scooter, and a saddle.

2. The device in claim 1 wherein the propulsion unit comprises a thruster and a quick release adapter, the quick release adapter including a button configured to eject the thruster.

3. The device in claim 1 wherein the propulsion unit, the controller, and the battery compartment are configured to be connected by cables that may be removed and reconnected underwater.

4. The device in claim 3 wherein each cable includes a wet connector at each end.

5. The device in claim 2 wherein the thruster may include a propeller, turbine, jet, or pump.

6. The device in claim 1 wherein the controller includes a motion sensor configured to strap to the user approximately above a radius bone or any parts of the user'"'"'s body.

7. The device in claim 6 wherein the controller is configured to translate movements of the wrist as detected by the motion sensor into a left or right turn and/or speed control signals to the propulsion unit.

8. The device in claim 1 wherein the controller includes a speed control switch or a speed control knob to control the speed of the propulsion unit.

9. The device in claim 2 wherein the quick release adapter includes a hinge configured to direct backwash from the thruster substantially away from the user'"'"'s leg.

10. The device in claim 1 wherein the battery compartment is configured to allow a battery to be removed and to be replaced underwater.

11. The device in claim 1 wherein the propulsion unit includes a motor.

12. The device in claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to shut down depending on the output of a water detector.

13. The device in claim 8 further comprising a navigation module configured to vary the left and right and/or speed control signals depending on the output of a flow detector, a location and one or more way points.

14. The device in claim 1 further comprising an image projection unit and/or an LCD panel configured to display control information received from the controller.

15. A controller for an underwater propulsion device comprising:

a motion sensor configured to strap to a user approximately above a radius bone or any parts of the user'"'"'s body, and

a processor configured to translate movements of the wrist detected by the motion sensor into direction and/or speed control signals to energize the underwater propulsion device.

16. The device in claim 15 wherein the speed control signals are translated to independent dive signals to at least two thrusters attached to the user.

17. A headlight module comprising:

An internal battery compartment,

A power switch within the internal battery compartment, and an end cover configured to minimize a gap to the power switch.

18. The device in claim 17 further comprising a plurality of holes in the end cover configured to funnel seawater from the internal battery compartment to restrict seawater flow.