Methods and devices for rescuing a distressed diver

• US 8,763,603 B2
• Filed: 06/01/2010
• Issued: 07/01/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Clifford G. Welles
• Original Assignee: Netanel Raisch
• Inventors: Raisch, Netanel
• Primary Examiner(s): Ho, Jackie T
• Assistant Examiner(s): WARDAS, MARK A
• Application Number:
  US12/791,027
• Publication Number:
  US 20110290247A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,491 Days
• Field of Search: 128/201.27, 128/200.24, 128/204.22, 128/204.26, 128/205.22, 128/202.22, 128/203.13, 128/202.14, 128/204.18, 128/204.21, 128/204.23, 210/2, 600/529, 405/186, 405/185, 405/187, 340/573.6, 114/334
• 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 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;

alerting said diver to said change in said air pressure by means of an alarm;

allowing said diver to prevent or stop a predetermined response and,

activating a response element in the event that said diver does not activate a reset button during a predetermined period of time, wherein said response element includes a buoyancy component.

2. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of preprogramming said controller as to a medium pressure according to breathing patterns of said diver.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined response is selected from the following:

sound alarm, alert others, inflate vest, release weights, alter buoyancy, release tank, and vibrate diver.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said response element includes any of the following features:

lights, sounds, voice, and vibration.

5. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of modifying a diving depth of said diver.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said periods of time are predetermined.

10. The method according to claim 2, further including programming said controller to recognize any anomalies recorded with respect to gas pressure or diver breathing.

13. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of programming said controller to communicate with a computer.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein said air pressure is medium pressure.

7. 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 and is associated with a diving inflator;

determining with said sensor that said diver has a changed breathing pattern;

activating an alarm; and

,

changing the buoyancy of said diver, when said diver does not activate a reset button associated with said alarm within a predetermined period of time, and allowing said diver, if conscious, to either continue surfacing or to manually deflate said diving inflator.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein said alarm may be turned off by said diver.

9. The method according to claim 7, 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.

11. The method according to claim 7, further including programming said controller to recognize any anomalies recorded with respect to gas pressure or diver breathing.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein one manifestation of said anomalies is said diver not breathing.

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

providing a diving inflator, wherein said inflator is adapted to include 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;

alerting said diver to said change in said air pressure by means of an alarm;

activating a response element in response to said change in said air pressure pattern in the event that said diver does not activate a reset button during said predetermined period of time, wherein said response element includes a buoyancy component; and

allowing said diver, if conscious, to either continue surfacing or deflate said buoyancy component.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said air pressure is medium air pressure.