Patent ID: 8834069
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: B63C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A buoyancy compensation apparatus for use by a SCUBA diver who is diving in water having an ambient water pressure, the buoyancy compensation apparatus comprising: (a) a source of pressurized air having a pressure greater than the ambient water pressure, (b) a buoyancy vest including at least one air chamber enclosed by walls sufficiently flexible to allow the volume of the air chamber to change, (c) a pressure regulating unit which is in communication with the at least one air chamber of the buoyancy vest, the pressure regulating unit having a pressure relief portion which opens to allow air to escape from the at least one air chamber of the buoyancy vest when the pressure in the at least one air chamber of the buoyancy vest rises above the ambient water pressure, the pressure regulating unit also having an air injection valve in communication with the source of pressurized air and a flexible pressure sensitive member interposed between the surrounding water and a chamber which is in communication with the at least one air chamber of the buoyancy vest, the flexible pressure sensitive member arranged to flex and open the air injection valve when the ambient water pressure rises above the pressure in the at least one air chamber of the buoyancy vest such that pressurized air is injected into the at least one air chamber of the buoyancy vest, and, (d) an axis valve located between the source of pressurized air and the injection valve of the pressure regulating unit, the axis valve having a portion that obstructs the axis valve when the diver is oriented so that the pressure regulating unit is beneath at least most of the at least one air chamber of the buoyancy vest.