GB2153237A

GB2153237A - Modular diving control system

Info

Publication number: GB2153237A
Application number: GB08402710A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hendry Robert Leishman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-02-02
Filing date: 1984-02-02
Publication date: 1985-08-21
Also published as: GB2153237B; GB8402710D0

Abstract

The system comprises modules 20 of identical outside dimensions. Each module controls one function (e.g. high pressure air distribution, divers' communication). All inlets and outlets 14 are positioned on the back face 10 and all controls on the top face 12. A number of modules can be mounted on a rack 34 (Fig. 3) to form a control desk. Each module has a carrying case formed by two halves 22. The case halves 22 can be used as drawers in the rack. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Modular diving control system This invention relates to a modular system for controlling supplies to divers.

Divers require various services (such as main air supply, standby air supply, communications, and welding power) which must be controlled and monitored at a surface station.

The control system normally provides services for a number of divers. Hitherto diving control systems have either been fixed installations purpose-built in e.g. support vessels, or have been portable systems contained in a number of cases. Such known portable systems are awkward to set up and use: they have cable and hose connections in inconvenient locations and do not provide an ergonomically efficient control panel for the operator.

An object of the invention is to provide a modular diving control system which is readily portable and easily assembled, and which when assembled provides an ergonomically efficient control panel.

The invention accordingly resides in a diving control system comprising a plurality of modules of identical shape and size, each module having inlets and outlets for services to be controlled on one wall (preferably the back wall) thereof, and each module having controls and/or instruments on one surface (preferably the top surface) thereof, whereby a number of modules can be arranged side-byside to form a unified control surface.

Preferably the system includes a rack having rails for slidably receiving the modules side-by-side.

Preferably also, each module is transportable in a carrying case which may be split into two halves, and the rack is adapted to receive the carrying case halves to act as storage drawers.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of one module and one half of its associated case; Figure 2 is a rear view of an assembled control system with three modules; and Figure 3 is a perspective view from the front and above the system of Fig. 2.

In a typical diving application, a number of services are required and are provided by the present invention by separate modules selected from the following: ~high pressure air distribution ~low pressure air distribution ~divers' air supply and depth monitoring ~divers' communication ~underwater cutting (oxy-gas) supply ~underwater welding (electric) supply ~compressed air for tools.

The control system thus requires inputs from sources of air and electricity, outputs to the divers, and interconnections between modules.

Referring to Fig. 1, each module 20 comprises a moulded housing 10 of generally rectangular configuration, the top surface 12 being slightly sloped from the rear to the front. All modules in the system have housings of the same size and configuration.

The module 20 has all its connectors 14 set into the rear of the housing 10. Control valves 16 and gauges 18 are positioned on the top surface 12.

The module 20 is transportbble in a moulded carrying case comprising two identical halves, one of which is shown at 22. The case half 22 is provided with ribs 24 which engage with slots 26 in the sides of the module 20, and with a carrying handle 28 spring-biased into a recess when not in use.

The case half 22 is provided with grooves 30 along each side whose purpose will be explained. Handles 32 are provided on the top surface 12 for carrying the module 20.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, a control system formed from a number of modules 20 is shown. In this example, three modules are shown but it will be understood that a system incorporating any suitable number may be used.

A framework 34 provides rails or supporting surfaces on which the modules 20 may be slid into position. Preferably a shoulder or the like (not shown) gives a positive location.

Catches (not shown) may be provided on the framework 34 for engagement with hooks (not shown) on the modules 20 to lock them in position. All the connectors of the modules are at the rear and may be easily and neatly interconnected by pipes, and/or cables 40, which may if desired by preformed off-site to the correct lengths. The top surfaces 12 align to form a substantially continuous control desk on which all controls and meters are readily available.

The framework is provided with lower rails 42 on which the grooves 30 of the case halves may be engaged, thus stowing the cases out of the way, and also providing storage drawers.

The framework 34 may be of various forms as will readily be apparent and is therefore not described in detail. Suitably it will be readily dismantled into flat frames or individual bars for ease of shipment.

Claims

1. A diving control system comprising a plurality of modules of identical shape and size, each module having inlets and outlets for services to be controlled on one wall thereof, and each module having controls and/or instruments on one surface thereof, whereby a number of modules can be arranged side-byside to form a unified control surface.

2. The system of claim 1, in which said one wall is the back wall.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, including a rack having rails for slidably receiving the modules side-by-side.

4. The system of any preceding claim further including a carrying case for each module, each case being adapted to split into two halves, and the rack being adapted to receive the carrying case halves to act as storage drawers.

5. The system of claim 4, in which the case halves are identical.

6. The system of claim 4 or claim 5, in which the case halves and the modules are provided with interfitting formations.

7. The system of any of claims 4 to 6, in which the case halves are formed with longitudinal grooves on opposed sides thereof, said grooves being engageable with rails forming part of the rack.

8. A diving control system substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.