US3924616A

US3924616A - Closed circuit, free-flow, underwater breathing system

Info

Publication number: US3924616A
Application number: US429044A
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark P Banjavich; Anthony V Gaudiano
Original assignee: Taylor Diving and Salvage Co Inc
Current assignee: Taylor Diving and Salvage Co Inc
Priority date: 1971-11-12
Filing date: 1973-12-28
Publication date: 1975-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 1992-12-09

Abstract

Method and apparatus entailing an underwater breathing system in which (1) a continuously flowing supply of reconditioned gas is supplied to a diver through flexible umbilical means extending from an underwater enclosure, in which (2) a return tank means receives gas from the umbilical means and a supply tank means supplies reconditioned gas to the umbilical means, in which (3) both the return tank means and supply tank means are located remote from the diver, and (4) in which a surface located source of breathable gas is continuously available.

Description

United States Patent 191 Baniavich et al.

1 Dec.9,1975

I 1 CLOSED CIRCUIT, FREE-FLOW,

UNDERWATER BREATHING SYSTEM [75] Inventors: Mark P. Banjavich, New Orleans;

Anthony V. Gaudlano, Metairie. both of La.

[73] Assignee: Taylor Diving & Salvage co., lnc.,

Belle Chasse. La.

[22] Filed: Dec. 28, 1973 1211 Appl. No.: 429,044

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 198.105, Nov. 12, 1971. Pat. No.

[52] US. Cl. 128/1423; 61/69 [51] Int. Cl. A628 7/02 Field 01 Search 128/1423. 142, 140 R. 128/1414. 142.5. 142.7, 145, 145.5, 145.6. 145.8, 146. 146.3-146.5, 146.7, 147, 204. 212. 61/69 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 813,431 2/1906 lwanami 128/145 R 3.370.585 2/1968 O'Neill 128/1422 3.595.226 7/1971 Newcombe 128/1422 3.859.994 1/1975 Almquist et a1. 128/l42.3

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1.093.392 11/1967 United Kingdom l28/142.3

Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-Lee S. Cohen Attorney. Agent. or Firm-James E. Cockfield [57] ABSTRACT Method and apparatus entailing an underwater breathing system in which (1) a continuously flowing supply of reconditioned gas is supplied to a diver through flexible umbilical means extending from an underwater enclosure. in which (2) a return tank means recelves gas from the umbilical means and a supply tank means supplies reconditioned gas to the umbilical means. in which (3) both the return tank means and supply tank means are located remote from the diver, and (4) in which a surface located source of breathable gas is continuously available.

6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 0 uowron US. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 1 of4 3,924,616

OZMON'TOR nor WATER ens MIXER NEW U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 2 0M 3,924,616

U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 30f4 3,924,616

HELMET SURFACEOF SUPPLY MIXEDGAS seu H04 COMPRESSOR DEPRESSOR 1! 5| 1 2| 50 49 v 55 5255 3 5141 2 24 kf v SCRUBBER V 56 MANIFOLD 43 8 7 l9 SUPPLY RETURN EMERGENCY TANK SUPPLY TANK US. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 4 of4 3,924,616

CLOSED CIRCUIT, FREE-FLOW, UNDERWATER BREATHING SYSTEM This IS a division. of application Ser. No. 198.105. filed Nov. 12. 197i. now US. Pat. No. 3.802.427.

GENERAL BACKGROUND. OBJECTS. AND

SUMMARY OF INVENTION A Closed Circuit. Free Flow. underwater breathing system is presented through this invention. The approach employs helmeted divers operating from an underwater enclosure. The enclosure is equipped with the usual breathing gas reconditioning devices, with emergency gas supplies." etc.. and additionally is provided with or connected with a gas pumping module.

The aims of the invention are: To free the diver of encumbrances. to conserve and recirculate breathing gas normally lost by divers. to remove harmful carbon dioxide, to reduce loss of body temperature, to prevent lung congestion. and to provide a means of eliminating lung fatigue.

Substantial economies are possible and these become very significant as diving progresses to deeper depths. The consumption of helium gas. a limited resource. is reduced to a bare minimum. Heating the diver and his inspired gas increases his usefulness and prevents lung 'damage. Lung fatigue. inherent in demand systems and most apparent at deep depths. is virtually eliminated. Communications are optimized and removal of carbon dioxide is assured.

This invention. in general. relates to an underwater breathing system and. in particular. to an underwater breathing system characterized by a closed circuit. non-demand. or free-flow circulation pattern wherein a diver is supplied via an umbilical from a source not carricd by the diver.

A common type of underwater breathing apparatus.-

called an open circuit rig. is one wherein a diver is supplied via an umbilical from a source located on the surface or from a diving chamber. habitat. or similar underwater device. The breathing mixture is supplied to the diver's helmet or face mask at a pressure in excess of the depth at which he intends to go, and the flow is throttled in accordance with his needs. His exhaled breath. which contains an amount of reusable oxygen. valuable helium, undesirable carbon dioxide, and other gases, is lost to the surrounding water.

Devices utilizing helmets or face masks have been developed which are carried by the diver to permit his exhaled breath to be purified by recirculating it through a carbon dioxide absorber. the impetus being provided by allowing the breathing gas supply from an umbilical to enter a venturi located within the absorber. This method is known as semi-closed circuit constant volume and is not as wasteful as open circuit; but while less gas is consumed, all gas supplied is eventually lost. In addition, the diver is encumbered by the device he wears and the performance of the venturi degrades rapidly with increases in depth. allowing a build-up of carbon dioxide.

Not being demand devices, there is no resistance to breathing using open circuit or semi-closed circuit methods.

2 tion of the gases is effected. However. the diver is very encumbered and his bottom time limited by his gas supply and the life of his CO absorber. These devices are electromechanically complex. have poor communications due to the necessary oral nasal mask. and the inherent breathing resistance of demand apparatuses.

A semi-closed circuit constant mass flow rate breathing device which is similar to the constant volume device. uses an umbilical. and since it is worn. it too encumbers the diver; While potentially having a longer capability. it is limited by the life of the CO, absorber. This device suffers from mechanical complexity. It has poor communications because of the oral nasal mask. unavoidable breathing resistance. and is position sensitive due to its breathing bags.

The advances in diving technology have ushered in saturation diving techniques and underwater habitats where men can work and live for extended times in a water environment. The atmosphere within these enclosures may be self-contained or replenishablc from the surface but is always maintained at proper breathing conditions purified of carbon dioxide, etc.. and reconstituted with oxygen as required.

Attempts have been made to supply this breathable environment to divers through the use of a pump and to prevent its loss by providing means for the exhaled gas to return to the enclosure for repurification. These devices generally employ conventional breathing bags. mask. etc. and are of the demand type. supplying breathing gas only upon inhalation of the diver.

The unavoidable breathing resistance of all demand types of breathing devices causes the diver to think he is not getting an adequate amount of gas and continuous deep overbreathing usually occurs. This results in fatigue of the diaphragm and chest muscles. leading to involuntary reduced breathing. in addition. the cold gas causes mucus to be secreted within the lungs which leads to congestion. and contributes to a significant reduction in the diver's body temperature. The above is especially critical at deep depths.

It is. therefore. a primary objective of the present invention to provide a closed circuit. free-flow breathing system that a diver may be supplied with a breathable gas mixture from a source not carried by a diver.

Another object is to provide a closed circuit. freeflow breathing system wherein the diver is supplied from an atmosphere within an underwater enclosure and in which the diver may descend to a depth below or ascend to.heights above the enclosure.

Another object is to provide a closed circuit, freeflow breathing system of the type described wherein a diver is not subjected to dangerous eye, face. or tho- If a diver were to use a closed circuit self-contained breathing apparatus wherein all of the diver's exhala-.

tion is recirculated through a carbon dioxide absorber. oxygen replenished. as required, and helium added to compensate for losses, a much more efficient utilizaracic squeeze.

Another object is to provide a closed circuit. freeflow breathingsystem wherein breathable mixture is supplied by a compressor pump and removed by a depressor pump, these pumps'to be driven by a suitable variable or constant speed prime mover.

Another object is to provide a closed circuit. freeflow breathing system wherein the diver's breathing gas is heated to a suitable temperature to prevent harmful physiological efiects that would reduce his capabilities.

Another object is to provide a closed circuit. nondemand breathing system that can be used below the surface, supplying submerged divers indirectly via a suitableunderwater enclosure. The purification and reconstituting of the breathing gas may be done with suitable equipment attached to the underwater enclosure from to the supply tank means.

In accomplishing at least certain of the foregoing oba jectives, a method and apparatus are presented wherein underwater enclosure means operable, to permit diver ingress and egress, is provided. A helmet means is provided which is operable to provide a breathable atmosphere for adiver at a submerged location. An umbilical means extends betweensaid underwater enclosure means and this helmet means. A flow of breathable gas is continuously circulated fromthe underwater enclosure means through supply conduit means of the umbilical means to the interior of said helmet means and from the interior of said helmet means back through return conduit means of the umbilical means to said enclosure means. The continuous flow of gas returning from the helmet means through said return conduit means is caused to be transmitted to return tank means located remote froma diver wearing the helmet means. Gas is removed from the return tank means by operation of depressor means. The depressor means is operable to maintain a relatively low pressure in the return tank means, which lower pressure tends to promote a continuous flow of gas from the helmet means through the return'conduit means to the return tank means.

Gas is transmitted from the depressor means to compressor means at a location remote from the diver.

Gas is transmitted from the compressor means to supply tank means, with the compressor means being operable to pressurize gas in said supply tank means to a relatively higher level.

Gas is transmitted from the supply tank means regulated.

conduit means for return to the enclosure means) is A supply of breathable gas, operable to be transmit ted to the helmet meansthnough thesupply conduit means independent of gas flowing-from 'said supply tank means, is provided at a surface locationaAt a location remote from the diver, gas reconditioning means is provided which is operable to receive gas from at least one of said compressor or depressor means, remove carbon dioxide at least in part therefrom, andtransmit gas with carbon dioxide removed The continuous flow .of gas from the supply conduit In the Drawings FIG. I provides a schematic, elevations. view of components of a system entailing method and apparatus aspects of the invention;

FIG. 2 provides an enlarged, fragmentary, schematic view of the control elements of the FIG. 1 system associated with supply tank means, an emergency supply of gas, and a surface supply of gas;

FIG. 3 provides an enlarged, fragmentary, schematic view of a portion of the FIG. 1 system pertaining to control elements associated with return tank means of v the present invention;

' tects and insulates his head, preserves his bubble of FIG. 3a provides a still further enlarged, fragmentary view of an umbilical means of the FIG. 1 system;

FIG. 4 provides a schematic view of various flow paths of gas provided by the FIG. 1 system, illustrating the partially overlapping and integrated, diver servicing and habitat interior servicing, gas flow loops;

FIG. 5 provides a schematic view illustrating a modified fonn of the system approach illustrated in FIG. I; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a diver controlled heat exchanger which may be employed with either embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In describing the invention, at least two preferred embodiments and variations of these embodiments will be described.

The following discussion relating to these embodiments will be presented with the hydrostatic pressure at the underwater depth of the described enclosure being the'reference pressure when pressure relationships are being described.

First Preferred Embodiment A first preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. I through 4.

-As shown in FIG. I, a helmet 1 on a divers head probreathing gas, sweeps away his exhaled carbon dioxide to a safe level, and improves his communications due to lack of a mouth piece or oral nasal mask.

' Breathing gas, at a pressure greater than reference, continuously flows through a check valve 2 and throttling valve 3' into the helmet. It may be exhausted through a combination chin button-exhaust valve 4 directly into the sea, but with this invention, it normally at least in part thereinto the return conduit means is operable toprovide a continuous flow of breathable gas passing across -'the I face of a div er'positionedwithin said helmet means and flows through a safety shutoff valve 5 and backpressure regulator valve 6. Valve 6 monitors pressure in helmet 1 relative to ambient water pressure surrounding the helmet so 'as to tend to maintain a desired pressure in the'helmet. The .diver mayadjust regulator 6 to compensate for limited changes in the divers elevation in constant pressure in helmet 1.

generally displace from the vicinity of said "diver face gas exhaled by said diver and induce this displaced, ex-

haled gas to flow out'of said 'helm'etmeans back into means. I I DRAWINGS In describing the invention, reference will made to certain preferred embodiments described by way of, ex-

"Divingvessel 7 may comprise an underwater diving the return conduit'means for. retum t'o said enclosure ample and without limitationin' the appended draw;-

ings.

3,323,3 l 2,.to Banjavich, issued June 6, I967. This vessel is lowered from a service vessel to an appropriate location. As is describedin' the aforesaid Benjavich water body in which the chamber 7 is submerged.

f' Ordinarily, water will rise partially within the opening '701 so as to provide a water and breathable gas interface 70, as shown generally in H0. 1. The pressure of gas within the enclosure 7 may be selectively adjusted to determine the elevation of the interface 7a. in certam instances, divers may desire the interface to be somewhat higher than that shown in FIG. 1 so as to facilitate the returning of divers to the chamber interior.

Gas flows from helmet 1 through a return hose 8, which is normally stowed inside the enclosure 7, to a return gas manifold 9. This manifold, which may be considered part of return conduit means 8, is equipped with appropriate valving and a pressure indicator 11. The return gas then flows through a water separator 12 shown in FIG. 3 which is equipped with a sight glass 13, appropriate 3-way, vent and transfer valving 14, and a separated water receiver 15. This receiver permits draining of accumulated water, which is at less than reference pressure, into the enclosurewhich is at reference pressure via conventional valving arrangements.

A return relief valve 16 and return silencer 17 are teed into the return gas manifold 9, as shown in FIG. 3, to permit gas within the enclosure 7 to enter the return loop when the return line pressure falls below the setting of the return relief valve 16.

The return gas then flows through valves 18 and then into a return tank 19 which has a drain valve 20. The return tank 19 contains a mass of stainless steel, monel, or copper wool 46 which removes entrained water in the breathing gas. The tank 19 also absorbs pulsations from the depressor pump 21, and provides a reservoir of breathing gas at a pressure less than reference so that gas will flow from the diver's helmet 1. From tank 19, gas enters the compressor-depressor enclosure 22 and passes through depressor pump means 21.

Gas drawn from tank 19 by thepositive displacement pump 21 is transmitted through silencer means 23 into a carbon dioxide scrubber, 24 in the interior of enclo- 6 compressor pump 31 and provide a reservoir of breathing gas at a pressure above reference so that gas will flow to the diver.

The gas flows into the supply manifold 33, which is equipped with proper valving, pressure indicating devices 34, and emergency breathing masks 35.

The supply manifold 33, shown in FIG. 2, is connected, via appropriate valving, to an emergency selfcontained breathing gas supply 36, attached to the enclosure, and to a similar source 36a at the surface via an umbilical 37. Each of the

sources

36 and 360 may comprise suitable admixtures of helium and oxy en.

A surface supply valve 38 controlling flow through umbilical 37 is normally open, and provides for remote pressurization of the enclosure interior from the surface. A surface supply relief valve 39 is set well above the level required for breathing, yet can be overcome by increasing the pressure at the surface by operation of regulator 38a. By thus forcing valve 39 open, the interior of enclosure 7 can be pressurized so as to control water level 70. The surface supply silencer 40 is to mute noise.

The supply relief valve 41 is teed into the supply manifold 33 to permit gas from the supply tank to enter sure 7. This gas, in passing through this scrubber, is

treated so that at least a significant reduction in carbon dioxide content is effected and is then discharged from unit 24 into the enclosure 7 interior.

The returning breathing gas enters the environment of the enclosure"), lean of the proper amount of oxygen. This condition is detected by the sensing element 26 of a commercial, oxygen monitoring instrument 27.

When a low oxygen content is noted, means 26-27 en-,

ergize two normally closed, parallel connected solenoid valves 28, connected in parallel from an'appropriately valved and regulated oxygen supply 29 carried by enclosure 7, and oxygen is admitted until a desired con-- tent is noted, at which point the .circuit is opened, valves 28 closed, and the oxygen flow ceases. These oxygen control components are shown in FIG. 2. The redundancy of valves 28 is to ensure failsafe operation.

The oxygen, when admitted into enclosure 7, flows into the inlet of a carbon dioxide scrubber 24 to ensure homogenization "of gas (i.e. mixing with gas from depressor pump 21) and toreduce' noise.

Gas within the enclosure 7, maintained at breathing Y condition, isdrawn through a supply silencer 30 and the enclosure when the supply gas pressure exceeds the setting of the supply relief valve 41. This excess gas is admitted into the inlet of the CO, scrubber 24 and serves as a backup means" of gas circulation, augmenting the carbon dioxide scrubber blower 25.

The supply gas also flows from manifold 33 through a supply hose 43, which is nonnally stowed inside the enclosure, to the divers helmet 1.

A self-contained or surface hot seawater source 44 is connected to the enclosure 7. Through this hose 10 may be threaded the breathing gas supply hose 43 and return hose 8, as shown in FIG. 3a. in this manner the inspired gas of the diver can be heated as might be required in extreme cold water conditions.

The breathing gas supply 36a on the surface is attached to the enclosure via an umbilical 37 and consists of regulated helium-oxygen mixtures and/or blended mixes as could be provided by a commercial gas mixer with pure helium and oxygen sources.

The prime mover 47 which drives pumps 21 and 31 is aconstant speed electric motor of the totally enclosed type and may be equipped with an automatically re gulated, inert helium gas purge. The pumping equipment thus operates at a constant level and maximum flow rate and works just as hard whether the diver(s) are using gas or not. This is because a Self-compensating balance of flows exists.

Desirably, the pressure in enclosure 7 will be equalized with the pressure within enclosure 22 by normally open equalizing valve means shown in FIGS. 1 and During normal operation, the excess of gas, supplied but not used by the diver(s.), passes from the compressor 31-through the supply tank 32, supply relief valve 41, carbon dioxide scrubber 24, and into the enclosure 7. -An equal amount passes from the enclosure 7 through the supply silencer 30 to inlet of the compressor 31. Hence, when the diver's need ceases-as when one or two divers are taken off the line, the total flow of the pumping equipment will operate across the compressor relief valve means. Blower 25 will serve to re circulate gas in enclosure7 through scrubber 24.

When there is an exceptional need, such as when a diver is descending, when helmet purging at an extreme rate is taking place, or when the diver is temporarily on open circuit (i.e., with gas flowing from a supply source 36 or 36a via manifold 33 directly to conduit 43 and with no flow from a source into the enclosure occurring) insufitcient gas will be returned by the diver or supplied to the-enclosure and gas will be drawn from the enclosure 7 through the supply silencer 30. The level of water within the enclosure will rise proportionately. This condition. while not immediately serious. must be corrected or else the enclosure will flood, the same as if a leak occurred. This is corrected by either the tender adding gas to the enclosure, as needed from surface supply 36a, by increasing the pressure setting of regulator 38a, or by the diver. in enclosure 7 opening v...v e 55a shown in H6. 2. This is not an emergency condition and is not cause to abort the dive.

if the same condition occurred, and in addition the surface umbilical were severed or surface gas supplies exhausted, the tender would put the diver on the emergency self-contained breathing gas supply 36 which is integral with the enclosure. I

Valve 55a is spring loaded to a closed position. When o ened by a diver, this valve 55a enables gas to flow between conduit 37 and the enclosure interior. When it is desired to vent the enclosure, valve 55a is opened, and the pressure setting of regulator 38a is reduced. The reduced pressure setting will enable conduit 37 to vent to atmosphere through regulators38a. Conversely, with valve 55a open, and the pressuresetting of regulator 38a unchanged or increased, gas will flow into the interior of enclosure 7 through 'open valve 550.

integrated and, Partially Overlapping, Diver Breathing Loop and Enclosure Breathing Loop withSurfaceand a .On-Site Control helmet 1 and a diver or divers stationed within the enclosure 7. v

in this system, the diver loop comprises, in series connected sequence, as shown in FIG. 4:

l. helmet l;

2. return conduit means 8 (including manifold 9 and conduit means 91));

3. return tank 19;

4. conduit means 48 extending from return tank 19 to the inlet side depressor pump-21; I

tender diver manipulation in enclosure 7 and may be concurrently and independently operable in response to the operation of remote control mechanisms contained on the surface located, service vessel. in this connection, it will be appreciated that surface supply 360 will ordinarily be contained at this service vessel.

The enclosure loop which partially overlaps the "diver loop, comprises the following elements:

I. conduit means 50 transmitting gas from enclosure 7 to the inlet side of compressor pump means 31;

2. conduit means Sl transmitting gas from the outlet side of compressor means 51 to supply tank 32;

'a. conduit means 52 extending from supply tank means 32 to manifold 33;

b. umbilical means 37 providing communication between surface supply 360 and manifold 33; and c. conduit means 53 providing communication between emergency supply 36 and manifold 33; and

5 4. conduit means 57 supplying gas from manifold 33 to carbon dioxide scrubber 24 for discharge to the interior of enclosure 7.

, Thus, two loops are provided, each of which ensures reconditioning of gas and provides two independently controllable breathing atmospheres, one associate-i with interior of enclosure 7 and the other with the interior of helmet 1. Each loop is oil the continuous circulation type such that stale gas is continuously swept away.

.- The oxygensupply means 26-27-29 is operably indev pendent of these loops and .revitalizes" both loops by As will be apparentfrom the foregoing discussion, the system described in connection with FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 provides partially overlapping and integrated breathin g loops for a diver operating in association with-the discharging oxygen into the enclosure 7.

in the interior of enclosure 7, the manifold 33 may be provided with a plurality of independently valve controlled face masks 35 available for use by a diver or div- 40 ers in the eventof any failure in the system providing reconditioned gas'in the interior of enclosure 7. Such face masks35 are schem atically shown along with their schematically represented valves 59 in FlG. l.

Aswill be recalled, the flow pattern above described may be somewhat modified in the event that the diver to ensure proper continuous operation of depressor pump means 21, the return relief valve means 16 will 5. conduit means 49 extending from the outlet side of 9 open'soas to permit a direct flow of gas from the intedepressor'pump 21 through carbon dioxideiscrubber' 24 into the interior of enclosure 7; 1

6. conduit means50 extending from the interior of enclosure 7 to the inlet side of compressor pump 31; 7. conduit means 51 extending from the outlet side of, 5

compressor means ,31 to supply tankmeans 32;

a. conduit means 52 extending from supply tank means 32 to manifold .33;

b. umbilicalmeans 37 providing communicationbe-.

tween surface supply 360 and manifold 33; and c. conduit means 53 providing communication between emergency supply 36 and manifold 33; and 9. supply conduit means 43 extending from manifold 33 t0 inlet side of helmet l. v

By a propriateoperation of valvemeans 54 in contluit means 5 2, valve means 55 in conduit means 37 and valve means 56 in conduit means 53, breathable gas rior of enclosure 7into tank means 19 via a manifolded portion of conduit means 8 (i.e., the manifold portion 9 comprising water separator 12, return relief valve 16, -etc.). t

As will also be recalled from the foregoing discussion,-the..opera tion of the diver and enclosure loops previously described may be modifiedby inducing the opening of surface supply relief valve means 39 (as effected by. the operation of regulator means 380 at the 6 surface, vessel). The opening of valve means 39 will enclosure 7.

'Similarly,"as conditions may require, the valve mechanisms heretofore described in connection with manifold 33 may be manipulated so that breathable gas sup- 9 plied to the diver in helmet 1 will be transmitted directly from either surface source 360 or emergency source 36 directly to the diver via supply conduit 43. By closing valve means54, in conduit means 57, and opening either valve means 56 or 55, breathable gas will be caused to be transmitted directly through manifold 33 to supply conduit 43 via either conduit means 53 or 37. in this open circuit" mode, returned gas from tank 19 will circulate through the interior of en- Y closure 7 via valve 16, conduit means 8, 48 and 49, and

depressor pump 21. The compressor circuit will be substantiully isolated from the enclosure when this takes place. To prevent stalling of the compressor. a spring biased relief valve 100 may be incorporated between line 51 and the interior of enclosure 7 so as to permit compressor 31 to continuously circulate gas, albeit in bypassed relation with respect to supply tank 32.

Gas Heating As is apparent from FIG. 3, hot water conduit means 44a is connected with appropriately valved manifold means 441; which in turn is connected with flexible umbilical hose 10. Flexible umbilical hose 10, as shown schematically in FIG. 3a, contains

gas conduits

8 and 43 and provides a passage 10a through which warm water may be circulated in heat conducting relation with conduit means 8 and 43 to the suit of the diver wearing helmet 1.

Other means may be employed to heat the gas going to the diver, including heaters carried by enclosure 7 and heating means discussed in the following section entitled "Enhanced Gas Conditioning."

It would be desirable for lines'9b and 48 to be insulated, and for tank 19 to be covered as well with thermal insulation material 45. This insulating will retain heat in the returned gas (as provided by hot water in umbilical 10) so as to improve the efficiency of operation of scrubber 24.

' Enhanced Gas Conditioning Cond'uit means 51 may be provided with heat exchange means 61. Such heat exchange means 61 may comprise metallic heat exchanging fins which would serve to provide heat transmitting relationships between ambient water surrounding the enclosure and gas passing from compressor means 31 to supply tank means 32. Such a heat exchanger would serve to significantly and further reduce the moisture content of gas being supplied to supply tank means '32 andwouldensure that this gas, when continuously "transmitted Such a heat exchanger 62 is shown schematically in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, heat exchanger 62 comprises a metallic, finned, heat exchanger 63 defining a portior of conduit means 43. With this arrangement, gas would pass through conduit means 43 and through the interior 64 of finned tube heat exchanger section 63 en route to the interior of helmet l.

A sleeve or shroud means 65 having thermal insulating properties (fabricated of plastic, etc.) may be telescopingly mounted on conduit means 43 so as to telescope over fin section 63. with sleeve 65 shown in the telescoped position of FIG. 6, tin tube means 63 would be only partially isolated and would perform a heat exchange function. However, when a diver would move sleeve 65 down as shown in H0. 6, tube 63 would block direct, heat exchanging or heat conducting relation between the ambient water body and gas flowing to the diver helmet through the metallic fins and tubular body of exchanger 63. The manipulation of sleeve 65 to expose fin means 63 would permit the ambient water to cool any gas passing through the interior of conduit means 43 which might be uncomfortably warm.

through manifold 33 and conduit 43 to diver helmet 1,

would not cause fogginglof the helmet face piece or produce significant or excessive condensation within the helmet interior.

Further control over moistureremoval may be effccted by positioning moisture entraining and condensing metallic wool within the interior of supply tank 32.

in certain instances, and particularly if heat exchanger means 61 is not employed, andif the ambient water is relatively warm, reconditioned gasat an exces-' sive or uncomfortably warm temperature maybe transmitted through conduit means 43 to helmet 1.

in order to offset the problems or discomfort which would be associated with such an excessively warm gas supply, a unique diver operated heat exchanger 62 may be associated with helmet means 1 and/or conduit means 43.

Other heating control may be effected by a three-way valve 47 incorporated in conduit means 10 and connected with a heating coil 47a shown in FIG. 1. Operation of the three-way valve 47 may serve to permit the transmittal of hot water only through conduit 10 or the diversion of a selected portion of heated fluid from conduit 10 through coil 47a and then back into the interior of hose 10.

Coil 47a may be positioned in the path of treated gas flowing into or out of carbon dioxide scrubber 24. in this manner, the gas entering or exiting from scrubber 24 will be heated as it passes over the coil means 47a so as to warm the interior of enclosure 7. Preferably, coil 47a will be positioned so as to wann gas within or entering the scrubber 24 so as to optimize scrubber efficiency.

Modification of First Preferred Embodiment The embodiment described in connection with FlGS. 1-3 has contemplated an arrangement where pump means 21 and 31 as well as return tank means 19, su ply tank.means 32 and oxygen supply 29, and sensing means 26 would be mounted directly on the enclosure 7 so as to be submcrgible, in nature although remote from the diver in helmet 1.

All this notwithstanding, it is believed that the invention may be effectively practiced with tank means 19 and 32, as well as pump means 21 and 31 and oxygen supply means 29 located on the service vessel. when this sort of an arrangement would be employed, the conduit means 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 9a (shown in FIG. 4) and oxygen supplying conduit means 60 would be at least partially flexible in nature and extend between the enclosure 7 and the location of these remote components on a service vessel. These conduit means may comprise another umbilical" package, ossibly integrated with umbilical means 37 and/or umbilical means 449 (extending from hot water source 44 to enclosure 1).,

As will also be apparent, other modifications of the FIGS. 1-3 system are feasible, including a disposition of either of, any one, or less than all of the

components

19, 21, 31 and 32 and 29 at a service vessel. As will also be apparent, the basic concept heretofore described Representative Components in describing the first embodiment of the invention. certain components have been described in relation to the application drawings. The application drawings also show several conventional components in addition to those described. the function and location of which are apparent from the drawings.

Certain representative "off the shelf" valve. pump. and sensing components which may be employed in the novel system of the present invention are as follows:

ltcm Reference Number I Helmet. Helium Becltman Instrument Company 2 Oceanic Equi ment Activity 2500 Harbor ulevard 3 Fullerton. California 92634 OR General Aequadyne 4 333 East Haley Street Santa Barbara. California 93l0l 5 Safety Shutoff Valve Tian Engineerin'g. 630 Nectarine Street. Inglewood. California 90301 6 Back Pressure Regulator Valve Tian Engineering. 630 Nectarine Street. Inglewood. California 90301 Return Gas Manifold Valves Item. Manufacturer. Address and Model Hoke. Inc.. Tenaltill Park. Cressltill. New Jersey. No. 2i l2 Three way Ball Valve (switching service) 45XF8 Whitey Company 5679 Lendregan Street Oakland. California 94608 Return Relief Valve. SlS9B-6PP-6OPSIG Circle Seal Products Co.. P.O. Box 3666 Anaheim. California 92803 Return Silencer. lS2-M Johnson Service Co.. 3866 Fratney St.. Milwaukee. Wisconsin 53212 Valve it" Hoke. lnc.. Tenaltill Parlt. Cressltill.

New Jersey. No. 2i

Depressor Pump. Rotary Model. l550-Pl398 Gast Manufacturing Corp.. Sl5 Washington Ave.. Carlstadt. New Jersey 07072 Compressor-Depressor Enclosure (Taylor design) Allen Starr Co.. 368 Iris Avenue New Orleans. Louisiana 70l2l Silencer. UR-l Universal Silencer Corp.

Libertyvilla. llllnols Sensing Element. 323 DF Teledyns Analytical instrument Co..

333 W. Mission Drive San Gabriel. California 9l776 Oxygen Monitor Teledyne Analytical Instrument Co.

333 W. Mission Drive.

San Gabriel. California 9l776 Solenoid Valve. X$2HDB2l502-VS9 Skinner Electric Valve Division New Britain. Connecticut Su l Silencer W Y 3866 Fratney St..

Johnson Service Co. Milwaukee. Wisconsin 53212 Compressor Pump Ciast Manufacturing Corp.. SIS Washington Ave Carlstadt. New Jersey 07072 Surface Valve Hoke. lne.. Tenaltill Parlt.

Cressltili. New Jersey Re uiator 26-l l l-2B2-076 TE OM Corporation Ill -continued item Reference item. Manufacturer. Address and Model Number The structural and functional nature of these listed components and other components more fully illustrated is believed to be evident from the overall disclosure and the foregoing discussion.

Second Preferred Embodiment A second embodiment by means of which certain significant facets of the invention may be practiced is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5.

Where feasible, and where components of the second embodiment generally correspond to components of the first embodiment, common reference numerals have been employed.

The second embodiment arrangement lacks certain of the dual, partially overlapping loop aspects of the first preferred embodiment. in this second embodiment, the return tank, supply tank, compressor and depressor pump means, and oxygen-helium replenishment means are located at a service vessel.

Thus. as shown in FIG. 5, the second embodiment is characterized by the following arrangement.

in this embodiment, a helmet l on the diver protects and insulates his head, improves communication, and preserves his bubble" of breathing gas. This helmet l is equipped with a check valve 2 and throttling valve 3 on the breathing gas being supplied to the helmet l and with a safety shutoff valve 5, a chin button exhaust valve 4 and bacltpressure regulating valve 6 on the exhaust side of the helmet l.

The supply hose 43 and exhaust hose 8 are connected to the reconstituting equipment as follows:

The exhaust hose 8 is connected to an automatic water separator 12 and a return gas manifold 9 within the diving bell 7. The function of this automatic water separator is to catch water which might flow through the exhaust hose 8 from the diver. The return gas manifold 9 is connected via flexible return hose 101 to a return tank 19 on the surface located service vessel. Tank 19 is fitted with a metallic wool demister. oxygen sensing element 26, and oxygen inlet connection 102.

Using the depth of the dive, i.e. depth of bell 7 and diver. as reference. the function of the return tank 19 is to create a reservoir of breathing gas at a pressure less than reference so as to cause the diver s exhaust. which is substantially at reference. to flow through the return hose 101 and to absorb pulsations caused by the depressor pump 21.

The oxygen monitor 27 is a commercially purchased device which is equipped with high and low limits switches. These switches operate a solenoid valve means 103, preferably redundant in nature like valve means 28, and which is connected to a regulated oxygen supply 104. Oxygen is admitted when the "low" switch closes and not admitted when the high" switch opens. The oxygen is added at this point to promote good mixing.

Downstream of the return tank 19 is a relief valve 105, which allows the gas from the compressor-depressor pump means enclosure 106 to enter the system, relieving the load on the depressor pump 21.

The return tank 19, through enclosure l06, ls connectcd to dual CO, scrubbers 107 which are located downstream of the enclosure 106.

The dual CO, scrubbers 107 permit the absorbent to be changed at any time without interrupting the flow since one scrubber may be used while the other is being serviced.

Two pumps 21 and 31 within the compressor-depressor enclosure 106 feed the dual CO, scrubbers 107. These pumps are called compressor means 31 and depressor means 21. If the diving depth is used as a reference, the compressor-depressor means 31-21 depressurizes the gas in the return hose- 101 by creating a pressure less than reference and then delivers this-gas to the compressor-depressor enclosure 106 through a silencer 108. The compressor pump 31 draws gas from 14 insures proper flow through conduit means 203 to effect this equalization. Regulator 38a would automatically vent any excess pressure in enclosure 106 via conduit 203 which communicates with this regulator 38a.

SUMMARY OF OVERALL MODE OF OPERATlON OF SYSTEMS In either of the two embodiments described heretofore, the underwater enclosure 7 is operable to permit diver ingress and/or egress. The helmet l is operable to provide a continuously circulating breathable atmosphere for a diver at a submerged location. The umbilical means 10-43-8 extends between the underwater enclosure 7 and this helmet means 1.

the compressor-depressor enclosure 21 through a si- 1 lencer 109 and delivers it through treater 107 into a supply tank 32. The purpose of tank 32 is to absorb pulsations from the compressor pump 31 and provide .a reservoir of gas at a pressure above reference so as to cause the breathing gas to'flow to the diver(s).

This reservoir 32 also acts as a "come home supply in the event of equipment failure.

A relief valve'110 is placed ahead of the supply tank 32 in enclosure 106, allowing excess pressure in the outlet side of the compressor to enter the compressordepressor enclosure 106, thereby promoting circulation in the process. The compressor-depressor 31-21 operates at a relatively constant load through theuse of the relief valves l05,and 110..- p

The gas returns to the diving bell 7 via breathing gas umbilical 111 to a supply manifold 112 and, thence, to the diver helmet 1.

This supply manifold 112 is connected to an emergency self-contained breathing gas supply 36 located on the diving enclosure 7 and also to surface supply 36a. Gas sampling is taken downstream of the dual CO, scrubbers for both 0, and C0,. 7 t I A gas temperature controller 58 (cooler)"may be incorporated in the surface system between scrubber 107 and supply tank 32 as shown in FIG. '5.

Means

38a, 39, 40 and 55a heretofore described may be employed to regulate the level of water and/or pressure in the enclosure 7. t

With the second embodiment, divers in enclosure 7' must ordinarily use face masks connected with manifold 112 to receive breathable gas. However, a C0, scrubber 24 (not shown) will be employed in the enclosure 7 to continuously circulate and treat gas so as to avoid a'carbon dioxide build up).

Desirably, the pressure in enclosure 106 will equal.

the pressure in enclosure 7. This is accomplished by a regulating valve 202 which controls flow between source 36a and enclosure 106 via a conduit means 203. Regulator 202 monitors the pressure in enclosure 7 via conduit means 200 and in response to this monitoring A flow of breathable gas is continuously circulated from the enclosure 7 through supply conduit means 43 to the interior of the helmet and from the interior of this helmet back through the return conduit means 8 to 'the enclosure 7. The continuous flow of gas returning from helmet 1 through return conduit means 8 is caused to be transmitted to the return tank means 19 (due to the lower pressure in this tank), with the tank means 19 being located remote from the diver wearing the helmet means 1.

in general, it is contemplated that the return gas will be treated so as to effect a removal of moisture in or en route to the retum tank means.

I Gas from the return tank means 19 is removed by operation of the depressor pump means 21. The depressor pump means 21 is operable to maintain the relatively low pressure level in the return tank means 19 which serves to promote a continuous flow of gas from the helmet means 1 through conduit means 8.

Gas is transmitted from the depressor pump means 21 to compressor pump means 31, with each of these pump means being located remote from the diver.

Gas is transmitted from compressor pump means 31 to supply tank means 32, with compressor means 31 serving to pressurize gas in the supply tank means 32 to a relatively higher level than that existing in tank means 19 'or within the interior. of enclosure 7. Gas is transmitted fromthe supply tank means 32 through supply conduit means 43'to the interior of helmet means 1. During this transmission the relatively higher pressure in supply. tank means 32 is operable to induce and sustain a continuous flow of gas from the supply tank means 32 through supply conduit means 43 to the interior of helmet means 1.

, Generally at the location of the helmet means 1, the rate of continuous flow of gas passing from the supply conduit means 43 through the interior of the helmet means 1 and into the return conduit means 8 is regulated. A supply of breathable gas, operable to be transmitted to the helmet means through the supply conduit means independent of gas flowing from the supply conduit means, is provided at a surface location.

At a location remote from the diver wearing the helmet, gas reconditioning means is provided. This gas remeans 32. t

continuous flow of bre ath able' gas passing across the lace .of 'afdiverpositioned within the helmetfmeans.

This continuous flow of gas is operable to generally dislace from the vicinit yjof the-diver's 'face gas which is exhaled by the diver andlnduee this displaced exhaled gas to flow out of' the helmet means back into return conduit means for returnto the enclosure 7; r

ln eithcr embodiment, the manifolding mean as operable to 'concurrently-1or independently [receive 1. breathable-gas from any of three independent'sources,

namely: thesupply tank means-32, the surface supply the interior ofthe'en'closure 7.-and .in'to the supply 'conwhere the gas'is treated notonly to'i'rem'ov'e carbon dioxide andsupply additional amounts of breathable 'ofityg gen and helium. (or f otherjdesired constituents r; breathablefgas meansybut'attain desired,thermal,artd

moisture conditions as well, The thediver con trolledheat exchanger62iprovides'uniquethermal regulation at the locationofthe diver under his immediate control without encumbering the. diver or hislope The utilization of 'separateenclosure; means: v(e ther 22 or 106) to"isolate:the;compressor-depressorjneans;

from theenclosure providesfa significantfandadvari geous reduction-in sound "in ;the encIOsur itselfJFur ther sound attenuation 'will be achieved throughth'e use of sound insulation in "the interior of enclosure-22 as shown in FIG ,1 and through the use of vibration isolat ing mountingmeans forithe compressor and depres'so means. t 3

ermit atleast two and possibly more'divers tobe operuting concurrently inj separatehelmetsou enclosurc i W The ability'iinleither,embotiiment rectly into the'inte'riorg of the'renclos water levelinthe enclosure basefeohcuri'ently pipett scontrol overlthis waterfleveiiand[an assured supply 'o emergency g'as forflthefl encios suMMARYoi MhJoitjfAbvAN'rAoEs. ERA L SCQPEQ TION? A particularly significant advantage of the invention results from the unique integration'ofthesubrnerged w enclosure und'rcmote helmet with a closed loop, nondemand, continuous, or free-flow circulation system as heretofore vdeseribed. ,'lhis arrangement affords optimum diverflcxibilityand minimizes or eliminatesdiver conditioning means is operable to receive gas from at Y least one-ofthe compressor means 31 or depressor means 21, remove carbon dioxide at least in part from this gas, and transmit the gas' with carbon'dioxide removed at least in part therefrom to-the supply tank" tside'of the These overall advantages enable a diver to remain operational for longer periods of time than would he retofore have normally been'possible.

, By blending oxygen in large capacity reservoirs, the 5- problems encountered in prior art, small capacity reservoirsin relation to oxygen inbalance have been substantially eliminated. Minor deviations in the rate of oxygen flow will not have the critical adverse effect en countered in prior art small capacity systems. it is also -believed that the oxygen feeding concept as disclosed in the context the overall invention will tend to maintaina steadier oxygen level in the overall system.

The relatively largecapacity of the normally rigid tank means 19 and 32 in relation to the helmet means 15 l and the

conduits

8 and 43, tends to eliminate flow or pressure-pulses in the system, or at least reduce such f pulses so as to promote a stcadier overall continuous I, 9 =th:e liq'uid'level7a in the diving enclosure 7 (or other means 36a,'and the emergency supply.36 carried bytheff enclosure 7. ln'the firstj' embodime'nt -themanifold f} means is operable-to concurrently circulate the P selected supply of gas (or combinationsthereof) through enclosureiprovides a significantcontrol over diving operations. in certain instances, it would be possible to emplo a water level sensing mechanism in diving enclosure inlet 701 so as to automate the operation of g u v I g valve means 38 and 39 and thereby automatically re gutluit means 43 for-transmittal to the dive'r's helmets" "1 Optimumta zlvantages" of the invention,arejrealized .5 late the level 7a."

lffi 'he continuous sweepof breathable gas through helmet 1 from conduit means 43 into conduit means 8 'tfeliminates or minimizes adverse accumulations of cari' 'flb dioxide in the helmet and significantly eliminates orjredu'ces diver respiratory fatigue in that the circula- "tion of gas is not contingent upon a diver breathing effort. a

in this connection, itisbelieved that a free or continj'uous volume flow rateof gas through helmet 1 of at 1 least 4.5 cubic feet per minute (independent of depth) should be maintained and that rates up to about 6 cubic feet per minute might be desirable. Certain changes ,may need to be made in gas composition to maintain the requisite partial oxygen pressure conditions as diver epths vary. v

diver umbilical means 10 in combination with efc om'e home" supply of gas contained in relatively arge reservoir 32'significantly improves diver safety in v y t t t -l5fprovidingbothamechanical "life line"and breathable Whilefthe'system has been described inconnection with the ope ration of a single'div'er withfhishelmeh-it is contemplated that the 'capa'cityjof the[system would gas-link'between a diver and his associated enclosure. Regulator 6, intending to maintain a requisite pressure condition within the interior of helmet i, will perform an additional safety function in the event of a sev- 59 erance of line 8. Should this line sever, the pressure diferentialjregulating function of item 6 will inherentl auseit to'cios'eso as to tend to preserve the pressure .hel t" 1, thus close the helmet on the outlet I et valve S wili provide f. backup" protection, augnting that provided by regulator 6, in the event of a everance' .of hose 8. lnt'ne event of such a severance, e'gulat'o'r. 6 should automatically close. However, should'it fail to close, safety valve 5, being closable in responsefto an excessive flow rate therethrough would automatically close. Valve structures of this nature are vnow known and commercially available. it is believed that where divers are operating at depths greater thanabout 600 feet the first embodi- ,ment would be most advantageous. For lesser depths, res iratory.fatigue"*'and operational f-pr'obiems' can monly encountered.in connectioni withdemand-type or constant massfflow,, ratef orfsemi closedtype systems, 1 :1

("the unit, described in connection with the second em- -bodim ent' .lmay tvellsufi'ice as "would those modifications of the first embodiment where return tanks, pump means, etc., might be located in whole or in part at a surface location.

This system does not employ breathing bags, oral nasal and face masks, demand regulators, or check valves that are operated by a diver's inhalation or exhalation. Breathing bags are position sensitive and help or hinder breathing by the wearer, depending on his position. A diver must assume many different positions,

seal, are uncomfortable. Custom fitted or fluid fill face masks leave much to be desired by a diver who must work long periods. Demand regulators, when operating properly, admit gas when a slight negative pressure is created by the inhalation of the diver. Exhalation can require a similar effort. This breathing resistance causes fatigue of the divers diaphragm and chest muscles. Eventually, the body will not accept the effort and involuntary reduction'of breathing occurs. Accumulatlcd carbon dioxideeventually occurs and death re- SU ts.

The system of the'present invention incorporates the desired advantages of the various underwater breathing methods and eliminates problems of the type heretofore noted. Y

By recycling the breathing gas, almost all of a given initial supply is preserved. Helium is a major constituent of currently used breathing gas mixtures, and this element is both limited and expensive. Conserving this gas is highlydesirable, of course, and substantial econ;

omies can be realized throughthis invention in the pur-' chase and logistics of same.

Using an underwater enclosure assures a safe and relv atively comfortable place from which the divers can operate. It also houses the necessary valving, machincry, and emergency supplies of the system. Retrofitting of existing enclosures is thus not only possible but eco- I nomically desirable.

Not being a demand system,the present system is such that no breathing resistance must be overcome.

Lung fatigue or, more accurately, fatigue of the diaphragm and chest muscles due to the system cannot occur. This is especially important in deep work where the gas density is high.

The divers umbilical, consisting of a communications cable, supply, return, and hotiwater hoses, is nearlyneutral in buoyancy and is asstrong as a lifeline eliminatingthe need forthat item. Bulk is therefore minimaL-With this system, the working diver is warm, is not encumbered, and not limitedby breathingcold,

highly conductive gas(es Heating thediver and his in-' spired gas preventsthe loss of body warmth andprel8 gengy supplies integral with the enclosure could be use The large volume and induced circulation of breathing gas within the enclosure make the replenishment of oxygen noncritical which is highly desirable. Since only carbon dioxide is absorbed by the scrubber, the volumes of other gases which pass through do not effect its performance.

The circulation loop that is established by the compressor and depressor pumps could be directed through a separate carbon dioxide scrubber. Alternatively, a separate carbon dioxide scrubber with an electric driven blower could be used as a standby device.

Since gas, humid at reference pressure, is being drawn from the enclosure and discharged into the divers helmet, it can be expected that dehumidiiication will occur on the divers cold faceplate. This is eliminated by the fmtube exchanger and the supply tank, both of which are exposed to sea water. This cools the gas from the compressor before it enters the supply tank. The dew point of the breathing gas is thus lowered and will not be further lowered when the breath The means of controlling the temperature of the inspired gas delivered to the divers helmet is the uniquely simple and easy to operate fintube exchanger, over which a nonconductive sleeve has been attached. The sleeve is adjustable by the diver so that varying amounts of the fintube are exposed to the cold sea water. The sleeve may be held in position by a ball bearing detent located on one end of the assembly.

The invention has been described with reference to use in connection with a diving bell 7 which may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,323,312 to Banjavich. The invention, of course, may be practiced in connection with 'a-variety of submersible enclosures in cluding habitat structures of the type featured in Banjavich et al. application Ser. No. 841,777, filed Aug. 19, l97l, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,64l,777, and assigned to the assignee of the present application. The entire disclosures of Banjavich U.S. Pat. No. 3,323,312 and the aforesaid pending Banjavich et al. application Ser. No. 841,777, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,777, insofar as they to a preferred embodiment and various modifications in these embodiments have been postulated. Those skilled in the diving art and familiar with the disclosure cludes lung: congestion and, its associated breathing problems. a v

The volume of thediverfs helmet I insures'that anycarbon dioxide exhaled -by the diver of breathing gas is alwayspresent and several'redunof this invention may well'envision other additions, dc-

letions,substitutions, modifications or changes which would also fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

- What'is claimed is:

l-A method of conducting underwater diving operations,"'from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water, said method comprising the steps of:

providing floating vessel means;

e e providing underwater enclosure means operable to will be swept into the return hose. An adequate amount 3 n as a "come home" supply, if the system should fcease operating. If this occurred, the ,diver would use'the open circuit method. His helmet is equipped to dothis, drawing upon supplies on the surface." if the umbilical L to the surface supply should become severed, emerpermit'diver ingress and egress;

providing helmet means operable to provide a breathable atmosphere for a diver at a submerged location;

1' providing flexible conduit means extending between .saidunderwater enclosure means and said helmet means and including supply conduit means and re- .tum conduit means;

from said underwater enclosure means through said supply conduit means to the interior of said helmet means and from the interior of said helmet means back through said return conduit means;

causing the continuous flow of gas passing from said helmet means through said return conduit means to be transmitted to return tank means located remote from a diver wearing said helmet means;

employing depressorv means to remove gas from said return tank means to maintain a relatively low pressure in said return tank means tending topromote a continuous flow of gas from said helmet means through said return conduit means and to said return tank means;

transmitting gas from said return tank means to supply tank means;

employing compressor means to pressurize gas in said supply tank means to a relatively high pressure level with respect to the gas pressure in said return tank means;

transmitting gas from said supply tank means through said supply conduit means continuously to the interior of said helmet means, with said i J'OIBllVCly higher pressure in said supply tank means being operable to induce and sustain a continuous flow of gas from said supply tank means through said supply conduit means to the interior of said helmet means,

independent of diver breathing effort, regulating the rate of continuous flow of gas from said supply conduit means through the interior. of said helmet means and into said return conduit means, includpassing said continuous flow of gas continuously through flow throttling means, located generally adjacent said helmet means, a

passing said continuous flow of gas continuously through said helmet means, with said continuous flow of gas circulating continuously through said helmet means and continuously removing carbon dioxide therefrom, and

passing said continuous flow of gas from said helmet means continuously into said return conduit means while maintaining a back'pressure on said continuous.

means, supply tank means and supply. conduit=- means forming essentially a closed loopsysteni-of said continuous flow of gas from said supply conduit 7 continuously flowing gas;; 1

means through the interior of saidhelmet'meansj" and into said return conduit means being operable to provide a free and continuous flow of breathable gas operable to generally displace, from the, vicinity of said divers face, gas exhaled by said diver and induce said displaced exhaled gas to flow out of said helmet means and into said return conduit means;

connecting carbon dioxide removing means into said closed loop system for removing carbondioxide from gas circulating through said closed loop systern; 1

continuously circulating a flow of breathable gas 20 connecting oxygen supplying means into said closed loop system for supplying oxygen to said closed loop system; sensing the oxygen content of oxygen in said closed loop system and causing said oxygen supply means to supply oxygen to said system in response to said sensing; said oxygen supplying means and said carbon dioxide removing means being operable to concurrently remove carbon dioxide from and add oxygen to gas flowing through said closed loop system;

said supply tank means and said return tank means,

each being carried by said vessel means and being of relatively large storage capacity relative to said helmet means, and being operable to promote a relatively steady continuous circulation of gas through said helmet means;

heating said flow of breathable gas being circulated to said helmet means through said supply conduit means; and

reducing the transmission of pulses, generated by said compressor means and said depressor means to said helmet means by interposing said supply tank means between said compressor means and said helmet means and interposin g said return tank means between said depressor means and said helmet means.

2. A method of conducting underwater diving ope rations, from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water as defined in claim 1 wherein said steps of connecting oxygen supplying means and sensing oxygen content insaid closed loop comprise the steps of:

"connecting a regulatable supply of oxygen to said return tank means, and

sensing the oxygen content within said return tank means to regulate the supply of oxygen into said return tank means wherein oxygen is supplied to said closed loop system initially into the relatively large volume return tank and then into the relative large volume supply tank before entering said helmet means to maintain a substantially steady oxygen level of gas flowing through said helmet means.

' 3. A method of conducting underwater diving operatior'ts, from .a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water as defined in claim 1 and further comprising the steps of:

providing a compressor-depressor enclosure means carried by said vessel means and containing said depressor means and 'said compressor means; delivering gas into said enclosure means from said return tankjmeans by operation of said depressor means withins'aid enclosure means; and compressing gas from within said enclosure means by operation of saidcompressor means with said ena closure. means for delivery to said supply tank means.

Apparatus for conducting underwater diving operations from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water, said apparatus comprising:

floating vessel means;

underwater enclosure means operable to ermit diver ingress and egress; Y helmet means operable to provide a breathable atmosphere fora diver at a submerged location; flexible conduit means extending through said underwater enclosure means between said vessel means 21 and said helmet means and including supply conduit means and return conduit means; means for continuously circulating a flow of breathable gas through said supply conduit means to the interior of said helmet means and from the interior of said helmet means back through said return conduit means;

return tank means carried by said vessel means remote from said diver and being connected to said return conduit means for receiving gas from said helmet means;

supply tank means carried by said vessel means remote from said diver and being connected to said supply conduit means for delivering gas thereto;

means for transmitting gas from said return tank means to said supply tank means, and including compressor means operable to pressurize gas in said supply tank means to a relatively higher pressure level than gas in said return tank means and depressor means operable to provide a relatively lower pressure level of gas in said return tank means;

said relatively higher pressure in said supply tank means being operable to induce and sustain a continuous flow of gas from said supply tank means through said supply conduit means to the interior of said helmet means;

means operable independent of diver breathing effort ously removing carbon dioxide therefrom, and

means operable to pass said continuous flow of gas from said helmet means continuously into said i return conduit means including back pressure regulator valve means located gen erally adjacent said helmetmeans and operable to maintain a back pressure on said continuous flow of gas downstream of said helmet means and maintain a positive pressure in said helmet means relative .to theambient, water pressure.

surrounding said helmet means, said helmet means, return conduit means, return tank means, supply tank means and supply conduit means forming essentially a closed loop system of continuously flowing gas;

said continuous flow of gas from said supply conduit means through the interior of said helmetmeans and into said return conduit means being operable to provide a free and continuous flow of breathable gas operable to generally displace, from the vicinity of said divers face, gas exhaled by said diver and induce said displaced exhaled gas to flow out of said helmet means and into said return conduit means;

carbon dioxide removing means, carried by said vessel means, and operable to remove carbon dioxide from gas circulating through said closed loop system;

oxygen supplying means carried by said vessel means and operable to supply oxygen into said closed loop system;

sensing means operable to sense the oxygen content of oxygen in said closed loop system and cause said oxygen supply means to supply oxygen to said closed loop system in response to operation of said sensing means;

said oxygen supplying means and said carbon dioxide removing means being operable to concurrently remove carbon dioxide from and add oxygen to gas flowing through said closed loop system;

said supply tank means and said return tank means, each being carried by said vessel means and being relatively large storage capacity relative to said helmet means, and being operable to promote a relatively steady continuous circulation of gas through said helmet means;

heating means operable to heat said breathable gas circulated to said helmet means through said supply conduit means; and

pressure pulse reducing means comprising said supply tank means and said return tank means with said supply tank means and return tank means being interposed, respectively, between said helmet means and said compressor means and between said helmet means and said depressor means and operable to reduce the transmission to said helmet means of pulses generated by said compressor means and said depressor means.

5. Apparatus for conducting underwater diving operations from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water as defined in claim 4 wherein:

6. Apparatus for conducting underwater diving operations from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water as defined in claim 4 and further comprising:

compressor-depressor enclosure means carried by said supply vessel;

said depressor means being mounted within said enclosure means for withdrawing gas from said return tank means and delivering the gas into said enclosure means; and

said compressor means being mounted within said enclosure means for withdrawing gas from said enclosure means, compressing the gas and delivering the compressed gas to said supply tank means.

- i i l i i UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTEFEATE 0F CORREQTION Patent No. 3,924,616 Dated Dec, 9, 1975 Inventor) Mark P. Banj avich, et a1 It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

The term of this patent subsequent to April 9, 1991,

has been disclaimed.

H Signed and Scaled this Seventeenth D 3y or August 1976 [SEAL] A nest:

RUTH MASON C. MARSHALL DANN A ing offit' Commissioner oflatems and Trademarks

Claims

1. A method of conducting underwater diving operations, from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water, said method comprising the steps of: providing floating vessel means; providing underwater enclosure means operable to permit diver ingress and egress; providing helmet means operable to provide a breathable atmosphere for a diver at a submerged location; providing flexible conduit means extending between said underwater enclosure means and said helmet means and including supply conduit means and return conduit means; continuously circulating a flow of breathable gas from said underwater enclosure means through said supply conduit means to the interior of said helmet means and from the interior of said helmet means back through said return conduit means; causing the continuous flow of gas passing from said helmet means through said return conduit means to be transmitted to return tank means located remote from a diver wearing said helmet means; employing depressor means to remove gas from said return tank means to maintain a relatively low pressure in said return tank means tending to promote a continuous flow of gas from said helmet means through said return conduit means and to said return tank means; transmitting gas from said return tank means to supply tank means; employing compressor means to pressurize gas in said supply tank means to a relatively high pressure level with respect to the gas pressure in said return tank means; transmitting gas from said supply tank means through said supply conduit means continuously to the interior of said helmet means, with said relatively higher pressure in said supply tank means being operable to induce and sustain a continuous flow of gas from said supply tank means through said supply conduit means to the interior of said helmet means; independent of diver breathing effort, regulating the rate of continuous flow of gas from said supply conduit means through the interior of said helmet means and into said return conduit means, including passing said continuous flow of gas continuouslY through flow throttling means, located generally adjacent said helmet means, passing said continuous flow of gas continuously through said helmet means, with said continuous flow of gas circulating continuously through said helmet means and continuously removing carbon dioxide therefrom, and passing said continuous flow of gas from said helmet means continuously into said return conduit means while maintaining a back pressure on said continuous flow of gas downstream of said helmet means and maintaining a positive pressure in said helmet means relative to the ambient water pressure surrounding said helmet means, said helmet means, return conduit means, return tank means, supply tank means and supply conduit means forming essentially a closed loop system of continuously flowing gas; said continuous flow of gas from said supply conduit means through the interior of said helmet means and into said return conduit means being operable to provide a free and continuous flow of breathable gas operable to generally displace, from the vicinity of said diver''s face, gas exhaled by said diver and induce said displaced exhaled gas to flow out of said helmet means and into said return conduit means; connecting carbon dioxide removing means into said closed loop system for removing carbon dioxide from gas circulating through said closed loop system; connecting oxygen supplying means into said closed loop system for supplying oxygen to said closed loop system; sensing the oxygen content of oxygen in said closed loop system and causing said oxygen supply means to supply oxygen to said system in response to said sensing; said oxygen supplying means and said carbon dioxide removing means being operable to concurrently remove carbon dioxide from and add oxygen to gas flowing through said closed loop system; said supply tank means and said return tank means, each being carried by said vessel means and being of relatively large storage capacity relative to said helmet means, and being operable to promote a relatively steady continuous circulation of gas through said helmet means; heating said flow of breathable gas being circulated to said helmet means through said supply conduit means; and reducing the transmission of pulses, generated by said compressor means and said depressor means to said helmet means by interposing said supply tank means between said compressor means and said helmet means and interposing said return tank means between said depressor means and said helmet means.

2. A method of conducting underwater diving operations, from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water as defined in claim 1 wherein said steps of connecting oxygen supplying means and sensing oxygen content in said closed loop comprise the steps of: connecting a regulatable supply of oxygen to said return tank means, and sensing the oxygen content within said return tank means to regulate the supply of oxygen into said return tank means wherein oxygen is supplied to said closed loop system initially into the relatively large volume return tank and then into the relative large volume supply tank before entering said helmet means to maintain a substantially steady oxygen level of gas flowing through said helmet means.

3. A method of conducting underwater diving operations, from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water as defined in claim 1 and further comprising the steps of: providing a compressor-depressor enclosure means carried by said vessel means and containing said depressor means and said compressor means; delivering gas into said enclosure means from said return tank means by operation of said depressor means within said enclosure means; and compressing gas from within said enclosure means by operation of said compressor means with said enclosure means for delivery to said supply tank means.

4. Apparatus for conducting underwater diving operAtions from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water, said apparatus comprising: floating vessel means; underwater enclosure means operable to permit diver ingress and egress; helmet means operable to provide a breathable atmosphere for a diver at a submerged location; flexible conduit means extending through said underwater enclosure means between said vessel means and said helmet means and including supply conduit means and return conduit means; means for continuously circulating a flow of breathable gas through said supply conduit means to the interior of said helmet means and from the interior of said helmet means back through said return conduit means; return tank means carried by said vessel means remote from said diver and being connected to said return conduit means for receiving gas from said helmet means; supply tank means carried by said vessel means remote from said diver and being connected to said supply conduit means for delivering gas thereto; means for transmitting gas from said return tank means to said supply tank means, and including compressor means operable to pressurize gas in said supply tank means to a relatively higher pressure level than gas in said return tank means and depressor means operable to provide a relatively lower pressure level of gas in said return tank means; said relatively higher pressure in said supply tank means being operable to induce and sustain a continuous flow of gas from said supply tank means through said supply conduit means to the interior of said helmet means; means operable independent of diver breathing effort to regulate the rate of continuous flow of gas from said supply conduit means through the interior of said helmet means and into said return conduit means, including flow throttling means, located generally adjacent said helmet means, and operable to continuously pass said continuous flow therethrough, said continuous flow of gas being operable to pass continuously through said helmet means, with said continuous flow of gas circulating continuously through said helmet means and continuously removing carbon dioxide therefrom, and means operable to pass said continuous flow of gas from said helmet means continuously into said return conduit means including back pressure regulator valve means located generally adjacent said helmet means and operable to maintain a back pressure on said continuous flow of gas downstream of said helmet means and maintain a positive pressure in said helmet means relative to the ambient water pressure surrounding said helmet means, said helmet means, return conduit means, return tank means, supply tank means and supply conduit means forming essentially a closed loop system of continuously flowing gas; said continuous flow of gas from said supply conduit means through the interior of said helmet means and into said return conduit means being operable to provide a free and continuous flow of breathable gas operable to generally displace, from the vicinity of said diver''s face, gas exhaled by said diver and induce said displaced exhaled gas to flow out of said helmet means and into said return conduit means; carbon dioxide removing means, carried by said vessel means, and operable to remove carbon dioxide from gas circulating through said closed loop system; oxygen supplying means carried by said vessel means and operable to supply oxygen into said closed loop system; sensing means operable to sense the oxygen content of oxygen in said closed loop system and cause said oxygen supply means to supply oxygen to said closed loop system in response to operation of said sensing means; said oxygen supplying means and said carbon dioxide removing means being operable to concurrently remove carbon dioxide from and add oxygen to gas flowing through said closed loop system; said supply tank means and said return tank means, each being carried by said vessel means anD being relatively large storage capacity relative to said helmet means, and being operable to promote a relatively steady continuous circulation of gas through said helmet means; heating means operable to heat said breathable gas circulated to said helmet means through said supply conduit means; and pressure pulse reducing means comprising said supply tank means and said return tank means with said supply tank means and return tank means being interposed, respectively, between said helmet means and said compressor means and between said helmet means and said depressor means and operable to reduce the transmission to said helmet means of pulses generated by said compressor means and said depressor means.

5. Apparatus for conducting underwater diving operations from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water as defined in claim 4 wherein: said sensing means and oxygen supply means being connected to said return tank means wherein oxygen is supplied to said closed loop system initially into the relatively large volume of said return tank means and then into the relatively large volume of said supply tank means to maintain a substantially steady oxygen level of gas flowing through said helmet means.

6. Apparatus for conducting underwater diving operations from a vessel means operable to be buoyantly supported upon a body of water as defined in claim 4 and further comprising: compressor-depressor enclosure means carried by said supply vessel; said depressor means being mounted within said enclosure means for withdrawing gas from said return tank means and delivering the gas into said enclosure means; and said compressor means being mounted within said enclosure means for withdrawing gas from said enclosure means, compressing the gas and delivering the compressed gas to said supply tank means.