WO2000020796A1 - A scuba laser communication device and method - Google Patents

A scuba laser communication device and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000020796A1
WO2000020796A1 PCT/US1999/002383 US9902383W WO0020796A1 WO 2000020796 A1 WO2000020796 A1 WO 2000020796A1 US 9902383 W US9902383 W US 9902383W WO 0020796 A1 WO0020796 A1 WO 0020796A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
laser
scuba
housing
emitting device
communication device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/002383
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Delena Giattino
Bear Hsiung
Original Assignee
Delena Giattino
Bear Hsiung
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delena Giattino, Bear Hsiung filed Critical Delena Giattino
Priority to AU25812/99A priority Critical patent/AU2581299A/en
Publication of WO2000020796A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000020796A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/26—Communication means, e.g. means for signalling the presence of divers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to scuba-diving equipment for aiding in underwater communication. More particularly, the present invention relates to an underwater scuba laser for use by a diver.
  • Related Art Underwater diving, particularly, scuba diving, requires the use of various mechanical aids which enable the diver to explore the lower depths of the sea for extended periods of time. Many times divers are required to work under water and employ the use of various devices such as pneumatic hammers, drill, wrenches etc. Other times, divers are merely exploring the creatures or terrain of the sea. In either case, it is desirable to communicate with companion divers. Presently, divers employ the use of sound emitting devices which ping a companion diver or signaling techniques via hand signaling between divers. These devices and techniques have met with some success. However, these methods of signaling have their limitations and there remains a need to improve the methods and devices by which divers communicate. The present invention aims to improve the device and method by which divers communicate. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • the present invention is directed to a scuba laser communication device and method.
  • the scuba laser communication device includes a laser emitting device for emitting a laser beam, a battery operably connected to the laser emitting device for supplying power thereto and a waterproof housing of a size and configuration to be hand held and having operably disposed therein the laser emitting device and the battery.
  • the housing has a transparent portion through which the laser beam moves, a watertight switch formed in the housing which is operably interposed and interconnecting the battery and the laser emitting device.
  • the housing is further characterized to be made of a sufficiently buoyant material to cause the scuba laser communication device to float in water.
  • Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of communicating under water using a scuba laser communicating device.
  • the method includes the step of employing in an under water environment a waterproof hand held and operated laser beam emitting device, and energizing the laser beam emitting device in a manner to cause the emission of a laser beam across a view path of a diver.
  • the method is further characterized such that the energizing of the laser beam is done in a predetermined sequence code to convey a message in accordance with the code.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is representative view of the use of the present invention.
  • the scuba laser communication device 10 includes a housing 12, laser beam emitting device 14, and battery 16.
  • the housing 12 is generally cylindrical and is made of a buoyant material to cause the device 10 to float in water.
  • the housing 12 has a relatively hollow chamber 18 therein.
  • the housing 12 also has, by way of example, an open surface 20 through which a switch 22 extends.
  • the housing 12 has another open surface 24 in which a lens 26 is sealingly disposed.
  • An eyelet member 28 is connected to the housing 12.
  • a strap 30 is connected to the eyelet member 28 to provide a diver means for retaining the device 10 to a wrist, for example.
  • a watertight flexible membrane 32 is disposed about the housing 12 and switch 22 in a manner to seal the switch 22 and open surface 20 from water.
  • the battery 16 In one end of the housing 12 within the chamber 18 is disposed the battery 16 having a positive end contacting an electrical lead 34 and a negative end contacting another electrical lead 36, wherein the electrical lead 36 also contacts the switch 22.
  • the laser beam emitting device 14 includes, by way of example here, a laser diode 38.
  • the laser diode 38 may be a semiconductor material, such as gallium arsenide, able to amplify light to produce coherent monochromatic light beams, ranging preferably from about 510 to 690 nanometers wavelength. The ranges set forth are by way of example and are not intended to be limiting in the present invention.
  • the laser diode 38 emits a laser beam 40.
  • the laser diode 38 has a junction between layers of semiconductors 42 and 44 with different electrical conducting properties.
  • a laser cavity 30 is confined to a junction region by means of two reflective boundaries 46 and 48.
  • the electrical lead 34 contacts a positive terminal of semiconductor material 42.
  • Another electrical lead 35 connects to a negative terminal of semiconductor material 44 and extends toward the connection between the switch 22 and electrical lead 36.
  • the semiconductors 42 and 44 are used to direct application of electrical current supplied from the battery 16 preferably capable of delivering about 5 milliwatts across the semiconductor junction to cause emission of the laser beam 40.
  • the present invention enables a method of communicating under water not previously heretofore known.
  • the method of communication is carried out by employing in an under water environment the scuba laser communications device 10 and energizing the device 10 in a manner to cause the emission of a laser beam across a view path of a diver.
  • the communication may be further carried out by energizing of the laser beam is in a predetermined sequence code to convey a message in accordance with the code, such as Morse Code.

Abstract

A scuba laser communication device (10) includes a laser emitting device (14) for emitting a laser beam (40), a battery (16) operably connected to the laser emitting device for supplying power thereto and a waterproof housing (12) of a size and configuration to be hand held and having operably disposed therein the laser emitting device and the battery. The housing has a transparent portion (26) through which the laser beam moves, a watertight switch (22) formed in the housing which is operably interposedly connecting the battery and the laser emitting device. The housing is further characterized to be made of a sufficiently buoyant material to cause the scuba laser communication device to float in water. A method of communicating underwater employs the use of the scuba laser communication device.

Description

A SCUBA LASER COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to scuba-diving equipment for aiding in underwater communication. More particularly, the present invention relates to an underwater scuba laser for use by a diver. Related Art Underwater diving, particularly, scuba diving, requires the use of various mechanical aids which enable the diver to explore the lower depths of the sea for extended periods of time. Many times divers are required to work under water and employ the use of various devices such as pneumatic hammers, drill, wrenches etc. Other times, divers are merely exploring the creatures or terrain of the sea. In either case, it is desirable to communicate with companion divers. Presently, divers employ the use of sound emitting devices which ping a companion diver or signaling techniques via hand signaling between divers. These devices and techniques have met with some success. However, these methods of signaling have their limitations and there remains a need to improve the methods and devices by which divers communicate. The present invention aims to improve the device and method by which divers communicate. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object to improve underwater diving.
It is another object to improve underwater communication between divers. It is yet another object to provide a device to aid in underwater communication.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a scuba laser communication device and method. The scuba laser communication device includes a laser emitting device for emitting a laser beam, a battery operably connected to the laser emitting device for supplying power thereto and a waterproof housing of a size and configuration to be hand held and having operably disposed therein the laser emitting device and the battery.
The housing has a transparent portion through which the laser beam moves, a watertight switch formed in the housing which is operably interposed and interconnecting the battery and the laser emitting device. The housing is further characterized to be made of a sufficiently buoyant material to cause the scuba laser communication device to float in water.
Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of communicating under water using a scuba laser communicating device. The method includes the step of employing in an under water environment a waterproof hand held and operated laser beam emitting device, and energizing the laser beam emitting device in a manner to cause the emission of a laser beam across a view path of a diver. The method is further characterized such that the energizing of the laser beam is done in a predetermined sequence code to convey a message in accordance with the code.
Other objects and advantages will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon viewing the drawings and reading the detailed description hereafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention FIG. 3 is representative view of the use of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, the scuba laser communication device of the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 10. The scuba laser communication device 10 includes a housing 12, laser beam emitting device 14, and battery 16.
The housing 12 is generally cylindrical and is made of a buoyant material to cause the device 10 to float in water. The housing 12 has a relatively hollow chamber 18 therein. The housing 12 also has, by way of example, an open surface 20 through which a switch 22 extends. The housing 12 has another open surface 24 in which a lens 26 is sealingly disposed.
An eyelet member 28 is connected to the housing 12. A strap 30 is connected to the eyelet member 28 to provide a diver means for retaining the device 10 to a wrist, for example. A watertight flexible membrane 32 is disposed about the housing 12 and switch 22 in a manner to seal the switch 22 and open surface 20 from water. In one end of the housing 12 within the chamber 18 is disposed the battery 16 having a positive end contacting an electrical lead 34 and a negative end contacting another electrical lead 36, wherein the electrical lead 36 also contacts the switch 22.
The laser beam emitting device 14 includes, by way of example here, a laser diode 38. The laser diode 38 may be a semiconductor material, such as gallium arsenide, able to amplify light to produce coherent monochromatic light beams, ranging preferably from about 510 to 690 nanometers wavelength. The ranges set forth are by way of example and are not intended to be limiting in the present invention. The laser diode 38 emits a laser beam 40.
By way of example in the present case, the laser diode 38 has a junction between layers of semiconductors 42 and 44 with different electrical conducting properties. A laser cavity 30 is confined to a junction region by means of two reflective boundaries 46 and 48.
The electrical lead 34 contacts a positive terminal of semiconductor material 42. Another electrical lead 35 connects to a negative terminal of semiconductor material 44 and extends toward the connection between the switch 22 and electrical lead 36. When the switch 22 is depressed, the semiconductors 42 and 44 are used to direct application of electrical current supplied from the battery 16 preferably capable of delivering about 5 milliwatts across the semiconductor junction to cause emission of the laser beam 40. By so providing, the present invention enables a method of communicating under water not previously heretofore known. The method of communication is carried out by employing in an under water environment the scuba laser communications device 10 and energizing the device 10 in a manner to cause the emission of a laser beam across a view path of a diver. The communication may be further carried out by energizing of the laser beam is in a predetermined sequence code to convey a message in accordance with the code, such as Morse Code.
The above described embodiment is set forth by way of example and is not for the purpose of limiting the present invention. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that obvious modifications, derivations and variations can be made to the embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto should be read in their full scope including any such modifications, derivations and variations.
What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A scuba laser communication device, which includes: a laser emitting device for emitting a laser beam; a battery operably connected to said laser emitting device for supplying power thereto; and a waterproof housing of a size and configuration to be hand held and having operably disposed therein said laser emitting device and said battery, wherein said housing has a transparent portion through which said laser beam moves, and means for switching on/off power from said battery to said laser emitting device and wherein said housing is further characterized to be made of a sufficiently buoyant material to cause the scuba laser communication device to float in water.
2. The scuba laser communication device of claim 1 , wherein said switching means includes a watertight switch formed in said housing which is operably interposed and interconnecting said battery and said laser emitting device.
3. The scuba laser communication device of claim 1, wherein said housing further includes strap means for removably connecting said housing to one of a diver's extremity and diver's wear.
4. A method of communicating under water using a scuba laser communicating device, which includes the steps of: employing in an under water environment a waterproof hand held and operated laser beam emitting device; and energizing said laser beam emitting device in a manner to cause the emission of a laser beam across a view path of a diver.
5. The method of claim 4, which is further characterized such that said energizing step is done in a predetermined sequence code to convey a message in accordance with the code.
PCT/US1999/002383 1998-10-08 1999-02-03 A scuba laser communication device and method WO2000020796A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU25812/99A AU2581299A (en) 1998-10-08 1999-02-03 A scuba laser communication device and method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16875998A 1998-10-08 1998-10-08
US09/168,759 1998-10-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000020796A1 true WO2000020796A1 (en) 2000-04-13

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/002383 WO2000020796A1 (en) 1998-10-08 1999-02-03 A scuba laser communication device and method

Country Status (2)

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AU (1) AU2581299A (en)
WO (1) WO2000020796A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7953326B2 (en) 2006-02-06 2011-05-31 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Systems and methods for underwater optical communication

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2832968A (en) * 1955-09-27 1958-05-06 Knudsen Valdemar Buoyant flashlight cover
US4114187A (en) * 1976-11-05 1978-09-12 Alan Kurt Uke Diver's flashlight
US5353054A (en) * 1992-07-15 1994-10-04 Geiger Michael B Hands free lidar imaging system for divers
US5800044A (en) * 1996-12-10 1998-09-01 Marshall; Richard S. Combination man overboard personal rescue light

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2832968A (en) * 1955-09-27 1958-05-06 Knudsen Valdemar Buoyant flashlight cover
US4114187A (en) * 1976-11-05 1978-09-12 Alan Kurt Uke Diver's flashlight
US5353054A (en) * 1992-07-15 1994-10-04 Geiger Michael B Hands free lidar imaging system for divers
US5800044A (en) * 1996-12-10 1998-09-01 Marshall; Richard S. Combination man overboard personal rescue light

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7953326B2 (en) 2006-02-06 2011-05-31 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Systems and methods for underwater optical communication

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2581299A (en) 2000-04-26

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