A ventilator mask system is disclosed comprising a faceplate having a lateral partition on an interior surface delineating an upper and lower section, the lower section comprising a region that extends away from the upper section and includes at least one cutout opening fitted with a complementary-shaped flexible insert that enables a user to grasp the nose. The faceplate further includes a snorkel coupling having a passageway contained therein and conduits connecting the passageways with a lower chamber. The faceplate further includes a tubular ventilating sleeve which provides separate passageways for supplying fresh air and exhausting exhaled air through the faceplate. The tubular ventilating sleeve has a tubular body and an inhalation conduit defining a passageway that connects a snorkel coupling and to an inhalation tube of a ventilating device. The tubular inhalation conduit fluidly connects a snorkel coupling passageway of said scuba-enabled mask to said inhalation tube of said ventilating device.

A ventilator mask system is disclosed comprising a faceplate having a lateral partition on an interior surface delineating an upper and lower section, the lower section comprising a region that extends away from the upper section and includes at least one cutout opening fitted with a complementary-shaped flexible insert that enables a user to grasp the nose. The faceplate further includes a snorkel coupling having a passageway contained therein and conduits connecting the passageways with a lower chamber. The faceplate further includes a tubular ventilating sleeve which provides separate passageways for supplying fresh air and exhausting exhaled air through the faceplate. The tubular ventilating sleeve has a tubular body and an inhalation conduit defining a passageway that connects a snorkel coupling and to an inhalation tube of a ventilating device. The tubular inhalation conduit fluidly connects a snorkel coupling passageway of said scuba-enabled mask to said inhalation tube of said ventilating device.

The disclosure relates to a diving mask, including: a mask having a breath cavity corresponding to a mouth and a nose of a user; a vent tube connected to the mask and provided with an inlet passage, the inlet passage communicating the breath cavity with external air; and an exhaust device communicating the breath cavity, the exhaust device including an exhaust fan configured to discharge air in the breath cavity into an external environment, thereby enabling the external air to flow into the breath cavity through the inlet passage.

The present invention relates to an enhanced electronic diving mask with various image enhancement hardware and software integrated with a diving mask, whereby images may be enhanced to enable a diver to achieve greater visibility and clearer vision while underwater. Notably, the present invention combines techniques that have previously been used in connection with internal patient surgical procedures, so that medical instrument imaging technology used inside the human body may for the first time be used to afford divers clearer vision, more visibility and greater safety.

The present invention relates to an enhanced electronic diving mask with various image enhancement hardware and software integrated with a diving mask, whereby images may be enhanced to enable a diver to achieve greater visibility and clearer vision while underwater. Notably, the present invention combines techniques that have previously been used in connection with internal patient surgical procedures, so that medical instrument imaging technology used inside the human body may for the first time be used to afford divers clearer vision, more visibility and greater safety.

A diving helmet apparatus includes a diving helmet that is based on a 98.sup.th percentile anthropomorphic head form. The helmet is relatively smaller and lighter than convention diving helmets. The center-of-gravity and center-of-buoyancy of the helmet are co-located to reduce diver fatigue. The apparatus has unique neck dam latch devices that use cam mechanisms. The neck dam and the opening in the helmet that receives the diver's head both have a substantially oval shape that contributes to a significant reduction in the volume of the helmet. The apparatus also uses unique face mask latch devices. The neck dam and face mask latch devices allow a diver to easily secure and remove the helmet and face mask without the assistance of dive tenders.

A diving helmet apparatus includes a diving helmet that is based on a 98.sup.th percentile anthropomorphic head form. The helmet is relatively smaller and lighter than convention diving helmets. The center-of-gravity and center-of-buoyancy of the helmet are co-located to reduce diver fatigue. The apparatus has unique neck dam latch devices that use cam mechanisms. The neck dam and the opening in the helmet that receives the diver's head both have a substantially oval shape that contributes to a significant reduction in the volume of the helmet. The apparatus also uses unique face mask latch devices. The neck dam and face mask latch devices allow a diver to easily secure and remove the helmet and face mask without the assistance of dive tenders.

Methods and systems to provide breathing air to underwater divers in response to the divers' respiration at pressures less than 25 psi above atmospheric pressure during inspiration while delivering no or minimal air during exhalation, by controlling the actions of a pump during the time course of breathing. Methods and systems that sense a diver's need for breathing air, determine inhalation demand or exhalation state, and control the operation of a pump which delivers breathing gas to the diver via a tube. An integrated system for the same which incorporates at least an energy source, pump, air tube, breathing aperture, sensor, and logic processor is disclosed.

Methods and systems to provide breathing air to underwater divers in response to the divers' respiration at pressures less than 25 psi above atmospheric pressure during inspiration while delivering no or minimal air during exhalation, by controlling the actions of a pump during the time course of breathing. Methods and systems that sense a diver's need for breathing air, determine inhalation demand or exhalation state, and control the operation of a pump which delivers breathing gas to the diver via a tube. An integrated system for the same which incorporates at least an energy source, pump, air tube, breathing aperture, sensor, and logic processor is disclosed.

Noise reduction in face masks and helmets reduces ear damage and improves communication by reducing noise in demand regulators with air diffuser perforated plates, screens or open cell foam and by providing muffling chambers. Insertable earmuffs are slid into voids formed in interior padding. Oral-nasal masks are isolated from helmet padding. Various layered helmets shells and padding reduce internal noise.