A bypass knob for a pressure regulator configured for use with a facemask of a breathing apparatus has a first member having a first engagement surface and a second member having a second engagement surface positioned opposite the first engagement surface. At least one slot is formed on the first engagement surface and at least one deflectable beam having a latch is formed on the second engagement surface of the second member. When the first member is rotated in a first direction about the longitudinal axis via a first rotational torque, the latch of the at least one deflectable beam is engaged with the at least one slot to rotate the second member with the first member, and disengaged when the first member is rotated in the first direction via a second rotational torque higher than the first rotational torque.

A bypass knob for a pressure regulator configured for use with a facemask of a breathing apparatus has a first member having a first engagement surface and a second member having a second engagement surface positioned opposite the first engagement surface. At least one slot is formed on the first engagement surface and at least one deflectable beam having a latch is formed on the second engagement surface of the second member. When the first member is rotated in a first direction about the longitudinal axis via a first rotational torque, the latch of the at least one deflectable beam is engaged with the at least one slot to rotate the second member with the first member, and disengaged when the first member is rotated in the first direction via a second rotational torque higher than the first rotational torque.

A depth selector or current depth provider for use by a variable speed air system. As a depth selector it is preferably in the form of a rotary switch on the user interface for the air system. The rotary switch can have 3 positions for maximum depth selections, such as, without limitation 15, 25, and 65 feet. Other depth values and number of depth selections provided can be used and all are considered within the scope of the disclosure. A microcontroller of the system reads the voltage from the voltage divider created by the rotary switch selection to determine which position the rotary switch is in. The microcontroller uses this information to set the upper and lower pressure limits for the dive.

A depth selector or current depth provider for use by a variable speed air system. As a depth selector it is preferably in the form of a rotary switch on the user interface for the air system. The rotary switch can have 3 positions for maximum depth selections, such as, without limitation 15, 25, and 65 feet. Other depth values and number of depth selections provided can be used and all are considered within the scope of the disclosure. A microcontroller of the system reads the voltage from the voltage divider created by the rotary switch selection to determine which position the rotary switch is in. The microcontroller uses this information to set the upper and lower pressure limits for the dive.

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 (26), pump (28), air tube (30), breathing aperture (10), sensor (20), and logic processor (24) is disclosed.

Aquatic structures with adjustable buoyancy constructed in part with a vent valve for a buoyancy control device suitable for divers, where the vent valve may be opened by any combination of over-pressure, manual pressure relief or a powered means, where a force to a valve plug is applied by means of a spring that is constrained to prevent entirely lateral and angular movement but in which movement of the plug in the axis of the seat is unconstrained.

In an example, a cover device for a regulator, which has a purge button and a mouthpiece connected to the regulator, includes a body which has: a mouthpiece housing to receive the mouthpiece through an access opening which presents a friction fit to squeeze the mouthpiece passing therethrough in a squeezed state to enter and exit a hollow interior of the mouthpiece housing, the hollow interior configured to store the mouthpiece in a relaxed state; a regulator support connected to the mouthpiece housing to support a bottom surface of the regulator when the mouthpiece is inserted into the hollow interior of the mouthpiece housing; and a button cover connected to the mouthpiece housing to cover the purge button on a top surface of the regulator when the mouthpiece is inserted into the hollow interior of the mouthpiece housing, while exposing a portion of the top surface of the regulator surrounding the purge button.

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for improving the Weight/Duration ratio of Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBAs) by decreasing the amount of fresh breathing gas required from the system by saving exhaled air that is low in carbon dioxide in a reservoir and reusing it at the subsequent inhalation. Electronic control units (“ECUs”) including conventional oxygen sensors and special types of carbon dioxide sensors are used to monitor and predictably regulate the consumption of breathing gas, further contributing to a significantly lower overall system weight for any given duration of the SCBA.

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for improving the Weight/Duration ratio of Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBAs) by decreasing the amount of fresh breathing gas required from the system by saving exhaled air that is low in carbon dioxide in a reservoir and reusing it at the subsequent inhalation. Electronic control units (“ECUs”) including conventional oxygen sensors and special types of carbon dioxide sensors are used to monitor and predictably regulate the consumption of breathing gas, further contributing to a significantly lower overall system weight for any given duration of the SCBA.

The present invention provides an underwater breathing device. The device includes a canister having a pump installed therein, wherein air outside of the canister communicates with the interior of the canister via the pump; a mouthpiece; and an elongate tube interconnecting the interior of the canister and the mouthpiece. Methods of making and using the device are also disclosed.