Integrated Umbilical Delivery System for Gas, Data, Communications Acquisition /Documentation, Accessory Power and Safety for Users in Adverse Environments

Abstract

An umbilical system for sourcing and delivering within a flexible protective covering, a plurality of different breathing gasses, safety tether, a plurality of ancillary lines for remotely distributable, documentable, multidirectional, multi-format data/communications acquisition and delivery, personal/situational awareness and ancillary power sources for tool, accessory or device enervation, to a plurality of Users in an adverse environment.

Claims

1. An umbilical system for sourcing and deploying from the proximal end, within a single flexible protective covering made of any suitable material natural or synthetic, a plurality of differently mixed breathing gasses, safety tether, a plurality of ancillary lines for documentable, multidirectional, multi-format data/communications acquisition, distribution and delivery, personal/situational awareness and ancillary power sources for tool, accessory, sensory or device enervation, to a plurality of User's in an adverse environment, whereby a plurality of variable high pressure gas sources communicate with a plurality of Inlet Pressure Regulator(s) operable at select-ably constant pressure, which communicates through flexible high pressure gas lines, with a plurality of deployment systems, which communicates with a plurality of flexible high pressure gas lines made of any suitable material, wherein said high pressure gas lines selectively communicate at the distal end with a plurality of first pressure reducing regulator(s) to deliver said gas to said plurality of Users at suitable pressure; or in the alternative, said pressure reducing regulators may communicate with a multiport gas distribution selector manifold that may communicate with a plurality of second pressure reducing regulator(s) to deliver said gas to said plurality of Users at suitable pressure.

2. The umbilical system of claim 1, wherein said flexible protective covering and said high pressure gas lines communicate at the proximal end with said deployment system; and wherein said flexible protective covering further contains a safety tether made of any suitable material natural or synthetic; a plurality of independent, multi-format, multi-directional circuits made of any suitable material natural or synthetic for acquisition, delivery, monitoring, distribution and documentation of said communications and sensory data; a plurality of independent accessory power circuits and lines made of any suitable material natural or synthetic by which accessory tools, instruments and devices at the distal end may be enervated at the proximal end by power sources suitable to said devices and uses at the distal end.

3. The umbilical system of claim 1, wherein said high pressure gas lines communicate at the distal end with said plurality of User's either directly, through said pressure reducing regulators, or by intermediary delivery of said high pressure gas to a plurality of high pressure redundant back up gas holding tanks, which in turn deliver said gas to said Plurality of Users.

4. The multiport gas distribution selector manifold of claim 1, wherein said breathing gas may be select-ably delivered from a plurality of alternative pressure reducing regulated gas sources to said second pressure reducing regulator, to deliver said gas to said plurality of Users at suitable pressure.

5. The multiport gas distribution selector manifold of claim 1, wherein the alternative, said breathing gas may be select-ably delivered from a high pressure multi-gas selector manifold, to said first pressure reducing regulator, for selectable delivery to said plurality of Users at suitable pressure.

6. The high pressure multi-gas selector manifold of claim 1, wherein said breathing gasses may be select-ably delivered from a plurality of high pressure gas sources, derived from said plurality of flexible high pressure gas lines made of any material, contained within said flexible protective covering.

7. The alternative post first pressure reducing regulated gas sources of claim 4, wherein said plurality of alternative gas sources may derive alternatively from said plurality of redundant gas sources, or delivered through flexible gas lines.

8. The redundant gas sources of claim 1, wherein said sources incorporate tank valves and first pressure reducing regulators, either separately or integrated, through which their breathing gas contents may be disbursed to any user and concurrently or independently refilled in situ at the distal end from said high pressure gas line contained within said flexible protective covering.

9. The plurality of said first pressure reducing regulators of claim 1, wherein said regulators contain multiple low pressure gas OUT ports, for communication with and delivery of low pressure gas to secondary devices, including but not limited to buoyancy control devices, exposure suits and second pressure reducing regulators for direct, redundant delivery of breathing gas to said Plurality of Users.

10. The first pressure reducing regulator of claim 7, wherein said regulator contains multiple low pressure gas OUT ports, for communication with and delivery of low pressure gas to secondary devices, including but not limited to buoyancy control devices, exposure suits and second pressure reducing regulators for direct, redundant delivery of breathing gas to said plurality of Users.

11. The umbilical system of claim 1 wherein said safety tether, made of any suitable material natural or synthetic, is of sufficient strength to redeploy said plurality of Users from said adverse environment.

12. The flexibly covered umbilical of claim 1, wherein said independent, multi-format, multi-directional circuits provides a plurality of channels of situational data, aural and visual communication, between a plurality of Users at the distal end of the system, a plurality of Operators at the proximal end of said system for direct and or remote data acquisition, monitoring, analyzing, distribution and documentation.

13. The independent accessory power circuits and lines of claim 1, wherein at the proximal end of the system, said sources produce forms of power suitable for enervation of devices accessories and or tools at the distal end, through connective circuits within said deployment system.

14. The plurality of variable high pressure gas sources of claim 1, communicate with a plurality of Inlet Pressure Regulator(s) contained within a housing system, which communicates with said deployment system.

15. The plurality of deployment systems of claim 1, wherein at the proximal end said high pressure gas lines, said safety tether, said accessory power lines and said data communication lines are combined within, into a single, flexibly covered umbilical line for uninterruptable, deployment to said plurality of Users.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSYSTEM DIAGRAM

[0102] The system incorporates numerous system components. In reference to FIG. 1, they are:

System Group #1:

[0103] Breathing Gas sources may include a single mix (of Oxygen with other gasses), or multiple alternative mixes, each requiring their own independent supply source. A Source Gas may include one or more tanks, or a compressor, capable of feeding an uninterrupted supply of gas to an Inlet Pressure Regulator. The IPR allows the Operator to selectively determine the operating High pressure level of the entire downstream system, for each gas source.

System Group #2

[0104] In the event of multiple mixes, coming from multiple sources, a high pressure, multi-gas selector manifold may be used to select the appropriate gas to remain under sufficient pressure for the first and second stage regulators, located at the User/Responder's end, to operate nominally. If this selector is located at the User/Responder end of the system, (See System Group 7) this System Group may be eliminated.

System Group #3

[0105] This group is comprised of a plurality of modules, each supplying, acquiring, monitoring, distributing and recording a different set of data and communications. Also see System Group #13. The modules suggested below are offered only by way of example, without any limitation as to the types of systems that may be included within this System Group: [0106] Audio Communications: Operators a User/Responders will communicate audibly. In the event of Multiple Operators and User/Responders, all will be able to communicate with each other. All communications will be distributable and recordable, with or without synchronization with Video communications. All suggested systems include all possible perspectives: above, at and below the Operator and or User Level. [0107] Situational Awareness: Video Communications: The term video is used generically. It encompasses the use of any system for observing, analyzing, distributing and recording the situational environment of the User/Responder. This includes non-visual sensors (including but not limited to toxicity, temperature, environmental current, electrostatic, electromagnetic, radioactivity, geo-location) that convert their respective data to visual media) User-mounted Systems (see System Group 12) may include traditional video cameras, with integrated illumination. It may include Infrared sensors. It may include multi-frequency sonar systems, for high resolution visualization for hundreds of feet distant, in an environment that offers zero visibility to the unaided human eye. The User mounted systems will deliver their respective data up the umbilical line to their respective devices, for monitory, analysis, recordation, and if required, conversion to visible light frequencies. The converted signals may then be sent back down the umbilical, to a in-mask screen for User application. Source material for user application, is not limited to that generated by the User-mounted sensors. It may also include audio/video/data (live or pre-recorded) generated at the Operator level. All suggested systems include all possible perspectives: above, at and below the Operator and or User Level. [0108] Situational Awareness: Personal Diagnostics: This term is used generically, to include all forms of data collection and transmittal, relating to the physical well-being of the User/Responder. Example data includes, core body temperature, extremity temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, gas rate consumption, or any other vital statistics essential for analyzing the health of the User/Responder, and to predict/avoid any emergency that could be precipitated by an impaired User. Said data would be sent up the umbilical for monitoring and documentation by operator personnel. All suggested systems include all possible perspectives: above, at and below the Operator and or User Level.

System Group #4

[0109] This group of modules may include power circuits of any type, including but not limited to electric, pneumatic and hydraulic. (See System Group #6) [0110] Electric: Moderately powered electric tools, instruments and accessories, operating with 12 VDC are commonplace. The same tools, instruments and accessories (Devices), may be powered by specially designed constant current low voltage, GFS protected DC circuits. Said devices, by way of example only, may include powered drills, drivers and cutting tools. They may include outboard electronic devices for analyzing systems, environments, locations and structures for integrity. They may also include circuits to supply current for electrically heated undergarments, in multiple zones, for increased user comfort and dexterity. [0111] Pneumatic: With the option of multiple independent, high pressure gas lines, comes the option for powering pneumatic tools. High pressure (HP) surface supplied gas may enervate both HP and low pressure (LP) pneumatic tools, (with the insertion of a small step down, regulator between the tool and the HP line.) [0112] Hydraulic: With the option of multiple independent, high pressure gas linescomes the option for powering tools and accessories through hydraulics.

System Group #5

[0113] Deployment System: is any suitable system for mating a multiplicity lines, (gas, hydraulic, communications, data) with their constituent lines, within the overall umbilical, such that they all operational upon connection, irrespective of whether and or how much of the total umbilical lines is deployed. If the deployment system is rotational, the use of swivels, and slip rings may be incorporated, as required by their constituent sources (gas, hydraulic, data or communications)

System Group #6

[0114] Power Uses: This group encompasses the Devices (tools, instruments and accessories) that are powered by the Sources described in System Group #4. Said Devices may be powered by electrical current, or pneumatics, hydraulics or other suitable power sources.

System Group #7

[0115] In the event of multiple mixes, coming from multiple sources, a high pressure, multi-gas selector manifold is required to select the appropriate gas to remain under sufficient pressure for the first and second stage regulators, located at the User/Responder's end, to operate nominally. If this selector is located at this end of the system, System Group 2 may (but is not required to) be eliminated.

System Group #8

[0116] Exposure Suit and Buoyancy Control: User/Responders who operate at depth, require protection from the environment, and the ability to control their depth. Environmental protection is commonly in the form of a dry suit that encapsulates and protects the User from the temperature and toxicity of the environment. Buoyance Control is accomplished by the use of a User inflatable bladder that can be adjusted to create neutral buoyancy at any depth. Traditionally, said gas delivery port may also deliver emergency breathing gas to a Rescuee/Third Party User/Responder. Each traditional application requires the insertion of additional air with increased depth, and the expulsion of that air, as the User ascends. Traditionally, the servicing of these devices comes from the tank on the User's back. The instant umbilical system, creates no need for change of this time tested method. The umbilical system, however, offers an alternative method, that is supplied directly from the umbilical, through the first stage regulator that accepts the HP breathing gas, that it delivers the User/Responder. If pre gas block first stage regulator (see System Group #10) includes additional LP gas OUT ports, these are connectable directly to the Exposure Suit, BCD and Third Party User/Responder. This arrangement allows Redundant tanks #1 and #3 to serve their primary function, only. (See System Group 11)

System Group #9

[0117] Multiple Port Low Pressure Gas Block: Delivery to the User, of any one from of a choice of alternative gas sources, requires a selector device or manifold. The instant invention offers a select of sources. First is the main source, delivered from the System Group #1, through System Group #5, (which may or may not include System Groups #2 & #7). In the event System Group #1 is interrupted, the User may select gas from either the first (back) or second (front) redundant tanks (See System Group #11), or an alternative external source that may be provided by another User or delivery method, i.e., tanks rotate-ably connected or a buddy hose from another User. (See System Group #12)

System Group #10

[0118] Each gas source, connected to the Multiple Port Gas Block, must be Low pressure. This means the HP gas pressure, within the umbilical or alternate gas source, has been reduced to the Low Pressure required by the second stage regulator before it enters the Gas Block. This requirement is set by the second stage regulator, into which the Gas Block will directly feed, via a flexible low pressure hose. Traditionally, this second stage regulator is located within the User's full face mask. Alternatively, it may be independent of the User's mask, if full User/Responder encapsulation was not operationally required.

System Group #11.

[0119] An umbilical system, requires back up redundancy, in the event of gas delivery interruption. The first redundancy is provided by the Back Tank as traditionally worn by User/Responders. In the event of first redundancy failure or depletion, the Gas Block (System Group #9) may select the Front Tank for redundancy.

[0120] The terms Front Tank and Back Tank are used herein, generically to identify any two tank contained sources, of any size, attached anywhere on the User/Respondent's body.

System Group #12

[0121] An External Gas Source, includes any/every possible source of gas, whether it be delivered from additional tanks, that are rotate-ably connected, or a buddy system comprised of gas source delivered by hose connection, from another User/Respondent, (irrespective of their source of breathing gas: self-contained or surface supplied), or an additional surface gas supply, with an integrated first stage regulator, that is directly connectable to the gas block, per its low pressure requirement.

System Group #13

[0122] As the reciprocal end to Source System Groups, Nos. 1, 3, 4 & 6 the User will generate the images, personal, situational and sensory data from the associated devices located at the User's end. The User will receive the breathing gas (through the second stage regulator) and tether for life sustenance and safety. The User will receive the power supply circuits to enervate all devices, tools and accessories, needed by User's mission.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION: FIG. 1

[0123] The following information and diagram hereinabove, represents the general design characteristics of the Umbilical Support System for Life, Safety, Data Delivery/Acquisition, Power, Situational Awareness and Communications for Persons in Adverse Environments

[0124] It does not represent the manufacturing details of the final production product. Component shapes, sizes and fit will change in response to the requirements of various applications and evolving technologies and materials.

[0125] Said Umbilical Support System consists one or more Operator selectable high pressure gas sources, that source an Inlet Pressure Balance Regulator, which delivers a constant, Operator selectable high pressure gas, independent of the variant pressures of each supply gas source.

[0126] Said selectable high pressure gas source connects to a deployment system, that may concurrently deliver multiple gas mixtures, through high pressure gas lines, for user selection, concurrently with other sources for communications, personal diagnostics, situational awareness enhancement, power distribution for accessory devices, and safety tether, all retained within a flexible covering, and easily deployed from a deployment system. Said non-gas-related delivery systems operate by a plurality of methods including but not limited to analog, digital, electrical wire, optical cables.

[0127] At the User end, said system deploys said umbilical lines to the User/Responder, independently grouped within a flexible, protective covering. Said umbilical communicates with the User/Responder, as does each interior line within the covering to independently communicate with each respective component connectors, as required by their respective function. Said tether terminates with a fastener, connected to the harness of the User/Responder. Said power distribution lines communicate with each accessory device requiring power. Said multidirectional, multi-format communication lines communicate with reciprocal lines arriving from their associated devices attached to the User/Responder. Said diagnostic lines communicate with reciprocal User/Responder sensory lines.

[0128] At the Operator end, each gas, data and communications line within said deployment system independently communicates with each respective component connector, as dictated by their respective function. Said tether terminates with a deployment system. Said power distribution lines communicate with each power source, whether electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic. Said multidirectional, multi-format communication and data lines communicate with each respective component connectors, as dictated by their source function and the devices and or instruments to which they must be connected.

[0129] At the User end, said constant high pressure gas line(s), communicate either directly with a first stage regulator, which may communicate with a multi-port gas manifold, where in the User/Responder may also select from a plurality of alternative post-first-stage/redundant gas sources, either carried by the User/Responder or supplied tertiary from an external source such as back up RIT bottle, dive buddy or alternative surface supplied source. Said gas block communicates with User/Responder's second stage regulator. Said redundant tanks may also communicate with User/Respondent's Exposure Suit, BCD and or Third Party User/Responder. Said HP umbilical gas lines, may also communicate with said redundant tanks, to replenish them, in situ.

[0130] The invention further allows for the in situ replenishment of high pressure gas into both, the first redundant back tank, or the second redundant front tank. This is accomplished simply by the Operator, raising the internal High Pressure of the Surface supply to any PSI that his higher than the internal pressures of the redundant tanks. If incorporated within the system, this will automatically open a Gas IN Check Valve located within an integrated Tank valve/first stage regulator on each tank, to replenish said redundant tanks.

[0131] At the User end, said Power lines communicate with their respected devices, tools and accessories, for application by the User/Respondent.

[0132] The invention may be constructed of any suitable materials, natural or synthetic, that is sufficiently strong to withstand the internal gas pressures, be impervious to abrasion, corrosion and all other customary wear and tear factors, commonly experienced by systems and devices of this nature.