Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to diving equipment hookah and in particular, but not necessarily entirely, to a portable surface air delivery system for hookah diving suited for the recreational diving consumer.

Background

[2] Hookah diving is a form of diving distinct from SCUBA diving in that a diver draws air via an umbilical from a surface air supply.

[3] Different forms of hookah diving equipment are employed today including electric motor and internal combustion engine driven surface air compressors.

[4] However, while existing hookah diving equipment is used both for industrial and recreational purposes, existing hookah diving equipment is generally large, heavy, cumbersome and expensive and therefore utilised predominantly by boat owners, holiday resort owners and the like who don't frequently need to transport the equipment and therefore don't mind large size and weight.

[5] The present embodiment seeks to provide an air delivery system for hookah diving which is more suited for the recreational consumer market. In this regard, the embodiments described below aims to provide a smaller and therefore more portable surface air delivery system.

[6] However, miniaturisation of air delivery systems has technical obstacles.

[7] One main technical obstacle is heat, especially heat generated during the compression by the compressor. Heat may also be generated by the motor driving the compressor, whether the motor is an electric or internal combustion engine motor. Larger industrial units generally do not suffer from heat buildup problems because these larger industrial units are generally large boat mounted machinery, wherein, for example, these existing arrangements may utilise diaphragm compressors having a greater surface area, such as the GD Thomas 2907 compressor having two diaphragm pistons so as to provide a greater surface area for maximising air cooling. However, these multiple diaphragm piston compressors are large and heavy. Furthermore, utilising a smaller more lightweight single piston compressor may hinder the service area available for air cooling.

[8] However, providing a service delivery system comprising a small consumer friendly casing suited for the recreational consumer diving market, especially a substantially sealed casing is especially prone to heat buildup problems.

[9] A further disadvantage relates to the problem of the air delivery system running out of power, especially while the diver is submerged. Larger industrial hookah diving systems generally do not suffer from such a problem because of generally unlimited power supply, whether by way of large capacity batteries or internal combustion engines capable of running for prolonged periods. Furthermore, for existing hookah diving apparatus having a finite battery supply, a diver may experience reduced air pressure as the battery depletes which may panic the diver, induce hypoxia and the like.

[10] The yet further disadvantage of existing hookah diving systems is the umbilical which often times becomes tangled or jerks at the extremities of the length of umbilical, potentially ripping the mouthpiece from the diver's mouth.

[11] The further disadvantage of existing hookah diving systems, especially when being used for recreational diving, is interference from bathers who may ignorantly switch off the air supply system while not noticing the submerged diver.

[12] Existing arrangements suffer from several other disadvantages also.

[13] As such, the present invention seeks to provide a delivery system for hookah diving, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[14] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure

[15] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable surface air delivery system for hookah diving, the system comprising: a float; casing attached to the float such that, in use, at least a portion of the casing may be submerged, the casing defining: an upper watertight section having at least a battery power supply therein and having a snorkel attachment for drawing in above water level surface air; and a lower compressor system accommodation section comprising a compressor system, the compressor system configured for supplying air from the snorkel attachment to a diver via a diver reaching umbilical hose, wherein the lower compressor system section may be configured such that at least a portion of the compressor system may be submerged and exposed to water for water cooling.

[16] The compressor system may comprise a water exposed heatsink.

[17] The lower compressor system accommodation section may comprise peripheral supports for allowing the standing of the system on a surface. [18] The lower compressor system accommodation section may comprise at least one air displacement vent

[19] The system may further comprise an external watertight diver operable control interface configured for controlling at least the compressor system.

[20] The control interface may be configured for engaging a removable control device.

[21] The system may be operable when the removable control device may be removed.

[22] The removable control interface may comprise a non-contact removable control device proximity sensor.

[23] The proximity sensor may comprise a magnetic sensor.

[24] The system may further comprise a waterborne sound emitter for diver notification.

[25] The waterborne sound emitter may be configured for emitting a battery low level warning notification.

[26] The waterborne sound emitter may be configured for runtime expiry level warning notification.

[27] The sound emitter may comprise a piezoelectric device.

[28] The upper watertight section may comprise a watertight lid configured for allowing the removal of the battery power supply.

[29] The compressor system may comprise a pressure release valve.

[30] The pressure release valve may be configured to release pressure at substantially 35 psi.

[31] The float may be substantially toroidal configured for substantial encirclement of the casing.

[32] The system may further comprise a compressor system takeoff configured for inflating the float.

[33] The system may further comprise a float residual pressure safety valve operably coupled to the float.

[34] The umbilical may be coiled.

[35] The battery power supply may comprise a lithium battery.

[36] The lithium battery may be a LiFeP04 battery.

[37] The battery may be a 12 V battery.

[38] The battery may have capacity for driving the electric motor for greater than substantially 30 minutes.

[39] The battery may have capacity for driving the electric motor for greater than substantially 45 minutes.

[40] The battery may have greater than substantially 22Ah capacity.

[41] The battery power supply may comprise removable battery segments. [42] The system may further comprise a removable conductive link electrically connecting the removable battery segments.

[43] The system may be configured for supplying air to the umbilical hose from the float.

[44] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[45] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[46] Figure 1 shows a lateral widthwise cross-sectional elevation view of a portable service air delivery system for hookah diving in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;

[47] Figure 2 shows a lateral breadthwise cross-sectional elevation view of the air delivery system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;

[48] Figure 3 shows the diver reaching umbilical of the air delivery system in further detail in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;

[49] Figure 4 shows an underside view of the air delivery system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;

[50] Figure 5 shows a side elevation view of the air delivery system comprising a snorkel in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;

[51] Figure 6 shows the side elevation view of the air delivery system of Figure 5 with the snorkel removed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[52] Figure 7 shows the battery power supply of the air delivery system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Description of Embodiments

[53] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure. [54] Before the structures, systems and associated methods relating to the portable surface air delivery system for hookah diving are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such as such may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

[55] In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

[56] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[57] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterised by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[58] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[59] Turning now to figure 1, there is shown a widthwise cross-sectional elevation view of a surface air delivery system 1 for hookah diving. As alluded to above, the system 1 is preferably configured for recreational diving use as opposed to for industrial application and therefore, as will become apparent from the description below, is advantageously smaller, more portable, more user-friendly and less expensive than existing arrangements.

[60] In use, the system 1 is configured to float on a water surface and compress air for delivery to a subsurface diver.

[61] As such, the system 1 comprises a snorkel attachment 2 and an umbilical 26 (shown in figure 3). Furthermore, the system 1 comprises a compressor system 7 operably coupled between the snorkel attachment 2 and the umbilical 26. As such, the compressor system 7 is configured to draw air through the inlet 2 for delivery via the umbilical 26.

[62] Now, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the compressor system 7 is configured for water cooling. As such, the system 1 advantageously addresses the problems of existing arrangements of heat buildup from the process of air compression, especially when applied to a small form factor casing, by dissipating excess heat to the water.

[63] As such, as is apparent, at least a portion of the compressor system 7 is submerged in use. In this manner, the submerged compressor system 7 advantageously dispels heat directly to the water. Water cooling is more efficient as opposed to air cooling on account of the thermal conductivity of water being greater than that of air. [64] The compressor system 7 (as is also shown in Figure 4, showing the underside view of the system 1 showing the compressor system 7 in further detail) comprises a compressor head 30 and a compressor tube 14.

[65] As is apparent, the compressor head 30 and the compressor tube 14 are submerged for water cooling. In this manner, heat generated at the compressor head 30 and compressor tube 14 is dispelled directly to the water.

[66] In a preferred embodiment, the compressor head 30 and/or the compressor tube 14 is manufactured from marine grade aluminium. The utilisation of metal advantageously aids in the efficient dissipation of heat.

[67] One side of the compressor tube 14, that is the left-hand side as shown in figure 1, comprises an umbilical coupling 37 for connection to the umbilical 26, and an opposite side, that is the right hand side as shown in figure 2 comprising a takeoff 38 configured for inflating the float 28.

[68] The compressor system 7 comprises a compressor 5 operably coupled to the compressor head 30. Preferably, the compressor 5 is a 12 V DC and compressor being a piston type and being oil-less.

[69] In one embodiment, the system 1 further comprises a further heatsink 16 operably coupled to the compressor 13. As is apparent, the heatsink 16 is also configured for submersion so as to be able to draw heat directly from the compressor 13.

[70] Referring to Figure 4, the lateral edges of the heatsink 16 are surrounded, in a watertight manner, by the casing of the system 1 and the heatsink 16 comprises an exposed head configured to facilitate heat dissipation. Similarly, the heatsink 1 may also be manufactured from marine grade aluminium to improve heat dissipation.

[71] In the embodiment shown, the heatsink 16 may comprise fins, ribs or the like so as to increase surface area for heat transfer.

[72] Referring again to figure 1, the system 1 comprises a battery power supply 12 operably coupled to an electric motor of the compressor 13.

[73] Now, so as to advantageously allow for the submersion of the compressor system 7, the system 1 is configured such that in use, the compressor system 7 is configured to locate substantially beneath the battery 12.

[74] In other words, by allowing the stacking of the battery above the compressor system 7, the compressor system may be submerged to facilitate heat loss. The upward location of the battery 12 further serves for enhancing the accessibility of the battery 12 making it easier to recharge, replace and the like.

[75] The arrangement of the battery 12 above the compressor system 1 further allows for the system 12 be an upright small form factor device aiding in portability, transportation and the like. [76] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment the battery 12 is a lightweight battery, such as a lithium battery. Utilisation of a lightweight battery 12 advantageously allows for the location of the battery 12 above the compressor system 7 without inducing capsising.

[77] In one embodiment, the lithium battery could be a LiFePC^ battery.

[78] The battery 12 may have sufficient capacity to provide power to the compressor 13 for the duration of a typical dive, such as greater than 30 minutes or greater than 45 minutes. In this regard, the battery 12 may have a capacity greater than 22 Ah.

[79] As can be seen in figure 1, the casing defines a lower compressor accommodation section 31 configured for accommodating the compressor system 7. Furthermore, the compressor accommodation section 31 is water penetrable so as to allow the water to surround the compressor system 7.

[80] In the embodiment shown, the compressor accommodation section 31 comprises peripheral supports which may take the form of a skirt. As is apparent, the skirt may be configured for supporting the system 1 upright on a flat surface.

[81] Furthermore, the skirt is downwardly extending and comprises at least one upwardly located vent 39 allowing for the displacement of air within the skirt by water in use.

[82] The casing further defines an upper watertight section 32. The upper watertight section 32 is configured for accommodating various water sensitive equipment, such as the battery 12, electronics and the like.

[83] As alluded to above, the upper watertight section 32 defines at least a portion of the snorkel attachment 2. In this manner, the snorkel attachment 2 is defined at least partially by the aperture 2 as shown in figure 1, the aperture 2 upwardly located so as to be best suited for drawing in air while the system 1 is floating.

[84] Snorkel attachment 2 may releasably engage a snorkel 40. In embodiments, the snorkel 40 may support a flag 42 for increasing visibility. The distal end of the snorkel 40 may terminate in a splash prevention cap 41.

[85] The snorkel 40 extends upwardly, such as by 30 cm so as to be able to draw air form above the water surface to reduce risk of water ingress.

[86] Now, as can be seen from figure 1, the upper watertight section 32 defines a lid 3.

Furthermore, the system 1 comprises a watertight lid seal 9.

[87] The lid 3 may be opened to facilitate the removal of the battery 2 in use.

[88] The lid 3 may be fastened by way of a fastener 11. The fastener 11 may be bifurcated, defining to fastener portions and wherein the fastener comprises a peripheral track suited for engaging an elastic band thereabout so as to hold the fastener portions together so as to fasten the fastener 11 and hold the lid 3 closed.

[89] A fastener 11 may be located on either side of the casing. Furthermore, the fastener may comprise a strap engagement configured for engaging a float retaining strap in use.

[90] In a preferred embodiment, the system 1 comprises 4 fasteners located at respective side faces of the casing, each of these fasteners comprising the strap engagement such that the float 28 may be strapped, such as by using Velcro strapping or the like at four locations.

[91] Now, so as to address the above mentioned problems of existing arrangements wherein the power of the system 1 becomes depleted while the diver is submerged, referring to figure 1, there is shown the system 1 further comprising a waterborne sound emitter 17. In use, the sound emitter 17 is configured to emit diver notifications such as those relating to warnings regarding the expiration of the run-time of the system 1.

[92] By being waterborne, it is meant that the sound emitted by the emitter 7 waterborne and not necessarily the emitter 17 itself. As such, In embodiments, the emitter 17 may be water contacting but, in a preferred embodiment, the emitter 17 is located behind the plastic casing so as to be watertight while yet been able to emit sound through the plastic casing to the water.

[93] In one embodiment, the system 1 comprises a battery level sensor operably coupled to the sound emitter 17 and the battery 12. As such, the system 1 is configured to cause the sound emitter 17 to emit a sound when the battery level sensor senses the battery level falling beneath a predetermined threshold.

[94] In alternative embodiments, a timing mechanism may be used to warn the diver at predetermined intervals. For example, the timing mechanism may cause the sound emitter 17 to emit a sound at predetermined intervals, such as 10 minute intervals, including by way of different sounds at differing time intervals such as one beep representing 10 minutes, two beeps representing 20 minutes and so on.

[95] As is apparent, the sound emitter 17 is substantially watertight and configured for submersion so as to emit a water audible sound. In a preferred embodiment, the sound emitter 17 is a piezo electric sound emitter.

[96] In embodiments, the audio notifications may be configured by the diver so as to distinguish audio notifications from other systems 1 operable within the vicinity.

[97] Referring again to figure 1, in a preferred embodiment, the system 1 comprises a pressure release valve 15 operably coupled to the compressor tube 14. The pressure release valve 15 is configured to maintain an air pressure supplied to the diver of about 35 psi, enabling the diver to dive to a maximum of about 15 m. However, a margin of error may be introduced wherein it is recommended that the diver do not exceed 12 m in use.

[98] Typically, the pressure relief valve 15 is pre-adjusted (not user adjusted, but pre-set during assembly) such as to the above-mentioned 35 psi. If the pressure relief of the pressure release valve 15 is set lower, the maximum depth will decrease, but compressor current draw will also decrease thereby prolonging battery life and vice versa. As such, in one embodiment, the pressure of the pressure release valve 15 may be user adjustable so as to allow the user to adjust in accordance with preferences relating to the desired depth and battery life. For example, a user performing pool maintenance may set the pressure of the pressure release valve 15 lower to prolong the battery life whereas if the user were performing a deep dive, the user may configure the pressure of the pressure release valve to be greater so as to attain the deeper depth albeit at the expense of battery life.

[99] The utilisation of the pressure release valve 15 allows for the continuous running of the compressor 13, as opposed to an on demand bang-bang control of the compressor 13 which may be prone to start failure during depleted battery conditions on account of larger currents required to start the compressor 13.

[100] The system 1 further comprises an external watertight diver operable control interface 36 (best seen in Figures 6 and 7) configured to control the operation of the compressor 13. The interface 36 is configured to solve, or at least alleviate the above mentioned problems of other users, such as bathers and the like interfering with the system 1 and inadvertently depowering the system 1 while the diver is submerged.

[101] As such, the switch 1 comprises a removable key 24. The system 1 is configured to operate the compressor 13 when the key 24 is removed. In this manner, to stop the operation of the compressor 13, the diver would locate the key 24 in the slot as shown in Figure 5. During the operation of the system 1, the diver would remove the key 24 for safekeeping. In this manner, the key 24 may comprise a rubber band for being worn around the wrist of the diver. As such, without the key 24, the operation of the system 1 may not be interrupted, especially by another party.

[102] In a preferred embodiment, the key 24 is a noncontact key having water tightness advantages. Further preferably, the noncontact key 24 is magnetic so as to be able to interface with an internally located control circuit by way of magnetic field, such as by way of an control circuit comprising a reed switch as will be described in further detail below with reference to figures 5 and 6.

[103] The interface 36 may comprise a controlling slot 34, wherein the location or the removal of the key 24 from the controlling slot 34 controls the operation of the compressor system 7 and a further noncontrolling slot 35 provided for convenience for the storage of the key 24 when not in use. [104] As such, the diver would utilise the operational controlling key slot 34 and the key 24 to control the operation of the system 1. Conversely, the nonoperational key slot 35 may be used simply to store the key 24 when the key 24 is not in use while the system 1 is running, in lieu of the diver wearing the key 24 around the diver's wrist in use, for example.

[105] As is also apparent, where the key 24 is fastened to an elastic band the interface 36 comprises a peripheral elastic band accommodation so as to be configured for accommodating the elastic band 25 of the key 24 in use.

[106] As shown in figure 1, the system may comprises electronics 18 for controlling the various functionality described herein. In embodiments, the electronics 18 may be analogue electronics as the utilisation of analogue circuitry may provide for more robust and therefore dependable control of the system 1 is compared to utilisation of more sophisticated digital control, for example.

[107] The electronics 18 may comprises a switch control controlling the supply of current from the battery 12 to the compressor 13. In this regard, the switch control may comprise the magnetic reed switch for interfacing with the externally located key 24 and relay.

[108] In embodiments, the electronics 18 may comprise an auto resetting circuit breaker. In further embodiments, the electronics 18 may comprise a tilt sensor, such as a tilt sensor comprising a mercury position switch or the like to detect if the system 1 is about to capsize.

[109] In a yet further embodiment, the electronics 18 may comprise circuitry to warn of system malfunction, such as, for example, where the magnetic switch is operative but the compressor is not running.

[110] Furthermore, the electronics 18 comprises the battery level monitor configured to monitor the level of the battery for the purposes of warning the diver using sound emitter 17.

[Ill] In this regard, the electronics 18 may further comprise a "sweep siren" sound generator configured to generate a signal for the electric buzzer sound emitter 17.

[112] Turning now to figure 3, there is shown the umbilical 26 in further detail. As is apparent, the umbilical 26 is preferably coiled so as to substantially address the above mentioned disadvantages of the umbilical jerking at the extremities of the length of the umbilical 26. As such, as the diver approaches the extremities of the length of the umbilical 26 in use, the tension from the coils of the umbilical 26 will gently increase the force applied to the casing of the system 1 so as to bring the casing towards the location of the diver.

[113] Furthermore, the recoiled nature of the umbilical 26 advantageously reduces tangling.

[114] In a preferred embodiment, the umbilical 26 is configured to allow the diver to dive to 15 m.

[115] The umbilical may comprise a coupling attachment 27 for releasable attachment to a diving mouthpiece which may take the form of a conventional diving regulator or a regulator specifically configured for hookah diving wherein the hookah regulator is operative at low inlet pressures, such as 20 - 60 psi whereas conventional SCUBA regulators operate at substantially 150 psi. In this regard, the umbilical 26 may connect to a connection point attached to a vest worn by the diver.

[116] In one embodiment, the float 28 is fastened to the casing by strapping fastened to fasteners 11. As is apparent in the drawings, the float 28 is substantially toroidal so as to be configured for substantial encirclement of the casing of the system 1. Furthermore, the float 28 may be fastened to the casing at substantially at an upper portion of the casing, such as adjacent the fastener 11 such that the system 1 assumes a stable position reducing the likelihood of capsizing and allowing for the submersion of the compressor system 7.

[117] In embodiments, the float 28 may be solid, such as by comprising foam or the like. However, in a preferred embodiment, the float 28 is air filled so as to allow for greater buoyancy and stowage when not in use.

[118] For the air filled embodiment, the float 28 may be provided in differing manners. In a first manner, the float 28 comprises resilient plastic body or the like so as to withstand the air pressurisation. In a second manner, the float 28 may comprise a pressure resilient outer layer and an internal air bladder.

[119] In one embodiment, the float 28 may be inflated manually by the diver. However, in a preferred embodiment, the system 1 comprises a float air filling hose 29 operably coupled to the compressor takeoff 38 connected to the compressor tube 14 so as to inflate the float 28 with compressed air from the compressor system 7. On account of the pressure release valve 15, the float 28 may be configured for inflation to substantially 35 psi. In one embodiment, the system 1 may comprise a pneumatic coupler at the end of the compressor tube 14 so as to allow for the selective detachment of the float air filling hose 29.

[120] Now, by inflating the float 28 using the float air filling hose 29 there is a danger that the float

28 may become deflated when the compressor 13 stops running which may inadvertently allow for the system 1 to sink. As such, in one embodiment, the system 1 further comprises a residual pressure safety valve 43 configured to prevent the pressure of the float 28 falling beneath a threshold so as to maintain the buoyancy of the float 28 to prevent the sinking of the system 1.

[121] In embodiments, the float 28 may also be used to store the compressed breathing air to 1) balance the constant air supply of the compressor system 7 with the uneven breathing pattern of the diver and to 2) provide some safety air in case of emergency. As such, in this embodiment, the float

29 may serve a dual roles relating to flotation and air storage negating the need to have separate float and air reservoir components. Specifically, as can be seen from figure 1, pressurised air from the float 28 may flow via the air filling hose 29 to the umbilical coupling 37. [122] In embodiments, as opposed to the residual pressure safety valve 43 being located at the end of the float air filling hose 29, the residual pressure safety valve 43 may be located at the end of the umbilical 26, such as at a location where the umbilical 26 connects to a diver's harness (vest). In this latter embodiment, the residual pressure safety valve 43 is combined into a single component comprising a check (nonreturn) valve, sintered metal air filter and swivel air connector.

[123] In one particular embodiment, the casing has a height of substantially 30 cm, a width of substantially 20 cm, and a breath of substantially 10 cm. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system 1 typically weighs about 6.8 kg excluding the weight of the umbilical, regulator and the like.

[124] Turning now to Figure 7, there is shown an exemplary view of the battery 12. In embodiments, the battery 12 may comprise smaller battery segments each meeting air traffic safety regulations. Specifically, safety rules of the IATA (Dangerous Goods Regulations) mandate maximum battery capacities for transportation. As such, the battery 12 may comprise a safety link to allow the division of the battery 12 into two smaller 132 Wh batteries each meeting the safety regulations.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

[125] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[126] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[127] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[128] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[129] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology

[130] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

[131] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[132] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[133] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[134] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[135] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the diving equipment industries.