초록 ▼

A device for venting gas from an expansible gas chamber (lifejacket, lifting bag, etc.) of an underwater buoyancy apparatus. The device comprises a monitoring device which monitors the rate of ascent of the expansible gas chamber and provides a control signal when the ascent velocity exceeds a prede

A device for venting gas from an expansible gas chamber (lifejacket, lifting bag, etc.) of an underwater buoyancy apparatus. The device comprises a monitoring device which monitors the rate of ascent of the expansible gas chamber and provides a control signal when the ascent velocity exceeds a predetermined speed. A venting valve assembly controls the venting of gas from the expansible gas chamber and is responsive to the control signal to vent gas reducing the buoyancy of the expansible gas chamber.

대표청구항 ▼

A controlled ascent valve for underwater buoyancy apparatus which apparatus includes an expansible gas pocket, said controlled ascent valve being for venting gas from said expansible gas pocket, wherein said controlled ascent valve comprises: means defining a supply path for pressurised gas; means f

A controlled ascent valve for underwater buoyancy apparatus which apparatus includes an expansible gas pocket, said controlled ascent valve being for venting gas from said expansible gas pocket, wherein said controlled ascent valve comprises: means defining a supply path for pressurised gas; means for monitoring the velocity of ascent of said underwater buoyancy apparatus, responsive to said ascent velocity to provide a control signal when said monitored velocity exceeds a predetermined value; a pneumatically operated venting valve means comprising means defining a venting inlet for gas to the venting valve means from the expansible gas pocket, means defining a venting outlet from the venting valve means for gas from the expansible gas pocket, means defining a fluid communication path from said venting inlet to said venting outlet, a normally closed interrupt valve in said fluid communication path, means defining an inlet to said venting valve means from said pressurised gas supply path, and means responsive to increase in gas pressure in said supply path at said inlet to open said interrupt valve, whereby to vent gas from said expansible gas pocket to thereby reduce the buoyancy of said expansible gas pocket, and a normally closed check valve in said gas supply path adapted to open in response to said control signal, thereby to produce an increase in gas pressure at said venting valve inlet from the gas supply path to open said interrupt valve and thus to produce venting of gas from the expansible gas pocket.