Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Underwater system
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-20
2001-08-07
Pihulic, Daniel T. (Department: 3662)
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Underwater system
C134S127000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06272073
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to underwater location and communication devices, and more specifically, to a device for use by recreational divers, that uses ultrasonic signals to measure distance, to indicate relative direction, and to maintain contact between diving partners during a diving session.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A review of diving accident reports has shown that a majority of diving accidents occurs when a diver is out of contact with his or her diving partner or partners. Therefore, from a safety perspective, the availability of a compact, light weight, easily worn, and highly reliable means of contact between divers can help to greatly reduce the incidence of mishaps and fatalities sustained during underwater recreational activities.
The art includes a number of devices aimed at enhancing communication and navigational abilities for divers. Among such devices are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,077,703 and 5,185,725.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,703 discloses a device that uses microwaves, radio waves, or the like to indicate the direction and distance between a diver and a home base transmitter. The home base transmitter creates a signal of a prescribed frequency. The diver wears the device on his or her wrist, similar to a watch. Upon receipt of the signals, the receiver indicates the direction of the base. The receiver also has a range indicator that will warn the diver when he or she has exceeded a prescribed distance from the home base.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,725 discloses an invention wherein a system of locator modules determine the range and bearing of the other modules in the system by sending out acoustic pulses. A diver carries a module that measures the range and bearing of other modules mounted on a boat or other underwater location. A console carried by the diver displays the information.
While the above described devices and others known in the art have desirable capabilities, the present invention affords divers a device having even greater safety features, including alerting the diver(s) when a preselected range limit from other divers in the group is exceeded.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an ultrasonic transceiver (transmitter/receiver). As ultrasound is a popular method of underwater communication, the device of the present invention employs ultrasound to monitor relative distance between itself and other similar units. The device has a user interface to set and indicate relative distance, relative direction, low battery fault, and chime or vibration indicating mode. The unit is housed in a durable plastic, water proof case. The device runs on two coin cell batteries that are accessible via a rear panel battery compartment.
The device turns on and off by depressing a power push-button switch. This switch may be used to reset the unit in the event of a fault condition.
A range push-button switch sets a range limit. Current range limit, in feet, and approximate direction are indicated by a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
When the range limit is exceeded, the device will alert the diver with either an audible tone or a vibration. The desired alarm indicator may be selected by a warning indicator push-button switch. An active alarm indicator is displayed on the LCD.
To communicate effectively, and prevent interference from other groups using the same device, the device can be set to operate on different channels. A Ch/D push-button switch facilitates this function. The current channel of operation is shown on the LCD.
To allow co-channel operation with multiple units, the user must identify which device in the group his/her unit is. This is accomplished by selecting a device number (
1
through
8
) with the Ch/D push-button switch.
The battery compartment is on the rear panel and houses two coin cell batteries. A belt clip is also located on the rear panel. It allows the diver to fasten the device to a belt or other suitable clothing. An optional Velcro strap may be used to attach the device to the diver.
On all sides of the device except the rear panel, a pair of piezoelectric transducers are provided. In each pair, one is the transmitter and the other is the receiver. These transmitter/receiver pairs allow the devices of the present invention to communicate with each other.
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patent: 4899135 (1990-02-01), Ghahariiran
patent: 4935907 (1990-06-01), Friedman
patent: 5077703 (1991-12-01), Strauss
patent: 5185725 (1993-02-01), Kent et al.
patent: 5303206 (1994-04-01), Bemb et al.
patent: 5570323 (1996-10-01), Prichard et al.
patent: 5666326 (1997-09-01), Holzschuh
patent: 5784339 (1998-07-01), Woodsum et al.
Doucette Gary L.
Rivotto Matthew C.
Oldham & Oldham Co. LPA
Pihulic Daniel T.
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