Autonomous waterproof electronic signaling device

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/528,677, filed Dec. 11, 2003 (entitled “Autonomous Waterproof Electronic Signaling Device”), and applicant incorporates the entirety of that provisional patent application herein by reference.

This invention relates to underwater signaling devices used by scuba divers, snorkelers, and other water-sports enthusiasts to obtain the attention of others underwater. SCUBA in an acronym referring to divers using a Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

Prior Art Underwater Signaling Devices in General

Underwater signaling devices have been used in scuba diving for years. Some underwater signaling devices use air from the scuba tank which produces an audible low-frequency horn-like sound. Others are designed to bang against the outside of the scuba tank which produces an audible low-frequency clanking-type sound. Still others have been designed to produce a low rattle-type or clicking sound with very limited range. Many of these devices are omni-directional, rather than being directionally oriented.

A Key Need: Directive Electronic Signaling Devices Tailored for Audible Communication

To understand this, it must first be understood that sensory limitations, specifically visual and auditory limitations, make the scuba diving experience a somewhat isolating one. For example, because of the visual limitations inherent in scuba diving, divers typically cannot gain the attention of their diving buddy, despite the fact that they are in close proximity to each other.

In addition, auditory limitations, specifically the inability of other divers to hear the human voice, even when a diver is screaming or yelling underwater just a few feet away, force divers to rely almost entirely upon their limited sense of sight, specifically line-of-sight, to attract the attention of their dive buddy, and this is a serious limitation even in good visibility situations. Current devices have limited auditory signal production capability, poor directional focus both in a latitudinal and a longitudinal scope and nominal range.

Furthermore, the limitations of existing devices due to the fact that their function is dependent upon diving equipment (i.e. scuba tank, buoyancy compensation device (BCD) and regulator) makes them useless to all water-sports enthusiasts except scuba divers. This integration requirement introduces the potential for equipment failure and damage, as well as (in the case of pneumatic devices) the accelerated depletion of a diver's air supply, his/her most essential survival necessity.

It is to these underwater communication needs, and other circumstances in which the attention of others is desired, that the instant invention is directed.

The invention disclosed herein provides a truly autonomous electronic signaling device producing a plethora of tones, both modulated and unmodulated, in the audible frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, through use of a specially designed acoustic head.

The Autonomous Waterproof Electronic Signaling Device (AWESD) comprises an (a) momentary on/off switch; (b) a signal emitter, said signal emitter to emit a primary signal upon activation of said activator, said signal emitter comprising one or more of the following: a hydrophone, a siren, a speaker, or a transducer (such as may be found in an HSST multi-purpose assembly); and (c) a head assembly, said head assembly positioned so as to alter at least a portion of said primary signal producing a notification signal. In typical uses, as indicated above, the working signals are audible signals, and the head assembly an acoustic head assembly, so that the invention facilitates the proactive use (and, in many cases, the effective channeling) of sound underwater so as to enable the diver to rapidly and effectively signal those around him.

FIG. 1 is a left side cutaway view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side cutaway view of the invention in FIG. 1 with upper assembly 11 a detached from lower assembly 11 b.

FIG. 3 is a left side cutaway view of the invention in FIG. 1 with an alternate upper assembly 11 a 3 .

FIG. 4 is a left side cutaway view of the invention in FIG. 1 with an alternate upper assembly 11 a 4 .

FIG. 5 is a left side cutaway view of the invention in FIG. 1 with an alternate upper assembly 11 a 5 .

FIG. 6 is a left side cutaway view of the invention in FIG. 1 with an alternate lower assembly 11 b 6 .

FIG. 7 is a left side cutaway view of the invention in FIG. 1 with an alternate upper assembly 11 a 7 .

FIG. 8 is an illustrative figure depicting the characteristics of the sound field that would result from use of an acoustic head assembly such as that shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 9 is an illustrative figure depicting the characteristics of the sound field that would result from use of an acoustic head assembly such as that shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , or FIG. 6 .

FIG. 10 is an illustrative figure depicting the characteristics of the sound field that would result from use of an acoustic head assembly such as that shown in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 11 is an illustrative figure depicting the characteristics of the sound field that would result from use of an acoustic head assembly such as that shown in FIG. 7 .

FIG. 12 is an illustrative figure depicting the characteristics of the sound field that would result from use of an acoustic head assembly such as that shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 13 is an illustrative figure depicting comparative characteristics of the sound fields referenced in FIGS. 8-12 .

FIG. 14 is an illustrative figure depicting a top view of a design for an adjustable divergence attachment useful in conjunction with the invention embodiments described herein.

FIG. 14A is an illustrative figure depicting an end view of the attachment of FIG. 14 , taken along the line 14 A- 14 A of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 14B is an illustrative figure depicting an side view of the attachment of FIG. 14 , taken along the line 14 B- 14 B of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 15 is a left side cutaway view of the invention in FIG. 1 with an alternate upper assembly 11 a 8 which facilitates the delivery of a visual signal.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/528,677, filed Dec. 11, 2003 (entitled “Autonomous Waterproof Electronic Signaling Device”), and applicant incorporates the entirety of that provisional patent application herein by reference.

Overview of the Invention

General Considerations

In general, communications underwater are restricted because of visual limitations and auditory limitations. Typical visual and auditory ranges are limited to a few yards. Current state of the art has not been able to exceed these limitations.

Important Invention Objectives

A key objective of the Autonomous Waterproof Electronic Signaling Device when activated is to produce a modulated audible tone detectable by the human ear underwater at distances up to fifty feet. This modulated tone will be produced through the use of a hydrophone, a siren, a speaker, or a transducer channeled through an acoustic head mounted on the waterproof body of the device.

A second key objective of the invention is to enhance the control the user exerts over the sound field. The acoustic head's unique physical attributes and specifications allow it to produce excellent control of the sound field in both the latitudinal direction (i.e., the directions normal/tangential to the longitudinal direction such as in the direction of the y- and z-orthogonal axes) and the longitudinal direction (i.e., the direction of the x-axis, which parallels the acoustic axis) with reference to the acoustic axis.

With reference to FIGS. 8 through 13 , the various acoustic heads and their respective divergences from the acoustic axis are illustrated qualitatively for comparison purposes. This divergence from the acoustic axis is believed to be a function of velocity, radius of the transducer, and the frequency of the sound produced.

FIG. 8 represents the divergence for the sound field produced by a round transducer located at the end of a right circular cylinder, which defines a reference value, Δ 0 . FIGS. 9 and 10 depict acoustic heads 11 a and 11 a 5 respectively, both of which have a divergence greater than Δ 0 . FIGS. 11 and 12 depict acoustic heads 11 a 7 and 11 a 3 , respectively, both of which have a divergence less than Δ 0 .

A third key objective of the invention is to protect and extend the effective range of the audible signal. The increased control of the audible signal imparted by the invention increases the effective range of the signal, making it effective for attracting attention at greater distances.

A fourth key objective of the invention is to increase its utility in attracting the attention of other divers underwater. The modulated nature of the signal makes it easily distinguishable from the background noise found underwater. It differs from this background noise in two ways: (a) it operates over a frequency range, oscillating between the high and low extremes of the range which helps to distinguish it from the predominately monotone nature of the background noise: and (b) it operates at a higher frequency than the background noise underwater which also helps it to stand out. Low frequencies travel better than high frequencies underwater, and therefore the background noise will be dominated by lower frequencies, making the higher frequency of the A.W.E.S.D. easier to differentiate and recognize. This modulated tone will be very recognizable and will gain the attention of others in close proximity (fifty feet).

A fifth key objective of the invention is to further enhance the functionality of the A.W.E.S.D. by means of an “adjustable divergence attachment” 25 which can be slipped over any of the acoustic heads to facilitate the additional and adjustable focusing of the audible sound along the acoustic centerline.

A sixth key objective of the Autonomous Waterproof Electronic Signaling Device (A.W.E.S.D.) is its ability to function independently. The A.W.E.S.D., unlike the majority of signaling devices used underwater, is capable of functioning autonomously to produce its audible acoustic signal. Its performance is not contingent upon the performance of, or a drain upon the resources of, any other diver system or subsystem.

Devices such as pneumatic signaling units are installed in-line with (and are therefore dependent on) a scuba diver's air supply and in conjunction with the inflation device for their BCD. The drawbacks to this arrangement are twofold. First, every time an individual wishes to signal with the pneumatic device, he or she is consuming their most valuable underwater resource: their breathable air supply. Secondly, the addition of another component into the air supply system increases the complexity of the system and therefore the number of places where malfunctions or leaks can occur.

Devices including tank bangers and the ad hoc use of dive knives to bang against the scuba diver's air tank obviously rely on the air tank to produce their sound and therefore will not function without the tank. In addition to their inability to function independently, the repeated force associated with the impact necessary to produce the noise can potentially damage both a tank and it's exterior coating.

A seventh key objective of the Autonomous Waterproof Electronic Signaling Device (A.W.E.S.D.) is its ability to facilitate a signal recipient's attempts to locate the origin of the notification signal. As indicated, the A.W.E.S.D. is particularly effective in effectuating communication between divers underwater by means of an auditory signal. Furthermore, when another diver hears the invention's notification signal, and he scans his visual horizon in an effort to locate the origin of the signal, he is aided in his efforts by a visual cue emanating from the invention. This facilitates the rapid establishment of a rapport between two or more divers and enables them to more effectively manage another important underwater asset: time.

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular with reference to FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the A.W.E.S.D. (Autonomous Waterproof Electronic Signaling Device) 11 of the present invention is illustrated. Reference to this figure, as well as FIG. 2 (which depicts the invention's separate assemblies), reveals that the invention comprises an upper assembly 11 a and a lower assembly 11 b . Upper assembly 11 a in FIG. 1 is identical to upper assembly 11 a 2 in FIG. 2 .

As is evident in FIG. 1 , typically, A.W.E.S.D. 11 has a water tight body length of approximately 6 to 7 inches and approximately 1 to 2 inches in width and approximately 1 to 2 inches in depth. Device 11 is preferably manufactured of high grade plastic resin or compound or other appropriate material.

Upper assembly 11 a is composed of clear translucent material such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or other translucent material, or any suitable material including but not limited to plastic resins or compounds. This upper assembly 11 a is sealed and/or molded to the lower assembly 11 b to create a watertight body 11 . Upper assembly 11 a is hollow inside to allow the mounting of HSST assembly 13 , which comprises one or more of the following: a hydrophone, siren, speaker, and/or transducer.

HSST assembly 13 is connected to HSST electronics package 17 which comprises all necessary electrical components needed for the proper functioning of the HSST assembly, including but not limited to a timing circuit, wires, leads and connectors, grounding capability, electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, piezoelectric crystals, coils, amplifiers, and computer chips. These components are arranged in a circuit to produce the oscillating sound in the preferred frequency range.

The human ear is capable of detecting sounds in the frequency range of approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This range of human hearing capability is applicable in air or under water. Although a transducer emitting a monotone sound can be effective, generally speaking, a transducer that produces a sound which is comprised of an oscillating signal, be it oscillating between two, three, or four or more, different tones is generally more effective as a communication/signaling mechanism. Simply put, variation of the frequency of sound increases the effectiveness of the device at attracting the attention of another person, and is particularly effective under water.

Sound signals in the range of 1500 Hz to 6000 Hz are more easily discernable underwater than those in a broader range, and a signal, particularly an oscillating signal, in the narrower range of 2000 Hz to 4500 Hz has very desirable characteristics, and is extremely effective when used to gain the attention of another human being underwater.

FIG. 9 provides illustrative guidance regarding the nature of the sound field that results from the use of the type of acoustic head shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 ; FIG. 13 provides additional guidance regarding how this sound field differs from that generated by the other embodiments shown herein.

HSST electronics package 17 terminates in a pair of contacts to transfer power from the battery(ies) to the HSST electronics package.

Operation of the HSST assembly 13 and HSST electronics package 17 is controlled by activator 15 . Activator 15 is a waterproof momentary switch sealed and/or molded to watertight body 11 . The activator 15 , HSST assembly 13 , and HSST electronics package 17 may be configured to effectuate any desired on-off functionality (e.g., signal emitted only while actuator depressed; signal emitted constantly after actuation until actuator depressed again; signal emitted for a pre-determined period of time upon actuation). Upper assembly 11 a is threaded at the open end with the threads on the inner surface of the assembly.

A water tight seal is made when joined with the lower assembly 11 b , which has matching threads on the exterior. The watertight sealing of upper assembly 11 a and lower assembly 11 b is enhanced by the integration of gasket 19 . Gasket 19 is comprised of rubber or any other flexible material suitable for ensuring a watertight seal.

Lower assembly 11 b is preferably manufactured of high grade plastic resin or compound or other appropriate material. Lower assembly 11 b features external threads on its open end and terminates in lanyard connection point 21 molded into the outside of the closed end. Lower assembly 11 b is hollow inside to allow it to accommodate battery holder assembly 23 . Battery holder assembly 23 is made of plastic resin or compound or other suitable material and comprises all necessary leads, connectors and contacts including but not limited to spring type contacts.

With reference to FIG. 3 , the A.W.E.S.D. is the same as it appears in FIG. 1 with one exception. Upper assembly 11 a has been shown in an alternate embodiment as upper assembly 11 a 3 . Upper assembly 11 a 3 comprises a closed end whose curvature differs significantly from that of upper assembly 11 a . This different curved surface is designed to give upper assembly 11 a 3 different acoustic properties from those of upper assembly 11 a . FIG. 12 provides illustrative guidance regarding the nature of the sound field that results from the use of this type of acoustic head; FIG. 13 provides additional guidance regarding how this sound field differs from that generated by the other embodiments shown herein.

With reference to FIG. 4 , the A.W.E.S.D. is the same as it appears in FIG. 1 with one exception. Upper assembly 11 a has been shown in an alternate embodiment as upper assembly 11 a 4 . Upper assembly 11 a 4 comprises a closed end without curvature which differs significantly from that of upper assembly 11 a . This different surface is designed to give upper assembly 11 a 4 different acoustic properties from those of upper assembly 11 a . FIG. 8 provides illustrative guidance regarding the nature of the sound field that results from the use of this type of acoustic head; FIG. 13 provides additional guidance regarding how this sound field differs from that generated by the other embodiments shown herein.

With reference to FIG. 5 , the A.W.E.S.D. is the same as it appears in FIG. 1 with one exception. Upper assembly 11 a has been shown in an alternate embodiment as upper assembly 11 a 5 . Upper assembly 11 a 5 comprises a frustum of a right circular cone whose physical attributes differ significantly from that of upper assembly 11 a . These different attributes are designed to give upper assembly 11 a 5 different acoustic properties from those of upper assembly 11 a . FIG. 10 provides illustrative guidance regarding the nature of the sound field that results from the use of this type of acoustic head; FIG. 13 provides additional guidance regarding how this sound field differs from that generated by the other embodiments shown herein.

With reference to FIG. 6 , the A.W.E.S.D. is the same as it appears in FIG. 1 with one exception. Lower assembly 11 b has been shown in an alternate embodiment as lower assembly 11 b 6 . Lower assembly 11 b 6 comprises a watertight body similar to lower assembly 11 b , but being of a shorter length designed to allow the device to be powered by fewer and/or smaller batteries, contained in a smaller battery holder assembly 23 b , thus making the A.W.E.S.D. a more compact unit. Since the acoustic head of upper assembly 11 a 6 is identical to the acoustic head of identical upper assembly 11 a , then its sound field is identical to that generated by the invention as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 . FIG. 9 provides illustrative guidance regarding the nature of the sound field that results from the use of this type of acoustic head; FIG. 13 provides additional guidance regarding how this sound field differs from that generated by the other embodiments shown herein.

With reference to FIG. 7 , the A.W.E.S.D. is the same as it appears in FIG. 1 with one exception. Upper assembly 11 a has been shown in an alternate embodiment as upper assembly 11 a 7 . Upper assembly 11 a 7 comprises a frustum of a right circular cone whose physical attributes differ significantly from that of upper assembly 11 a . These different attributes are designed to give upper assembly 11 a 7 different acoustic properties from those of upper assembly 11 a . FIG. 11 provides illustrative guidance regarding the nature of the sound field that results from the use of this type of acoustic head; FIG. 13 provides additional guidance regarding how this sound field differs from that generated by the other embodiments shown herein.

With reference to FIG. 14 , 14 A, and 14 B, an adjustable divergence attachment 25 is shown. The adjustable divergence attachment 25 is an essentially cylindrical member which fits closely and slidably about upper assembly 11 a (and its corresponding counterparts, 11 a 3 , 11 a 4 , etc., in the other embodiments shown herein) so as to facilitate the adjustable manipulation of the sound field by the user. In brief, either before, during or after actuation of the invention, the adjustable divergence attachment 25 may be slidably re-positioned along the acoustic axis 25 a of the invention, resulting in a modified divergence and sound field. This expands the signaling options available to the user of the invention. With reference to FIG. 14A , the surface of attachment 25 is preferably provided with a friction surface all around. With reference to FIG. 14B , the attachment 25 is preferably provided with a slide cut-out 25 b having a slide length 25 c.

With reference to FIG. 15 , the A.W.E.S.D. is the same as it appears in FIG. 1 with one main exception. Upper assembly 11 a has been shown in an alternate embodiment as upper assembly 11 a 8 . Upper assembly 11 a 8 comprises one or more visual signal emitters, which function to deliver a visual signal to facilitate efforts by signal recipients to locate the source of the A.W.E.S.D.'s main notification signal. The precise mechanisms by which the visual signal emitting functionality is implemented can be adjusted to the needs of different types of divers. Certainly, the invention circuitry can be configured so that, whenever the main notification signal is being generated, a supplementary visual signal is simultaneously emitted (perhaps in a monotone pattern or, alternatively, in a pattern which is similar to, or which contrasts with, the main notification signal). Alternatively, the invention circuitry could be configured so as to deliver intermittent visual cues, so as to conserve battery life. Finally, additional actuators, and accompanying circuitry, could be added to the invention so as to be able to actuate the main signal emitters and the visual signal emitter(s) completely independently.

In FIG. 15 , the visual signal emitter is a concentric, or annular, illuminator which encircles the HSST assembly 13 and acoustic head. When the main notification signal is generated, a supplementary visual signal is simultaneously emitted. Although this is believed to be a particularly effective mechanism for visual notification, other equivalent embodiments are possible.

Illustrative Implementation

The following listing provides information relating to an illustrative implementation of the invention. The information provided does not represent the only mode of implementation; rather, it represents one embodiment of many of the invention elements, for which there may well be numerous equivalents.

11 . Preferred Embodiment/Device body

Plastic resin or compound or other appropriate material Hollow so as to contain all components Waterproof Impact resistant Slightly negative buoyant when completely assembled 11 a . Upper Assembly (also 11 a 2 , 11 a 6 )

Clear translucent material (polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.) or any plastic resin or compound or any other suitable material Closed at one end Threaded on interior at other end Unique physical attributes which enhance acoustic characteristics of device 11 a 3 . Upper Assembly—Alternate embodiment

Clear translucent material (polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.) or any plastic resin or compound or any other suitable material Closed at one end Threaded on interior at other end Unique physical attributes which enhance acoustic characteristics of device

11 a 4 . Upper Assembly—Alternate embodiment

Clear translucent material (polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.) or any plastic resin or compound or any other suitable material Closed at one end Threaded on interior at other end Unique physical attributes which enhance acoustic characteristics of device

11 a 5 . Upper Assembly—Alternate embodiment

Clear translucent material (polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.) or any plastic resin or compound or any other suitable material Closed at one end Threaded on interior at other end Unique physical attributes which enhance acoustic characteristics of device

11 a 7 . Upper Assembly—Alternate embodiment

Clear translucent material (polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.) or any plastic resin or compound or any other suitable material Closed at one end Threaded on interior at other end Unique physical attributes which enhance acoustic characteristics of device

11 a 8 . Upper Assembly—Alternate embodiment

Clear translucent material (polycarbonate, acrylic etc.) or any plastic resin or compound or other appropriate material Closed at one end Threaded on interior at other end Unique physical attributes which enhance acoustic characteristics of device Unique physical features for added light or light bulbs to enhance notification or visual needs

11 b . Lower Assembly

Plastic resin or compound or other appropriate material Closed at one end Threaded on exterior to allow connection with 11 a Unique physical attributes which enhance acoustic characteristics of device 11 b 6 . Lower Assembly—Alternate embodiment

Plastic resin or compound or other appropriate material Closed at one end Threaded on exterior to allow connection with 11 a Unique physical attributes which enhance acoustic characteristics of device Shorter in length to accommodate fewer and/or smaller batteries

13 . Hydrophone, siren, speaker, or transducer (HSST)

Able to send and/or receive audible and/or inaudible frequencies Covering the frequency range from 0.1 Hz. To 2 MHz. Preferred frequency range of 1500 Hz. to 6000 Hz. Operable over a wide temperature range, from 0° C. to 100° C. Transducers including but not limited to piezoelectric design 15 . Activator

Momentary switch Waterproof 17 . HSST electronics package

Timing circuit Wires, leads, connectors Grounding capability Electrical components including—resistors, coils, amplifiers, diodes, capacitors transistors, piezoelectric crystals and other essential components Connector for batteries 19 . Gasket

Rubber or other suitable material Aids in maintaining waterproof seal between 11 a and 11 b 21 . Lanyard connection point

Molded on the outside of 11 a 23 . Battery holder assembly

Plastic resin or compound or other suitable material Leads, connectors, contacts 23 b . Battery holder assembly

Plastic resin or compound or other suitable material Leads, connectors, contacts Shorter in length to accommodate fewer and/or smaller batteries 25 . Adjustable divergence attachment

Plastic resin or compound or other suitable material 27 . Reflector for light bulbs

Plastic, metal, or other appropriate material or combination of materials Appropriate shape to enhance the pattern of the light waves emitted 29 . Wire chase

Wires and connectors 31 . Mounting ring screw down

Threaded to mount on exterior of 11 a 8 33 . Lens

Translucent material (polycarbonate, acrylic etc.) or other appropriate material 35 . Light bulb

LED, xenon bulb or any other suitable light source type 37 . Activator switch for flashlight

Two or three position switch On/off, momentary or a combination of the two Waterproof

In the above illustrative material, the following acronyms have the following meanings: (a) AWESD—Autonomous Waterproof Electronic Signaling Device; (b) HSST—Hydrophone, Siren, Speaker, Transducer Assembly; (c) BCD—Buoyancy Control Device; (d) SCUBA—Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

Refinements of Interest

Additional experimentation has revealed that, although the use of a momentary on/off switch is desirable in a majority of the situations in which a switch is employed in the instant invention, desirable functionality is also achieved, wherever a momentary switch or other switch may be employed, through the use of a reed switch, a pneumatic switch, an external on/off switch, and/or a waterproof switch.

In addition, although it was originally believed that the sound waves generated by, the invention were detectable by the human ear at distances up to fifty feet, it has been discovered that sound waves generated by the invention and its various components and subassemblies are detectable by the human ear at distances up to fifty feet and beyond.

Furthermore, although it was recommended that various components be constructed of clear translucent materials, the reader of ordinary skill in the art will doubtless appreciate that opaque materials may readily be employed whenever translucence is not required by the application; conversely, whenever the invention features the use of a visual signal, and translucence of various component materials of construction is desired, then, of course, translucent materials should be employed. For example, if no visual signal is generated by a particular embodiment, then an opaque body may be employed; however, if a visual signal is incorporated into the embodiment, then, of course, a translucent body (or at least partially translucent body) is desired.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, this description is not to be construed in a limiting sense. Various permutations and modifications of the disclosed embodiment, including its enumerated features, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this specification.