System for controlling the exhalation pressure of a diver for diving ventilation equipment

Abstract

A system for controlling the exhalation pressure of a diver for diving equipment with a ventilation circuit, includes a unidirectional valve acting on an exhalation outlet of the ventilation circuit, and a brake configured to exert an adjustable constraint on the unidirectional valve in order to control the pressure of the gas from the exhalation outlet so as to generate a positive exhalation pressure in the ventilation circuit of the equipment and thus prevent or treat immersion pulmonary edemas.

1 . A system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver for diving equipment having a ventilation circuit, comprising:
 a one-way valve acting on an expiratory outlet of the ventilation circuit; and   a brake configured to apply an adjustable constraint to the one-way valve so as to control the pressure of the gas coming from the expiratory outlet so as to generate a positive expiratory pressure in said breathing circuit.   
     
     
         2 . The system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said brake is an adjustable discharge valve comprising a loading spring and a calibration screw allowing the resistance of said spring to be adjusted. 
     
     
         3 . The system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in  claim 1 , additionally comprising a release system allowing said brake to be deactivated. 
     
     
         4 . The system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the release system comprises a central tubular rod coaxial with said calibration screw. 
     
     
         5 . The system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in  claim 1 , additionally comprising a pressure sensor sensing pressure in the expiratory circuit of said ventilation circuit. 
     
     
         6 . The system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the brake is an electrically operated valve, the electrically operated valve being controlled electronically on the basis of measurements supplied by the pressure sensor. (Original) The system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the brake comprises eyes or shutters or a diaphragm. 
     
     
         8 . The system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in claim  7 , wherein the degree of opening of the eyes or of the shutters or of the diaphragm is controlled electronically on the basis of measurements supplied by the pressure sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the brake allows the generation of at least two discrete positive expiratory pressure levels. 
     
     
         10 . The system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the brake allows the generation of positive expiratory pressure levels from among the levels (0 mbar; 2.5 mbar; 5 mbar; 7.5 mbar and 10 mbar). 
     
     
         11 . A regulator for diving, comprising at least:
 a first stage for expanding a high-pressure gas in order to obtain a medium-pressure gas, and   a second stage able to receive said medium-pressure gas and drop the pressure of said medium-pressure gas in order to supply low-pressure gas to a diver who can be ventilated,   wherein the second stage of the regulator comprises a system as claimed in  claim 1  for controlling the expiratory pressure of the diver.   
     
     
         12 . A rebreather for diving comprising a system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         13 . A self-contained underwater breathing apparatus comprising a system for controlling the expiratory pressure of a diver as claimed in  claim 1 .