Low profile buoyancy adjustment controller and valve system for diver's vest

Abstract

A buoyancy adjustment device utilizes an inflation valve connected between the diver's breathing gas supply and a compartment to admit gas into the compartment to increase the diver's buoyancy. An exhaust valve connects between the compartment and the outside of the vest, to release gas from the compartment to the surrounding environment to decrease the diver's buoyancy. A hand-operated controller connected to the inflation valve, when caused to move from a neutral position to an inflation position, actuates the inflation valve and admits gas to the compartment. The hand-operated controller is also connected to the exhaust valve via a flexible pushrod so that, when caused to move from the neutral position to an exhaust position, actuates the exhaust valve and releases gas from the compartment. The flexible push rod is housed in a sleeve that is totally contained within the compartment. Both the inflation valve and the exhaust valve are mounted substantially within the compartment, below the outer wall of the diver's vest and their respective working parts leave only a low profile raised above the outside surface of the vest. A cloth sleeve is positioned inside the front portion of the vest to conveniently store a spare breathing regulator.