Emergency detection and ascent device for a diver

An apparatus for a diver with a weight belt comprising:

• a sensor configured to measure a biological parameter of the diver and transmit a sensor signal correlated to a biological parameter value;
• a controller configured to receive the sensor signal, make a determination the biological parameter value correlated to the sensor signal is anomalous, and, in response to the determination, initiate an audible alarm, the controller further configured to categorize the anomalous biological parameter value as either:
• a minor anomaly, where the value is outside a first range and consistent with the diver having an anomalous biological condition for which the diver is not at substantial risk absent assistance,
• a major anomaly, where the value is outside a second range and consistent with the diver having an anomalous biological condition for which the diver is at substantial risk absent assistance, and
• an emergency anomaly, where the value is outside a third range and consistent with the diver having an anomalous biological condition for which the diver is at imminent risk of a catastrophic event;
• a diver-activatable input device configured to provide a stop signal upon being activated by the diver;
• a timer, in communication with the diver-activatable input device, configured to:
• begin measuring a time interval upon an initiation of the audible alarm,
• detect the stop signal during the time interval, and
• issue a rescue deployment signal when no stop signal is detected during the time interval;
• the controller further configured to receive the rescue deployment signal and responsively issue a major anomaly alarm signal upon having categorized a major anomaly or an emergency alarm signal upon having categorized an emergency anomaly;
• a buckle actuator associated with the weight belt and in communication with the controller configured to disengage the weight belt from the diver in response to the emergency alarm signal;
• the controller further configured to determine a rate of ascent for the apparatus and responsively issue an ascent control signal;
• a buoyancy valve assembly having:
• an inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized gas,
• an outlet port connectable to a buoyancy bladder, and
• a passageway between the inlet port and the outlet port
• the buoyancy valve assembly, in communication with the controller, configured to:
• respond to the major anomaly alarm signal and ascent control signal by responsively releasing gas into, and from, the bladder, for a controlled ascent of the diver, and
• respond to the emergency alarm signal by responsively releasing gas into the bladder, for an unconstrained ascent of the diver.