Apparatus, system and method for underwater voice communication by a diver

摘要

Embodiments of the invention provide a system, apparatus and methods for underwater voice communication by a diver to other divers and surface ships. In many embodiments, the system includes a mouthpiece voice communication apparatus having a microphone for sensing the diver's voice and an acoustic transducer that conducts sound via conduction through the diver's teeth and skull to the cochlea so as to allow the diver to hear sounds. The mouthpiece is adapted to be easily attached to portions of a SCUBA or other underwater breathing apparatus. It may also be attached to or integral with a snorkel or similar apparatus.

主权项

1. A mouthpiece apparatus for underwater voice communication by a diver, the apparatus comprising:
a mouthpiece having an exterior coupling element for coupling to an air conduit, and an interior portion coupled to the exterior coupling element and worn in the diver's mouth, the coupling element and interior portion including a lumen for the passage of respired air there through, the interior portion having a curved shape which conforms to a curvature of the diver's mouth; and right and left bite structure attached to the interior portion, the left and right bite structures including upper and lower bite surfaces for engaging a bite surface of the diver's upper and lower teeth; an acoustic transducer positioned on the top surface of at least one of the left or right bite structures, the acoustic transducer positioned to make contact with the diver's teeth, the acoustic transducer configured to transduce an electrical signal input into an acoustic output and acoustically couple to the diver's upper teeth to conduct the acoustic output from the diver's upper teeth through the skull to generate audible sound in at least one of the diver's ears when the diver is wearing the mouthpiece; and a microphone positioned in or on the mouthpiece for receiving the diver's voice and generating an electrical signal output when the diver is wearing the mouthpiece.