Aqua-Lung is the first open-circuit, self-contained underwater breathing device. It has enjoyed worldwide success and fame. This equipment is often referred to as the "demand valve" or "twin-hose diving regulator". Aqua-Lung breathing apparatus functions in a manner similar to a traditional Scuba Tank. The regulator is connected to a demand valve, which regulates the flow of air in and out of the lungs.
Jacques Cousteau
Jacques Cousteau, aqua lung - a fascinating tale in Scuba technology! The invention of the original Aqua-Lung occurred during World War II. Cousteau, who was a French national, invented the underwater breathing apparatus in 1943. Captain Yves Le Prieur, a 1925 inventor, was his inspiration. The Aqua-Lung initially had limited functionality. However, the Germans required automobile gas to use in battle. Cousteau modified an existing regulator to develop the Aqualung and later invented the autonomous diving system.
Cousteau was instrumental in the development of scuba technology and discovered underwater archeology. 1946 was the year Cousteau led the first self-contained diving operation and recovered the Roman shipwreck Mahdia. The next year, he made a British minersweeper an oceanographic research ship. Unfortunately, he was unable raise the funds to fund the expeditions. He eventually converted his passion for diving into The Silent World which became a popular film.
Aqua-Lung is the most important innovation in scuba diving. It was developed by Jacques Cousteau, in 1959. Since then it has allowed divers to freely swim under water. The Aqua-Lung has become a staple for many people, and Cousteau helped develop many other tools for oceanographic exploration. Cousteau actually invented the first underwater cameras in 1959. Cousteau's innovations have revolutionized scuba diving.
Emile Gagnan
1945 saw Emile Gagnan, Jacques Yves Cousteau, and Emile Gagnan patent their Aqua-Lung diving regulator. Aire Liquide (a French company) purchased the rights for the manufacture of the regulator. It was later sold to the U.S. Divers Corporation. It was the most recent development of the French CG45 regulation and was manufactured in Canada. This regulator was extremely successful.
Initially, the Aqualung was known as the Aqualung. It was sold first in France in 1946. The Aqua-lung was later brought to America in 1952. In 1958, Air Liquide purchased U.S. Aqua Lung America was created by divers and purchased by Air Liquide in 1958. Air Liquide later acquired the company and made it the largest diving company worldwide. Today, the Aqua-lung is a major component of nearly every set of Scuba gear worldwide.
Two Frenchmen invented the Aqua-Lung: Emile Gagnan, and Jacques Cousteau. Both men served as spies during World War II for the French Resistance. After the war, Robert Ballard continued to pursue his interest in the sea. Emile Gagnan, who was also a Frenchman working for L'Air Liquide, became his friend. They both learned how to use high pressure pneumatic design while engineers. Gagnan's concept evolved into an automated compressed-air scuba diving system called the Aqua-Lung.