A high volume, low pressure loss, balanced poppet valve was designed for use on demand type open-circuit underwater diving units. This supply valve, the EX-1, acts as a diver's second stage regulator providing air, on demand, to the diver with minimal breathing effort. The prototype EX-1 was fabricated and tested in January 1984 by the Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Panama City, FL. Test results showed that the EX-1 met the U.S. Navy performance requirements for helmet mounted second stage demand regulators. However, the valve/seat arrangement leaked excessively. Final modifications to the poppet valve and seat were made, eliminating aerodynamic forces which had acted on the poppet valve's seating surface. Additionally, a compliant seat was used which eliminated gas leakage. Brief testing of the improved EX-1 prototype on May 4, 1984 indicated that performance was equivalent or superior to performance of the best commercial second-stage demand regulators currently available.
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