Aqua-Lung was the world's first self contained, open circuit underwater breathing apparatus. It gained global fame and commercial success. This equipment is often referred to as the "demand valve" or "twin-hose diving regulator". Aqua-Lung breathing apparatus operates in the same way as traditional scuba tanks. The regulator connects to a demand-valve, which regulates air flow in and out of your lungs.
Jacques Cousteau
Jacques Cousteau and aqua lung - a fascinating story in Scuba technology! The original Aqua lung was developed during World War II. Cousteau, a French national, developed the underwater breathing apparatus in 1943. His inspiration was Captain Yves Le Prieur's 1925 device. Although initially the Aqua-Lung could only perform limited functions, the Germans ordered automobile gas for use on the battlefield. Cousteau took an existing regulator and created the Aqua-Lung. He also invented the autopilot diving system.
Cousteau, who had advanced scuba technology, went on to discover underwater archeology. In 1946, he led the first expedition using self-contained diving apparatus and recovered the Roman shipwreck Mahdia. In the following year, he converted a British minesweeper into an oceanographic research vessel. He was unable to raise funds and his passion for diving led him to write The Silent World, which became an award-winning film.
Aqua-Lung, the most significant innovation in scuba dive is Aqua-Lung. It was invented by Jacques Cousteau (in 1959) and has allowed divers freedom of movement under water. The Aqua-Lung has been a common tool for many, and Cousteau contributed many other tools to oceanographic exploration. Cousteau also invent the first underwater camera, which was invented in 1959. There's no question that Cousteau's innovations revolutionized the sport of scuba diving.
Emile Gagnan
In 1945, Emile Gagnan and Jacques Yves Cousteau patented their Aqua-Lung diving regulator. Aire Liquide, an American company, purchased the rights to make the regulator. Later, the U.S. sold it. Divers Corporation. It was the latest development of the French CG45 regulator and was assembled in Canada. This regulator proved to be extremely successful.
Initially, the Aqua-lung was called Aqua-lung. It was first sold in France in 1946. The Aqua-lung was then introduced to the U.S.A in 1952. In 1958, Air Liquide purchased U.S. Divers and changed the company's name to Aqua Lung America. Air Liquide eventually made the company a division and it is now the world's largest diving company. Aqua-lung is an integral part of almost all sets of Scuba gear today.
Two Frenchmen invented the Aqua-Lung: Emile Gagnan, and Jacques Cousteau. Both men were spies in the French Resistance during World War II. Robert Ballard pursued his passion for the sea after the war. Emile Gagnan became his partner in crime, and he was working at L'Air Liquide as a Frenchman. Engineers, they were able to learn high-pressure pneumatic design. Gagnan's original idea evolved into the Aqua-Lung, a fully-automated compressed air scuba system.