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I now have Aquacorps #8. Page 49 (1-page article by R.W.Hamilton) shows what might be the real original behind the recent rumors of an ultra-small short-duration Japanese sport diving rebreather. The set is called Fieno. [Dimensions in square brackets are deduced by me from an accompanying photograph; other dimensions are quoted from the article.] It is a semi-closed circuit nitrox rebreather that works like the Prism. Weight 7.5kg = 16.5 pounds. It is all in a white backpack box [about 18 inches or a bit less] long, shaped like half a big scuba cylinder which has been split lengthways. The lower end is tapered; it looks very streamlined and agile both in swimming forwards and in twisting and turning and rolling over. The canister is cylindrical with flat ends, [4.5 inches diameter, 9 inches long], crosswise at the top end of the backpack. The cylinder is aluminium, 1.3 liter, 200 bar, holds 260 liters = 9 cu.ft, = absolute maximum 52 mins at 5 liters/minute, lengthways between 2 breathing bags (total 8 liters) which presumably connect via the canister. Mouthpiece seals itself if released. If water gets into the exhalent bag, an arrangement pumps it out as he breathes. Sucking at an empty bag automatically makes more gas flow from the cylinder. It seems to have <3> thick breathing tubes: (1) from canister, over the left shoulder, (2) from the left bag, over the left shoulder, (3) origin unclear but going over the right shoulder. The photograph is from the left-back, so I can't see what happens in front of the wearer. Stated safe duration 25 mins at 30m/100ft, 40 mins at 25m/80ft, won't last long enough to need decompression unless he goes below 18m/60ft. No mention of ppO2 sensors or anything electronic in it. The article says that the supplier's distributors will refill the cylinders and supply replacement full canisters: it says that the diver won't refill the canister himself. The cylinder and canister are removeable. Stated to be for sport only, not military / technical / commercial diving. [But I suspect that they will be handy for many short quick work and action dives, since it is so streamlined for fast swimming, and also doesn't occupy much space and weight in a boat/etc among miscellaneous kit.] Designed to cost about as much as ordinary aqualungs. Stated enquiries address is: Grand Bleu Inc, 4F Daiichi Venture Building, 7-14-7 Ropongi, Tokyo 106, Japan, phone +81(3)3796.1541, fax +81(3)3796.1542
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