Aqua-Lung is the first open-circuit, self-contained underwater breathing device. It has enjoyed worldwide success and fame. This class of equipment is now commonly referred to as the demand valve or twin-hose diving regulator. The basic concept of Aqua-Lung breathing apparatus is similar to that of a traditional scuba tank. The regulator connects to a demand-valve, which regulates air flow in and out of your lungs.
Jacques Cousteau
Jacques Cousteau & aqua lung – A fascinating story in Scuba Tech! The original Aqua-Lung was invented during World War II. Cousteau (a French national) developed the underwater breath apparatus in 1943. Captain Yves Le Prieur, a 1925 inventor, was his inspiration. 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. He led the first expedition to use self-contained diving equipment and recovered the Roman wreck Mahdia. He also converted a British mining vessel into an oceanographic research vessel by using a British minesweeper. Unfortunately, he had difficulty raising the funds for the expeditions. Instead, he turned his passion to dive into The Silent World (which became a highly successful movie).
Aqua-Lung is the most important innovation in scuba diving. 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 actually invented the first underwater cameras in 1959. There's no question that Cousteau's innovations revolutionized the sport of scuba diving.
Emile Gagnan
1945: Emile Gagnan (Jacques Yves Cousteau) and Emile Gaugnan (Emile Gagnan) patent the Aqua-Lung diving regulation. Aire Liquide was a French company that purchased the right to manufacture the regulator. Later, the U.S. sold it. Divers Corporation. This regulator was the latest innovation of the French CG45 regulator, and it was made in Canada. This regulator proved to have great success.
Initially, the Aqualung (or Aqua-lung) was sold in France as the Aqua-lung. It was then brought to the United States 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 has become a major component of almost every set Scuba gear.
Emile Gagnan (France) and Jacques Cousteau (France) invented the Aqua-Lung. Both men were spymen for the French Resistance during World War II. Robert Ballard pursued his passion for the sea after the war. Emile Gagnan was a Frenchman who worked for L'Air Liquide. He eventually met Emile. They both learned how to use high pressure pneumatic design while engineers. Gagnan's idea grew into a fully-automated compressed-air scuba system, the Aqua-Lung.