EXOlung claims unlimited air supply for divers

The EXOlung, an underwater breathing device, has been designed to give divers an unlimited air supply, its creator says. The device translates the diver’s swimming motions into air movement, keeping breathing air flowing—as long as the diver keeps swimming.

EXOlung uses a buoy that floats on the surface of the water to provide the diver with air. The system connects the buoy to the air bell worn on the front of the diver’s torso via a 39-foot (12- meter) hose. The hard shell of the bell protects a collapsible water bladder attached to leg straps that secure around the diver’s feet. By extending the legs, fresh air is drawn down from the surface and water is displaced from the air bell. When the diver retracts his or her legs, water pressure puts air inside the bell under ambient water pressure, and the air can then be inhaled.

EXOlung is currently a private initiative in its final prototyping phase. Designer Jörg Tragatschnig is looking for commercial partners to bring his patent-pending idea to market.