Introduction
Having been a commercial diver for over twenty years (with a great interest in the improvement of the live support systems utilized by divers), Leszek Gorski decided to develop and produce a better diving helmet.
Designing and developing diving apparatus was/is not new to him; He started his career in Poland (a Communist controlled country at that time), and was obligated to conceptualize and build his own life support equipment. He built several helmets, primarily because nothing else was available to him and his associates.
In 1994 he completed the first mold necessary to manufacture a helmet for mass production. Since this time he has been involved with concepts, changes, and modifications in an effort to complete his first acceptable production diving helmet. This first prototype was tested in 1997.
The G-2000SS was designed on "Solid Works - Three Dimensional Software" and programmed for CNC Machining. Its all-metal lightweight construction makes this helmet easy to adapt and attach auxiliary equipment, such as lights, camera, etc.
The front port (window) is made from the strongest machinable "Lexan" material for extra safety. The mounting holes in the port are individually drilled through, allowing the retaining bolts to pass through the window itself, thus reducing the risk of the window separating from the helmet in the event of a hydrogen explosion during underwater cutting operations.
The helmet has a unique retaining system to lock the neck dam in place as well as securing the helmet on the diver's neck.
The 2nd stage demand used is the POSEIDON CYCLON 5000. It has been tested and approved for depths up to 980 feet of seawater. This regulator has been incorporated to fit within the helmet, where it is fully protected at the lower front portion of the nose area, which is an integral part of the helmet shell. This configuration allows for ready adaptation of a gas reclaim valve assembly.
The design does not require a side block, which was replaced instead with a free flow valve in line with the 2nd stage regulator.
The back mounted manifold contains a screen/filter to prevent debris from getting into the second stage, and the two check valve assemblies, one for the main supply and the other for the reserve backup air or gas supply. This configuration allows for 5/16 ID tubing connection between the manifold and the 2nd stage regulator to be encapsulated inside the helmet.
The G-2000SS weighs in at approximately 29 lbs. The helmet is uncomplicated and of rugged construction which is easy to maintain. All valves, regulators, parts, etc. are industry standard brand names.
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Photo thanks to Dirk
Roessner |
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