Octopus – Octo (gear)

The Octopus or Octo is another name to designate the alternate air source on a diver regulator set. It comes from the first brand to introduce it Aqualung and named it Octopus. They also introduced the bright yellow color that almost all alternate regulator now has.

The first modern on demand regulator

Jean-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan patent the first modern on demand regulator valve. After Gagnan was working at Air Liquide on a small demand valve and has been introduced to Cousteau which was looking for a way to regulate the flow from a high pressure cylinder.

Beuchat open its door

Beuchat, the first equipment manufacturing company for underwater activities opened its door in 1834 in Marseille, France. It was founded by Georges Beuchat a 24 years old young man and spearfishing enthusiast. Some of his concepts and invention are still in use and adopted by all manufacturers of equipment.