Westinghouse Min-O-Lung

The Westinghouse 9-SO-R2 Min-O-Lung

The 9-SO-R2 MIN-O-LUNG was  produced by the Westinghouse Electric Corp of Annapolis, MARYLAND, in 1964. 

Westinghouse later purchased most of Emersons underwater contracts and designs, including their mixed gas closed circuit unit the Krasberg Scubalung KSR-5 (See database ECCR). 

 The Min-O-Lung was a lightweight (17lb), hour-long duration system with a demand style gas addition. The counter-lung contained a breathing valve that injected additional oxygen into the loop when the volume dropped due to consumption or pressure increase during the descent.

The unit is worn on the chest, having simple glass fiber housing for the scrubber and with a dual counterlung/vest combination that encases the quick disconnects scrubber and oxygen bottle.

 The manual states: The single-demand valve may be made to free-flow by placing the right shoulder lower than the left. This can be a useful means of adding more gas to the system. It can also hamper operations if the right shoulder must be in the low position to perform a task.

This text also indicates that a diver using this set for defensive operations should take care not to be discovered or shot as a result of accidentally raising the right shoulder.

The shown unit was on display thanks to  HDS member Nick Icorn and his NATIONAL UNDERWATER MUSEUM who loaned this unit to the display.”

Unfortunately, the quality of the manual and the pictures is not very good. Also, pictures of the Min-O-Lung are rare. If you have pictures of this unique rebreather or a manual in a higher quality, I would love to add them to this page. I would also like to thank Sharon Readey for her help in putting together this page and information.