Database German Oxygen Rebreathers

This database shows the oxygen rebreathers developed and used in Germany. The breathing apparatus are used for different purposes. The first models were mainly used in the mining industry and during the First World War devices were developed to escape from submarines. Later the oxygen breathing apparatus was used by the military but also by sports divers who practise photography or want to dive with light systems. Oxygen devices, because of their characteristics, can offer a long operating time, both above and under water. An important warning for homebuilders; Oxygen rebreathers require specific knowledge and are repeatedly involved in fatal accidents. Never dive alone, make sure nitrogen is removed from the loop and do not dive deeper than 6 metres. No rights can be derived from the information on these pages.

1913 Dräger Tauchretter DM2

1913 Dräger Tauchretter DM2

During the years after 1910, Dräger further developed the Tauchretter DM1 into the model DM2 that was ready in 1913 (1914?). The injector system was replaced by a constant mass flow system.

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1853 Theodore Schwann

1853 Theodore Schwann

Many times I read about the man who invented the first rebreather. Most diving books write that the first rebreather was designed and patented by Mr. Fleuss in cooperation with Siebe Gorman. In fact Mr. Fleuss patented the first rebreather, but this man Professor Theodore Schwann invented the first unit. A very common mistake that can be found in many books is that he was a Belgium scientist. He was not. Theodore Schwann was born in Neuss in 1810 and was of German origin. The invention was done in Belgium when he was working as a professor in Liége.

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1904 Draeger Modell 1904_09

1904 Draeger Modell 1904_09

The Dräger Modell 1904_1909 was one of the first mass production units for minerescue. The unit became famous because Germany assisted during the rescue of miners in the second biggest minedisaster in the world, the 1906 Courrieres disaster in France.

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