1904

Interspiro`s hundred-year history goes back to the beginnings of the multinational industrial group AGA, which was founded in 1904. Gustaf Dalén, Swedish Nobel Prize Winner, joined the company in 1906 and became CEO 1909. From an early stage, AGA diversified from navigation aids and gas to related products, including regulators to save gas in lighthouses. The regulators proved to have many benefits and started to be used in the medical field and for respiratory protection as early as the 1920`s.

1948

Breathing valve with inhalation and exhalation in the same diaphragm. Exposing the breathing valve to one single pressure to control the air flow gives lower work of breathing.

1954

Throwback to 1954 when the Swedish department store NK at Hamngatan in Stockholm decided to launch a range for scuba diving. The regulator was constructed by Dag Johannisson, a very good & innovative engineer at AGA. This regulator has all the years internally been mentioned "tesilen=tea strainer" at AGA/Interspiro. This was really a milestone for water diving. As you can see on the headline of the sign, the name "Divator", was already used back in 1954. The swimsuit fashion at that time was definitely something else from today.

1961

Using the knowledge gathered during the development of the fighter air craft apparatus Aviatic and years of physiological studies Interspiro develops the first system with positive pressure. Today positive pressure is a standard around the World.

1963

Interspiro introduces fog free face mask for diving. Dry air flushes the inside of the visor keeping it fog free.

1965

Introduction of 300 / 4500 psi bar technology.

A considerable increase of the duration with small cylinders. By using double cylinders with a common cylinder valve the balance and impression of weight was improved, thus reducing strain. Increased duration also enhanced safety.

1969

With the development of the ACSC a mechanically controlled mixed gas diving apparatus was invented.

1973

To increase safety Interspiro incorporates a radio communication device with the SCBA/BA. Today this is mandatory in many countries.

1973

Interspiro creates a reserve air valve with a breathing resistance warning which gives the user a clear warning that can not be missed.

1974

Development of a positive pressure extra mask and artificial respiration unit with a quick coupling to the SCBA/BA to aid victims.

1977

Comfort and user safety were greatly enhanced when Interspiro used air from the SCBA/BA to ventilate gastight suits.

1981

Automatic activation of positive pressure was a logical step for improvement, this was accomplished with the introduction of first breath activation.

1982

Interspiro introduced Divator MKII full face mask with low volume visor and automatic activation of safety pressure.

1983

In 1974 AGA Spiro was formed as a part of AGA`s medical division. In 1983 AGA concentrated its company portfolio, AGA Spiro become Interspiro and left the AGA company sphere.

1985

AGA diving equipment is used by the space shuttle rescue team from NASA. This equipment was especially fitted to use when plunging down 15 meters from a helicopter to save astronauts in their space pod when landing on water. This picture was taken close to the Cape Canaveral Space center in Florida.

1987

With the ambient air hatch the user can breathe ambient air in standby without removing the breathing valve. This allows the user to be fully prepared with all equipment ready to go in the simplest and safest way. During the years we have refined the ambient air hatch function to perfection in our latest S and Inspire face mask.

1991

After years of development and testing, together with ABB, Interspiro introduced the first full composite cylinder for firefighting. Weight reduction, balance and safety were key variables in this product development.

1996

The introduction of computerized SCBA/BA. Interspiro was once again placed in the development front line. A computer monitors the equipment’s functions and a self-test is performed every time the cylinder valve is turned on.

1998

The integrated rescue hose made it possible for fire fighters to save each other in emergency situations, in the US this system is referred to as “Buddy Breathing”. The solution with one male and one female connection made it possible to easily connect to each other without interruption of air supply and has since become industry standard on several markets.

2002

An Interspiro SCBA/ BA is the first in the World to be approved under NIOSH CBRN – full compliance with the new NIOSH specifications for dealing with chemical, biological and radioactive threats.

2003

Interspiro becomes part of the Ocenco group.

2003

The DP1 Surface Supply introduced an umbilical combining a high-pressure supply hose with a lifeline. This umbilical reduces weight and volume compared to existing surface supply systems and the surface attendant does not have to monitor the diving depth.

2004

Diving with neutral buoyancy composite cylinders.

Interspiro continues to expand the field of use for composite cylinders – enabling the use of composite cylinders for diving. A flexible weight system makes the air supply neutral buoyant in water.

2007

Interspiro introduces Divator MKIII Regulator Unit. Ergonomic redundant regulator system designed so that the primary regulator and/or the breathing valve can be isolated in the event of freezing or other malfunction. Dual first stage regulators integrated in one unit gives the diver great advantages if problem arises during the dive.

2008

The introduction of IS-MIX Semi-Closed Mine Clearance Diving System. IS-MIX is extremely simple and fast to prepare and operate. Maintenance costs are very low since most service can be made with little or no tools. The breathing work is minimal due to large diameter hoses and hydrostatic balanced breathing bellows. The set is neutral in water giving ease and exactness in diving procedures.

2013

Interspiro introduces SpiroCom Voice Communication System. The mask mounted SpiroCom unit is the first unit combining handsfree teamtalk, integrated voice amplifier and wireless radio interface. The Team Talk feature is a voice activated, full duplex, short range voice communication within a team of fire fighters. To access the long range radio there is a push-to-talk (PTT) button on the side of the mask unit.

2015

The introduction of Incurve – The world’s most cleanable SCBA. To reduce the risk of long-term health problems, we developed a SCBA, with an absolute minimum of textile parts, making it less susceptible to contamination as well as easier to clean.

Inspire - Model H - Ambient Air Hatch Face Masks - Brochure