Abstract:
An adapter (10) for use with a gas filter canister (13) worn by a user as part of a breathing apparatus. The adapter (10) is constructed of a semi-rigid plastic that has a plurality of scalloped or castellated edges. The scalloped or castellated edges allow the adapter to snap-fit over the top of the canister (13). Projections or lugs (37) on the inside of the edge of the adapter can deflect and snap over the rim (40) of the canister (13). An adapter seal in the form of a large preformed packing or 0- ring (55), is pressed between the inside of the adapter top and the outside of the canister top such that an airtight seal is formed. The adapter is capable of moving relative to the filter canister to accommodate different positions of the flexible conduit between an adapter inlet (22) and the outlet (76) of a self contained blower assembly (70).
Abstract:
An adapter for use with a gas filter canister worn by a user as part of a breathing apparatus. The adapter is constructed of a semi-rigid plastic that has a plurality of scalloped or castellated edges. The scalloped or castellated edges allow the adapter to snap-fit over the top of the canister. Projections or lugs on the inside of the edge of the adapter can deflect and snap over the rim of the canister. An adapter seal in the form of a large preformed packing or CD- ring, is pressed between the inside of the adapter top and the outside of the canister top such that an airtight seal is formed. The adapter is capable of moving relative to the filter canister to accommodate different positions of the flexible conduit between an adapter inlet and the outlet of a self contained blower assembly.
Abstract:
A breathing gas dispenser with selectable output flow rates. The dispenser includes a vessel containing a supply of breathable gas at storage pressure. The vessel is in fluid communication with a regulator assembly capable of reducing the pressure of the gas to a delivery pressure in a chamber. A plate is disposed in the chamber. The plate has a plurality of openings defined therein. The openings are disposed in pairs including a first opening and a second opening. The first or second opening or both may contain an orifice housing with a precision metering orifice defined therein. A flow selector is capable of causing the plate to rotate such that each of the pairs of openings are sequentially brought into registry with the outlet such that a user can select an output flow rate.
Abstract:
A manifold for a chemical oxygen generator (COG) includes a locating plate configured to interface with a COG and a plenum body rotatably attached to the locking plate. The plenum body has an inlet for receiving oxygen and at least one output port in pneumatic communication with the inlet. The manifold includes a lock for immobilizing the plenum body with respect to the locating plate in at least a first position. In another aspect, a COG is provided. The COG may have a housing and a locking manifold.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided herein for gas storage and the safe release of gas using cascading burst discs. A vessel for storing gas is in pneumatic communication with a first flow path. A first burst disc is disposed in the first flow path such that gas flow is prevented when the disc is intact. A second flow path is in pneumatic communication with the first flow path and configured to receive gas flow when the first burst disc is ruptured. A second burst disc is disposed in the second flow path and configured to prevent a gas flow while the second burst disc is intact. At an operating pressure, the first burst disc may be punctured by an operator allowing normal use of the system. In the event of a gas overpressure, the first and second burst discs will rupture permitting safe release of the gas.
Abstract:
A chemical oxygen generator with enhanced structural integrity. In some embodiments, the chemical core of the chemical oxygen generator is reinforced with one or more reinforcing structures that are integral with the core. In some embodiments, as the core burns, the one or more reinforcing structures become fused with the core.
Abstract:
A bi-directional valve having a housing with at least one internal gasket contact surface. A spring holds the plate, flapper and gasket against the internal gasket contact surface of the housing. When a predetermined pressure acts on the plate and flapper, the plate, flapper and gasket move away from the gasket contact surface to allow flow through the bi-directional valve in a first direction. To flow in the opposite direction the plate and gasket abut against the housing and the flapper opens to allow flow in an opposite direction. The same flow path is used for flow in either direction through the bi-directional valve.
Abstract:
A de-misting system for goggles includes a supply connector, a de-mist tube, and a diffuser. The supply connector is connectable to a de-misting gas source, and the de-mist tube is in fluid communication with the supply connector. The diffuser is in fluid communication with the de-mist tube, and the diffuser may be coupled to an orifice of the goggles to supply a de-misting gas to an interior volume of the goggles.
Abstract:
A method of supplying oxygen to an oxygen mask for an aircraft includes detecting, with at least one sensor and during a first time period, a first blood-oxygen saturation level at a first altitude. The method may also include detecting, with the at least one sensor and during a second time period, a second blood-oxygen saturation level at a second altitude that is different from the first altitude. The method may include determining a minimum flow rate of a gas that includes oxygen for the second altitude such that the second blood-oxygen saturation level at least matches the first blood-oxygen saturation level at the same altitude.
Abstract:
A pressure gauge for possible use in an aircraft. The pressure gauge includes a pointer and at least a first set of indicators and a second set of indicators that indicate an amount of pressure being applied to the gauge. The first set of indicators may be positioned along a front surface of the gauge and the second set of indicators may be positioned along a side surface of the gauge that is generally orthogonal to the front surface. The pointer includes a body that extends in a first direction that is contained in a first plane and a distal tip that extends in a second direction that is contained in a second plane that is generally orthogonal to the first plane.