Abstract: A one-piece, machined manifold for connecting air supply cylinders with a first stage regulator and recharge port has at least one bottle port configured to removably receive a bottle of pressurized air, a first stage regulator chamber, a quick disconnect fitting port, an air channel in fluid communication with the at least one bottle port and the first stage regulator chamber, and an outlet channel in fluid communication with the first stage regulator chamber.

Abstract: A wearable wrist inhaler includes a wristband having a first end and a second end configured for wear about a user's wrist. An inhaler unit is removably coupled to the wristband displaced from the first end and the second end, the inhaler unit including a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior area and an outlet port in communication with the interior area. A watch assembly is positioned atop the housing of the inhaler unit, the watch assembly energized by a battery and includes a display configured to indicate a time of day. A dosage chamber including a medicament is positioned in the interior area of the housing. A dispensing assembly is communication with the inhaler medicament that is configured to dispense an individual portion of the medicament via the outlet port upon demand by a user.

Abstract: A system for storing natural gas comprises a plurality of straight sections of tube. The plurality of straight sections of tube are dense packed. The plurality of straight sections of tube are configured to fill a designated volume.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A pressure accumulator with a connecting device, in which the pressure accumulator and the connecting device are connected together fluid-conductively. The pressure accumulator at a first axial connecting segment has a transverse bore which intersects an axial bore of the pressure accumulator, in which the transverse bore is configured for fluid-conductive connection with the connecting device.

Abstract: A tank attachment arrangement for a self-contained breathing apparatus having at least one tank, including: a base member having a saddle portion comprising a contact side having at least one contact member directly or indirectly attached thereto, the at least one contact member configured to contact a surface of the at least one tank; and at least one tank retainer arrangement configured to retain the at least one tank with respect to the base member; wherein the at least one contact member includes at least one sloped portion to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the at least one tank with the tank attachment arrangement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for supplying a fluid, including but not limited to oxygen and/or medications to a non-human animal in a configuration that does not require a human to hold a component on the animal.

Abstract: A device includes a cartridge containing a filter material. An insert extends through at least a portion of the filter material. The insert has gas sample path with an opening to provide a sample of air that is representative of the saturation of the filter material. A return path may be included in the insert to return sampled gas to the filter material. A gas mask contains a gas sensor and coupled to the cartridge, which may be replaced when saturated.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for supplying a fluid, including but not limited to oxygen and/or medications to a non-human animal in a configuration that does not require a human to hold a component on the animal.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a body-worn unitary harness having a shoulder portion and a waist portion in tensile communication with one another, such that both the shoulder and the waist portions can be simultaneously adjusted using a single adjustment mechanism to conform to a wearer's body. In an illustrative embodiment, a length of webbing may thread through an angle-turning buckle and change direction therein. Tensile forces in the length of webbing may be directed in different directions on either side of the angle-turning buckle. A single clasp may facilitate both donning and doffing of the unitary harness. An implement connector may be coupled to a hip member and configured to connect an implement to the unitary harness. Various exemplary unitary harnesses may provide comfortable implement carrying capacity while automatically adjusting relative waist and shoulder lengths to accommodate a user's movements and positions.

Abstract: Diving equipment includes a compressed air bottle connected to a breathing apparatus and an inflatable jacket via which buoyancy is balanced by the jacket being connected to the compressed air bottle to be inflated or to an outlet to be deflated. A monitoring device is activated via a control valve as a function of surrounding water pressure and has a time monitoring unit which, after the expiry of a defined time and in the absence of breathing activity in the breathing apparatus, changes to emergency operation and activates an emergency valve via a control line connecting the jacket to the compressed air bottle to force inflation of the jacket. Actuation of at least one regulating valve is influenced during a dive by the monitoring device and/or the control valve. In manual activation, the jacket is inflated via the inflation valve, and the compressed air is bled via the outlet valve.

Abstract: A container for storing oxygen under pressure is disclosed that includes a chamber adapted to be worn around a user's waist and adapted for supplying oxygen to the user; the chamber defining a volume to contain oxygen under pressure; wherein the chamber is defined by a central portion extending between opposite side portions; wherein each of the opposite side portions has a height greater than a maximum height of the central portion that further defines a void between the side portions and above the central portion; and wherein the chamber is further defined by an exterior surface of the chamber adjacent the user.

Abstract: A portable gas delivery system includes a mouthpiece or nosepiece, a gas delivery pack and a medical cannula tubing assembly. The mouthpiece has an upper region with a one nose port and a lower region with a mouth port. The nosepiece conceals the cannula and includes at least one nose port. The gas delivery pack has a gas storage region, a gas compression region, a gas filtration region or a combination thereof. The nosepiece, allows the cannula to provide a snug fit into the nostrils forming a medical airtight delivery of oxygen to the nose. The system is adapted for use with a wireless transceiver for use with a cellular telephone or a personal music system and connected headphones. A single-sided, hollow modular sleeve conceals the mouthpiece or nosepiece and tubing assembly while attaching to a hat, helmet, eyeglass frame, telecommunications headset, or ear of a user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a harness for breathing apparatus, the harness arranged to support a plurality of cylinders of breathable gas side-by-side. The harness comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending cylinder channels arranged side-by-side, each cylinder channel having a rear wall and open at least partially along its length and arranged to accommodate a cylinder. Adjacent cylinder channels are laterally separated by a longitudinally extending channel side wall that in use is disposed between adjacent cylinders.

Abstract: A rebreathing apparatus has a clothing article wearable on a person. The clothing article defines a channel configured to be fluidly connected to at least one tube. The tube is configured to be fluidly connected to a mouthpiece. When the person exhales, the exhaled breath enters one end of the channel and passes through the channel while being scrubbed of CO2. When the user inhales, the scrubbed air is drawn from the channel.

Abstract: In aspects, a portable breathing apparatus is provided that includes a face mask having a breathing valve, a blower for the supply of breathing air to the breathing valve via a supply line, a filter device for cleaning of the breathing air from the blower, and a compressed-air reservoir for alternative supply of breathing air to the breathing valve. Additionally, the breathing valve is a demand valve configured to supply pressure equal to or above an ambient pressure, a check-valve is arranged on the upstream side of the blower, and the compressed-air reservoir is provided with a pressure control valve for establishing an overpressure above the ambient pressure in the entire breathing system, wherein the pressure control valve is upstream of the breathing valve and downstream of the check valve, so that gas or liquid cannot penetrate into the system when breathing gas is supplied from the compressed-air reservoir.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psig, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and devices to determine rate of particle production and the size range for the particles produced for an individual are described herein. The device (10) contains a mouthpiece (12), a filter (14), a low resistance one-way valve (16), a particle counter (20) and a computer (30). Optionally, the device also contains a gas flow meter (22). The data obtained using the device can be used to determine if a formulation for reducing particle exhalation should be administered to an individual.

Abstract: A structural support member 10 for a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, the structural support member being generally elongate and arranged in use to support a cylinder of breathable gas, the structural support member comprising: a frame having; a lower portion 11 arranged in use to support a first end of a cylinder; an upper portion arranged in use to support a second opposed end of the cylinder; and first and second side limbs 26, 36 coupling the upper and lower portions and defining a void 14 therebetween, in a substantially central region of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention, WristOx, is designed as a means of providing a user with means of extracting multiple breaths in situations that do not allow for the use of a traditional SCUBA configuration. The interchangeable compressed air cylinders allow for the user to exchange spent cylinders for full cylinders on the fly. Designed to be worn unobtrusively on the arm, the present invention foregoes the need for hoses or a second stage regulator, allowing for use in activities such as kayaking, spelunking, or even as an additional line of defense for divers and fire rescue personnel.

Abstract: The breathing bag has an upper region; a lower region; a conduit for delivering exhaled air to the lower region and a conduit for withdrawing breathable air from the upper region. The device also has a baffle mounted therein for entrapping exhaled air in the lower region and for causing the exhaled air to remain in a low turbulence mode, for promoting a separation of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the exhaust air by stratification and for causing carbon dioxide to accumulate in the lower region of the bag. Consequently, the breathable air rising from the lower region of the bag has a higher oxygen content. In another aspect of the invention, a method for separating carbon dioxide and oxygen by stratification from exhaled air is also described.

Abstract: A nasal cannula adapter. The nasal cannula adapter includes a chamber having cannula clips, and a connector having an opening and a connector lumen in communication with the chamber and the opening. Systems for administering a gas to a patient comprise the nasal cannula adapter, a nasal cannula, and an airway device. Methods for administering a gas to a patient comprise administering a gas through a nasal cannula operably connected to the nasal cannula adapter operably connected to an airway device inserted into the airway of the patient.

Abstract: A harness for use with breathing apparatus has: a flexible hip plate 12 and a flexible bandolier-style shoulder panel 14, linked together by a strap 15, and a waist belt 16 fastenable by a sprung fastener. In use, the flexible hip plate 12 rests against the hip of a user (the left hip in this example), the waist belt is fitted around the waist of the user, and the shoulder panel 14 rests against the shoulder opposite to the hip against which the flexible plate is resting (the right shoulder in this example). At least the bandolier-style panel 14, and optionally also the hip plate 12 of the harness 10, are made of a resilient material which, though flexible, allows the harness substantially to retain its operational configuration even when not being worn.

Abstract: Several methods and a system for a method and system of safeguarding a filling process of a breathable air apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of safety of a building structure includes safeguarding a filling process of a breathable air apparatus by enclosing the breathable air apparatus in a secure chamber of a fill site of the emergency support system of the building structure to provide a safe placement to supply the breathable air to the breathable air apparatus. The method may include ensuring that a prescribed pressure of the emergency support system maintains within a threshold range of the prescribed pressure by including a valve of the emergency support system to prevent leakage of breathable air from the emergency support system.

Abstract: A safety system and method of an air distribution system of a tunnel structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the air distribution includes a supply unit installed on a particular wall of the first set of walls to facilitate delivery of breathable air from a source of compressed air to an emergency support system of the tunnel structure, a fill site interior to the tunnel structure to provide the breathable air to a breathable air apparatus at multiple locations of the tunnel structure, a secure chamber of the fill site as a safety shield that confines a possible rupture of an over-pressurized breathable air apparatus within the secure chamber, a distribution structure that is compatible with use with compressed air that facilitates dissemination of the breathable air of the source of compressed air to multiple locations of the tunnel structure.

Abstract: A self-contained Autonomous Positive Air Pressure (APAP) device that treats sleep apnea by providing pressurized air intermittently or on demand. The self-contained device is inconspicuously designed as eyewear and does not require the user to be tethered to an air hose or power cord. The device also does not require the user to wear a face mask sealed to the user's face. Instead, the present invention comprises a system that is battery powered including pumps to pressurize a chamber or chambers that provides breathable air through electronically controlled pressure regulated valves that prevents upper airway obstruction.

Abstract: A structural support member 10 for a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, the structural support member being generally elongate and arranged in use to support a cylinder of breathable gas and one or more components operatively associated with the breathing apparatus, wherein the structural support member comprises first and second parts 20, 30 defining therebetween a housing for retaining one or more of the components.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus or a respirator can be equipped with a sensor of ambient airborne conditions. A display unit can be carried by a face mask for the apparatus or respirator. Responsive to output signals from the sensor, the display unit can present an air quality indicator, or a breathability indicator to a user of the apparatus or respirator.

Abstract: An articulated firefighter breathing pack includes multiple polymeric pressure vessels connected together and to a flexible manifold with sections of flexible conduit. The pressure vessels and sections of flexible conduit are encased in high strength fiber material. The pressure vessels are wrapped in high strength ballistic ribbon material. The manifold provides connections for a high pressure regulator and an air fill source. A low pressure hose is connected to the high pressure regulator, a low pressure regulator is connected to the low pressure hose and a mouthpiece connected to the low pressure regulator. A pressure vessel container attaches the pressure vessels, the flexible conduit and the manifold to a harness having a waist portion and two vertical straps extending upwardly over the shoulders and back down to the waist portion. A utility belt provides mounting for equipment for the breathing pack including hoses, a power supply, electronic sensors and controls.

Abstract: A case for an emergency escape breathing apparatus including a substantially rigid hollow shell defining a cylinder housing portion for retaining a cylinder of breathable gas and a delivery device housing portion for removably housing a delivery device for the breathable gas supplied by the cylinder. An access opening is provided which provides access to the interior of the delivery device housing portion through which a delivery device, such as a hood or mask, can be inserted and removed.

Abstract: Rotary metering valve (200) with a valve inlet (260), a valve outlet (270) and a rotary valve member (280) for transferring a metered dose of aerosol formulation from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the rotary valve member is provided with an inlet port (290) and an outlet port (300), both in communication with a metering conduit (310) in the rotary valve member, the rotary valve member in sequence being rotatable between at least three positions: inlet position where the inlet port is in communication with the valve inlet and aerosol formulation enters the metering conduit, metering position where both ports are closed preserving a metered volume of aerosol formulation in the metering conduit, outlet position where the outlet port is in communication with the valve outlet and the metered dose of aerosol formulation is dispensed from the valve.

Abstract: A scuba mask purging apparatus and method providing selective introduction of pressurized air into a scuba mask to initiate purging, pressure balancing, and de-fogging. An inlet valve, typically positioned conveniently on the top or the side of the mask may control the release of pressurized air into the mask. A pressure-sensitive outlet valve releases the pressurized air to force water from the mask. The outlet valve may be positioned on the lower portion of the mask or at a location where water is likely to collect.

Abstract: Fluid flow regulators and fluid conservers are disclosed. An exemplary fluid conserver may be operated in one of an intermittent mode of operation and a continuous mode of operation. Further, the exemplary conserver provides at least two pulses of fluid in response to a first trigger, such as the inhalation of a patient.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a breathing gas container array comprising a plurality of separate containers adapted to contain pressurized breathing gas and a manifold in fluid connection with the containers. The manifold includes at least a first section that is movable relative to a second section of the manifold so that at least one container in fluid connection with the first section is movable relative to at least one other container in fluid connection with the second section. In a number of embodiments, each of the containers comprises a plurality of cells in fluid connection via a passageway.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided.

Abstract: An articulated firefighter breathing pack includes multiple polymeric pressure vessels connected together and to a flexible manifold with sections of flexible conduit. The pressure vessels and sections of flexible conduit are encased in high strength fiber material. The pressure vessels are wrapped in high strength ballistic ribbon material. The manifold provides connections for a high pressure regulator and an air fill source. A low pressure hose is connected to the high pressure regulator, a low pressure regulator is connected to the low pressure hose and a mouthpiece connected to the low pressure regulator. A pressure vessel container attaches the pressure vessels, the flexible conduit and the manifold to a harness having a waist portion and two vertical straps extending upwardly over the shoulders and back down to the waist portion. A utility belt provides mounting for equipment for the breathing pack including hoses, a power supply, electronic sensors and controls.

Abstract: A gas valve has housing and a barrier. The housing has a passageway with an upstream port and a downstream port. The barrier is disposed across the passageway and is formed from a material which is porous to compressed gas but which substantially prevents a low-pressure liquid from advancing through the passageway downstream of the barrier. The passageway may also contain a gas conditioner and/or a filter that is preferably disposed downstream of the barrier. In another embodiment, a valve comprises an inlet opening, a passageway extending downstream of the inlet opening, an attachment portion near the inlet opening, and a movable cap adapted to cover the inlet opening. The cap has a range of motion between a first position, wherein the cap covers the inlet opening, and a second position outside of the passageway, wherein the cap is displaced from the inlet opening. The cap is biased towards the first position. The gas valve may further comprise a gas regulator in fluid communication with the passageway.

Abstract: A carrying system is provided for use with breathing apparatus. The carrying system includes a backplate and a plurality of straps adapted to hold the backplate on the back of a user when the carrying system is worn. The backplate includes at least one plate of a plastics material. The at least one plate having a predetermined shape and the at least one plate being adapted to provide impact protection to a user during use by at least partially absorbing and/or dispersing impact forces, and to deform resiliency in response to external forces imposed by bending and/or twisting of a user during use and return substantially to its predetermined shape when not subjected to an external force.

Abstract: The invention relates to breathing apparatus, particularly of the open-circuit type, comprising a backpiece equipped with means, particularly involving straps, to allow it to be worn on the back of a wearer, the backpiece being intended to support at least one cylinder equipped with a valve, the backpiece being equipped with a coupling which, intended to collaborate with the valve, is connected to a regulator. The coupling comprises an air intake tube on which a bushing is mounted such that it can pivot and move in terms of axial translation. The bushing is mounted in a sleeve that forms an operating knob, is prevented from turning in the sleeve and is free in terms of translational movement with respect to the latter.

Abstract: A jacket and method for surviving an avalanche. The method includes inflating an expandable member to generally encapsulate a head of a person. The jacket may comprise a pair of expandable members disposed in pockets of the jacket, and a canister communicating with one of the expandable members. Apparel comprising an inflated expandable member having a depending inflated portion that at least partly covers another inflated expandable member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural support member 10 for a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, the structural support member being generally elongate and arranged in use to support a cylinder of breathable gas and one or more components operatively associated with the breathing apparatus, wherein the structural support member comprises first and second parts 20, 30 defining therebetween a housing for retaining one or more of the components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a harness for breathing apparatus, comprising a structural support member 10 having a front for accommodating a gas cylinder and a rear for facing the back of a wearer, and left and right sides. Left and right shoulder straps 110, 120 are disposed towards the left and right sides of the structural support member respectively, and each shoulder strap has a first end attached to an upper portion of the structural support member and a second end attached to a lower portion of the structural support member. A plurality of flexible conduits 140, 150 extend from a lower portion of the structural support member along the structural support member, each to a position on either the left or right shoulder strap. Left and right guide channels 30, 32 extend longitudinally along the structural support member along left and right sides respectively, for accommodating the flexible conduits.

Abstract: A portable liquid oxygen (LOX) storage/delivery apparatus is provided, including an insulated (LOX) container having an interior, a bottom portion and a sidewall, the sidewall including a first side portion and a second side portion, both extending between the top portion and the bottom portion, and a port system in communication with the interior of the container for charging the container and for withdrawing LOX and gaseous oxygen from the container. The gaseous oxygen is withdrawn from the container through a first outlet and LOX is withdrawn from the container through a second outlet.

Abstract: A combined air-supplying/air-purifying breathing system that includes a self-contained breathing apparatus, a facepiece for delivering breathable air from the self-contained breathing apparatus to a user, and a powered air-purifying respirator having at least one filter and a blower and having an output connected by a hose assembly to the facepiece. A control interface operationally connects the self-contained breathing apparatus to the powered air-purifying respirator. The self-contained breathing apparatus includes a pressure vessel, a cylinder valve assembly and a pressure reducer, all carried by a back frame, and the powered air-purifying respirator is adapted to be mounted on, and carried by, the back frame, by coupling the back frame and the respirator together at respective attachment points.

Abstract: A ventilation unit includes a casing which has two openings and an electric connection passage, a filter cartridge, a turbine disposed inside the casing and having an input and an output and a motor, a duct linking the output to the outside area of the casing via the output, another casing with a passage created inside the wall, a control circuit and a source disposed inside the casing, elements for associating the two housings such that the passages form a single passage, a flow meter inside the duct. The control circuit includes an exit which can issue a first alarm signal when the electric energy value of the source falls below a threshold. The ventilation unit is suitable for the ventilation of nuclear protection suits, bacteriological protection suits or protective suits in hospital environments.