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 chemical oxygen core for a chemical oxygen generator includes at least one layer of an oxygen-generating composition. In some examples, the at least one layer comprises includes a metal powder fuel, a transition metal oxide catalyst, and an oxygen source. In various examples, the at least one layer includes less than approximately 0.1 percent by weight of the transition metal oxide catalyst. In certain examples, a chemical oxygen generator includes a chemical oxygen core and a perforated metal covering surrounding the chemical oxygen core along a length of the chemical oxygen core. In some aspects, the perforated metal covering has an opening ratio of approximately 0 to 100 percent.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen core for a chemical oxygen generator includes at least one layer of an oxygen-generating composition. In some examples, the at least one layer comprises includes a metal powder fuel, a transition metal oxide catalyst, and an oxygen source. In various examples, the at least one layer includes less than approximately 0.1 percent by weight of the transition metal oxide catalyst. In certain examples, a chemical oxygen generator includes a chemical oxygen core and a perforated metal covering surrounding the chemical oxygen core along a length of the chemical oxygen core. In some aspects, the perforated metal covering has an opening ratio of approximately 0 to 100 percent.

Abstract: An activation assembly for a sealed container includes a striker, a detent, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire connected to the detent. The SMA wire may move the detent from a first position to a second position relative to the striker based on activation of the SMA wire where, in the first position, the detent is engaged with the striker, and, in the second position, the detent is disengaged from the striker and the striker is movable from a stowed position to a deployed position.

Abstract: An oxygen mask container assembly that includes a container that defines a container interior and includes a container opening, an oxygen mask assembly disposed in the container interior, a mask ejector in operative communication with the mask assembly, a cover assembly that is movable between a closed position where the cover assembly covers the container opening and an open position where the mask can be ejected through the container opening and from the container interior, and a latch assembly. The oxygen mask assembly includes a mask and a lanyard. The cover assembly includes a light assembly therein that is configured to shine light below the cover assembly. The latch assembly is configured to move the cover assembly between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing a secondary source of breathing gas to a mask are disclosed. The system includes secondary reservoir having a breathing gas, the secondary reservoir connected to a primary line by a secondary line. A pressure switch detects a pressure in the primary line and, upon a pressure lower than a threshold, actuates an actuator to permit the flow of breathing gas from the secondary reservoir through the secondary line. A valve may be configured to prevent a flow of gas from the secondary line to a source side of the primary line. The method includes detecting gas pressure and actuating an actuator upon a low gas pressure to permit a flow of secondary gas to the breathing mask by way of a secondary line. The gas may be prevented from flowing from the secondary line to a source side of the primary line.

Abstract: A compact ignition system for chemical oxygen generators for possible use in an aircraft. The chemical oxygen generator is configured such that a majority of the ignition system can be accommodated within an interior of the generator body. In some embodiments, the ignition system is positioned within a recess of an upper surface of the core of the generator. Housing a majority of the ignition system within the generator allows the overall oxygen-generating capacity of the generator to be increased without requiring a corresponding increase in the overall length of the generator.

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: 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 residual pressure valve configured to maintain a residual pressure within a pressure vessel to prevent contaminants or gaseous diluents from entering the vessel after it has been discharged/depressurized. In some embodiments, the residual pressure valve is situated between the pressure vessel and an upper seat of the regulator assembly and moves between an open position and a closed position to seal the pressure vessel from the upper seat of the regulator assembly when the pressure within the pressure vessel drops below a residual pressure level.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a system and/or a computer-based method for determining safe operation of a breathing gas system comprising the step of receiving a present oxygen concentration value from an oxygen concentration sensor. The method further comprises the step of receiving, at the computer, a present altitude value from an altimeter of the aircraft and using the computer to calculate an alarm flow rate, where the alarm flow rate is a function of the present oxygen concentration value and the present altitude value. The method may further comprise the step of receiving, at the computer, a present flow value from a flow meter, where the present flow value represents the rate of flow of breathing gas to the user. The method may comprise the step of comparing the calculated alarm flow rate to the received present flow value to determine a safe operation of the oxygen system.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying oxygen masks that includes a pre-packaged modular system that does not require manual repacking of oxygen masks by aircraft technicians. The cartridge is for use with a manifold having a passageway in fluid communication with a source of breathable gas. The cartridge includes an end wall, a sidewall extending from the end wall and terminating at a distal end adjacent to an opening. A flexible member defines a chamber inside the cartridge. The chamber is in fluid communication with the passageway when the cartridge is coupled to the manifold. The flexible member has an outlet. A mask assembly is disposed inside the cartridge. The mask assembly has a hose coupled to the outlet of the flexible member. A cover is removably attached to the distal end of the at least one side wall.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing breathing masks in a tall and narrow space and deploying the masks from that space. The apparatus may be embodied as a removable cartridge containing a breathing mask assembly housed within a frame. The cartridge is comprised of a first side and second side which can move relative to the frame. The first side includes a hinge. In operation, the cartridge slides relative to the frame and rotatably opens via the hinge after the cartridge substantially exits the frame. A breathing mask is released to a user after the first and second halves rotatably separate.

Abstract: A residual pressure valve configured to maintain a residual pressure within a pressure vessel to prevent contaminants or gaseous diluents from entering the vessel after it has been discharged/depressurized. In some embodiments, the residual pressure valve is situated between the pressure vessel and an upper seat of the regulator assembly and moves between an open position and a closed position to seal the pressure vessel from the upper seat of the regulator assembly when the pressure within the pressure vessel drops below a residual pressure level.

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: An apparatus for deploying oxygen masks that includes a pre-packaged modular system that does not require manual repacking of oxygen masks by aircraft technicians. The cartridge is for use with a manifold having a passageway in fluid communication with a source of breathable gas. The cartridge includes an end wall, a sidewall extending from the end wall and terminating at a distal end adjacent to an opening. A flexible member defines a chamber inside the cartridge. The chamber is in fluid communication with the passageway when the cartridge is coupled to the manifold. The flexible member has an outlet. A mask assembly is disposed inside the cartridge. The mask assembly has a hose coupled to the outlet of the flexible member. A cover is removably attached to the distal end of the at least one side wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying oxygen masks that includes a pre-packaged modular system that does not require manual repacking of oxygen masks by aircraft technicians. The cartridge is for use with a manifold having a passageway in fluid communication with a source of breathable gas. The cartridge includes an end wall, a sidewall extending from the end wall and terminating at a distal end adjacent to an opening. A flexible member defines a chamber inside the cartridge. The chamber is in fluid communication with the passageway when the cartridge is coupled to the manifold. The flexible member has an outlet. A mask assembly is disposed inside the cartridge. The mask assembly has a hose coupled to the outlet of the flexible member. A cover is removably attached to the distal end of the at least one side wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying oxygen masks that includes a pre-packaged modular system that does not require manual repacking of oxygen masks by aircraft technicians. The cartridge is for use with a manifold having a passageway in fluid communication with a source of breathable gas. The cartridge includes an end wall, a sidewall extending from the end wall and terminating at a distal end adjacent to an opening. A flexible member defines a chamber inside the cartridge. The chamber is in fluid communication with the passageway when the cartridge is coupled to the manifold. The flexible member has an outlet. A mask assembly is disposed inside the cartridge. The mask assembly has a hose coupled to the outlet of the flexible member. A cover is removably attached to the distal end of the at least one side wall.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a lid cover for an oxygen mask dispensing container. The device includes a stationary plate having a cover that is adjustable relative to the plate by means of a spring such that an outermost lid cover is capable of easily mating with the opening in the interior lining of an aircraft. The lid is spring-biased toward the plate such that when the plate is attached to the oxygen mask dispensing container body, the lid is automatically pulled into position relative to the opening in the interior lining of the aircraft.