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: A back traction device is disclosed that allows a patient or person to be seated in any type of seat and will relieve the pressure and tension on the disc of the lower back of the patient as much as possible. The back traction device comprises a halter with ribs that serve to transfer some of the pressure that is associated with sitting in a chair when the patient is seated in the chair. The back traction device includes a halter and a traction member. The halter has strips of hook and loop fastening material at an outward rear position that mate with hook and loop fastener portions on the traction device that is attached to a chair or the like. In one embodiment, the traction device comprises a member that has straps that allow it to be removably attached to a chair and, in a second embodiment, the hook and loop material traction device is permanently attached to the back of a chair.

Abstract: A back traction device is disclosed that allows a person to be seated in any type of seat and will relieve the pressure, weight and tension on the disc of the lower back of the patient as much as possible. The back traction device consists of a halter that serves to transfer some of the pressure that is associated with sitting in a seat or chair off of the patient's lower back. The back traction device further includes a two-part traction member having a clip-like portion to be received over the back of the seat and a downwardly extending strap portion to be connected to the clip portion. The clip portion is first affixed to the seat back and the strap portion connected thereto. The strap portion has a securing surface that will attach to a corresponding securing surface on the halter member. An inflated air cushion is disposed between the seat occupant and the seat prior to connection of the halter to the strap portion.

Abstract: A back traction device is disclosed that allows a patient or person to be seated in any type of seat and will relieve the pressure and tension on the disc of the lower back of the patient as much as possible. The back traction device comprises a halter with ribs that serve to transfer some of the pressure that is associated with setting in a chair when the patient is seated in the chair. The back traction device includes a halter and a traction member. The halter has strips of Velcro.TM. at an outward rear position that mate with Velcro.TM. portions on the traction device that is attached to a chair or the like. In one embodiment, the traction device comprises a member that has straps that allow it to be removably attached to a chair and, in a second embodiment, the Velcro.TM. traction device is permanently attached to the back of a chair. The second embodiment is particularly useful in a dedicated chair, for frequent use by people wearing such halter, such as a wheelchair.

Abstract: Chemical oxygen generator cells, for insertion in push pin controlled dispensers and having a conventional steel can housing containing a chlorate candle and a water activated ignition material to start burning of the candle, are provided with a water containing fracturable sealed glass ampoule, capsule, or vial in contact with the ignition material and are protected against inadvertent fracture by an overlying shock cap with a spring diaphragm wall adapted to be depressed by the push pin of the dispenser to crush the glass and release the water to the ignition material. The diaphragm wall acts with a snap action from its overlying protecting position when its center is deflected by the dispenser pin to crush the glass thereby insuring the release of the water to the ignition material only when the dispenser pin is depressed and at all other times protecting the glass against fracture as when the can is dropped or impacted or even dented.

Abstract: Exothermic reacting chemical oxygen generators are heat insulated with a hydrate to protect the user. The hydrate, when heated by the generator releases water which is vaporized and allowed to escape to a zone which will not be grasped by the user or is absorbed in a surrounding inert insulation layer where it can condense and revaporize as the heat wave passes through the surrounding inert insulation. The generator is preferably in the form of a disposable canister such as a tin can containing an oxygen generating chlorate candle and means for igniting the candle. A mask or cannula carrying cap is snapped on the can and has mechanism for piercing the can and activating the ignition means to flow oxygen to the mask or cannula.The preferred insulation includes a hydrate salt layer sandwiched between metal foil-backed refractory fiber blankets and covered with a sleeve.