Abstract: A heat protection garment comprises one or more manifolds connected to one or more headers by a plurality of parallel extending coolant tubes. The manifolds and headers are similar and both include mixing chambers to which the coolant tubes are connected. Coolant supply and discharge conduits are connected to the manifolds and headers respectively with connecting pieces extending across the mixing chambers between the coolant tubes and the conduits, in a plurality of rows. The ratio between the spacing of the parallel rows to the length of each of the connecting pieces to the distance between each of the connecting pieces in each of the rows is approximately smaller or equal to 1:3:1 and the number of coolant tubes to the number of rows of connecting pieces to the number of conduits connected to each mixing chamber is smaller than or equal to about 12:3:1.

Abstract: A valving mechanism for a lung controlled pressure respirator system which uses a mask which fits to the head of a person and includes an outer mask portion adapted to be sealed around the periphery of the person's face and an inner mask portion arranged within the outer mask portion, comprises a housing wtih a flexible diaphragm which extends across the interior of the housing. On one side of the diaphragm the housing is exposed to atmospheric pressure and on the opposite side it is connected to a pressure space defined between inner and outer mask portions of the oxygen mask. The housing also has a control valve portion in communication with the opposite side of the diaphragm. A respirator breathing air supply conduit is connected to the control valve portion.

Abstract: In a gas tight receptacle, particularly for an emergency respirator, a safety lock is disclosed which comprises an eyelet or slotway in a bottom and cover part of the receptacle. Both eyelets or slotways are engaged in a fixed manner by elastic tongues of a locking member. The locking member has a weakened portion in the area of the seal so that it can be broken to permit the full opening of the receptacle.

Abstract: An excess pressure respirator with automatic or manual shutoff valve is disclosed. A breathing bag having at least one movable plate member is utilized to receive and supply breathing air from a user. The plate member is biased to reduce the volume of the bag and apply pressure to the contents of the bag. A pressurized gas source is connected through a connecting line to the bag. A dosing valve is positioned in the connecting line to be opened when the volume of the bag is reduced during an inhalation cycle and then closed so that a dosed quantity of oxygen is supplied to the bag. A shutoff valve is also provided in the connection for shutting flow of breathing gas from the source entirely when the bag falls below a minimum volume which is indicative of a large leak or the removal of a gas mask from the user's face. A manual shutoff may also be provided in the form of a movable block which stops the movement of the biased plate member before it engages the dosing valve to open it.

Abstract: A warning signal device for a respirator. An alarm device is connected to a precontrol chamber and is activated to sound or show an alarm when pressure rises in the precontrol chamber. A first valve member is movable and separates a high pressure gas supply chamber from a medium pressure chamber. A first valve seat is positioned between the medium pressure chamber and the precontrol chamber which is closed by the first valve member when gas pressure in the high pressure gas supply chamber is above a threshold value. A second valve member is movable between the precontrol and the control chambers. A second valve seat is positioned between the medium pressure chamber and the precontrol chamber and closable by the second valve member. A throttle passage is defined in the second valve member which, with the second valve seat open, communicates the precontrol and control chambers and, with the second valve seat closed, communicates the medium pressure chamber with the control chamber.

Abstract: An improved portable respirator adapted to be worn on the back of a user of the type having a housing for housing a cartridge means containing a chemical which fixes carbon dioxide or evolves oxygen or both and an air bag includes a support frame having an integral compartment adapted to be charged with a coolant for cooling respiratory air.

Abstract: A respirator includes an arrangement for receiving exhalation air from a person for circulating this air which advantageously has been enriched with oxygen and treated to remove carbon dioxide through an inhalation line. The inhalation line is covered with a sheath of material which can be wetted with a liquid so that when the liquid evaporates the inhalation line is cooled.

Abstract: A respirator with a cooling device, includes a vest which is adapted to be used by a wearer of such a device and which has a coolant compartment associated therewith for containing a coolant. In addition, the vest provides means for mounting a respirator on the back of the wearer so that the respirator weight causes the vest to bear against the wearer's body and to cool it and, additionally, a coolant may be circulated through the respirator parts so as to cool them as well as to advantageously cool the respirating air. The coolant is advantageously carried in a structure which fits between the two walls of the vest and it is adapted to contain a coolant, such as, carbon dioxide. The gases formed by the melting of the carbon dioxide are directed over one or more elements of the respirator which advantageously includes an oxygen container, a breathing bag and a chemical cartridge, preferably for both generating oxygen and for retaining the carbon dioxide which is carried in the respiratory air.

Abstract: A respirator, comprises, a housing having a wall with a sealable opening which is advantageously located in a cover of the housing. A chemical cartridge is disposed in the housing and it has a material capable of generating oxygen upon being started. A breathing tube is connected into the cartridge along with a breathing bag so that a person's respiratory gases may be directed into the cartridge to the bag and then back through the material of the cartridge which also advantageously retains the CO.sub.2 and enriches the respiratory gas with oxygen. A first starter is associated with the cartridge for starting the material so that it generates oxygen and a second control element is disposed in the container adjacent the sealable wall and it has a starting material therein which may be actuated to generate oxygen so as to provide an indication of whether the oxygen-generating material is operating properly and can perform its function.

Abstract: An oxygen respirator container for an oxygen releasing chemical cartridge comprises a cylindrical bottom part having a bottom wall and an interior side wall with a plurality of spaced apart raised ribs with a recess between adjacent ribs. An oxygen generating cartridge is disposed in the bottom part on the bottom wall and over the ribs of the side wall and at least one holding element is disposed in the recess between adjacent ribs between the side wall in the container. The holding element has a top head portion which projects outwardly from the holding element into the bottom part and overlies the top edge of the cartridge so that it holds the cartridge over the bottom wall. The side wall of the container also includes an indented part adjacent the top of the cartridge with a top ledge of the indented part defining a holding nose. The holding element has a deflectable tab portion which engages in the indented part under the nose.

Abstract: A protective device for protecting a person's body from heat and gas, comprises a body suit which covers the person's body and which has a refrigerant storage tank connected to the back of the suit for storing a solid refrigerant, such as dry ice. The refrigerant, or a liquid produced from the refrigerant, is circulated from the tank around the suit for cooling the suit and the wearer. The apparatus includes an indicator having a display portion located in the field of vision of the wearer and connected back to the tank for indicating the condition of the refrigerant, such as, the total amount of solid refrigerant left, whether the melted refrigerant is leaking from the system and/or any other condition concerning the cooling system to the wearer.

Abstract: A warning device for breathing apparatus which has a respiratory gas conduit through which respiratory gases are passed and which includes three interconnected chambers. Two of the chambers include diaphragm valves operable, responsive to pressure conditions therein, to actuate a piston in the third chamber which moves a signaling element into the gas conduit to signal a low pressure condition.

Abstract: A device for enclosing a person's head which is fitted with a breathing mask for the purpose of testing the sealing of the mask to the wearer's face comprises a substantially cylindrical rigid helmet having a closed top adapted to overly the wearer's head and an open front portion adapted to be positioned in front of the wearer's face which is bounded by a front rim and side portions having bottom edges which have cut out curved portions forming supporting engagement edges conforming to the wearer's shoulders. A flexible apron has its periphery secured to the helmet rim around at least a portion of the opening and it carries drawstrings at its bottom edge which may be tightened around the body of the wearer so that the helmet with the apron seals over the person's head.

Abstract: A warning device for indicating a reduction of breathing gas supply pressure in an air breathing conduit includes a warning device member disposed in the breathing conduit which has a connection to the gas supply and is movable in response to a drop in the air supply pressure beyond the predetermined amount into at least a partially blocking position so as to increase the flow resistance through the breathing conduit so that the patient using the device is warned by the condition. The device includes a correction element connected to the conduit which moves the warning member in a direction away from the blocking position so that the warning cycle is again initiated.

Abstract: A device for indicating airtightness of a packing for apparatus which is to be stored under a vacuum and, particularly for protective breathing apparatus, comprises, a packing enclosing a packing space in which the apparatus is stored which has an outer surface with a recessed portion forming a chamber having a cover overlying the chamber enclosing and sealing it. A hollow expansible and retractable member, such as a bellows, is mounted in the chamber and has an opening to its interior extending through the packing into the interior of the packing space so that the pressure inside of the bellows is the same as the packing space. A ball is disposed between the bellows and the cover and it is held by expansion of the bellows against it in a fixed position which indicates an increase of the pressure within the packing beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A breathing device to facilitate a person's respiratory breathing of air with sufficient oxygen, comprises a breathing conduit adapted to be connected to a person for breathing. A breathing bag surrounds a portion of the conduit and it is connected into the conduit through suitable check valve elements to permit respiratory breathing along the conduit and from and to the bag. A first chemical cartridge has a first housing with an opening therethrough through which the conduit extends and it has an oxygen-liberating chemical therein which surrounds and is spaced radially outwardly from the conduit. An annular passage is defined in the space between the chemical and the conduit which communicates with the bag. The conduit has an end adjacent the bottom end of the first cartridge which is connectable to a central tube of a second chemical cartridge. The central tube has an end portion which interengages with the bottom end portion of the first conduit.

Abstract: The respirator comprises a first oxygen-liberating chemical cartridge housing which has a first end with a first opening and an opposite end with a second opening. The first cartridge has a tubular extension adjacent the second end communicating with the second opening and having a lateral air bag opening which opens into an air bag which surrounds the first cartridge. A breathing hose is connected from a mouthpiece which is adapted to be worn by a patient to the first opening of the first cartridge housing. The first cartridge housing also has a breathing tube connected to the second opening of the first cartridge housing and it may be coupled to a similar second breathing tube portion of a second cartridge housing. In addition, the second cartridge housing may be coupled to the air bag or the extension of the first cartridge housing so as to form an airtight seal therewith.

Abstract: A breathing device for carrying by a person, comprises a support frame adapted to be slung over the back of a person, which has a container affixed thereto for a coolant, such as a dry ice. The exterior wall of the container comprises a contact wall of a good heat-conducting material which has an exterior side which is covered by a breathing bag. The breathing bag is connected to a breathing line for respiratory use by the wearer and the breathing line has an oxygen liberating canister for adding oxygen to it. The air which is circulated over the breathing bag is cooled by the contact surface of the container for the refrigerant.

Abstract: A respirator comprises an air hose which has a mouthpiece which is adapted to be connected to the patient and an opposite end which is connected into a first cartridge housing which has an oxygen-liberating chemical therein. The first cartridge housing has a tubular inlet member connected between the air hose and the housing which has a through-flow air passage from the air hose into the housing, and has a second cartridge receiving opening intermediate the air passage. The first cartridge housing has a bottom wall which is spaced from the chemical therein and which has a connection at one end for connecting an air bag which is arranged around the cartridge. The opposite end of the bottom wall has a second cartridge receiving opening. The second cartridge housing has one end with a laterally extending tubular connection piece which defines an air flow passage which is insertable into the first receiving opening of the first housing in a manner such that it blocks the flow passage.

Abstract: A throttling device for fluids comprises a flexible tube in which the fluid is conveyed which has a compressible wall to vary the flow cross-section therethrough. The tube is received on a base plate which has a continuous channel of a size to receive the tube, and it is covered by a cover plate which has a projecting surface of a dimension and location to be positionable into the groove for compressing the tube therein, and which further includes control means for moving and the base plate relatively so as to vary the pressure acting on the tube and thus the flow cross-section therethrough.