Abstract: An emergency vision system includes a housing; an inflatable main enclosure having an inflated state and a deflated state, the main enclosure in the deflated state is disposed in the housing, the main enclosure in the inflated state is configured to be stationarily disposed between a user and a source of information required to be seen by the user during a smoke emergency; and a movable hand-held enclosure having an inflated state and a deflated state, the hand-held enclosure in the deflated state is disposed in the housing, the hand-held enclosure in the inflated state is configured to be used by the user to view a second source of information not visible through the main inflatable enclosure.

Abstract: An emergency vision device, comprises a collapsible tube made of airtight material and having an expanded form and a deflated stowage form; first and second clear members disposed at respective first and second ends of the tube to enable a user to see through the tube and observe a source of information at a distal end of the tube while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment; and a portable gas cylinder having compressed clear gas and an outlet operably connected to the interior of the tube. The gas cylinder is operable to release the clear gas to fill the interior of the tube to expand the tube to the expanded form.

Abstract: A visual assurance apparatus for an aircraft includes an inflatable enclosure which is in a normally uninflated state. When inflated, the inflatable enclosure defines a visual path between the pilot and the windshield and between the pilot and the instrument panel. Thus, the pilot can see even when dense smoke is present in the cockpit.

Abstract: An emergency visual assurance apparatus for an aircraft cockpit comprises an inflatable enclosure having inflated and deflated states. The enclosure is adapted to fill the visual path between a pilot and an instrument panel and/or a windshield of an aircraft when in the inflated state. The inflatable enclosure includes windows for permitting the pilot to see through the enclosure, thereby enabling the pilot a clear path of visibility to the instrument panel and/or the windshield during a smoke emergency in the cockpit. A blower is provided for inflating the inflatable enclosure with transparent fluid during an emergency to maintain the visual path between the pilot and the instrument panel and/or the windshield. A separable member is associated with the blower such its removal activates the blower.

Abstract: Decompression and toxic fume protection apparatus comprising an inner chamber adapted to surround the head of the wearer, an inflatable and concentric outer chamber, a gas reservoir, means for removal of carbon dioxide and passageways for the circulation of gas through the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention includes an operator station emergency visual assurance system for providing the operator with substantially uninterrupted access to operationally necessary visual information under emergency conditions of a progressive invasion by heavy smoke and/or particulate matter toward and/or into the space between the source of said visual information and the operator. The system includes a station with a source of visual information. An operator position is provided spaced from said source of visual information with positionable means for providing a clear path of visibility between said source of visual information and the operator when in the operator position, when the positionable means is positioned between the source of visual information and the operator. The invention also includes the method of utilizing the system.

Abstract: A smoke hood is provided which is highly compact, quickly assembled, and light-weight. The device is defined by a tubular, transparent portion made from KAPTON, having a closed upper end and a lower skirt portion adapted to fit over at least the head of a user. A neck seal is attached to the interior of the tube and is designed to allow the user to quickly put on the hood without allowing any of the outside environment to flow into the hood. Inflow and outflow valves are attached to the hood the former of which connects to an air supply system. A method for assembling the hood is also provided along with details of an inflow valve arrangement, an outflow valve arrangement, and a kink-free air supply hose structure.

Abstract: A hood for providing breathable air having CO.sub.2 absorption means within the hood.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin humidification system for humidifying an air mass within the cabin. The system comprises:(a) means for ventilating the cabin with a ram air stream;(b) means for humidifying the air of the ram air stream so as to maintain a desired level of humidity within the cabin;(c) means for exhausting at least a portion of said air from the cabin;(d) removal means for at least partially removing moisture from the air removed from the cabin;(e) recycle means for recycling at least a portion of the moisture from the exhausted air; and(f) humidification means for humidifying the cabin by adding at least a portion of the removed moisture to the cabin.A method for ventilating an aircraft cabin comprising the steps of:(a) injecting ram air into the cabin;(b) humidifying the ram air by injecting moisture therein;(c) exhausting air from said cabin;(d) removing moisture from the exhausted air of step (c);(e) recycling the removed moisture of step (d); and(f) reinjecting the removed moisture into the ram air.

Abstract: A life support system is provided for users located within enclosed areas to supply them with fresh air from a location exterior of the enclosed area, and is particularly adapted for use in emergency circumstances such as when fire and smoke fill enclosed areas. The system can be used in buildings and in aircraft and can be adapted for use with the gasper outlets presently employed on aircraft. A method for providing fresh exterior air to the enclosed area and the user includes conducting the air to an outlet for the exterior air which is located within the area, conducting the exterior air from the outlet to at least one breathing cavity of the user, and preventing the user from inhaling ambient atmosphere from within the enclosed area.