Abstract: The invention relates to an automatically operating oxygen rescue apparatus whose case consists of a housing portion and a cover attached thereto, with the case holding an oxygen bottle, a regeneration cartridge, an oxygen metering valve system, and a breathing tube, with the housing portion having an impact device whose impact head can be made to contact the surface of the cover; the movable part of the impact device is operatively connected to the oxygen valve or to a valve on the oxygen bottle. The oxygen metering valve system contains lines for constant oxygen metering, automatic metering by a regulator and supplemental metering, all of which discharge into a breathing tube.With the rescue apparatus of the invention, the impact device can be started with a single motion. Actuating the impact device causes not only the case to open, but also the release of oxygen. The triple oxygen metering is adapted to the needs of the escaping person and can secure optimum air supply during escape from disaster.

Abstract: An assembly installable at an underground mine site for storing breathing apparatuses and for facilitating access to and application of such apparatuses comprises a matrix of storage receptacles closable on a common side by respective spring-loaded hinged doors. An actuating mechanism is provided on an assembly frame for simultaneously releasing a multiplicity of latches locking the doors closed, the actuating mechanism being coupled to a valve for opening the same to permit the passage of air from a pressure source to a perforated tube mounted under a cylindrical roof on top of the compartment matrix. The roof has an opening for guiding a stream of air into a space in front of the storage assembly, thereby increasing the time available for a successful application of the breathing devices in a disaster involving the depletion of the atmospheric oxygen supply or the release of toxic fumes into the work area.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying oxygen to a person at a mine site upon the depletion of atmospheric oxygen or the filling of the air with smoke or dust particles or poisonous fumes comprising a helmet having a visor shiftably mounted thereon for normally assuming an out-of-use position and for assuming an in-use position over the face of a user upon manipulation thereby. An oxygen-containing vessel is attached to a belt worn by the user, with a conduit connected at one end to the vessel and at the other end to the visor for forming a gas-guiding channel between the vessel and a space formed between the face of the user and the visor upon a shifting thereof into the in-use position.