Abstract: A gas cylinder (100) in the neck (20) of which is installed a balanced valve (26). The valve is fitted in the outlet of the cylinder and its output emerges into a recess (22) which opens to the top surface (23) of the cylinder. Thus the valve is protected from physical damage. A thread (27) in the bore enables the attachment of fittings such as a regulator or a filling device (not shown) which cooperate with the valve (26) to control passage of gas from or into the cylinder.

Abstract: A gas cylinder (100) in the neck (20) of which is installed a balanced valve (26). The valve is fitted in the outlet of the cylinder and its output emerges into a recess (22) which opens to the top surface (23) of the cylinder. Thus the valve is protected from physical damage. A thread (27) in the bore enables the attachment of fittings such as a regulator or a filling device (not shown) which cooperate with the valve (26) to control passage of gas from or into the cylinder.

Abstract: A valve module includes a valve housing (2) providing a chamber accommodating at least part of a valve member (3). The chamber forms part of a high pressure side of the valve. A valve port leads from the valve chamber to a low pressure side of the valve and the valve member co-operates with a valve seat around the valve port. The valve member is displaceable inwardly away from the valve seat to open the valve against a biasing spring biasing the valve member towards its closed position. The valve housing has on its low pressure side a shroud or wall (200) extending transversely with respect to the valve axis and spaced from the valve so as to deflect any gas exiting from the valve port in the direction parallel with the valve axis. The valve housing defines with the shroud or transverse wall (200) one or more transverse passages (113) leading to openings at the sides of the valve housing for the passage of gas issuing from the valve port.

Abstract: A pressure regulator suitable for use as a breathing demand valve in self-contained breathing equipment comprising a first chamber incorporating an inlet port having an inlet valve therein, preferably in the form of a poppet valve and biased so as to seal of the inlet port, and separated from a second chamber by a diaphragm. The diaphragm co-operates with the end of a stem extending from the poppet valve member of the inlet valve such that, upon inhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected towards the inlet valve and exerts a force on the poppet valve stem sufficient to open the poppet valve and, upon exhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected away form the inlet valve so that the diaphragm no longer contacts the end of the poppet valve stem and the inlet valve closes.

Abstract: A pressure regulator suitable for use as a breathing demand valve in self-contained breathing equipment comprising a first chamber incorporating an inlet port having an inlet valve therein, preferably in the form of a poppet valve and biased so as to seal of the inlet port, and separated from a second chamber by a diaphragm. The diaphragm co-operates with the end of a stem extending from the poppet valve member of the inlet valve such that, upon inhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected towards the inlet valve and exerts a force on the poppet valve stem sufficient to open the poppet valve and, upon exhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected away form the inlet valve so that the diaphragm no longer contacts the end of the poppet valve stem and the inlet valve closes.

Abstract: A nostril blocker adapted for retained mounting upon the mouthpiece of breathing equipment and comprising a bifurcated resilient element that in use is disposed generally parallel with the mouthpiece gas passage and spaced therefrom by a distance such as to position limbs of the element to straddle the nasal septum and obturate the nostril openings of the user.

Abstract: Pipe joints are effected by means of a connector unit in the form of a block, that may be moulded of plastics material, having a pair of opposed parallel faces each formed with a blind coupling port separated from an internal passage by a plug or knock-out diaphragm, the passage joining a pair of pipe-receiving ports that are preferably disposed in edge faces of the block. The connector units may be stacked to form a multiple unit with the internal passage of each unit connected to its neighbors through opened coupling ports.

Abstract: A pressure gauge comprises a gauge vessel filled with an indicating liquid that extends as a column into a reader tube; the gauge vessel has a deflectable wall portion such as a diaphragm that is resiliently biased, as by a plate spring pack in the gauge vessel, to resist inwards deflection under fluid pressure applied to a gauge port to which the deflectable wall portion is exposed. Deflection of the wall portion alters the liquid column length in the reader tube to indicate pressure.Differential and pressure-summing gauges are disclosed, as well as temperature-compensating arrangements.