Abstract: A breathing apparatus designed to display at least one condition associated with the breathing apparatus to the user of the breathing apparatus. The breathing apparatus includes a breathing mask, a display assembly and a sensor assembly. The display assembly includes at least one display designed to display at least one condition of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly. The breathing apparatus design can be designed to enable a third party to view at least one condition of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly while a user is wearing the breathing mask. The breathing apparatus can include a sealing arrangement for forming a seal between a circuit board and/or other electronic components and a housing of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A microphone assembly including two microphones is usable in connection with a mask of the type worn by someone wearing a protective mask or respirator. The two microphones may share a common pass-through. The output signals of the two microphones may share one or more conductors in the pass-through. One microphone may support the other on the mask, or the microphones may be physically separate, or the microphones may be formed as one unit. The invention also relates to a mask having at least two microphones.

Abstract: A microphone-speaker assembly includes a housing, a microphone, a speaker, and a push-to-talk switch. The housing supports the speaker for movement between a first position in which the switch is not activated and a second position in which the switch is activated. The switch is located in a water resistant chamber along with a circuit board. The speaker moves toward the circuit board when it moves from the first position to the second position. A seal supports the speaker for movement between the first and second positions. A method of activating a microphone in a microphone-speaker assembly includes the steps of applying force to a speaker of the assembly, and moving the speaker thereby to activate the switch thereby to activate the microphone. The speaker moves relative to a push to talk switch, deforming a resilient membrane that helps to form a water resistant chamber in the assembly.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus designed to display at least one condition associated with the breathing apparatus to the user of the breathing apparatus. The breathing apparatus includes a breathing mask, a display assembly and a sensor assembly. The display assembly includes at least one display designed to display at least one condition of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly. The breathing apparatus design can be designed to enable a third party to view at least one condition of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly while a user is wearing the breathing mask. The breathing apparatus can include a sealing arrangement for forming a seal between a circuit board and/or other electronic components and a housing of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A microphone assembly including two microphones is usable in connection with a mask of the type worn by someone wearing a protective mask or respirator. The two microphones may share a common pass-through. The output signals of the two microphones may share one or more conductors in the pass-through. One microphone may support the other on the mask, or the microphones may be physically separate, or the microphones may be formed as one unit. The invention also relates to a mask having at least two microphones.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for releasably supporting lapel mic on a mask includes a mask adapter for mounting on the mask, and a lapel adapter for mounting on the lapel mic. The lapel adapter is releasably connectable with the mask adapter to support the lapel mic on the mask. The adapter assembly has a sound opening that enables sound to pass from a voice emitter of the mask to the microphone of the lapel mic. The lapel connector of the lapel mic is accessible through the adapter assembly when the adapter assembly is connected with the lapel mic. The invention also relates to a method comprising the steps of attaching a lapel adapter to a lapel mic, attaching a mask adapter to a mask, and connecting the lapel mic to the mask.

Abstract: Various types of wireless communication systems for masks or helmets can be mounted externally or internally on a mask. Different types of microphones can be employed, for example, a bone-conducting microphone or a directional microphone. Ear speakers mounted at various locations on the mask or helmet can be employed. Wireless communication is with a transceiver mounted in or on a lapel unit, a walkie-talkie, or at a remote location.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a wireless heads-up display for displaying the amount of breathing gas remaining in an associated breathing gas supply is provided. The system has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter has a pressure sensor and a controller for interpreting the sensed pressure into levels indicative of the amount of breathing gas remaining in the breathing gas supply. These levels are transmitted via radio frequency to the receiver. The receiver, which can be mounted in a breathing mask, includes a display for displaying the amount of breathing gas remaining in the associated breathing gas supply.

Abstract: Elements of a mask amplifier, including power supply, circuit board or amplifier, and microphone, that do not need external exposure, can be separated from the speaker and can be located, for example, inside the mask volume.

Abstract: A microphone-speaker assembly includes a housing, a microphone, a speaker, and a push-to-talk switch. The housing supports the speaker for movement between a first position in which the switch is not activated and a second position in which the switch is activated. The switch is located in a water resistant chamber along with a circuit board. The speaker moves toward the circuit board when it moves from the first position to the second position. A seal supports the speaker for movement between the first and second positions. A method of activating a microphone in a microphone-speaker assembly includes the steps of applying force to a speaker of the assembly, and moving the speaker thereby to activate the switch thereby to activate the microphone. The speaker moves relative to a push to talk switch, deforming a resilient membrane that helps to form a water resistant chamber in the assembly.

Abstract: Various types of wireless communication systems for masks or helmets can be mounted externally or internally on a mask. Different types of microphones can be employed, for example, a bone-conducting microphone or a directional microphone. Ear speakers mounted at various locations on the mask or helmet can be employed. Wireless communication is with a transceiver mounted in or on a lapel unit, a walkie-talkie, or at a remote location.

Abstract: A microphone assembly including two microphones is usable in connection with a mask of the type worn by someone wearing a protective mask or respirator. The two microphones may share a common pass-through. The output signals of the two microphones may share one or more conductors in the pass-through. One microphone may support the other on the mask, or the microphones may be physically separate, or the microphones may be formed as one unit. The invention also relates to a mask having at least two microphones.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for releasably supporting lapel mic on a mask includes a mask adapter for mounting on the mask, and a lapel adapter for mounting on the lapel mic. The lapel adapter is releasably connectable with the mask adapter to support the lapel mic on the mask. The adapter assembly has a sound opening that enables sound to pass from a voice emitter of the mask to the microphone of the lapel mic. The lapel connector of the lapel mic is accessible through the adapter assembly when the adapter assembly is connected with the lapel mic. The invention also relates to a method comprising the steps of attaching a lapel adapter to a lapel mic, attaching a mask adapter to a mask, and connecting the lapel mic to the mask.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a wireless heads-up display for displaying the amount of breathing gas remaining in an associated breathing gas supply is provided. The system has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter has a pressure sensor and a controller for interpreting the sensed pressure into levels indicative of the amount of breathing gas remaining in the breathing gas supply. These levels are transmitted via radio frequency to the receiver. The receiver, which can be mounted in a breathing mask, includes a display for displaying the amount of breathing gas remaining in the associated breathing gas supply.

Abstract: A communication system for a mask including an externally mounted microphone and ear speaker assembly is provided. The microphone and ear speaker assembly are adapted for electrical interconnection with a radio. A lapel microphone assembly optionally including a transmission activation device, a microphone, a speaker and an amplifier may be included. An interconnection cable connecting the microphone and ear speaker assembly to a lapel microphone assembly facilitates connection and disconnection between the assemblies.