Abstract: A diaphragm for use in a fluid storage tank in which the fluid storage tank comprises first and second shell portions defining an interior tank space, wherein the diaphragm is configured to be secured within the interior tank space between the first and second shell portions, to define a fluid storage reservoir between the diaphragm and one of the shell portions. The diaphragm comprises a body of deformable material having a part-spherical portion defining a central longitudinal axis. A thickness of the diaphragm varies between different regions of the diaphragm. The thickness of the diaphragm is asymmetric about the longitudinal axis. Also provided is a fluid storage tank including such a diaphragm.

Abstract: A seal for a ventilator piston. The seal is configured to be secured to a ventilator piston and received within a piston chamber of a ventilator to provide a slidable seal against an inner wall of the piston chamber. The seal comprises a deformable body comprising a first material, and a layer of a friction-reducing material provided on at least a portion of the deformable body and configured to provide slidable sealing contact with the inner wall of the piston chamber. The first material and the friction-reducing are different. Also provided is a ventilator comprising such a seal, and a method of manufacturing such a seal.

Abstract: A glove made of a first material, wherein a portion of the first material is absent in a region of at least one digit of the glove to define an aperture and at least a part of the aperture is disposed towards a tip of the at least one digit of the glove; and a portion of a second material is attached to the first material to cover the aperture; wherein the second material is compatible for use with a touch screen.

Abstract: An airflow control valve (20) for use in a breathing apparatus (10) to control a flow of air from a pressurized air supply to a respirator. The valve comprises an inlet port (31) for connection to a pressurized air supply, and first (32) and second (33) outlets. The valve is configurable between a first position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet to allow a restricted flow of air from the inlet port to the first outlet and in which the second outlet is sealed from the inlet port and, a second position in which the inlet port is in substantially unrestricted fluid communication with the second outlet to allow an unrestricted flow of air from the inlet port to the second outlet.

Abstract: An airflow control valve (20) for use in a breathing apparatus (10) to control a flow of air from a pressurised air supply to a respirator. The valve comprises an inlet port (31) for connection to a pressurised air supply, and first (32) and second (33) outlets. The valve is configurable between a first position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet to allow a restricted flow of air from the inlet port to the first outlet and in which the second outlet is sealed from the inlet port and, a second position in which the inlet port is in substantially unrestricted fluid communication with the second outlet to allow an unrestricted flow of air from the inlet port to the second outlet.

Abstract: A helmet for an aircraft pilot is provided including an inner shell and a liner attached to the inner shell configured to closely contact the pilot's head. The helmet also comprises adjustable tensioning means disposed at the rear of the helmet configured to tension the inner helmet and liner onto the pilot's head, to secure and locate the helmet in place on the pilot's head.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in a fluid pump comprising a disc of resilient material having a substantially dished shape. The curvature of the disc is formed from a plurality of steps.

Abstract: A flexible oro-nasal mask for mounting in a rigid shell attached to the helmet of aircrew at a fixed distance therefrom. The flexible oro-nasal mask incorporates an inspiratory and expiratory valve and the periphery of the mask is adapted to make a seal with the pilot's face. The oro-nasal mask includes an extendable structure which presses the periphery of the mask automatically towards the pilot's face to improve the seal therewith when gas at a pressure above that required for normal breathing is supplied to the mask. The extendable structure is configured so that when gas at a high pressure is supplied to the interior of the mask, the portion in the bottom region of the mask extends more than the portion in the upper region of the mask and the bottom of the mask is moved away from the wearer's face by a greater amount in the chin region than the nose region and the mask pivots upwardly automatically to compensate for the effects of G thereon.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating of NBC resistant material to a non-NBC resistant polymeric layer is provided comprising the steps of subjecting a surface of the polymeric layer to be coated to a high frequency and high voltage corona discharge to change said surface to provide a keying surface thereon; and applying the coating of NBC resistant material thereto. A material made by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A flexible oro-nasal mask for mounting in a rigid shell attached to the helmet of aircrew at a fixed distance therefrom. The flexible oro-nasal mask incorporates an inspiratory and expiratory valve and the periphery of the mask is adapted to make a seal with the pilot's face. The oro-nasal mask includes an extendable structure which presses the periphery of the mask automatically towards the pilot's face to improve the seal therewith when gas at a pressure above that required for normal breathing is supplied to the mask. The extendable structure is configured so that when gas at a high pressure is supplied to the interior of the mask, the portion in the bottom region of the mask extends more than the portion in the upper region of the mask and the bottom of the mask is moved away from the wearer's face by a greater amount in the chin region than the nose region and the mask pivots upwardly automatically to compensate for the effects of G thereon.

Abstract: An oro-nasal mask primarily for aircrew comprising a body shaped to fit around and enclose a wearer's nose and mouth. The mask has sealing means around the periphery thereof to make a seal with the wearer's face when fitted thereto, the sealing means comprising a resilient member provided around the periphery of the body which, in use, locates the mask on the wearer's face so that it makes a seal therewith and a flexible sealing membrane overlying said resilient member and operable independently thereof to reinforce said seal when pressurised breathable gas is supplied to the interior of the mask.

Abstract: A facemask incorporating breathing equipment for use with a flying helmet (2) comprises a rigid outer shell (4) in which a flexible face-piece (3) is housed whose periphery makes an airtight seal with the pilot's face (1). The face-piece (3) includes an inhalatory valve (11) and an expiratory vane (9) and the rigid shell (4) is attached to the helmet (2) by a harness (5) which keeps the shell (4) at a fixed distance from the helmet (2). Inflatable means (15, 20) are provided between the shell (4) which are inflated to press the periphery (14) of the face-piece towards the pilot's face when the pressure of breathable gas supplied to the interior of the mask and to said inflatable means increases above that required for normal breathing.