Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a breathing gas container array comprising a plurality of separate containers adapted to contain pressurized breathing gas and a manifold in fluid connection with the containers. The manifold includes at least a first section that is movable relative to a second section of the manifold so that at least one container in fluid connection with the first section is movable relative to at least one other container in fluid connection with the second section. In a number of embodiments, each of the containers comprises a plurality of cells in fluid connection via a passageway.

Abstract: A communications device for use with a protective helmet having a headband is provided. Generally, the communications device provides support member for a bone conduction microphone that is easily added to and removed from the protective helmet, allowing the communications device to be readily used with both new and existing protective helmets. While in use, support member positions the bone conduction microphone between the headband and a user's head, preferably between the napestrap and the center of the back of the user's head. The communications device can be used with any type of protective helmet, such as a fireman's helmet, a military helmet, a hard-hat, etc.

Abstract: A communications device for use with a protective helmet having a headband is provided. Generally, the communications device provides support member for a bone conduction microphone that is easily added to and removed from the protective helmet, allowing the communications device to be readily used with both new and existing protective helmets. While in use, support member positions the bone conduction microphone between the headband and a user's head, preferably between the napestrap and the center of the back of the user's head. The communications device can be used with any type of protective helmet, such as a fireman's helmet, a military helmet, a hard-hat, etc.

Abstract: A suspension for a protective helmet having a headband section that encompasses at least a part of a user's head and a crown support section connected to the headband section. The headband section and the crown support section of the suspension are fabricated from an integral piece of material. The suspension system may also have a headband comprising a section of elastic material. Alternatively, the headband may comprise a forward band having a first section to contact the forehead of the user and a second section adapted to be positioned between the user's head and the crown support section of the suspension during use thereof.

Abstract: A closed circuit breathing apparatus comprising: a container containing a reactant for reacting with carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen gas; a housing for the container; a foldable breathing bag and breathing tube assembly, including a mouthpiece disposed on the breathing bag, in gas-flow communication with the container; a cover for containing the folded breathing bag and breathing tube assembly; a strap for removably securing the cover onto the apparatus; and a chlorate candle for providing an initial volume of oxygen gas to the breathing bag wherein the breathing bag and breathing tube assembly is unfolded and the chlorate candle automatically fired by a user donning the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A suspension for a protective helmet having a headband section that encompasses at least a part of a user's head and a crown support section connected to the headband section. The headband section and the crown support section of the suspension are fabricated from an integral piece of material. The suspension system may also have a headband comprising a section of elastic material. Alternatively, the headband may comprise a forward band having a first section to contact the forehead of the user and a second section adapted to be positioned between the user's head and the crown support section of the suspension during use thereof.

Abstract: A safety helmet having a rigid outer shell, a shock absorbing layer inside of the outer shell, and a shield layer fabricated from a strong and lightweight material positioned between the outer shell and the shock absorbing layer. The shield layer is preferably free to move relative to the outer shell in a direction toward the shock absorbing layer.

Abstract: A faceshield that is securable to a protective helmet or headband having an indexable pivot joint which utilizes an interference fit between an O-ring and radially spaced lug sets. The O-ring is compressed when the crests of the two sets of lugs are radially aligned. This interference holds the faceshield in a desired indexed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-contained breathing apparatus ("SCBA") having a personal alert safety system ("PASS") fully integrated therewith. The PASS is structurally integrated with the SCBA such that it is protected from damage by both the air cylinder and the frame. The integrated PASS device is not only automatically activated when the SCBA is being used but can still be activated manually if the SCBA is not in service. Additionally, the integrated PASS device utilizes a unique electrical/mechanical connection assembly between its various parts which greatly increases its ruggedness and durability.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus having two or more air storage cylinders, each of the cylinders in gas-flow communication with a flexible manifold which is in gas-flow communication with a facepiece. Preferably, the flexible manifold includes a manifold unit connected to a flexible conduit for each of the cylinders such that the manifold unit is located at least partially within an envelope defined by the cylinders. Preferably the other main high pressure operating components are also connected to the manifold unit, including the regulator, pressure gauge, cylinder valve and wheel, pressure relief rupture disk, and low pressure alarm such that they are at least partially, more preferably substantially, and most preferably totally disposed within an envelope defined by the exterior surfaces of at least two of the plurality of cylinders.

Abstract: A protective garment or suit made of fluid impermeable material for use by workers in toxic and hostile environments having an air cooling deivce that divides air from a single airline supply into two separate fractions, one to provide respiratory air at the proper volume and pressure to a breathing mask and the other to provide cooling air at the proper volume and pressure to the inside of the suit to cool the body of the worker. The cooling device permits the delivery of different volumes of cooling air and respiratory air at the appropriate pressure. Further, the volumetric flow of respiratory air to the breathing mask can be adjusted by the worker while preventing it from being reduced below a predetermined safe minimum volumetric flow.

Abstract: A viewing assembly for use in the lens opening of a protective facemask comprising: a transparent housing adaptor sealingly mated to the lens: a substantially rectangular retainer for a lens cartridge assembly comprising opposing planar panels and providing in the latched position a recess that sealingly retains an enclosed lens cartridge assembly; an open area in each of said planar surfaces providing a common portal for viewing through the holder body; a lens cartridge holder defining a first open frame portion the outer periphery of the assembly being adapted to sealingly engage the inner surface of the holder adaptor; a first transparent lens positioned within said housing and abutting the assembly flange and positioned so as to provide sealing contact therewith; at least one other similarly configured lens adapted to adjoin the first lens yet being removable therefrom by manual manipulation; and at least one flexible strip secured to each of the removable lenses and at its other extremity being of a suff

Abstract: An air supplying hood has a top wall, to which the upper edge of a flexible plastic front wall is connected, with the upper portion of the front wall forming a transversely curved front window. A flexible back wall behind the window is connected with the top wall and the sides of the window to form with the window an open-bottom enclosure for a person's head. The lower portion of the flexible back wall and the front wall below the window form areas shaped to fit over a person's shoulder and lie against his chest and back. Above those areas is a hollow band extending around the hood and communicating with the lower ends of circumferentially spaced hollow vertical struts with which the wall of the head enclosure is provided. The band and struts are inflatable by an air tube extending through the back wall for supplying air to the head enclosure.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus flow device has a hollow housing with a bottom opening to receive the upper end of a chemical canister neck, a side opening for connection to a breathing bag, and a top opening for connection to an exhalation tube. Slidably mounted in rigid downwardly extending tubular means in the housing is a hollow open end plunger that extends below the housing and is urged downwardly by a coil spring. A cylindrical resilient seal encircles the lower portion of the tubular means in engagement therewith and extends below it and inwardly into engagement with the plunger to seal the space between the tubular means and the plunger.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus chemical canister includes a central vertical tube, around which there is a body of chemical granules covered by an upper sheet of filtering material provided with inner and outer downwardly extending flanges engaging the tube and the side of the canister. Disposed between the chemical body and filter sheet is an upper screen having inner and outer downwardly extending flanges pressing the filter sheet flanges against the tube and side of the canister to form seals. A similar lower sheet of filtering material and lower screen around the lower end of the tube support the chemical body and the flanges of the lower screen press the filter sheet flanges against the tube and side of the canister to form seals.

Abstract: A candle for producing oxygen when ignited is mounted in the bottom of a chemical canister that is to be inserted in an open-bottom breathing apparatus receptacle provided with a depending projection. A primer for igniting the candle extends through the bottom of the canister and is exposed in the top of a firing mechanism housing secured to the canister bottom. At one side of the primer a hammer has one end pivotally connected to the housing on a transverse axis, with a spring urging the free end of the hammer into contact with the primer. Pivotally mounted in the housing on a transverse axis below the hammer is a trigger having one end engaging the bottom of the free end of the hammer in its cocked position, with the opposite end of the trigger positioned to be engaged by the receptacle projection when the canister is moved up into the receptacle, whereby to turn the trigger to disengage it from the hammer in order to release the hammer.

Abstract: The cover for a breathing apparatus canister has a body portion of substantially the same shape as the top of the canister and is provided with a skirt extending around the upper part of the canister and also with a central opening through which the neck of the canister extends. Extending from the body portion upwardly around the neck is a circular side wall closed at its upper end by a top wall above the sealing ring that encircles the upper end of the neck. The side wall is provided with inwardly projecting detents underlying the sealing ring to hold the cover in place, but the detents are sufficiently yieldable to permit the cover to be applied to the canister and removed.