Abstract: An integrated valve assembly and apparatus. The assembly has a main body that includes (1) an internal gas passage for conveying gas between a gas inlet and a gas outlet; (2) a gas expansion means placed in the internal gas passage between the gas inlet and the gas outlet; (3) and a locking valve that is used for controlling the release of the gas. Also included is a rotary actuator that can be operated by the user. This rotary actuator includes a blocking means that acts on the rotary actuator to prevent rotation of the rotary actuator. The integrated valve assembly may be used in a portable equipment unit that includes a compressed-oxygen bottle on which the valve assembly is mounted, and may optionally include a protective shroud for protecting the assembly and a demand valve connected to oxygen therapy nose clips, to a flowmeter or to any other similar device.

Abstract: Integrated valve assembly (2) with a main body comprising: an internal gas passage for conveying gas between a gas inlet and a gas outlet; gas expansion means (10, 12) placed in the said internal gas passage between the said gas inlet and the said gas outlet; and a locking valve (9) used for controlling the release of the gas and comprising a rotary actuator (18) that can be operated by the user; characterized in that it further includes blocking means (17) that act on the rotary actuator (18) of the locking valve (9) so as normally to prevent any rotation of the said actuator (18). Portable ambulatory equipment, comprising a compressed-oxygen bottle (1) on which such an integrated valve assembly (2) is mounted, optionally a protective shroud for protecting the assembly (2) and a demand valve connected to oxygen therapy nose clips, to a flowmeter or to any other similar device.