Abstract: A circular valve flapper for an unidirectional gas flow system, such as a breathing system. It has a central support an edge seal adapted to bear against a valve seat to stop the flow, and retract from the valve seat to permit flow. The flapper includes four concentric annular bands, the first being continuous with the support. The first and third bands are readily deflectable, and the second and fourth bands are relatively stiff. One, and preferably both, of the first and third bands are rolling diaphragms. The readily deflectibility of the first and third bands results in a substantial axial deflection of the edge seal, and a reduction of low frequency noise.

Abstract: A pressurized breathing system enabling the execution of the Valsalva maneuver. A breathing mask has an inhalation valve and an exhalation valve. A Valsalva valve when in its normal position does not interfere with the regular performance of the system. When it is activated, it holds the exhalation valve closed. An exhalation effort of the wearer then accomplishes the Valsalva maneuver against the closed inhalation valve.

Abstract: A gas filter canister housing assembly (20) capable of receiving gas filter canisters (28 or 40) of differing heights. The housing assembly includes first and second housing portions (54, 56) and holding apparatus (60) capable of holding the housing portion together. The first housing portion has a cylindrical extension (70) in which a filter canister may be disposed, and the second housing portion includes a cup-shape end portion (102) and a depending flexible skirt (100) which may be held against the cylindrical portion (70) in various positions of adjustment.

Abstract: A stand alone oxygen supply system associated with a mask assembly of the type including a face mask (28) and an inflatable head harness (26). The mask assembly is normally stored in a stowage box (10) which also includes a reservoir (20), a relatively large chemical oxygen generator in the form of a chlorate candle (18) and a plurality of relatively small oxygen supply devices in the form of small chlorate candles (38). The small candles are caused to be sequentially fired to maintain an oxygen supply under pressure within the reservoir (18) during storage and/or tests.

Abstract: A self-contained portable single patient ventilator/resuscitator of the type which has a timed cycle of operation, but which a patient can override in response to his physiological needs. The ventilator/resuscitator has a power source in the form of a chemical oxygen generator (132), fluid operated delivery means associated with the oxygen source, and control means. The delivery means includes pump means (122) associated with an ambient air filter (120), a two position valve shiftable between inspiratory and expiratory modes, an output tube (130) and a mask (10 and 110) and head harness (112). When the delivery means is in the inspiratory mode at least a portion of the oxygen output is delivered to the patient (114), and whethe delivery means is in the expiratory mode at least a portion of the oxygen output is delivered to an accumulator (124).

Abstract: A single patient ventilator/resuscitator of the type which has a timed cycle of operation, but which a patient can override in response to his physiological needs. The ventilator/resuscitator has a source of oxygen, for example a chlorate candle (26), the oxygen source being associated with a filter (32) capable of filtering toxic or harmful contaminants from the atmosphere. Fluid operated delivery and control means are associated with the oxygen source and includes an air oxygen delivery means (20) shiftable between inspiratory and expiratory modes. When the delivery means is in the inspiratory mode at least a portion of the oxygen output is delivered to the patient (14), and when the delivery means is in the expiratory mode at least a portion of the oxygen output is delivered to an accumulator (54). The fluid operated control means (24) will cause the delivery means to cycle between its inspiratory and expiratory positions in a timed cycle established by timing modules (88, 89).

Abstract: A combined pressure compensated exhalation and anti-suffocation valve assembly of the type which may find utility in an aviator's breathing mask. The valve assembly (14) includes a valve body (20) provided with an exhaust port (44) and a compensated pressure chamber (62) in communication with the mask cavity through an orifice tube (72). Disposed within the valve body (14) are a movable diaphragm assembly (22) and an exhaust port plate (24) supported by and movable toward and away from the diaphragm assembly.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant armor panel and a method of constructing the same utilizes a first layer of resin-impregnated fabric, a second layer of flexible woven fabric, a border layer of resin-impregnated fabric bordering the second layer, and a third layer of resin-impregnated fabric. The percentage by weight of resin in the first layer is such that the first layer distributes the impact of a projectile which strikes its surface over a large area of the panel and effectively contributes to the ability of the panel to stop and/or slow the projectile. Furthermore, the second layer of flexible woven fabric is encapsulated by the first, border and third layers. Such a construction minimizes blunt trauma in body armor in which the panel is utilized and preserves the dry ballistic resistance of the woven fabric comprising the second layer. The panel of the invention is particularly well-suited for utilization in a helmet, and a helmet which includes such a panel possesses very good ballistic resistance.

Abstract: A unified filter and connector housing (24) incorporating a diversion valve assembly (74), the housing assembly being usable with a protective breathing mask assembly (12) of the type requiring separate breathing gas and ventilating gas supply lines (18 and 20). The housing assembly includes first and second housing members (26, 32) which receive therebetween a filter (30) in an airtight relationship. The first housing member is provided with inlets (46, 62) to which quick disconnect supply lines (50, 66) for breathing gases and ventilating gases may be secured. Parallel breathing and ventilating gas passageways (42, 58) are disposed within the first housing member, only the breathing gas passageway normally being in a fluid communication with the filter.

Abstract: A self-contained portable ventilator/resuscitator which can be operated from either an internal power source, or in the event that the power source fails, can be manually operated to provide the patient with a supply of filtered ambient gases. The ventilator/resuscitator includes a housing (12) in which is mounted a chlorate candle (36), a filter (38), a pump (32), and control means (34). The pump is caused to be operated by the chlorate candle and will cause ambient gases to be drawn into the filter to be mixed with the output of the candle for subsequent delivery to the patient. The device further includes an accumulator (14) which, during normal operation, stores excess gases during the expiratory cycle, and, in the event that the chlorate candle ceases operation, can be manually operated through movement of the handle (90) to either draw gases into the accumulator through filter (38) or to force the filtered gases into the lungs of the patient.

Abstract: A mask assembly (10) adapted for use with a portable ventilator/resuscitator (30) and which is adapted to be either placed directly over a patient's face or to be connected to a gas mask (18) worn by the patient, the gas mask having an inlet and an exhalation valve (26). The mask assembly includes an oral nasal mask (12) which can be placed over the patient's nose and mouth, holding means (16) including a head harness (58) and adjustable straps (60) which are capable of holding the mask (12) over a patient's face, and tubing means (14) having one end (28) connected to the portable ventilator/resuscitator (30) and the other end provided with a connector tube which, when the mask is in an inverted shape, can be snap fit into an annular opening in the end wall (22) of a filter (20) of the gas mask (18). The mask assembly (10) is further provided with pressure compensating means (38) capable of blocking the exhalation valve (26) of the gas mask.

Abstract: A gas filter container for housing a filter capable of filtering gases containing toxic components. The container includes a flexible end wall adapted to be positioned against the body of the user and is secured by means of a series of straps, two of which are adapted to be attached to a harness structure, such as a parachute harness, worn by the user, in a readily separable fashion so that disconnection of the harness will simultaneously free the two straps connected to the gas filter container. The flexible end wall includes inwardly-directed projections to space the wall from the filter inlet when the wall is deflected and thereby maintain a communication path to the filter inlet.