Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for pyrotechnically generating a mixture of at least two gases, substantially in a predetermined ratio, for an extended period of time, with separate pyrotechnic charges generating each component of the resultant mixture. At least one of the pyrotechnic charges is capable of sustained burning at a rate corresponding to the rate of total gas generation, and the remaining charges, not in themselves capable of sustained burning, are caused to sustain ignition by maintaining their burning surface in thermal communication with that of the first charge, so that all charges burn at substantially the same linear rate.

Abstract: A chemical canister for use in a respirator has opposed openings, one for connection to a mouthpiece and the other for connection to the rest of the respirator. The canister contains a carbon dioxide removing and oxygen liberating chemical, and there also is a chemical which, upon being heated, will liberate nitrogen to mix with the oxygen liberated in the canister.

Abstract: Providing visual means for indicating when vapor/gas respirator cartridges have exhausted their capacity to provide respiratory protection at or below a hazardous concentration level. In combination with a vapor/gas indicator adapted to undergo a change in color with contact by an organic vapor or gas, there is provided a catalytic agent for enhancing activation and reaction of the indicator agent.

Abstract: The disclosed gas flow sensor has an orifice connected in an oxygen conduit and a pressure switch connected to the conduit by having a pressure chamber communicating with the conduit. The chamber terminates at a diaphram which is operatively coupled to a normally open microswitch by a spring loaded rod. As the flow rate of oxygen flowing through the conduit drops below a permissible minimum magnitude, back pressure on the orifice decreases so as to close the microswitch to provide a control signal. A bypass valve is connected across the orifice to prevent the oxygen pressure within the conduit from excessively increasing.

Abstract: An operation area on an operating table is flanked by a blower unit and a suction unit. The blower unit creates several vertically spaced and independently adjustable streams of gas each of which is aspirated by a respective intake of the suction unit. The lowermost stream of gas, which is sterilized, flows just tangent to the operation location on the body of a patient lying on the operating table. The outlets of the blower unit and the intakes of the suction unit are independently adjustable to position the respective gas streams in accordance with the dimensions of the body part being shielded.

Abstract: A high-pressure oxygen generator or compressor for filling oxygen diving tanks employing a pressure vessel closely containing a chlorate oxygen producing candle. The generator includes means for initiating the release of oxygen by the candle and for transferring oxygen from the canister with minimum volumetric losses.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly of the flow through type has a central element of open cell foam rubber, such as foam polyurethane, two series of rigid thermoplastic rods sandwiching the central element, the rods being capable of developing and holding a positive electrostatic charge, and first and second air permeable outer sheet elements of synthetic fibers, such as polypropylers, overlying each of the series of rods. The assembly has enhanced air cleaning abilities, is readily washable, and produces an atmosphere containing increased concentration of negative ions.