Self-contained breathing system
Inventors
Teetzel, James W. • Lemire, Gary M. • Desrosiers, Daniel A. • Hansen, Mark A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10130831-B2
Publication Date
2018-11-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
A breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a breathing apparatus having a chassis that defines a passageway for a breathable gas and includes a first inlet for receiving breathable gas from one or more self-contained sources and a second inlet for receiving ambient air, together with an outlet for delivering breathable gas to a user. A suction source is coupled to the chassis and draws ambient air into the passageway, and a main filter assembly is in fluid communication with the suction source to remove contaminants from the ambient air.
The apparatus includes a breathing hose assembly with a first end removably connected to the outlet and a second end configured to be removably connected to an external breathing device. The breathing hose assembly has an inner perforated hose arranged longitudinally within an outer flexible bag, and the outer flexible bag is inflatable to hold a volume of air for subsequent delivery to the user.
The apparatus further provides one or more self-contained sources of breathing gas that are removably attached to the chassis and selectively fluidically coupled to the first inlet. An alarm system provides a user-perceptible alert when a pressure in a connected self-contained source falls below a preselected value, and the alarm system comprises a somatic communications system that tactually communicates with the user by producing a vibrational signal responsive to the detected low pressure condition.
In the breathing hose assembly, a vibrating element is mounted within the second end to produce tactually detectable vibrations, and an electrical connector is mounted within the first end for electrical connection to a power supply within the chassis. An electrical conductor passes through the breathing hose assembly to electrically couple the vibrating element and the electrical connector.
Claims Coverage
The provided material includes two independent claims (clm-00001 and clm-00013). Across these independent claims, there are four main inventive features: a chassis with first inlet for self-contained breathing gas, second inlet for ambient air, and an outlet; suction and a main filter assembly for removing contaminants from ambient air; a breathing hose assembly with an inner perforated hose inside an inflatable outer flexible bag; and a low-pressure alarm using somatic communications with a vibrating element powered through an electrical connector and conductor routed through the hose.
Chassis with dual inlets and outlet for breathable gas
A chassis defining a passageway for a breathable gas, comprising a first inlet for receiving breathable gas from a self-contained source of breathing gas, a second inlet for receiving ambient air, and an outlet for delivering breathable gas to a user.
Suction-driven ambient-air intake with main filter assembly
A suction source coupled to said chassis and in fluid communication with said second inlet for drawing ambient air into said passageway; and a main filter assembly in fluid communication with the suction source for removing contaminants from the ambient air.
Breathing hose with inner perforated hose and inflatable outer flexible bag
A breathing hose assembly having a first end removably connected to said outlet and a second end configured for removably connecting to an external breathing device; wherein said breathing hose assembly has an inner perforated hose and an outer flexible bag, each extending from the first end to the second end, the inner perforated hose arranged longitudinally within the outer flexible bag, and wherein the outer flexible bag is inflatable to hold a volume of air for subsequent delivery to the user.
Low-pressure somatic communications alarm via vibration
An alarm system for providing a user-perceptible alert when a pressure in a connected one of the one or more self-contained sources of breathing gas falls below a preselected value, said alarm system comprising a somatic communications system operatively integrated with said breathing apparatus for tactually communicating with a user by producing a vibrational signal responsive to a detected low pressure condition; wherein said first end of said breathing hose assembly comprises a vibrating element and an electrical connector and an electrical conductor passing through the breathing hose assembly for electrically coupling the vibrating element and the electrical connector.
The independent claims cover a dual-source breathing apparatus architecture that uses suction and a main filter assembly for ambient air, delivers air through a breathing hose with an inner perforated hose inside an inflatable outer flexible bag, and provides a tactile vibrational alarm responsive to low pressure in a connected self-contained source, with vibrator power supplied via an electrical connector and conductor passing through the hose.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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