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Publication Number
US-9339669-B2
Publication Date
2016-05-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
A breathing apparatus simulator unit (BASU) comprises a mouthpiece/noseclip subassembly and a cartridge subassembly. The mouthpiece/noseclip subassembly includes the same mouthpiece/noseclip subassembly that is utilized in an actual self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) device. The cartridge subassembly comprises a container containing a reactionary material. The reactionary material reacts with at least one product of a user's exhalation to generate heat and resistance, thereby providing sensations to simulate the use of an actual SCSR.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a breathing apparatus that simulates use of an actual self-contained self-rescuer device. The apparatus includes a mouthpiece and a canister that is removably attached to the mouthpiece and provides fluid communication between the atmosphere and the mouthpiece through a flow path. The flow path includes first and second screens disposed in the canister, and a porous material extending from the first screen to the second screen in the canister.
The porous material is the only reactionary material contained within the canister and is arranged for reacting with at least one product of a user's exhalation to generate heat and resistance. This heat generation and breath-flow resistance provide sensations to the user that simulate the use of an actual self-contained self-rescuer device. The porous material is described as a single homogenous layer of non-hazardous material or as comprising a hazardous material, while still being retained in the canister by the first and second screens.
The cartridge directs air between atmosphere and the mouthpiece through the cartridge, with reactionary material that reacts with exhalation products to generate heat and flow resistance. The described structures include canister arrangements such as double-barreled with a coupler and single-canister alternatives, with a flow path having first and second open ends. The invention also describes optional canister materials, such as insulating canister material, and optional filtration.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims. Each independent claim centers on a mouthpiece with a removably attached canister that routes fluid between atmosphere and the mouthpiece through a flow path containing two screens and a porous reactionary material that generates heat and resistance in response to a user's exhalation to simulate an actual self-contained self-rescuer device.
Heat and resistance generating porous material retained between screens
First and second screens are disposed in the flow path of the canister, and a porous material extends from the first screen to the second screen in the canister and reacts with at least one product of a user's exhalation to generate heat and resistance, thereby providing sensations that simulate the use of an actual self-contained self-rescuer device. The porous material is the only reactionary material contained within the canister and consists of a single homogenous layer of non-hazardous material or comprises a hazardous material.
Porous heat and resistance generating means retained by screens as only reactionary material
First and second screens are disposed in the canister, and a means for generating heat and resistance in response to a user's exhalation simulates the use of an actual self-contained self-rescuer device. The means is porous, extends from the first screen to the second screen, is retained in the canister by the first and second screens, is the only reactionary material contained within the canister, and consists of a single homogenous layer of non-hazardous material or comprises a hazardous material.
Both independent claims require a mouthpiece and a removably attached canister providing fluid communication between atmosphere and the mouthpiece, with first and second screens and a porous reactionary material or equivalent means extending between the screens. The porous material or means is the only reactionary material in the canister and, in response to a user's exhalation, generates heat and resistance to simulate the use of an actual self-contained self-rescuer device.
Stated Advantages
Provides sensations to the user that simulate the use of an actual self-contained self-rescuer device.
Cost-effective disposable/replacement cartridges.
Safer disposal and shipping when using non-hazardous reactionary material.
Training realism by simulating heat generation and breath-flow resistance sensations.
Documented Applications
Training use that simulates the use of an actual self-contained self-rescuer device by providing heat and resistance sensations during exhalation.
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