Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B7/00—Respiratory apparatus
  • A62B7/10—Respiratory apparatus with filter elements
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B17/00—Protective clothing affording protection against heat or harmful chemical agents or for use at high altitudes
  • A62B17/006—Protective clothing affording protection against heat or harmful chemical agents or for use at high altitudes against contamination from chemicals, toxic or hostile environments; ABC suits
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B25/00—Devices for storing or holding or carrying respiratory or breathing apparatus
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B7/00—Respiratory apparatus
  • A62B7/02—Respiratory apparatus with compressed oxygen or air
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B17/00—Protective clothing affording protection against heat or harmful chemical agents or for use at high altitudes
  • A62B17/04—Hoods
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B23/00—Filters for breathing-protection purposes
  • A62B23/02—Filters for breathing-protection purposes for respirators
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B7/00—Respiratory apparatus
  • A62B7/12—Respiratory apparatus with fresh-air hose
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B9/00—Component parts for respiratory or breathing apparatus
  • A62B9/04—Couplings; Supporting frames

Definitions

• This invention is generally directed to an apparatus for protecting a user in hazardous environments, and more particularly relates to an apparatus for purifying contaminated air and providing portable clean air to a user, as well as preventing contaminated substances from contacting the user's body.
• powered filter systems ambient atmosphere is drawn through a suitable filter/decontamination means, or other purifying means, by a powered blower or the like, so that the contaminated ambient air is rendered breathable.
• the purified resultant air is fed to a headpiece of some kind, such as a tight fitting face mask.
• PPAPRs powered air purifying respirators
• dangerous or unbreathable atmosphere includes air containing less than 19.5 volume percent oxygen, or air with the requisite oxygen but also containing significant proportions of harmful contaminants, e.g. particulate or gaseous contaminants.
• the wearer may be able to enter an area that has a contaminated atmosphere using only a filter system, provided the filter is capable of meeting the challenge of cleaning the atmosphere and enabling the user to breathe and still preserve his or her health.
• the filter can be provided with means to eliminate harmful constituents or contaminants in the wearer's ambient atmosphere.
• filter based decontamination systems that is systems that purify an ambient atmosphere that has become contaminated so as to convert the atmosphere to breathable air, work best when they pass an air supply under regulated flow through a cleaning element (such as a suitable filter).
• a pump/blower is used to draw the contaminated atmosphere through a filter, and perhaps into contact with a material that ameliorates the contaminant(s), and to then force the purified, e.g. filtered, air under positive pressure into a face mask or other means associated with the breathing of the wearer, such as a mouth grip, hood or helmet.
• a powered air supplying means such as a battery operated pump/blower means
• air cleaning systems that are not powered by external means can be used.
• the user's lung power provides the necessary impetus to force contaminated air through the cleaning element.
• this means of cleaning ambient atmosphere will be referred to as an air purifying respirator (APR).
• APR air purifying respirator
• Systems which force air through a filter using a powered pump or blower arrangement are known as powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs)
• a PAPR system is able to protect against contaminants so long as the oxygen level in the purified air is above 19.5 volume percent and provided the contaminants can be removed by filtration, that is, the soot and smoke or other contaminants can be ameliorated by reaction deposition with a suitable purifying material.
• these systems have been designed to use replaceable filter(s) and air purifying element(s).
• PAPR systems are not appropriate where the ambient atmosphere has an oxygen content that is less than 19.5 percent by volume.
• the existing systems either provide positive pressure (pumped) filtering and purification systems to convert contaminated ambient atmosphere to air that is clean enough to breathe safely, or they provide bottled air under pressure that is carried by the person to be used instead of the ambient atmosphere. While both systems have deficiencies, each system has advantages, and even necessities, under critical conditions. [0012] While the above and following comments use a fire fighter as an illustrative example of the type of person who will benefit from using a combined PAPR and SCBA system, this system is by no means limited in use to fire fighters. For example, workers in chemical plants and refineries may have substantial need for the benefits available from the system described herein. Likewise, soldiers in the field that are being subjected to chemical or biological attack will benefit greatly from the system described herein. It will, of course, be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that others will similarly be assisted by the system described herein.
• a breathing apparatus includes a self-contained breathing apparatus
• SCBA tank-stored air to a user
• PAPR powered air purifying respirator
• the PAPR is operably coupled to the SCBA to permit selective control of the source of breathable air supplied to the user.
• the breathing apparatus further includes a fluid impervious body suit for preventing contaminated ambient air from contacting the user.
• the body suit may include a plurality of layers of material and may, for example, include an impermeable fluoro-polymer barrier positioned between an inner layer and an outer layer of fabric.
• the protective suit is operable for use in an unbreathable atmospheric environment caused by fire, chemical, biological, and/or radiation contamination.
• the suit may further include a dual air hood having an inner rubber face sealingly engaged with a chemical warfare mask.
• the hood can include an outer member drawn over the mask and tightly fitted over the mask lens frame.
• the dual hood is operable for providing a protective barrier to liquid and vapor phase agents to thereby reduce contaminant load at the interface of the mask and the skirt of the inner hood.
• a face mask For ease of understanding, further reference will be made to the use of a face mask. However, this use is illustrative and not limiting.
• a mouth piece can also serve the function of bringing breathable air to the user.
• each hose is connected to a "tee" piece, or similar connection device in the case of a single entry face mask.
• each hose is provided with a non-return (one-way) valve.
• An exhaust valve is provided in the face mask so that exhaust air is vented to the atmosphere.
• a valving and/or switching system is provided so that the wearer controls whether to receive cleaned ambient air or supplied (bottled) air, without exposure to uncleaned/contaminated ambient air.
• This valving and/or switching system can be manually operated by the user, in which case the user determines independently which air supply to use; or it can operate under semi-automatic control where the air supply from the SCBA and the PAPR are both connected to a valve manifold.
• the SCBA supply is shut off and the PAPR blower is off, but filtered air from the PAPR flows to the face mask through resistance breathing.
• the wearer can switch the PAPR blower on if resistance breathing becomes too difficult.
• the wearer can open the SCBA supply valve and switch off the PAPR. If desired, the pressure of the SCBA air can trigger a switch to automatically shut off the PAPR, leaving the air supply solely from the SCBA.
• the decision as to whether to accept purified air from the filter assembly, or to demand air from the supplied air bottle means can operate automatically based on a sampling and testing means associated with the valving means, which would be electrically operated so as to open access to the SCBA system and close access to the PAPR system via the manifold valve.
• At least one air bottle is provided with a connection to at least one port in the face mask and a controllable valve is provided that permits control as to whether to withdraw air from the bottle or not.
• At least one filter element separate from the air bottle along with a controllable valve system, permits control as to whether ambient air is taken in by the PAPR and fed to the mask.
• a battery or other powered electric motor driven blower operatively attached between the filter element and the user, is controlled by a switch or a handle to enable the motor driven blower to be operated.
• ambient air will be powered through the filter element where it is purified of its harmful constituents, such as soot and other harmful particles, vapors or gases.
• the valve of the SCBA is opened by the wearer, and the PAPR system is switched off. Ambient air is no longer taken in through the filter elements but, instead, air is now supplied by the SCBA system.
• a face mask it is suitably equipped with a one-way valve that enables exhausted, exhaled air to be vented regardless of whether the intake air is delivered through the filter element or from the bottled compressed air.
• the face mask may be used in conjunction with a closed circuit apparatus.
• the bottled air is under substantial pressure and must have its pressure reduced to an extent sufficient to enable it to be breathed by the user without damage to the user's respiratory system.
• This procedure, and equipment to enable this procedure to be accomplished is well known per se.
• commercially available first and second stage regulators can be used for this purpose.
• a first valve that is a simple open or close valve attached at or very near the air bottle
• a regulator, pressure reducing valving system disposed in the line between the first valve and the face mask.
• Fig. IA is an exploded perspective view of a breathing apparatus
• Fig. IB is an assembled perspective view of the breathing apparatus of
• FIG. 2 A is an exploded perspective view of a further breathing apparatus
• Fig. 2B is an assembled perspective view of the breathing apparatus of
• FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an air supply system that may be used by the breathing apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2;
• FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an air supply system that may be used by the breathing apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2;
• Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of an air supply system that may be used by the breathing apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2;
• FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of an air supply system that may be used by the breathing apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2;
• FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of an air supply system that may be used by the breathing apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2 with some modifications;
• Fig. 8 A is a front perspective view of a protective suit with a breathing apparatus attached thereto;
• Fig. 8B is a back perspective view of the protective suit and breathing apparatus of Fig. 8 A.
• Fig. 9 is a detailed blow up of several layers of the protective suit of Fig.
• a contaminated environment includes a hazardous material "hazmat” protective body suit 12 with a breathing apparatus 14 including a powered air purifying respirator “PAPR” 16 in combination with a self-contained breathing apparatus "SCBA" 18.
• PAPR powered air purifying respirator
• SCBA self-contained breathing apparatus
• the breathing apparatus 14 may be utilized with or without the protective suit 12, but that the suit 12 and the breathing apparatus 14 can generally be used together to maximize protection in a contaminated environment caused by chemical, fire, biological, nuclear and/or other contamination.
• Figs. IA and IB a first embodiment of the breathing apparatus 14 is shown in an exploded view (Fig. IA) and a fully assembled view (Fig. IB) as including the PAPR 16 and the SCBA 18.
• a traditional harness 66 may be used to hold different elements of the breathing apparatus 14 and to provide portability thereof.
• a ballistic protective barrier 60 can be positioned on the harness 66 between the SCBA 18 and the user to reduce risk of injury in the event of a tank rupture caused by foreign object damage such as a flying projectile or an external explosion.
• the breathing apparatus 14 can include a dual layer hood 84 having an inner rubber face skirt 86 and an outer protective member 88 tightly fitted around a face mask 20.
• the face mask 20 is adapted to be tightly fitted to the face of a user, not shown in Figs. IA and IB, to prevent incursion by atmospheric contamination.
• a pair of conduits 22a, 22b connects the PAPR 16 and the SCBA 18 respectively, to the face mask 20.
• the conduit 22a provides filtered breathable air from the PAPR 16 while the conduit 22b provides bottled air from the SCBA 18.
• the PAPR 16 includes at least one or more filter elements 24, a powered blower 26, and a plenum 29.
• the filter elements 24 operate to filter contaminated ambient air and to provide breathable air to the face mask 20 for the user to breathe.
• Each filter element 24 includes an ambient air intake opening 23 and an outlet 25 for the filtered ambient air to pass through.
• the filter elements 24 connect to the filtered air plenum 29 via any suitable mechanical fastening means known to those skilled in the art such as, for example, a threaded engagement.
• the filter elements 24 can be used individually or in a plural configuration. Additionally, the filter elements 24 may be positioned on one side of the plenum 29, or alternatively, may be spaced intermittently along multiple sides of the plenum 29 as desired.
• the powered blower 26 is operably coupled to the plenum 29 for drawing ambient air through the filter elements 24 and supplying filtered air to the face mask 20 via the conduit 22a, which connects to a port 40 in fluid communication with a manifold 36.
• the manifold 36 is fluidically connected to the face mask 20. It should be noted that the PAPR 16 is fully operational, with or without the blower 26 being turned on, as will be discussed in more detail below.
• a valve 52 is connected to PAPR 16 and is adapted to shut off filtered airflow to the face mask 20.
• the valve 52 can include a rotary handle 53 for manual operation, but could also be electronically, controlled such as by a solenoid. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the rotary handle 53 may be operatively connected to the filter elements 24 and, more specifically, maybe connected to filter intake cover(s) 55. It is understood that the valve 52 and actuator handle 53 can be located at any desired location in the PAPR 16 system, but is depicted in Figs. IA and IB proximate the blower 26.
• the blower 26 also includes an on/off switch 68 that operates independently from the valve 52, to allow conservation of battery power while the user breathes filtered air through resistance breathing.
• valve 52 allows the user to shut off the filtered airflow while the breathing apparatus 14 is operating in an SCBA mode so that the filter elements 24 are not unnecessarily contaminated
• the on/off switch 68 can be used to select between powered and resistance breathing when the valve 52 is open.
• the on/off switch 68 can be operationally coupled to the flow control valve 52 to ensure that the PAPR 16 airways are opened when the blower 26 of the PAPR 16 is switched on.
• the SCBA 18 includes a compressed air tank 28 filled with breathable air or oxygen.
• the contents of the tank 28 can be compressed to approximately 4500 psi when the tank 28 is fully charged, but of course, other compression values can be used instead.
• the tank 28 may include a shut off valve 30 which may be a mechanically actuated valve as depicted in Figs. IA and IB or an electronically actuated valve, as one skilled in the art would readily understand.
• a first conduit 32 is connected to the tank 28 on one end and to a first stage pressure regulator 38 at the opposing end.
• the compressed air is transported through a first conduit 32 to the first stage pressure regulator 38 which is operable for reducing the air pressure from the tank 28 pressure to a lower pressure, for example 100 psi.
• a second conduit 22b provides a connection between the first stage pressure regulator 38 and a manifold inlet port 42 so that compressed air is delivered through the conduit 22b to the port 42, which is fluidly connected to the manifold 36.
• the air pressure from the tank 28 can still be too high for breathing even at the reduced pressure.
• a second stage pressure regulator 54 can be positioned in the manifold 36 to reduce the air pressure to a standard, atmospheric pressure of approximately 14.69 psia.
• the first stage pressure regulator 38 can reduce the air pressure to a standard atmospheric pressure without utilizing the second stage pressure regulator 54.
• the conduits 22a, 22b, and 32 can be expandable hoses made from, for example, flexible tear-resistant material such as rubber with a stainless steel mesh cover to help prevent sharp objects from piercing the conduits 22a, 22b, 32.
• Quick coupling connectors 62 can be adapted to connect each end of the conduits 22a, 22b, 32 to mating receptacles on the breathing apparatus 14.
• a control valve actuator 64 can be operably connected to a control valve in the manifold 36 for controlling which air supply, either the PAPR 16 or the SCBA 18, is fluidly connected to the face mask 20.
• the control valve actuator 64 can be manually or electronically actuated, and in the later case, the actuator 64 can be located in a remote location as is known to those skilled in the art.
• a camelback member supply line 97 connects a camelback member 96 to the face mask 20.
• the camelback member supply line 97 is adapted to provide contaminant free liquid hydration from the camelback member 96 to the user without having to remove the face mask 20 and exposing the user to the contaminated atmosphere.
• FIGs. 3-5 schematically illustrate optional configurations of the breathing system of Figs. IA and IB, wherein the face mask 20 includes a manifold 36.
• the configurations shown in Figs. 3 - 5 are not necessarily distinct configurations that must be utilized independently, but to the contrary, can be combined in any manner desired.
• ambient air flows into the PAPR 16 through the inlets 23 of the individual filter elements 24. Filtered air exits the filter elements 24 through the outlets 25 and enters the filtered air plenum 29.
• the filter elements 24 contain suitable decontamination media for removing contaminates in both solid and fluid form. In this manner, the contaminated air is cleaned of solid particulate matter, harmful gases, and/or foul odors.
• the filter elements 24 may provide breathable air in a chemically, biologically and/or nuclear contaminated environment.
• the ambient air can be drawn through the filter elements 24 by resistance breathing of the user or by the electrically powered blower 26.
• the electrically powered blower 26 is operably connected to the plenum 29 and is adapted to draw ambient air through the filter elements 24 and to force the filtered air through the conduit 22a toward the face mask 20.
• the blower 26 includes an impeller 39, or the like, for generating suction forces. After the cleaned air is transported through the conduit 22a, the cleaned air enters the port 40 and flows into the manifold 36 via a one-way valve 74.
• the SCBA 18 is operable for delivering compressed bottled air from the tank 28 when, for example, the PAPR 16 is not supplying air.
• Bottled air flows from the tank 28 into the first conduit 32 and through the first stage pressure regulator 38.
• the first stage pressure regulator 38 reduces the pressure of the compressed air to a desired level.
• the bottled air is then delivered to the second stage pressure regulator 54 via the second conduit 22b.
• the second stage pressure regulator 54 is operable for reducing the pressure of the compressed air to approximately 14.69 psia.
• the second stage pressure regulator 54 can be positioned in the manifold 36 or in a remote location as schematically depicted in Fig. 3.
• the bottled air then flows into the manifold 36 through the port 42 via a one-way valve 76.
• the breathing apparatus 14 may include a gas sensor 56 that is operable for sensing the gas content of the air being delivered to the user.
• the sensor 56 is operable for signaling a warning alarm 69 if the filtered ambient air is not clean enough to breathe.
• the alarm 69 can be audible, visual or both. In this configuration, the sensor 56 can trigger the alarm 69, automatically shut down the PAPR 16 and cause bottled air from the SCBA 18 to flow to the face mask 20.
• the manifold inlet valves 74, 76 associated with for the PAPR 16 and the SCBA 18, respectively, can be electronically connected to the sensor 56 such that the inlet valve 74 from the PAPR 16 can be automatically closed and the inlet valve 76 from the SCBA 18 can be automatically opened when the PAPR 16 is not providing breathable air.
• the blower 26 will be automatically shut off via the electronic switch 68.
• the air enters the face mask 20 from the manifold 36 through a face mask inlet port 50 when a face mask inlet valve 51 is open.
• the inlet valve 51 is a one-way valve that opens when the air pressure in the face mask 20 is lower than the air pressure in the manifold 36, i.e., when the user inhales.
• the inlet valve 51 of the face mask 20 closes and the exhaled air exits through an outlet port 47, which also includes a one-way valve 48.
• the face mask outlet valve 48 is a one-way valve that opens when the user exhales because the air pressure in the face mask 20 is greater than the surrounding ambient pressure.
• Fig. 4 The configuration of Fig. 4 is similar to that of Fig. 3 except that it illustrates a semi-automatic mode of operation.
• An electronic on/off blower switch 68 and the valve actuator 64 for the PAPR are manually controlled in response to an audible or visible alarm 69 that is triggered by the sensor 56 when the PAPR 16 is not providing breathable air.
• the valve actuator 64 permits the user to manually switch the air source from the PAPR 16 to the SCBA 18.
• the configuration of Fig. 5 includes the same features as that of Figs. 3 and 4 with the exception of the gas sensor 56, the automatically controlled shut off switch 68, and the valve actuator 64 used to control the source of air. Instead, the configuration of Fig. 5 requires the user to shut down the blower 26 manually if PAPR 16 airflow is not desired or to conserve battery life of the blower 26. In this configuration, the face mask 20 will receive air from the supply source with the highest pressure. Thus, if the SCBA 18 is turned on, the air will be supplied from the SCBA 18 until the pressure in the tank 28 falls below the air supplied by the PAPR 16.
• the SCBA 18 air pressure would have to fall below ambient pressure before the PAPR 16 would supply air to the face mask 20.
• the SCBA 18 is turned off, air would be supplied by the PAPR 18 with either powered assist when the blower 26 is turned on, or through resistance breathing when the blower 26 is turned off.
• FIGs 2A and 2B an alternate embodiment of the breathing apparatus 10 is depicted.
• This embodiment is essentially the same as the embodiment illustrated in Figs. IA and IB except that the face mask 20 does not have a separate manifold 36. Instead, the air supply conduits 22a and 22b connect directly to the face mask 20 without connecting to an intermediate manifold 36.
• This configuration can be implemented in the same manner as the embodiments shown in Figs. 3-5.
• the valve system in the face mask 20 can be operated in an automatic, semi ⁇ automatic, or manual mode.
• the embodiment of Fig. 2 is depicted schematically in Fig. 6. It should be noted that Fig.
• FIG. 6 is illustrated without a sensor 56, an alarm 69, or an electronically controlled blower switch 68 for simplicity only, but that the only difference relative to Figs. 3-5 is a lack of a manifold positioned between the face mask 20 and the air supply sources, i.e., the PAPR 16 and the SCBA 18.
• Figs. 3-5 the only difference relative to Figs. 3-5 is a lack of a manifold positioned between the face mask 20 and the air supply sources, i.e., the PAPR 16 and the SCBA 18.
• separate ports 41, 43 are formed in the face mask
• the entry ports 41, 43 are suitably adapted to be closed by one ⁇ way valves 44, 46 respectively.
• the inlet valves 44, 46 permit breathable air to flow into the face mask 20, but do not permit the air to flow out of the face mask 20 and back into either air supply system.
• the inlet valves 44, 46 to the face mask 20 can be electro-mechanically actuated and can be operated automatically, semi-automatically, or manually.
• An outlet valve 48 located in the face mask 20 permits exhaled air to vent from the face mask 20 to the atmosphere.
• the outlet valve 48 is also a one-way valve that is designed to open only when the pressure in the face mask 20 is greater than the surrounding atmosphere.
• the harness 66 is adapted to attach the SCBA 18 and the PAPR 16 to the protective suit 12 of the user 58.
• the protective suit 12 can be used in unbreathable atmospheric environments caused by any number of contaminants such as fire, chemical agents, biological agents, and radiation.
• the protective suit 12 is made from a fluid-impervious material such that the suit 12 provides a complete physical barrier from the ambient contaminants.
• the suit 12 can be made from a laminated material structure having at least three layers (best seen in Fig. 9).
• the laminated materials can include an inner layer of fabric 78, an outer protective layer 80, and an intermediate layer 82 made from an impermeable fluoro-polymer barrier.
• the intermediate layer 82 is positioned between the inner and outer layers 78, 80.
• the suit 12 further includes the dual layer hood 84 discussed above in reference to Figs. IA and IB.
• the protective suit 12 can be ventilated to flush relatively warm humid air caused by the user's perspiration and heat output.
• the ventilation exchanges the warm humid air from the interior of the suit 12 with relatively cool filtered ambient air. Ventilated air can be forced through the suit 12, with the PAPR blower 26 or with a separate blower (not shown), hi either case, a ventilation hose 90 can be connected directly to the blower 26 or can be teed into the conduit 22a such that a portion of the airflow is diverted to ventilate the suit 12.
• the protective suit 12 can also include a camelback member 96 having a supply line 97 connected to the facemask 20.
• the camelback member 96 is operable for providing contaminant free liquid hydration to the user 58.
• the camelback member 96 includes a port 98 for receiving liquid, such as water, through a one-way valve (not shown).
• the port 98 may be configured to ensure that the camelback member 96 can be filled with liquid only when attached to a sealed container (not shown) for dispensing the liquid.
• the port 98 is adapted to open only when in sealed communication with the container so that hazardous environmental atmosphere is prevented from entering the protective suit 10 through the camelback member 96. In this manner, contaminate free liquid is stored in the camelback member 96 and can be supplied to the user through the supply line 97.
• the face mask 20 provides clear vision at all times because exhaled warm humid air may be prevented from contacting the viewing lens.
• the filtered and relatively cool intake air may be blown across the face of the face mask 20 to keep the viewing lens clear, while the exhaled air egresses away from the viewing lens.
• the protective suit 12 protects the user 58 from an environmentally hazardous atmosphere by keeping the contamination separated from the skin of the user 58 and by providing non-contaminated air for breathing.
• the operational characteristics of the protective suit 12 provides for a method of swapping air tanks 28 while the protective suit 12 is being worn without contaminating the air supply with unbreathable ambient air. Swapping air tanks 28 without contaminating the air supply can be implemented by using a quick connect coupling 62 that includes a pop off valve (not shown) configured to seal off the conduit 32 when the conduit 32 is removed from the air tank 28.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Emergency Management (AREA)
• Pulmonology (AREA)
• Emergency Medicine (AREA)
• Toxicology (AREA)
• Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
• Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)

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• 2005
  • 2005-07-21 AT AT05773697T patent/ATE444780T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2005-07-21 DE DE602005017054T patent/DE602005017054D1/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2005-07-21 CN CNA2005800249066A patent/CN101001672A/zh active Pending
  • 2005-07-21 EP EP08017362A patent/EP2008692A3/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2005-07-21 JP JP2007522783A patent/JP4746042B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2005-07-21 WO PCT/US2005/025976 patent/WO2006012475A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2005-07-21 EP EP05773697A patent/EP1786523B1/de not_active Not-in-force

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