GB2150838A - Rescue device supplying oxygen mainly for applications inside of mines - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a light-weight respiratory system for use in rescue or for escape from a hazard. The system has two packs connected by a conduit (3); in the first pack (A) an oxygen reservoir (11) is housed which is connectible to the conduit (3) by a valve system (2) and an on/off switch (13). In the second pack (B), there is an inflatable sack (7) that is connected to the conduit (3) by a housing (14); also connected to the housing (14) is a mouthpiece (4). The second pack (B) is stored in a rupturable container (9) so that, when the system is activated by pressing switch (13), gas from the reservoir (11) flows into, and inflates the sack (7) causing the container (9) to rupture thereby presenting the mouthpiece (4) to the user. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Rescue device supplying oxygen mainly for applications inside of mines The invention relates to a rescue device, mainly for applications inside of mines, which supplies oxygen to its user. The rescue device of the present invention can in principle be applied in any field where it may happen that persons are compelled to stay-at least temporarily -- in lack of air or in an environment polluted by poisoning gases or when the oxygen of the air of the room runs out due to an explosion. Furthermore, it is preferably applicable in cases when one must enter air-polluted areas from fresh-air-areas in order to clear consequences of a trouble or a catastrophe. One must there be clearing and must return in good time from the polluted areas to the fresh-air-areas. Such cases can occur in store-rooms, plant halls and so on.Considering that the application of the rescue device of the invention can be expected to be used mostly in the mining industry the following description, too, will relate first of all to the applications in the mines.

The majority of the familiar oxygen supplying rescue devices consist of one mounted unit capable of being used for a long time. This means that they are able to supply their users with air cleaned from noxious substances and enriched with oxygen during a long period of time. The known devices make often possible a use for a longer time. These devices -- because of their large weight and volume - cannot be worn by personnel while working.

Such devices are therefore placed near to the proper workplaces, at a distance prescribed by several safety measures. In case of danger, the workmen have to go to the place where the devices are kept and they have to put them on and to turn them on.

Because of a blowout or an explosion, it might happen that because of the suddenly arising poor visibility in the room as well as the extraordinary state of mind due to the unexpected event not each person will succeed in reaching, putting and turning on the rescue device in proper time.

The idea has come up to construct oxygen rescue devices which, though they would supply their users with oxygen or air enriched with oxygen during a relatively short time, have a small volume and weight in order that the workmen can wear them while working. The reason for constructing such devices has been that the small rescue devices should ensure the oxygen supply for their users on the way from the proper workplace to the storage place of the larger oxygen rescue devices. One can get acquainted with such an oxygen rescue device in the Hungarian patent No. BA-3693. In the said Hungarian patent a visor mounted shiftably on the helmet is applied which visor is made of a transparent material and it can be tilted in front of the face of the person wearing it in use.

A conduit is connected to the visor as is a movement-transmitting member, e.g. a pull string.

Tilting the visor the user actuates the valve system of the device on his belt by means of the movementtransmitting member in order that the oxygen supply starts. The oxygen flows directly between the visor and the face of the user. In this construction several valves must be applied on the visor. Moreover, an air-sack and a gas filter are attached to the visor, as well. This kind of construction implies that at least one part of the oxygen-guiding conduit should be telescopic to be able to follow the movements of the visor.

Moreover, several fastening members must be mounted on the helmet protecting the head. Such a rescue device can be turned on within a few seconds and provides security for its user of an oxygen supply for 1S12 minutes. But a large disadvantage of this known rescue device is that it does not give the fleeing person information of the amount and pressure of the gas that can be easily perceivable by the eyes or ears. This is, however, necessary to decide quickly within the short time whether to flee.

A further drawback is that the helmet will become heavy and easily injured due to this construction.

This latter condition is especially valid when persons are working in narrow mine openings.

Clashing with different objects on the walls of the mine opening or with ones placed in the opening, the rescue device will be damaged and become unusable. One more disadvantageous feature of the said rescue device is the conduit and the movementtransmitting member between the carrier on the belt and the helmet. The mentioned conduit and the movement-transmitting member hinder the person wearing the rescue device during work, they hinder namely the necessary complex motions of the body.

The drawbacks of the known similar rescue devices can be at least partly eliminated by means of the oxygen rescue device of the present invention. The aim set for the rescue device of the invention has been that it is wearable even during, work, i.e. neither its weight nor its volume should hinder working or cause special problems.

Moreover, it should be able to be switched on within a few seconds with a minimum of operations and beyond that it should give easily perceivable and exact information of the amount and pressure of the oxygen gas in the device for decisions during escape. It should not get easily injured.

The set aim can be achieved by the oxygen rescue device of the present invention in such a way that the device consists of two parts, the first of which, the basic unit, that can for example be worn on the belt of the user, comprises the oxygen reservoir, an oxygen feeder and an extra feeder valve apparatus and the apparatus starting the oxygen supply and equipped with an electronic pressure sensor, an evaluating and display unit, while the other unit - the connection unit can be hung on the belt of the user, as well, In the latter, i.e. in the connection unit, an air-sack, a mouthpiece as well as a container of regenerator substance are placed. It is essential that the member actuating the rescue device is on the basic unit and that at least one sidewall of the connection unit is a crack-off-wall.Due to this construction, in case of danger, the user pushes the starting member, e.g. a push-button, with his one hand, then owing to the starting oxygen feed the swelling air-sack gives the crack-off-wall of the connection unit a push to open it and the mouthpiece got free in this way will be put to the mouth of the user by his other hand.

The basic unit placed in a casing can be worn on the belt and comprises the oxygen reservoir, a starting apparatus equipped with an electronic pressure sensor, an evaluating and display unit as well as the feeder apparatus. The starting apparatus can be turned on by a push-button protuding from the casing or placed in an opening of the casing. The starting apparatus ensures the relative large oxygen flow needed for the start after pushing the button, and also the continuous feed and the extra feed.

According to this the feeder apparatus comprises a pressure reducing valve, the continuous feed and the extra feed. These apparatuses themselves are of known construction. An air-sack, a container of respiratory lime filter and a mouthpiece belong to the connection unit that can be carried hanging on the side of the user. The connection unit is joined with the basic unit by a conduit. This conduit can be connected with the inside of a hollow body, in which the containers of the regenerator substance are and they contain respiratory lime. In the outlined construction the exhalated gas (air) passing through the regenerator substance (respiratory lime) enters the air-sack and through another branch the regenerated gas enriched with oxygen can flow back to the mouthpiece.

The essence of the oxygen rescue device of the present invention is that it has a basic unit comprising the oxygen reservoir the apparatus starting the oxygen supply and equipped with an electronic pressure sensor, an evaluating and display unit, the oxygen feeder and extra feeder valve apparatus as well as the start button in a separated casing and that it has a connection unit comprising beyond other parts of a rescue device the empty air-sack which is contained in a casing with crack-off-cover.

The oxygen rescue device of the present invention will be explained more detailed by means of the attached drawings, which are given for example only: Fig. 1 is a view of the basic unit of the rescue device of the invention, Fig. 2 is a detail of the connection unit of the rescue device, and Fig. 3 is a left side view corresponding to Fig. 2 with mouthpiece.

In Fig. 1 the basic unit ofthe oxygen rescue device is shown. The basic unit A is built in a casing 1. The figure does not show the memberislon the casing 1 needed to bind the whole basic unit A to the leather or waist-belt orto other kind of strap of the person using the device. The oxygen reservoir 11 is placed within the casing 1 and the starting apparatus 12, the electronic pressure sensor, evaluating and display unit 18 mounted on the starting apparatus and the feeder unit 2 built functionally to the starting apparatus 12 are coupled to the top of the reservoir.

The starter button 13 which protrudes from the casing 1 or is placed in an opening of it is connected to the starting apparatus 12. The feeder system 2 is created from known units and comprises generally the valve of pressure reduction, and valves ensuring the continuous feed as well as the extra feed. The valves of the feeder system 2 are arranged in such a manner that the oxygen come to the conduit 3. This conduit 3 establishes the connection between basic unit A and the connection unit B. It is expedient that the conduit is disconnectible at its ends and at a directional coupler 5.

One detail of the realization of the connection unit B is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. This unit is placed in box 9 the cover 10 of which is placed so that, in its outof-use state it cracks open or moves aside or opens the box 9 in some other manner in case of increasing inner pressure. It is expedient if the locked position of the cover 10 is secured by a (magnetic or equivalent spring) unlockable lock. The air-sack 7, in which the branching section of the hollow body 14 being the continuation of the mouthpiece 4 is, is in the box 9. The conduit 3 connecting the connection unit B with the basic unit A is coupled to the hollow body 14. The containers 6 of the respiratory lime are in the body 14 and the respiratory lime is placed in these containers. An overpressure valve 15 belongs to the air-sack 7, too.

This valve lets the gas out of the air-sack if the pressure in the air-sack 7 becomes larger than permissible. The connection unit B is equipped with a head strap 16 at the body 14.

The oxygen rescue device of the present invention operates as follows. The basic unit A shown in Fig. 1 is placed on the leather-belt or other kind of strap on one side of the user, while the connection unit B shown in Figs. 2 and 3 - with locked box 9, on the other side. In case of danger the starter button 13 on the basic unit A is to be pushed. The amount of oxygen in the oxygen reservoir 11 is to be checked.

The digital, light and sound signal displays of the electronic pressure sensor, evaluating and display unit 18 which are placed together in the basic unit A of the present device inform of the oxygen amount.

The necessary operating modes for fleeing or rescue can easily be set on the electronic pressure sensor, evaluating and display unit 18. Under normal conditions the value of the oxygen pressure can immediately be read off and the diode of adequate colour is lightening. Pushing the starter button 13 the starting apparatus 12 opens the starting valve at the neck of the oxygen reservoir.

This lets a relative large amount of oxygen flow into the air-sack 7 through the conduit 3 within a short time. The air-sack 7 presses the cover 10 (in sense of the arrow 8) due to the oxygen inflow and cracks off the cover. Hence, the box 9 of the connection unit B opens in the manner shown in Fig. 3 and the person using the device will obtain access to the mouthpiece 4 as well as to a nose-clip and goggles.

He puts the mouthpiece 4 to his mouth and binds the body 14 with the head strap 16 to his head. The oxygen rescue device comes actually in such a way into in-use position.

At the beginning, the oxygen presses onward into the air-sack 7 in a relative large amount because both valves ensuring normal and extra feed operate.

The user inhales the clean oxygen from the trunk 14 through the mouthpiece 4. In case of exhalation, the gas comes into the air-sack 7 through a branching off section on the bottom of the body 14 of Fig. 2. While passing through the regenerator substance (respiratory lime) the undesired components (CO2) are filtered out of the gas flow. In the next inhalation cycle, the gas-according to arrow 17-flows from the air-sack7through a branching off section on the top of Fig. 2 into the mouthpiece 4. Here, it will be enriched with oxygen coming through the conduit 3 and the inhaling person inhales it.

Relying on the presentation of the oxygen rescue device it can be pointed out that the device of the present invention can be turned on within a few seconds. It has such a small volume and weight if constructed to last for 30 minutes or different rescue periods, and it does not hinder the working person wearing it. Furthermore, only the container of the respiratory lime and the air-sack load the upper part of the body (head) while fleeing. It informs of the amount of oxygen which can be used on fleeing by digital, light and sound signals which can easily be perceived by eyes and ears, respectively.

A further advantage or the invention is that the new technical impact of its apparatuses completed in detail meets a number of safety requirements, unsatisfied yet, at the already known oxygen rescue mine rescue and compressed air-- devices, too.

Such features are for instance to open the cover of the oxygen rescue device quickly by blowing up the air-sack, to equip oxygen mine rescue and compressed air devices of some other kind with electronic pressure sensor which provides information about the amount of oxygen in the reservoir in its approaching, rescue and leaving operating modes with digital, sound and light signals and, hence, releases the mine rescuer from evaluating and remembering the amount to be reserved for leaving. Furthermore, taking safety requirements into account, the electronic pressure sensor informs of values of the pressure with digital, sound and light signals where overpressure of a gas or a fluid are present in all enclosed spaces or shaft systems if installed instead of the known pressuregauges (manometers). Moreover, it is capable of storing the value of the amount of oxygen, to be reserved, in its built-in-memory in case of gases.

This amount of oxygen is automatically substracted from the total usable amount.

Beyond all this the rescue devices of the present invention possess the important advantage that the field of their applicability is very large in industry branches operating under dangerous conditions.

Claims (9)

1. Oxygen rescue device, mainly for use inside of mines, which has an oxygen reservoir, an apparatus starting the oxygen supply, oxygen feeder and extra feeder valve apparatus, a mouthpiece coupled to the oxygen feeder valve apparatus by a conduit as well as a container of respiratory lime connected with the mouthpiece and an air-sack, wherein it has a basic unit (A) in a separate casing (1) which comprises the oxygen reservoir (11), the apparatus (12) starting the oxygen supply, the feeder apparatus (2) possessing oxygen feeder and extra feeder valve apparatus as well as the starter button (13), and it has a connection unit (B) locked in the box (9) with a crackoff-cover (10) which comprises, beyond other parts of a rescue device, the empty air-sack (7).

2. Rescue device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (12) starting the oxygen supply has an electronic pressure sensor, evaluating and display unit (18) with digital, sound and light signal display as well as a memory storing the value of the amount of oxygen to be reserved.

3. Rescue device as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the box (9) of the connection unit (B) has a lock holding the cover (10) of the box (9) in out-ofuse position and being unlockable by an inner force arising due to blowing up the air-sack (7).

4. Rescue device as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the mouthpiece (4) is coupled to a hollow trunk (14) which is joined with the conduit (3) leading to the feeder apparatus (2) and there is expediently a container (6) of respiratory lime in the hollow trunk (14).

5. Rescue device as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the hollow of the trunk (14) is connected with the inner space of the air-sack (7).

6. A respiratory system comprising a first pack including means for holding a reservoir of pressurised oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas means for supplying oxygen orthe oxygen containing gas to a conduit and actuating means for permitting the flow of oxygen or oxygen-containing gas to the conduit, and a second pack including an inflatable sack in communication with the conduit and a mouthpiece in communication with the sack, the second pack being contained in a container that opens when gas is supplied to the sack via the conduit.

7. A system as claimed in claim 6, which includes a hollow body optionally containing lime or other filtering materials and the sack is in communication with the conduit via the body and the mouthpiece is in communication with the sack also via the body.

8. A system as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the conduit is in communication with the reservoir via two valves, one valve being for the supply of oxygen or oxygen-containing gas during breathing and the second valve being for providing extra oxygen or oxygen-containing gas immediately the permitting means is actuated, which second valve can be closed manually or automatically after the sack has been filled.

9. A rescue device substantially as hereinbefore described in connection with, and as illustrated in, Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.