JP4746042B2 - Apparatus and method for providing respiratory air and body protection in a contaminated environment - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for protecting a user (58) in a hazardous or contaminated environment caused by chemical, fire, biological, and/or nuclear contamination includes a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (18) for providing tank stored breathable air, a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) (16) for purifying ambient air and a valve system that can be used to control the source of air from either the SCBA (18) or the PAPR (16). The source of breathable air can be selectively controlled via manual or automatic controls while a protective body suit (12) can be operably coupled with the SCBA (18) and the PAPR (16) to protect a user within the contaminated environment.

Description

  This application is a non-provisional application whose application number is 60 / 590,621, filed provisionally on July 23, 2004 under the name "Apparatus and method for providing respiratory air and body protection in a contaminated environment". Yes, it includes a continuation application with the application number 10 / 393,346 filed on March 21, 2003 under the name of “Powered Air Purifying Breathing System and Breathing Apparatus”. This is a continuation-in-part application whose application number is 10 / 675,135, filed September 29, 2003 under the name “System and Respirator”.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for protecting a user in a hazardous environment. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing contaminated material from coming into contact with a user's body and purifying contaminated air to provide the user with clean and portable air.

  There are currently two systems for assisting breathing for people such as firefighters and rescue workers who are often exposed to contaminated air. First of all, supply compressed (eg, containerized) air to a face mask that fits snugly or other ducts that fit closely to the mouth and / or nose so that the user can inhale. There is an air supply respirator known as a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). These systems do not rely on ambient air for breathing. Second, there are filtered air systems that use a filter element coupled to the respirator to clean the surrounding air so that it is suitable for breathing. Such a filtration system may or may not use auxiliary power. In a powered filtration system, ambient air is aspirated through a suitable filter / decontamination means or other purification means, such as by a blower, where the contaminated ambient air is made available for breathing. The purified air is supplied to a headpiece such as a tightly-fitting face mask. These systems are commonly known as powered air purifiers (PAPR). Both types of breathing aids are used by people who must breathe in an atmosphere that is harmful and polluted, cannot breathe, or appears to contain dangerous air. ing.

  Generally speaking, an atmosphere that is dangerous or incapable of breathing is air in which oxygen is less than 19.5% by volume, or the required oxygen ratio is met, but harmful contaminants such as particulate or Air containing a considerable amount of gaseous contaminants. If the oxygen content is at least 19.5%, the user can solve the problem that the filter cleans the atmosphere and maintains the user's health by breathing the user. If possible, such a filter system could be used to enter an area with a contaminated atmosphere. The filter can provide a means to remove harmful components or contaminants in the ambient atmosphere of the user. In particular, filter-based decontamination systems, which are systems that purify the contaminated ambient atmosphere and convert the atmosphere to breathe, adjust through a cleaning element (such as a suitable filter) It works best when supplying air by a directed flow.

  Generally, a pump / blower is used to draw a contaminated atmosphere through a filter and contact it with a substance that improves the properties of the contaminant. The pump / blower then pushes purified air, such as filtered air, under positive pressure into a face mask or other means involved in the user's breathing, such as a mouse grip, hood or helmet. While powered air supply means such as battery operated pumps / blowers are generally preferred, it is also known that air purification systems that are not powered by external means can be used. In these non-powered systems, the user's vital capacity provides the force necessary to pump contaminated air through the purification element. For simplicity, the ambient atmosphere purification means will be referred to as an air purification respirator (APR). A system that pushes air through a filter using a powered pump or blower (e.g., powered by a battery, wire, or other power source) is known as a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR).

  The PAPR system can protect against contaminants as long as the oxygen level in the purified air is above 19.5% by volume. If the contaminants are removed by filtration, soot, smoke or other contaminants can be deposited and improved by reaction with a suitable purification material. As a practical effect, these systems are designed so that filters and air purification elements can be replaced. However, PAPR systems are not suitable if the ambient atmosphere has an oxygen content of less than 19.5% by volume.

  Thus, there are situations where PAPR and APR cannot be used. These situations can occur when the ambient atmosphere is contaminated, or when the contamination cannot be handled by filters and / or decontamination systems; and / or the ambient air has too low an oxygen content to survive. This is a case where the conditions necessary for progress cannot be satisfied (that is, when the atmosphere is IDLH, IDLH means that the surrounding atmosphere immediately poses a risk to life and health). In these situations, a person entering the contaminated area must carry an air supply for himself. This action is similar to a scuba diver carrying the air it needs with a container in the form of a bottle that holds compressed, clean air.

  One problem is that underwater divers can benefit from the buoyancy of water that helps to support the weight of the scuba tank, while SCBA users must support the full weight of the air in the container. That is. As a result, most SCBA systems must be able to carry enough packed compressed air for about an hour. Of course, additional time minimizes the weight that the person has to carry to support himself, while at the same time a user, for example a firefighter, in a dangerous environment relying on the air in the container It is desirable to be able to increase the time that can be worked on.

  Air containers are heavy, especially when the container is full. For firefighters who are already in an unfavorable environment with tools, it is more difficult to carry the extra weight of a container with compressed air in the heat of the flame. In addition, firefighters must enter a contaminated building while operating the SCBA system in a low air position.

  In this way, there is a practical limitation on how much air can be safely carried because it has to carry the necessary air supply means. Contrary to working underwater with scuba equipment, air containers used by firefighters are quite heavy and must be fully supported by the user. You can't benefit from the buoyancy of water that partially supports the weight of the firefighter. The larger the SCBA system, the more air can be carried, but the weight increases and portability is reduced. This combination of weight and working conditions severely limits the time that a firefighter who wears or carries his own air supply means and tools can work efficiently at the fire site.

  However, there are times when firefighters do not need the air transported during the time they work at the fire site, and there are times when they need portable and containerized air while working at the fire site. This situation can exist. Unfortunately, existing systems are suitable for certain situations or other situations. That is, existing systems are either positive pressure (pumping) filtration and purification systems, or replace the ambient atmosphere to convert the contaminated ambient atmosphere into sufficiently clean air that can be safely breathed. Provides containerized air under positive pressure that can be carried around for use. Existing systems have deficiencies, while existing systems have advantages and even a need under critical conditions.

  The above and below views use firefighters as an example of the kind of humans that can benefit from combining PAPR and SCBA systems, but this system is never limited to use by firefighters It is not a thing. For example, workers working in chemical factories and refineries actually need the benefits gained from the systems described herein. Similarly, soldiers exposed to chemical and biological attacks will greatly benefit from the systems described herein. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that others may be similarly assisted by the system described herein.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for preventing contaminants from coming into contact with the user's body and purifying the contaminated air to provide the user with clean, portable air.

  The respirator of the present invention provides a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to provide the user with the air stored in the tank and the filtered ambient air to the user through the use of a double air mask. And a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR). The PAPR is operably coupled to the SCBA so that the air of the breathing air source supplied to the user can be selectively controlled.

  In one embodiment, the respirator has a bodysuit that is impermeable to fluid to prevent contaminated ambient air from contacting the user. The body suit has a plurality of material layers. For example, the bodysuit has an impervious fluoropolymer barrier located between the inner and outer layers of fibers. The protective suit can be used in a non-breathable atmosphere caused by flame contamination, chemical contamination, biological contamination, and / or radioactive contamination. The protective suit has a double air hood with a rubber inner surface that seals and engages the chemical war mask. The hood is stretched over the mask and has an outer member that fits snugly into the lens frame of the mask. The double hood provides a protective barrier against liquids and vapors, thereby reducing contaminants at the interface between the mask and the inner hood skirt. For ease of understanding, further reference is made to the use of a face mask. However, this use is an example and not a limitation. The mouthpiece can bring breathing air to the user.

  Under full hand operation, PAPR and SCBA are each connected to the face mask by a separate breathing hose. Each hose has its own inlet in the case of a double face mask or each hose is connected to a tee or similar connector in the case of a single face mask. Each hose is provided with a non-return (one-way) valve at or near the face mask. Since the exhaust valve is provided in the face mask, gas is discharged from the exhaust valve toward the atmosphere. Whether a valve system and / or switch system is provided so that the user accepts clean ambient air or stockpile air without being exposed to unclean ambient air or contaminated ambient air Can be controlled. The valve system and / or switch system can be operated by the user's hand, in which case the user can independently determine the air for use. Alternatively, the system can be operated under semi-automatic control where air supplied from SCBA and PAPR are both connected to the valve manifold.

  Initially, the supply from the SCBA is stopped and the operation of the PAPR blower is stopped. However, filtered air flows from the PAPR to the face mask while receiving resistance. If the resistance problem is significant, the user can turn on the PAPR blower. An audible alarm and / or a visual alarm that operates based on test results from ambient air sampling that indicates the user's judgment or the system should switch from PAPR to SCBA, opens the SCBA supply valve, PAPR blower can be switched off. If desired, a switching circuit can be configured so that air is supplied only from the SCBA and the PAPR blower is automatically stopped by the pressure of the SCBA air. Alternatively, the decision to accept purified air from the filter or air from the air storage container means may be configured to operate automatically based on sampling means and test means incorporated in the valve means. it can. As a result, the PAPR system is closed via the manifold valve, and the SCBA system is opened electrically.

  At least one air container is provided with a connection to at least one port of the face mask and a controllable valve that can control whether air is drawn from the container. At least one filter element separates the air container and the controllable valve system and can control whether ambient air is aspirated by the PAPR and supplied to the mask. A battery or other power operated electric motor driven blower operably mounted between the filter element and the user is controlled by a switch or handle so that the electric motor driven blower can operate.

  Thus, when the ambient air has sufficient oxygen content, contaminants are removed by filtration or chemical treatment in the filter element. The blower can be activated by operating a switch. In this regard, ambient air is supplied through the filter element, and harmful components such as soot and other harmful particles, harmful vapors or harmful gases are purified. Under manual operation, when the ambient air has a low oxygen content or contains contaminants, the filter cannot be removed by filtration or other treatment in the filter element, so the SCBA valve Is opened by the user and the PAPR system is switched off. Ambient air is no longer sucked through the filter element and is instead supplied by the SCBA system.

  When a face mask is used, the face mask is a one-way valve that can discharge discharged air regardless of whether intake air is supplied through the filter element or from container-packed compressed air Is provided. If desired, the face mask can be used with a closed circuit device.

  In general, the pressure of the stuffing air must be reduced to a pressure sufficient for the user to breathe without damaging the user's breathing system. This process and the devices that can perform this process are well known. In particular, commercially available first stage regulators and second stage regulators can be used for this purpose. Thus, there are virtually two consecutive valve systems between the air container and the face mask. The first valve, which is a simple on-off valve that is attached to or very close to the air container, and the regulator and pressure reducing valve system on the line connecting the first valve and the face mask. It is.

  First, with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an apparatus 10 for protecting a user 58 in a contaminated environment includes a respirator 14 that includes a powered air purifier respirator PAPR16 along with a self-contained respirator SCBA18. It has a protective body suit 12. The respirator 14 can be used with or without the protective bodysuit 12, and the protective bodysuit 12 and the respirator 14 can be used for chemical contamination, flame contamination, It should be noted that it can be used to maximize protection in contaminated environments caused by biological contamination, nuclear contamination, and / or other contamination.

  With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a first embodiment of a respiratory device 14 is shown in perspective view, including PAPR 16 and SCBA 18. FIG. A typical hanger 66 can be used to hold different elements of the respiratory device 14 and provide portability. A bullet protection barrier 60 is located on the suspension 66 between the SCBA 18 and the user to reduce the risk of damage such as rupture of the tank caused by damage from external objects such as flying projectiles or explosives. Can be reduced.

  In addition to PAPR 16 and SCBA 18, the respiratory apparatus 14 has a double layer hood 84 with an inner rubber skirt 86 and an outer protective member 88 that fit snugly around the face mask 20. Although not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the face mask 20 fits closely to the user's face to prevent ingress of surrounding contaminants. A pair of conduits 22a and 22b connect PAPR 16 and SCBA 18 to face mask 20, respectively. In particular, line 22a supplies breathable air filtered from PAPR 16, while line 22b supplies containered air from SCBA 18.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the PAPR 16 has at least one filter element 24, a blower 26, and a plenum 29. The filter element 24 acts to filter contaminated ambient air and provide the breathable air to the face mask 20 so that the user can breathe. The filter element 24 has an ambient air inlet opening 23 and an outlet 25 through which filtered ambient air passes. The filter element 24 is connected to the filtered air plenum 29 by suitable mechanical fastening means known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, screwing. The filter element 24 can be used alone or in combination. Further, the filter element 24 can be disposed on one side of the plenum 29, or alternatively, can be disposed intermittently along multiple sides of the plenum 29. The blower 26 is operatively connected to the plenum 29 for sucking ambient air through the filter element 24 and supplying filtered air to the face mask 20 via the conduit 22a. The conduit 22 a is connected to an inlet port 40 that communicates with the manifold 36. The manifold 36 is connected to the face mask 20. It should be noted that the PAPR 16 is fully operational whether the blower 26 is switched on or not, as will be described in more detail below.

  The valve 52 is connected to the PAPR 16 and can stop the flow of filtered air to the face mask 20. The valve 52 has a rotary handle 53 for manual operation, but can be electronically controlled by a solenoid. As shown in FIG. 7, the rotary handle 53 is operably connected to the filter element 24. More specifically, the rotary handle 53 is connected to the filter suction cover 55. It can be seen that the valve 52 and the rotating handle 53 can be placed in preferred positions in the PAPR 16 system. However, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the valve 52 is depicted in a position close to the blower 26. The blower 26 has an on / off switch 68 that operates independently of the valve 52 to save battery power. On the other hand, the user can suck the filtered air by self-suction breathing. Thus, the user can stop the flow of filtered air by the valve 52. On the other hand, the respirator 14 operates in SCBA mode so that the filter element 24 is not unnecessarily contaminated. The on / off switch 68 can also be used to select between powered breathing and self-suction breathing when the valve 52 is open. If desired, the on / off switch 68 can be operatively connected to the flow control valve 52 so that the PAPR 16 is always open when the blower 26 of the PAPR 16 is switched on.

The SCBA 18 has a compressed air tank 28 filled with breathable air or oxygen. The contents of the compressed air tank 28 can be compressed to about 4500 lbs / in @ ² when fully filled. Of course, the compressed air tank 28 can be compressed in addition to the internal pressure. The compressed air tank 28 has a shut-off valve 30 that operates mechanically or electronically as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one end of the first conduit 32 is connected to the compressed air tank 28, and the other end of the first conduit 32 is connected to the first stage pressure regulator 38. When the shut-off valve 30 is open, the compressed air passes through the first line 32 to the first stage pressure regulator 38 which can reduce the pressure in the compressed air tank 28 to a low pressure of about 100 ounces / inch ^2. Sent. Since the second pipe line 22b connects between the first stage pressure regulator 38 and the manifold inlet port 42, the compressed air is conveyed to the inlet port 42 via the pipe line 22b and reaches the manifold 36.

The pressure in the compressed air tank 28 is too high to breathe even if it is depressurized. Therefore, a second stage pressure regulator 54 is provided in the manifold 36 to reduce the air pressure to a standard atmospheric pressure of approximately 14.69 lbs / inch ² . Further, the first stage pressure regulator 38 can reduce the air pressure to the standard atmospheric pressure without using the second stage pressure regulator 54.

  Lines 22a, 22b and 32 may be extensible hoses. For example, the hose is rubbery, flexible and tear resistant, covered with a stainless steel mesh cover to prevent sharp materials from piercing the conduits 22a, 22b and 32. It can be manufactured from excellent materials. A quick fitting 62 can connect each of the conduits 22a, 22b and 32 to the junction of the respirator 14.

  If used in the absence of the double layer hood 84, the face mask 20 can adhere to the face of the user 58 and prevent ambient contaminants from entering the respiratory system. Control valve actuator 64 is operably connected to a control valve in manifold 36 to control the amount of air supplied, and fluid is supplied to face mask 20 from either PAPR 16 or SCBA 18. The control valve actuator 64 can be operated by hand or actuated electronically. In the latter case, the control valve actuator 64 is located at a remote location, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

  A recycled rubber member supply line 97 connects the recycled rubber member 96 to the face mask 20. The recycled rubber member supply line 97 can supply a liquid free of contaminants from the recycled rubber member 96 to the user without removing the face mask 20 and exposing the user to a contaminated atmosphere.

  3-5 are schematic views of an embodiment of an optional air supply system that can use the respirator of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The face mask 20 has a manifold 36. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 are not necessarily separate forms that must be used independently, but can be used in combination as needed. In FIG. 3, ambient air flows into the PAPR 16 through the suction openings 23 of the individual filter elements 24. The filtered air exits filter element 24 via outlet 25 and enters plenum 29. Filter element 24 includes a suitable decontamination medium for removing contaminants in both solid and fluid nature. In this way, solid particulate matter, harmful gases and / or unpleasant odors are removed from the contaminated air. Depending on the grade of filter element 24 installed on the PAPR 16 and the time consumed in the contaminated area, the filter element 24 can provide breathable air in a chemically, biologically and / or nuclear contaminated environment. . As described above, ambient air is drawn through the filter element 24 by the user's breathing or electric blower 26. The electric blower 26 is connected to the plenum 29 and can suck ambient air through the filter element 24 and push the filtered air into the face mask 20 through the conduit 22a. As shown in FIG. 3, the blower 26 has an impeller 39 or an equivalent to generate a suction force. After the purified air is conveyed through the pipe line 22 a, the purified air enters the inlet port 40 and flows into the manifold 36 through the one-way valve 74.

For example, the SCBA 18 can carry the compressed air in the compressed air tank 28 when the PAPR 16 cannot supply air. The compressed air in the compressed air tank 28 flows into the first pipe 32 and passes through the first stage pressure regulator 38. The first stage pressure regulator 38 reduces the pressure of the compressed air to a preferred level. The air whose pressure is adjusted by the first stage pressure regulator 38 is conveyed to the second stage pressure regulator 54 via the second pipe line 22b. As described above, the second stage pressure regulator 54 can reduce the pressure of the compressed air to a pressure of about 14.69 lbs / inch ² . The second-stage pressure regulator 54 can be arranged in the manifold 36, or can be arranged away from it as shown in FIG. The compressed air that has passed through the second stage pressure regulator 54 flows into the manifold 36 from the inlet port 42 through the one-way valve 76.

  Switching from the supply air by PAPR 16 to the supply air by SCBA 18 can be performed automatically, semi-automatically or manually as described in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 3, the respirator 14 has a gas sensor 56 that can sense the gas concentration of the air carried to the user. The gas sensor 56 can generate a warning alarm 69 signal if the filtered ambient air is not clean enough to breathe. The warning alarm 69 can be audible, visible, or both. In this embodiment, the gas sensor 56 triggers a warning alarm 69 to automatically close the PAPR 16 and cause the SCBA 18 air to flow through the face mask 20. The manifold inlet valves 74 and 76 incorporated in the PAPR 16 and SCBA 18 are electronically connected to the gas sensor 56, respectively, and when the PAPR 16 does not supply breathing air, the PAPR 16 inlet valve 74 is automatically closed and the SCBA 18 Inlet valve 76 is automatically opened. The blower 26 is automatically stopped by an electronic switch 68.

  In any event, when the face mask inlet valve 51 is open, air flows from the manifold 36 through the face mask inlet port 50 into the face mask 20. When the pressure in the face mask 20 is lower than the pressure in the manifold 36, that is, the inlet valve 51 is a one-way valve that opens when the user inhales. When the user exhales, the inlet valve 51 of the face mask 20 is closed and the exhaled air is exhausted through an outlet port 47 that includes a one-way valve 48. In particular, because the pressure in the face mask 20 is greater than the ambient pressure when the user exhales, the face mask outlet valve 48 is a one-way valve that opens when the user exhales.

  FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 except that the operation is in semi-automatic mode. When the PAPR 16 does not supply breathable air, the electronic on / off switch 68 and the control valve actuator 64 for the PAPR must be manually operated in response to an audible or visual warning alarm 69 triggered by the gas sensor 56. Can do. The user can manually switch the air supply source from PAPR 16 to SCBA 18 by means of the control valve actuator 64.

  The embodiment of FIG. 5 has the same features as FIGS. 3 and 4 except for the gas sensor 56, the automatic control on / off switch 68 and the control valve actuator 64 that are used to control the air source. Instead, the embodiment of FIG. 5 requires the user to manually shut down the blower 26 when PAPR 16 airflow is not preferred or when the battery life of the blower 26 is conserved. In this embodiment, face mask 20 will receive air from the highest pressure air source. Thus, if SCBA 18 is switched on, air will be supplied from SCBA 18 until the pressure in compressed air tank 28 is below the pressure of the air supplied by PAPR 16. If the blower 26 does not operate, the air pressure of the SCBA 18 must drop below ambient pressure before the PAPR 16 supplies air to the face mask 20. Of course, if the SCBA 18 is switched off, air will be supplied by the PAPR 16 under power when the blower 26 is active and by self-suction breathing when the blower 26 is not active.

  2A and 2B, another embodiment of the respiratory apparatus 10 is shown. This embodiment is essentially the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, except that the face mask 20 does not have a separate manifold 36. Instead, the air supply pipes 22 a and 22 b are directly connected to the face mask 20 without being connected to the intermediate manifold 36. This embodiment can be implemented in the same manner as the embodiment shown in FIGS. In particular, the valve system in the face mask 20 can operate in an automatic, semi-automatic or manual mode. The respirator of FIGS. 2A and 2B can be used with the air supply system of FIG. 6 does not show the gas sensor 56, warning alarm 69, and electronically controlled on / off switch 68 for simplicity, the only difference from the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5 is that the face mask 20 and air supply source It should be noted that there is a lack of manifold between PAPR 16 and SCBA 18.

  As shown in FIG. 7, separated inlet ports 41 and 43 are formed in the face mask 20, and the filtered air of PAPR 16 and the air of SCBA 18 flow into the face mask 20 through the inlet port 41 and the inlet port 43, respectively. be able to. Inlet ports 41 and 43 can be closed by one-way valves 44 and 46, respectively. The one-way valves 44 and 46 allow air to flow into the face mask 20 but do not allow air to flow out of the face mask 20 and back into the air supply system. As described above, the one-way valves 44 and 46 of the face mask 20 can be operated electromechanically and can be activated automatically, semi-automatically or manually. The one-way valve 48 of the face mask 20 can discharge air from the face mask 20 to the surroundings. The valve 48 is a one-way valve that can be opened only when the pressure in the face mask 20 is greater than the surroundings.

  Again, with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9, the suspension 66 is suitable for attaching the SCBA 18 and PAPR 16 to the protective bodysuit 12 of the user 58. The protective bodysuit 12 can be used in non-breathing environments caused by contaminants such as flames, chemical agents, biological agents, and radiation. The protective bodysuit 12 is made of a fluid impervious material so that it can form a complete physical barrier to surrounding contaminants. The protective bodysuit 12 can be a laminated structure having at least three layers (see FIG. 9). The laminate material has an inner fiber layer 78, an outer protective layer 80, and an intermediate layer 82 made from an impervious fluoropolymer barrier. The intermediate layer 82 is located between the inner fiber layer 78 and the outer protective layer 80. The protective bodysuit 12 further includes the double layer hood 84 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

The protective bodysuit 12 can be ventilated to expel relatively warm and humid air caused by the user's sweating and fever. The ventilation replaces the warm, humid air inside the protective bodysuit 12 with relatively cool ambient filtered air. Ventilated air can be forced into the protective bodysuit 12 by a PAPR blower 26 or another blower (not shown). In other cases, the ventilation hose 90 is connected directly to the blower 26 or is connected to the conduit 22 a so that a portion of the air ventilates the protective bodysuit 12. An exhaust port 92 is provided in the protective body suit 12 having a one-way valve 94, and warm and humid air in the protective body suit 12 is exhausted through the exhaust port 92, and ambient air contaminants enter the exhaust port 92. Can be prevented. The blower 26 is preferably one that can be ventilated at a rate of at least 6 feet ³ / min to supply filtered air.

  The protective body suit 12 has a recycled rubber member 96 with a supply line 97 connected to the face mask 20. The recycled rubber member 96 can supply a liquid free of contaminants to the user 58. The recycled rubber member 96 has a port 98 for receiving a liquid such as water through a one-way valve (not shown). Only when the port 98 is attached to a sealed container (not shown) for supplying a liquid, the recycled rubber member 96 can be filled with the liquid. Port 98 is such that it only opens when in a sealed communication with the container so that harmful ambient atmosphere can be prevented from entering the protective bodysuit 12 through the recycled rubber member 96. In this way, a liquid free of contaminants is stored in the recycled rubber member 96 and can be supplied to the user via the supply line 97.

  The face mask 20 always provides a clear view to prevent exhaled warm, humid air from contacting the field lens. In particular, filtered cooler intake air is blown over the face mask surface to clarify the field lens, while exhaled air exits the field lens.

  In operation, the protective bodysuit 12 protects the user 58 from the surrounding harmful atmosphere by separating contaminants from the user's 58 skin and supplying uncontaminated air for breathing. According to the operational characteristics of the protective bodysuit 12, the protective bodysuit 12 can be worn without being contaminated while the air in the compressed air tank 28 can be used for breathing. Provide a way to replace ambient air that cannot. When the first line 32 is removed from the compressed air tank 28, the supplied air is removed by using a quick fitting 62 having a pop-off valve (not shown) that can seal the line 32. The exchange of air in the compressed air tank 28 can be performed without contamination.

  The above detailed description has been made only to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, and should not be construed as unnecessary. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a respiratory organ. FIG. 1B is a perspective view similar to the respiratory apparatus of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of another respiratory apparatus. FIG. 2B is a perspective view similar to the respiratory apparatus of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an air supply system that can use the respiratory apparatus of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an air supply system that can use the respiratory apparatus of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of an air supply system that can use the respirator of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of an air supply system that can use the respiratory apparatus of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram with some modifications to the fourth embodiment of the air supply system that can use the respiratory apparatus of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B. FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a protective suit with a respiratory device attached. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a protective suit with a respiratory device as viewed from the back. FIG. 9 is an enlarged detailed view of a part of a plurality of layers of the protective suit of FIG. 8A.

Explanation of symbols

10 Equipment 12 Protective Bodysuit 14 Respirator 16 Powered Air Purifier Respirator (PAPR)
18 Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
20 Face mask 22a Pipe line 22b Pipe line 23 Suction opening 24 Filter element 25 Outlet 26 Blower 28 Compressed air tank 29 Plenum 30 Cutoff valve 32 First pipe line 36 Manifold 38 First stage pressure regulator 39 Impeller 40 Inlet port 41 Inlet port 42 Inlet port 43 Inlet port 44 One-way valve 46 One-way valve 47 Outlet port 48 One-way valve 50 Inlet port 51 Inlet valve 52 Valve 53 Rotating handle 54 Second stage pressure regulator 55 Filter suction cover 56 Gas sensor 58 User 60 Bullet Protective barrier 62 Rapid fitting 64 Control valve actuator 66 Lifter 68 On-off switch 69 Warning alarm 74 One-way valve 76 One-way valve 78 Inner fiber layer 80 Outer protective layer 82 Middle layer 84 Double layer De 86 inner rubber skirt 88 an outer protective member 90 ventilation hose 92 exhaust port 94 one-way valve 96 reclaimed rubber member 97 reclaimed rubber member supply line 98 ports

Claims (28)

Facial mask,
A self-contained breathing apparatus comprising a tank and a first conduit for supplying compressed air from the tank to the face mask during the purified air mode;
A powered air purifier with at least one filter, blower, and a second line for supplying filtered ambient air to the face mask during filtered air mode;
The powered air purification respirator and a valve system operably connected to the self-contained breathing apparatus, i.e., a first valve associated with the tank and a second valve associated with the powered air purification respirator And the compressed air supplied from the tank opens the first valve and closes the second valve to operate from the filtration mode to the purified air mode. A valve system configured to control the flow of purified air from the powered air purifying respirator in the air and the flow of compressed air from the tank in the purified air mode; and
Protective body suit, which prevents the penetration of contaminants in the air into the suit
A breathing apparatus comprising:   The respiratory apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective bodysuit is made from a fluid impermeable material.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective bodysuit is manufactured from a laminated material.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 3, wherein the laminate material includes an impervious fluoropolymer barrier layer between the inner and outer fiber layers.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective bodysuit includes a double layer hood with an inner skirt that seals and engages the face mask.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 5, wherein the face mask has a lens and the double layer hood has an outer member that fits tightly around the lens of the face mask.   The respiratory apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the double layer hood prevents liquid and vapor from penetrating into an interface between the face mask and the double layer hood.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a ventilation system that replaces the warm, humid air in the protective bodysuit with filtered ambient air to ventilate the protective bodysuit.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 8, wherein the ventilation system includes a powered ventilation blower coupled to the protective bodysuit.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 9, wherein the powered ventilation blower supplies filtered air at a rate of 6 cubic feet per minute.   The respiratory apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recycled rubber member that provides a user with a liquid free of contaminants. Facial mask,
A self-contained breathing apparatus that supplies the air stored in the tank to the face mask;
A powered air purifying respirator that supplies filtered ambient air to the face mask;
The powered air purification respirator and a valve system operably connected to the self-contained breathing apparatus, i.e., a first valve associated with the tank and a second valve associated with the powered air purification respirator And the compressed air supplied from the tank opens the first valve and closes the second valve to operate from the filtration mode to the purified air mode. A valve system configured to control the flow of purified air from the powered air purifying respirator in the air and the flow of compressed air from the tank in the purified air mode; and
Fluid impervious bodysuit connected to the face mask,
A breathing apparatus comprising:   The respiratory apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bodysuit includes a plurality of material layers.   14. The respiratory device of claim 13, wherein the material layer includes an impervious fluoropolymer barrier between the inner fiber layer and the outer fiber layer.   The respiratory apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the face mask seals a user's face and engages the user's face to prevent entry of surrounding contaminants into the face mask.   13. The powered air purifier is operably connected to the self-contained breather to supply breathing air source air to the face mask instead of the self-contained respirator. Breathing apparatus.   13. A respiratory apparatus according to claim 12, comprising at least one conduit for carrying breathable air from the self-contained air respirator and the powered air purification respirator to the face mask.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one conduit includes an extendable hose.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bodysuit includes a double layer hood with an inner skirt that seals and engages the face mask.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 19, wherein the double layer hood has an outer member that fits tightly around a lens on the face mask.   20. The respiratory apparatus of claim 19, wherein the double layer hood prevents liquid and vapor penetration into an interface between the face mask and the double layer hood.   13. The respiratory apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a ventilation system that replaces warm, humid air in the bodysuit with filtered ambient air to ventilate the bodysuit.   23. A respiratory apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the ventilation system comprises a powered ventilation blower connected to the bodysuit.   24. The respiratory apparatus of claim 23, wherein the powered ventilation blower supplies filtered air at a rate of 6 cubic feet / minute.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a reclaimed rubber member that provides the user with a liquid free of contaminants.   The respiratory apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an air quality sensor for sensing contaminants in the filtered ambient air.   27. A respiratory apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the air quality sensor issues an alarm as soon as the filtered ambient air reaches a predetermined contaminant threshold.   28. A respiratory apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the alarm is triggered by at least one of an audio signal and a visually appealing signal.

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