WO1998024516A1 - Improvements to gas-masks - Google Patents

Improvements to gas-masks Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998024516A1
WO1998024516A1 PCT/IB1997/001531 IB9701531W WO9824516A1 WO 1998024516 A1 WO1998024516 A1 WO 1998024516A1 IB 9701531 W IB9701531 W IB 9701531W WO 9824516 A1 WO9824516 A1 WO 9824516A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mask
gas
sensor
air
permeable layer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB1997/001531
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hanns Rump
Original Assignee
T.E.M. Technische Entwicklung Und Management Gmbh
Snap - Societe Nouvelle D'appareils De Protection
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by T.E.M. Technische Entwicklung Und Management Gmbh, Snap - Societe Nouvelle D'appareils De Protection filed Critical T.E.M. Technische Entwicklung Und Management Gmbh
Priority to AU50656/98A priority Critical patent/AU5065698A/en
Publication of WO1998024516A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998024516A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • A62B9/006—Indicators or warning devices, e.g. of low pressure, contamination
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
    • A62B18/088—Devices for indicating filter saturation

Definitions

  • the invention concerns a gas-mask having an improved safety.
  • Carbon-monoxide is a poisonous gas that can not be held back by normal filters and therefore is able to penetrate through to the bearer of the mask.
  • This invention aims at increasing the security of the bearer of a gas-mask.
  • At least one sensor is placed inside the mask to react sensitively toward harmful gas or vapors leaking into the mask and to provide corresponding warning signals.
  • Such sensor may be elected among the known gas sensors, for instance gas sensors energized by a power source and adapted to provide an electric or electronic signal when exposed to a specific gas.
  • sensors are to be used which comprise a gas-sensitive active film made of metal-oxide.
  • a ceramic plate as well as a heated silicium membrane can be used as support of the film.
  • the warning signals are used to control appropriate warning systems in or on the mask to inform the bearer of the mask, for instance either visually or acoustically, about harmful leak. This could take place in form of LED ' s placed within sight range inside the mask.
  • the senor should be set in a technically optimal place.
  • means are provided to eliminate the influences on the sensor of moisture in the air.
  • the senor is placed in a sensor-technically optimal spot, preferably close to the mouth and to the nose of the bearer.
  • a sensor is placed between a filter element and a backlash valve located in the air inlet of the mask, to monitor the filter.
  • Such sensor is not irritated by the breathed out air-moisture
  • a disadvantage is that leaks, for instance between the mask and the head, remain undiscovered.
  • a further sensor is placed inside the mask, preferably in the direct vicinity of the nose and mouth of the bearer, so as not to be subjected to extreme moisture fluctuation.
  • the sensor element is advantageously separated from the breathing space of the mask by means of a membrane.
  • a semi-permeable membrane i.e made of stretched PTFE-film.
  • Gas has a tendency to maintain the same gas-pressure. For this reason gas molecules diffund without noticeable prolongation of the reaction time through such films, whereas saliva droplets, condensation water and similar are shut out.
  • These films are preferably placed either single or multi-layered in the form of a sandwich between wire mesh, causing the film and the sensor-element to be protected against larger air-movements and mechanical damages.
  • the senor or the sensors are energized from a power source, for instance batteries having sufficient capacity for a normal period of use, very often a couple of hours.
  • a power source for instance batteries having sufficient capacity for a normal period of use, very often a couple of hours.
  • the invention suggests that an electric cable or plug (i.e. induction) should be led gas-tightly from the mask to a battery case which can be worn either on a belt or shoulder strap. This ensures simple exchanging of the battery even during operation
  • the invention can be designed in numerous variations
  • the mask is constructed as a form-adaptive cover (1) of the facial area, usually made of rubber or formable synthetic indian rubber, and maintained on the head by appropriate strips (2) or similar in order to provide a closed breathing space (3) in front of the mouth and of the nose of the bearer.
  • the air flows into the breathing room through an inlet (4) provided with an adaptable filter (5) .
  • a valve (6) ensures that the air breathed out leaves the mask through special exits (7) rather than blowing out through the filter-element. Valves (8) are also placed within these exits to stop the inflow of unfiltered air.
  • the filters used for gas-masks are mostly multi-layered. They hold particles back mechanically. Chemical impregnations combine several gases and vapors.
  • the mask is provided with a first sensor (9) located close to the mouth and to the nose in the space (3) determined within the mask in front of the mouth and of the nose, and with a second sensor (10) located between the filter (5) and the valve (6) .
  • Bot sensors are connected through a plug (11) to a power source (12) and are connected to a visual display (13) located on the window of the mask.
  • a plug located close to the mouth and to the nose in the space (3) determined within the mask in front of the mouth and of the nose
  • a second sensor located between the filter (5) and the valve (6) .
  • Bot sensors are connected through a plug (11) to a power source (12) and are connected to a visual display (13) located on the window of the mask.
  • a visual display located on the window of the mask.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Abstract

The invention aims at improving the safety of a gas-mask. Gas-sensors are integrated within the gas-mask, that are electronically evaluated, whereby the applicant is warned in an appropriate manner of harmful gases leaking into the mask.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO GAS-MASKS
The invention concerns a gas-mask having an improved safety.
People protect themselves against poison in the air by using a gas-mask. It is well-known that, despite the use of masks, accidents still regularly occur, leading sometimes to extensive health damage for the bearer of the mask, mostly firemen, laborers in the chemical industry, disaster prevention teams and similar services. The cause of these accidents is very often that the bearers feel overly safe and therefore fail to recognize leaks at the point where the mask closes around the face or technical defects of the mask itself. It is also difficult for the bearer to define the danger involved in a fire accident when for instance carbon-monoxide is emitted.
Carbon-monoxide is a poisonous gas that can not be held back by normal filters and therefore is able to penetrate through to the bearer of the mask.
This invention aims at increasing the security of the bearer of a gas-mask.
According to the invention, at least one sensor is placed inside the mask to react sensitively toward harmful gas or vapors leaking into the mask and to provide corresponding warning signals.
Such sensor may be elected among the known gas sensors, for instance gas sensors energized by a power source and adapted to provide an electric or electronic signal when exposed to a specific gas.
Preferably, sensors are to be used which comprise a gas-sensitive active film made of metal-oxide. A ceramic plate as well as a heated silicium membrane can be used as support of the film. Preferably, the warning signals are used to control appropriate warning systems in or on the mask to inform the bearer of the mask, for instance either visually or acoustically, about harmful leak. This could take place in form of LED ' s placed within sight range inside the mask.
According to the invention, the sensor should be set in a technically optimal place.
Preferably, means are provided to eliminate the influences on the sensor of moisture in the air.
Sporadic breathing out into the mask raises the air-moisture drastically, whereas breathing in considerably reduces the air-moisture drastically. This intermittent fluctuation of the air-moisture may affect the traditionally operated gas sensors. For this reason an evaluation strategy may be used to prevent these disadvantages. Evaluation strategies as described for instance in details in the German patent applications P196 17 297.7 and P195 43 296.7. A cheaper embodiment may comprise only one sensor, i.e. for applications in which high-toxics are to be expected, whereas more elaborate embodiments may comprise two or more sensors .
In the case of cheaper embodiments the sensor is placed in a sensor-technically optimal spot, preferably close to the mouth and to the nose of the bearer.
In other embodiments, a sensor is placed between a filter element and a backlash valve located in the air inlet of the mask, to monitor the filter. Such sensor is not irritated by the breathed out air-moisture However, a disadvantage is that leaks, for instance between the mask and the head, remain undiscovered. According to the invention, to be able to recognize the danger resulting from this, a further sensor is placed inside the mask, preferably in the direct vicinity of the nose and mouth of the bearer, so as not to be subjected to extreme moisture fluctuation.
According to the invention, the sensor element is advantageously separated from the breathing space of the mask by means of a membrane.
In this case a semi-permeable membrane is used, i.e made of stretched PTFE-film. Gas has a tendency to maintain the same gas-pressure. For this reason gas molecules diffund without noticeable prolongation of the reaction time through such films, whereas saliva droplets, condensation water and similar are shut out. These films are preferably placed either single or multi-layered in the form of a sandwich between wire mesh, causing the film and the sensor-element to be protected against larger air-movements and mechanical damages.
Usually, the sensor or the sensors are energized from a power source, for instance batteries having sufficient capacity for a normal period of use, very often a couple of hours. When the batteries cannot be placed within the mask, the invention suggests that an electric cable or plug (i.e. induction) should be led gas-tightly from the mask to a battery case which can be worn either on a belt or shoulder strap. This ensures simple exchanging of the battery even during operation
The invention can be designed in numerous variations
The common objective is, however, that gas sensors are placed inside the gas mask which are evaluated by appropriate electronics, whereby the bearer of the mask is appropriately warned against gases leaking into the mask.
The drawing schematically shows an embodiment of the present invention, given as an example only.
In this example, the mask is constructed as a form-adaptive cover (1) of the facial area, usually made of rubber or formable synthetic indian rubber, and maintained on the head by appropriate strips (2) or similar in order to provide a closed breathing space (3) in front of the mouth and of the nose of the bearer. The air flows into the breathing room through an inlet (4) provided with an adaptable filter (5) . A valve (6) ensures that the air breathed out leaves the mask through special exits (7) rather than blowing out through the filter-element. Valves (8) are also placed within these exits to stop the inflow of unfiltered air.
The filters used for gas-masks are mostly multi-layered. They hold particles back mechanically. Chemical impregnations combine several gases and vapors.
According to the invention, the mask is provided with a first sensor (9) located close to the mouth and to the nose in the space (3) determined within the mask in front of the mouth and of the nose, and with a second sensor (10) located between the filter (5) and the valve (6) . Bot sensors are connected through a plug (11) to a power source (12) and are connected to a visual display (13) located on the window of the mask. For the clarity of the drawing the connection between the plug and the power source and the connections between the sensors and the visual display have not been shown. The invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Claims

1. Gas mask adapted to protect against inhalation or absorption of undesired or hazardous gases through the mucous membrane or conjunctiva, characterized in that at least one sensor (9 ; 10) is placed inside the gas-mask (1) to react sensitively toward harmful gas or vapors leaking into the mask and to provide corresponding warning signals . 2_;_ Gas mask as in claim 1, which comprises a sensor (9) placed within the close vicinity of the mouth and of the nose inside the mask.
3. Gas-mask as in claim 1, which comprises at least a first sensor (10) placed in an air-entrance (4) of the mask (1) between a filter (5) and a backlash valve (6) and adapted to monitor the filter, and at least another sensor (9) placed in the mask at a place to monitor the air- tightness of the mask.
4. Gas-mask as in claim 1, which comprises a warning device (13) controlled by said warning signals.
5. Gas-mask as in claim 4, wherein said warning device (13) is adapted to inform the bearer of the mask visually or acoustically.
6. Gas-mask as in claim 1, which comprises a sensor protected by a semi-permeable, gas-permeable layer against saliva droplets, condensation water and similar.
7. Gas-mask as in claim 6, wherein the semi-permeable layer is placed between wire meshes, in order to protect the gas-permeable layer and the sensor against mechanical damages and larger air-pressure wavering.
8. Gas-mask as in any of claims 1 to 7, which comprises a power source (12) placed outside the mask to energize the sensor.
9. Gas-mask as in any of claims 1 to 8 , wherein said power source is connected to the sensor by means a gas-tight conductor or by a gas-tight plug (11) mounted onto the mask, or by means of induction.
10. Gas-mask as in any of claims 1 to 9 wherein said sensor (9 ; 10) comprises a gas-sensitive active film made of metal oxide.
11. Gas-mask as in claim 10, wherein said film is supported by a ceramic plate.
12. Gas-mask as in claim 10 wherein said film is supported by a heated silicium membrane.
PCT/IB1997/001531 1996-12-07 1997-12-08 Improvements to gas-masks WO1998024516A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU50656/98A AU5065698A (en) 1996-12-07 1997-12-08 Improvements to gas-masks

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE1996150897 DE19650897A1 (en) 1996-12-07 1996-12-07 Apparatus and method for increasing the safety of respiratory masks
DE19650897.5 1996-12-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998024516A1 true WO1998024516A1 (en) 1998-06-11

Family

ID=7813986

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB1997/001531 WO1998024516A1 (en) 1996-12-07 1997-12-08 Improvements to gas-masks

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5065698A (en)
DE (1) DE19650897A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1998024516A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7614280B1 (en) * 2006-03-06 2009-11-10 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Quantitative fit test system and method for assessing respirator biological fit factors
US9498656B2 (en) 2012-07-11 2016-11-22 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft crew member protective breathing apparatus
US9545530B2 (en) 2012-07-11 2017-01-17 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft crew member protective breathing apparatus
WO2017052462A1 (en) * 2015-09-25 2017-03-30 Provtagaren Ab Temperature differential fluid sensor

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19911869B4 (en) * 1999-03-17 2004-03-25 T.E.M.! Techn. Entwicklungen Und Management Gmbh Novel respirator mask with sensor microsystem and method for operating the same
EP3019245B1 (en) * 2013-07-10 2023-08-30 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft crew member protective breathing apparatus
DE102014007830B4 (en) * 2014-06-02 2021-02-25 Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA Gas-tight protective suit with integrated alarm display

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4263588A (en) * 1979-07-25 1981-04-21 Oldham France S.A. Helmet-carried apparatus for detecting and signalling the presence of a dangerous gas in an atmosphere
DE3613512A1 (en) * 1986-04-22 1987-10-29 Auergesellschaft Gmbh WARNING DEVICE TO INDICATE THE EXHAUST OF A POLLUTANT GAS FILTER
EP0343521A2 (en) * 1988-05-27 1989-11-29 Gesellschaft Für Gerätebau Mbh Breath protection mask
EP0410071A1 (en) * 1989-07-27 1991-01-30 Auergesellschaft Gmbh Gastight full protection garment with internal measuring and warning apparatus
EP0447619A1 (en) * 1990-03-21 1991-09-25 Auergesellschaft Gmbh Warning system with a measuring cell and alarm signal to indicate the condition of a gas filter
EP0535385A1 (en) * 1991-10-01 1993-04-07 Drägerwerk Aktiengesellschaft Breathing protection mask with inner half-mask and noxious matter indicator
GB2266467A (en) * 1992-04-30 1993-11-03 Draegerwerk Ag Respiratory mask with an indicating means
DE19543296A1 (en) * 1995-11-21 1997-05-22 Itvi Inttech Venture Investa Apparatus and method for determining absolute gas concentrations using semiconducting gas sensors
DE19617297A1 (en) * 1996-04-30 1997-11-13 Brand Gerhart Rosemarie Simultaneous detection of oxidizable and reducible gases with metal oxide sensors using impedance spectroscopy

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4263588A (en) * 1979-07-25 1981-04-21 Oldham France S.A. Helmet-carried apparatus for detecting and signalling the presence of a dangerous gas in an atmosphere
DE3613512A1 (en) * 1986-04-22 1987-10-29 Auergesellschaft Gmbh WARNING DEVICE TO INDICATE THE EXHAUST OF A POLLUTANT GAS FILTER
EP0343521A2 (en) * 1988-05-27 1989-11-29 Gesellschaft Für Gerätebau Mbh Breath protection mask
EP0410071A1 (en) * 1989-07-27 1991-01-30 Auergesellschaft Gmbh Gastight full protection garment with internal measuring and warning apparatus
EP0447619A1 (en) * 1990-03-21 1991-09-25 Auergesellschaft Gmbh Warning system with a measuring cell and alarm signal to indicate the condition of a gas filter
EP0535385A1 (en) * 1991-10-01 1993-04-07 Drägerwerk Aktiengesellschaft Breathing protection mask with inner half-mask and noxious matter indicator
GB2266467A (en) * 1992-04-30 1993-11-03 Draegerwerk Ag Respiratory mask with an indicating means
DE19543296A1 (en) * 1995-11-21 1997-05-22 Itvi Inttech Venture Investa Apparatus and method for determining absolute gas concentrations using semiconducting gas sensors
DE19617297A1 (en) * 1996-04-30 1997-11-13 Brand Gerhart Rosemarie Simultaneous detection of oxidizable and reducible gases with metal oxide sensors using impedance spectroscopy

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7614280B1 (en) * 2006-03-06 2009-11-10 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Quantitative fit test system and method for assessing respirator biological fit factors
US8151630B1 (en) * 2006-03-06 2012-04-10 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Quantitative fit test system and method for assessing respirator biological fit factors
US9498656B2 (en) 2012-07-11 2016-11-22 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft crew member protective breathing apparatus
US9545530B2 (en) 2012-07-11 2017-01-17 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft crew member protective breathing apparatus
US10046184B2 (en) 2012-07-11 2018-08-14 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft crew member protective breathing apparatus
WO2017052462A1 (en) * 2015-09-25 2017-03-30 Provtagaren Ab Temperature differential fluid sensor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU5065698A (en) 1998-06-29
DE19650897A1 (en) 1998-06-10

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