WO2013089690A1

WO2013089690A1 - Interchangeable self-rescue equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2013089690A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/064735
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph C. SCHUCK
Original assignee: Draeger Safety Inc.
Priority date: 2011-12-13
Filing date: 2011-12-13
Publication date: 2013-06-20

Abstract

Described herein is a self-contained self-rescue system including a breathing bag, a chemical cartridge in fluid communication with the breathing bag and configured to provide respiratory protection to a user for a period of time. The cartridge includes an external interface. The system includes a breathing hose having a fluid passageway extending between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a coupling element and the second end is configured to deliver respirable gas to the user. The coupling element of the breathing hose reversibly mates with the external interface of the cartridge to enable the cartridge to be exchanged for at least a second chemical cartridge. Related apparatus, systems, methods and/or articles are described.

Description

Interchangeable Self-Rescue Equipment

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates to self-rescue equipment having interchangeable cartridges.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Self-rescue equipment is used in harsh environments, such as mines, tunnels, and other enclosed spaces where air can become contaminated, toxic, or oxygen- deficient atmospheres, for example upon explosion, fire or other event. Workers must avoid breathing the contaminated air during their escape from the environment. Self- rescue equipment is designed to withstand the daily rigors of harsh environments and perform reliably as needed, for example in emergency situations to facilitate escape from the immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environment.

[0003] A Self-Contained Self-Rescuer (SCSR) is a portable device that provides breathable air while isolating the wearer's respiratory tract from contaminated or IDLH atmospheres. There are generally two types of SCSRs, which can be characterized by the methodology used to supply the breathable air. Oxygen can be supplied from a cylinder of compressed gas or can be produced in a chemical reaction chamber or chemical cartridge that is part of the SCSR. [0004] The SCSR is typically carried, worn or located nearby to provide worker immediate access to respiratory protection with an oxygen source during the worker's daily tasks. The SCSR provides protection for a limited period of time.

Government regulations require coal miners, for example, to have immediate access to an SCSR device that provides respiratory protection for at least 1 hour. The SCSR device provides protection that is generally long enough for a worker to travel and access an additional cache stored at strategic location to facilitate escape in emergencies. As the SCSR is used up, the device can be exchanged for another device from the cache as needed along an escape route.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, disclosed is a self-contained self-rescue system including a breathing bag and a chemical cartridge in fluid communication with the breathing bag configured to provide respiratory protection to a user for a period of time. The cartridge includes an external interface. The system includes a breathing hose having a fluid passageway extending between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a coupling element and the second end is configured to deliver respirable gas to the user. The coupling element of the breathing hose reversibly mates with the external interface of the cartridge to enable the cartridge to be exchanged for at least a second chemical cartridge. Related apparatus, systems, methods and/or articles are described.

[0006] The coupling element can include a valve configured to prevent ambient gas from entering the fluid passageway when the coupling element is not mated with the external interface of the cartridge. The valve can be a self-closing valve. The coupling element can include one or more spring latches configured to engage corresponding cavities in the external interface of the cartridge. The cartridge can be configured to be removed from the system and replaced with a second chemical cartridge while the user breathes through the fluid passageway. The second cartridge can be configured to provide respiratory protection for a second period of time. The second period of time can be equal to or greater than the first period of time. The first cartridge can have a first form factor and the second cartridge can have a second form factor. The second form factor can be equal to or greater than the first form factor. The first period of time can be a period of between about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes. The second period of time can be a period greater than or equal to 30 minutes.

[0007] In an interrelated aspect, disclosed is a method including breathing a respirable gas through a fluid passageway of a self-contained self-rescue system. The fluid passageway extends between a first end and a second end of a breathing hose. The first end includes a coupling element reversibly mated with a first external interface of a first chemical cartridge. The method also includes removing the first cartridge from the coupling element after a first period of time and reversibly mating with the coupling element a second external interface of a second chemical cartridge.

[0008] The coupling element can include a valve configured to prevent ambient gas from entering the fluid passageway while removing the first cartridge from the coupling element. The valve can be a self-closing valve. Removing the first cartridge can include releasing one or more spring latches on the coupling element out of engagement with corresponding cavities in the first external interface of the first cartridge. Removing the first cartridge and reversibly mating the second cartridge can be performed while the user breathes through the fluid passageway. The second cartridge can be configured to provide respiratory protection for a second period of time. The second period of time can be equal to or greater than the first period of time. The first cartridge can have a first form factor and the second cartridge can have a second form factor. The second form factor can be equal to or greater than the first form factor. The first period of time can be a period of between about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes. The second period of time can be a period greater than or equal to 30 minutes.

[0009] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of an implementation of a self-contained self-rescuer system in a first configuration;

[0011] FIG. IB is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1A in an opened, activated configuration;

[0012] FIGs. 2A-2C are perspective views of the system of FIG. 1A in various stages of opening and actuation;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a user donning the system of FIG. 1A; [0014] FIG. 4 A is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1A and FIG. 4B is a close-up perspective view of the cartridge interface of the system of FIG. 4A taken along circle B-B.

[0015] FIG. 5A is a side, cut-away view of the coupling elements of the system of FIG. 4A

[0016] FIG. 5B is a top view of one of the coupling elements of the system of FIG. 4A.

[0017] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] SCSR provide breathable oxygen to support bodily functions while preventing the inhalation of atmospheric contaminants that could adversely affect health of user. Exchanging a depleted SCSR for a second SCSR can expose a worker to contaminated air during doffing and re-donning. Further, the form factor (size and weight) of an SCSR providing protection for 30, 60, or 90 minutes or more can be such that wearability and acceptance by workers in the normal work environment (e.g. wearing on a belt while performing normal tasks during non-emergencies) is limited.

[0019] Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods to quickly, reliably and safely exchange a small capacity chemical cartridge of an SCSR with a larger capacity cartridge without requiring a worker to doff and re-don the SCSR or exchange the SCSR with another breathing apparatus. The devices, systems and methods provide a lightweight and comfortable breathing unit for wearing or carrying during normal work environment that includes a first cartridge of smaller oxygen supply capacity. During emergencies the first cartridge can be exchanged for a second, larger oxygen supply capacity cartridge from a nearby cache. The system provides modularity and flexibility of duration times to a user and leverages the concept of safe dock-ability for cached replenishment units.

[0020] FIG. 1A illustrates an implementation of a SCSR system 5 in a closed, inactive configuration and FIG. IB illustrates the SCSR system 5 in an opened, activated configuration. The system 5 can include a housing 10 inside of which is sealed a chemical cartridge 15 (see FIG. 3), breathing bag 20, breathing hose 25, and mouthpiece 30. It should be appreciated that the system 5 can include instead of a mouthpiece 30 another type of respiration element configured to deliver a supply of respirable gas to a respiratory system of a user such as a fitted face piece, full face mask and/or hood type coupling instead of the described mouthpiece 30. As will be described in more detail below, the chemical cartridge 15 can be a modular, interchangeable cartridge that can be easily removed and replaced with another cartridge 15 without having to doff and re-don another system 5.

[0021] The system 5 can be used for confined space applications such as escape from mine shafts, tunnels or tanks, but it should be appreciated that the system 5 may be used in any environment in which there is a risk of exposure to dangerous substances in the atmosphere or reduced oxygen content in the air. The system 5 can have application in military, aerospace and law enforcement use as well as in industrial uses. [0022] The housing 10 enclosing the system 5 is configured to protect the system 5 from damage due to the harsh environment to which the system 5 could be exposed. Materials and construction of the housing 10 can be designed to withstand challenging and harsh environments such as dirt, dust, particulate, sudden and hard impact, and exposure to heat, water and other environmental elements. The housing 10 can be made of composite materials to increase strength and reduce transfer of impact shock to internal components such as the chemical cartridge 15.

[0023] The housing 10 can include a cover 35 and a wear plate 40. The system 5 can be belt mounted with a standard belt clip or can optionally be used with a carrying pouch. In some implementations, the wear plate 40 of the housing 10 can include one or more adjustable straps 60 such that the system 5 can be worn by the user. The straps 60 can be used to wear the system 5 around a user's waist, chest, neck or shoulders bandolier style during non-emergencies. An additional strap 62 can also be positioned internal to the system as shown in FIG. IB and can be made available when the housing 10 is opened for use. The strap 62 can be positioned around a user's neck and one or more additional straps can be wrapped around the user's waist or tied to keep the system close to the body during use. The straps 60, 62 can be adjustable with a variety of adjustment mechanisms. The housing 10 can also include one or more indicators 65 readily visible to a user. The indicators 65 can be positioned near an upper surface of housing 10 or a surface of the housing 10 facing a user when not in use such that the user can know that the system 5 is safe to use. The indicators 65 can vary including but not limited to one or more light emitting diodes (LED) in one or more colors, bulbs, digital graphic display or other visual, auditory and/or tactile indicator. In other implementations, the indicator 65 can include a chemical reaction to indicate exposure of the system to moisture or over-exposure to heat.

[0024] As best shown in FIGs. 2A-2C, the cover 35 can be configured to be easily and quickly removed from a wear plate 40 upon actuation of an opening mechanism 45. The opening mechanism 45 can release the cover 35 of the housing 10 for removal. In some implementations, the opening mechanism 45 can include a flip- release opening mechanism 45 in which the system 5 can be unsealed and both halves of the housing 10 separated. A sealing strip 50 sealing the housing 10 can fall off automatically as the arm 47 of the opening mechanism 45 is rotated about a hinge element 55. This type of opening mechanism 45 can allow for a user to access the internal components such as the mouthpiece 30 (or hood or mask) and rapidly don the system 5 with minimal effort.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, once the cover 35 is removed the breathing bag 20, breathing hose 25 and mouthpiece 30 enclosed by the housing 10 can be made available to a user. The mouthpiece 30 can be stored in the housing 10 having a removable plug 70 positioned within the air passageway of the mouthpiece 30. The plug 70 can be removed prior to inserting the mouthpiece 30 into a user's mouth. The system 5 can also include a nose clip 75 and goggles 80. The nose clip 75 and/or goggles 80 can be stored within the housing 10 of the system 5 and available upon removal of the cover 35. Alternatively, the nose clip 75 and/or goggles 80 can be provided by a user separately from the system 5. It should be appreciated that the system 5 can also include a fitted face piece, full face mask and/or hood instead of the described mouthpiece 30.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the system 5 can include a starter 22 that can provide enough oxygen for the first few minutes before the subsequent reaction in the chemical cartridge 1 5 starts. The starter 22 can automatically activate upon opening the housing 10. Alternatively, the system 5 can include an activation pin 23 for the starter 22 that is activated by a user when positioning the valve housing 85 towards the mouth.

[0027] Breathing resistance pressure can be maintained within a comfortable range or zone for a user undergoing mild exertion (e.g. walking). For example, a pressure relief valve 90 can be positioned between the breathing bag 20 and the breathing tube 25 (see FIG. 3). The valve 90 can control the air volume in the breathing bag 20. In some implementations, the system 5 can have between about 4 mbar to about 6 mbar inhalation/exhalation resistance.

[0028] Still with respect to FIG. 3, the breathing hose 25 connects the mouthpiece 30 to the breathing bag 20, which is in fluid communication with the chemical cartridge 15. The chemical cartridge 15 can be both an oxygen source and a carbon dioxide absorber. The chemical cartridge 15 can provide a breathing gas containing oxygen and recycled exhaled gas. In some implementations, the chemical cartridge 15 can be a chemical cartridge made of potassium superoxide (K0₂). The humidity of the user's exhaled air (H₂0) can transform the K0₂ into oxygen and potassium hydroxide (KOH) according to this equation: K0₂ + H₂0 -> 2 KOH + 1,5 0₂ + heat. Potassium hydroxide in turn can bind the carbon dioxide (C0₂) in the exhaled breath of the user according to this equation: KOH + C0₂ -> 2 K₂C0₃ + H₂0 + heat.

[0029] Excess oxygen can escape through the pressure relief valve 90 into the ambient air and/or the breathing bag 20. The resulting heat can be dissipated through a radiator or used in a heat exchanger 85 positioned between the breathing hose 25 and the mouthpiece 30 to control the inhalation breathing temperature. In some implementations, the inhalation breathing temperature can be kept very close to a normal body temperature. In some implementations, the inhalation breathing temperature can be kept in a comfortable range of at least about 90 degrees F to at least about 105 degrees F. In some implementations, the inhalational breathing temperature can be kept in the range of at least about 96 degrees F to about 98 degrees F. Alternating between inhalation and exhalation, breath flows from the breathing bag 20 through the chemical cartridge 15, and then to the heat exchanger 85 and back again. The water vapor and C0₂ from the exhaled breath are absorbed in the chemical cartridge 15 to release its chemically bound oxygen. The chemical cartridge 15 is both an oxygen source and a carbon dioxide absorber.

[0030] The system 5 described herein can be modular such that a depleted chemical cartridge 15 can be easily exchanged for new chemical cartridge 15. The systems disclosed herein leverage the modularity of the cartridges 15 by providing a generally convenient form factor of the shorter usage period chemical cartridge 15 in times of non-emergency when a worker must carry or wear the system that can be exchanged for a longer usage period chemical cartridges having a less convenient form factor for use in times of emergency when escape may be required. For example, the potential inconvenience of a system having a larger form factor becomes less important compared to ensuring sufficient usage time to allow for escape.

[0031] The system 5 can include a chemical cartridge 15 that can provide respiratory protection for a limited period of time that is enough for a user to travel to and access a cache of additional cartridges positioned, for example, along an escape route. The cache of additional chemical cartridges can provide additional oxygen supply time. The cache of additional chemical cartridges can include cartridges that have the same usage period or a longer usage period. The system 5 allows for a user to exchange the respiratory protection of the spent chemical cartridge 15 for the respiratory protection of an additional chemical cartridge 15 from the cache (having either the same or longer usage period) without exposing the user to the dangerous atmosphere or forcing the user to hold their breath. The user can done the system 5 in an emergency and travel towards a storage location or cache of additional chemical cartridges positioned along an escape route. The user can then exchange a spent chemical cartridge (e.g. short-term cartridge) with a fresh chemical cartridge from the cache (e.g. long-term cartridge) to provide respiratory protection for an additional period of time, for example while the user traverses the escape route without being exposed to the dangerous atmosphere or to provide breathable air until the environment is restored to safe levels.

[0032] The first chemical cartridge 15 can have a limited usage period that is generally smaller and lightweight compared to longer usage period chemical cartridges 15. This allows the user to comfortably wear the system 5 while working and performing daily tasks and in an emergency situation swap to a longer usage period (and higher weight) cartridge without having to remove the system 5 and expose themselves to the atmosphere during chemical cartridge 15 exchange. In some implementations, the first chemical cartridge 15 incorporated with the system 5 prior to the first use can deliver oxygen to the user and provide air escape time of at least about 10 minutes, at least about 15 minutes, at least about 20 minutes, or at least about 25 minutes. In some

implementations, the first chemical cartridge 15 can provide breathable air for at least about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes. Generally, this is enough time for a user, for example, to access a cache of chemical cartridges 15 positioned along an escape route. The cache can include chemical cartridges 15 having a larger capacity that provide the user with a longer period of time in which the user can breathe using the chemical cartridge 15. The cache can also include one or more chemical cartridges 15 having the same capacity as the chemical cartridge 15 originally used with the system 5 prior to exchange. The first chemical cartridge 15 minimizes form factor and the cached chemical cartridges maximize time for escape.

[0033] The chemical cartridge 15 first used upon activation of the system 5 can have various usage periods, but is generally in the shorter time-span range. In some implementations, the chemical cartridge 15 first used upon activation of the system 5 can have a usage period in the range of approximately 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, or 25 minutes. In some implementations, the first chemical cartridge 15 can provide breathable air for at least about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes. The cached chemical cartridges 15 for which the first chemical cartridge 15 is exchanged can have a usage period that is generally in the longer time-span range. In some implementations, the cached chemical cartridges 15 can have a usage period in the range of approximately 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, or 180 minutes. In some implementations, the cached chemical cartridge 15 can provide breathable air for greater than or equal to 30 minutes. It should be appreciated that the usage periods of the chemical cartridges 15 can vary. It should also be appreciated that the system 5 can accept a chemical cartridge 15 having any usage period and the above are only examples.

[0034] As mentioned above, the chemical cartridge 15 and other components of the system 5 are enclosed in a tough protective housing 10 that protects the system 5 from damage during normal daily tasks while carried or worn by a worker. In some implementations, the total weight and size of the system 5 coupled to a shorter usage period chemical cartridge 15 can be from about 2,000g to about 5,000g. The cached chemical cartridges 15, which generally have a longer usage period of oxygen generation, also generally have a larger form factor. In some implementations, the total weight and size of the system 5 coupled to a longer usage period cached chemical cartridge 15 can be between greater than or equal to 3,000 g. The housing 10 of the system 5 coupled to a shorter usage period chemical cartridge 15 can be smaller contributing to a smaller form factor of the system 5 compared to a system 5 coupled to a longer usage period chemical cartridge 15.

[0035] FIGs. 4A-4B illustrate the coupling between the chemical cartridge 15 and the system 5. The coupling between the chemical cartridge 15 and the system 5 is external such that a user can easily access and replace a spent cartridge 15 with a fresh one. External exchange components allow for ease of use and quickness of exchange. In some implementations, the breathing hose 25 can include a coupling element 405 at its distal end. The coupling element 405 of the hose 25 can interface with a corresponding coupling element 410 on the chemical cartridge 15. The interface between the coupling elements 405, 410 can vary. In some implementations, coupling element 405 has a male end. Coupling element 410 can have a female end configured to receive the male end of coupling element 405. The male and female ends can latch together by a variety of mechanisms. The male end of coupling element 405 can include one or more spring latches 415 and the female end of coupling element 410 can include corresponding latch cavities 420 configured to receive the one or more spring latches 415 upon mating the female and male ends of the coupling elements 405, 410. The mating of the coupling elements 405, 410 is reversible such as by a user squeezing the one or more spring latches 415 inward out of association with the corresponding latch cavities 420 and pulling the spent chemical cartridge 15 away from the male end of coupling element 405. The spent chemical cartridge 15 can then be replaced with a fresh cartridge 15, such as a chemical cartridge 15 having a longer usage period. FIG. 4B illustrates the coupling elements 405, 410 capable of mating along a vertical axis. It should be appreciated that other mating orientations are possible.

[0036] The coupling elements 405, 410 can be configured to prevent entry of toxic gases from the environment into the system 5 upon exchange of the spent chemical cartridge 15 with a fresh cartridge. In some implementations, the coupling element 405 can include a valve 425 at its open interface. The type of valve can vary. In some implementations, the valve is a one-way, spring-loaded valve that is hermetically sealed. In some implementations, the valve 425 can include a hinged, self-closing valve as shown in FIG. 5A although it should be appreciated that the valve type of valve 425 can vary. The valve 425 can include a first valve element 422 and a second valve element 423, each of the valve elements 422, 423 coupled to the housing of the coupling element 405 by a tortional spring 424 biasing the valve elements 422, 423 into a closed position. Coupling element 410 can include a pair of valve-opening cams 430. As the female end of the coupling element 410 of the chemical cartridge 15 is moved toward the male end of coupling element 405, the cams 430 urge the valve elements 422, 423 into an open position such that the chemical cartridge 15 and the breathing hose 25 can couple together and complete the breathing passageway. The male and female ends of the coupling elements 405, 410 latch together and the user can begin breathing from the fresh chemical cartridge 15. The female end of the coupling element 410 can also include an O-ring seal to further ensure a safe connection between the coupling elements 405, 410.

[0037] The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein.

Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0038] Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub-combinations of several further features disclosed above, in addition, the logic flows and steps for use described herein do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other implementations can be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A self-contained self-rescue system comprising:

a breathing bag;

a chemical cartridge in fluid communication with the breathing bag and configured to provide respiratory protection to a user for a period of time, the cartridge comprising an external interface;

a breathing hose comprising a fluid passageway extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a coupling element and the second end is configured to deliver respirable gas to the user;

wherein the coupling element of the breathing hose reversibly mates with the external interface of the cartridge to enable the cartridge to be exchanged for at least a second chemical cartridge.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the coupling element comprises a valve configured to prevent ambient gas from entering the fluid passageway when the coupling element is not mated with the external interface of the cartridge.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the valve is a self-closing valve.

4. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element comprises one or more spring latches configured to engage corresponding cavities in the external interface of the cartridge.

5. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge is configured to be removed from the system and replaced with a second chemical cartridge while the user breathes through the fluid passageway.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second cartridge is configured to provide respiratory protection for a second period of time.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second period of time is equal to or greater than the first period of time.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first cartridge comprises a first form factor and the second cartridge comprises a second form factor, wherein the second form factor is equal to or greater than the first form factor.

9. The system of claims 6 or 7, wherein the first period of time comprises a period of between about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes.

10. The system of any of claims 6-9, wherein the second period of time comprises a period greater than or equal to 30 minutes.

1 1. A method comprising:

breathing a respirable gas through a fluid passageway of a self-contained self- rescue system, the fluid passageway extending between a first end and a second end of a breathing hose, wherein the first end comprises a coupling element reversibly mated with a first external interface of a first chemical cartridge;

removing the first cartridge from the coupling element after a first period of time; and

reversibly mating with the coupling element a second external interface of a second chemical cartridge.

12. The method of claim 1 1 , wherein the coupling element comprises a valve configured to prevent ambient gas from entering the fluid passageway while removing the first cartridge from the coupling element.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the valve is a self-closing valve.

14. The method of any of claims 1 1 -13, wherein removing the first cartridge comprises releasing one or more spring latches on the coupling element out of engagement with corresponding cavities in the first external interface of the first cartridge.

15. The method of any of claims 11 -14, wherein removing the first cartridge and reversibly mating the second cartridge are performed while the user breathes through the fluid passageway.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second cartridge is configured to provide respiratory protection for a second period of time.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second period of time is equal to or greater than the first period of time.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first cartridge comprises a first form factor and the second cartridge comprises a second form factor, wherein the second form factor is equal to or greater than the first form factor.

19. The method of claims 16 or 17, wherein the first period of time comprises a period of between about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes.

20. The method of any of claims 16-19, wherein the second period of time comprises a period greater than or equal to 30 minutes.