WO2017079967A1

WO2017079967A1 - Auto-open inhalation valve for emergency escape breathing device

Info

Publication number: WO2017079967A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/094546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mike Ma; Kevin Lu; Bruce Liu
Original assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
Priority date: 2015-11-13
Filing date: 2015-11-13
Publication date: 2017-05-18
Also published as: CN114558257B; CN108472519B; CN114558257A; CN108472519A

Abstract

An inhalation valve for use with an emergency escape breathing device (EEBD) is provided. The EEBDs may be used in emergency situations to protect a user from smoke, chemicals, particles, or other hazardous elements in the air, and provide breathable air to the user. An EEBD (100) may comprise a cylinder (104) of air, a hood (102), and a hose (106) to provide air from the cylinder (104) to the hood (102). The EEBD (100) may also comprise an inhalation valve (108) attached to the hose (106). While the cylinder (104) is providing air to the hood (102), the pressure from the air from the cylinder (104) may keep the inhalation valve (108) closed. When the cylinder (104) runs out of air, the inhalation valve (108) may open, allowing the user to continue breathing while wearing the hood (102). In some embodiments, the inhalation valve (200) may also have a filter (210) operable to filter the ambient air that enters the hood (102) through the inhalation valve (200).

Description

AUTO-OPEN INHALATION VALVE FOR EMERGENCY ESCAPE BREATHING DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Emergency respirators may be worn to protect users from harmful substances in the air during an emergency situation. Emergency respirators may be worn in a work environment or a residential environment. Some emergency respirators may have cylinders of breathable air for a user to breath while escaping from a hazardous environment.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of an inhalation valve for use with a hood, the inhalation valve comprising a valve seat, wherein the valve seat fits within an opening of the hood； a cap operable to attach to the valve seat, wherein the cap is located in the interior of the hood, and wherein a portion of the hood is secured between the valve seat and the cap； a hose operable to provide breathable air to the interior of the suit, wherein the hose is attached to the valve seat； a flexible membrane operable to move in response to pressures within the inhalation valve, wherein the flexible membrane is closed when air is flowing through the hose, wherein the flexible membrane will open in response to a user’s inhalation when there is no air flowing through the hose, wherein the valve seat comprises openings to allow ambient air to pass through the valve when the flexible membrane is open, and wherein the cap comprises slots allowing air to enter the interior of the hood.

In some embodiments, the hose passes through the center of the valve seat. In some embodiments, the hose and valve seat are heated to attach the hose to the valve seat. In some embodiments, the inhalation valve may further comprise a filter operable to cover the openings of the valve seat and filter the external air that passes through the inhalation valve to the interior of the hood. In some embodiments, the filter is held within the valve seat by claws on the valve seat. In some embodiments, a portion of the flexible membrane is attached to a slot in the valve seat. In some embodiments, the cap comprises threads, wherein the valve seat comprises threads, and wherein the cap is threaded onto the valve seat. In some embodiments, the inhalation valve, the hood, and the hose are part of an emergency escape breathing device (EEBD) . In some embodiments, the flexible membrane seals against a portion of the valve seat when air is flowing into the valve from the hose, thereby preventing ambient air from entering the valve via openings in the valve seat.

Additional aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of an EEBD comprising a cylinder containing a finite amount of breathable air； a hood operable to fit over a user’s head and seal around a user’s neck； a hose operable to provide breathable air from the cylinder to the interior of the hood； an inhalation valve attached to the hose, the inhalation valve comprising a valve seat, wherein the valve seat fits within an opening of the hood； a cap operable to attach to the valve seat, wherein the cap is located in the interior of the hood, and wherein a portion of the hood is secured between the valve seat and the cap； a flexible membrane operable to flex in response to pressures within the inhalation valve, wherein the flexible membrane seals against a portion of the valve seat when air is flowing into the valve from the hose, thereby preventing ambient air from entering the hood, wherein the flexible membrane will flex away from the valve seat in response to a user’s inhalation when there is no air flowing through the hose from the cylinder, allowing ambient air to enter the hood via openings in the valve seat, and wherein the cap comprises slots allowing air to enter the interior of the hood via the inhalation valve.

In some embodiments, the hose passes through the center of the valve seat. In some embodiments, the inhalation valve further comprises a filter operable to cover the openings of the valve seat and filter the external air that passes through the inhalation valve to the interior of the hood. In some embodiments, the inhalation valve comprises a circular shape. In some embodiments, the cap comprises threads, wherein the valve seat comprises threads, and wherein the cap is threaded onto the valve seat. In some embodiments, the cap is dome shaped to direct air flowing from the hose onto the flexible membrane, thereby sealing the flexible membrane against the valve seat.

Other aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a method for assembling an inhalation valve for use with an EEBD, the method comprising providing a hose operable to supply breathable air from a cylinder to a hood of the EEBD； attaching the hose to a valve seat of the inhalation valve； attaching a flexible membrane to the valve seat, wherein the valve seat comprises openings, wherein the flexible membrane seals the openings, and wherein the flexible membrane is operable to flex away from the openings in response to negative pressure within the hood； and attaching the valve seat to the hood by threading a cap onto the valve seat, wherein a portion of the hood is secured between the valve seat and the cap.

In some embodiments, attaching hose to valve seat may comprise heat pressing the hose to the valve seat. In some embodiments, attaching the flexible membrane to the valve seat may comprise securing a portion of the flexible membrane within a slot on the valve seat. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise providing a filter operable to fit within the valve seat and filter any air that enters the hood through the valve seat. In some embodiments, the cap may be located on the interior of the hood, and the cap may comprise slots allow air to pass through the cap into the interior of the hood.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates an EEBD according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of inhalation valve according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an inhalation valve according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIG. 4A illustrates another cross-sectional view of an inhalation valve according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIG. 4B illustrates yet another cross-sectional view of an inhalation valve according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of a cap according to an embodiment of the disclosure； and

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate detailed views of a valve seat according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application:

The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context；

The phrases “in one embodiment, ” “according to one embodiment, ” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment) ；

If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example, ” it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example；

The terms “about” or approximately” or the like, when used with a number, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range in proximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill in the art field； and

If the specification states a component or feature “may, ” “can, ” “could, ” “should, ” “would, ” “preferably, ” “possibly, ” “typically, ” “optionally, ” “for example, ” “often, ” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

Embodiments of the disclosure include an inhalation valve for use with an emergency respirator or an EEBD. EEBDs are respirators that may be used in an emergency situation to protect a user from smoke, chemicals, particles, or other hazardous elements in the air, and provide breathable air to the user. For example, an EEBD may be worn by a user escaping from a fire or other emergency, where smoke, dust, and other harmful substances may be in the air. An EEBD may comprise a cylinder of air, a hood, and hose to provide air from the cylinder to the hood. Typically, an EEBD may be able to provide approximately 10-15 minutes of breathing, depending on the volume of the cylinder. When the air is exhausted or used up, the user must immediately remove the hood or risk suffocation from lack of oxygen inside the hood.

Because the hood seals around the neck of the user (to prevent harmful substances from entering the hood) , the hood may be difficult to remove quickly. Additionally, if a user is escaping from a dangerous environment, taking time and effort to remove the hood may be problematic. If the user is still in the dangerous environment when they have to remove the hood, the user’s face, eyes, and head may be unprotected from the hazardous substances. Also, if the user is in an emergency situation, the user may be nervous and/or injured, making it difficult for the user to remove the hood, leading to the potential for suffocation. Additionally, users who are wearing the EEBD may not be trained in the use of the EEBD, and may therefore have trouble removing the hood.

Applicants have developed an inhalation valve for use on an EEBD that may address these concerns. While the cylinder is providing air to the hood, the inhalation valve may be closed. In some embodiments, the pressure from the supplied air from the cylinder may keep the inhalation valve closed, and the inhalation valve may not require any other elements for keeping the valve closed while there is still air supplied from the cylinder.

When the cylinder runs out of air, and air is no longer being supplied to the hood, the inhalation valve may open, allowing the user to continue breathing while wearing the hood. This may allow the user to continue wearing the hood even when the cylinder runs out of air. In some embodiments, the valve may also have a filter operable to filter the ambient air that enters the hood through the inhalation valve. Adding the inhalation valve to the hood may reduce the potential for suffocation while wearing the hood. Additionally, the user may continue to wear the hood, thereby protecting the user’s head, eyes, and face.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of an EEBD 100 is shown. The EEBD 100 may comprise a hood 102 operable to fit over the user’s head. The hood 102 may comprise a seal 110 around the user’s neck, wherein the seal 110 may prevent outside air from entering the hood 102. Additionally, the EEBD 100 may comprise a cylinder 104 of breathable air, wherein the breathable air is supplied from the cylinder 104 to the hood 102 via a hose 106. In some embodiments, the hose 106 may attach to the back of the hood 102. In other embodiments, the hose 106 may attach at any other point on the hood 102.

In some embodiments, the hood 102 may comprise an inhalation valve 108. The cylinder 104 may comprise a finite amount of breathing air. When the cylinder 104 has been used up, the inhalation valve 108 may automatically open to allow the user to breathe without having to remove the hood 102. In some embodiments, the inhalation valve 108 may comprise a filter operable to filter the ambient air for the user to breathe.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of an inhalation valve 200 is shown. The inhalation valve 200 may be attached to a hood (similar to the inhalation valve 108 as shown in FIG. 1) . The inhalation valve 200 may comprise a valve seat 202, wherein the valve seat 202 may attach to a hose 206 (similar to the hose 106 in FIG. 1) . The hose 206 may be a part of an EEBD, and may provide breathable air from a cylinder, as described in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the hose 206 and valve seat 202 may comprise materials which may be heated and melded (or heat pressed) to each other to attach the hose 206 to the valve seat 202. For example, the hose 206 may comprise a rubber material, and the valve seat 202 may comprise a plastic material. When the hose 206 and valve seat 202 are heated, the materials may partially melt and seal to one another. In other embodiments, an adhesive may be used to attach the hose 206 and valve seat 202. In another embodiment, another attachment may be used to attach the hose 206 and valve seat 202. In another embodiments, the hose 206 may be mounted on valve seat 202 by clamps.

In some embodiments, the inhalation valve 200 may comprise a cap 204 that attaches to the valve seat 202. In some embodiments, the valve seat 202 may comprise threads 212 and the cap 204 may comprise threads 216, allowing the cap 204 to be threaded onto the valve seat 202. In another embodiment, the valve seat 202 and cap 204 may comprise snaps, hooks, or another attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, the cap 204 may be located inside a hood, while at least a portion of the valve seat 202 may be located outside the hood. The cap 204 and valve seat 202 may attach to one another through an opening in the hood. In some embodiments, the cap 204 may comprise openings or slots 214 to allow air to pass through the cap 204 into the interior of the hood.

In some embodiments, the valve 200 may comprise a flexible membrane 208, wherein the flexible membrane 208 may be held within a slot 209 in the valve seat 202. The inner edge 207 of the flexible membrane 208 may be held within the slot 209, allow the rest of the membrane 208 to flex in response to pressures within the valve 200. In some embodiments, the valve seat 202 may comprise openings 203, which may be located adjacent to the flexible membrane 208. In some embodiments, the valve 200 may comprise a filter 210, which may be held within the valve seat 202. In some embodiments, air may pass through the filter 210, and through the openings 203, moving the flexible membrane 208, and also through the slots 214 in the cap 204 to enter the interior of the hood. In some embodiments, the valve 200 may comprise a circular shape, but in other embodiments, the shape of the valve may be oval, rectangular, square, or any other shape.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the valve 200 is shown. As described above, the cap 204 may thread onto the valve seat 202 (via threads 212 and 216) . A portion of the hood 102 may be held between the cap 204 and the valve seat 202, securing the valve 200 to the hood 102. In some embodiments, the cap 204 may be located inside a hood, while at least a portion of the valve seat 202 may be located outside the hood. The cap 204 and valve seat 202 may attach to one another through an opening in the hood. In some embodiments, the cap 204 may comprise openings or slots 214 to allow air to pass through the cap 204 into the interior of the hood.

In some embodiments, the valve seat 202 may comprise a ledge 205, wherein the hood 102 may be secured between the cap 204 and the ledge 205 of the valve seat 202. In some embodiments, the valve seat 202 may comprise one or more claws 220 operable to hold the filter 210 in place within the valve seat 202. The inner edge 207 of the flexible membrane 208 may be held in place in the slot 209 of the valve seat 202. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane 208 may contact and seal with a portion of the valve seat 202. However, the flexible membrane 208 may also be operable to flex toward the cap 204 while the inner edge 207 of the membrane 208 is held in place in the slot 209. In some embodiments, the slots 214 of the cap 204 may be located near the flexible membrane 208. In some embodiments, a portion of the hose 206 may extend into the cap 204 past the valve seat 202.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, another cross-sectional view of the valve 200 is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the hose 206 may be supplying breathable air 320 into the interior 302 of the hood 102. The air 320 may pass through the hose 206 into the cap 204 of the valve 200. The air 320 may then exit the cap 204 via the slots 214 in the cap 204. In the embodiment shown, the air 320 may create a pressure that pushes the flexible membrane 208 against the valve seat 202. In other words, the air 320 flow through the hose 206 and cap 204 may “close” the valve 200, not allowing any air to pass through the openings 203 in the valve seat 202 and/or the flexible membrane 208. While the EEBD has sufficient air supply from the cylinder, the airflow 320 may continue through the hose 206.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, another cross-sectional view of the valve 200 is shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the air supplied by the hose 206 from a cylinder may have run out or may have been exhausted. Therefore, the pressure on the flexible membrane 208 may be removed, allowing the membrane 208 to “open” inward toward the cap 204. When a user takes a breath, creating a negative pressure on the interior 302 of the hood 102, the flexible member 208 may flex away from the valve seat 202, allow air 420 to pass through the openings 203 in the valve seat 202, and through the slots 214 in the cap 204, into the interior 302 of the hood 102. In some embodiments, the air 420 may pass through the filter 210, wherein the filter 210 may be operable to remove hazardous particles and/or chemicals from the air 420 before it enters the interior 302 of the hood 102.

In some embodiments, the flexible membrane may comprise any flexible material that is impenetrable to air. For example, the flexible membrane may comprise a plastic material, a rubber material, or any kind of flexible rubber, such as Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) , Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) , and Natural Rubber (NR) .

In some embodiments, the filter may comprise any filtering material that may be operable to filter harmful particles and/or chemicals from the air. The filter may be operable to filter smoke, dust, and other harmful substances. For example, the filter material may comprise polypropylene (PP) meltblown, polyethylene (PET) nonwoven, glass fiber nonwoven, and so on.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a detailed view of the cap 204 is shown. In some embodiments, a plurality of slots 214 may extend around the entire circumference of the cap 204. The cap 204 may also comprise threads 216 for attaching the cap 204 to a valve seat. In some embodiments, the threads 216 may be located below the slots 214. In some embodiments, the cap 204 may be dome shaped to direct air flowing from the hose 206 onto the flexible membrane 208, thereby sealing the flexible membrane 208 against the valve seat 202 (as shown above) .

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, detailed views of the valve seat 202 are shown. FIG. 6A shows a side view of the valve seat 202. FIG. 6B shows a bottom, orthogonal view of the valve seat 202. FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of the valve seat 202 and a filter 210.

The valve seat 202 may comprise an opening 600 for receiving a hose, wherein, in some embodiments, the opening 600 may be through the center of the valve seat 202. The valve seat 202 may comprise threads 212 for attaching the valve seat 202 to a cap. In some embodiments, the valve seat 202 may comprise a ledge 205. In some embodiments, the valve seat 202 may comprise one or more openings 203 that extend through the valve seat 202. In some embodiments, the valve seat 202 may comprise a slot 209 for holding a portion of a flexible membrane. In some embodiments, the valve seat 202 may be operable to hold a filter 210, wherein the filter 210 may fit within the valve seat 202 may be held in place by one or more claws 220. In some embodiments, the filter 210 may cover the openings 203, such that any air that passes through the openings 203 must also pass through the filter 210. In some embodiments, the filter 210 may comprise an opening 602 for fitting around a hose, wherein the opening 602 may be similar to opening 600. In some embodiments, the filter 210 may comprise a flexible and/or compressible material, wherein the filter 210 may be easily positioned within the valve seat 202.

Some embodiments of the disclosure may comprise a method for assembling an inhalation valve for use with an EEBD. A hose may be provided, wherein the hose is operable to supply breathable air from a cylinder to a hood of the EEBD. The hose may be attached to a valve seat of the inhalation valve. In some embodiments, attaching hose to valve seat may comprise heat pressing the hose to the valve seat. A flexible membrane may be attached to the valve seat, wherein the valve seat comprises openings, wherein the flexible membrane seals the openings, and wherein the flexible membrane is operable to flex away from the openings in response to negative pressure within the hood. In some embodiments, attaching the flexible membrane to the valve seat may comprise securing a portion of the flexible membrane within a slot on the valve seat. The valve seat may be attached to the hood by threading a cap onto the valve seat, wherein a portion of the hood is secured between the valve seat and the cap.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise providing a filter operable to fit within the valve seat and filter any air that enters the hood through the valve seat. In some embodiments, the cap may be located on the interior of the hood, and the cap may comprise slots allow air to pass through the cap into the interior of the hood.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment (s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment (s) of the present invention (s) . Furthermore, any advantages and features described above may relate to specific embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages or having any or all of the above features.

Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to otherwise provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention (s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings might refer to a “Field, ” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any invention (s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a limiting characterization of the invention (s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention (s) , and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of the term “optionally, ” “may, ” “might, ” “possibly, ” and the like with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives being within the scope of the embodiment (s) . Also, references to examples are merely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exclusive.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Claims

An inhalation valve (200) for use with a hood (102) , the inhalation valve (200) comprising:

a valve seat (202) , wherein the valve seat (202) fits within an opening of the hood (102) ；

a cap (204) operable to attach to the valve seat (202) , wherein the cap (204) is located in the interior (302) of the hood (102) , and wherein a portion of the hood (102) is secured between the valve seat (202) and the cap (204) ；

a hose (206) operable to provide breathable air to the interior of the suit, wherein the hose (206) is attached to the valve seat (202) ；

a flexible membrane (208) operable to move in response to pressures within the inhalation valve (200) ,

wherein:

the flexible membrane (208) is closed when air is flowing through the hose (206) ；

the flexible membrane (208) will open in response to a user’s inhalation when there is no air flowing through the hose (206) ；

the valve seat (202) comprises openings (203) to allow ambient air to pass through the valve (200) when the flexible membrane (208) is open； and

the cap (204) comprises slots (214) allowing air to enter the interior of the hood (102) .
The inhalation valve (200) of claim 1, wherein the hose (206) passes through the center of the valve seat (202) .
The inhalation valve (200) of claim 2, wherein the hose (206) and valve seat (202) are heated to attach the hose (206) to the valve seat (202) .
The inhalation valve (200) of claim 1, further comprising a filter (210) operable to cover the openings (203) of the valve seat (202) and filter the external air that passes through the inhalation valve (200) to the interior of the hood (102) .
The inhalation valve (200) of claim 4, wherein the filter (210) is held within the valve seat (202) by claws (220) on the valve seat (202) .
The inhalation valve (200) of claim 1, wherein a portion of the flexible membrane (208) is attached to a slot (209) in the valve seat (202) .
The inhalation valve (200) of claim 1, wherein the cap (204) comprises threads (216) , wherein the valve seat (202) comprises threads (212) , and wherein the cap (204) is threaded onto the valve seat (202) .
The inhalation valve (200) of claim 1, wherein the inhalation valve (200) , the hood (102) , and the hose (206) are part of an emergency escape breathing device (EEBD) (100) .
The inhalation valve (200) of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane (208) seals against a portion of the valve seat (202) when air is flowing into the valve from the hose (206) , thereby preventing ambient air from entering the valve (100) via openings in the valve seat (202) .
An emergency escape breathing device (EEBD) (100) comprising:

a cylinder (104) containing a finite amount of breathable air；

a hood (102) operable to fit over a user’s head and seal around a user’s neck；

a hose (206) operable to provide breathable air from the cylinder (104) to the interior (302) of the hood (102) ；

an inhalation valve (200) attached to the hose (206) , the inhalation valve (200) comprising:

a valve seat (202) , wherein the valve seat (202) fits within an opening of the hood (102) ；

a cap (204) operable to attach to the valve seat (202) , wherein the cap (204) is located in the interior (302) of the hood (102) , and wherein a portion of the hood (102) is secured between the valve seat (202) and the cap (204) ；

a flexible membrane (208) operable to flex in response to pressures within the inhalation valve (200) ,

wherein:

the flexible membrane (208) seals against a portion of the valve seat (202) when air is flowing into the valve from the hose (206) , thereby preventing ambient air from entering the hood (102) ；

the flexible membrane (208) will flex away from the valve seat (202) in response to a user’s inhalation when there is no air flowing through the hose (206) from the cylinder (104) , allowing ambient air to enter the hood (102) via openings (203) in the valve seat (202) ； and

the cap (204) comprises slots (214) allowing air to enter the interior of the hood (102) via the inhalation valve (200) .
The EEBD (100) of claim 10, wherein the hose (206) passes through the center of the valve seat (202) .
The EEBD (100) of claim 10, wherein the inhalation valve (200) further comprises a filter (210) operable to cover the openings (203) of the valve seat (202) and filter the external air that passes through the inhalation valve (200) to the interior of the hood (102) .
The EEBD (100) of claim 10, wherein the inhalation valve (200) comprises a circular shape.
The EEBD (100) of claim 10, wherein the cap (204) comprises threads (216) , wherein the valve seat (202) comprises threads (212) , and wherein the cap (204) is threaded onto the valve seat (202) .
The EEBD (100) of claim 10, wherein the cap (204) is dome shaped to direct air flowing from the hose (206) onto the flexible membrane (208) , thereby sealing the flexible membrane (208) against the valve seat (202) .