WO2019074997A2 - Air supply system for occupants of hazardous environments - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (100) for use with a fluid container (101), the fluid container (101) containing a fluid under pressure, the system (100) being operable to supply at least a portion of the fluid to a user (106), and comprising an actuating component (102) configured and arranged to enable the release of fluid from the fluid container (101). A fluid regulator component (103) is configured and arranged to control the rate of the fluid released from the fluid container (101). A reservoir container (104) having an interior portion thereof and capable of containing a maximum volume is configured arranged to receive fluid from the fluid regulator component (103). An applicator (105) is configured and arranged to supply contents of the interior portion of said reservoir container (104) for inhalation by a user (106) and to receive exhaled gas expelled by the user (106), at least a portion of the exhaled gas expelled by the user reentering the reservoir container (104), A pressure relief valve (307) is confi gured and arranged to exhaust a t least a portion of the exhaled gas expelled by the user (106).

Description

Title:

AIR SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR OCCUPANTS OF HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from: U.S. Provisional Application Nos.

62/570,092 filed October 10, 2017 and 62/723,482 filed August 28, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is generally directed to an air supply system for occupants of hazardous environments. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a single or multiple use device used to provide a human or animal occupant of a hazardous environment with a supplemental or primary air supply to reduce or prevent the effects of ingesting toxic gas or smoke.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There exists a need in the art for an air supply system for occupants of hazardous environments.

[0004] By means of example, consider the firefighting environment. When operating in a a hazardous environment, such as a burning structure or environmentally toxic area, firefighters typically wear and carry an extensive amount of personal protection equipment such as a helmet, hood, pants, coat, gloves, boots, self-contained breathing apparatus for the

firefighter's use, radio, camera, lights, axe, rescue equipment, etc. A firefighter's personal protection equipment is necessary for the firefighter to effectively perform in hazardous environments, but it is inherently heavy (60-70 pounds or more), bulky, and restrictive.

[0005] In these hazardous environments there are often subjects, human or animal, who are wholly or partially incapacitated due to smoke, injury, toxic air, or the like. In these situations, there exists a need for an air supply system to be made available, such as by firefighting personnel or other third parties, for use by occupants of hazardous environments.

[0006] Known supplemental air systems exist, but are ineffective for use in such

environments for a variety of reasons. Such systems include U.S. Patent No. 4,440,163 and U.S. Patent No. 8,166,973.

[0007] As a result, firefighters and others operating in a hazardous environment, for example, are unable to carry known supplemental air systems apparatus for effective use by any subjects incapacitated in hazardous environments that they may encounter. Thus, when a subject is encountered in such environments, firefighters are trained to try to simply remove those subjects from the hazardous environment as fast as possible, rather than taking the time to supply air to the subject, thus permitting the firefighter time to ensure the exit of the subject out of the hazardous environment in the safest and not necessarily fastest manner.

[0008] Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an improved air supply system for occupants of hazardous environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is generally directed to an air supply system for occupants of hazardous environments. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a single or multiple use system used to provide a human or animal occupant of a hazardous environment with a supplemental or primary air supply to reduce or prevent the effects of ingesting toxic gas or smoke.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention described herein are drawn to a system for use with a fluid container, the fluid container containing a fluid under pressure, the system being operable to supply at least a portion of the fluid to a user, and comprising an actuating component configured and arranged to enable the release of fluid from the fluid container. A fluid regulator component is configured and arranged to control the rate of the fluid released from the fluid container. A reservoir container having an interior portion thereof and capable of containing a maximum volume is configured arranged to receive fluid from the fluid regulator component. An applicator is configured and arranged to supply contents of the interior portion of said reservoir container for inhalation by a user and to receive exhaled gas expelled by the user, at least a portion of the exhaled gas expelled by the user reentering the reservoir container. A pressure relief valve is configured and arranged to exhaust at least a portion of the exhaled gas expelled by the user.

[0011] In various embodiments of the present invention the reservoir container receives fluid from the fluid regulator component proximate a first location within the interior portion. The reservoir container receives exhaled gas expelled by the user proximate a second location within the interior portion distant from the first location.

[0012] In various embodiments of the present invention the pressure relief valve is proximate the second location.

[0013] In various embodiments of the present invention the fluid released from the fluid container flows in a continuous manner. [0014] In various embodiments of the present invention the fluid released from the fluid container flows in a variable manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an air supply system for occupants of hazardous environments in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 also illustrates the air supply system illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates preferred embodiments of the actuating component illustrated in FIGs. 1-2;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates preferred embodiments of the fluid regulator illustrated in FIGs. 1- 2; and

[0020] FIG. 5 further illustrates various elements of system 100 of the present invention, including pressure relief valve 307.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] An air supply system for occupants of hazardous environments will now be described with reference to FIGs. 1-5.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an air supply system for occupants of hazardous environments in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a system 100 is provided for use with a fluid container 101. In a preferred embodiment, system 100 comprises an actuating component 102, a fluid regulator 103, a reservoir container 104, and an applicator 105. Applicator 105 may be removably secured to a user 106 by a securing component 107. For the avoidance of doubt, and as will be understood to those skilled in the art, none of fluid container 101, the fluid contained within fluid container 101, and user 106 comprise a part of system 100 or of the present invention.

[0023] As will be described in more detail below, fluid container 101 is preferably removably coupled to actuating component 102 in a manner which permits actuating component 102 to effect the flow of fluid from out of fluid container 101 and into and into fluid regulator 103. This flow of fluid may or may not go through actuating component 102. Fluid regulator 103 is preferably coupled to and in fluid communication with reservoir container 104. Reservoir container 104 is preferably coupled to and in fluid communication with applicator 105, either directly or through fluid regulator 103. Applicator 105 is configured and arranged to supply contents of reservoir container 104 to user 106.

[0024] Fluid container 101 may comprise any known pressure vessel that contains air or oxygen rich gas. As used herein, the contents of fluid container 101 will be referred to as a "fluid" as that term refers to both gases and liquids. For context, the fluid in and provided from fluid container 101 may be referred to herein as "new", "clean", or the like to differentiate it from (i) air exhaled from user 106 and (ii) the contents of reservoir container 104 after user 106 begins to use system 100, those contents being a mix of fluid from fluid container 101 and air exhaled by user 106.

[0025] The function of fluid container 101 is to retain the fluid under pressure (nominally 2400 - 3500 psi), until needed and to then release the fluid for distribution to user 106, as described below. Fluid container 101 can be either a single use container (non- refillable/disposable per DOT 39 or similar), or a multi-fill style of cylinder (DOT 3 AL or similar). The material of fluid container 101 may be metal (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or similar alloy), polymer (Ultem, PEEK, Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone or similar), or composite (carbon/fiberglass overwrapped metal or polymer). As will be understood by those of skill in the art, fluid container 101 will have an end portion configured to enable the fluid stored therein to be released, such as by being punctured, via a release valve, or the like.

[0026] As will be discussed further below in connection with FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment actuating component 102 is an automatic mechanism which automatically initiates a sequence of events upon being removed from its storage location (carry pouch, wall mount, etc., not shown) to open fluid container 101, thus starting the flow of fluid therein to (ultimately) user 106. Preferably, once the flow of the fluid from fluid container 101 has begun, actuating component 102 cannot stop the flow of fluid. This is a safety feature as it prevents fluid container 101 from being mistaken as full in situations where in fact it has previously been partially or fully depleted. Actuating component 102 may be made from metals, plastics, rubbers, textiles or any other various 'structural' materials, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0027] Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment, actuating component 102 may be of a configuration that is mechanically actuated by a firefighter, third party user, or user 106, as will be described further below.

[0028] As will be discussed further below in connection with FIG. 4, in a preferred embodiment fluid regulator 103 is a pressure-reducing and flow restricting mechanism. Fluid regulator 103 reduces the pressure of the fluid from fluid container 101 to a lower working pressure and flow rate. In accordance with the present invention, fluid regulator may use any of a variety of methods to achieve this. In a first preferred embodiment, a single stage regulator uses a force balance on internal mechanical components to limit the flow of fluid allowed to pass through the mechanism. The fluid pressure is limited based on the ratio of large-to-small pressure affected areas within the device. The mass flow rate of gas is restricted based on the outlet orifice size of the device.

[0029] As stated above, fluid regulator 103 is preferably coupled to and in fluid

communication with reservoir container 104. In a preferred embodiment, reservoir container 104 is a flexible membrane pouch that has a variable internal volume (that is, up to a maximum volume) and at least one flexible side wall. Reservoir container 104 performs at least two functions. A first function is to retain the "clean" fluid provided from fluid container 101. A second function is to retain a portion of air exhaled by user 106, ensuring that reservoir container 104 contains a full bag of non-smoke filled air available for the next breath of user 106. In operation, the mixture of fluid in reservoir container 104 is a combination of fluid supplied from fluid cylinder 101 and 'recycled air' from the last exhalation cycle of user 106. In a preferred embodiment, reservoir container 104 is capable of retaining a volume of fluid large enough to reduce or eliminate the possibility that user 106 experiences 'dead head' suction at the end of their inhalation.

[0030] As will be described further below, in operation reservoir container 104 allows for a portion of the air exhaled by user 106 to be saved, mixed with new fluid from the fluid container 101, and then recycled on the next act of inhaling by user 106. This results in a reduced quantity of the flow of fluid required from fluid container 101 in order to provide an appropriate air supply to user 106. If reservoir container 104 were not used, the additional flow rate of fluid from fluid container 101 needed to accommodate the entire tidal volume of user 106 on each breath would be much higher. This would result in the need for a larger fluid container 101, adding additional weight and bulk to the apparatus.

[0031] Moreover, the variable volume physical characteristic of the reservoir container 104 is advantageous because the quantity of fluid retained in reservoir container 104 can be different for different users 106. In other words, different users 106 may have larger or smaller tidal volumes during their respective breathing cycles. If a user 106 has a larger tidal volume than the resting volume of reservoir container 104, the flexible/expansive side wall of reservoir container 104 will allow for the volume capacity thereof to increase proportionately.

[0032] Applicator 105 is formed to a shape that conforms to the face of a user 106. In a preferred embodiment, applicator 105 conforms to the face of user 106 in a manner which minimizes excess leakage of air around the parameter of the face seal. Applicator 105 provides an insulated barrier between the smoke or toxin-filled hazardous environment in which user 106 is located and the face of user 106. In other words, applicator 105 prevents outside ambient air, which is likely to be contaminated, from being breathed by user 106. As such, in operation, system 100 may be used as the only supply of air supplied to user 106.

[0033] As described in more detail below, in a preferred embodiment applicator 105 mask delivers fluid from reservoir container 104 to the oral-nasal passages of user 106.

Alternatively, applicator 105 may extend as far up as to cover the eyes of user 106, to help reduce the effects of the sensation of smoke or other contaminants on the eyes of user 106.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, securing component 107 is a fixation device originating from and terminating at applicator 105. Alternatively, securing component 107 may also attach to other elements of system 100 without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The purpose of securing component 107 is to hold applicator 105 snugly against the face of user 106 in a desired orientation. A key feature of using securing component 107 is that the hands of user 106 are not required to maintain applicator 105 in place. Rather, the hands of user 106, as well as the firefighter or other third person who may be assisting user 106, are free to assist in exiting the environment. Securing component 107 also allows for a firefighter or other third person assisting user 106 to position the applicator 105 on the face of user 106, within a fixed location, even if user 106 is unconscious. This enables the firefighter or third person to proceed with their efforts to remove user 106 from the environment while minimizing the concern of the applicator 105 falling off. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, securing component should have unique tactile and physical features, such as texture, thickness, and adhesion, so as to assist the firefighter in ensuring the proper orientation of the applicator 105 on the face of user 106 in a 'low light' environment where visibility is limited.

[0035] The design of securing component 107 also eliminates the need for any tubing or hoses directly from fluid container 101 to the face and/or head of user 106. The elimination of hoses and tubing allows for a more efficient air flow system. The efficiency allows for no flowing pressure drop, which allows user 106 to breathe without experiencing a 'breathing resistance effect', which is associated with feelings of suffocation. In addition, the elimination of the hoses and external tubing also prevents the potential of 'entanglement' when system 100 is applied by a firefighter or other third party to a user 106 who is not able to save himself or otherwise assist in the deployment of system 100. This removes a large concern of firefighters and rescue personnel about the entanglement of equipment on hazards in the smoke/toxic gas filled environment.

[0036] FIG. 2 also illustrates an air supply system for occupants of hazardous environments in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. Like FIG. 1, FIG. 2 also shows a system 100 for use with a fluid container 101. In a preferred embodiment, system 100 comprises an actuating component 102, a fluid regulator 103, a reservoir container 104, and an applicator 105. Applicator 105 may be removably secured to a user 106 by a securing component 107. FIG. 2 also shows a fluid mixing tube 306. Fluid mixing tube 306 extends from within fluid regulator 103 into reservoir container 104. As will be discussed in more detail below, in a preferred embodiment, fluid mixing tube 306 receives fluid from fluid container 101 at a flow rate controlled by a flow rate control orifice 305 after the pressure of the fluid has been regulated by a pressure reducing component 304. Preferably, fluid mixing tube 306 provides a channel to route the fluid to be released into reservoir container 104 at a discharge end of fluid mixing tube 306 positioned at a first location proximate a low point within reservoir container 104 distant from applicator 105. This preferred configuration allows reservoir container 104 to be filled with clean fluid from fluid container 101 from 'bottom to top'. Such a preferred configuration helps to ensure that fluid is properly stored and available to user 106 for the next breath. Without fluid mixing tube 306, clean fluid from fluid container 101 could exhaust out pressure relief valve 307 on each exhalation cycle. By locating the discharge end of fluid mixing tube 306 distant in comparison to the location of applicator 105 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an increased mixture of 'new air', that is, clean fluid from fluid container 101, is inhaled in every breath by user 106.

[0037] While it will be discussed further and in more detail elsewhere in this Description, the flow of fluid into and out of reservoir container 104 will now be summarized to provide better context for the remaining description. As just described, after actuation of system 100 clean fluid from fluid container 101 enters reservoir container 104 at a location therein that is relatively distant from applicator 105. In a preferred embodiment, this flow of fluid is continuous. As a result, the fluid introduced into reservoir container 104 begins to fill reservoir container 104. This fluid is in fluid communication with applicator 105 and thus also with user 106. In this manner, the fluid in reservoir container 104 is supplied to user 106. As user 106 inhales fluid through applicator 105, the contents (filled fluid volume) of reservoir container 104 are reduced. In other words, the fluid is consumed by user 106 through the act of inhaling. During the inhale, reservoir container 104 is (preferably continuously) being re-supplied with clean fluid from fluid container 101.

[0038] When user 106 finishes inhaling, the act of exhaling begins. The exhaled air has increased levels of carbon dioxide, CO2, and water, H2O, compared to the fluid inhaled by the user 106 from reservoir container 104. The exhaled air initially reenters fluid regulator 103. From there, the excess air may reenter reservoir container 104. However, because reservoir container has been (preferably continuously) resupplied with clean fluid from fluid container 101 while the user has been inhaling and exhaling, the entire contents of the air exhaled from user 106 will not be able to reenter reservoir container 104. As a result, the air that is exhaled from user 106 after reservoir container 104 reaches its maximum volume will be exhausted from system 100 as will be discussed further in connection with FIG. 5. This 'cycling' effect results in a high percentage of clean air from fluid container 101 being available to user 106 on his next breath. It also prevents the need of having a flow rate of the fluid out of fluid container 101 high enough to solely fill the title volume of user 106 on each breath.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates preferred embodiments of actuating component 102. As shown in the figure, in a preferred embodiment actuating component 102 comprises an actuation tab 201, a release tab 202, an actuation piston 205, an actuation spring 204, a retaining ring 205, a lance 206, and a first fluid passage component 207.

[0040] Actuation tab 201 is functionally coupled to release tab 202 such that a physical movement of actuation tab 202, caused either manually by a user (either user 106 or a third party user) or by any other force, will necessarily cause a movement of actuation tab 202. At rest, that is, before any movement of actuation tab 202 takes place, actuation tab 202 is in contact with at least a portion of a surface of actuation piston 203. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment actuation piston 203 is biased in a first direction by actuation spring 204. At rest, that is, before being actuated, actuation spring 204 is positioned in a

compressed state between actuation piston 203 and retaining ring 205. In such a condition, actuation spring 204 thus stores potential energy and is prevented from expanding as long as release tab 202 restricts the motion of actuation piston 203 in the first direction.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, lance 206 is coupled to, and/or capable of being moved by, actuation piston 203 at a location opposite that of actuation spring 204. In such a preferred configuration, in the event that actuation piston is permitted to move in the direction toward which it is biased, that is, the first direction, then lance 206 will similarly move in the first direction, as will be discussed further below. Lance 206 preferably comprises a hollow inner portion through which fluid from fluid container 101 may pass through or around and an open end in a direction distant from actuation piston 203 and proximate the end portion of fluid container 101 configured to enable the fluid stored therein to be released. Lance 206 is in fluid communication with first fluid passage component 207.

[0042] Actuation tab 201, release tab 202, actuation piston 203, retaining ring 205, and lance 206 each may be made from a variety of metals, plastics, or any other various 'structural' materials, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. As described herein in connection with a preferred embodiment, actuation spring 204 stores the potential energy to puncture fluid container 101 and thus release the fluid therein, as described further below. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, any potential energy storing device (gas pressure, pyrotechnics, and the like) could be used to open fluid container 101 without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates preferred embodiments of fluid regulator 103. As shown in the figure, in a preferred embodiment fluid regulator 103 comprises a neck portion 301, a regulator intake orifice 302, a second fluid passage component 303, a pressure reducing component 304, a flow rate control orifice 305, and a pressure relief valve 307.

[0044] Neck portion 301 is fixedly or removably coupled to actuating component 102 in a manner such that regulator intake orifice 302 is positioned proximate to and in fluid communication with first fluid passage component 207. Second fluid passage component 303 is positioned proximate to and in fluid communication with regulator intake orifice 302. Pressure reducing component 304 is positioned and configured so as to allow the high pressure fluid to flow through the smaller cross sectional area of regulator intake orifice 302 and into second fluid passage component 303. The fluid which has flowed through regulator intake orifice 302, is further restricted by flow rate control orifice 305, thus causing an intermediate pressure to be contained in the internal volume within pressure reducing component 304. The force resulting from the intermediate pressure, is applied to the large (as compared to regulator intake orifice 302) pressure effected area as sealed by a sealing member 308, such as an o-ring or the like.

[0045] As a result of the intermediate pressure, the net force (gas pressure applied from small high pressure area of regulator intake orifice 302 plus the spring force from a pressure relief spring 309, minus the force resulting from the gas pressure applied to the large pressure effected area) applied to the structure of the pressure reducing piston 310 results in the longitudinal motion of the piston (as shown in FIG.4) to vary the flow area restriction through regulator intake orifice 302, which results in a reduced and reasonably constant fluid pressure in the intermediate pressure cavity of fluid regulator 103. The disparity in the flow areas and pressure effected areas results in an intermediate pressure cavity between regulator intake orifice 302 and flow rate control orifice 305. The pressure in the intermediate pressure cavity is lower pressure than that of fluid container 101, but is higher pressure than that of the pressure in fluid mixing tube 306. The fluid flows through flow rate control orifice 305 and into fluid mixing tube 306. Fluid in fluid mixing tube 306 is thus present at a desired pressure and flow as regulated by pressure reducing component 304.

[0046] Fluid mixing tube 306 extends from flow rate control orifice 305 into reservoir container 104. Fluid in fluid mixing tube 306 enters into reservoir container 104 through a discharge end of fluid mixing tube 306. In a preferred embodiment, the discharge end of fluid mixing tube 306 is positioned at a first location proximate a low or other point within reservoir container 104 distant from applicator 105.

[0047] That is, fluid mixing tube 306 directs the fluid from flow rate control orifice 305 and routes it to a bottom or other portion of reservoir container 104 which is the distant from applicator 105. As will be described further below, pressure relief valve 307 is located in fluid communication with the mouth of user 106, so that during exhalation, as much of the previously breathed gas as possible is exhausted through pressure relief valve 307 and does not reenter reservoir container 104. As a result, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention user 106 breathes a combination of primarily clean fluid from fluid container 101 mixed with a secondary amount of air exhaled by user 106.

[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates preferred embodiments of pressure relief valve 307. As shown in the figure, pressure relief valve 307 preferably comprises a pressure relief membrane 401, a pressure relief spring 402, and one or more pressure relief apertures 403.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, pressure relief membrane 401 is positioned between an interior portion of pressure relief valve 307 and an interior portion of fluid regulator 103. As can be seen in FIG.5, the interior portion of fluid regulator 103, which itself is in fluid communication with applicator 105, is also in fluid communication with pressure relief membrane 401 through an exhaust cavity 404. Pressure relief membrane 401 is biased in a direction facing exhaust cavity 404 by pressure relief spring 402, thus nominally preventing the flow of fluid from applicator 105 through exhaust cavity 404 of fluid regulator 103 and into pressure relief valve 307. Of course, as discussed above in connection with actuation spring 204, any potential energy storing device (gas pressure, pyrotechnics, and the like) could be used to bias pressure relief membrane 401 against exhaust cavity 404 without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0050] As will be discussed further below, in operation when user 106 exhales at least a portion of the exhaled air flows from applicator 105 into the exhaust cavity 404 of fluid regulator 103. The pressure of the at least a portion of the exhaled air acts on pressure relief membrane 401 and against the bias exerted thereon by pressure relief spring 402. In this manner, a portion of the air exhaled by user 106 can cause enough pressure differential to displace pressure relief membrane 401 so that the portion of the air exhaled by user 106 enters the interior of pressure relief valve 307 and is exhausted out of system 100 through the one or more pressure relief apertures 403.

[0051] The operation of system 100 of the present invention for use with a fluid container will now be described.

[0052] Fluid container 101 is filled with fluid, such as air or an alternative blended ratio of the gasses comprised in air, under pressure, as will be known to those of skill in the art. At rest, that is, before being used, fluid container 101 is closed. In this state, no fluid flows from fluid container 101. In a preferred embodiment, system 100 is carried in a container (not shown) for ease of handling.

[0053] System 100 is actuated by way of actuation tab 201 or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, actuation tab 201 is automatically actuated when system 100 is removed from its storage location (carry pouch, wall mount, etc., not shown).

[0054] In that same preferred embodiment, removal of system 100 automatically effects the actuation of system 100, as will be understood by those of skill in the art. Automatic actuation of system 100 is desirable at least because it eliminates the requirement for a firefighter or other third party user of system 100 to perform a secondary activity (i.e. screw a puncture mechanism into a frangible disk, or open a valve...etc.). Automatic actuation of system 100 the firefighter or third party user to simply remove system 100 from the storage location to start the flow of air. This prevents misuse or confusion if user 106 is panicking, in a distressed state of mind, or in a 'low-light' situation, which would preclude secondary physical actions to initiate the flow of air.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment, system 100 may be actuated manually by user 106 or a firefighter of other bystander. For example, the as seen and described in connection with FIG. 2, the rotational or other movement of actuation tab 201 may result in the movement of release tab 202 in a direction so as to result in the release of actuation piston 205. When this occurs, the potential energy stored in actuation spring 204 acts on actuation piston 205, causing actuation piston 205 to move in a direction toward fluid container 101. This causes lance 206 to similarly move toward fluid container 101. As discussed above, lance 206 preferably comprises a hollow inner portion through which fluid from fluid container 101 may pass and an open end in a direction distant from actuation piston 205 and proximate the end portion of fluid container 101. When lance 206 punctures or penetrates fluid container 101, the high pressure fluid therein begins to flow through or around lance 206 and actuation of system 100 has been effected. The fluid flowing into lance 206 from fluid container 101 is in fluid communication with first fluid passage component 207.

[0056] As shown and described above in connection with FIG. 3, the fluid flowing through first fluid passage component is in fluid communication with regulator intake orifice 302. Pressure reducing component 304 is positioned and configured so as to allow the high pressure fluid to flow through the smaller cross sectional area of regulator intake orifice 302 and into second fluid passage component 303. The fluid which has flowed through regulator intake orifice 302, is further restricted by flow rate control orifice 305, thus causing an intermediate pressure to be contained in the internal volume within pressure reducing component 304. The force resulting from the intermediate pressure, is applied to the large (as compared to regulator intake orifice 302) pressure effected area as sealed by a sealing member 308, such as an o-ring or the like.

[0057] In this manner, fluid of a desired pressure and flow rate flows into and through fluid mixing tube 306. The fluid is discharged into reservoir container 104 through an open distal end of fluid mixing tube 306, preferably at an interior portion of reservoir container 104 distant from applicator 105. As the clean fluid from fluid container 101 begins to fill reservoir container 101, user may begin to breathe using system 100. This first inhale by user 106 will be solely clean fluid that had been stored in fluid container 101. As user 106 completes his first inhale, clean fluid continues to flow into and refill reservoir container 104. When the act of inhaling stops, the act of exhaling begins. The exhaled air from user 106 flows from the user 106's mouth and through applicator 105. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the exhaled air then reenters reservoir container 104. More specifically, the exhaled air reenters reservoir container 104 until the maximum volume of reservoir container has been reached. Thereafter, the pressure from the remaining exhaled air acts of pressure relief membrane 401 to access pressure relief valve 307. That "excess" exhaled air is then exhausted to pressure relief apertures 403 out of system 100.

[0058] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, alternative, additional, and equivalent designs, components, and elements may also be provided without departing from the spirit of scope of the present invention.

[0059] For example, in an alternative embodiment there may be provided a filter or other manner of reducing or removing toxins and/or other contaminants gas from the exhalation air which is retained in reservoir container 104 and mixed with the newly supplied fluid for the next user breath. More specifically, a chemical (not shown) may be used to molecularly react with and/or bond to toxic gases such as CO2 and/or a mechanical sieve (not shown) may be used to filter toxins from the exhaled air. A representative reactant material would be calcium hydroxide, where calcium hydroxide is converted to calcium carbonate through the physical exposure to CO2. thus bonding to and removing the CO2 from the exhalation gas in which it was otherwise mixed. Materials such as calcium hydroxide are commonly supplied in granular pellets and powders which may be easily retained inside the reservoir container 104 loose, or restrained mechanically in a device such as a pouch (not shown) made of a gas permeable material, to prevent exposure to user 106. Calcium hydroxide is only a

representative material; many other chemical compounds exist which bond to CO2 and would service this purpose.

[0060] By way of further example, an alternate method for removing the toxic gas from reservoir container 104 gas mixture according to the present invention is the use of a filter (not shown) in the applicator 105, manifold (not shown), an/or reservoir container 104. In a preferred embodiment, such filter is made of a material such as activated charcoal to prevent toxic gases and particulate from entering the reservoir container 104 when user 106 exhales. These filters could come in many different materials, shapes and forms. The use of a chemical bonding agent and/or filter to remove toxic gas or other contaminants from the exhaled breathing air is advantageous because it allows the use of less volume of fluid from fluid container 101 into reservoir container 104. If the toxic gases are removed or reduced in the retained exhaled air from user 106, a lower flow rate may be sustained in system 100, thus driving the use of a smaller, more efficient volume of fluid container 101.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A system for use with a fluid container, the fluid container containing a fluid under pressure, the system being operable to supply at least a portion of the fluid to a user, comprising:

an actuating component configured and arranged to enable the release of fluid from the fluid container; a fluid regulator component configured and arranged to control the rate of the fluid released from the fluid container; a reservoir container having an interior portion thereof and capable of containing a maximum volume, said reservoir container being configured and arranged to receive fluid from the fluid regulator component; an applicator configured and arranged to supply contents of the interior portion of said reservoir container for inhalation by a user and to receive exhaled gas expelled by the user, at least a portion of the exhaled gas expelled by the user reentering said reservoir container; and a pressure relief valve configured and arranged to exhaust at least a portion of the exhaled gas expelled by the user.

2. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the reservoir container receives fluid from the fluid regulator component proximate a first location within said interior portion; and wherein the reservoir container receives exhaled gas expelled by the user proximate a second location within said interior portion distant from said first location.

3. A system according to Claim 2, wherein the applicator is proximate said second location.

4. A system according to Claim 1, wherein said pressure relief valve is a one-way valve.

5. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the contents of the interior portion of said reservoir container are supplied in a continuous matter for inhalation by the user.

6. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the contents of the interior portion of said reservoir container are supplied in a variable matter for inhalation by the user.

7. A system according to Claim 1 , wherein the reservoir container has a variable interior volume.

8. A system according to Claim 7, wherein the reservoir container comprises at least one flexible wall.