GB2182569A - Breathing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Breathing apparatus for aircraft passengers and others comprising: a) means (1) for supplying respiratory gases to a user, said supply means being detachably connectable to a first respiratory gas source (3), and thereby constituting a first oxygen supply system, said supply means including valve means (2), which valve means, when said supply means (1) is detached from the first respiratory gas source (3), automatically closes and prevents admission of noxious or hot gases into said supply means (1); b) means for supplying (5) or enabling supply (50) of a second respiratory gas source to said supply means (1), and constituting a second oxygen supply system, in which an absorption means (4) for absorbing carbon dioxide is included; and either c) means (6A) for automatically switching from said first oxygen supply system to said second oxygen supply system when said supply means (1) is detached from said first respiratory gas source (3); or c') means (6) for manually or automatically causing said second oxygen supply system to become operative to supplement or replace said first oxygen supply system, said second oxygen supply system continuing to be operable when said supply means (1) is detached from said first respiratory gas source (3).

Description

SPECIFICATION Breathing apparatus This invention relates to breathing apparatus, part icularlyfor aircraft passengers.

In some aircraft accidents lives are lost due to the consequences offire and in particularto the inhalation of smoke and fumes or hot gases. In some accidents passengers are overcome while still seated but do not show evidence of severe external burns.

Some ofthese passengers could perhaps have been saved if a portable respirator, so called gas mask, had been available for each. Such devices can remove smoke and noxious gases by filtration and absorption. However, inhalation of very hot air, in the absence of noxious gases, can still cause death from thermal damagetothe internal lining ofthe lungs.

The use of a conventional gas maskwould afford little or no protection against such very hot air. Furthermore in an aircraft fire noxious fumes from fuel and other sources may be present in such large amounts that normal filtration or absorption facilities can become blocked or exhausted. Additionally the fierce combustion of aircraft fuel can substantially reduct the oxygen content of the cabin atmosphere. In patho-physiological terms alveolar burns, pulmonary oedema and shock may contribute to acute anoxia which may be of anoxic, anaemic, stagnant or histotoxictype orto a combination of some or all of these.Lives might also have been saved if each passenger had a portable respirator with selfcontained compressed air cylinder, as used byfiremen and subaqua divers, but such apparatus is not practicable because of cost, weight and a high degree of skill and training required to use it.

There are three main types of self contained breathing apparatus for aircraft passengers: firstly those which have filters to remove smoke and noxious gases, but these do not protect against hot gases; secondly those which provide a continuous supply of air or oxygen from a pressurised cylinder, but large volumes of gas are required and cylinders are heavy; and thirdly those which use pure oxygen in a rebreathing system with carbon dioxide absorber, but measures must be taken to maintain the absorbent material in good condition until it is needed and to remove nitrogen from the system.

The efficiency ofthe absorbent material is dependent upon many chemical, physical and otherfactors. Importantly, the material deteriorates and becomes exhausted if it is exposed to air but frequent replacement is very expensive in maintenance costs.

The activity is preserved for many months if the absorbent is sealed to prevent contact with air, which contains carbon dioxide and watervapour, but this is not easy to do. There is a substantial amount of space between absorbent granules and this space is filled with air. If both ends of the container are sealed, the pressure within varies as the aircraft ascends and descends. This fluctuation may rupture the seal, even when there is a minimal volume of retained air.

It is dangerous to rebreath air in the presence of an absorber, for acute anoxia may occur without warning, but pure oxygen is safe. Nitrogen should therefore be reduced but this should be achieved without waste of oxygen. The apparatus will be used by passengers without training or experience and with very little instruction.Thusthe system should be simple to use and where possible automatic. It may also have the oxygen source fixed to the conveyance means and may deliver oxygen to the reservoir. To reduce the risk of pure oxygen exacerbating a fire, an oxygen-rich atmosphere may be used rather than a pure oxygen atmosphere. If nitrogen wash out is not complete, the system is safe to use when the oxygen inflow is equal to or in excess of oxygen usage.If oxygen usage is in excess, then time is limited by the amount of oxygen remaining.

A harness with adjustable straps may be used to retain a face mask in position and obtain a good fitto prevent gas leaks. Provision must also be made for children andforinfants.

It is an object ofthe present invention to at least minimize all the problems, including those which are peculiar in nature and intensity to aircraft fires, by the use of a simple, relatively inexpensive, portable breathing equipment.

There are three main situations which can exist in an aircraft and which require safety means to operate. These are: 1 ) Decompression 2) An in-flightfire 3) Escape of passengers from the aircraft on landing.

Face masks connected to an oxygen supply are already provided in aircraft in case of sudden decompression at altitude. The user is supplied with a source of pure oxygen until the decompression problem has been solved. In the case of situations 2) and/or 3) an additional respiratory gas source is required which is independent ofthe oxygen supply already provided in aircraft. This additional respiratory gas source can be used to supplement the existing oxygen source in aircraft during an in-flightfire and/orthe additional gas source can be utilised independently when escape from the aircraft on landing is necessary.

Thus, the breathing apparatus of the present in ventioncan be utilised for situations 1)and/or2)and/ or 3) referred to above. Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, the breathing apparatus can be utilised to automatically switch from a first oxygen supply system to a second oxygen supply system, when supply of oxygen from said first supply system is terminated. In a further aspect ofthe present invention, said second oxygen supply system can be brought in to supplementthefirst oxygen supply system and thereafter the second system can itself continue to operate as a second system when supply of oxygen from the first system is terminated.

According to the present invention there is provided breathing apparatus for aircraft passengers and others comprising: a) means for supplying respiratory gases to a user, said supply means being detachably connectableto a first respiratory gas source, andtherebyconstituting a first oxygen supply system, said supply means including valve means, which valve means, when said supply means is detached from the first respira torygas source, automatically closes and prevents admission of noxious or hot gases into said supply means, b) meansforsupplying or enabling supplyofa second respiratory gas source to said supply means, and constituting a second oxygen supply system, in which an absorption means for absorbing carbonn dioxide is included; and either c) means for automatically switching from said first oxygen supply system to said second oxygen supply system when said supply means is detached from said first respiratory gas source; or c') means for manually or automatically causing said second oxygen supply system to become operativeto supplementor replace said first oxygen supply system to become operative to supplement or replace said first oxygen supply system, said second oxygen supply system continuing to be operable when said supply means is detached from said first respiratory gas source.

Preferably, said means for supplying respiratory gases to a user includes means for covering therespiratory apertures ofthe user selected from a partial face mask, a complete face mask, a hood or a bag.

In an embodiment of the invention, the means for enabling supply of a second respiratory gas source to said supply means comprises a filter arrangement.

Desirably, the meansforsupplying a second re spiratory gas source to said supply means comprises a reservoirfor containing respiratorygasesand/or expired gases, so that said apparatus includes a rebreathing system and functions as a respirator or ventilator.

Further preferably, said automatic switching means includes a release mechanism for rendering said absorption means operative when said supply means is detached from said first respiratory gas source. Alternatively, said automatic switching means comprises a seal/obturator means which renderv the absorption means operative when the supply means is detached from said first respiratory gas source.

The apparatus ofthe invention may include one or more ofthefollowing: a heat sink; an additional respiratory gas source; an additional CO2 absorber; an additional filter; an additional reservoir; an additional release means; and an additional valve orvalves.

The reservoir may be enlarged to make a combined motherandyoung child unit.

The apparatus ofthe invention may also include a logic circuitfor controlling automatic delivery of apparatus, selection and supply of respiratory gases, broadcasting of instructions to passengers and providing an indication if apparatus has been tampered with or opened.

According to an embodiment ofthe present invention there is provided breathing apparatus comprising a face mask attached to but detachable from an oxygen supply tube and connected to an inflatable reservoir or bag held in a deflated rolled up condition but releasable to provide when attached and deflated, an oxygen supply system and, when detached and inflated a portable respirator orventilator in a closed rebreathing system with rebreathing bag and oxygen supply in a microclimate free from noxious or hot gases.

The functions ofthe component parts of such apparatus are as follows: The face mask covers the nose and mouth, and may be extended to cover the eyes, and fits onto the face to provide a seal to prevent inward movement of noxious or hot gases whilst allowing outward move mentof the exhaust gases when the rebreathing bag is rolled up.

The self closing valve when held open by the oxygen supplytube allows the passage of gases in both directions within the tube. When the oxygen supply tube is removed the valve is closed and does not allow the passage of gases in either direction.

The carbon dioxide absorber absorbs carbon dioxide from the expired air.

The reservoir may be rolled up and retained thus by a retain/release mechanism in one position or it may be freed and able to be inflated when the retain/ release mechanism is in another position. When the reservoir bag is rolled up the equipment behaves as a simple oxygen delivery system. When the bag is released the equipment behaves as a closed rebreathing system.

The retain/release mechanism may be used to retain the bag in a rolled up position orto release it from this position to allow itto be inflated eitherfrom the oxygen supply or with expired air. The guide means attached to the oxygen supply tube ensures that pulling the release mechanism first releases the bag reservoir. The mechanism is also designed to ensure that the bag is automatically released when the mask is disconnected from the oxygen supply.

In practice, during an emergency face masks would be automatically delivered to all passengers, as presently happens on sudden cabin decompression. Each passenger puts a face mask in place and inhales oxygen through the oxygen supplytube. Exhaled airisvoidedtothecabin atmosphere andthe lungs become filled with oxygen or oxygen enriched air. Thus the partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs is increased. This breathing of oxygen may be continued if necessary at normal atmospheric pressure forfiften minutes or longer without side effects.

When the passenger has to leave the aircraft cabin quickly a maximum inspiration is taken and the breath is held for a moment. Theface mask is then supportedwith one hand whilethe oxygen supply tube is pulled out with the otherandthisautomatic- ally releases the rolled up reservoir. Alternatively the release mechanism may be operated sequentially, firstly to release the inflatable reservoir and to inflate it with oxygen from the oxygen supply tu be and secondly after a suitable interval to detach the oxygen supplytube. In either event exhaled airthen passes through the carbon dioxide absorber and inflates or further inflates the reservoir which becomes a rebreathing bag. Rebreathing could take place forseveral minutes without ill effect in the absence ofan absorber but the presence ofthis extends the time for which rebreathing can take place without dangerous build up of carbon dioxide. Thus each passenger takes with him his own portable breathing apparatus with rebreathing system and oxygen supply in a microclimate at normal temperature, free from noxious or hot gases.

If a passenger is unconscious the same apparatus can be used by a member of the cabin staffto secure his safe evacuation but with slightly different use.

Firstly, the face mask is placed in position and held there by hand. Secondly, the bag release is operated without disconnecting the oxygen supply. Thirdly the reservoir is inflated with oxygen from the oxygen supply. Fourthly,the oxygen supplytube is disconnected from the face mask. The unconscious passenger now has his own portable oxygen supply and rebreathing system. If necessary however, the apparatus can be used as a ventilatorto inflate the lungs by manual compression ofthe reservoirwhile holding the face maskfirmly in contact with the passenger's face.

This invention also relates to improvements in passenger protection breathing apparatus including a seal mechanism which is not affected by change of cabin pressure, a co-axial circuit and valve arrangement to ensure efficient elimination of nitrogen with economical use of oxygen, means for switching the carbon dioxide absorberfrom the closed sealed storage mode to the open unsealed breathing mode, an improved harnessfordonning and adjustment and a modification for protection of infants and young children. There is automatic unsealing and the apparatus may be used by unskilled and untrained persons.

The functions of the component parts of such apparatusareasfollows: The cover enables breathable gas to be carried to the respiratory apertures and carries expired gas to the carbon dioxide absorber. It may be a half mask covering nose and mouth, a full mask covering in addition eyes and face, a hood covering the head, or otherwise and it may be composed of rubber, plastic or other material.

The self closing valve when held open by the oxygen supply tube allows the passage of gases in both directions within the tube. When the oxygen supply tube is removed the valve is closed and does not allow the passage of gases in either direction.

The carbon dioxide absorber absorbs carbon dioxide from the expired air. It comprises a container, corrugated plastic tubing or otherwise, which holds absorbent material, soda lime or otherwise.

The reservoir, a rubber bag or otherwise, holds breathable gas and functions both as an expansion chamber during the storage mode and also, during the breathing mode, as an oxygen collection chamber and rebreathing bag.

The oxygen source is a source of breathing oxygen contained in a small pressure vessel, cylinder or otherwise, activated by a cord pull or other mechanism. This may be part of or attached to the release means. Additional or alternative sources may be provided from majorfixed storage vessels from chemical generators or from other means. Where necessary a quick release means is provided to disconnect portable from fixed parts of the apparatus. The oxygen source is fixed to the conveyance means to prevent it from obstructing escape.

The oxygen supply and delivery means comprising tubes, plastic or otherwise, conveys oxygen from the source and delivers it to the reservoir where it may be most efficiently used. Interposed between these two tubes is part ofthe seal mechanism described later. To avoid separate tubes which may become entangled one is placed inside the other in a co-axial arrangement.

An exit valve spring loaded or otherwise, permits gas to escape from the cover to the exterior when pressure within the system rises above a determined amount, preset or otherwise. It must be sited in the cover close to the respiratory apertures to be most efficient.

The seal means provides in essence an effective seal atone end ofthe containerwhich holds the absorbent material. The main seal, rubberorother- wise, is attached to an obturator, plasticorotherwise, and these together occlude completelythe lumen ofthe outer case, which is made of plastic or otherwise, when the mechanism is in the closed position. This effectively seals one end of the absorber container but the other end opens into the reservoir which is a closed system not open to the air and in which the absorbent material will keep for many months. Additional seals, rubber or otherwise, are provided nearto the ends of the obturator to ensure that the obturator remains parallel to the outer case.

The seal nearest to the oxygen source, called the pneumatic seal, also seals the oxygen supply tube so that the obturator is automatically moved to the open position by oxygen under pressure when the oxygen supply system is activated and the mid seal between the main and pneumatic seals prevents passage of oxygen directly into the mask. An external seal is re quired where the obturator expansion passes through the case.

The switch on means comprises an obturator in which there is an aperture running from proximal to distal in the obturator. Movement of the obturator essentially switches the absorber from the closed storage mode to the open breathing mode. Inthestorage mode the obturator is close to the oxygen supply tube and the main seal is in the closed position with the obturator aperture on the absorber side of the seal. The obturator cannot move beyond this position because there is an expansion ofthe obturator at the other end which is prevented by the outside ofthe outer case from moving further. This expansion, plastic or otherwise, also serves as a handle to move the obturator manually, and to indicate its position.

In the breathing mode the obturator is at the opposite end of the outer case prevented from moving further by the end wall of the case, the seal is broken and the aperture is in line with the channels to mask and absorber so that gases can pass freely to and fro.

Thus the conversion means switches the absorber means from the closed storage mode, in which the absorber means is sealed and unavailable for use, to the open breathing mode in which the absorber is unsealed and available for use. Alternatively the obturator may be moved by a coiled up spring or other wise between the expanded end of the handle and the outer side of the outer case. The spring may be held in the coiled up position bythewall ofthe box or container of the breathing apparatus so that it is automatically released when the apparatus is removed from the box.

Thus each passengertakeswith him his own portable breathing apparatus with rebreathing system and oxygen supply in a microclimate at breathable temperature, free from noxious or hot gases. If a passenger is unconscious the same apparatus can be used by a member ofthe cabin staff as a ventilator to inflate the lungs by manual compression of the reservoirwhile holding the face maskfirmly in contact with the passenger's face. Since the apparatus is for use in fire and smoke it should be resistant to chemical substances found there and to high temperature.

The donning means, comprising a strap orstraps rubber or otherwise, is used to don the mask, or hood, and to adjustthe fit of the mask on the face.

The donning straps are held and are used to pull on the mask.The same straps arethen pulledthrough the buckles to tighten the fit on the face but the ends may be difficu It to find. This is avoided if each strap is continuous in afigureof eightloopforthestrapto be tightened isthe same as that used fordonning.

The passenger protection breathing apparatus may be used as a hood, plastic or otherwise, with a neck seal, plastic or otherwise, for older children. In such a system the dead space is greater and reiatively more oxygen will be required to flush out nitrogen.

The adult passenger protection breathing apparatus may be modified for babies and small children by attaching a large bag, plastic or otherwise instead of the reservoir. The distal end is sealed in the storage mode but has a means to facilitate tearing it open. Italso hasa drawstring aboutthemiddle.A baby is placed completely inside the bag and the end ofthe bag is folded over several times and held closed with strong spring clips. Alternatively it is placed overthe head and body of a small child and the drawstring is pulled tight around the abdomen for closure. In the meantime the mother orother parent has donned herface maskandthere is nowa dual tandem system in which the mother circulates her expired gases through the absorber.Since the large rebreathing bag may initially be filled with airalarger amountofoxygenwill berequiredtoflushoutnit- rogen. It will be noted that the passenger has only to put on the mask, tighten the straps and breathe normally. The high pressure in the oxygen source en sures that the oxygen flow rate is considerably in excess of uptake. Thus more oxygen is entering the bag than is being removed by the lungs and there is an oxygen gradient from bag to lungs. When the bag is full, nitrogen rich gas is exhausted from the system and oxygen levels will approach 100% in a few minutes. Relevant anaesthetic principles are described in a synopsis of anaesthesia by Atkinson et al 1984.

Wright, Bristol. The circuit described is similarto a Magill circuit but uses coaxial flow. Howeverthis is different from the Bain and Lack circuits and involves an inventive step to meet the needs of aircraft passengers using a rebreathing system and carbon dioxide absorber while breathing spontaneously and not under anaesthesia.

Obviously improvements and adaptation ofthe described system may be madeforuse by experienced staffand changes may be madeforease ofmainten- ance. The oxygen supply may be controlled by a manually operated valvefor nitrogen washoutor otherwise and an "on demand" system may be incorporated for use during exercise. Soda lime, or other absorbent agents may be used and indicators which change colourwhen the agent is exhausted may be used to confirm atthetime of-maintenance that the absorbent is active.

The present invention will be further illustrated, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective and cross section the breathing apparatus with the oxygen supply tube attached and the reservoir retained in the deflated rolled up position by the retain/release mechanism; Figure 2 shows in perspective and cross section the breathing apparatus with the oxygen supplytube detached and the reservoir released in the inflated positon with the retain/release mechanism still attached to the oxygen supplytube; Figure Sschematically shows the inclusion of an additional reservoirto compensateforthe intermittent nature of breathing of a user; Figure 4 schematically shows the use of a combined face mask and hood arrangement in the inoperative position;; Figure 5schematically shows the face mask and hood arrangement of Figure 4 in the operative position; Figure 6schematically illustrates a modified system oftheembodimentillustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 7diagrammatically illustrates a lineartype arrangement of an embodiment in accordance with the invention; Figure Sdiagrammatically illustrates the system of Figure 7 but with the oxygen supply tube removed; Figure 9is an electronic circuitfor use in accordancewith the present invention; Figure lOis a schematic view of an alternative em- bodiment in accordance witht the invention utilising a proximal seal assembly, coaxial oxygen supply tube and carbon dioxide absorber; Figure 11 diagrammatically illustrates a complete filter assembly and receptacle means which may be utilised in association with the device ofthe present invention; Figure 12shows a mother and baby unit; Figure 13diagrammatically illustrates a hood arrangement in the inoperative position; ; Figure 14 diagrammatically illustrates the hood arrangement of Figure 13 in the operative position; and Figure 15diagrammatically illustrates a modification of the apparatus of Figure 1 in which there- servoir is replaced by a filter.

As illustrated in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the breathing apparatus comprises a face mask 1, made for example from plastic or rubber, connected byway of a self closing valve 2, made for example of opposing rubberflaps,to an oxygen supply tube 3, whether plastic or otherwise, and by way of a carbon dioxide absorber 4, whether chemical using soda lime orotherwise,to a rolled up re servoir 5, whether an inflatable rubber bag or other wise, with a manual release mechanism 6, whether a single cord tied to a rubber band or otherwise, led through a guide means 7, whether a metal ring or otherwise and connected to the oxygen supply tube 3, cord 6A being connected to the reservoir 5.In Figure 1 the breathing apparatus is shown attached tothe oxygen supplytube3, and in Figure 2the breathing apparatus is shown detached. In particular it should be noted in Figure 2 that the oxygen supply tube 3 is detached, that the valve 2 is closed,thatthe manual release mechanism 6 and the cord 6A are still connected to the oxygen supply tube 3 but not to the reservoir 5 which is now inflated.

In order to detach the oxygen supply tube 3, the face mask 1 is held and the oxygen supplytube 3 is pulled out ofthe self closing valve 2. The same movementwill pull the cord 6A attached to the oxygen supplytube3andwill automaticallyreleasethe rolled up reservoirS retained by the cord 6A of the release mechanism 6. If desired, the rolled up re reservoir 5 ca n be released for inflation with oxygen via the oxygen supply tube 3 and via the carbon dioxide absorber4 by manually pulling the release mech anism 6through the guide means 7 awayfromthe rolled up reservoirS without pulling the oxygen supply tube 3 out of the self closing valve 2.

Whilst a face mask has been utilised in Figures 1 and 2 to envelope the respiratory apertures, it is also possible to envelope the whole head or body utilising for example, a bag or hood. Clearly it would be advantageous if the material used to envelope the respiratory apertures or indeed the entire apparatus is fire resistant. The volume ofthe envelope should be large enough for normal breathing when used as an oxygen supply system and might itself be expansible and contractible as is a bag or hood.

Whilsttheflowof oxygen throughtube 3 is con- stant, respiratory breathing is of an intermittent flow nature. Accordingly to compensate for such situation as shown in Figure 3, an additional reservoir 9 can be added and could for example be placed adjacentto the mask and connected by a side arm 8to the oxygen supplytube 3. A one wayvalve 10 between the side arm and the mask would prevent rebreathing into bag 9. Expired air passes along side arm 11 and is vented to the exteriorthrough an additional onewayvalve 12.

The supplytube 3 is connectedto a supplysource of respiratory gases comprising oxygen either as pure oxygen orair. The choice of gaswould be made by the aircrew or cabin staff. The oxygen might be generated chemically or stored under pressure in containers designed for the purpose and with suitable pressure regulation means associated therewith. Such a supply source might serve a plurality of outlets. Air might be similarly stored or obtained from another source free from noxious or hot gases.

The valve may be a simplevalveto allowfree passage of respiratory gases when open and to allow no passage of gases in either direction when closed.

However, this or another more complex valve might be used to regulate the gas flow with reduction from source pressure to delivery pressure. The supply tube might be reconnectable as well as disconnectable. Reconnection may be achieved for example simply by pushing thesupplytube3through the valve 2, for example a valve made from opposed flaps of rubber or otherwisethick atthe base and thin at the free edge to preserve the ability to direct flow.

Whilst valve 2, when closed, prevents admission of noxious or hot gases into said supply means it can operate as an exit valve by removal of the second element of the valve to permit escape of expired air into the atmosphere.

The absorber 4 and reservoir 5 are excluded from the breathing circuit when used as an oxygen supply system but both are included in the circuit when used as a portable respiratororventilator. Intheembodi- ment using a hood or a bag, there is an enlarged cover 1. In a hood, respiratory action would probably be sufficient to circulate expired air but if not, as in the bag for an infant, a manually operated bellows could be used.

The oxygen supply system utilised in Figures 4 and 5 is that illustrated in Figure 3. The face mask 1 is part ofthe wall of the hood at the dome, or possibly elsewhere, with the oxygen supply tube 3 at the apex.

The dome is fixed to the face mask and the hood is folded likeaconcertinawitha neckseal 13fitted round the face mask to keep the hood interior sealed and therefore to keep the carbon dioxide absorber 4, which is spread out on the inside of the hood, switched out of the circuit. When used as an oxygen supply system for decompression or, as an air supply system for in flight fires, the face mask 1 is used.

Additional valves may be provided to prevent back flow orto allowvoiding to the external atmosphere and a collecting bags may also be provided. Forescape, the hood is pulled overthe head, using the handles 14 provided, and the oxygen supply tube 3 is pulled out. A release means 6A, attached to the tube 3 and to an integral oxygen cylinder 15 automatically switches on the oxygen supply from source 15. In a relatively large volume hood orenvelopethre is no separate rebreathing bag. The absorber is dispersed on and fixed to the inside surface ofthe hood. It is covered by a seal which is peeled back to expose the absorber when it is switched in to the circuit.However, it is important to have a smallervolume hood for airflow and a largervolumeforescapewhen pure oxygen is used. Forescapethe oxygen source isac- tivated at the same time as the absorber is switched in to the circuit. In a completely self contained system a separate oxygen supply and separate absorber might be used with a pure oxygen supply system for decompression. For in flight fires airflow is required with no absorber but it does not matter if an absorber is present provided that there is a sufficiently high air flow rate and that another absorber is available to be switched inforescape.

A securing means such as a head harness or body harness, may be used to secure the face mask, hood or bag. The hood may be secured under a jacket or round the neck by an elastic grommet, that is polo neck orturtle neck, or by other means. The bag may be closed by a draw string or otherwise.

Additional eye protection means may be an eye shield or goggles with a face mask or may be atrans- parent hood orbag orwith a clearwindow orvisorin it.

Other additions might include an ancillary portable oxygen or air supply, such as a small pressure cylindex which might also be activated by the same release means using a third cord. A separate release means could be used and would make the device more complex and difficult to use but this could be overcome by incorporating a time lapse switch to release the oxygen from the sparklet or a series of sparklets at fixed or presetabletime intervals.

Acirculation means may comprise an additional system of one way valves and/or circuits to ensure passage of expired air through the absorption means. This additional system may be inside the mask or hood and may include a projection attached to one wall of the mask or hood to be an additional securing means when gripped by the teeth. The essence ofthe invention is a means of switching the absorption means out of or in to the breathing circuit.

This may be done in otherways so that the same reservoir may be used for rebreathing and forcoilect- ing. This system, shown for example in Figure 6 con sistsofanarrangementin line of oxygen supply tube 3; self-closing valve 2, common reservoir 61 CO2 absorber 4, additional valve 62 and face mask 1. The additional valve 62 allows gases to pass in to the face mask but not out. This system may be converted to a respirator if a release cord 6A attached to the guide ring 7 removes or holds open the valve 62 or opens a bypass which bypasses it. The bypass may for example be a collapsible rubber tube retained in afolded and closed condition by an elastic band attached by the cord and guide ring 7tothesupplytube3.

When the supplytube 3 is removed the elastic band is pulled offto release the bypass to the open condition. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the diagrams illustrate principles which must be implemented in accordance with well established knowledge described for example in R.S. Atkinson et al 1982, a synopsis of anaesthesia, Wight, Bristol. It will also be clearthat the same result may be achieved in other ways. For example Figure 7 shows in diagrammatic form a linear arrangement of oxygen supply tube 3, valve 2, dual purpose bag 71, absorber 4, and mask 1. One way valves with airflow direction indicated by arrows are placed in the mask inlet circuit 16 and in the rebreathing circuit 17 near the mask.The circuit 17 is occluded by an extension ofthesupplytube 18.

Incoming air or oxygen enters the bag through holes 19 in thetube which has afusiform enlargement 20 to prevent it slipping out. Expired air is vented to the cabin round the side ofthe mask. To facilitate reinsertion, a guide means 21 may be provided for example from metal rods fixed at each end. When, as in Figure 8,the oxygen supply tube 3 is removed together with its extension 18, the rebreathing circuit 17 is no lon ger occluded. The apparatus is now a rebreathing system with gas flow from bag 71 by way of inlet cir- cuit 16to mask 1 and byway of rebreathing circuit 17 back to bag 71. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that improvements may be made.For example the chamber71 in Figures 7 and 8 may become a small junction chambermoresimpleto manufacture and the rebreathing bag may be connected to the surface B (Figure 8). The inlet breathing circuit 16 and rebreathing circuit 17 may be concentric in cross section with the absorber 4 centraliy placed so thatthe extension 18 may be conveniently inserted. Additional valves may be inserted and circuit 16 may be closed during rebreathing to ensure double passage of gases through absorber 4 during inspiration and expiration.

As previously mentioned the respiratory gases comprise oxygen either as pure oxygen oras air and the choice of gas would be made by the aircrew on the flight deck or by the cabin staff. An embodiment for automatic selection ofgasorofgasmixtureto conserve oxygen and in particularthat stored under pressureforsuch pressurised oxygen is itself afire hazard if the delivery or storage system is penetrated by the fire described with reference to Figure 9. An electronic circuit is shown containing logic gates which are well known in the art. A logic gate having the function OR gives an output signal when there is an input signal in one input line OR in anyotherinput line from a plurality of such inputs.A logic gate having the function AND gives an output signal when there is an input signal in one input line AND in all other input lines from a plurality of such inputs. A logic gate having the function NOT changes the signal state of input and output. Thus, there is NOT an outputsignal when there is an input signal and vice versa.

An embodiment of the logic circuit required for automatic delivery of apparatus and respiratory gases to aircraft passengers is shown in Figure 9. It is well known in the art that additional devices all well known in the art are required for operation of said logic circuit. The plurality of additions not shown in the diagram include a power supply means, circuit closing means,forexample a manually operated switch, and signal generating means. All input cir cuits 24-29 are connected to a plurality of alarm switches or detectors each of which generates a signal in the appropriate inputcircuitswhen oper- ated manuallyorautomaticallytogivewarning ofin flight condition. Such warning might include an indi cator means, visual or auditory or other, to indicate thatthe receptacle means has been opened and thus detect, in an emergency, that all passengers are using, or attempting to use, breathing apparatus and, in the absence of an emergency, that someone is tampering with passenger protection apparatus.

Such manual switches are distributed at convenient sites in the aircraft to be operated by flight deck or cabin staff. Such automatic detectors are also con veniently distributed for exercise of detection fu nc .tion. All output circuits 30-33 are connected to mech ,animal or electrical devices, whether valves or other wise, to present breathing apparatus to passengers and to deliver in said oxygen supplytube appropriate gases or mixture of gases. The logical control decisions are made by logic gates 34-40 having inputs from input circuits and/or other logic gates and having outputs connected to other logic gates and/or output circuits.Warning of an in-flight fire is given manually by pressure on siwtch or automatically by smoke detection means or otherwise to generate a signal in circuit 24. Warning ofemergencyorpre- cautionary landing is given by similar manual switch or otherwise to generate a signal in circuit 25. Warning of abort of take off similarly gives a signal in circuit 26. Cabin pressure may be detected by pressure sensors in the cabin or otherwise and a signal is generated in circuit 27 when said pressure is low and in circuit 28 when said pressure is normal.Outlet demand may be detected by breaking of a ci rcuit when the box is opened or by pressure detectors in oxygen supplytube, compared if necessary with cabin pressure, to detect lowered pressure resulting from inspiration or otherwise and a signal is generated in circuit 29 when said demand is detected. The purpose of supply, only on demand, is to reduce loss of oxygen which may fuel a fire. The OR gate 34 has four inputs connected to circulate 24,25,26 and 27 and an output to secure release of breathing apparatus to passengers in any of the events recognised in said circuits24to 27. The OR gate 35 has three inputs connected to circuits 25,26 and 27 and an output to AND gate 36.This has a corresponding input, an other inputfrom circuit 29 and an output 31 to secure delivery of pure oxygen to passengers in the event of outlet demand AND one ofthe events signalled on circuits 25to 27. The AND gate 37 has three inputs connected to circuits 24,28 and 29 and output 32 is given to secure delivery of pure airto passengers.

The AND gate 40 has an input from the output of NOT gate 36 the input of which is connected to circuit 28 such thatAND gate 40 receives an input signal if input circuit 28 is NOT indicative of normal cabin pressure. Asimilarcircuitthrough NOT gate 39 to input circuit 17 is such that AND gate 40 receives an input signal if input circuit 27 is not indicative of low cabin pressure. The third inputto AND gate 40 is connected to the input circuit 29. Thus the output circuit 33 is activated if there is a signal on all three inputs of gate 40 to secure deliveryofa mixture ofoxygen and air.

It is obviousto those skilled in the artthatanother type of logic gate,forexample NAND and NOR, may be used andthat othertypes of device,forexample fluid logic devices, may be used. It is also obvious that different pressure ranges, other than normal or low, may be recognised and that the proportion of air and oxygen may be adjusted accordingly, that is regulation of gases both in respect of quantity and quality. It is also obvious that detection of an excessive demand may indicate penetration of a supply line byfirewith loss of gas and that in such eventthe corresponding supply sources should be shut off.It is also obvioustothose skilled intheartthatother devices such as microprocessors may be used and have advantages including ease of handling a multiplicity of signals, ability to deal with complexity and ease of re-programming in the light of experience.

Referring to Figure 10 the modified breathing apparatus comprising face mask 1, self closing valve 2, exit valve 2A, oxygen supply tube 3, carbon dioxide absorber 4, inflatable reservoir 5, oxygen source 15, seal assembly 22 handle and indicator 23 and oxygen delivery tube 3A. A release cord 6A is associated with oxygen source 15to automatically commence operation thereofwhen the oxygen supply pipe 3 is pulled out ofvalve 2. It should be noted that exit valve 2A is in an alternative position to exit valve 12 in Figure 3. Furthermore, as has been noted, valve 2 may be an exit valve.

The seal assembly may be operated to permitthe rebreathing cycle to be entered. The device is held firmlyagainsttheapparatuscontainerwall. In such arrangement, it is clear that the auxilliary device is not brought into operation. When the device has been removed from the apparatus containerwall the indicator 23 is allowed to move and a free passage of oxygen is possible between mask 1 and reservoir 5.

The seal mechanism includes an obtruator and a number of channels. When the oxygen is switched on the pressure of the oxygen pushes the obtruator along until the opening is in line with the channels to the reservoir and mask. The end ofthe containerwall prevents further movement. At this point, the end nearesttothe oxygen source has moved beyond the oxygen supply tube and oxygen flows down this to the reservoir. The seals prevent leakage of oxygen or movement of gases except where intended.

In Figure 10 the exit valve 2A is an alternative to 12 in Figure 3. It should have an adjustable pressure setting with resistance set to be higherthatthe max imum pressure required for rebreathing but low en- ough to allow voiding to external atmosphere, when the system is full, to prevent lung damage from too high pressure due, for example, from malfunction of pressurised oxygen supply source.

As previously mentioned the respiratory gases comprise oxygen eitheras pure oxygen orasairand the choice of gas would be made by aircrew in the flight deck or by cabin staff. It should now be made clear that an alternative oxygen supply source includes pure oxygen from a chemical generator or stored oxygen and it also includes oxyge in air. Furthermore the air supply source may be ram air or bleed air or compressed airorfiltered air. Filtered airwill not protect against hot gases but filters can provide substantial protection until exhausted, until the air becomes too hot to breathe or until it is time to escape. How- ever, a filter system with a heat sink added, may provide adequate protection against hot gases and may be preferred if it has other advantages, for example lightness of weight. A 500 gram filter may, depending upon smoke density and other factors, provide protection for 20 to 30 minutes and may be suitable for some in flight fires. It is an advantage thatfilters may be fitted without major engineering alterations to the aircraft. Additionallythe filter should, likethe carbon dioxide absorber, be sealed and a method of doing that is illustrated in Figure 11. The cover 1 hasa said self closing valve 2 and oxygen supplytube 3 passestherethrough. The proximal end of said oxygen supply tube 3 is sealed buy a proximal seal means 41 attached by a promimal cord means 42 to a receptacle means 43 or box or otherwise fixed to the aircraft.The distal end of said oxygen supply tube 3 is connected to or becomes the proximal end of a filter means 44 and a distal seal means 45 sealsthe distal or air intake end ofthe filter and is connected bythe distal cord means 46to the receptacle means 43 or otherwise fixed. Thus removal ofthe mask and filter from the box automatically unseals the filter 44 and proximal end of said oxygen supply tube 3, by removing the seals 41 and 45. The filter 44 is also fixed to the receptacle means 43 by an additional cord means 47.The allows the filtered air system to be used buy a seated passenger but itautomatically separates the filter 44 and oxygen supply tube 3 from the cover 1 and self closing valve 2 when the passenger leaves his seatto escape from the aircraft. The said third cord to activate the stored oxygen source may also be attached to said filter 44to ensure that said source is activated automatically at the time of escape. The said filter must be capable of removing smoke particles, carbon monoxide gas, cyanide gas and other toxic substances. The combination of a filtered aircoursewith a pure oxygen rebreathing system may be described as a hybrid system. The device of Figure 11 also includes, but not shown, an exit valve and a release mechanism to bring the rebreathing bag into operation.

The functions of the component parts ofthe apparatus are as follows.

The cover, the self-closing valve and the oxygen supplytube are as previously described.

The proximal seal means seals the proximal end of the oxygen supplytube.

The proximal cord means attaches the proximal seal means to the receptacle means.

The receptacle means holds the apparatus and is itself firmly fixed to the aircraft.

The filter means is the distal part of the oxygen supplytube and contains substances which remove byfiltration noxious gases.

The distal seal means seals the distal or air intake end ofthefilter means.

The distal cord means attaches the distal seal means to the receptacle means.

The additional cord means attaches the filter means to the receptacle means and the cord is long enough for the apparatus to be removed from the box and used by a seated passenger.

Thefiltermayberemoteand mayserveseveral passengers. It may have a long connecting tube (not short as shown) which may have an exit valve 12 as in Figure 4 and/orcollecting bag 9 and non-return valve 10. Such might be used with a motorised filter system.

The modified reservoir in the mother and baby unit (Figure 12) is closed by folding over the end and holding it closed with spring clips 48, and in the mother and young child unit it is closed by a drawstring 49 round the abdomen.

In the sealed mode of a hood embodiment as shown in Figure 13, the self ciosing valve 2 and oxygen supply tube 3 are connected to the cover means 1, which in turn is connected to the hood.

The hood is folded in the horizontal plane so that theabsorber4is in afold andthe reservoir5is empty. The fold is kept in position by a series of radially positioned guide means 7 and bytwo release means 6A. An additional release means is required to activate the oxygen supply source 15. Each ring of the guide means is in a vertical plane with alternate rings attached to upper and lower edges ofthe fold.

Each release means is attached at one end to the oxygen supplytube 3 and isthreadedthrough the ipsilateral set of rings to keep the absorber 4 switched out of contact with the inspired and expired gases.

The absorber is shown in Figure 14inthe open circuit state. To switch the absorber in to the circuitthe oxygen supply tube 3 is withdrawn and automatically pulls out both release means 6A. The opposed surfaces of the absorber 4 are no longer held together bythe guide means7 and the fold is unfol ded bythe pressure of oxygen to exposethe absorber 4 in the cover means 1 and reservoir 5 which are now combined as one nelarged hood. A separate release means may be provided to switch in the absorber without pulling out the oxygen supply tube 3.

It is obvious to those skilled in the artthatthefold in the hood may, alternatively or additionally, be in a vertical plane, coronal, sagital or other. Acoronal fold would not obstruct vision and any vertical fold would decrease hood volume. Also the dome may be silvered to reflect heat. The oxygen supply tube 3, shown as sited low down, may be sited in the dome or elsewhere and the diagram is shown way of example only.As intheface maskmodel oneormore portable oxygen supply sources may be attached to the hood, for example a first pure oxygen source and a first absorberfor decompression, a high flow air suppiy source for in flightfire and a second pure oxygen source and second absorberforescape.

The embodiment of Figure 15 is similarto that of Figure 1, but in which the reservoir5 has been replaced by a filter 50.

The release means 6 and 6A unseal the filter 50 (in the manner as shown in Figure 11). In this embodiment, an exit valve 2A is shown and there are two entrance valves. The first valve 2B is adjacent the carbon dioxide absorber4 and the second valve is in the oxygen supplytube 3 (as previously described in Figure 3 as valve 10). It should be noted that the opening pressures of valves 2B and 10 should be balanced such thatvalve 10 opens first and valve 2B does not open until no further gas can be obtained through valve 10, orthrough oxygen supply tube 3 atthe site of valve 10; thus valve 2B will automatically open to supplement breathable gas when required if manual release 6 has been activated. The filter seal is required forthe purpose of excluding air from the filter 50 during the storage mode.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat changes may be made in the shape, design and material composition ofthe apparatus and that a variety of manufacture methods, of types, of sizes and of devices may be used for the components thereof; face mask, oxygen supply tube, self closing valve, carbon dioxide absorber, retain/release mechanism, guide means and inflatable rebreathing bag reservoir.It will also be apparent to those skilled in the artthat additional orancilliary apparatus may be used in cludingmeansofensuring a well fitting face mask, including a head harness to hold the face mask in position, including goggles to protect the eyes from noxious gases and very hot air, and including an additional system of one way valves and/or circuits to ensure circulation,to orfro, ofairfrom lungsto absorber, to reservoir a nd back to lungs. Itwillalso be obvious to those skilled in the artthattheappar- atus illustrated, the methods suggested and the pos sibilityfor ancilliary apparatus are given by way of example only and do not excludethe many other methods or possibilities which are obvious for such breathing apparatus or ancilliary apparatus.

One further example may be given because of its simplicity and suitabilityforchildren of different sizes and ages and particularlyforyoung children. In essence it is a large clear plastic bag connected to the oxygen supplytube through a self closing valve. The bag is placed overthe head and shoulders and a seal is provided by putting on a pullover, anorak or jacket fastened up to the neck on top of the bag. The bag is inflated with oxygen and the oxygen and the oxygen supplytube is removed just beforethechild walks or is carried from the cabin ofthe aircraft.It will be appreciated that the principle is the same but the entire head is insidethe rebreathing bag and a carbon dioxide absorber may not be necessary due to the relatively large volume of the microenvironment compared with the lung volume and the relatively short ti me for wh ich it is required. Alternatively a young infant could be placed entirely inside the bag which could be closed at the distal end opposite to the oxygen outlet. However, it is safes to have an oxygen supply and carbon dioxide absorber as shown in the mother and baby unit.

The absorption of carbon dioxide is an exothermic reaction and it is obvious that it may be necessaryto cool the gas coming out of the absorber orto disperse the heat or both. Cooling may be performed by chemical, physical or other means, for example by combining it with an endothermic reaction. Dispersion may be achieved by using a heat sink, for example contact with copper mesh or other good heat conductor, or by a circuit arrangement, for example single pass through the absorber from lungs tore- servoirand return of mixed gases which bypass the absorber.

The body is an efficient heat sink because the latent heat ofvapourisation of water is high and expired air contains much water vapour. It is obvious that removal of water vapour by a hygroscopic or deliquescent agent or otherwise will ensure the continued ef ficiencyofthis heat sink mechanism.

In any aircraft system weight is of paramount im portance and if, for example, a filter system with a heat sink is found to provide adequate protection against hot gases but is lighter than, for example, a closed rebreathing system then this would be preferred.

Breathing apparatus may best be stored overhead and presented to passengers when required butthis requires engineering modifications to aircraft. In the meantime, for apparatus fitted in to a seat back, an indication may be given when the container is opened.Thiswill alertcabinstafftounauthorised use by children orotherstampering, pilfering orattempting to don hoodsforotherthan emergency use. For example a circuit may be broken when a lid is lifted and an indication given at a crew station.

The rebreathing bag may be the floatation chamber of a life jacket so that both life support systems, smoke protection and floatation, are combined.

It will also be apparentto those skilled in the art that such apparatus may be used in an industrial environment and in hotel, shop, officeand housefires and may be used byfiremen, miners, sewage workers, civilians and others and that additional or ancilliary apparatus may be used including means whether automatic or otherwise of delivering the apparatus to passengers when needed, including means of issuing instructions during the emergency, whether by automatic recorded message or otherwise, including indicator means, including means of inflating the reservoir directly from a fixed oxygen supply and including adaptationforusewith closed oxygen or air supply systems as well as closed rebreathing systems.It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the apparatus illustrated, the methods suggested and the possibilityforancillaryapparatus are given bywayofexample only and do not exclude the many other methods of possibilities which are obvious for such breathing apparatus or ancilliary apparatus.

Of the many obvious places for use of such breathing apparatus hotels and multi-storey buildingsfor officesandshopsorstoresshould be mentioned.

Very similar apparatus could be kept in each room with a plurality of outlets from an oxygen cylinder supplying several rooms or a complete floor. Fire alarms could be linked to recorded instructions for using the apparatus. If the apparatus is removed from its storage place an electrical signal could be automaticallytransmitted to reception to indicate which items were being utilised. In hotel fires a longertime might be needed to escape and ancilliary apparatus such as oxygen sparklet or several such activated automatically at set time intervals or manually might be useful. Such apparatus might also be useful in industry in hostile environments to comply with Section 30 ofthe FactoriesAct 1961 and in mines and sewers where methane may collect.It is also obvious that the apparatus may be used in converse sequence that is conversion from portable breathing apparatus, used for example in rescuing peoplefrom house or hotel fires or mines or sewers, to an oxygen supply system, when the same apparatus is connected to a static oxygen source, once the victim has been removed from the hostile environment. The addition of a small portableoxygensourcewouldbe particularly suitable for this use. The apparatus may be used byfiremen and by members of the armed forces during fires in aircraft, ships or buildings and by others. Itwill also be obviousthat in the case ofthe armed forces the conversion may be from portable gas mask using filtration means to portable respirator using rebreathing bag with microenvironment and with further conversion option to static supply system.

Claims (11)

1. Breathing apparatus for aircraft passengers and others comprising: a) means for supplying respiratory gases to a user, said supply means being detachably connectable to a first respiratory gas source, and thereby constituting a first oxygen supply system, said supply means including valve means, which valve means, when said supply means is detached from the first respiratory gas source, automatically closes and prevents admission of noxious or hot gases into said supply means, b) meansforsupplying or enabling supplyofa second respiratory gas source to said supply means, and constituting a second oxygen supply system, in which an absorption meansforabsorbing carbon dioxide is included; and either c) means for automatically switching from said first oxygen supply system to said second oxygen supply system when said supply means is detached from said first respiratory gas source; or c') means for manually or automatically causing said second oxygen supply system to become operative to supplement or replace said first oxygen supply system, said second oxygen supply system continuing to be operable when said supply means is detached from said first respiratory gas source.

2. Breathing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for supplying respiratory gases to a user includes means for covering the respiratory apertures ofthe user selected from a partial face mask, a complete face mask, a hood or a bag.

3. Breathing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or2, in which the means for enabling supply of a second respiratory gas source to said supply means comprises a filter arrangement.

4. Breathing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1,2 or3, in which the means for supplying a second respiratory gas source to said supply means comprises a reservoir for containing respiratory gases and/or expired gases, so that said apparatus includes a rebreathing system and functions as a respirator or ventilator.

5. Breathing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said automatic switching means includes a release mechanism for rendering said absorption means operative when said supply means is detached from said first respiratory gas source.

6. Breathing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which said automatic switching means comprises a seal/obturator means which renders said absorption means operative when said supply means is detached from said first respiratory gas source.

7. Breathing apparatus as claimed in any preced ing claim, including one or more ofthefollowing: a heat sink; an additional respiratory gas source; an additional CO2 absorber; an additional filter; an additional reservoir; an additional release means; and an additional valve or valves.

8. Breathing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which said reservoir is enlarged to make a combined mother and young child unit.

9. Breathing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, including a logic control circuit for con- trolling automatic delivery of apparatus, selection and supply of respiratory gases, broadcasting of instructions to passengers and providing an indication if apparatus has been tampered with or opened.

10. Breathing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, additionally including a guide means for guiding said release mechanism to ensure appropriate release of the reservoirorofoperation ofthe filter.

11. Breathing apparatus for aircraft passengers and others substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.