A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psig, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Provided herein are face masks, systems, and methods for using the face masks and systems. The face masks disclosed herein include a dome-shaped structure sized to cover a user's nose and mouth. The face masks include an inlet for passage of a tubing and a septum that divides the face mask into a nose chamber and a mouth chamber. The septum may include an opening or a gate. The gate may be configured to open downwards in response to exhalation from the nose of the user and to stay closed in absence of exhalation. The face mask may also include a filter located in the dome-shaped structure in an area adjacent to the mouth. The face mask may also include a filter located in the gate. The filter is configured to capture microscopic particles and nanoparticles. The systems provided herein may include a face mask as provided herein, an air pump comprising a filter, a tubing for delivering air from the air pump to the face mask. Alternatively, the face mask may be a nose mask that only covers the nose.

Provided herein are face masks, systems, and methods for using the face masks and systems. The face masks disclosed herein include a dome-shaped structure sized to cover a user's nose and mouth. The face masks include an inlet for passage of a tubing and a septum that divides the face mask into a nose chamber and a mouth chamber. The septum may include an opening or a gate. The gate may be configured to open downwards in response to exhalation from the nose of the user and to stay closed in absence of exhalation. The face mask may also include a filter located in the dome-shaped structure in an area adjacent to the mouth. The face mask may also include a filter located in the gate. The filter is configured to capture microscopic particles and nanoparticles. The systems provided herein may include a face mask as provided herein, an air pump comprising a filter, a tubing for delivering air from the air pump to the face mask. Alternatively, the face mask may be a nose mask that only covers the nose.

Portable breathing equipment and related methods are disclosed. An example portable breathing equipment (PBE) includes a housing defining a cavity, a cover movably coupled to the housing, and a smoke hood provided in a wrapper and positioned in the cavity. A first portion of the wrapper couples to the housing and a second portion of the wrapper couples to the cover. At least one of the cover or the housing to cause the wrapper to tear to provide an access opening to allow access to the smoke hood when the cover moves from a closed position at which the cover seals the cavity of the housing and an open position at which the cover enables access to the cavity of the housing.

Portable breathing equipment and related methods are disclosed. An example portable breathing equipment (PBE) includes a housing defining a cavity, a cover movably coupled to the housing, and a smoke hood provided in a wrapper and positioned in the cavity. A first portion of the wrapper couples to the housing and a second portion of the wrapper couples to the cover. At least one of the cover or the housing to cause the wrapper to tear to provide an access opening to allow access to the smoke hood when the cover moves from a closed position at which the cover seals the cavity of the housing and an open position at which the cover enables access to the cavity of the housing.

A system for delivering breathing gas to passengers on-board an aircraft, including: a source of breathing gas, at least one face mask for passengers, a reservoir associated with each face mask, a delivery valve for each face mask, the delivery valve being disposed between the source of breathing gas and the reservoir, the reservoir being disposed between the delivery valve and the face mask, a sensor associated with each reservoir and configured to sense a filling of the reservoir, and a controller configured to control the delivery valve in a continuous supply mode to provide a continuous flow of breathing gas to the reservoir and to interrupt the continuous flow of breathing gas when the filing sensed by the sensor is a filling threshold.

A system for delivering breathing gas to passengers on-board an aircraft, including: a source of breathing gas, at least one face mask for passengers, a reservoir associated with each face mask, a delivery valve for each face mask, the delivery valve being disposed between the source of breathing gas and the reservoir, the reservoir being disposed between the delivery valve and the face mask, a sensor associated with each reservoir and configured to sense a filling of the reservoir, and a controller configured to control the delivery valve in a continuous supply mode to provide a continuous flow of breathing gas to the reservoir and to interrupt the continuous flow of breathing gas when the filing sensed by the sensor is a filling threshold.

In a preferred embodiment, methods and systems for the control of the breathing gas supply from a pressure-leading supply conduit to one or more breathing masks of an oxygen emergency supply device in a passenger aircraft include an on/off valve arranged between the supply conduit and the one or more breathing masks. The valve can be blocked or released to control air supply based upon monitoring mass flow to the breathing masks. The valve, for example, is actuated to an open position until the error between the actual mass flow and a desired mass flow exceeds a maximal error value, whereupon the valve is actuated to a closed position until the error between the actual mass flow and the desired mass flow exceeds a minimal error value whereupon the valve is actuated to the open position and the mass flow monitoring cycle is repeated.

In a preferred embodiment, methods and systems for the control of the breathing gas supply from a pressure-leading supply conduit to one or more breathing masks of an oxygen emergency supply device in a passenger aircraft include an on/off valve arranged between the supply conduit and the one or more breathing masks. The valve can be blocked or released to control air supply based upon monitoring mass flow to the breathing masks. The valve, for example, is actuated to an open position until the error between the actual mass flow and a desired mass flow exceeds a maximal error value, whereupon the valve is actuated to a closed position until the error between the actual mass flow and the desired mass flow exceeds a minimal error value whereupon the valve is actuated to the open position and the mass flow monitoring cycle is repeated.

A preflushing unit (10) preflushes a breathing gas circuit (210) of a closed-circuit respirator (200). A basic body (20) has an inlet port (22), feeding breathing gas from a breathing gas supply (220), an outlet port (24) discharging breathing gas into the breathing circuit, and a flow section (32) fluid connecting a valve chamber (30). A valve body (40) with a sealing surface (42) is arranged in the valve chamber (30). An elastomer body (50) with a counter-sealing surface (52) in the valve chamber, fluid tight separates the flow section from a control section (34). The counter-sealing surface acts with a sealing force against the valve body for sealing the flow section. A control port (26) of the basic body provides a controlled feed of breathing gas from the breathing gas supply into the control section for pressure equalization between the flow section and the control section.