[go: up one dir, main page]

EP1024859A4 - Systeme de plongee a circuit ferme, muni de boitiers interchangeables de conditionnement de gaz et destine a l'usage personnel - Google Patents

Systeme de plongee a circuit ferme, muni de boitiers interchangeables de conditionnement de gaz et destine a l'usage personnel

Info

Publication number
EP1024859A4
EP1024859A4 EP98939893A EP98939893A EP1024859A4 EP 1024859 A4 EP1024859 A4 EP 1024859A4 EP 98939893 A EP98939893 A EP 98939893A EP 98939893 A EP98939893 A EP 98939893A EP 1024859 A4 EP1024859 A4 EP 1024859A4
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
oxygen
breathing bag
breathing
base
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98939893A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1024859A2 (fr
Inventor
Dan S Wible
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1024859A2 publication Critical patent/EP1024859A2/fr
Publication of EP1024859A4 publication Critical patent/EP1024859A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B19/00—Cartridges with absorbing substances for respiratory apparatus
    • A62B19/02—Cartridges with absorbing substances for respiratory apparatus with oxidising agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B7/00—Respiratory apparatus
    • A62B7/02—Respiratory apparatus with compressed oxygen or air
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/18—Air supply
    • B63C11/22—Air supply carried by diver
    • B63C11/24—Air supply carried by diver in closed circulation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • B63C2011/027—Shells for diving equipment, i.e. substantially rigid housings or covers, e.g. streamlined shells

Definitions

  • This invention relates to closed circuit rebreathing units, and to a method for interchanging the gas conditioning packs in closed circuit breathing systems. Such systems are particularly useful for, but are not limited to, underwater diving operations.
  • Closed circuit rebreathing units are well known and have been used for a variety of applications, including underwater use, fire fighting, mining, and during space travel . Closed circuit rebreathing units for gas conditioning purposes, i.e., carbon dioxide removal, have traditionally been made in a single equipment package . Such equipment packages contain not only the CC>2 scrubbing compound in a gas conditioning package, but also contain the required gas storage and regulating equipment. In such units which are known to me, while the carbon dioxide scrubbing chemical compound (such as Sofnolime ( tm) or Sodasorb ( tm) ) can removed when exhausted and replaced with a fresh chemical supply, the breathing circuit itself is otherwise fixed in each portable apparatus.
  • the carbon dioxide scrubbing chemical compound such as Sofnolime ( tm) or Sodasorb ( tm)
  • a rebreather diving system wherein the breathing circuit is isolated from the remainder of the system equipment, so that personal hygiene may be maintained and protected. Also, it would be desirable to provide a rebreather diving system wherein the need to transport an entire, heavy weight and bulky system to remote locales is avoided. More particularly, it would be desirable to reduce the weight and size of the breathing circuit to essential parts which are interchangeably removable from the remainder of the diving system equipment, so that divers travelling to remote locations could take a minimum of personal equipment, . while counting on the local dive shops to have the remainder of such interchangeable systems locally available for use, while maintaining control over personal hygiene and avoiding breathing circuit exposure to diseases carried or transmitted by other individuals.
  • the system includes a base, a breathing bag assembly detachably affixed to the base, and a cover.
  • the base accommodates a first gas storage bottle, and a second gas storage bottle, and optionally, a third gas storage bottle.
  • gas regulating equipment and gas storage tank pressure monitors are provided for provision to the diver of oxygen, a selected diluent gas, and optional air supply.
  • the gas regulating equipment and gas pressure monitors are provided in a configuration which allows convenient replacement and/or refill of the first, second, and optional third gas storage bottles, containing oxygen, diluent, and air, respectively.
  • the detachable, interchangeable, modular breathing bag assembly includes a housing and a gas scrubbing canister which is securely affixed within the housing for reliably scrubbing carbon dioxide from the exhausted breath of a diver. Also provided with the breathing bag assembly are a water tight cap and a counter-lung with
  • a purge or dump valve for relieving excess gas volume from the counter-lung
  • a diluent addition valve for adding diluent to correct inadequate counter- lung gas volume
  • Quick connect gas line fittings are provided for detachably yet securely affixing oxygen and diluent gas supply lines to the modular breathing bag assembly.
  • the modular breathing bag assembly also includes one or more, and preferably three or more, oxygen sensors for determining the oxygen concentration in the breathing circuit contained within the breathing bag assembly.
  • a quick connect electrical plug is used for reliably, but detachably connecting the electrical signal output lines from each oxygen sensor to a dive computer, a portion of which computer is preferably provided on-board and affixed to the base.
  • - has the ability to accommodate, within a single breathing bag assembly housing, varying charges of gas scrubbing chemicals, from a large volume, higher weight charge, to a small volume, lower weight charge; has the ability to accommodate, within a preselected breathing bag assembly housing, different counter-lungs of varying tidal volume, from as low as approximately 4 liters to as much as 10 liters or so of air, for customizing the apparatus for specific divers; - has the ability to accommodate various size water tight covers over a single breathing bag assembly housing , in order to accommodate varying size gas scrubbing chemi cal cani sters within the modular breathing bag;
  • gas scrubbing chemical canister which is simple to assemble and to disassemble, and which is easy to refill with fresh carbon dioxide scrubbing chemicals
  • - provides high strength detachable fastener joint between a base and a detachable breathing bag assembly, to thereby provide a means for safely and reliably coupling the breathing bag assembly to a base unit which contains the remainder of closed circuit gas supply regulating and other equipment needed by a diver;
  • - can be manufactured in a simple, straightforward manner;
  • - provides a compact, conveniently sized and shaped breathing bag assembly that can be easily, safely, and legally transported by divers as carry-on baggage during air travel;
  • - provides a light weight breathing bag assembly that is easily manually transportable by individual divers in hand-held fashion without resort to special equipment ;
  • FIG. 1 is an expanded perspective view of my closed circuit diving system with detachable, interchangeable modular breathing bag assembly, with the modular breathing bag assembly shown detached from a complementary base, and with a complementary cover which is temporarily detached from, but which is affixable to, the base.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of my closed circuit diving system with the detachable, interchangeable modular breathing bag assembly shown affixed to the complementary base, and with the base shown to containing three gas cylinders, over both of which the cover is affixed by attachment directly to the base.
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of my detachable, interchangeable modular breathing bag assembly, showing the removable gas conditioning canister, the inlet for exhaust breath from a diver, the outlet for air supply to the diver, the water tight cap which is releasably affixed to the breathing bag housing, and the counter-lung with purge valve which is located in the lower reaches of the breathing bag housing; also shown is the attachment of the breathing bag assembly to the complementary base.
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of my detachable, interchangeable modular breathing bag assembly, showing the upper and lower housing, a gas conditioning canister for receiving the gas conditioning chemicals and for directing the exhaust gas flow, the breathing bag cap, as well as the quick connection fittings for oxygen, diluent, and electrical connections to oxygen sensors .
  • FIG. 5 is a bottom view of my detachable, modular breathing bag assembly, showing the bottom of the lower housing, the fastener latches on the lower housing for use in attachment of the modular breathing bag assembly to the base, and the bottom of the counter-lung showing a reinforcing plate and over-volume purge or dump valve.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction details of one embodiment for a gas conditioning canister, showing, from the bottom up, a bottom tray having a central preferably cylindrical wall with air passage shaft and bottom ring portion with perforations for gas passage, a lower porous chemical retaining pad, a charge of carbon dioxide scrubbing chemical, an upper porous chemical retaining pad, a lid with perforations for gas passage, and a flanged and threaded retaining rim cap.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another embodiment of my closed circuit rebreathing system for divers, showing how the detachable modular breathing bag assembly is functionally detached from gas supply and special purpose computing equipment that regulates the supply of oxygen to the breathing bag assembly.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of my detachable modular breathing bag in a fully assembled condition, ready for attachment to a base unit, or for independent use.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates the use of my modular breathing bag system in the normal base unit, mounted on the diver as a backpack base, where the pendant portion of the special purpose computer is shown affixed to the left arm of a diver.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the use of my modular breathing bag with chest mounting, detached from the base unit backpack, where gas supply tanks are located.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates the use of my modular breathing bag with chest mounting, without a base unit backpack, and where a small oxygen supply is used in a chest mount configuration .
  • FIG. 15 further illustrates my closed circuit rebreathing apparatus which was just depicted in FIG. 14, now showing a side view of the apparatus as disposed within a conventional buoyancy compensator.
  • FIG. 16 also illustrates my closed circuit rebreathing apparatus as just illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, now showing a back view of the apparatus as disposed within a conventional buoyancy compensator.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates a detachable cover section of my closed circuit rebreathing apparatus, further illustrating the version set forth in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, where the apparatus is disposed within a conventional buoyancy compensator.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates the interior detail of a gas conditioning canister of my closed circuit rebreathing apparatus as just illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 17 above .
  • FIG. 19 provides a view of the assembled gas conditioning canister for the closed circuit rebreathing apparatus as just illustrated in FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 above .
  • FIG. 23 illustrates the preferably wrist mounted display panel of the pendant portion of my special purpose diving computer.
  • the rear 17 of base 12 has a lower inner surface 50 with attachment points 52 adapted for affixing gas supply tanks T]_ , T2 , T3 , etc., and other equipment, as seen in FIG. 2, for example.
  • Base 12 also includes a rearwardly projecting peripheral rim 54, which rim has a right side 56, a left side 58, a top 60, a bottom 62.
  • a generally semi- circular cutout defined by edge portion 64 is provided to allow manipulation of a gas supply valve V ⁇ _ (shown later, see FIGS. 2 and 7) by a user.
  • the base 12 is provided with a downwardly biased spring loaded handle 74, affixed to the top 60 thereof.
  • cover 14 which is depicted as detached from base 10 at complementary fastener portions 76 on the cover 14 and fastener portions 78 on the base 12.
  • Cover 14 is also provided with a supply gas conduit 28 cut-out defined by edge 80, and an exhaust gas conduit 34 cut-out defined by edge 82, so that when the breathing bag assembly 10 is affixed to base 12 and the cover 14 is latched to base 10, the supply and exhaust conduits 28 and 34, respectively, may easily pass through cover 14.
  • Cover 14 has a forwardly projecting top portion 86, a forwardly projecting right side portion 88, forwardly projecting left side portion 90, and bottom portion 92 (shown in hidden lines) ; each has an outer casing lip 93 that is complementary in shape to the rearwardly projecting rim 54 of base 12 for close fitting engagement when cover 14 is attached to base 12.
  • an actuate cutout defined by edge portion 94 is provided to allow manipulation of a valve V ] _ (see FIGS. 2 and 7) by a user.
  • a generally semi-circular cutout defined by edge portion 96 is provided to allow manipulation of a valve V2 (see FIGS. 2 and 7) by a user.
  • an arcuate shaped cutout defined by edge portion 98 is provided to allow manipulation of valve V3 by a user.
  • the gas tight cap 44 for the modular breathing bag assembly 10 is sized and shaped to fit rearward through, in a relatively close fitting fashion, a cap cutout aperture which is defined by a somewhat oval or ellipsoidal shaped edge 102 the rear 104 of cover 14.
  • This feature enables cover 14 to be removed from base 12 without the necessity to remove the modular breathing bag assembly 10 from the base 12. This facilitates refill of diving gases, in tanks T]_, T2 , and T3 , for example, as can be better appreciated by reference to FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 3 another important feature of my modular breathing bag assembly 10 can be seen in relation to the cap 44.
  • a first cap 44 ] _ having a first height H_ or a second cap 44 2 having a second height H2 can be used to accommodate gas cleaning canisters G ⁇ _ , or G2 , or G3 , of differing size. This is important since the actual charge of adsorbent needed to scrub exhaust carbon dioxide will vary, depending upon the size, physical condition, and workload of a specific user of my modular breathing bag assembly 10. When my system is used for diving applications, it is easy to use a single size upper housing 25, yet customize the breathing bag assembly 10 for specific individuals.
  • a gas canister G ] _ with height C ] _ can be selected, so that cap 44]_ of height H ⁇ _ is utilized.
  • another gas canister G2 of height C2 can be selected, so that a cap 442 of height H2 is utilized.
  • still another gas canister G3 of height C3 can be selected, so that a cap 443 of height H3 is utilized.
  • a common, single size upper housing 25 can be utilized, while customizing the lower housing 22 size (specifically, its length D) to accommodate a first counter- lung 42 ⁇ . of volume V]_ and with an extension range L]_ , or to accommodate a second counter-lung 422 °f volume 2 and with an extension range L2 •
  • the breathing bag assembly 10 can be customized to fit an individual diver, yet any customized breathing bag assembly 10 is .still accommodated in a backpack type base unit 12 of common design.
  • individual divers, each with a personal breathing bag assembly 10 specifically adapted to their physical size and mission can reliably use any one of a plurality of common design backpack type base units 12, yet avoid the risk of cross-contamination and disease transmission due to residual biological contamination in the breathing circuit, since only they will use their own personalized modular breathing bag assembly 10.
  • a perforated floor plate 114 extends at least partially inward across a preferably middle portion (rearwardly, or here, vertically as shown in FIG. 3) of the upper housing 25.
  • Floor plate 114 is affixed (see the glue/weldment 116) to the inner wall 117 of the upper housing 25.
  • a CO2 scrubbed gas passage space 118 (see reference arrow 119) is provided between inner wall 117 of upper housing 25 and the outside 120 of peripheral wall 122 of gas conditioning canister holder 124.
  • a raised stepped base 130 is provided, preferably circular in shape, and extending rearward (upward, in this FIG.
  • the ledge 134 is spaced a distance 136 from the bottom 132 of holder 124 by central wall 138, so that an exhaust gas circulation chamber 140 is provided to receive gas (see reference arrow 142) discharged by a diver.
  • the chamber 140 is also formed by the bottom 132 of holder 124, and interior 144 of peripheral wall 122 of holder 124, and the bottom 146 of floor 148 of tray 150 of gas conditioning canister G ] _ .
  • an over- volume purge or dump valve 168 is provided, to allow escapement of gas (see reference arrows 170 and bubbles 172, shown for illustrative purposes only at the present position) .
  • the purge valve contact 174 extends forward (here, downward) in the direction of reference arrow 176, to position 174', so as to contact the central portion 178 of the rear 17 of base 12, gas escapes outward, then can pass through apertures 180 in base 12, as indicated by reference arrow 182.
  • a diluent gas addition valve 190 is provided (also known as an under-volume purge) , to allow addition of diluent gas when the space 160 becomes sufficiently empty of gas that the rear 192 of purge valve 168 reaches the purge valve contact 194 of valve 190, to allow entry of diluent gas into space 160, to inflate the counter-lung 42.
  • a water tight cap 44 is sealing affixed to the upper end 196 of upper housing 25.
  • an outwardly expansive flange 197 is provided at the lower reaches of cap 44, to allow sealant or gasket material 198 to sealingly engage the upper end 196 of upper housing 25.
  • the cap 44 is detachably affixed to upper housing 25 via any convenient fastener 199 set.
  • Lower housing 22 designed to both protect counter- lung 42 and to serve as an attachment support for detachably affixing breathing bag assembly 10 to base 12, is affixed to the periphery of the outer wall 200 of upper housing 25, preferably by a plurality of fasteners 202.
  • an upwardly extending threaded rod 220 is provided for receiving a tightening wing nut 222, which is used to urge retaining disc 224 against the upper reaches (upper retaining flange 226, as shown) of gas conditioning canister G ] _ .
  • Apertures 226 defined by edges 228 in retaining disc 224 also allow gas passage through disc 224.
  • the threaded rod 220 may be provided in varying lengths H]_-s, or H2-S, as necessary to accommodate gas conditioning canisters of various heights (C ⁇ _ or C2) and accompanying caps 44 of heights H ] _ or H2 (see the upper left of FIG. 3 for details) .
  • An absorbant pad 230 is provided for water absorption.
  • Pad 230 is contoured to sit within holder 124, to cover floor 132 thereof and extend between inner wall 138 and outer wall 144, as is also evident in FIG. 3.
  • an upper absorbant pad 240 located in the interior 242 of cap 44, secured to attachment devices 244 by appropriate means such as threaded fasteners 246.
  • the gas conditioning canister G ] _, or G2 , etc. is provided, to sit within holder 124 as above described.
  • the gas conditioning canister G ⁇ _ is secured (by rod 220, retainer 224, and nut 222) and then cap 44 is placed in sealing relationship with upper end 196 of upper housing 25, and secured thereto by fasteners 199.
  • FIG. 5 A bottom view of my detachable breathing bag assembly 10 is provided in FIG. 5. here, the bottom 20 of lower housing 22 is seen. Also evident are the latches 18 that are used for attachment of the breathing bag assembly 10 to the base 12.
  • Counter-lung 42 is here shown with a reinforcing/wear plate 250 that is preferably adhesively affixed to the lower reaches of counter-lung 42 to prevent excessive wear on the counter-lung 42, since during normal use it repeatedly contacts the central area 178 of the rear 17 of base 12.
  • FIG. 5 Also shown in FIG. 5 are the quick connection fittings, fitting 252 for oxygen, fitting 254 for diluent gas, and an electrical plug 256 for connection to the oxygen sensors (1) , (2) , and (2) , as illustrated.
  • FIG. 6 For an understanding of the unique construction of my gas conditioning or scrubbing canister (G ] _ or G2) , an exploded perspective view is provided in FIG. 6.
  • the bottom tray 150 is shown, with peripheral wall 122 having outer 124 and inner 144 surfaces.
  • the inner floor 148 with bottom 146 is perforated with gas passage openings 260, defined by sidewalls 261, for upward passage of exhaust gases therethrough for scrubbing of carbon dioxide therefrom.
  • a central wall 262, preferably circular, is provided, and more preferably with interior threads 264 adapted to receive a cap 266 having matching exterior threads 268 and an upper retaining flange 226.
  • a lower porous retainer 272 generally oval or ellipsoid in shape to match interior wall 144 shape of tray 150 and with central cutout 273 to match central wall 262, is then provided to substantially retain the particulate carbon dioxide scrubbing chemical 274, so that the chemical 274 does not appreciably escape into the breathing circuit .
  • Sofnolime (tm) scrubbing chemical 274 in 4-8 mesh size (large) , although 8-12 mesh size (small) will also be acceptable, but with somewhat additional cost and with additional pressure drop during breathing.
  • an upper porous retainer 276 is provided (also generally oval or ellipsoid in shape to match interior interior 277 of lid 280 and with a central cutout 281 to match central wall 262) .
  • Upper retainer 276 is also provided to prevent passage of scrubbing chemical 274 outward into the breathing circuit. I have found that a one-tenth inch thickness of porous polystyrene is normally adequate for both upper and lower retainers 272 and 276, respectively.
  • tray 150 can be provided in various thicknesses, C ] _ or C2 , to provide a .needed quantity of scrubbing chemical 274 to meet the needs of a particular individual or dive profile.
  • the gas conditioning canister G ] _ or G2 size can be varied as needed, yet retain the advantages of my modular closed circuit diving apparatus with personal breathing bag assembly 10.
  • the computer 292 senses the gas utilized, including specifically consumption of oxygen and residual oxygen in the breathing bag, i.e. interior space 160 contained by counter lung 42 j _, for the supply of required oxygen to a diver.
  • the computer 292 and/or pendant computer 334 is equipped to perform computations on all decompression algorithms needed. It is a novel and important feature that the pendant computer 334 can be detached from special purpose onboard computer 292 via plug sections 335a and 335b, and used remotely as a decompression meter for regular or mixed gas open circuit diving.
  • My closed circuit diving system utilizing the modular breathing bag assembly 10 design taught herein, functions safely to a depth of 2000 feet, although diving deeper than about 500 feet requires submarine lockout and saturation diving technology.
  • FIG. 7 oxygen from tank T2 is supplied through regulator 312 and through check valve 350 to a T 352, which allows the oxygen supply to not only run through solenoid valve 354 and on to accumulator 356 and ultimately to the oxygen supply quick connect coupling 252b, but also allows oxygen to reach purge valve 360 and diluent crossover line 362.
  • Air is supplied from tank T3 through regulator 316, to alternate air supply line 374 which runs to J-valve 364. However, in deepwater diving, the air is normally only provided from regulator 316 through flexible line 376 and quick connect coupling 306 to fill the buoyancy compensator ("BC") . Also, a spare, emergency air supply regulator 310 is fed with air via hose 378.
  • BC buoyancy compensator
  • FIG. 7 Also shown in FIG. 7, and further illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B below, is the use of indicator lights 380 and 382 in light assembly 383 in a dive mask 384 to visually display a warning signal generated by the special purpose computer 292 and/or pendant computer 334.
  • the warning signal is relayed by direct interconnecting signal cable 386 with plug couplings 387a and 387b.
  • the warning signal can be relayed by an indirect transmission link 388, such as radio or acoustic means.
  • FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 The flexibility of my modular system for providing a breathing bag is shown, in one aspect, in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates the use of my modular breathing bag 10 affixed to a backpack base unit 12, where the pendant portion 334 of my special purpose computer 292 is shown affixed to the left arm 400 of a diver 402.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the use of my modular breathing bag 10 mounted on the chest 404 of diver 402.
  • the modular breathing bag 10 is detached from the modular backpack base 12, yet the gas supply from the base 12 is still provided to the diver 402.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates the use of my modular breathing bag 10 mounted on the chest 404 of diver 402.
  • the diver 402 is not using a backpack base 12.
  • a small oxygen bottle 410 is used for supply of oxygen to the system.
  • FIG. 23 shows the pendant computer 334 display 420, where data for dive time, current depth, maximum depth, and average partial pressure of oxygen (PO2AVG) are indicated in a first line 422. Pressure of oxygen, mixed gas, and air, are indicated in a second line 424.
  • the last line 426 indicates the reading of the partial pressure of oxygen from each of the three oxygen sensors (see FIG.
  • FIGS. 14 through 22 where another embodiment of my closed circuit rebreathing apparatus is illustrated.
  • an exhaust gas scrubbing apparatus 500 is configured for mounting to and substantially within a conventional buoyancy compensator 502.
  • FIG. 16 a partial rear cut- away drawing is provided, showing a gas scrubbing canister 510 mounted across the upper back, or shoulder area, of a conventional buoyancy compensator 512.
  • the gas scrubbing canister 510 is mounted inside the outer wall 514 of the buoyancy compensator inflatable gas sac 516.
  • Hose 520 is sealingly connected to the mouthpiece 522 (see FIG. 15) of the buoyancy compensator, from the outlet 524 of the outer scrubber cover 526.
  • a diver breathing exhaust gas into mouthpiece 522 will send the exhaust gas 527 through hose 520 and into the inner space beneath outer scrubber cover 526.
  • the exhaust gas passes through scrubber chemicals within inner scrubber base 528, and into an inflatable bladder 530.
  • Inhaling breathing gas will cause the inflatable bladder 530 to deflate as breathing gas is drawn to the lungs of the diver.
  • undesirable carbon dioxide will be scrubbed from the breathing gas. Since this system is primarily an "escape" breathing system, breathing gas will expand as the diver rises toward the water surface, so the volume of gas available grows as pressure is decreased.
  • a water trap hose 560 is connected to the outer scrubber cover 626 via hose claim 562; the trap prevents gross amounts of water from contaminating the carbon dioxide removal chemicals.
  • Shaped lip 570 forms a lid accepting rim for the inner scrubber base 528.
  • the joint between the outer scrubber cover 526 and the inner scrubber base 528 is sealed at 0-ring 574.
  • outer scrubber cover 526 is detachably affixed to inner scrubber base 528 via one or more fastening clamps 550.
  • the plates 590 and 592 are perforated with gas passage openings 594 and 596, respectively, for passage of exhaust gases therethrough for scrubbing of carbon dioxide therefrom.
  • a lower porous retainer 598 to match the interior "sailor hat" shape of plates 590 and 592 is provided above to substantially retain the particulate carbon dioxide scrubbing chemical 599, so that the chemical 599 does not appreciably escape into the breathing circuit.
  • the scrubber just described can be provided in various thicknesses to provide a needed quantity of scrubbing chemical 599 to meet the needs of a particular individual or dive escape profile. However, as indicated in FIG. 20, I have found that a thickness Z of about 0.65 inches and a width W of about 11.4 inches is adequate for common buoyancy compensator designs.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil rerespirateur à circuit fermé qui comprend une base et des ensembles sacs respiratoires modulaires et amovibles. Une unité de base interchangeable, de préférence en forme de sac à dos, contient des bouteilles de gaz, un équipement de régulation et des tuyaux de raccordement. On décrit aussi un ensemble sac respiratoire à circuit fermé, modulaire et personnalisé, que l'on peut adapter à chaque plongeur et à chaque tâche spécifique en modifiant le volume d'influx et/ou les dimensions de charge de l'épurateur de gaz dans le sac respiratoire. Bien que personnalisé, l'ensemble sac respiratoire modulaire peut être fixé de manière fiable sur n'importe quelle autre unité de base, et ce grâce à un système de fixation de la base au sac respiratoire, de taille et de configuration standards. L'utilisation de raccords rapides pour le gaz et de connexions modulaires pour l'électricité augmentent la rapidité et la simplicité de fixation aux unités de base, munies d'un équipement correspondant d'alimentation en gaz et de régulation. Les ensembles sacs respiratoires personnels modulaires permettent d'éviter aux plongeurs de réutiliser des équipements dont le circuit respiratoire a déjà été utilisé par d'autres plongeurs, ce qui réduit les risques d'une contamination biologique croisée et d'un passage de contaminants et de maladies entre les utilisateurs successifs.
EP98939893A 1997-08-10 1998-08-10 Systeme de plongee a circuit ferme, muni de boitiers interchangeables de conditionnement de gaz et destine a l'usage personnel Withdrawn EP1024859A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US5539197P 1997-08-10 1997-08-10
US55391P 1997-08-10
US5534397P 1997-08-11 1997-08-11
US55343P 1997-08-11
PCT/US1998/016516 WO1999007442A2 (fr) 1997-08-10 1998-08-10 Systeme de plongee a circuit ferme, muni de boitiers interchangeables de conditionnement de gaz et destine a l'usage personnel

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1024859A2 EP1024859A2 (fr) 2000-08-09
EP1024859A4 true EP1024859A4 (fr) 2002-07-24

Family

ID=26734125

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98939893A Withdrawn EP1024859A4 (fr) 1997-08-10 1998-08-10 Systeme de plongee a circuit ferme, muni de boitiers interchangeables de conditionnement de gaz et destine a l'usage personnel

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1024859A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU8825598A (fr)
WO (1) WO1999007442A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0122667D0 (en) * 2001-09-20 2001-11-14 Metcalfe David Improvements in and relating to diving apparatus
DE10259988B3 (de) * 2002-12-20 2004-07-01 Bernhard Engl Gassensorvorrichtung für Atemgeräte
US7520280B2 (en) * 2003-04-08 2009-04-21 William Gordon Rebreather apparatus
DE102004002034A1 (de) 2004-01-14 2005-08-11 Bernhard Engl Vorrichtung zur Mischgaszufuhr in Kreislaufatemgeräten
BR112013010509B1 (pt) 2010-12-23 2019-08-06 Zodiac Aerotechnics Conjunto respiratório para aeronave com dispositivo de fixação de máscara reforçado
DE102017011581A1 (de) 2017-12-14 2019-06-19 Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA Federbrücke für ein Federbrücken-Atembeutelplatte-System eines Kreislaufatemschutzgeräts, Federbrücken-Atembeutelplatte-System sowie Kreislaufatemschutzgeräts
CN111111034B (zh) * 2019-12-26 2021-04-02 江苏海拓科技有限公司 一种移动式长管呼吸器
CN113104183A (zh) * 2021-05-26 2021-07-13 深圳易如潜水装备有限公司 一种混合型密闭式循环呼吸系统
IL299813B1 (en) * 2023-01-10 2025-01-01 Caeli Tech Ltd Quick release for closed-circuit rebreathing
IL299814A (en) * 2023-01-10 2024-08-01 Caeli Tech Ltd Heat exchanger for renewed breathing in a closed circuit

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3710553A (en) * 1970-01-28 1973-01-16 Biomarine Industries Carbon dioxide scrubber and breathing diaphragm assembly for diving apparatus
US3695261A (en) * 1970-10-12 1972-10-03 Donald R Emmons Semi-closed rebreathing apparatus
US4266539A (en) * 1979-05-15 1981-05-12 Rexnord Inc. Carbon dioxide scrubber and gas regenerator unit for a closed circuit rebreathing apparatus
US4350662A (en) * 1981-01-22 1982-09-21 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Carbon dioxide absorbent canister with breathing gas temperature and flow control
US4440165A (en) * 1982-03-01 1984-04-03 Holzel Thomas M Closed-circuit breathing apparatus
US4781184A (en) * 1984-01-13 1988-11-01 Fife William P Closed circuit breathing apparatus and method of using same
US4879996A (en) * 1987-01-13 1989-11-14 Harwood Jr Van N Closed circuit breathing apparatus
GB2208203B (en) * 1987-07-03 1991-11-13 Carmellan Research Limited Diving systems

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
No further relevant documents disclosed *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1999007442A3 (fr) 1999-06-10
WO1999007442A9 (fr) 1999-05-06
AU8825598A (en) 1999-03-01
WO1999007442A2 (fr) 1999-02-18
EP1024859A2 (fr) 2000-08-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA1186587A (fr) Appareil autonome d'aide a la respiration, avec dispositif de partage de son emploi
US3577988A (en) Dual canister recirculator
US2456130A (en) Breathing apparatus
US4841953A (en) Auxiliary supply system for a portable self-contained breathing apparatus
US5396885A (en) Mobile air supply cart having dual tanks and connections allowing simultaneous filling of tank and delivery of air to a user
US4964405A (en) Emergency respiration apparatus
EP1024859A2 (fr) Systeme de plongee a circuit ferme, muni de boitiers interchangeables de conditionnement de gaz et destine a l'usage personnel
US4645465A (en) Scuba gear with combined flotation and transport device
GB2050176A (en) Positive pressure breathing gas conditioning unit carbon dioxide scrubber and anti-anoxia device
JPH0755676B2 (ja) 水中ダイビング装置
US5613490A (en) Compact, lightweight breathable air pressure vessel
US6279571B1 (en) Emergency breathing apparatus
US4800923A (en) Portable emergency breathing apparatus
CA3114155C (fr) Appareil respiratoire isolant individuel a circuit ferme destine a l'immersion sous l'eau
US5040528A (en) Autonomous breathing system for underwater diver's headgear
US7520280B2 (en) Rebreather apparatus
US20090056718A1 (en) Underwater breathing apparatus
US7047966B2 (en) Lifesaving floatation and breathing device
US4195949A (en) Method and apparatus for emergency transfer and life support of saturation divers
US4974585A (en) Breathing apparatus gas-routing manifold
US7406964B2 (en) SCUBA walk improved underwater breathing apparatus
CA2472901C (fr) Appareil respiratoire et de flottaison de sauvetage
EP2160320B1 (fr) Appareil de respiration sous l'eau autonome amélioré
NO165533B (no) Pusteutstyr for dypvannsdykking.
GB2298141A (en) Counterlung breathing apparatus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20000310

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20020606

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Free format text: 7A 62B 1/00 A, 7B 63C 11/24 B

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20030306