US3580250A

US3580250A - Oxygen generators

Info

Publication number: US3580250A
Application number: US807358A
Authority: US
Inventors: August Oroza
Original assignee: US Divers Co Inc
Current assignee: Aqua Lung America Inc
Priority date: 1965-06-19
Filing date: 1969-03-14
Publication date: 1971-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 1988-05-25
Also published as: FR1483505A

Abstract

An Oxygen Generator which may be used for emergency purposes generally comprising an elongated housing for the receipt of a material which when burned produces a gas having a substantial amount of oxygen, said housing having a check valve permitting the release of the gas therefrom into a conduit connected to flexible tubing; said flexible tubing being connected to a plenum bag which feeds a face mask attached to a removable cover of the housing; said cover having a lanyard which releases hammers to fire percussion caps adjacent the oxygen-producing material of the container upon removal of said cover.

Description

0 United States Patent 1 13,5s0,250

[72] Inventor August Oroza FOREIGN PATENTS Sam All, Calm 573,372 3/1959 Canada 23/281 pp 807,358 498,449 12/1953 Canada 23/281 [22] Flled Mar. 14, 1969 [45] patented May 25 97 Pmnary Exammer-Rmhard A. Gaudet [73] Assignee s Divers Asszstant Examiner-G. F. Dunne Attomey-George F. Bethe] [54] OXYGEN GENERATORS 14 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

ABSTRACT: An Oxygen Generator whlch may be used for [52] US. Cl 128/203, emergency purposes generally comprising an elongated hous 23/281 ing for the receipt of a material which when burned produces [51] Int. Cl A621) 7/08 a gas having a substantial amount f oxygen, Said housing [50] Fleldotsearch" 128/203; ing a check valve permitting the release of the gas therefrom 23/281; 244/1 18 into a conduit connected to flexible tubing; said flexible tubing bein connected to a lenum ba which feeds a face mask at- [56] References Cited tach d to a removable cover of tie housing; said cover having UNITED STATES PATENTS a lanyard which releases hammers to fire percussion caps ad- 2,507,450 5/1950 Millikan etal 128/203 jacent the oxygen-producing material of the container upon 3,385,672 5/ 1968 McGofi'et a1 23/281 7 removal of said cover.

Patented May 25, 1971 3,580,250

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

AUGUST OROZA ATTORNEY Patented May 25, 1971 3,580,250

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 AUGUST OROZA z y zf ATTORNEY OXYGEN GENERATORS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention The field of this invention lies within the art of generating oxygen for breathing purposes, especially during emergency conditions when the oxygen has been depleted from a users environment.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is well known that when there is not a sufficient source of environmental oxygen available, that human existence must rely upon oxygen from sources other than the surrounding environment. To supply such oxygen various forms of apparatus have been utilized. Some forms of apparatus have relied upon air or oxygen store under pressure and distributed through a series of conduits. Later advances in the art have employed chemical generation of oxygen by means of burning such compounds as sodium chlorate. The sodium chlorate has generally been placed in the form of a hardened mass which in the parlance of the an is referred to as a candle. When the candle is ignited, it burns gradually, liberating oxygen for breathing purposes.

Prior art chemical oxygen generators have generally been large and cumbersome in their design and size. They have not provided a rapid and ready supply of oxygen on short notice which may be utilized by an untrained person. In essence such chemical oxygen generators of the prior art have generally been large canisters, and other apparatus such as retorts which do not provide a ready source of oxygen on short notice.

Another deficiency of the prior art is that such generators have not been easily used in close proximity to their user. This stems from the fact that such generators impart a substantial amount of thermal energy to their surroundings. Unless the user is removed from close proximity to the generator, the prior art generators are a source of danger.

Prior art generators have relied upon starting techniques, and apparatus which are not readily usable by untrained persons. Thus, if an untrained user of prior art chemical oxygen generators were to rely upon the oxygen supplied therefrom the user might not be able to obtain sufficient oxygen in time to sustain his life,

The invention described herein is a substantial step forward in the state of the art of chemical oxygen generation for emergency purposes. The invention enables an untrained user to effectively sustain himself by means of a simple manipulation, which actuates a reliable source of oxygen as well as providing the user with a well-positioned mask.'The apparatus is highly reliable, and does not require service or attention during extended periods of time.

The invention has specifically overcome the requirement of a pressurized emergency oxygen system for airplane cabins. The prior art has generally relied upon sources of oxygen kept under pressure, with an elaborate system of pipes and conduits to supply oxygen to each respective passenger. This has involved a substantial increase to the plane's overall gross weight. More importantly, such an oxygen system has to be constantly maintained and checked to assure that the oxygen is of a sufficient pressure, and that the supply lines are operable. The mask in such prior art systems must be actuated by mechanical or electrical means which let the mask drop down to the proximity of the user. If any of the apparatus of the prior art systems is not maintained in proper working condition, all the passengers are placed in jeopardy, should their cabin become depressurized. The instant invention overcomes the foregoing disadvantages by providing a reliable individually controlled source of oxygen for each passenger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In summation, the instant invention provides a self-contained easily operated solid state chemical oxygen generator which-utilizes the burning of an oxygenproducing substance. The oxygen generator utilizes an elongated tubular container which acts as a reaction vessel to contain the burning of the oxygen-producing substance therein. A second container and housing surround the reaction vessel to provide an appropriate structure and insulate the user from the heat of reaction. The housing and combination of the containers provide a small compact accessible unit.

The invention provides a reliable solid state source of oxygen which may be actuated at the users discretion on short notice. The generator remains on a stand by basis for an extended period of time and is actuated by merely uncapping the cover thereof and placing the mask provided over the users mouth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the generator in its operative position with the cap removed;

FIG. 2 is a view along line 2-2 of FIG. I and shows an end view of the oxygen generator with its cover removed revealing the hammers and percussion caps which serve to ignite the oxygen-producing substance;

FIG. 3 shows a partially fragmented, longitudinal cross section view of the oxygen generator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more specifically to FIG. 1, an Oxygen Generator l0 embodying this invention is shown as it would be used. A cover 12 is shown removed from the generator housing 14. The cover 12 has a mask 16 which is afiixed to the interiorally facing portion of the cover 12.

A plenum bag 18, which helps to supply a constant source of oxygen during use, is shown in a partially expanded condition. The plenum bag 18 is operably connected at one end to the base of the mask 16 and at the other end to a length of flexible tubing 20. The flexible tubing 20 is in turn connected to the source of oxygen supplied by the oxygen generator. A sufficient length of flexible tubing 20 is supplied so that the user may remove the cover 12 from the housing 14 and have enough tubing 20 to place the mask 16 over his mouth.

In order to secure the oxygen generator 10 in a position which is easily accessible to a potential user, a pair of brackets 22 are provided which may be secured to the underside of an airplane seat. However, any suitable attachment means may be employed for attaching the housing 14 to a structural member.

With more specific reference to FIGS 2 and 3, it is seen that the tubular housing 14 of the oxygen generator 10 is removably mounted in the brackets 22. The brackets 22 comprise flexible metal bands 23 which wrap around the housing 14. The flexible metal bands 23 are secured in tight-fitting contact around the housing by means of snap-buckles 24. The snap-buckles 24 may be fonned as a continuation of the bands 23 andbrackets 22. The snap-buckles 24 are of a well-known type in the fastening art which generally have a handle 26 pivotally mounted by means of a pin 28. The tightness of the buckles and in turn the flexible bands is controlled by means of a tightening screw 30.

The specific showing of the oxygen generator 10 in FIG. 3 shows the interior of the oxygen generator through the core. The core comprises a cylindrical mass 34 which is formed from an oxygen-producing material, such as sodium chlorate. The sodium chlorate is usually formed with a ferrous material to enhance its burning qualities. The cylindrical mass 34 has an enriched portion shown generally by a conical portion 36. The enriched section 36 permits rapid ignition after which the material burns in an even manner toward its base.

The oxygen-producing material is surrounded by a canister 38. In order to insulate the canister 38 from the heat of reaction, a surrounding layer of fibrous glass 40 or other high temperature-insulating material is provided. The fibrous glass 40 not only serves as an insulating medium, but helps to filter the gaseous products which have been generated.

A second container 42 is provided, which surrounds the tin canister 38. The second container 42 serves as a protective thermal cover as well as a structural receptacle for said canister 38. The second container 42 is provided at one end with a flange 43 and can be connected by any suitable means such as a weld, rivet or screw connection to a bracing member 46. The bracing member 46 is connected to a spacer, or ring 48 which is in turn either affixed to or a portion of an outer housing 50, or shell.

The outer housing 50 is generally made of a lightweight material such as plastic. The housing 50 can be partially opened by slots 51 or other openings provided in its surface, so that air may circulate between the outer housing 50 and the second container 42. In this manner a flow of air is provided for cooling the reaction vessel. Thus, the coolness of the outside surface of housing 50 is maintained so that the generator may be placed in close proximity to a user, such as under an airplane passengers seat.

In order to effectuate safe operation of the oxygen generator l0, and excess pressure release means is provided in the form of a blowout disc 52. The blowout disc is shown seated in an annulus 53 with an opening 55 leading into the canister 38. The blowout disc 52 may be in any suitable form as long as it will burst out of position and release the internal pressure within the canister 38 when the pressure therein approaches the bursting strength of the canister.

As can be understood, when the exterior of the oxygen generator is exposed to reduced pressure, a means for release of the excess pressure inside the second container 42 should be provided for. In order to provide for such a release, a valve 54 is placed within the second container 42 which provides for the relief of any pressure differential built up therein. The valve 54 can comprise a rubber flapper valve with an opening 56 therein and is seated by means of an annular portion 58. Any pressure release means is sufficient as long as the pressure differential is relieved. For instance, a simple rubber flap can be utilized which will move under positive pressure.

At the end of the canister 38 a check valve 60 is seated in the wall of the canister 38. The check valve 60 can be of any suitable type having a spring biased valve surface which will permit the escapement of the generated oxygen. An inner portion 61 of the valve 60 is seated in the canister 38, and is provided with an opening 63 through which the oxygen may pass. The valve 60 has an outer portion 62 which passes through the intermediate container 42. The outer portion 62 has a suitable spring-loaded valve surface which may be of any suitable type such as a mushroom valve. The outer portion 62 has a tube 64 seated therein in tight-fitting engagement so that the oxygen expanding into the outer portion of the check valve 62 will pass into the tube 64.

The tube 64 extends along the base of the longitudinal portion of the oxygen generator between the outer housing and the second container 42. In this area, the air is free to circulate over the tube 64 so that a cooling of the gasses is effectuated. ln this manner the tube 64 acts as a heat exchanger for cooling the oxygen to the temperature at which it can be breathed. The tube 64 extends through the support member 46 and is connected to the flexible tubing 20.

When the oxygen generator is not in use the flexible tubing is coiled in the interior portion of the mask 16. The mask 16 has an annular base portion 66 which is secured to a structural portion 68 of the cover 12. The securing element can be in the form ofa metal clip 69 which clasps the annular base 66 of the mask.

The cover 12 which is affixed to the annular base portion 66 of the mask 12 is inserted into the interior of the housing 50 prior to use. The cover is held in place by a garter spring 70 which surrounds an annular depression 72 in the outer periphery 74 of the cover 12. The garter spring maintains a lip 71 of the cover 12in overlying relationship with the edge of the housing 50 to maintain the internal portion free from dust and dirt.

The cover 12 is provided with a tamper indicator. The tamper indicator comprises a detent 76 in the outer portion 74 forming an annulus of the cover 12. The detent is effectively secured in a slot or depression 75 within the exterior surface of the housing 50 so that the cover 12 cannot be axially rotated with respect to its longitudinal axis. Thus, the cover 12 must be pulled from the housing 50 along a longitudinal axis if it is to be removed, which provides actuation of the tamper indicator.

The tamper indicator is partially encased in an opening 78 which is formed from the interior of the cover 12. The opening 78 provides a cylindrical channel in which a spring 80 is held under compression. The spring 80 is biased against a plunger 82 which has a rounded end surface 84. ln the outer portion of the lip of the cover 12 an opening 86 is provided. The opening 86 permits the plunger 82 to pass therethrough by the pressure of the spring 80 forcing it into the opening 86 when the cover is longitudinally moved with respect to the axis of the generator 10. Thus, when so moved, the plunger 82 will be forced into the opening 86 indicating that the cover 12 has been tampered with. The replacement of the cover cannot then be effectuated until the plunger 82 has been pushed internally of the inner circumference of the housing 50.

In order to operate the oxygen generator, the cover 12 is removed. Upon removal of the cover, a pair of lanyards 88 are put in tension by virtue of the fact that they are attached to the cover by means of a loop 90. As the lanyards are put in tension they pull a pair of trip release 0" springs 92 which have their ends secured in holes 94 formed in the surrounding structure 96. The structure 96 surrounds a pair of percussion caps 98 which are exposed on the interior of the canister 38 to the enriched portion 36 of the oxygen generating material 34. A pair of hammers 100 are provided which flip over and fire the percussion caps 98 under pressure provided by coiled springs 102.

The structure 96 can be secured by an annular base 106. The annular base 106 is attached by twisting it in a counterclockwise direction and then turning down three screws 108.

In lieu of using the percussion caps for igniting the oxygen generating material 34 other means may be utilized. One means employs an electrical heating element which may be inserted partially into the enriched portion 36 of the material 34, or in close proximity thereto.

The electrical heating element can then be connected to a source of electrical energy which will heat the element suffi ciently to ignite the oxygen-producing material 34.

The heating element may be connected in series to other heating elements in other generators, so that they may all be supplied a source of electrical energy at the same time from a general source. A further embodiment incorporates a source of electrical energy supplied to the heating element through a line which is energized by a switch activated when the cover 12 is removed.

It can be seen from the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments that the oxygen generator 10 provides accessible and readily used equipment in the eventuality an emergency arises. It should be understood that other alternative embodiments and equivalents may be substituted for the various portions of the oxygen generator 10. Therefore, the invention is to be read only in light of the following claims which substantially define the scope and spirit of the invention over the prior art.

I claim:

1. An oxygen generator comprising:

a housing;

oxygen-generating material contained within said housing;

means for starting the generation of oxygen by said oxygengenerating material;

a conduit connected to said container for the conduction of the generated oxygen away from said housing;

a breathing mask attached to said conduit for supplying the generated oxygen to a user for breathing purposes; and means attached to said breathing mask linking said mask with said starting means so that when said mask is substantially removed, said starting means will initiate the generation of oxygen by causing the oxygen-generating material to start burning.

2. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said starting means comprise:

at least one releasable spring-biased striking member linked to said mask;

at least one percussion actuated charge in sufficient proximity to said oxygen-generating material for the ignition thereof when said striking member strikes said charge;

means for retaining said striking member from spring-biased movement.

3. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conduit is of sufficient length and thickness to provide an exchange of heat between the generated oxygen and the surrounding environment to cool the oxygen which has been generated to a temperature at which it may be breathed.

4. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said housing comprises:

a reaction .vessel containing said oxygen-generating materia container surrounding said reaction vessel; and

an outer shell surrounding at least a portion of said container.

5. An oxygen generator comprising:

an outer housing;

an interior reaction vessel within said outer housing;

oxygen-generating material contained within said interior reaction vessel;

a mask removably mounted on said housing;

a firing means within said housing and in sufficient proximi ty to said oxygen-generating material to cause ignition thereof upon firing;

means for mechanically linking said mask and said firing means for operably actuating said firing means so that when said mask is removed from its mounting, said firing means will be actuated; and

a gas conduit connected to said reaction vessel at one end, and at the other end to said mask by a suitable connection means, so that when said oxygen-generating material generates oxygen it will be transferred from said conduit to said mask.

6. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 wherein said starting means comprises:

at least one percussion fired ignition charge within sufficient proximity to said oxygen-producing material for ignition thereof upon firing;

at least one spring-biased releasable hammer in sufficient proximity to said ignition charge to permit impingement against said charge at the terminal end of its path; and

wherein said mechanical linking means between said mask and said firing means comprises a flexible connector.

7. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 further comprising:

a cover forming a portion of said housing; and

means for securing said mask to said cover, so that when said cover is removed from said housing said mask is dismounted.

8. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 further com prising:

a spring-biased plunger cooperatively linked to said mask, and in proximity to an edge portion of the housing of said generator so that when said mask is removed from said housing the bias of the spring will project said plunger beyond said edge region, thereby indicating the removal of said mask and preventing the replacement thereof without the application of pressure against the spring bias,

9. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 7 further comprising:

a plunger seated within the structure of said cover which is maintained internally of said housing when said cover is in place so that when said cover is moved with respect to said housing, said plunger will project from said cover externally of said housing.

10. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 9 wherein: said plunger 18 spring biased so that when said cover 15 removed from said housing said spring-biased plunger will project from said cover externally of said housing.

11. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 wherein said firing means comprise:

an electrical heating element,

12. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 11 further comprising:

electrical switching means for activating a flow of electrical current through said heating element; and

wherein said mechanical linking means link said mask and said electrical-switching means for activation thereof upon removal of said mask.

13. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for starting the generation of oxygen by said oxygengenerated material comprises:

an electrical heating element for igniting said oxygengenerating material.

14. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 12 further comprising:

electrical-switching means for activating a flow of current through said heating element.

Claims

2. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said starting means comprise: at least one releasable spring-biased striking member linked to said mask; at least one percussion actuated charge in sufficient proximity to said oxygen-generating material for the ignition thereof when said striking member strikes said charge; means for retaining said striking member from spring-biased movement.
3. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conduit is of sufficient length and thickness to provide an exchange of heat between the generated oxygen and the surrounding environment to cool the oxygen which has been generated to a temperature at which it may be breathed.
4. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said housing comprises: a reaction vessel containing said oxygen-generating material; a container surrounding said reaction vessel; and an outer shell surrounding at least a portion of said container.
5. An oxygen generator comprising: an outer housing; an interior reaction vessel within said outer housing; oxygen-generating material contained within said interior reaction vessel; a mask removably mounted on said housing; a firing means within said housing and in sufficient proximity to said oxygen-generating material to cause ignition thereof upon firing; means for mechanically linking said mask and said firing means for operably actuating said firing means so that when said mask is removed from its mounting, said firing means will be actuated; and a gas conduit connected to said reaction vessel at one end, and at the other end to said mask by a suitable connection means, so that when said oxygen-generating material generates oxygen it will be transferred from said conduit to said mask.
6. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 wherein said starting means comprises: at least one percussion fired ignition charge within sufficient proximity to said oxygen-producing material for ignition thereof upon firing; at least one spring-biased releasable hammer in sufficient proximity to said ignition charge to permit impingement against said charge at the terminal end of its path; and wherein said mechanical linking means between said mask and said firing means comprises a flexible connector.
7. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 further comprising: a cover forming a portion of said housing; and means for securing said mask to said cover, so that when said cover is removed from said housing said mask is dismounted.
8. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 further comprising: a spring-biased plunger cooperativeLy linked to said mask, and in proximity to an edge portion of the housing of said generator so that when said mask is removed from said housing the bias of the spring will project said plunger beyond said edge region, thereby indicating the removal of said mask and preventing the replacement thereof without the application of pressure against the spring bias.
9. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 7 further comprising: a plunger seated within the structure of said cover which is maintained internally of said housing when said cover is in place so that when said cover is moved with respect to said housing, said plunger will project from said cover externally of said housing.
10. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 9 wherein: said plunger is spring biased so that when said cover is removed from said housing said spring-biased plunger will project from said cover externally of said housing.
11. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 wherein said firing means comprise: an electrical heating element.
12. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 11 further comprising: electrical switching means for activating a flow of electrical current through said heating element; and wherein said mechanical linking means link said mask and said electrical-switching means for activation thereof upon removal of said mask.
13. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for starting the generation of oxygen by said oxygen-generated material comprises: an electrical heating element for igniting said oxygen-generating material.
14. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 12 further comprising: electrical-switching means for activating a flow of current through said heating element.