Patent Application
20100078025
The invention pertains to self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or respirators. More particularly, the invention pertains to such units which include an air quality, or gas sensor or sensors to provide feedback to a user as to when the SCBA, or respirator should be used.
Various types of self-contained breathing apparatus are available for use by first responders such as fire fighters. Alternately respirators are available for use where an air filter will suffice. One such configuration is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,991 entitled, Air Flush System for a Firefighter's Garment which issued Nov. 12, 1996. Other configurations are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,031 entitled, Firefighting Hood and Face Mask Assembly which issued Dec. 11, 2001 and is incorporated herein by reference.
In all such situations, there is an on-going question as to whether the SCBA or the respirator continue to be needed. Unfortunately, at times, first responders will assume that the ambient air is safe to breathe, in the absence of any other information, and expose themselves to hostile or contaminated air.
There is thus a continuing need to provide such users with timely and accurate information as to local air quality. Preferably, such information can be provided using the type of equipment that they are used to and in a way which does not require them to make efforts to obtain such feedback.
While embodiments of this invention can take many different forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention, as well as the best mode of practicing same, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
In one aspect of the invention, either a SCBA or a respirator can be equipped with an air quality sensor and a heads-up display. The sensor or sensors can be located or carried anywhere on or in the vicinity of the SCBA or the respirator.
An air quality message can be visually presented for a user on a face mask which is part of the SCBA or the regulator. The message can be continually or intermittently presented to the user.
In another aspect of the invention, an air quality sensor can be carried on the face mask adjacent to the transparent face plate through which the user views the local region. Atmospheric quality evaluation circuitry can also be carried on the face mask, adjacent to the sensor.
A substantially transparent display can be located on the face plate. Alternately, a liquid crystal display or the like can be positioned on the face plate, visible to the user, but located so as not to interfere with over-all vision of the local region. Other types of visual output devices, such as light emitting diodes come within the spirit and scope of the invention and can also be used. Audible output devices can also be provided.
A variety of sensor types come within the spirit and scope of the invention. These include oxygen, carbon monoxide, or, carbon dioxide sensors, sensors of other dangerous or explosive gases, all without limitation. Devices which sense multiple different gases can also be used. Additionally, a temperature sensor can be provided in combination with the gas sensor(s) to provide feedback as to ambient temperatures.
Face mask 18 includes a transparent plastic face plate 30. As best seen in
As noted above, the sensor 32 can be selected from a variety of gas sensors, or sensors of airborne particulate matter such as smoke, and may be readily replaceable depending on the environment into which the first responder or fire fighter is operating. The exact details of such sensors are not limitations of the invention.
As illustrated in
Output signals from circuits 42 can be coupled to the visual display 36 via the conductors 38. Power can be supplied by a replaceable battery 46. An audible output device, such as a beeper or horn could also be carried by the mask 18 and coupled to the control circuits 42 to provide an audible warning to a user.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
