This invention relates generally to modular, person-carried breathing apparatus, and more particularly to a modular, adjustable, small profile powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) system.
Powered air purifying respirator (“PAPR”) systems are commonly used by emergency response and other personnel working in hazardous environments, such as environments that may be contaminated with chemical, biological, radiological, and/or nuclear contaminants. Such systems typically include one or more filter cartridges and a blower assembly used to force air through the filter canisters and into a respirator or protective mask worn by the operator, thus providing clean, breathable air to the operator. While such systems are generally effective in providing a safe, breathable environment for the operator, they may comprise heavy, bulky equipment that makes wearing them difficult and fatiguing. Moreover, the physical space taken up by the components of such systems may make it difficult for the operator to use them in tight, small, or otherwise confined spaces. Even further, operators having differing mission goals may be equipped with various other equipment, such that a single typical PAPR system may make it difficult to incorporate all of the other equipment they would desire to carry.
It would therefore be advantageous to provide a low-profile, light weight PAPR system that may be easily worn and carried by an operator, and that may be readily customized in shape and general configuration to meet the space requirements on the body of the operator.
Disclosed herein is a modular, adjustable, small profile PAPR system. In accordance with certain aspects of an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a blower, a filter rail chassis that is removably attachable to an inlet of the blower, and a hose system that is removably attachable to the outlet of the blower. The filter rail chassis is low profile and may be provided in one of multiple configurations that allow attachment of, for example, one to three filter cartridges. A power source may be provided in a variety of configurations, including a battery pack that is preferably removably attachable to the blower in a close, nested configuration abutting both the blower and the filter chassis to maintain the small profile of the system, and that may alternatively be carried remote from the blower with a power cord interconnecting the blower with the battery pack. Still further, the power source may comprise direct connection to an A/C or D/C power source. Such variable power configurations and filter configurations offer the user the opportunity to rapidly change the configuration of the PAPR, thus allowing ready adaptation to the particular environment in which the user is operating (i.e., through control of the air flow from the blower and the number of filters carried by the filter rail chassis). The hose system comprises an ovular outer tube that extends from a first connector (which attaches to the blower) to a second, opposite end (which attaches to an operator's protective mask), which ovular shape maintains a generally flat profile for the hose as it extends across or along the operator's body. Two circular air carrying conduits are sealed within such ovular outer tube against outside contamination. This assembly results in a flat, small profile tube system that, despite having an oval exterior shape, maintains a significantly higher hoop stress as a result of the circular tubes inside of the tube system that provides low resistance against bending and intentional curving (as may be desired by the operator to route the tube system around other equipment worn by the operator), that will not inadvertently kink or seal even with low radius turns, and that thus results in a low profile, non-collapsing hose system for delivering air from a remotely carried blower and filter assembly to the operator's protective mask.
In an exemplary embodiment, the blower unit of the PAPR system is adjustable to enable a user or wearer to modify the position of the blower unit outlet, and thus the point of connection of the hose system, in order to allow the user or wearer to route the hose as may be most desirable for their then-current gear configuration, all while maintaining an air-tight airflow conduit extending from the filter rail chassis holding the filter cartridges through the PAPR to the outlet port, and ultimately into the hose system for delivery to the user's mask. In this regard, the blower unit employs a modular assembly having a blower unit housing upper portion and a blower unit housing lower portion, wherein the blower unit housing upper portion is pivotable with respect to the blower unit housing lower portion through simple manual adjustment from outside of the blower unit housing. Internal sealing members between the blower unit housing upper portion and the blower unit housing lower portion ensure that an air-tight fit is maintained inside of the air-flow channel with the blower unit throughout such pivoting adjustments. With such assembly, when a wearer's equipment configuration makes it desirable to position the hose in line with the filter fail attached to the blower unit, they may configure the blower unit so that the outlet port is in line with the filter rail. Likewise, in the event that the wearer's equipment configuration changes such that it becomes desirable for the hose to extend outward from a side of the blower unit and in a direction that is at 90° (or some other angle) to the filter rail, they may manually pivot the blower unit housing upper portion to its intended new position, all while maintaining an internal, air-tight seal inside of the airflow channel.
In accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention, a powered air purifying respirator (“PAPR”) assembly is provided, comprising a modular blower unit having a blower unit housing upper portion and a blower unit housing lower portion, an air inlet on the blower unit housing lower portion, and an air outlet on the blower unit housing upper portion configured for removable connection to a hose system for delivery of cleaned air to a user; and a filter rail chassis having a first closed end and a second open end and removably attached to the air inlet of the blower unit at the second open end of the filter rail chassis, the filter rail chassis having at least one chassis inlet configured to removable and sealingly receive a filter canister; wherein the blower unit housing upper portion is manually pivotable with respect to the blower unit housing lower portion so as to modify an angle between a first airflow through the filter rail chassis and a second airflow out of the air outlet.
Still other aspects, features and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized. The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements, and in which:
The invention may be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to practice an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the preferred embodiment, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.
Descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted to enhance clarity and conciseness. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. does not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotes the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The use of the terms “first”, “second”, and the like does not imply any particular order, but they are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. does not denote any order of importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Although some features may be described with respect to individual exemplary embodiments, aspects need not be limited thereto such that features from one or more exemplary embodiments may be combinable with other features from one or more exemplary embodiments.
With reference to
With reference to
Filter rail chassis 30 has a slim body configuration such that the width of filter rail chassis 30 does not extend outside of the diameter of filter canisters 36. While the outlet end 32 of filter rail chassis 30 has a width that is complementary to the width of inlet port 12 of blower unit 10, the more distal sections of filter rail chassis 30 may have an even slimmer profile to further minimize the carrying load and impact on the operator. Further, filter rail chassis 30 may be provided with three or more filter canister ports 34, two filter canisters ports 34, or even one filter canister port 34, thus allowing an operator to choose a configuration that best suits their operating environment while allowing them the maximum ability to minimize the profile of the filter rail chassis 30 and to adapt the system to the current operational needs. As filter rail chassis 30 is detachable from blower unit 10, a modular system may be provided allowing the operator to select the appropriately sized filter rail chassis 30 (i.e., one filter, two filters, three filters, etc.) for their particular mission. Preferably, outlet end 32 of filter rail chassis 30 may removably receive a clip 32a to hold filter rail chassis 30 on inlet 12 of blower unit 10, which clip 32a may be manually removed when desired (e.g., to change filter rail chassis 30 from a two-filter configuration to a three-filter configuration or one-filter configuration).
To further aid in maintaining a compact profile, blower unit 10 may have a concave wall 16 that faces filter canisters 36 when attached to filter rail chassis 30. Preferably, concave wall 16 has a curvature that generally matches the curvature of the outer wall of a filter canister 36, such that the filter canister 36 closest to blower unit 10 may be positioned closer to blower unit 10 than if wall 16 were provided a planar configuration. Blower unit 10 also has a front wall 18 that holds outlet port 14, an operator switch 19 that allows an operator to regulate speed of the blower motor, and preferably a Smart Remote Switch (“SRS”) connection 20 allowing connection of an SRS 120 on hose assembly 100, as discussed in greater detail below.
In accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment and with particular reference to
Thus, and by way of non-limiting example, starting from the “OFF” position, if the “ON/SET” is pressed three times, the PAPR will run at the speed that is programed for <SETTING 3>.
Optionally, additional features may be incorporated into the SRS assembly, such as (by way of non-limiting example) indicators providing a visual signal indicating system conditions, such as low-flow or current flow, low-battery or general battery condition, etc.
Similarly, manual onboard blower/filter rail switch 19 may comprise a rotary selector that may provide, by way of non-limiting example, four position settings, such as “OFF”, “Setting-1”, “Setting-2”, and “Setting-3” (each such setting indicating a different operating speed or other operating condition for blower unit 10, and each being the same as the conditions programmed for remote SRS 120).
In accordance with certain aspects of a particular embodiment, the system will allow operators to define the number of speed settings that may be achieved by blower unit 10, and the function/flow for each. Such programming may be carried out through SRS connection 20, such as by way of connecting a PC or other computing device to SRS connection 20. In certain configurations, the PC or other computing device may include software allowing each <SETTING> to be programed to preferably any of the following exemplary settings: (i) a constant flow rate having a range defined by the blower operational window for a given number of filter canisters 36; and (ii) BRR (Breath Rate Response), defined by the number of filter canisters 36, and available as an offset from default parameters used to increase the flow level over the BRR curve.
The PC or other computing device may further include software allowing the setting of “First ON/OFF”, which may be set to either start at <SETTING 1> or start at the last setting used before “OFF”. Further, the PC or other computing device may include software allowing a cycle after the last setting. For example, if there are four settings programed after the ON/SET has been pressed four times, the unit may be configured such that upon the fifth press, the unit will either do nothing regardless of the number of ON/SETs pressed, as follows:
or alternatively the unit will cycle back down, so on the fifth press the unit would cycle back down to the third setting, and so on, as follows:
As mentioned above and with particular reference to
Battery pack 50 preferably has a pin assembly 54 that mates with a power port 22 on blower unit 10, which allows pin assembly 54 to engage a power circuit inside of blower unit 10 to power the blower motor. Optionally, a battery pack adapter 60 may be provided and positioned in series between battery pack 50 and battery port 22 on blower unit 10. Such use of a battery pack adapter 60 allows quick replacement of one battery pack 50 for another when it has been expended, without requiring the operator to manipulate the battery pack 50 when attached to blower unit 10. A cable 62 may removably receive pin 54 of battery pack 50 allowing quick connect and disconnect of one battery pack 50 for another. Such cable 62 likewise allows the operator to carry battery pack 50 on their body at a remote location from blower unit 10 and chassis 30, thus even further offering the operator opportunity to minimize the profile of the blower unit 10 and chassis 30. Battery pack adapter 60 also has a pin 64 generally of the same configuration as pin 54 on battery pack 50, which pin 64 similarly engages power port 22 on blower unit 10.
Still further, battery pack 50 may optionally include a removable cable 70 (
Further, while removable from blower unit 10, battery pack 50 may have removable fasteners, such as screws, bolts, or the like, that hold battery pack 50 to the housing of blower unit 10 to ensure a secure connection between those elements. In a particularly preferred configuration, the top of battery pack 50 may include a guide rail 53 that engages a push latch 17 on an underside of the housing of blower unit 10, such that battery pack 50 may slide and click into position on the underside of the housing of blower unit 10 and remain held in place, while allowing a user to push downward on push latch 17 to enable battery pack 50 to be slid outward along guide rail 53 and ultimately removed from blower unit 10.
In each of the above cases, as battery pack 50 may be removable from blower unit 10, it may be carried by the operator remote from blower unit 10 and chassis 30, such as in a pouch 80 (
As mentioned above and with particular reference to
Outer tube 110 is sufficiently flexible so as to allow an operator to position and route the tube in the most desirable configuration for a given equipment configuration, while being formed of sufficiently heavy material to protect against tearing. Outer tube 110 is also oval in shape, which maintains a small, flat profile for the hose system 100 such that it may lay flat against the operator's body in an intended position and location without rolling and impeding the use of other operator-worn equipment. In certain exemplary configurations, outer tube 110 may be formed of a heavy-duty nylon, such as by way of non-limiting example CORDURA or NOMEX. Outer tube 110 may alternatively be formed of other abuse-protective flexible materials, such as KEVLAR or similarly configured materials. An outer surface of outer tube 110 may be preferably welded to an interior face of each of rubber cuff 106 and rubber cuff 107.
Preferably two circular cross-section air carrying conduits 120 are positioned inside of outer tube 110 to carry filtered air from blower unit 10 to the air inlet on the operator's protective mask. Circular air carrying conduits 120 may include reinforcing coils 122 extending about the outer perimeter of each conduit 120 to provide resistance against collapse of each independent conduit 120, such as when outer tube 110 is inadvertently compressed by other equipment carried by the operator. Moreover, providing two such circular air carrying conduits 120 provides the overall hose system 100 with a hoop stress that is significantly higher than if the entirety of the hose system 100 were simply a hollow oval. Thus, such assembly of ovular outer tube 110 with circular interior air carrying conduits 120 allows a flat, low profile outer hose system that may rest against the operator's body, again aiding in reducing the overall profile of the hose system 100, while still ensuring protection against inadvertent kinking or closure of the air conduits. Still further, providing two interior circular air carrying conduits provides lower resistance to bending than if a single, larger circular conduit were provided, thus allowing the operator to route hose system 100 across their body in a way that is most appropriate and comfortable for a given equipment payload. In exemplary configurations, each air carrying conduit 120 preferably has an outer diameter of approximately 14-24 mm, more preferably about 19 mm, and a length of approximately 36 inches.
Each end of each air carrying conduit 120 is received in a fitting 130. Each fitting 130 is configured to deliver air between the two air carrying conduits 120 and one of first end 101 and second end 102 of hose system 100. An exterior wall of each fitting 130 is sized to fit tightly inside of an interior end of each of rotatable coupling 103 (at first end 101 of hose system 100) and the 90° connection of rotatable coupling 104. The exterior wall of each fitting may further be provided one or more sealing members, such as gaskets, O-rings, or the like, to provide a fluid- and gas-tight seal. In particularly preferred configurations, a CBRN-protective barrier sleeve 140 surrounds both air carrying conduits 120 to further protect the air carried by conduits 120 from contamination from harmful elements outside of hose system 100. In such configurations, CBRN-protective barrier 140 is sealed to each fitting 120 at each interior end of each fitting 120. CBRN-protective barrier 140 may, in certain exemplary embodiments, be formed of GORE-TEX, though a variety of other flexible, CBRN-protection capable materials may likewise be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Next, and with particular reference to
Blower unit housing upper portion 210 includes a blower unit cover 212, a blower fan unit housing 214, and a blower unit seal plate 216. Blower unit cover 212 is affixed to blower fan unit housing 214 via one or more connectors, such as screws, bolts, or similarly configured connectors, and may include one or more sealing members (not shown), such as O-rings or similarly configured sealing members, to maintain a sealed compartment within blower unit housing upper portion 210. Likewise, blower fan unit housing 214 is affixed to blower unit seal plate 216 via one or more connectors, such as screws, bolts, or similarly configured connectors, and may likewise include one or more sealing members (not shown), such as O-rings or similarly configured sealing members, to maintain a sealed compartment within blower unit housing upper portion 210.
Similarly, blower unit housing lower portion 250 includes a blower unit inlet housing 252 and a bottom cover 254. Blower unit inlet housing 252 attaches to filter rail chassis 30 at inlet 253 (
Next, as shown in
Next and with particular reference to
In order to maintain a sealed and air-tight airflow channel through powered air purifying respirator assembly 200, blower unit housing upper portion 210 is provided with O-ring seals (or similarly configured sealing members) that will maintain an air-tight, sealed connection between blower unit housing upper portion 210 and blower unit housing lower portion 250, even as those housing portions are pivoted with respect to one another. More particularly and with reference to
In order to effect the pivoting of blower unit housing upper portion 210 with respect to blower unit housing lower portion 250, a preferably spring-biased slider actuator 310 is moveably mounted on blower unit housing lower portion 250, and includes a release pin 312 extending upward from the top face of slider actuator 310. Release pin 312 is positioned to engage one of multiple pin receivers 230 in the bottom face of seal plate 216 of blower unit housing upper portion 210, thus enabling the rotational position of blower unit housing upper portion 210 to be locked with respect to blower unit housing lower portion 250 in one of multiple positions. For example, when a wearer's equipment configuration makes it desirable to position hose 100 generally in line with filter rail 30, they may configure blower unit housing upper portion 210 as shown in
Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.
This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/998,413 entitled “MODULAR, INTEGRATED POWERED AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATOR SYSTEM,” filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 20, 2020, which is based upon and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/889,263 entitled “MODULAR, INTEGRATED POWERED AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATOR SYSTEM,” filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 20, 2019. This application is also based upon and claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/196,389 entitled “MODULAR, INTEGRATED POWERED AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATOR SYSTEM,” filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jun. 3, 2021. The specifications of each of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63196389 | Jun 2021 | US | |
62889263 | Aug 2019 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16998413 | Aug 2020 | US |
Child | 17832041 | US |