Breath responsive powered air-purifying respirator

• US 20080196723A1
• Filed: 08/14/2007
• Published: 08/21/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immediate Response Technologies, LLC (AirBoss of America Corp.)
• Original Assignee: TVI Incorporated (AutoWeb, Inc. (California))
• Inventors: Tilley, Greg Allan
• Granted Patent: US 8,069,853 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/204.23
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0069 the speed thereof being controlled by respiratory parameters, e.g. by inhalation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/107 in the inspiratory path
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/204 used for inhalation control
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/7554 with means for unclogging or regenerating filters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 18/006 with pumps for forced ventilation A62B18/045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 7/10 with filter elements

Abstract

A system for regulating the airflow to a closed environment using feedback control for the position of a control valve and blower speed. The system provides a control apparatus that regulates airflow to a closed environment, such as the mask of a breathing apparatus, to ensure sufficient breathing air for a wearer of such mask. In order to provide fast response to a change in condition in the breathable environment, the airflow regulator includes a valve control and a blower control.

Claims

1. A breath responsive respirator system, comprising:

a facemask;

a blower operatively connected to the facemask, the blower being capable of forcing air to the facemask;

a filter manifold operatively connected to the blower;

a control valve; and

a controller operatively connected to the blower and control valve, which detects a pressure condition within the facemask and controls operation of the blower and control valve.

2. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 1, wherein an internal motor operates the blower.

3. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 2, wherein the motor of the blower is driven by a power source.

4. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 3, wherein the power source is portable.

5. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 3, wherein the power source is connected to the controller.

6. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a purge valve integrated with the blower that can be used to divert the flow of air exiting the blower directly to the outside environment.

7. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 6, wherein the purge valve is manually operated.

8. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 6, wherein the purge valve is normally closed during operation of the blower.

9. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 1, wherein the control valve comprises a motor operated valve.

10. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 1, wherein the control valve comprises a butterfly valve.

11. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure detector operatively connected to the controller.

12. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 11, wherein the pressure detector senses pressure inside the facemask.

13. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 1, wherein the controller processes a signal transmitted by the control valve and transmits a signal to the blower.

14. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 1, wherein the controller processes a signal transmitted by the blower and transmits a signal to the control valve.

15. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls operation of the blower and positioning of the control valve.

16. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 1, wherein the filter manifold comprises a plurality of filter/decontamination elements.

17. The breath responsive respirator system according to claim 1, wherein the facemask is adapted to establish and maintain a seal with the face of a user so as to isolate at least the nose and mouth of the user from ambient air, and adapted to maintain the seal under conditions of positive pressure within the facemask.