Linkage for the demand regulator of a breathing apparatus
First Claim
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1. In a demand regulator for a breathing apparatus, the improvement comprising;
- a flow valve for controlling the flow of breathable gas from a source to a mouthpiece, said flow valve having a control element extending therefrom, anda diaphragm for sensing inhalation demand and a linkage between said diaphragm and said flow valve control element, said linkage comprising;
a rigid ball restrained for movement only along a single axis, said element being in contact with said ball,a fixed member having a convex arcuate surface facing said ball on the side opposite said element, anda lever member situated between said ball and, said arcuate surface and linked to said diaphragm so that displacement of said diaphragm causes said lever member to pivot about said arcuate surface, therby moving said ball along said axis and imparting movement to said control element to operate said flow valve.
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Abstract
In a scuba or other breathing apparatus, the demand regulator includes a diaphragm connected by a linkage to a valve that supplies breathable gas to the user in response to inhalation demand, as sensed by the diaphragm. The linkage includes a diaphragm-connected lever situated between a ball restrained for axial movement and a fixed member having a spherical surface facing the ball. The lever pivots on the spherical surface to cause sensitive displacement of the ball and hence actuation of the valve.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. In a demand regulator for a breathing apparatus, the improvement comprising;
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a flow valve for controlling the flow of breathable gas from a source to a mouthpiece, said flow valve having a control element extending therefrom, and a diaphragm for sensing inhalation demand and a linkage between said diaphragm and said flow valve control element, said linkage comprising; a rigid ball restrained for movement only along a single axis, said element being in contact with said ball, a fixed member having a convex arcuate surface facing said ball on the side opposite said element, and a lever member situated between said ball and, said arcuate surface and linked to said diaphragm so that displacement of said diaphragm causes said lever member to pivot about said arcuate surface, therby moving said ball along said axis and imparting movement to said control element to operate said flow valve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A demand regulator for a self contained underwater breathing apparatus, comprising:
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a regulator body having an inlet port to receive a supply of breathable gas and an outlet communicating to a mouthpiece, a flow control valve situated in a valve housing within said body, said valve being biased closed and being openable to permit the flow of breathable gas from said inlet port to said outlet, said outlet being in communication with the interior chamber of said body, a diaphragm within said body interior chamber, said diaphragm being displaced in response to decreased pressure in said chamber during inhalation, said diaphragm having a shaft attached thereto, and a linkage operatively connecting said diaphragm shaft to said flow control valve, said linkage comprising; a rigid ball situated in a cylindrical extension of said valve housing, said ball being movable only axially of said cylindrical extension and being in contact with a control member of said valve, another member having a round surface within said cylindrical extension facing said ball, said other member being fixed with respect to said cylindrical extension, and a lever member situated between said ball and said member round surface and linked to said diaphragm shaft so that diaphragm displacement causes an angular pivotal motion of said lever member to move said ball toward said valve member, thereby pushing said control member to open said flow control valve. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. In a demand regulator for a breathing apparatus, the improvement comprising;
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a flow valve for controlling the flow of breathable gas from a source to a mouthpiece, said flow valve having a control element extending therefrom, and a diaphragm for sensing inhalation demand, and a linkage between said diaphragm and said flow valve control element, said linkage comprising; a first, relatively movable member having a arcuate surface, said control element being moved by said first member, a second, relatively fixed member having an arcuate surface facing the arcuate surface of said first member, and a lever situated between said two arcuate surfaces and linked to said diaphragm so that displacement of said diaphragm causes said lever to pivot about said arcuate surfaces, thereby moving said first member and imparting movement to said control element to operate said flow valve. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. In a regulator mechanism for a breathing apparatus, the improvement comprising:
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a flow valve for controlling the amount of breathable gas available to a user of said breathing apparatus, said flow valve having a control element extending therefrom, a diaphragm for sensing breathing demand, and a linkage between said diaphragm and said flow valve control element, said linkage comprising; a rigid ball restrained for movement only along a single axis, said element being in contact with said ball, a fixed member having a convex arcuate surface facing said ball on the side opposite said element, and a lever member situated between said ball and said arcuate surface and linked to said diaphragm so that displacement of said diaphragm causes said lever member to pivot about said arcuate surface, thereby moving said ball along said axis and imparting movement to said control element to operate said flow valve.
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Specification