CARBON DIOXIDE SCRUBBER AND GAS REGENERATOR UNIT FOR A CLOSED CIRCUIT REBREATHING APPARATUS

摘要

Abstract of the DisclosureA compact, light and highly efficient gas regeneratorunit for a positive pressure closed circuit rebreathing apparatushaving an improved carbon dioxide scrubber contained within anannular frame to the lower open portion of which a spring loadedflexible diaphragm is sealingly connected around its peripheryand across the upper portion of which a cover plate is releasablyattachable with the interior of the unit within the frame beingdivided by a transversely extending partition into a gasconditioning chamber,in which the CO2 of the wearer's expelledbreath gases are removed by passing through chemicals compressivelyretained in the canister of a scrubber extending across the spanof the gas conditioning chamber, and a variable volume gaschamber above diaphragm from which the reconditioned gases thathave been enriched with a predetermined amount of oxygen areagain inhaled. A valving arrangement operated by movement of thespring loaded diaphragm will maintain a positive pressure withinthe system and add additional oxygen to the variable volumechamber when excess oxygen is being consumed by the wearer orvent excess gases from the chamber when oxygen consumptiondecreases. An anti-anoxia valve prevents the wearer frombreathing into the unit until oxygen is being released into theunit. The design of the reconditioning gas chambers and passagesincluding the CO2 scrubber, establishes a uniform flow ofbreathing gases through the scrubber and the unit with a minimumpressure drop.