Abstract A breathing gas regulator for an aviator comprises an oxygen supply, a first pressure reducing valve, a second pressure reducing valve, and a branch line intermediate the two pressure reducing valves for conveying gas to pressurize the aviator suit in the event of cabin pressure failure. The second pressure reducing valve acts as a demand regulator supplying breathing gas at a normal breathing pressure of about 20 mm water column. The breathing gas outlet includes an air injector open to the cabin at cabin altitudes of up to 6 km for mixing air with the oxygen. The branch line includes a pressure responsive valve which shuts off the air supply at a cabin altitude of 6 km. Thus, the regulator supplies 100 percent oxygen at higher cabin altitudes. The branch line also includes a pressure-responsive control for increasing the breathing gas pressure in the event of a loss of cabin pressure. In that event, the control unit increases the gas pressure supplied by the demand regulator an amount necessitated by the altitude. The branch line supplies gas to pressurize the suit and the amount of this pressure is conveniently set by controls as a function of breathing gas pressure. For example, suit pressure may be approximately 3.5 times breathing gas pressure. The device preferably includes a g-susceptible valve for pressurizing the suit to counter the effect of g-forces to which the aviator is subjected. In this event, suit pressure is controlled by suitable means, such as a shuttle valve, such that it will be a function of breathing gas pressure or the magnitude of a gas signal produced by the g-forces, whichever is greater.
A regulator for gas supply to an aviator outfit comprising: a gas supply conduit; first and second pressure reducing valves arranged in series in said gas supply conduit to reduce the pressure of gas introduced into said conduit in stages to provide a low pressure breathing gas supply from the outlet of said second pressure reducing valve; gas conduit means for conveying gas from said gas supply conduit from a point intermediate said first and second pressure reducing valves to provide a suitpressurizing gas supply for the aviator outfit; valve means responsive to ambient pressure for controlling the flow of gas in said gas conduit means; control means responsive to pressure in said gas conduit means relative to ambient pressure for adjusting the output pressure of said second pressure reducing valve to regulate the pressure of said breathing gas supply; air inlet means for introducing air into said breathing gas supply; valve means for controlling the air flow therein responsive to pressure in said gas conduit means; and g-responsive valve means for supplying a further suit-pressurizing gas supply for the aviator outfit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
A regulator for gas supply to an aviator outfit comprising: a gas supply conduit; first and second pressure reducing valves arranged in series in said gas supply conduit to reduce the pressure of gas introduced into said conduit in stages to provide a low pressure breathing gas supply from the outlet of said second pressure reducing valve; gas conduit means for conveying gas from said gas supply conduit from a point intermediate said first and second pressure reducing valves to provide a suitpressurizing gas supply for the aviator outfit; valve means responsive to ambient pressure for controlling the flow of gas in said gas conduit means; control means responsive to pressure in said gas conduit means relative to ambient pressure for adjusting the output pressure of said second pressure reducing valve to regulate the pressure of said breathing gas supply; air inlet means for introducing air into said breathing gas supply; valve means for controlling the air flow therein responsive to pressure in said gas conduit means; and g-responsive valve means for supplying a further suit-pressurizing gas supply for the aviator outfit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A regulator according to claim 1 including suit pressure deflating valve means controllable by gas pressure in said breathing gas supply and in said g-responsive valve means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A regulator according to claim 2 wherein said g-responsive valve means includes a g-pressure transmitter and wherein said regulator further includes a shuttle valve for diverting the higher pressure in said breathing gas supply and said g-transmitter for controlling said suit pressure deflating valve means.