US4583246A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Scavenging apparatus for life support suit helmet
Assignee: RTX Corp
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Filing: 1983-12-19
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Granted: 1986-04-22
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Expires: 2003-12-19
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for scavenging vomitus from the interior of the helmet of a life support suit comprises a normally furled mask (10) defined by a sidewall structure (20) connecting to a suction conduit (90). The mask is expanded into registry with the mouth of the user by inflation of bellows (40) located within the sidewall structure. Suction applied to the interior of the mask positively traps vomitus on a liquid absorbent filter (85).
Inventors
- 👤 Harrison R. Griswold
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 01:28
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/60; A; A62; A62B; A62B18/00; A62B18/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
Scavenging apparatus for the controlled containment of vomitus within the helmet of a life support suit, said apparatus being characterized by: a normally contracted mask adapted for wear proximally to the chin of the user, said mask being expandable by inflation into registry with the mouth of the user and provided with a reservoir for the containment of said vomitus therewithin. a conduit in fluid communication at an end thereof with the interior of said reservoir for applying suction thereto to minimize the risk of escape of said vomitus from said reservoir; and a filter disposed in said reservoir for trapping said vomitus thereon to prevent fouling of said conduit by said vomitus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
Scavenging apparatus for the controlled containment of vomitus within the helmet of a life support suit, said apparatus being characterized by: a normally contracted mask adapted for wear proximally to the chin of the user, said mask being expandable by inflation into registry with the mouth of the user and provided with a reservoir for the containment of said vomitus therewithin. a conduit in fluid communication at an end thereof with the interior of said reservoir for applying suction thereto to minimize the risk of escape of said vomitus from said reservoir; and a filter disposed in said reservoir for trapping said vomitus thereon to prevent fouling of said conduit by said vomitus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1 characterized by said mask being provided in the walls thereof with a bellows defined by a plurality of inflatable chambers, the inflation of said chambers expanding said mask into said registry with the mouth of said user.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 1 characterized by said mask being provided with resilient means which maintain said mask in said contracted condition when deflated, the elasticity of said resilient means being overcome by said inflation of said mask, to maintain said mask in said registry with the mouth of the user.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 3 characterized by said mask comprising a sidewall structure, said resilient means being embedded therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 3 characterized by said mask being contracted in a furled condition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 characterized by at least a portion of said filter comprising a liquid-absorbent material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 1 characterized by said mask including a reservoir of fluid therewithin and comprising a sidewall structure including a plurality of inflatable chambers disposed thereat, said fluid reservoir being disposed in select fluid communication with said chambers for the inflation thereof and the expansion of said mask into said registry with the mouth of said user.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 7 characterized by valve means providing said select communication between said fluid reservoir and said inflatable chambers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 7 characterized by said valve means including a handle carried by said mask so as to be reachable and operable by the mouth of the user for hands-free operation of said valve means by said mouth of said user.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 1 characterized by said mask comprising a sidewall structure having a mouth opening at one end thereof, said mouth opening being partially sealed by a flexible covering having an aperture therein registrable with the mouth of said user, said aperture providing an inlet for said vomitus into said reservoir.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 10 characterized by said flexible covering having a coarse hand for enhancing the comfort of wear of said mask by said user.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US2970593A
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US3473165A
Cited
US3550588A
Cited
US3603313A
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US4274759A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-04-21 | 1989-10-21 | 1990-04-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-21 | 1993-10-21 | 1994-04-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-21 | 1997-10-21 | 1998-04-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |