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A semiclosed-loop rebreathing system is provided for use in a hostile environment. The system is characterized by a packed bed regenerative heat exchanger providing two distinct temperature-humidity zones of breathing gas with one zone providing cool, relatively dry air and the second zone providing

A semiclosed-loop rebreathing system is provided for use in a hostile environment. The system is characterized by a packed bed regenerative heat exchanger providing two distinct temperature-humidity zones of breathing gas with one zone providing cool, relatively dry air and the second zone providing hot, moist air. Exhaled gas is passed through the packed bed regenerative heat exchanger to increase the temperature and humidity of the gas and is then passed through a sorbent cannister containing a lithium hydroxide bed to remove carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide-free gas is then passed through the regenerative heat exchanger in the reverse direction to cool and dehumidify the gas to normal breathing conditions. Check valves between the heat exchanger and the sorbent cannister establish gas flow in a single direction through the lithium hydroxide bed and a flexible breathing bag interposed in the flow path prevents back pressure during inhalation/exhalation sequences. A dump valve is interconnected between the heat exchanger and the inlet side of the lithium hydroxide cannister and when the breathing bag is fully extended functions to vent a portion of the exhaled gas. An external oxygen supply and control unit provides make-up oxygen to offset oxygen losses incurred by dumping a portion of the system gas and losses by metabolic consumption. A wick assembly is interconnected to the sorbent cannister at the inlet side to remove moisture condensate prior to passing the carbon-dioxide laden gas through the lithium hydroxide bed.

대표청구항 ▼

A portable breathing system for use in a hostile environment to provide revitalization of air exhaled by a user to permit rebreathing thereof, said portable breathing system comprising: breather means for receiving exhaled air from the user and for presenting revitalized air to said user; sorption m

A portable breathing system for use in a hostile environment to provide revitalization of air exhaled by a user to permit rebreathing thereof, said portable breathing system comprising: breather means for receiving exhaled air from the user and for presenting revitalized air to said user; sorption means for absorbing carbon dioxide and liberating heat by exothermic reaction interconnected to said breather means for receiving said exhaled air from said breather means and revitalizing said exhaled air by removing carbon dioxide therefrom and heating said exhaled air from heat generated by the exothermic reaction between said carbon dioxide absorbing means and said exhaled air, said sorption means afterwards discharging said revitalized air into said breather means; and regenerator heat exchanger means interposed between said sorption means and said breather means for heating and humidifying said exhaled air prior to receipt thereof by said sorption means and for cooling and dehumidifying said revitalized air to normal breathing conditions prior to discharge thereof into said breather means.