Carl D Rowe

US Patent:

6412482, Jul 2, 2002

Filed:

Jan 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/490131

Inventors:

Carl D. Rowe - Colorado Springs CO 80909

International Classification:

A61M 1600

US Classification:

12820418, 12820024, 12820512

Abstract:

The avalanche survival pack assembly includes 1) a main support chest pack assembly to be secured as by a waist support assembly and a shoulder harness assembly to a user thereof; 2) an oxygen supply assembly or means to provide oxygen through a nose/mouth mask assembly to be worn by an avalanche victim and placed in operation on initially observing being caught up within an avalanche condition; 3) an auxiliary power supply assembly to provide electrical battery power to an oxygen conserving assembly or means and a radio signal transmit beacon assembly or means; 4) the radio signal transmit beacon assembly to transmit a radio signal therefrom for aiding in locating the avalanche victim by avalanche rescuers; 5) a visual location indicator assembly having a lengthy, brightly colored ribbon-like material and having one end connected to the main support chest pack assembly and the other end to be trailed outwardly hoping to be exposed on a top surface of the avalanche snow pack; and 6) a control circuit assembly operable to automatically energize itself on closing an âonâ switch to provide oxygen to the avalanche victim even though the victim may be in an unconscious condition. The main pack assembly is provided with a CO2 absorbing foam material which is important in increasing the chances of an avalanche victims survival. The oxygen supply assembly has been modified with an oxygen conserving assembly to provide a pulsating supply of oxygen to the avalanche victim which is sufficient to provide a life-sustaining oxygen condition for a period of at least one hour.