Karen L Nelson

US Patent:

55246168, Jun 11, 1996

Filed:

Jan 27, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/379339

Inventors:

Dennis Smith - Southampton NY
Frances G. Morton - North Palm Beach FL
Karen Nelson - Palm Beach Gardens FL

Assignee:

LifePro, Inc. - West Palm Beach FL

International Classification:

A62B 2302
A62B 2500
A62B 1808

US Classification:

12820527

Abstract:

A method of emergency smoke inhalation protection of fire fighters in imminent life-threatening situations includes configuring a canister containing a filter medium to evidence use. The canister has an opening through which air enters and has a coupling for attachment to the mask of a standard self contained breathing apparatus in place of a connection to an air tank. When so connected, air drawn into the mask passes through the filter medium within said canister. A use-evidencing mechanism is operatively connected to the canister to indicate use of the air filtering system. This mechanism can be non-reusable covers applied over the opening and coupling, or a sealed package containing the air filtering system. Such devices provide an indication of previous use of the filtering system and inhibit a fire fighter from using the system in an unauthorized manner.

US Patent:

59642181, Oct 12, 1999

Filed:

May 28, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/652664

Inventors:

Dennis Smith - Southampton NY
Karen Nelson - Palm Beach Gardens FL
Frances G. Morton - North Palm Beach FL

Assignee:

Lifepro, Inc. - West Palm Beach FL

International Classification:

A62B 710

US Classification:

12820125

Abstract:

A self-contained breathing apparatus for emergency response personnel has face mask with a first port connected by a hose to a tank of compressed air. Back-up smoke inhalation protection is provided for imminent life-threatening situations by configuring a face mask with a canister containing a filter medium, an inlet opening through which air enters and an outlet coupling for attachment to a second port of the face mask. In normal situations the mask is supplied with air from the tank, but should the tank supply become depleted, the canister can be activated. A use-evidencing mechanism is operatively connected to the canister to indicate use of the air filtering system. This mechanism may be a non-reusable cover applied over the inlet opening and/or a valve in the second port of the face mask with a portion that breaks away upon opening of the valve. Such mechanisms provide an indication of previous use of the filtering system and inhibit a fire fighter from using the system in an unauthorized manner, in less than an imminent life-threatening situation.