Patent ID: 6655383
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: A62B,B63C

Abstract:
A method for verifying the functioning and status of a pneumatic system of a breathing apparatus for an irrespirable environment, the method comprising the steps of:providing a breathing apparatus including a gas supply, a closure valve on the gas supply, a pressure regulator downstream of the gas supply, a breathing mask downstream of the pressure regulator, at least one pressure sensor included in the mask, a status indicator, processing means connected to the sensor and the status indicator, and gas lines between the gas supply, the pressure regulator, and the mask; placing the mask on a wearer's face and admitting breathing gas to the inside of the mask; measuring a gas pressure within the mask with the pressure sensor during a length of time; comparing the measured pressure within the mask to an ambient pressure outside the mask; and transmitting a signal to the status indicator to produce an acceptable indication if the measured pressure within the mask remains greater than the ambient pressure during said length of time.