Patent ID: 7171980
Filing Date: 2007-02-06
Classification: B63C,G05D,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A valve assembly for use with a breathing apparatus having a pressurized gas source connected to a regulator having a housing and an inlet, the valve assembly comprising: a valve support member coupled to the housing; a valve poppet having a first end having a first face and a second end having a second face, the first face having a surface area smaller than a surface area of the second face, the valve poppet moveably coupled to the valve support member for movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the inlet; a chamber configured to accept the second end of the valve poppet; a passage having a constant cross sectional area extending from the first face to the second face providing fluid communication between the inlet of the regulator and the chamber for allowing gas accumulating in the chamber to act on the second face to urge the valve poppet in the second position; and a lever pivotally coupled to the valve poppet that when actuated moves the valve poppet from the closed position to the open position.