Abstract:
A mixed fluid hydration system combines a multi-viscosity multi-ported valve body with field changeable valve cores providing single fluid valving with or without variable mixing to dilute carbohydrate and electrolytes fluids to match the varying physiological demands of prolonged exertion on the fly. A self-piercing self-sealing valve port allows piggybacking disposable delivery systems for straight on-off delivery or variable dilution. A single-use mixed-fluid bladder with self-piercing oral valves protects against dehydration and hypothermia at sea. A supported, film or thin film bladder that can only be inflated by compressed gas circumvents dual detonation and elevated pressure testing. A complementary lightweight film orally bladder provides redundancy of inflation means and chamber integrity. Over pressure protection on the oral bladder protects against accidental dual inflation while allowing for concurrent use of thin film technology. Cylinder seal spacer slows rate of compressed gas release into thin film while embedding inflator in the foam preserves the slim profile of Type III PFDs.

Description:
[0001]    This Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 60/397,065, filed Jul. 19, 2002, which is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to fluid delivery systems, and more particularly to a dedicated compressed gas bladder and mixed-fluid delivery system for a body armor personal flotation device, boater or cyclist.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Sustained physical exercise results in idiosyncratic loss of fluids and electrolytes. Initially the body converts glycogen then fatty acids into adenosine Tri Phosphate (“ATP”) for utilization by the striated skeletal musculature, with a catabolic process that produces varying amounts of lactic acid in proportion to respiratory status and training ratio of quick to slow striated fibers summating as the individual&#39;s general physical condition. Metabolic status is also influences by the environment, specifically temperature and partial pressure of oxygen. Exertion at altitude in an environment of reduce oxygen impacts competitive performance or military survival. Overall the net result is that the cumulative loss of fluid and electrolytes and production of carbonic and lactic acid limit physical and mental efficacy as well as capacity.  
           [0004]    Current hydration systems that provide only water to those under going extended physical exertion are not without serious consequences. While water is an important component when an individual consumes only water in response to sweating it can seriously complicate loss of electrolytes and potentially lead to disabling hyponatremia or hypokalemia. Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are essential for functioning of nervous and muscular tissue. Deficiencies in either can compromise all areas of functioning ranging from attention to cardiac rhythms. Carbohydrates are also important to sustain clarity of mind and rapidity of response.  
           [0005]    The physiology of exertion is a changing picture in which various nutrients are consumed, electrolytes and fluids lost, toxic products accumulate. As one progresses through different stages nutritional needs vary widely. The body craves the appropriate alimentation balancing needs for water, ions and glucose in proportion to the physiologic deficiencies and stresses before they become pathophysiologic. While prior disclosures provided the basic elements of water, ions and glucose they were delivered in an all or nothing fashion.  
           [0006]    Prior alimentation systems in addition to allowing sustained performance provided cushioning from ballistic impact and contributed buoyancy to corrective turning. Inclusion of oral inflation means along with manual or water activated compressed gas bladders was considered common sense allowing the expensive still bulky laminated fabric bladder to at least be inflated if the inflator assembly fails for any reason. The combination of two means of inflation requires that the bladder be capable of being first inflated orally then upon immersion face over pressurization due to water activated detonation of the compressed gas cylinder. Over pressure relief is not allowed on the primary bladder because of the additional chance of catastrophic loss of buoyancy. It is allowed on secondary chambers.  
           [0007]    Thus there remains a need for an alimentation system that allows the user to adjust the concentration of the various fluids demanded by the body to be instantly adjusted in accordance with evolving respiratory and metabolic. It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention provides an alimentation system that allows the user to adjust the concentration of the various fluids demanded by the body to be instantly adjusted in accordance with evolving respiratory and metabolic. A unified valve for simplicity of operation provides a range of alimentary supplements full strength or diluted to meets the demands of the moment.  
           [0009]    Some supplements are best provided in a disposable format due to the difficulty in adequately cleaning the reservoir. Single use alimentation systems can remain sterile yet simply accessed by self-piercing valves. Existing disposable containers adapted to piggyback into the valve for straight delivery or mixing as desired.  
           [0010]    The alimentation bladders contribute their buoyancy to a dedicated film compressed gas bladder which is complemented by a dedicated orally inflated bladder, the combined system concurrently confers redundancy of structure and inflation means.  
           [0011]    Either the athlete or soldier can provide custom alimentation under way. The largest reusable would carry the water the smaller would carry a potable electrolyte drink. Additional bladders either reusable or disposable would carry a simple carbohydrate liquid and a complex carbohydrate solution including branched chain amino acids for sustained support of blood sugar. The tensioned delivery and valve system stays snug against the garment, ballistics vest or shoulder strap. A tri-glide version of the valve receiver can be adjusted along the length of the shoulder strap to fit any torso length. When thirst or hunger occurs the valve is pulled down and out of the garment mounted securing fixture and the valve then adjusted to pure water, electrolyte or one of the carbohydrate liquids.  
           [0012]    If exertion has occurred at a sustained pace there maybe a mixed desire for both water and carbohydrate. The valve is adjusted to dilute the carbohydrate solution to a level of dilution that is optimal. An overly rich fluid could produce stomach cramps. The muscle aches from the loss of potassium and sodium is recognized with simple training.  
           [0013]    The mixing valve includes an eccentric port on the valve core will allow delivery rates to remain unchanged as the user moves from straight water to a dilute protein drink.  
           [0014]    The valves allows the infield addition of a number of potable sources of fluid if the reusable bladder has not been cleaned in days or weeks as might occur in war. The IV bag is common in a military setting and is source of clean fluids capable of supplying electrolytes and carbohydrates, if not palatable source.  
           [0015]    An IV bag of DW 50 is a concentrated source of Dextrose and water, which can be diluted at the valve to provide support for blood sugar levels. The bicyclist can pick up a bottle of water or GATORADE sport drink and with a cap adapter plug it into the valve for continued sustenance.  
           [0016]    The individual at sea is as in need of carbohydrates and hydration to fight hypothermia as the long distance cyclist. A sterile sealed chamber has a protected shelf life and is accessed by use of a self piercing oral valve that once the safety clip is removed can punch and regulate release of alimentary support.  
           [0017]    Both the soldier with 30 lbs. of tactical plates and the boater wearing a comfortable low performance jacket can benefit not only from an inexpensive oral chamber but an inexpensive compressed gas bladder. A dedicated compressed gas bladder does not need to be capable of sustaining 8 psi by removing the threat of double inflation. Past fears were that the bladder would be first orally inflated then accidentally the water activate compressed gas would be released into a fully inflated bladder. Now the bladder fabric can be markedly thinner leading to lower profile reliable life jackets at a cost that can bring power inflatables into the row boater as well as the yachtsman.  
           [0018]    Thus it is the primary object of the invention to provide tailored alimentary support to the soldier, cyclist and man over board.  
           [0019]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a valve with multiple valve body inlet ports size according to viscosity.  
           [0020]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a valve with multiple valve core ports size according to viscosity.  
           [0021]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a valve with multiple eccentric shaped valve core ports shaped to provide consistent output.  
           [0022]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a valve with multiple replaceable valve cores with different functions.  
           [0023]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a valve with a valve core with raised ridge to allow easy manual removal.  
           [0024]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a valve with multiple mechanical stops to identify the valves provision of either pure fluids or standard mixes of the base fluids.  
           [0025]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a valve with multiple valve core ports size according to viscosity.  
           [0026]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a cover bite valve with a quarter turn locking sleeve insert to allow easy remove to promote cleaning of carbohydrates from the alimentation system.  
           [0027]    It is also an object of the invention to provide an interchangeable valve body with 2, 3, 4 or more input ports.  
           [0028]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a valve with one or more ports for the addition of disposable sources of liquid nutrition.  
           [0029]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a multi-chambered bladder for reusable carriage of fluids frequently used.  
           [0030]    It is also an object of the invention to provide an adapter for attaching IV bags.  
           [0031]    It is also an object of the invention to provide an adapter for attaching plastic bottles.  
           [0032]    It is a primary object of the invention to provide a compressed gas life jacket that cannot be orally inflated.  
           [0033]    It is a primary object of the invention to provide a compressed gas life jacket that cannot be orally inflated and is sized to keep the internal pressure within the limits of the bladder fabric.  
           [0034]    It is an object of the invention to embed the inflator and cylinder with the foam for protection of thin film bladder on actuation, commercial storage of Type I SOLAS and cosmetic appearance of Type III.  
           [0035]    It is an object of the invention to include the alimentary system in a jacket or garment.  
           [0036]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the general description, serve to explain principles of the present invention.  
           [0037]    These and other important objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear as this description proceeds.  
           [0038]    The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the description set forth hereinafter. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0039]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 1 is an anterior view illustrating a hydration chamber on the inside of posterior aspect of a body armor vest. Two distinct chambers supply water and electrolytes. Two disposable chambers supply simple and complex carbohydrates. The combination allows maintenance of optimal attention and capacity during prolonged exertion. Mixed viscosity manifold valve body has interchangeable valve cores of on-off or mix mode functions allowing situational dilution as dictated by blood sugar, respiratory and metabolic acid base balance as well as level of hydration. An open lip grip covers the end of the valve allowing easy thorough cleaning.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 2 is a lateral view illustrating three different configuration of garment integrated alimentation. The first is an integrated system with a fused foam sandwich medially which shares a common wall hydraulic chamber immediately, which shares a common wall with the more exterior ballistics panel. One or more bladders provide residual impact protection. The middle drawing shows a fused body armor section with the hydration section being reversibly accessed for concurrent used of permanent and disposable bladders. The third drawing is a removable hydration system in which the welded insulating foam panel at reversible attached to the soft body armor vest as dictated by the specific operation.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 3 is a lateral view of a tension alimentation delivery system. The double lumen delivery tubing is secure to an elastic member attached to the vest. A vest-mounted clip receives a friction fit male member on the bottom of the mixer valve. This keeps the delivery system snug against the garment until needed.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 4 is a lateral view illustrating a multi-chambered alimentation system. It combines reusable and disposable bladders, which feed through a tensioned delivery system the specific ratio of carbohydrates, electrolytes and water either individually of as diluted as dictated by the greatest physiological deficit, a balance under constant evolution during extreme exercise.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 5 the upper drawing is an end view of the valve core illustrating the positions that are associate with delivery of a pure fluid or an infinitely varying ratio between two fluids. The lower drawing is a side view of the valve body illustrating the variation in the manifold port sizes in accordance with the viscosity of the fluid to maintain similar rates of flow. The friction stops built into the valve body identify the pure or mixed positions of the valve core.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 6 is a lateral drawing illustrating a 2, 3 and 4 port valve body. The upper drawing includes a valve core with eccentric ports the diameter of which reduces as the valve moves from a single fluid to a combination. The combined area of the ports is such that it equals the area of a single port so that the output delivery remains constant as the valve is changed from pure water to pure electrolytes to pure carbohydrates of varying degrees of dilution. An oversized valve handle allows manual exchange of the valve core to match the alimentary needs of a given mission.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 7 is a lateral view illustrating the use of a dedicated compressed gas chamber in a body armor vest and PFD. The inability to orally inflate the compressed gas chamber allows the use of lightweight fabrics that neither need nor could pass standard double inflation tests. Separate chamber that is orally inflated can have an over pressure relief valve in the unlikely event of concurrent inflation. Dual film bladders provide structural redundancy and two means of inflation. The embedded IF water activate inflator maintains the same profile, critical with Type III cosmetic PFDs.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 8 is a lateral view illustrating a self-piercing oral valve for use with single use hydration bladders. A removable lock keeps the piercing port from opening the sterile seal. Once removed the spring-loaded valve can be punched through the seal accessing the combined source of carbohydrates, electrolytes and water. The lock can be re-insert to prevent inadvertent loss of nutrients.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 9 is a lateral view illustrating a reduced flow shim for a IF water activated inflator. The reduced pierce aperture reduces flow rate protecting the thin film bladder during compressed gas inflation.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 10 is a lateral view illustrating an adapter cap for connecting disposable bottles to augment the mixed fluid hydration system. The adapter cap allows the use of sterile packaging to be piggyback into the third port of the tensioned delivery valve. Alternative use of 4 independent valves inline regulates delivery to a common manifold the means of a range of fluids for meeting a diverse range of alimentation needs as occurs across a wide range of activities from sitting to continuous strenuous exercise.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 11 is a lateral view illustrating a selection of valve core patterns allowing in field adaptation of the hydration alimentation system to take advantage of available supplies. While the supplements supplied with the hydration alimentation system are all capable of being combined in the urban theatre acidic fluids such as orange juice would coagulate milk proteins and so the valve core can be quickly changed from a variable dilution operation into a strict on-off operation.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 12 is a combined lateral and posterior view illustrating a posterior and anterior high viscosity delivery system in which the high viscosity bladder is compressed by straps or tensioned elastic fabric that keeps the thick viscous contents under pressure. Locate at the highest points reduces need to draw the viscous supplement through a long hose against gravity. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0052]    As seen in the drawings a dedicated compressed gas bladder and mixed-fluid delivery system for body armor, personal flotation device (“pfd”), boater or cyclist is illustrated. In FIG. 1 a cushioning chamber  80  contains a multi-chambered alimentation system  300 . Water maybe contained in chamber  301  while an alternate fluid electrolyte drink is in chamber  303 . The multi-chambered alimentation system can be located between the body armor vest and the back and/or the front  300 . Two disposable bladders  326  can be housed within pockets  85  for carrying bladders of carbohydrate fluids that can not be easily cleaned. The fluid level in the left disposable bladder  88  can be different that the level in the right disposable bladder  321  reflecting differing needs for the nutrients. A dual lumen delivery tube  334  connects chamber  301  via lumen  302  and connects chamber  303  via lumen  304  to a multi-viscosity port on-off and mixing valve  333 . Valve  333  can be configured with varying number of input ports into a valve body manifold  307 . The right valve connected to bladders  301  and  303  has 3 ports the third port is a spare for attaching disposable supplements. It has an piercing member  325  and an a sealing member  324  and a separate flow rate valve  323  for matching the flow through the wide bore port  322  in the currently installed valve core  318 . The installed valve core  318  has three ports each of which can be separately turned on or off. Oral suction applied to bite valve  315  draws nutritional supplements from chambers  301  and  303  as regulated by valve core  318 . A quarter turn mounting means  316  of bite valve  315  allows easy removal for cleaning of the high carbohydrate solutions passing through valve  333 . Alternate valve core  317  incorporates three on-off valves and a mixing valve function that allows the fluids in  301  and  303  to be combined in any ratio. Valve handle  319  is continuous with the valve core. Raised ridge  320  allows easy manual extraction of the valve core from the valve body. The valve core is locked into the valve body by friction lock  331 . O-Ring  330  seals the valve core and valve body.  
         [0053]    In FIG. 1 the separate delivery tubes from disposable bladders  326  are connected by friction clamp  329  and adhesive wire  327  allows the delivery tubes to retain any particular shape once they have been bent into that shape. Lumen  304  includes a wound wire within the body of the tube  328  to allow memory upon bending dual lumen  334  into a desired delivery position. Right angle connector  332  does not have the integrated wire  328  found in lumen  304 .  
         [0054]    In FIG. 1 the two disposable bladders deliver their contents to dual manifold body  307  where the valve core  311  that is installed in body  307  has two elongated ports that allow passage of only a single fluid valve core ports  308  or  310  are aligned with manifold input ports in the valve body  307 . Alternatively the two fluids can be mixed when the valve core is in position  309  allowing fluids from both inputs to be drawn off at the same time in any of an infinite number of combinations. Alternate valve core  314  can be installed in valve body  307  allowing only simple on off access through port  312  or through port  313  allowing consumption of fluids one at a time.  
         [0055]    The various fluids contained in cushioning chamber  80  are mounted on an adapter  82  allowing the same configuration of bladders to be reversibly mounted  83  on a variety of body armor vest or other garments. The soft body armor  82  can be sealed onto the backside of the hydraulic cushion  80  providing protection of moisture and immersion. Baffles  86  in bladders  301  and  303  limit the amount of bulging allowed as dictated by the function of the supporting garment. The baffles terminate in button  87  to distribute the force applied by the bladder contents. When the multi-fluid alimentation means is used behind the wearer a check valve  305  prevent the installation of air as posterior air trapping opposes corrective turning. When the hydraulic cushion is mounted in front of the wearer, air can be instilled to keep the empty bladders inflated in order to provide protection from ballistic impact.  
         [0056]    In FIG. 2 the left hand drawing  340  shows the use of fabric laminated on both sides  349  to allow the KEVLAR panel  345  which occupies space  346  to be made from a layer of fabric coated on a single side  348  welded to the double laminate  349 . An insulating soft foam  343  is welded to the exterior single laminate  348  and the double laminate  349 . The two layers of double laminate are welded creating chamber  344  for storage of fluids. The second drawing shows a reversible closure means  350  with zipper pull  351  allowing the installation of one or more bladders  352  for storage of mixed fluids. The third drawing shows a two chambered system comprised of the welded foam  343  and hydration bladder  352  separate from the KEVLAR panel  345  contained ballistics vest pocket  347 . Allowing the insulated hydration system to be used only when indicated.  
         [0057]    The posterior hydraulic-hydration system is delivered in FIG. 3 through a delivery system  360  under tension generated by tensioning member  361  secured to dual lumen delivery tube  334  at compression slide  370 . Tensioning member  361  is fixed to the garment or body armor vest at  362 . Valve body  307  has an inferior post  365  with an enlarged mounting base  366  that is guide through funneled receiver  364  until the post  365  engages friction snap lock  367 . The base of the receiver  368  is fused to sewable margins  369  allowing garment mounting. The valve handle  319  is turned so that the ports in valve core  311  can align with the lumen to delivery tube  302 . The exterior margin of valve core  311  is enlarged at  320  so that valve core  311  can be easily removed from  307  for cleaning or exchange with alternate valve cores.  
         [0058]    In FIG. 4 the continuously variable mixture of fluids supplies a wide range of alimentary needs  380 . The back mounted alimentation system mounts the friction lock valve receiver  383  on the shoulder strap  381  by way of an integrated tri-glide adjustment  382 . The multi-bladder liquid nutrition system  384  combines disposable bladder  392  such as potable Intra-Venous fluids available at remote sites, with reusable bladders  385  which is shown here as a three layer dual chambered bladder. Large fill ports  386  allowing cleaning and installation of ice. The top layer is welded at  387  to the lower layer and all three layers are welded about the perimeter at  388 . Dual lumen delivery tube  334  leads to the diluting valve  389  so that the viscous carbohydrate solution in the smaller bladder  390  can be diluted with the water in the larger bladder  391  when valve handle  319  is in position to allow passage of sustenance through bite valve  315 .  
         [0059]    In FIG. 5 the top drawing is of an end on view of the valve core  400  showing the various valve operations as a function of position. The valve is closed when the handle is located at  401 . Position  402  allows access to just fluid A. Position  403  allows fluids A and B to be mixed or diluted. Position  404  provide the individual with pure fluid B. Position  405  mixes fluids B and C, position  406  pure fluid C,  407  mixed fluids C and D,  408  pure fluid D. The lower drawing shows a 4 port valve body manifold  418  with a large high viscous port  413  and three low viscous ports  414 . The valve body mounted friction stops for the valve core handle correlate as follows: Off position friction stop  409 , pure fluid A  410 , pure fluid B  411 , 50:50 mix of fluid B and C  412 . Within the valve body friction lock receiver  416  secure valve core to valve body  418 . The sealing face for core mounted O-Ring is found at  417 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 6 compares the two port mixer valve  430  with the three port mixer valve  431  with the four port mixer valve  417 . The upper drawing shows an eccentrically ported valve core  436  inside the mixed viscosity dual ported manifold valve body  430 . The high viscosity valve body port  413  is shown superimposed diagrammatically at on the valve core port  432  to show its eccentric shape. The valve core port is reduced  434  in the area of mixing to maintain the same flow rate. Similarly the low viscosity valve body port  414  is also superimposed on the valve core port  433  to illustrate how the diameter of the port  435  is reduced when mixing. The raised lip of the valve core  320  allows purchase to over come the friction of valve core mounted lock  331  from valve body receiver  416  allowing removal from valve body for cleaning or conversion to a valve core without fluid blending.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 7 the left-hand drawing illustrates the use of dedicated compressed gas inflated chamber  440  used concurrently with dedicated orally inflated chamber  443 . The lack of a means of oral inflation of the compressed gas chamber allows the use of lightweight fabrics incapable of passing current double inflation and sustained elevated pressure tests. A deflation valve  441  allows reuse of the compressed gas bladder  440  if not a single use product. The oral inflator can mount an over pressure relief valve  444  to protect oral and compressed gas chambers. The drawing on the right is a triple chamber vest with reversible closure means on the middle chamber  341  and demonstrates a current water activated inflator  445  attached to a compressed gas cylinder  443  on a film bladder within a ballistics vest. A hydration bladder  326  is also located behind ballistics panel  345  in pocket  346 . The drawing on the right demonstrates inclusion of dedicated compressed gas  440  and oral bladders  443  in a hybrid configuration. The IF water-activated inflator  446  provides cylinder seal indication at  447  to inform of the status of compressed gas cylinder  442 . The foam layers in the inherently buoyant component of PFD are retained by strap  448 . The interlaced chest strap  449  passes around foam but beneath the inflatable bladder. Disposable hydration bladder  326  is stored posteriorly where narrow gauge single use delivery tube  452  leads to a self piercing valve  450  that is locked inactive by clip  451 .  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 8 show a pair of self-piercing valves, a spring  472  driven valve  437  and a friction fit  474  valve  475 . Both rely upon a locking clip  451  to keep the piercing port  470  from puncturing the sterile seal  471 . The valves can be directly attached to delivery tubes  452  leading to attached disposable bag  476 . Locking clip  451  can be replaced once seal  471  has been punctured in valve  473  to prevent leakage. Friction valve  475  has to stay in the down position in order to close and prevent inadvertent leakage.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 9 demonstrates a reduced flow spacer  480  interposed between compressed gas cylinder  442  and 1 F inflator  446 . Reduced flow space prevents piercing pin  481  from creating as large of an opening in cylinder seal  482  thereby restricting discharge rate protecting film and thin film bladders.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 10 is bottle adapter  490  in which a threaded cap  491  threaded  495  onto bottle  494  mounting an orifice through which passes a barbed adapter  493 . The adapter is sealed to the bottle  494  by way of gasket  492 . Fluid is passed through tubing secured to barbed adapter  493  on to piggy back port  496  on mixer valve.  
         [0065]    The lower right hand drawing in FIG. 10 is of an alternative means to mix a diverse range of liquid supplements  499 . A series of two or more inline valves  497  allow the down stream fluid to be drawn into the mixing manifold  498  and then passed through the lip grip  315  into the mouth of the soldier. During strenuous exercise the viscous fluids are turned off or reduced by adjusting inline valve means while water or rapid access high glycemic fluids are proportionally increased. During anabolic periods the body can tolerate highly viscous fluids with their increased protein and complex carbohydrate content as are needed to rebuild tissue and energy stores. If the soldier is required to sustain strenuous activity the induced catabolic state prefers dilute short chain sugars, electrolytes to replace the water and electrolytes. The inline series of valve are harder to clean and more difficult to use than the previously disclosed multi-ported and eccentrically ported single valve.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 11 illustrates a diverse flexibility available in porting the valve core  500  to meet the specific metabolic requirements under associated with any level of exertion. The top drawing in FIG. 11 is of a valve core  436  in which High viscosity nutrition orifice  503  is aligned with the water orifice  502 . This simple arrangement allows mixing in proportion to the fluids draw rate, the thicker fluid drawing slower which can be compensated for by mechanical or elastic pressure systems as seen in FIG. 12. The lower row of ports in the same valve core shows all four fluids supplied maximally at the same time  505 . This includes water  502 , high glycemic index sport mix  506  such as, but not limited to, GATORADE sport drink, a low glycemic index including branch chain amino acids  507  and highly viscous high protein nutritional supplement  503  such as, but not limited to, ENSURE supplement. This fully ported delivery would have the greatest rate of caloric supply and would be optimized by the preparation of the particular supplements used. In the second valve core porting layout, a specific need is anticipated such as extreme endurance cycle racing for which an idealized combination of anabolic and catabolic needs have been determined. The valve core and body can include a specific friction stop to alert the athlete to the location of the preset mix as seen in FIG. 5.  
         [0067]    The lower row of ports in the second valve core is a simple dilution of the high glycemic index supplement as might occurs in peak exertion. A frequent mix that also might be indicated by a friction stop so the cyclist can quickly set the nutritional delivery system. The third valve core in drawing  11  is of a more fluid design that allows the cyclist to have access to pure water  516 , or a as the cyclist turns the valve they are delivered a dilute mix of high glycemic index  506  with a bit of slow release low glycemic index substrate  507 . On long down hill run the cyclist can increase the percent of complex carbohydrates  514 . At and extended break the cyclist can move to a dilute mix of the protein drink  512  to straight protein drink  511 .  
         [0068]    In the lowest drawing of FIG. 11, a valve core allowing independent access to each liquid supplement  521 . The port facing straight down  521  is in position to supply the soldier straight water. As the valve core is turned with the valve body the soldier access straight high glycemic index support such as, but not limited to GATORADE sport drink. As the soldier continues to adjust the valve with one hand they access a straight low glycemic index supplement  518  which adds in complex carbohydrates and branch chain amino acids to reduce the incidence of fatigue. As the valve is turned further the soldier sitting for hours or days can tolerate the high osmoality protein drink  517  indicated on the back side of the valve core. When it is aligned connect the input port and mouthpiece the draws in the highly viscous protein drink that would cause the exercising (catabolic) soldier to choke but is ideal for the sedentary (anabolic) sniper in position for days on end.  
         [0069]    In FIG. 12 a mixed viscosity delivery system  550  relies upon multiple means to help move the thick protein fluid through the draw tube. The high viscosity bladder  557  is located high on the back of the posterior garment  559  where gravity helps delivery  551  or high on the chest  560 . In addition an elastic cover  552  which can be re-tensioned even if on the move by manual means  553  in which tension is applied to pull means  554  attached to a strap held under tension by locking means  555 . As the high viscous supplement is drawn off, the strap is pulled on an tension stored in the elastic cover  552 . While the whole cover could be elastic, the lower half can also be made from traditional, more durable fabric  556 . While the high viscosity bladder is often disposable if that is not possible an over sized yet pressure proof opening  558  allows the inside of the bladder to be scrubbed. Tubing brushes as common in the field can be used to clean the delivery tube.  
         [0070]    It should be recognized that the present invention is not limited to any number of valve ports, nor is the invention limited to any particular fluids, vitamins, minerals or supplements. It should also be recognized that the various valve embodiments described above can be interchangeable with the various bladder/chamber configurations described above.  
       Index of Reference Numerals for Hydration System  
       [0071]    [0071] 80  Cushioning chamber containing fluid, gas or a combination of both mounted onto waterproof ballistics cover located within vest or independent chamber mounted within the vest walls on the inside of the vest directly adjacent to the wearer, all positions protected by body armor  
         [0072]    [0072] 82  Garment specific adapter allowing a single size hydration/hydraulic shield to be mounted within or upon a wide range of ballistics vests  
         [0073]    [0073] 83  Reversible mounting means allowing body armor garment to add or remove hydration, alimentation and pneumatic residual-impact protection chambers  
         [0074]    [0074] 84  External welded closure seam for hermetically sealing water sensitive ballistics fabric away from water  
         [0075]    [0075] 85  Internal pocket welded on the inside or outside of back layer, to hold replaceable soft canteen  
         [0076]    [0076] 86  Break point baffle limiting thickness of air/water cushion  
         [0077]    [0077] 87  Baffle termination button to distribute the force of rapid pressurization upon deformation secondary to ballistic impact  
         [0078]    [0078] 88  Fluid level of high caloric alimentation  
         [0079]    [0079] 300  Anterior or posterior hydration system  
         [0080]    [0080] 301  First water tight chamber  
         [0081]    [0081] 302  Delivery tube for first chamber  
         [0082]    [0082] 303  Second water tight chamber  
         [0083]    [0083] 304  Delivery tube for second water tight chamber  
         [0084]    [0084] 305  Check valve for use of posterior chamber to prevent influx of air into chamber  
         [0085]    [0085] 306  Variable function manifold valve with two or more interchangeable valve cores  
         [0086]    [0086] 307  Manifold valve body with two or more inputs  
         [0087]    [0087] 308  First sole input position on multi-operation valve core  
         [0088]    [0088] 309  Variable dual input section of valve core  
         [0089]    [0089] 310  Second sole input position of multi-operation valve core  
         [0090]    [0090] 311  Exchangeable valve core with two separate on-off operations and a variable mixer operation  
         [0091]    [0091] 312  Inside valve orifice  
         [0092]    [0092] 313  Outside valve orifice  
         [0093]    [0093] 314  Alternate exchangeable valve core with two separate on-off valve operations  
         [0094]    [0094] 315  Soft lip grip  
         [0095]    [0095] 316  Open smooth bore valve outlet orifice  
         [0096]    [0096] 317  Triple valve core, combining three separate on off valves with one two line mixer  
         [0097]    [0097] 318  Exchangeable valve core with three separate on off valves  
         [0098]    [0098] 319  Valve handle  
         [0099]    [0099] 320  Valve body extraction overhang, for manual removal/exchange of functionally valve cores  
         [0100]    [0100] 321  Different fluid level in second disposable or limited re-use fluid container  
         [0101]    [0101] 322  Large bore viscous fluid port in valve core  
         [0102]    [0102] 323  On-Off and flow rate control valve  
         [0103]    [0103] 324  O-ring sealed receiver with tubing stop  
         [0104]    [0104] 325  Seal piercing straw  
         [0105]    [0105] 326  Disposable grade or sterilize-able grade waterproof chamber for containment of liquid nutrition, electrolytes or water  
         [0106]    [0106] 327  Adhesive wire for bending delivery tube into shape  
         [0107]    [0107] 328  Wire built into to tube for holding curves in delivery tube  
         [0108]    [0108] 329  Tube clamp for pair of disposable delivery tubes  
         [0109]    [0109] 330  Valve core to valve body O-Ring seal  
         [0110]    [0110] 331  Valve core valve body friction lock  
         [0111]    [0111] 332  Welded right angle connector  
         [0112]    [0112] 333  Dual lumen tube  
         [0113]    [0113] 334  Piggyback port for adding nutritional supplements found in the field  
         [0114]    [0114] 340  Triple welded chamber including foam and hydraulic cushion of encapsulated soft body armor  
         [0115]    [0115] 341  Triple chamber with reversible closure means accessing center chamber  
         [0116]    [0116] 342  Dual chamber foam-hydraulic chamber attached to body armor vest  
         [0117]    [0117] 343  Open cell foam welded to laminated fabric  
         [0118]    [0118] 344  Water proof center chamber  
         [0119]    [0119] 345  Soft ballistics panel  
         [0120]    [0120] 346  Hermetically sealed ballistics panel enclosure integrated onto hydraulic chamber  
         [0121]    [0121] 347  Ballistics panel enclosure as component of body armor vest  
         [0122]    [0122] 348  Fabric laminated on single side  
         [0123]    [0123] 349  Fabric laminated on both sides  
         [0124]    [0124] 350  Reversible closure means  
         [0125]    [0125] 351  Zipper pull  
         [0126]    [0126] 352  Waterproof hydraulic/hydration chamber  
         [0127]    [0127] 360  Tensioned hydration delivery system  
         [0128]    [0128] 361  Elastic member  
         [0129]    [0129] 362  Attachment means between garment and tensioning member  
         [0130]    [0130] 363  Garment mounted receiver for securing delivery means to garment  
         [0131]    [0131] 364  Funneled approach to valve mounted locking post  
         [0132]    [0132] 365  Valve body mounting post  
         [0133]    [0133] 366  Valve body mounting base  
         [0134]    [0134] 367  Friction snap lock  
         [0135]    [0135] 368  Base of friction snap lock  
         [0136]    [0136] 369  Sewable plastic tab  
         [0137]    [0137] 380  Continuously variable delivery mixed-fluid hydration system.  
         [0138]    [0138] 381  Shoulder strap  
         [0139]    [0139] 382  Triglide adjustable webbing lock  
         [0140]    [0140] 383  Shoulder strap mounted friction lock valve receiver  
         [0141]    [0141] 384  Multi-bladder liquid nutrition system combining multiple refillable bladders and or single use bladders in variable combination as dictated by program demands  
         [0142]    [0142] 385  Three layer dual chamber alimentation bladder  
         [0143]    [0143] 386  Large fill/clean port  
         [0144]    [0144] 387  Weld between top layer and middle layer  
         [0145]    [0145] 388  Perimeter weld of all three layers  
         [0146]    [0146] 389  To diluting valve  
         [0147]    [0147] 390  Smaller liquid food chamber  
         [0148]    [0148] 391  Larger water chamber  
         [0149]    [0149] 392  Emergency IV bag sterile hydration  
         [0150]    [0150] 393  Outer fabric back pack containing reusable and/or disposable fluid bladders  
         [0151]    [0151] 400  End on view of exchangeable valve core with four on-off valves with three mixer valves  
         [0152]    [0152] 401  Off position  
         [0153]    [0153] 402  Pure fluid A  
         [0154]    [0154] 403  Mixed fluid A and B  
         [0155]    [0155] 404  Pure fluid B  
         [0156]    [0156] 405  Mixed fluid B and C  
         [0157]    [0157] 406  Pure fluid C  
         [0158]    [0158] 407  Mixed fluid C and D  
         [0159]    [0159] 408  Pure fluid D  
         [0160]    [0160] 409  Valve-body mounted valve-core stop for off position  
         [0161]    [0161] 410  Valve-body mounted valve-core stop for pure fluid A  
         [0162]    [0162] 411  Valve-body mounted valve-core stop for pure fluid B  
         [0163]    [0163] 412  Valve body mounted valve core stop for 50:50 mix of fluid B and C  
         [0164]    [0164] 413  Superimposed high viscosity valve body input port inlet  
         [0165]    [0165] 414  Superimposed low viscosity valve body input ports inlet  
         [0166]    [0166] 415  Valve body exit to mouth  
         [0167]    [0167] 416  Valve core to valve body snap friction lock  
         [0168]    [0168] 417  Valve core to valve body O-Ring seal surface  
         [0169]    [0169] 418  Four port valve body  
         [0170]    [0170] 419  High viscosity port valve body inlet  
         [0171]    [0171] 420  Low viscosity port valve body inlets  
         [0172]    [0172] 430  Mixed viscosity 2-port manifold valve body  
         [0173]    [0173] 431  Mixed viscosity 3-port manifold valve body  
         [0174]    [0174] 432  Eccentric valve core high-viscous port  
         [0175]    [0175] 433  Eccentric valve core low-viscous port  
         [0176]    [0176] 434  Reduced valve core orifice diameter in high viscosity port  
         [0177]    [0177] 435  Reduced valve core orifice diameter in low viscosity port  
         [0178]    [0178] 436  Valve core body  
         [0179]    [0179] 437  Piggy back port with piggy back valve built into valve core  
         [0180]    [0180] 438  Valve core with no port for introduction or loss of fluid through piggy back port  
         [0181]    [0181] 439  Pure water, pure high glycemic supplement and infinitely variable dilution of supplement with piggyback port eliminated  
         [0182]    [0182] 440  Compressed gas chamber made of minimally supported, film or thin film fabric without means of oral inflation  
         [0183]    [0183] 441  Deflation valve  
         [0184]    [0184] 442  Compressed gas cylinder  
         [0185]    [0185] 443  Oral inflation chamber  
         [0186]    [0186] 444  Oral inflation tube with optional over pressure relief valve  
         [0187]    [0187] 445  Current water activated compressed gas inflator  
         [0188]    [0188] 446  Pending IF water activated compressed gas inflator  
         [0189]    [0189] 447  CSI Cylinder Seal Indicator  
         [0190]    [0190] 448  Layered foam retainer means  
         [0191]    [0191] 449  Interlaced chest strap around inherently buoyant means beneath inflatable means  
         [0192]    [0192] 450  Self piercing oral valve  
         [0193]    [0193] 451  Self-piercing and valve-lock clip  
         [0194]    [0194] 452  Delivery tube from single use alimentation bladder  
         [0195]    [0195] 470  Piercing port  
         [0196]    [0196] 471  Sterile seal  
         [0197]    [0197] 472  Normal closed temporarily open valve and piercing port  
         [0198]    [0198] 480  Reduce flow-rate spacer for thin film inflation  
         [0199]    [0199] 4811 F piercing pin  
         [0200]    [0200] 482  Cylinder seal  
         [0201]    [0201] 490  Bottle adapter  
         [0202]    [0202] 491  Universal threaded lid with adapter orifice  
         [0203]    [0203] 492  Gasket  
         [0204]    [0204] 493  Barbed delivery tube adapter  
         [0205]    [0205] 494  Bottle  
         [0206]    [0206] 495  Threads  
         [0207]    [0207] 496  To piggyback port  
         [0208]    [0208] 497  Independently operated inline valves  
         [0209]    [0209] 498  Simple mixing manifold  
         [0210]    [0210] 499  Alternative valving for liquid alimentation system.  
         [0211]    [0211] 500  Selection of interchangeable valve core patterns  
         [0212]    [0212] 501  Discrete mixing valve core pattern  
         [0213]    [0213] 502  Water orifice  
         [0214]    [0214] 503  High viscosity nutrition orifice  
         [0215]    [0215] 504  Accessing and combining water and high viscosity nutrition  
         [0216]    [0216] 505  Accessing and combining all fluids  
         [0217]    [0217] 506  High glycemic index ‘sport mix’ port  
         [0218]    [0218] 507  Low Glycemic index sustain carbohydrate port  
         [0219]    [0219] 508  Preset ideal proportioned mix of water, low and high glycemic and thick viscosity fluids  
         [0220]    [0220] 509  Straight dilution of high glycemic i.e. sugar water with pure water.  
         [0221]    [0221] 510  Continuous dilution by water of high glycemic then high glycemic and low glycemic then low glycemic with increasing amounts of high viscosity then pure high viscosity supplement.  
         [0222]    [0222] 511  Track of Pure High viscosity High Protein rich nutritional supplement  
         [0223]    [0223] 512  50 to 50 High Viscosity and water  
         [0224]    [0224] 513  Fraction of High viscosity and fraction of Low Glycemic maximally diluted with water  
         [0225]    [0225] 514  Minimum High Viscosity with Maximum Low Glycemic with minimum of High Glycemic fully diluted with pure water.  
         [0226]    [0226] 515  Minimum Low Glycemic with Maximum High Glycemic fully diluted with water  
         [0227]    [0227] 516  Straight water  
         [0228]    [0228] 517  Solitary inputting high viscosity port facing into page, on back side of hollow valve core body.  
         [0229]    [0229] 518  Solitary inputting low glycemic port facing straight up  
         [0230]    [0230] 519  Solitary inputting high glycemic port facing out of page  
         [0231]    [0231] 520  Solitary inputting water port face straight down  
         [0232]    [0232] 521  Valve core allowing Independent on-off valving for incompatible nutritional supplements  
         [0233]    [0233] 550  Mixed viscosity delivery  
         [0234]    [0234] 551  Gravity enhanced delivery of high viscosity supplement  
         [0235]    [0235] 552  Elastic fabric, compressed delivery of high viscosity supplement  
         [0236]    [0236] 553  Manual re-tensioning adjustment means  
         [0237]    [0237] 554  Strap pull means  
         [0238]    [0238] 555  Adjustable strap locking means  
         [0239]    [0239] 556  Non-elastic back pack cover fabric  
         [0240]    [0240] 557  High viscosity bladder  
         [0241]    [0241] 558  Waterproof over sized opening for cleaning  
         [0242]    [0242] 559  Posterior of garment (or high anterior location)  
         [0243]    [0243] 560  Anterior manual and or elastic compressed gravity enhanced high viscosity bladder  
         [0244]    It will be seen that the objects set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.