Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/045,805 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLED PRODUCTION OF A GAS” (Docket No. ROSS 3050000) filed Jan. 28, 2005, which relates to and claims priority from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/718,131 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OXYGEN” (Docket No. ROSS 2864000), filed Nov. 20, 2003, and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/856,591, entitled “APPARATUS AND DELIVERY OF MEDICALLY PURE OXYGEN” (Docket No. ROSS 2934000), filed May 28, 2004, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to a gas delivery system and, more particularly, to a system that provides an activation method and apparatus as well as a method and apparatus for improving and controlling the gas yield, flow rates and gas production duration.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
       [0003]     Oxygen and other gas generators using chemical reactions have been known for some time. However, none of the conventional devices relating to chemical gas generators have resulted in variable control of the gas generation, while providing higher outputs of gas volume and flow rate, and simultaneously maintaining or improving control of pressure, temperature, and so forth. Gas volume and flow rate are particularly important in emergency oxygen markets. For example, institutions such as the Food &amp; Drug Administration, the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association have required or recommended, as the case may be, a delivery of 90 liters over a 15 minute period, or alternatively an average or minimum flow rate of 6 liters per minute over a 15 minute period. Some attempts to control the flow rate of oxygen have included a catalyst with a gum Arabic solution. The resultant reaction reaches a flow rate of 2 liters per minute after 30 minutes. Other devices create a tablet out of an oxygen generating agent, which similarly produces a low reaction onset (the flow rate at which the reaction commences) and low flow rates over the reaction period. These prior attempted solutions may not be suitable for emergency applications, usually medical in nature or situations where life-threatening factors are present where high flow rates of at least 2 liters per minute to 6 liters per minute or higher are required almost instantly.  
         [0004]     In addition, conventional generators have had limited adoption in commerce and in industry. There are several possible factors contributing to this lack of adoption. These factors may include one or a combination of unfavorable characteristics relating to reusability, safety, ease of use/operation, speed of use, heat management, cost, weight, aesthetic design, environmental impact, manufacturability, portability, medical efficacy, effectiveness, flow rate, gas yield, reaction stability, and purity of the gas. Some or all of these characteristics are not addressed, or are inadequately addressed, by the designs in the prior art.  
         [0005]     Designs in the prior art have not adequately addressed flow rate and total gas yield. Depending on the situation, such as for oxygen production in emergency situations, high flow rates may be required. For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has long required a flow rate performance for oxygen generators of at least 6 liters per minute over 15 minutes in order to obtain market clearance for over the counter purchase, resulting in at least a total oxygen yield requirement of 90 liters.  
         [0006]     High pressures generated inside the reaction chamber generally accompany higher flow rate outputs or requirements. High pressure, such as can be created by confined gases can be particularly dangerous.  
         [0007]     Therefore, a need exists for a method and/or apparatus for activating gas production and controlling gas production from a chemical reaction that addresses at least some of the problems associated with conventional methods and apparatus for producing gases, and more specifically medically pure oxygen.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention provides an apparatus for generating gas from a plurality of separated chemicals. In one embodiment, a plurality of reaction chambers operate cooperatively when the separated chemicals are combined to generate the gas. The flow rate and the total yield can then be varied based on the proportion of separated chemicals in each reaction chamber. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagram, partly in section, depicting an exploded side view of gas activation, production, dispensing and control vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a diagram, partly in section, depicting a side view of a primed gas activation, production, dispensing and control vessel;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a schematic sectional view of the gas activation, production, dispensing and control vessel, in use, with the spiked plungers inserted;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4A  is a plan view of an example of a screen;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4B  is a sectional view of the screen depicted in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5A  depicts a plan view of a foam breaker, taken along the lines  5 B,  5 C;  
         [0016]      FIG. 5B  depicts a cross sectional view of the foam breaker of  FIG. 5A ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5C  depicts a cross sectional view of the foam breaker of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  when compressed;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6A  depicts a plan cross sectional view of a handle useful in connection with the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6B  depicts a side cross sectional view of a handle useful in connection with the present invention, taken along the line  6 B;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  of the drawings is a partially cross sectioned view of a female connector useful in connection with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross sectional view of a male connector adapted to fit with the female connector depicted in  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  depicts a side view, partly in cross section, of of one embodiment of the connectable spiked plunger, as connected to the female connector depicted in  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10A  depicts a side cross sectional view of a spiked plunger;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10B  depicts a side cross sectional view of a spiked plunger in its female connector housing, with the spiked plunger disconnected;  
         [0025]      FIG. 10C  depicts a side cross sectional view of a spiked plunger in its female connector housing, with the spiked plunger connected to it;  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  depicts a side cross sectional view of a spring loaded spiked plunger and release mechanism;  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  depicts a side cross sectional view of a cartridge filled with initially separated chemicals and having a pressure relief system;  
         [0028]      FIG. 13A  depicts a side cross sectional view of an activation system for one reaction chamber of the gas activation, production, dispensing and control vessel depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , having a spike, with the spike withdrawn for clarity;  
         [0029]      FIG. 13B  depicts a side cross sectional view of an activation system for one reaction chamber of the gas activation, production, dispensing and control vessel depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , having a spike inserted into the container holding the water to rupture it and allow mixing the the other chemicals to create a flow of gas, with the flow of gas produced indicated by arrows;  
         [0030]      FIG. 14  depicts a side cross sectional view of an activation system with dual reaction chambers having spikes as depicted in  FIGS. 10A, 10B  and  10 C, and having a hanging catalyst bag, with the spike withdrawn and primed for activation;  
         [0031]      FIG. 15  depicts a side cross sectional view of an another embodiment of an activation system with dual reaction chambers having spikes as depicted in  FIG. 9 , the male connectors depicted in  FIG. 8 , and compartments for retaining the catalyst and water as depicted in  FIG. 16A  with the spike withdrawn and primed for activation;  
         [0032]      FIG. 16A  depicts a cross-sectional side view of the water containment housing and an adjacent catalyst dispersal housing depicted in  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 16B  depicts cross-sectional side view of a modified version of the catalyst dispersal housing depicted in  FIG. 16A ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 17A  depicts a side cross sectional view of another embodiment of an activation system for one reaction chamber, having a fixed activation member, in the primed position;  
         [0035]      FIG. 17B  depicts a side cross sectional view of the embodiment of an activation system for one reaction chamber depicted in  FIG. 17A , after activation, the arrows indicating flow of the water and catalyst;  
         [0036]      FIG. 18A  depicts a front view, partly in phantom, of a powder release pouch cartridge assembly;  
         [0037]      FIG. 18B  is a sectional side view of the powder release pouch cartridge assembly depicted in  FIG. 18A , taken along line  18 A-A;  
         [0038]      FIG. 19  is a partially diagrammatic side view of a bubbler;  
         [0039]      FIG. 20  is a diagram depicting a heat exchanger/radiator;  
         [0040]      FIG. 21  depicts a side cross sectional view of an embodiment of a cartridge for one reaction chamber, showing different locations for the catalyst and gas/oxygen producing agent;  
         [0041]      FIG. 22  depicts a side cross sectional view of another embodiment of a cartridge for one reaction chamber;  
         [0042]      FIG. 23A  depicts a cross-sectional front view of a container for containing pouch-type reaction chambers as depicted in  FIGS. 26A and 26B , utilizing a mechanical lever to initiate the gas-generating reaction;  
         [0043]      FIG. 23B  depicts a cross-sectional side view of the container depicted in  FIG. 23A , taken along the line  23 A- 23 A.  
         [0044]      FIG. 24A  is a diagram contrasting the flow rate of two gas producing reactions;  
         [0045]      FIG. 24B  is a diagram showing the combined flow rate of two gas producing reactions of  FIG. 24A ;  
         [0046]      FIG. 25A  is a diagram contrasting the flow rate of two gas producing reactions initiated at different times; and  
         [0047]      FIG. 25B  is a diagram showing the combined flow rate of two gas producing reactions of  FIG. 25A .  
         [0048]      FIG. 26A  depicts a pouch-type, self-contained, reaction chamber including separate compartments for the catalyst, gas/oxygen producing agent and water; and  
         [0049]      FIG. 26B  depicts another embodiment of a pouch-type, self-contained, reaction chamber including differently shaped, separate compartments for the catalyst, gas/oxygen producing agent and water. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0050]     In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning network communications, electromagnetic signaling techniques, and the like, have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the understanding of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.  
         [0051]     Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the reference numeral  100  generally designates an exploded view of a gas activation, production, dispensing and control assembly using a manual reaction activation method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly  100  comprises support housing  102 , removable reaction chambers  106 , screens  108 , filters  110 , lids  112 , and a handle  122 .  
         [0052]     The main body of the assembly  100  is the support housing  102 . There are a number of configurations that can be employed, but a convenient design is a vessel having vertically extending side walls and a bottom surface connecting the side walls. The support housing  102  also has an opening in the top where other members can be inserted. The support housing  102  can also be a smooth, continuous surface or it can be several joined, flat surfaces. For example, the support housing has a compartment for each reaction chamber and can have curved surfaces such that it curves around the reaction chambers  106  in approximately the shape of a figure eight, as viewed from above. In such a configuration the gas activation, production, dispensing and control assembly  100  can be conveniently worn on the hip, by clip-on or otherwise of say, a miner, construction worker or emergency service personnel. Additionally, the support housing  102  can employ two guides  104  that protrude outwardly from the side walls of the support housing  102  to interface with and/or slidably receive the guided members  114  of the handle  122 . In the manual activation device shown in  FIG. 1 , the two guide members  104  allow the user to activate the chemical reaction producing the oxygen or other gas, by pushing the handle  122  in a direction toward the housing  102 . The two guide members  104  allow for this to be a smooth and easy process. Upon completion of the chemical reaction, the two guide members  104  similarly allow for a smooth and easy disengagement of the handle  122  in a direction away from the housing  102  utilizing a quick release mechanism  720  (depicted in  FIG. 7 , but not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The support housing  102  can also act as an additional insulating material to act as a heat shield for any excess heat being generated in the reaction chambers.  
         [0053]     Each of the reaction chambers  106  can be placed within the support housing  102  such that access can be gained to each reaction chamber  106 . The reaction chambers  106  can be made of a durable thermoplastic with high tensile strength, high resistance to chemical reactions and high resistance to heat. For example, the reaction chambers  106  can be made of polycarbonate or polytetrafluoroethylene. The lids  112  can be attached to the reaction chambers  106 . For example, reaction chambers  106  can have internal female threads and the lids  112  can have corresponding external male threads. Alternatively, the lids  112  can be attached to the reaction chambers  106  by clip in, lock in or click in designs. Screens  108  and filters  110  can be seated on a flange  107  inside reaction chambers  106 , but such is not essential to the design. For example, screens  108  and filters  110  can also simply be maintained in position by mechanical pressure, or glued, as depicted in  FIG. 3 . The reaction chambers  106  are typically cylindrically shaped, but can be any other shape. The reaction chambers  106 , however, can be coupled to the lids  112  prior to insertion into the support housing  102 .  
         [0054]     Referring to  FIG. 2  of the drawings, the reference numeral  200  generally designates a primed gas production control vessel.  
         [0055]     When the vessel  200  is in the primed position, gas production can be initiated by engaging the handle  122 . The guide members  104  (of support housing  102 ) can contain and guide the arms  114  of the handle  122 . By allowing the arms  114  to freely slide within the guides  104  a user would simply place pressure on the handle  122  in a direction toward the support housing  102 .  
         [0056]     From the primed position, it is evident that alignment can be an advantageous feature. Each of the spiked plungers  118  can be aligned with an opening  116  of a lid  112 . Therefore, when engaged, each of the spiked plungers  118  can be slidably inserted into each of the reaction chambers  106  to initiate the reaction and carry out the resultant gas.  
         [0057]     Referring to  FIG. 3  of the drawings, the reference numeral  300  generally designates a cut-away of a gas activation, production, dispensing and control vessel in use.  
         [0058]     When fully assembled, control of the gas production is achieved through the use of multiple reaction chambers  106 . Two reaction chambers are depicted, but there can be more reaction chambers depending on the desired flow rate and yield. One reaction chamber can also be used. Chemical reactions occur in the lower portions  210  of the reaction chambers  106 . By varying the proportion, amounts and/or composition of the reactants within the vessel, two different reaction rates (and yields) can be maintained independently in each of the reaction chambers  106 . Hence, each reaction chamber  106  can contribute a fractional gas output of the total gas output of the vessel, allowing for a variety of gas yields and flow rates. Moreover, the reactants in each reaction chamber  106  can vary, as well, to achieve a desired gas yield and gas flow rate.  
         [0059]     Each of the reaction chambers  106  rests within the support housing  102 . Each of two guided members  114  of the handle  122  are inserted through one of two guide members  104 . Each of the reaction chambers  106  are then coupled to the handle  122  by mechanical couplers  206 . The mechanical couplers  206  can be a variety of mechanical coupler types, such as threaded couplers or couplers employing snapping edges. Thus, the combination of use of the guide members  104  and the couplers  206  allow for a good mechanical connection during use.  
         [0060]     Also while in use, spiked plungers  118  can be employed to allow gas transmission from the reaction chambers  106  to the gas transmission channel  202  of the handle  122 . The spiked plungers  118  can each be coupled to the handle  122  within the gas transmission channel  202  of the handle  122  and can each be inserted into a reaction chamber  106 . Each spiked plunger  118  can contact both the filter  110  and the screen  108 . The screens  108  can be located at positions adjacent to the lower portions  210 , which allow gas to pass and provide mechanical support for the filters  110 . Because of the mechanical constraints of the mechanical couplers  206  and the guide members  104 , the spiked plungers  118  can each maintain mechanical contact between the filter  110  and the screen  108 . Gas produced within the lower portions of the reaction chamber  106  can then pass around the tip of the plunger  118 , through the screens  108 , the filters  110 , and into transmission openings  224  in spiked plungers  118 .  
         [0061]     Once closed, each of the reaction chambers  106  and the lids  112 , along with the reaction chambers&#39; contents such as the gas/oxygen generating material, catalyst, water, screen and filter forms a self-contained cartridge  109  that can be disposable. Each self-contained cartridge  109  is therefore easily replaceable if a user requires additional oxygen or gas (as the case may be) upon completion of a use. For example, the gas activation, production, dispensing and control assembly  300  can be designed to produce 15 minutes of oxygen for emergency or short-duration purposes. If the user requires additional oxygen at the end of that 15-minute period, he/she can simply replace one or both the cartridges  109  to have an additional 15 minutes of oxygen availability. Each used cartridge  109  is simply discarded or recycled (if applicable) after use, allowing for simplicity and ease of use. Self-contained cartridges can be attached to each other to form one removable, self-contained cartridge. The lids  112  can each have a cap to close the respective openings  116 , after the completion of the reaction. Closing the openings  116  facilitates the prevention of any leakage of the reaction residue and thereby facilitates convenient disposal of the cartridges.  
         [0062]     In reference to the self-contained cartridges  109  there are various configurations possible in regards to the relative locations of the gas/oxygen releasing agent, the catalyst and the water, comprising the ingredients used to make the reaction in the current invention work. The gas/oxygen releasing agent, the catalyst and the water remain separated until a reaction is required. The gas/oxygen releasing agent and the catalyst can remain inert and can have an indefinite shelf life if they are kept dry and moisture free. One configuration example is to have the gas/oxygen releasing agent located at the base of the cartridge (in reaction chambers  106 ), the catalyst located above the gas/oxygen releasing agent, and the water located above the catalyst, such as for example in the plenums  111  of the lids  112 . Upon activation, the water is released and can flow in toward the lower portion of the reaction chamber  106 , where the gas/oxygen producing agent (not shown) is disposed, carrying the catalyst along with it through a flushing action, to mix with the gas/oxygen releasing agent at the base of the cartridge. We refer to this cartridge configuration as a water releasing cartridge. In this invention we will discuss different designs for water releasing cartridges. A different cartridge configuration, however, is one where the gas/oxygen releasing agent is located above the water and the catalyst. In this cartridge configuration, the gas/oxygen releasing agent and/or the catalyst is/are released to mix with the water in order to activate the reaction. We refer to this cartridge configuration as a chemical releasing cartridge.  
         [0063]     In either cartridge configuration, once a chemical reaction is initiated, the resultant gas can carry small airborne droplets of the gas production solution, or can carry small particles from the reactants. These airborne particles can be undesirable to the equipment attached to the gas generator or to the lungs of an individual. Therefore, there is a need to filter these undesirable particles. There are several methods that can be used to filter such undesirable particles. Methods that can be used include selecting appropriate materials to capture the undesirable particles, and to select an appropriate configuration by locating the selected materials in an appropriate location, relative to other components in the invention. Therefore, material selection and placement can be important factors. However, the filter material employed depends on the gas produced, the composition of the solution, and the usage of the gas. In reference to  FIG. 1 , the filters  110  can be sponge-like materials to capture the undesirable particles, while allowing the gas to flow through at desirable flow rates. Other effective filter materials can be polytetrafluoroethylene or can be Nylon®, which is available from DuPont. In addition to absorbing or filtering out undesirable particles, filters can also be useful in extracting some heat out of the gas being produced, either in their untreated form, or by being treated with various substances.  
         [0064]      FIG. 4  depicts an example of a screen that can be used. The screens  108  can serve to support the filters  110 , while allowing the water to rapidly and evenly disperse into the reaction chambers  106 , in order to activate the chemical reaction that produces the oxygen or gas, as the case may be.  
         [0065]     In order to allow fluid transfer through the screen  108 , several opening can be provided. The edges of the screen  108  would rest against the inner walls of a reaction chamber  106  or on a surface within the reaction chamber  106 . Fluids would then be allowed to pass through the openings  404 ,  402 , and  406 . Additionally, when engaged, the spiked plungers  118  would at least partially reside within the opening  402 .  
         [0066]     Referring to  FIGS. 5A, 5B , and  5 C of the drawings the reference numeral  500  generally designates a foam breaker.  FIG. 5A  depicts a cross sectional view of the foam breaker  500 , where the opening  502  would allow the spiked plunger  118  to reside when engaged.  FIG. 5B  depicts a side view of the foam breaker  500 , and  FIG. 5C  depicts a side view of the foam breaker  500  when compressed.  
         [0067]     Chemical reactions can produce foam, and a foam breaker  500  can counteract this effect. For example, a steel mesh with an appropriate mesh size can be used. Another material that can be used as a foam breaker is a commonly used pot scourer or scrub sponge material, or durable foam material. The foam breaker can be optionally placed within the same fluid transmission path in which both. the screens  108  and the filters  110  reside. The screens  108  can also act as foam breakers, and the filters  110  can also act as foam breakers. The screens  108  and filters  110 , acting together can also act as foam breakers.  
         [0068]     Another method is to apply a defoaming agent or surfactant to the walls and/or the screen and/or the lid and filter. Defoaming agents that can be used include silicone based, polymer based or mineral oil based agents, as well as other surfactants. Regardless of where the foam breaker or defoaming agent is placed in the device, the filter should follow the foam breaker or defoaming agent (as considered in the direction of the gas flow).  
         [0069]     Referring to  FIG. 6  of the drawings, the reference numeral  122  generally designates the handle. The handle  122  effectively operates as a manifold. Especially in situations where multiple reaction chambers are used, it is desirable to have a manifold or similar method of combining the gas flow from each individual reaction chamber  106 . The manifold gas transmission channel  202  performs the function of combining gases, and the gas flows from each reaction chamber  106  into the ports  602 . The gases are then combined in the manifold gas transmission channel  202 .  
         [0070]     Upon activation, however, the spiked plungers  118  should provide a continuous gas transmission to the manifold gas transmission channel  202 . The mechanical coupler  206  can secure lids  112  in such a manner as to seal off the opening  116  of the lids  112  and maintain the connection between the spiked plunger  118  and the handle  122 . Specifically, the mechanical coupler  206  can be a simple coupler  206  to which the nozzle  116  of the self-contained cartridge  109  is inserted, as depicted in  FIG. 3  In another embodiment, the couple  206  or can comprise a cooperatively designed male connector adapted to fit over the nozzle  116 , as depicted in  FIG. 8 , and a female connector adapted to fit into the male connection, as depicted in  FIGS. 7, 9 ,  10 B and  10 C.  
         [0071]     With initial reference to  FIG. 7 , e the reference numeral  700  refers to the female connector. The female connector  700  is typically attached to the spiked plunger  118 , where the spiked plunger  118  is inserted into the opening  704  of the female connector  700 . Additionally, as depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the female connector couples to the ports  602  of the handle  122 . When engaged, the female connector  700  snaps into place. The female connector  700  comprises an arm  702  that possesses an engagement edge that allows for coupling to a male connector. Additionally, the female connector  700  can be made of various materials, including, without limitation polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, HDPE, ABS, Acetal, or Polysulfone.  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIG. 8  of the drawings, the reference numeral depicts a male connector.  FIG. 8  is a side view of the male connector  800 , with the O-ring seal shown in cross-section for clarity.  
         [0073]     The male connector  800  is a cylindrical tube that is able to engage the female connector  700 . The male connector can comprise an O-ring  802 , an upper edge  804 , and a lower edge  806 . The O-ring  802  is responsible for providing a gas seal between the male connector  800  to the female connector  700  the the male connector  800  is inserted into the female connector during use. The O-ring can be made of various materials, including, without limitation, silicone or platinum-cured silicone. Platinum-cured silicone can allow for repeated usage of more than one thousand times. The lower edge  806  can engage the edge of the arm  702  by a clicking action. To more conveniently allow for the clicking action to take place, a slanted engaging face  808  is employed. Additionally, the upper edge  804  prevents excessive play by providing a stop for the edge of the arm  702 . The male connector can also be made of various materials, including, without limitation polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, HDPE, ABS, acetal, or polysulfone.  
         [0074]     The male connector  800  can then be secured to the lid  112  by using threads. Typically, the lid  112  is coupled to the male connector through the opening  810 . Therefore, female threads would be contained on the inner walls of the male connector  800  while the male threads would be contained on the lid  112 .  
         [0075]     Once the reaction is completed, the female connector  700  and the male connector  800  can be easily and quickly disengaged. The quick release mechanism  720  can be coupled to the arm  702  of the female coupler  700 . By pressing the quick release mechanism  720  in the direction toward the plane created by the azimuthal axes of the spiked plungers  118 , the male connector and the female connector can be disengaged. Additionally, the quick release mechanism  720  can be configured to disengage the female connectors  700  from the male connectors  800  by simply gripping the quick release lever  128  in a direction toward the handle  122 .  
         [0076]     For applications such as emergency applications it is desirable to have an efficient and easy activation method, which is simultaneously manufacturable and economical. For such emergency applications, the activation method should be such as to commence the chemical reaction instantaneously or near instantaneously with typically one easy step. For example, activation can be achieved by a single push-down action that applies pressure to the handle  122 . A system can also be electronic or a sensor, such as for example a system used to detect decompression in aircraft, thereby triggering the deployment of emergency oxygen in the aircraft cabin.  
         [0077]     In one embodiment, during activation of the chemical reaction, the spiked plungers  118 ′ are each inserted into lids  112 . The spiked plunger  118  and  118 ′ are typically hollow cylindrically-shaped members that have a tip that is suitable for and utilized to puncture a material. Referring to  FIG. 9  of the drawings, the reference numeral  900  generally designates one embodiment of the connectable spiked plunger.  
         [0078]     Specifically, the connectable spiked plunger  900  comprises a female connector  700  and a spiked plunger  118 . The spiked plunger  118  can comprise a cylindrically-shaped shaft  906  with a spiked end  904 . Within the spiked plunger  118  is a gas transmission channel  902  along the azimuthal axis of the spiked plunger  118  that allows gas to travel through the plunger  900 . Additionally, transmission openings  224  are employed to allow the gas transmission channel  902  to be in fluid contact with gas outside of the spiked plunger  118 .  
         [0079]     In particular the plunger  900  is designed to puncture a material container or containment bag to initiate a chemical reaction. For example, the spiked plunger  118  can puncture a container or bag that contains water, or the spiked plunger  118  can be used to puncture a membrane or other material, causing the release of water or chemicals, as the case may be. The spiked plungers  118  can be made of durable thermoplastic with high tensile strength, high resistance to chemical reactions and high resistance to heat. For example, the spiked plungers  118  can be made of polycarbonate.  
         [0080]     In another embodiment, an extended spiked plunger can be employed. Referring to  FIGS. 10A, 10B , and  10 C, the reference numeral  1000  generally designates an extended spiked plunger  118 ′.  
         [0081]     Specifically, the plunger  118 ′ can comprise a female connector  700  and a spiked plunger  118 ′. However, the spiked plunger  118 ′ is different in that it is extended. The spiked plunger  118  comprises a torso  1002  and an extension shaft  1004  with a sharp tip  1006 . The torso  1002  can be cylindrically shaped and employ a gas transmission channel  902  along the azimuthal axis of the torso  1002  that allows gas to travel through the plunger  118 ′. Additionally, transmission openings  224  can be employed to allow the gas transmission channel  902  to be in fluid contact with gas outside of the spiked plunger  118 ′.  
         [0082]     Attached at the end of the torso  1002  is the extension shaft  1004 . The extension shaft  1004  can be cylindrically-shaped with one end inserted into the female receptive aperture  1008  at the end of the torso  1002 . The sharp tip  1006  can then be attached to the other end of the extension shaft  1004 .  
         [0083]     In particular, the plunger  1000  is designed to puncture a material containment container or bag to initiate a chemical reaction. For example, the spiked plunger  118  can puncture a container or bag that contains water, or the spiked plunger  118  can be used to puncture a membrane or other material, causing the release of water or chemicals, as the case may be. The spiked plungers  118  can be made of durable thermoplastic with high tensile strength, high resistance to chemical reactions and high resistance to heat. For example, the spiked plungers  118  can be made of polycarbonate.  
         [0084]     In yet another embodiment, an initiator can be employed as a push-button, lever or pin. An initiation system can also be electronic or a sensor, such as for example a system used to detect decompression in aircraft, thereby triggering the deployment of emergency oxygen in the aircraft cabin. Referring to  FIG. 11  of the drawings, the reference numeral  1100  depicts a spring loaded spiked plunger  1118 .  
         [0085]     The spring loaded spiked plunger  1118  then can utilize potential energy stored in a spring to extend its sharp tip  1110  into the containers of water and/or chemicals to begin the chemical reaction that produces the gas. The spring  1106  can be maintained within the spring housing  1114  and held in place by a retainer  1104 . The process of initiating the chemical reaction would involve the utilization of an actuator  1102 , which is shown as a push-button actuator. The actuator  1102  causes the retainer  1106  a lever arm  1107  to pivot about pivot  1109 , pulling out pin  1104  to release the spring  1106 . The spring  1106  then exerts a force on the spiked plunger  1118 .  
         [0086]     The spiked plunger  1118  can comprise a cylindrically shaped shaft with a spiked end  1110 . Within the spiked plunger  1118  is a gas transmission channel  902  along the azimuthal axis of the spiked plunger  1118  that allows gas to travel through the plunger  1118 . Additionally, transmission openings  224  can be employed to allow the gas transmission channel  902  to be in fluid contact with gas outside of the spiked plunger  118 .  
         [0087]     In particular, the plunger  1118  is designed to puncture a material containment container or bag to initiate a chemical reaction. For example, the spiked plunger  1118  can puncture a container or bag that contains water, or the spiked plunger  1118  can be used to puncture a membrane or other material, causing the release of water or chemicals, as the case may be. The spiked plungers  1118  can be made of durable thermoplastic with high tensile strength, high resistance to chemical reactions and high resistance to heat. For example, the spiked plungers  1118  can be made of polycarbonate.  
         [0088]     There are several other types of systems that can be employed to initiate a gas generating chemical reaction. An actuator can utilize the pressure associated with a chemical release cartridge. A pressure supply can also be achieved by supplying air pressure to the activation system. Another type can be a mechanical or electromechanical source, such as can be provided by a mechanical or electromechanical pump or motor. Yet another type can be a pneumatic source, such as for example a pneumatic pump or motor, or a hydraulic source.  
         [0089]     Depending on the type of gas producing reaction, pressures in the reaction chamber  106  can be high and dangerous. Referring to  FIG. 12  of the drawings the reference numeral  1200  generally designates a cartridge with a relief system. The cartridge  1200  comprises a reaction chamber  106 , a screen  108 , a containment bag  1202 , a filter  110 , and a lid  112 .  
         [0090]     When in storage or not in use, the reaction chamber  106  contains “dry” reactants. The “dry” reactants typically include an oxygen rich powder reactant, such as sodium carbonate or sodium percarbonate, as the gas/oxygen generating agent. However, the dry reactants can be liquid reactants that require an additional solvent, such as water, or other “wet” chemical to initiate a gas producing reaction. These “dry” reactants can also contain “dry” catalysts that can assist in reducing heat or increase the reaction rate, such as manganese dioxide. There are also be a number of other catalysts that can be employed for a variety of other purposes. In addition, it should be noted that the water can include an additive to depress the freezing point of the water, but need not do so. Inserted into the reaction chamber  106  is the screen  108 . The screen  108  is mechanically supported in a position adjacent to the cavity containing the “dry” reactants. The screen  506  can be mechanically supported in a number of ways, such as by use of threading, snapping edges, and/or taper of the inner walls of the reaction chamber  106 .  
         [0091]     The screen  108  can provide mechanical support for the remaining components contained within the cartridge  1200 .  
         [0092]     A containment bag  1202  is positioned adjacent to the screen  108 , so that, when pierced, the contents of the bag  1202  can be transmitted through the screen to the “dry” chemicals to begin the reaction. The filter  110  is also supported by the screen  108 , so that when gas is produced and transmitted through the screen  506 , the gas can be filtered. A variety of filter types can be employed that can be comprised of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene.  
         [0093]     The final component of the cartridge  1200  is the lid  112 . The lid  512  can be coupled to the reaction chamber  106 . There are a number of ways to couple the lid  112  to the reaction chamber  106 , such as threading and an adhesive.  
         [0094]     An additional feature of the cartridge  1200 , however, is the presence of a pressure relief valve  1214 . In cases where high pressure, volatile gases are produced, such as oxygen or hydrogen, high pressures can be dangerous. Even in situations where gases do not present a fire hazard, such as nitrogen, high pressures can be an undesirable because the high pressure gas can exploit defects or fractures in the cartridge  1200  to cause the cartridge to rupture. To relieve pressure within the cartridge  1200 , a relief valve  1214  can be employed to relieve pressure within the chamber at a calibrated level. For example, pressure relief can occur at 300 psig. There are a wide variety of pressure relief systems available, such as pop-off valves and rupture discs that can be adequately calibrated to relieve pressure at a desired level.  
         [0095]     There are also alternative arrangements for containing the materials employed to sustain the chemical reaction. Referring to  FIGS. 13A and 13B  of the drawings, the reference numerals  1300  and  1350  depict an activation system primed for activation and the system in use, respectively.  
         [0096]     The system  1300  comprises a cartridge  1301 , a spiked plunger  118 , and a female connector  700 . The cartridge  1301  then comprises a filter  110 , water-filled bag  1304 , a screen  108 , a catalyst filled bag  1306 , and a gas releasing agent  1308  contained within a reaction chamber  106  and a lid  112 .  
         [0097]     The bag housing the catalyst  1306  can be made of any number of materials, but can also be made of a water-soluble material. The bag  1304  housing the water can be made of any number of air impermeable and water/moisture impermeable materials, but can also be made of a laminate material consisting of aluminum, polypropylene and woven mesh.  
         [0098]     The cartridge  1301  typically also has an air-impermeable and water-impermeable seal  1302 . The air-impermeable and water-impermeable seal  1302  can be made of various materials, including, without limitation materials such as Mylar, polytetrafluoroethylene or Nylon®. The purpose of the seal  1302  is to maintain an hermetic seal so that the cartridge can have an extended or indefinite shelf life.  
         [0099]     Upon activation, the spike tip  904  punctures or ruptures the seal  1302 , and the spiked plunger  118  enters the filter aperture  1320 . At that point, the spike tip  904  punctures or ruptures the water bag  1304 , causing the water to flow into the reaction chamber  106 . The spiked plunger  1130  completes the piercing of the water bag  1172  and proceeds through the screen aperture  402  such that the spike tip  1142  protrudes just slightly beyond the screen  108 . Once the spiked plunger  1130  has penetrated the water bag  1172  and traversed all the way through, spiked plunger and connector assembly  1140  is secured to the cartridge and sealed by the connector  1180 .  
         [0100]     Once released, the water creates an aqueous environment for the reaction to take place. The water dissolves the bag containing the catalyst  1306 . The gas generated as a result of the reaction can then be released from the cartridge  1301  through the spiked plunger  118 .  
         [0101]     Another embodiment of the cartridge  1301  includes a hanging catalyst bag. Referring to  FIG. 14  of the drawings, the reference  1400  generally designates a release system with a hanging catalyst. The system  1400  comprises cartridges  1401 , a handle  122 , and cutting members such as spiked plungers  118 . Within the cartridges  1401 , there is an upper assembly  1402 , a hanging catalyst  1404 , and a gas generating chemical  1308 .  
         [0102]     Upon activation, the spiked plunger  118  engages the upper assembly  1402 . Water then flows into the reaction chamber  106 . The water creates an aqueous environment for the reaction to take place, while dissolving or permeating the bag containing the catalyst  1404 . The gas generated as a result of the reaction can then be released from the cartridge  1401  through the spiked plunger  118  to the gas transmission channel  202  of the handle  122 . The bag housing the catalyst  1404  is suspended slightly above the gas generating material  1308 , which facilitates faster dissolution of the bag if the bag is a water-soluble bag, or faster permeation through the bag if the bag is permeable.  
         [0103]     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the reference number  1500  depicts another system primed for activation. The system  1500  is different in that the catalyst is contained in a catalyst dispersal housing  1502 , located just below the water containment housing  1504 . The water containment housing  1504  can contain a bag with water, or can have water contained inside of it.  
         [0104]     The system  1500  can comprise self-contained water releasing cartridge  1501 , a spiked plunger  118 , and a connector assembly  700  coupled to the handle  122 . The cartridge  1501  comprises a gas or oxygen releasing agent  1308 , the catalyst dispersal housing  1502 , the screen  108 , and the water containment housing  1504 . If the water is contained in a bag, the bag can be made of any number of impermeable materials, but can also be made of a laminate material consisting of aluminum, polypropylene and woven mesh.  
         [0105]     Upon activation, the spiked plunger  118  engages the water containment housing  1504  and the catalyst dispersal housing  1502 . Water then flows into the reaction chamber  106 . The water creates an aqueous environment for the reaction to take place. The gas generated as a result of the reaction can then be released from the cartridge  1301  through the spiked plunger  118  to the gas transmission channel  202  of the handle  122 .  
         [0106]     A desirable feature of the system  1500  is the construction of the water containment housing  1504  and the catalyst dispersal housing  1502 . Referring to  FIG. 16A  of the drawings, the reference numerals  1504  and  1502  generally designate the water containment housing and the catalyst dispersal housing, respectively. Specifically, water containment housing  1504  and catalyst dispersal housing  1502  assembly can be made as one piece, and can be made of any material. Without limitation, the water containment housing and catalyst dispersal housing assembly can be made of plastic or thermoplastic, including polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, HDPE, ABS, acetal, polysulfone, or poly vinyl chloride (PVC).  
         [0107]     The water containment housing  1504  and the catalyst dispersal housing are designed such that it can be a self-contained unit. The water containment housing  1504  has an upper aperture  1602  covered by an upper sealing membrane  1604  and has a lower aperture  1606  covered by a lower sealing membrane  1608 . A spiked plunger can be inserted through the seals  1604  and  1608  and the apertures  1602  and  1606  upon activation. The catalyst dispersal housing  1502  also has an aperture  1612  covered by a catalyst housing seal  1610 , which allows the spiked plunger  118  to finally exit the catalyst dispersal housing  1502  during the activation process.  
         [0108]     Prior to activation, the water is sealed into the water containment housing  1504  by upper seal  1604  and lower seal  1608 . While the upper seal  1604  and the lower seal  1608  are shown as having been placed on top of each respective adhesion surface, each can be also be placed on the bottom side of each respective adhesion surface. Catalyst housing seal  1610  can also be placed on either side of the adhesion surface. Each of the seals  1604 ,  1608 , and  1610  can be made of air-impermeable and water-impermeable materials, including, without limitation materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, Mylar®, or Nylon® (both available from DuPont).  
         [0109]     During activation, the water is released from the water containment housing  1504  and proceeds in a direction towards the reaction chamber  106 , flushing the catalyst with it. Referring to  FIG. 16B , the catalyst dispersal housing  1502  can have an angled or beveled surface  1614 , which facilitates faster and more efficient dispersal of the catalyst and/or water. Additionally, the water containment housing  1504  can also have contain an angled or beveled surface in order to facilitate faster and more efficient dispersal of the water upon activation. The angled or beveled surface  1614  can facilitate better flushing of the catalyst, and/or facilitate faster and more efficient dispersal of the catalyst.  
         [0110]     The self-contained housings can also include an in-place spike. Referring to  FIGS. 17A and 17B  of the drawings, the reference numeral  1700  generally designates an alternative design of the self-contained housings. Specifically, a plunger  1702  with an upper seal  1704 , a lower seal  1706 , and catalyst housing seal  1708  is employed. The seals  1704 ,  1706 , and  1708  are attached to the plunger  1702  such that the seals  1704 ,  1706 , and  708  do not break away from or separate from the plunger  1702  during normal use. The seals  1704 ,  1706 , and  1708  are attached to the water containment housing  1504  and catalyst dispersal housing  1502  such that the seals  1704 ,  1706 , and  1708  are breakable, detachable, or removable upon activation.  
         [0111]      FIG. 17A  depicts the self-contained housings  1700  in a primed position. Upon activation, the downward force transferred by the pressure source rips, tears, dislodges or otherwise detaches the seals  1704 ,  1706 , and  1708 , causing the contents to flow into the reaction chamber  106 . Stoppers  1710  allow the plunger  1702  to travel only a specified distance.  
         [0112]     An alternative activation method can involve a chemical release cartridge bag configuration. Referring to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , the reference numeral  1800  generally designates a pouch that employs a method for storing the gas/oxygen releasing agent and the catalyst.  
         [0113]     Accordingly, there is a planar sealed pouch  1800  formed of air- and water-impermeable sheet material  1802  which is resistant to the basic chemicals commonly used. The sheet material  1802  supports the gas/oxygen releasing agent  1804  and has a web seam  1806  whose apex points upwardly towards the gas/oxygen releasing agent  1804 . The sheet material  1802  has a base seam  1808  parallel to and below the web seam  1806 . The base seam  1808  then seals the pouch  1800 . The region between the web seam  1806  and the base seam  1810  forms a compartment  1810  into which catalyst  1809  is disposed.  
         [0114]     The entire contents of the pouch  1800  are designed to be released in a rapid fashion into water contained in an outer container in which the pouch  1800  is contained, such as container  106 . Therefore, it is thought that the web material  1810  is to be a non-permeable laminar sheet so that none of the chemical material escapes into the volume below the web material. Additionally, the web seam  1806  is formed with a pressure sensitive seal which is broken when pressure is applied.  
         [0115]     The pouch  1800  is constructed using a continuous sheet of water- and air-impermeable sheet material  1802  folded such that the fold, situated in the middle of the sheet, fits over and advantageously accommodates the nozzle element  1812 . The water- and air-impermeable sheet material  1802  is welded together at side seams  1816  and bottom seam  1808 , and the sheet material  1802  can be a multi-layer laminate such as (from inside to outside) polyester, aluminum foil, polyester and polypropylene. It should be noted that side seams  1816  can also be frangible during use, like seam  1808 , but need not be.  
         [0116]     During use, water or air is introduced into the pouch cartridge by means of a hollow injector inserted into the delivery channel  1814  through membrane  1805 . The pressure causes the web material to evert inside-out to vent by rupturing the pressure-sensitive seal at  1806 . Thus, the gas/oxygen releasing agent  1804  is released through an opening made in the web seam  1806 . The catalyst is simultaneously released through the web seam  1806 . Because of the geometrical shape of area  1810 , the rupturing of seal  1806  occurs in a predictable and reproducible manner. Once the gas has been produced, humidification and/or cooling/warming of the gas may be required.  
         [0117]     Referring to  FIG. 19  of the drawings, the reference numeral  1900  generally designates a bubbler. The bubbler  1900  comprises a liquid holding tank  1902 , an intake tube  1904 , an exhaust tube  1906 , and a liquid  1908 .  
         [0118]     During the operation, the gas is bubbled through the liquid. Because gas input pressure into the bubbler  1900  is higher than atmospheric pressure, the gas can be forced through the intake tube  1904 . Part of the intake tube  1904  is submerged within the fluid  1908 , the exhaust gas bubbles through the liquid  1908 . The effect of traveling through the liquid  1908  is that the gas will transfer heat to the liquid  1908  (cooling) or receive heat from the liquid  1908  (warming).  
         [0119]     Once the gas has bubbled to the surface, the gas can then exit through the exhaust tube  1906 . When the gas exists, it is likely that small droplets of the liquid can be carried with the gas. Additionally, vapors of the liquid can also be carried. In the case of oxygen production, the oxygen can be cooled or warmed through water. Once bubbled, the oxygen would carry water vapor, thus, producing humidified oxygen.  
         [0120]     Another design to cool or warm a gas is by use of a radiator. Referring to  FIG. 20  of the drawings, the reference numeral  2000  generally designates a radiator. The radiator comprises fins  2004  and a radiator tube  2002 .  
         [0121]     As gas is output, a heat sink is employed to transfer heat. The gas is input into the radiator tube  2002  to snake through the radiator  2000 . As the gas progresses through the radiator  2000 , heat is transferred to the fins  2004 . The fins  2004  then transfer heat to a larger heat sink. The larger heat sink can be a variety of heat sinks which includes, but is not limited to, the atmosphere.  
         [0122]     One of the features of the above referenced devices is the ability to utilize multiple reactions chambers. Having multiple reaction chambers creates the ability to increase the performance of the gas dispenser, without the associated increase in pressure and temperature if only one reaction chamber is used. For example, a reaction that produces 90 liters of oxygen in 15 minutes can experience an exponential increase in pressure, especially after a certain internal (to the reaction) temperature is reached. By splitting this same reaction into two reactions, completely isolated from each other in separate chambers (say, of each producing 45 liters over 15 minutes), a stable delivery of gas is produced without the exponential increase in pressure and/or temperature that can result from the same 90 liter reaction over 15 minutes contained in one chamber with one reaction.  
         [0123]     Similarly, a much higher degree of control is possible over the increase in temperature of the gas by splitting the reaction into multiple reactions. Normally, reactions such as the exothermic reactions that generate oxygen, create heat and a concomitant increase in pressure in a static volume (i.e. there is a direct correlation between temperature and pressure). A further benefit of using multiple reaction chambers is that a higher reaction onset can be achieved.  
         [0124]     Specifically, any multiple of reaction chambers can be combined to create any desired output of volume, flow rate and/or delivery time. For example, 3 reaction chambers, each producing 30 liters of oxygen can be combined to produce the same 90 liter reaction, but with lowered pressure inside each reaction chamber and reduced temperature increase of the generated gas, relative to using the same quantity of reactants and catalyst in only one or two chambers, for example.  
         [0125]     Variations in both flow rate and yield can also be varied or dictated by the compositions of the contents in the reaction chambers  106 . For example, by varying the amount of a limiting reactant in each chamber and/or by varying the amount and/or composition of the catalyst contained in each cartridge, different flow rates and gas yields can be achieved. For example, by varying the amount of the sodium percarbonate in an oxygen generation reaction in each of the chambers, a yield of 90 liters with a flow rate of 6 liters per minute for 15 minutes or a yield of 30 liters and a flow rate of 3 liters per minute for 10 minutes can be achieved.  
         [0126]     The flow rates and yields can be varied depending on the desired usage and can be for different situations, such as emergency oxygen for aircraft or mines. While there are many possible or acceptable flow rate profiles applicable to the aviation industry, one example may be to have a reaction that produces approximately 4 liters per minute for 4 minutes and then drops to 1 liter per minute for 8 minutes. Using 2 reaction chambers can achieve this general performance profile.  
         [0127]     Additionally, there are several other configurations that can be employed to store the chemicals. Referring to  FIG. 21  of the drawings, the reference numeral  2100  generally designates a cartridge  2100 . The cartridge  2100  comprises a lid  1126  and a reaction chamber  106 .  
         [0128]     When combined, the reaction chamber  106  and the lid  112  contain a filter  110 , a foam breaker  500 , a screen  108 , water  2104 , a gas producing agent  2102 , and a catalyst  2106 . The filter  110  and the foam breaker  500  are layered on top of the screen  108 , and the chemicals  2106 ,  2102 , and  2104  are contained within the lower portion of the reaction chamber  106 . The water  2104  rests at the bottom of the reaction chamber  106 , being held in place by frangible seal  2108 . The catalyst  2106  and the gas producing agent  2102  are each contained on a side of the reaction chamber, held in place by a frangible seal  108 .  
         [0129]     Upon activation, the frangible seals  2108  are broken. The chemicals  2102 ,  2104 , and  2106  then mix to create a gas generating reaction. The gas produced traverses the screen  108 , the foam breaker  500 , and the filter  110  to exit the cartridge  2100 .  
         [0130]     Referring to  FIG. 22  of the drawings, the reference numeral  2200  generally designates a cartridge. The cartridge  2200  comprises a lid  112  and a reaction chamber  106 .  
         [0131]     When combined, the reaction chamber  106  and the lid  112  contain a filter  110 , a foam breaker  500 , a screen  108 , water  2204 , a gas producing agent  2202 , and a catalyst  2206 . The filter  110  and the foam breaker  500  are layered on top the screen  108 , and the chemicals  2206 ,  2202 , and  2204  are contained within the lower portion of the reaction chamber  106 . The water  2204 , the catalyst  2206 , and the gas producing agent  2202  each rest at the bottom of the reaction chamber  106 . Each of the chemicals  2202 ,  2204 , and  2206  are separated from one another and held in place by a frangible seals  2208 .  
         [0132]     Upon activation, the frangible seals  2208  are broken. The chemicals  2202 ,  2204 , and  2206  then mix to create a gas generating reaction. The gas produced traverses the screen  108 , the foam breaker  500 , and the filter  110  to exit the cartridge  2200 .  
         [0133]     Referring to  FIGS. 23A and 23B  of the drawings, the reference numeral  2300  generally designates a self-contained activation system. The system  2300  comprises a container  2302  and an activation handle  2304 . The sealed unit  2302  is particularly adapted for containing one or more pouches  26000  or  2600 ′, depicted in  FIGS. 26A and 26B . However, sealed unit  2302  can also contain a multitude of devices, such as the configurations of  FIGS. 1-3 ,  12 - 18 , and  21 - 22 , capable of releasing a gas. To initiate the release of a gas, the activation handle  2304  is displaced downwardly into an activation position to apply mechanical pressure to any of the multitude of devices to break any seals and initiate the chemical reaction(s). Additionally, the activation position of the handle  2304  can be reached by being displaced into either an upward or a downward position relative to the container  2302 .  
         [0134]     Referring to  FIG. 24A  of the drawing, the reference numeral  2400  generally designates a diagram contrasting two gas producing reactions. The first reaction (REACTION  1 ) is set up to produce a short reaction that starts high but is only maintained for a short period. The second reaction (REACTION  2 ) is set up to start slow but to be maintained for a longer period.  
         [0135]     Considered individually, neither REACTION  1  in the first reaction chamber nor REACTION  2  in the second reaction chamber produce the desired flow rate profile. However, referring to  FIG. 23B  of the drawings, the reference numeral  2450  generally the combined output of REACTION  1  and REACTION  2 . The combined output  2450  shows the sum of the combined reactions  1  and  2 , and illustrates how the desired profile is achieved using  2  reaction chambers instead of one.  
         [0136]     Similarly, other profiles can be achieved by two reaction chambers or multiple reaction chambers. For mining applications, for example, one possible flow rate profile is to simply maintain a reaction at an average of 2 liters per minute for 60 minutes.  
         [0137]     Another advantage of multiple reaction chambers is that the reactions can be staged to commence at different times in order to achieve a desired output. Referring to  FIG. 25A  of the drawings, the reference numeral  2500  generally designates a diagram showing two contrasted reactions. The diagram  2500  shows two identical reactions, REACTION  3  and REACTION  4 , each with a reaction onset of 1.75 liters per minute. Each of REACTION  3  and REACTION  4  can take place in respective reaction chambers. In this case, the reactions are staged such that Reaction  3  commences at time=0 and runs for 12 minutes, while Reaction  4  commences at time=10 minutes.  
         [0138]     Referring to  FIG. 25B  of the drawings, the reference numeral  2550  shows a diagram depicting the combined outputs of REACTIONS  3  and  4 . Considered individually, neither REACTION  3  in the first reaction chamber nor REACTION  3  in the second reaction chamber may produce the desired flow rate profile. However, the output of the combined reactions, shown in the diagram  2550  shows a 20-minute production with flow rates in a relatively narrow range, as the trend-line indicates.  
         [0139]     By using multiple reaction chambers and/or staging reactions to commence at different times, a wide variety of flow rates, volume, time periods and performance profiles can be achieved, which allows for superior performance flexibility. This makes it possible for the current invention to cater effectively to a very broad range of applications, such as mining, aviation, emergency medical services, the military, emergency home use or any number of other applications on a worldwide basis, and to customize the flow rate profile that is optimum for the particular application.  
         [0140]      FIG. 26A  depicts an embodiment of a planar sealed pouch that employs a method for storing the gas/oxygen releasing agent, the catalyst and the water all in one pouch. Planar sealed pouch  2600  is formed of a pair of sheets  2602  of air- and water-impermeable sheet material which is resistant to the basic chemicals commonly used (only the top sheet  2602  being visible in  FIG. 26A ). The sheet material  2602  supports the catalyst in compartment  2604 , the gas/oxygen releasing agent in compartment  2606  and the water in compartment  2608 . The sheet material must be resistant to the chemicals of the catalyst, gas/oxygen releasing agent and the water. In one embodiment, the sheet material is a laminate material that can be any combination of aluminum, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, and any number of materials. The laminate material can also include a layer of insulating material. The pouch  2600  has a peripheral border  2611  which is sealed by convenient means, such as adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or heat sealing and is able to retain the pressures encountered without bursting.  
         [0141]     Each of the compartments  2604 ,  2606  and  2608  also have internal sealed borders  2612  to retain their respective chemicals so that they stay initially separated. Unlike peripheral border  2611 , sealed borders  2612  are sealed with a pressure-frangible adhesive to create “peel areas” between the top and bottom sheet material  2610 . In this embodiment, the compartments  2604 ,  2606  and  2608  do not take up all of the area of the sheet material  2602 , thus also defining an initially empty compartment  2607 . For reasons to be explained, empty compartment  2607  may also be initially filled with air at ambient pressure.  
         [0142]     The pouch  2600  accommodates nozzle element  2614 , which can be made of suitable plastic such as polypropylenene, to permit the release of the oxygen or other gas produced. Because the gas produced may include entrained droplets of water or particulates from the catalyst and gas/oxygen producing agent, the pouch also includes self-contained permeable membrane/screen  2616  and a foam breaker  2618  that is retained by the membrane/screen  2616 . When the gas/oxygen is produced, it will pass through the membrane/screen  2616  and the foam breaker  2618 , where is effectively filtered, removing any entrained water droplets, bubbles or particulates before being exhausted from nozzle  2614  and directed through an appropriate conduit (not shown) to the user.  
         [0143]     To use pouch  2600 , force is applied to the outside of the pouch  2600 , either directly or by means of the mechanism depicted in  FIGS. 23A and 23B . This force causes internal pressure in the pouch, much like attempting to pop a balloon. Because the peripheral seal  2611  is pressure-resistant, seal  2611  does not burst. However, this internal pressure tends to cause sealed borders  2612  to peel apart, allowing the top and bottom sheets of the sheet material  2602  to separate and allowing the initially separated catalyst, gas/oxygen releasing agent and water to combine to create gas. It is believed that having some degree of air in initially empty compartment  2607  will tend to facilitate the peeling apart of these sealed borders  2612  by more evenly distributing the pressure, but this is not necessary to the invention.  
         [0144]      FIG. 26B  depicts another embodiment of a pouch having compartments for initially separating the catalyst, oxygen producing agent and water. In  FIG. 26B , pouch  2600 ′ is similar to pouch  2600 , the compartments  2604 ′,  2606 ′ and  2608 ′ containing, respectively, the catalyst, oxygen producing agent and water, and the initially empty compartment  2607 ′ containing air. In pouch  2600 ′, however, each of the compartments have different shapes and locations. As in pouch  2600 , each of the compartments is separated by pressure-frangible sealed borders  2612 ′, constructed in the same manner.  
         [0145]     The pouch  2600 ′ accommodates nozzle element  2614 , which can also be made of suitable plastic such as polypropylenene, to permit the release of the oxygen or other gas produced. Because the gas produced may include entrained droplets of water or particulates from the catalyst and gas/oxygen producing agent, the pouch also includes self-contained permeable membrane/screen  2616  and a foam breaker  2618 , that is retained by the membrane/screen  2616 , to filter the gas generated. Otherwise, the construction and operation of the pouch  2600 ′ is the same as pouch  2600  and need not be further described.  
         [0146]     It should be noted that, as is the case with the multiple reaction chambers  106  depicted in  FIG. 1 , for example, multiple ones of pouches  2600  and/or  2600 ′ may be connected to a common conduit and used together. Each of the pouches  2600  and/or  2600 ′ can contain different compositions or proportions of the water, catalyst and gas/oxygen producing agent, as previously described, in order to create various flow profiles such as are depicted in  FIGS. 24B and 25B .  
         [0147]     It is understood that the present invention can take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. The capabilities outlined herein allow for the possibility of a variety of implementations. This disclosure should not be read as preferring any particular embodiments, but is instead directed to the underlying mechanisms on which these embodiments can be built. Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 7