AU2016277732B2 - Breathing apparatus filling device - Google Patents

Abstract

A sequence valve for a Breathing Apparatus filling device is disclosed. The sequence valve comprises a casing comprising a pilot-side body and a valve-side body joined together in an air-tight connection; the pilot-side body defining a pilot flow path comprising a pilot flow path inlet and a pilot flow path outlet; the valve-side body defining a cascading flow path comprising a cascading flow path inlet and a cascading flow path outlet; a poppet comprised on a piston; a spring biasing the piston to hold the poppet in a blocking position to block the cascading flow path; and an internal adjustment mechanism for setting a pressure differential where the biasing is overcome and the piston is actuated to move the poppet to open the cascading flow path. Also disclosed is a Breathing Apparatus filling device comprising: a body comprising a frame; a cylinder store mounted on the body, the cylinder store comprising three or more cylinder banks, each cylinder bank comprising one or more cylinders; and a two stage or higher order cascade filling panel comprising two or more sequence valves for controlling filling of one or more compressed air breathing apparatus with air stored in the cylinder store. 1/7 100 120 142 1144 1288 136 1400 112 138 132 FIG. A

Description

1/7

100

120

1288

142 136

1400 1144

112

138 132

FIG. A

P/00/01I Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FORASTANDARDPATENT ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: DRAEGER SAFETY PACIFIC PTY LTD

Actual Inventors: Amir Hossein MODIRZAREH Damian John EGGLESTON

Address for Service: Houlihan 2 , Level 1, 70 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North, Victoria 3104, Australia

Invention Title: BREATHING APPARATUS FILLING DEVICE

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to the Applicant:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a sequence valve and separately to a Breathing Apparatus (BA) filling device. In particular, the invention relates to a sequence valve for a BA filling device and separately to a Breathing Apparatus filling device comprising a two stage or higher order cascade filling panel.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Breathing Apparatus (BA) are used routinely in environments where there is no breathable air and in emergency situations when the availability or quality of air is not guaranteed. For example, where firefighters or other emergency responders are required to enter environments where the breathable air is classified as TOES (Toxic, Oxygen Deficient, Elevated Temperatures and Smoke), they are required to put on a SCBA (self contained BA) as part of the emergency protocol.

[0003] Filling devices are required to refill the BAs so that they are ready for use and in situations where the BA is in use and must be refilled. Filling devices ordinarily fill BAs with compressed air (CA); giving rise to the term CABA (Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus).

[0004] CABAs are used in applications such as, firefighting, high rise buildings and confined space entry as part of the emergency response efforts. The equipment used in emergency response must be easily transportable and rugged. Improved filling devices are required in order to provide emergency responders with a longer duration of use and to provide better user safety.

[0005] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a sequence valve and separately to a Breathing Apparatus filling device. In particular the invention relates to a sequence valve for a BA filling device and separately to a Breathing Apparatus filling device comprising a two stage or higher order cascade filling panel. The cascade filling panel may comprise two or more sequence valves each comprising an internal adjustment mechanism.

[0007] In a first form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the inventive resides in a sequence valve for a Breathing Apparatus filling device, the sequence valve comprising: a casing comprising a pilot-side body and a valve-side body joined together in an air-tight connection; the pilot-side body defining a pilot flow path comprising a pilot flow path inlet and a pilot flow path outlet; the valve-side body defining a cascading flow path comprising a cascading flow path inlet and a cascading flow path outlet; a poppet comprised on a piston; a spring biasing the piston to hold the poppet in a blocking position to block the cascading flow path; and an internal adjustment mechanism for setting a pressure differential where the biasing is overcome and the piston is actuated to move the poppet to open the cascading flow path.

[0008] In one embodiment of the first form, the adjustment mechanism positioned entirely within inside the casing.

[0009] In another embodiment of the first form, the adjustment mechanism is tamper proof and/or vibration proof, or tamper resistant and/or vibration resistant.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the first form, the adjustment mechanism may be preset to actuate the opening of the cascading flow path.

[0011] In one particular embodiment of the first form, the internal adjustment mechanism comprises a screw. The screw may be turned to adjust the differential pressure at which switching occurs.

[0012] In another embodiment of the first form, the pilot-side body and the valve-side body are joined by a fastener. The fastener may comprise a thread. The pilot side body and valve side body may comprise complementary threads for fastening. Either body may comprise an internal thread and the other body may comprise a complementary external thread. In a particular embodiment, the pilot side body comprises a female fastener comprising an internal thread and the valve side body comprises a male fastener 418a comprising an external thread.

[0013] In another embodiment of the first form, the fastener comprises a seal. The seal may comprise a gasket. In a particular embodiment the seal comprises an O-ring.

[0014] In another embodiment of the first form, when the cascading flow path is opened compressed air flows through the cascading flow path from the cascading flow path inlet to the cascading flow path outlet.

[0015] In yet another form of the first form, the transitional time, when switching from one bank to another, is less than one second. In a particular form, the transitional time is of a millisecond time frame.

[0016] In still another embodiment of the first form, the risk of air escaping from the sequence valve is reduced.

[0017] In a second form the invention resides in, a Breathing Apparatus filling device comprising: a body comprising a frame; a cylinder store mounted on the body, the cylinder store comprising three or more cylinder banks, each cylinder bank comprising one or more cylinders; and a two stage or higher order cascade filling panel comprising two or more sequence valves for controlling filling of one or more compressed air breathing apparatus with air stored in the cylinder store.

[0018] In a first particular embodiment of the second form, each of the two or more sequence valves comprises an internal adjustment mechanism. The internal adjustment mechanism may be located entirely within a sequence valve casing. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a screw. The sequence valve may be resistant to vibration. The adjustment mechanism may be tamper-proof or tamper-resistant. Each of the two or more sequence valves may comprise the sequence valve of the first form.

[0019] In a second particular embodiment of the second form, each of the one or more cylinders comprises an ultralight air bank cylinder. Each ultralight air bank cylinder may comprise one or more of a polymeric liner; and a composite outer layer. The composite outer lay may comprise a filament wound composite comprising carbon fibre and/or a polymer. The polymeric liner may comprise high density polyethylene. Each of the one or more ultralight cylinders may be metal free. In one particular embodiment, each cylinder is liner free.

[0020] Each ultralight air bank cylinder may comprise a volume of 25 L or greater; 30L or greater; 35 or greater; or 40L.

[0021] Each ultralight air bank cylinder may comprise a working pressure of 200 bar or greater; 250 bar or greater; 300 bar or greater; or 350 bar or greater.

[0022] In one particular embodiment, each ultralight air bank cylinder comprises a volume of 40 L volume and a working pressure of 350 bar.

[0023] Each cylinder may comprise a cylinder connection. Each cylinder may comprise an on/off valve.

[0024] The cylinder store may comprise three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten cylinders. In a particular embodiment, the cylinder store comprises four cylinders.

[0025] When the cylinder store comprises three banks and four cylinders, the cylinder distribution for bank 1:bank 2:bank 3 may comprise 2:1:1; 1:2:2; or 1:1:2. Preferably the cylinder distribution is 2:1:1.

[0026] The cylinder store may comprise three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten banks. In a particular embodiment, the cylinder store comprises three banks.

[0027] In embodiments wherein the cascade filling panel comprise two sequence valves, the first sequence valve may be positioned between a first cylinder bank and a second cylinder bank and the second sequence valve may be positioned between the second cylinder bank and a third cylinder bank. Each of the two or more sequence valves may be positioned in the fill line.

[0028] In one embodiment of the second form, the cascade filling panel comprises cylinder bank inlets for connection to the cylinder store.

[0029] The cascade filling panel may further comprise a pneumatic line. The pneumatic line may comprise rigid pipe and/or flexible tubing. The pneumatic line may comprise a fill line and a pilot line. The pneumatic line may further comprise a compressor line for refilling with a compressor. The pneumatic line may further comprise an outlet line for supply of compressed air to one or more Breathing Apparatus.

[0030] The cascade filling panel may further comprise one or more pressure gauge. The one or more pressure gauge may comprise a respective pressure gauge for each of the three or more cylinder banks. In an embodiment wherein the cylinder store comprises three cylinder banks, the cascade filling panel comprises a first bank pressure gauge, a second bank pressure gauge and a third bank pressure gauge. Each of the one or more pressure gauges may further comprise a display.

[0031] The cascade filling panel may further comprise one or more non-return valves. The one or more non-return valves may comprise a respective non-return valve for each of the three or more cylinder banks. In an embodiment wherein the cylinder store comprises three cylinder banks, the cascade filling panel comprises a first bank non-return valve, a second bank non-return valve and a third bank non-return valve.

[0032] The cascade filling panel may further comprise one or more other valve. The one or more other valve may comprise a ball valve. The ball valve may be positioned in the fill line between a terminal sequence valve of the two or more sequence valves and a pressure regulator.

[0033] The cascade filling panel may further comprise a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator may be comprised in an outlet line. The pressure regulator may be positioned proximal to one or more filling attachments.

[0034] The cascade filling panel may further comprise a fill pressure gauge. The fill pressure gauge may be positioned at an outlet of the pressure regulator. The fill pressure gauge may be positioned proximal to one or more filling attachments.

[0035] The cascade filling panel may further comprise one or more filling attachments. Each of the one or more filling attachments may comprise a fill valve. Each of the one or more filling attachments may comprise a quick release filling attachment. The quick release coupling can be connected or disconnected to a Breathing Apparatus under pressure.

[0036] The fill line may comprise a bifurcation or higher order division at the filling attachment to accommodate filling of two or more Breathing Apparatus simultaneously.

[0037] The pneumatic line may comprise a plurality of bifurcations. The plurality of pneumatic line bifurcations may comprise a respective pneumatic line bifurcation for each of the three or more cylinder banks. In an embodiment wherein the cylinder store comprises three cylinder banks, the plurality of pneumatic line bifurcations comprises a first pneumatic line bifurcation, a second pneumatic line bifurcation and a third pneumatic line bifurcation.

[0038] The compressor line may comprise a plurality of compressor line non-return valves. The plurality of compressor line non-return valves may comprise a respective compressor line non-return valve for each of the three or more cylinder banks. In an embodiment wherein the cylinder store comprises three cylinder banks, the plurality of compressor line non-return valves comprises a first compressor line non-return valve, a second compressor line non-return valve and a third compressor line non-return valve.

[0039] The plurality of compressor line non-return valves may allow charging of the three or more cylinder banks simultaneously.

[0040] The cascade filling panel may further comprise a compressor connection. The compressor connection may be comprised in the compressor line.

[0041] The compressor line may further comprise a filter downstream and adjacent the compressor connection. The compressor line filter may comprise a T-type particle filter.

[0042] The outlet line may further comprise a filter located before the pressure regulator. The outlet line filter may comprise a T-type particle filter.

[0043] The cascade filling panel may comprise a case. The case may be comprised of steel such as, stainless steel or painted mild steel.

[0044] The cascade filling panel may further comprise a pressure regulator display and/or a fill pressure gauge display.

[0045] The Breathing Apparatus filling device may be mobile.

[0046] The body may comprise a trolley. The trolley may comprise a frame, a handle and optionally, wheels. The wheels may comprise front wheels and rear wheels.

[0047] In one embodiment of the second aspect the filling station and/or the filling station recharging device may comprise electric devices such as an electric motor for the trolley.

[0048] In a third aspect the invention provides a method of filling a compressed air breathing apparatus using the device of the second aspect.

[0049] In a fourth aspect the invention provides a method of filling a Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus comprising: connecting the Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus to a filling attachment comprised on a Breathing Apparatus filling device; filling the Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus from a cylinder store comprising three or more cylinder banks, each cylinder bank comprising one or more cylinders; and switching between the three or more cylinder banks using two or more sequence valves to thereby fill the Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus.

[0050] In one embodiment of the fourth aspect, the filling may comprise automatic filling.

[0051] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the switching may comprise automatic switching using the two or more sequence valves.

[0052] In one embodiment of the third or fourth aspects, one or more breathing apparatus is filled simultaneously.

[0053] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus filled or refilled with the device of the first aspect or the method of the second or third aspect.

[0054] Further aspects and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0056] Figures. 1A, 1B and 1C are schematic diagrams showing perspective, side and rear views of one embodiment of a mobile breathing apparatus filling station according to the invention.

[0057] Figures 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams showing front and side views of one embodiment of a cascade panel according to the invention.

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a pneumatic circuit according to the invention.

[0059] Figure 4A is a photograph showing one embodiment of sequence valve according to the invention.

[0060] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the sequence valve shown in Figure 4A.

[0061] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a Breathing Apparatus filling device. In particular the invention relates to a Breathing Apparatus filling device that is lightweight and/or comprises a two stage or higher order cascade filling panel.

[0063] The device of the invention may find application in firefighting, tunnelling, mining, high rise buildings, emergencies on ships and other confined space entry. The device of the invention is of significant advantage because it allows emergency responders to refill their BAs without the need to remove their facemask. This is of particular advantage in environments that may be dangerous to their life and/or long term health.

[0064] The skilled person will understand that "filling", "refilling" and "charging" and "recharging" mean filling or re-filling of an air storage. This air storage may be air stored in a CABA or a filling device. Although these four terms may be used interchangeably, for ease of reference, "filling" and "refilling" will be used with reference to filling a CABA with a filling device and "charging" and "recharging" will be used with reference to filling a filling device from a compressor.

[0065] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a filling device 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. Filling device 100 comprises a body 110, a cylinder store 200 and a cascade filling panel 300.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, body 100 comprises a trolley. In other embodiments body 100 may comprise other mobile apparatus such as, a cart, a trailer or a self-propelled vehicle.

[0067] Body 110 comprises a frame 112 comprising a handle 114, a back 118, sides 122, front 126 and base 132. Handle 114 comprises a handle member 116 for easy gripping and manoeuvring by a user. Back 118 comprises support struts 120 extending lengthwise between base 132 and handle 114. Side ribs 124 extend from back 118 to front 126. Front ribs 128 extend between the two sides 122. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, front ribs 128 are curved to contour to cylinders 210. To allow easy insertion and removal of cylinders 210, front ribs comprise one or more clamp, hinge or fastener 130 so that they may be opened out. Base 132 comprises panel 134 upon which cylinders 210 rest.

[0068] Body 110 also comprises wheels 136. The trolley shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C comprises front wheels 136 and rear wheels 142. Front wheels 136 are attached to body 110 by front wheel brace 140 and rear wheels 142 are attached to body 110 by rear wheel brace 144. In the embodiment shown, front wheels 136 are smaller than rear wheels 142 to aid manoeuvrability. In other embodiments, wheels 136, 142 are the same size.

[0069] FIG. 1B is a side view of device 100 and FIG. 1C is a rear view. In FIG. 1C the cylinder banks 202, 204 and 206 are labelled. In the embodiment shown in the figures, cylinder store 200 comprises three cylinder banks 202, 204, 206. From the teaching herein a skilled person is readily able to select other suitable numbers of cylinder banks such as, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C cylinder store 200 comprises four cylinders 210a,b,c,d. From the teaching herein, a skilled person is readily able to select other suitable number of cylinders 210 such as, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten.

[0071] Each bank 202, 204, 206 comprises at least one cylinder 210. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, first bank 202 comprises cylinders 210a and 210b; second bank 204 comprises cylinder 210c; and third bank 206 comprises cylinder 210d. That is the cylinder distribution between bank 1 202:bank 2 204:bank 3 206 is 2:1:1. In other embodiments the cylinder distribution may comprise 1:2:1 or 1:1:2.

[0072] From the teaching herein a skilled person is readily able to determine suitable cylinder bank distributions for other numbers of cylinders and banks.

[0073] Also shown in FIG. 1C is that each cylinder 210 comprises a cylinder connection 212 and on/off valve 214.

[0074] Each cylinder 210 may comprise an ultralight compressed air cylinder. The inventor's novel and inventive utilisation of ultralight compressed air cylinders achieves a decrease in total weight and an increase in mobility.

[0075] Each ultralight air bank cylinder 210 may comprise one or more of a polymeric liner; and a composite outer layer. The composite outer lay may comprise carbon fibre or hybrid carbon/glass fibre. The polymeric liner may comprise high density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0076] That is, ultralight air bank cylinders 210 are not conventional metal cylinders with or without a non-metal wrap. Ultralight air bank cylinders 210 also do not comprise a metal liner. Instead, each of the one or more ultralight cylinders 210 may be metal free.

[0077] In one particular embodiment, each cylinder 210 is liner free. In this liner-free embodiment the cylinder comprises a composite core without a liner. The composite core may comprise carbon fibre and/or a polymer.

[0078] The present inventors are the first to apply ultralight cylinder technology to Breathing Apparatus Filling Device. This application has resulted in the surprising advantages of a filling device that is more manoeuvrable and convenient to use. These advantages may result in increased uptake and use of the filling device such that it is used in situations where convention filling devices or exchanging cylinders are not suitable due to the dangerous conditions around the emergency responder at the time.

[0079] Each ultralight air bank cylinder 210 may comprise a volume of 25 L or greater; 30L or greater; 35 or greater; or 40L.

[0080] Each ultralight air bank cylinder may comprise a working pressure of 200 bar or greater; 250 bar or greater; 300 bar or greater; or 350 bar or greater.

[0081] The ultralight air bank cylinders 210a,b,c,d shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C each comprise a volume of 40 L volume and a working pressure of 350 bar.

[0082] FIG. 2A shows a front view of the control panel 300 which is mounted on the front of body 110. Cascade filling panel 300 comprise a case 302 comprising sides 304, a top 306, bottom 308, rear 310 and front 312. In the embodiment shown, case 302 is comprised of stainless steel. In another embodiment case 302 may be comprised of painted mild steel.

[0083] On the front 312 are bank displays 320 which display the pressure in each respective cylinder bank 202, 204, 206. First bank pressure gauge display 322 shows the pressure in first cylinder bank 202. Second bank pressure gauge display 324 presents the pressure in second cylinder bank 204. Third bank pressure gauge display 326 exhibits the pressure in first cylinder bank 206.

[0084] Cascade filling panel 300 also comprises pressure regulator display 328 and a fill pressure gauge display 330. The pressure regulator display 328 shows an indication of the fill pressure. The skilled person readily understands that, while technically the value shown on the pressure regulator display 328 reflects the outlet pressure of the regulator 372, this is a reasonable indication of fill pressure. In other embodiments, the cascade filling panel 300 does not comprise pressure regulator display 328.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a pneumatic circuit diagram of cascade filling panel 300 comprising pneumatic line 346. Pneumatic line 346 comprises rigid pipe 348 and may be divided into fill line 350, outlet line 351, pilot line 352 and compressor line 353.

[0086] In the embodiment shown, pneumatic line 346 comprises stainless steel quarter inch (4") tubes and connectors. In another embodiment pneumatic line 346 may comprise coated mild steel and or flexible hose. Although not shown, the refilling attachments 378 may comprise flexible hose to connect the control panel 300 to the one or more CABAs to be filled.

[0087] FIG. 3 shows that cylinder bank one 202 is connected to the cascade filling panel 300 at first filling panel inlet 342a. Upstream of the first filling panel inlet 342a is first bank pressure gauge 354, the reading of which is shown on first bank pressure gauge display 322, and first bank non-return valve 356. The first filling panel inlet 342a is also connected to compressor line 353 by first pilot-compressor line bifurcation 382.

[0088] Cylinder bank two 204 is connected to cascade filling panel 300 at second filling panel inlet 342b. Upstream of the second filling panel inlet 342b is second bank pressure gauge 358, the reading of which is shown on second bank pressure gauge display 324, first sequence valve 400a (not labelled) and second bank non-return valve 362. The second filling panel inlet 342b is also connected to compressor line 353 by second pilot compressor line bifurcation 386.

[0089] First sequence valve 400a controls the switching between first cylinder bank 202 and second cylinder bank 204 to optimise the number of fills and fill time.

[0090] Cylinder bank three 206 is connected to cascade filling panel 300 at third filling panel inlet 342c. Upstream of the third filling panel inlet 342c is third bank pressure gauge

364, the reading of which is shown on third bank pressure gauge display 326, second sequence valve 400b and third bank non-return valve 368. The third filling panel 342c is also connected to compressor line 353 by third pilot-compressor line bifurcation 390.

[0091] Second sequence valve 400b controls the switching between second cylinder bank 204 and third cylinder bank 206 to optimise the number of fills and fill time. First 400a and second sequence valves 400b may have the same or a different setting to optimise the switching and consequent filling.

[0092] First sequence valve 400a is positioned between first cylinder bank 202 and second cylinder bank 204 and second sequence valve 400b is positioned between the second cylinder bank 204 and third cylinder bank 206.

[0093] FIG. 4A is a photograph of sequence valve 400 according to one embodiment of the invention. What is not shown in FIG. 4A is sequence valve 400 comprises an adjustment mechanism 414 inside the external casing 402.

[0094] At least in part, the present invention relates to the inventors novel and inventive provision and/or application of a sequence valve 400 comprising an internal adjustment mechanism 414. Conventional sequence valves have an external adjustment nut between two separate parts of the valve body. The present inventors have recognised that this means the adjustment nut may be inadvertently knocked or bumped, and that its setting may be disturbed by vibration, either of which results in an incorrectly calibrated device. The inventors are the first to provide a sequence valve 400 in which an adjustment mechanism 414 is positioned inside the valve 404. By locating the adjustment mechanism 414 internally, the sequence valve 400 is tamper proof and vibration proof, or at least tamper resistant and vibration resistant. This means that the sequence valve 400 may be preset to an optimal setting that ensures the device 100 operates effectively and will not be uncalibrated by bumps or knocks that frequently occur in transit and use.

[0095] The location of the internal adjustment mechanism 414 entirely within sequence valve casing 402 can be seen in the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 4B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the adjustment mechanism comprises a screw 416 that may be turned to adjust the differential pressure at which switching occurs.

[0096] Casing 402 comprises pilot side body 404 and valve side body 406. The two bodies 404, 406 are joined by a fastener 418 and a seal 419 (not shown). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the fastener comprises a thread comprised on the body 404 and a complementary thread on body 406. Either body 404, 406 may comprise an internal thread and the other body 406, 406 may comprise the complementary external thread. FIG.

4B shows pilot side body 404 to comprise a female fastener 418b comprising an internal thread and valve side body 406 to comprise a male fastener 418a comprising an external thread.

[0097] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, sealing mechanism 419 (not shown) comprises a gasket in the form of an O-ring. From the teaching herein a skilled person is readily able to select other mechanisms for joining bodies 404 and 406 and other sealing mechanisms.

[0098] The pilot flow path 420 through sequence valve 400 is shown in FIG. 4B, beginning at the pilot flow path inlet 422 and finishing at pilot flow path outlet 424. The cascading flow path 426 is also shown, beginning at the cascading flow path inlet 428 and finishing at the cascading flow path outlet 430.

[0099] The cascading flow path 426 is opened when piston 408 is actuated to push against the bias of spring 410 to move poppet 412 so that it no longer obstructs cascading flow path 426. The actuation of sequence valve 400 opens the cascading flow path so that compressed air can be supplied from the bank 204, 206 connected to the cascading flow path inlet 428. The actuation occurs when the pressure in the pilot line reaches the differential pressure corresponding to the setting applied to the adjustment mechanism 414.

[00100] By placing the adjustment mechanism 414 internally, the inventors have provided a sequence valve 400 that is resistant to vibration and tamper-proof or tamper-resistant. Moreover, because sequence valve 400 is not externally adjustable, once it is set, it can not be easily tampered with. Advantageously, this maintains accuracy and precision in fill time and fill number, along with providing a more reliable instrument. This reliability may be particularly important in an emergency response application, where it is more likely to be tampered with or knocked around in transit.

[00101] Sequence valve 400 can be precisely set at a desired differential pressure for switching. The adjustment screw is located inside the pilot side and once it has been set, it may always deliver consistent results. This is a significant improvement. Fill times and number of fills can be impacted by the adjustment of sequence valves; hence, by providing sequence valve 400 which is not sensitive to movement or vibration and which delivers accurate and consistent results, the present inventors have provided increased reliability and efficiency.

[00102] Another significant advantage of the present invention is that the transitional time, when switching from one bank to another, has decreased from seconds to milliseconds.

[00103] Additionally, the risk of air escaping from cascade filling panel 300 is minimal. In the conventional valves, which are made of two independent bodies, air leaking to the ambient environment is more likely to occur. Additionally, conventional valve bodies do not comprise a sealing mechanism, which means that air can escape more readily.

[00104]From the teaching herein a skilled person will understand then when device 100 comprises more than three banks a respective increase in sequence valves is required. That is, in embodiments wherein device 100 comprises four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten banks, device 100 will comprise three, four, five, six, seven, eight or nine sequence valves, respectively. Where n represents the number of banks, device 100 must comprise n-1 sequence valves.

[00105]Cascade filling panel 300 may further comprise one or more other valve. In the embodiment shown cascade filling panel 300 comprises ball valve 370 that may be used to shut off air supply. Ball valve 370 is positioned in the fill line 350 between the terminal sequence valve 400b and pressure regulator 372. The terminal sequence valve is the last one in the series of sequence valves 400n-1, i.e. in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the terminal sequence valve is second sequence valve 400b.

[00106] The pressure regulator 372 is positioned proximal and upstream of the fill pressure gauge 374. The pressure regulator may be located between ball valve 370 and the filling attachments 378a,b. The fill pressure gauge 374 is positioned proximal and upstream of the filling attachments 378.

[00107] Device 100 comprises two filling attachments 378a,b each or which may comprise a fill valve 380 and a quick release filling attachment to allow rapid attachment and detachment. Advantageously, the quick release attachments can be connected or disconnected to a Breathing Apparatus under pressure.

[00108] The fill line 350 comprises a bifurcation 376 proximal to the filling attachments 378a,b to accommodate attachment and filling of two breathing apparatus simultaneously.

[00109]When device 100 comprises more than two filling attachments 378, a higher order division than bifurcation 376 is required.

[00110]Compressor line 353 is attached to fill line 350 by a plurality of bifurcations 382, 386, 390. This plurality of pneumatic line bifurcations 382, 386, 390 comprise a respective one for each of the three or more cylinder banks 202, 204, 206. In device 100 wherein cylinder store 200 comprises three cylinder banks 202, 204, 206, the plurality of pneumatic line bifurcations 382, 386, 390 comprises a first pneumatic line bifurcation 382, a second pneumatic line bifurcation 386 and a third pneumatic line bifurcation 390.

[00111]Compressor line 353 also comprises a plurality of compressor line non-return valves 384, 388, 392. In device 100, the plurality of compressor line non-return valves 384,

388, 392 comprises a respective one for each of the three or more cylinder banks 202, 204, 206. In device 100 wherein cylinder store 200 comprises three cylinder banks 202, 204, 206, the plurality of compressor line non-return valves 384, 388, 392 comprises a first compressor line non-return valve 384, a second compressor line non-return valve 388 and a third compressor line non-return valve 392.

[00112]Cascade filling panel 300 may be connected to a compressor (not shown) through compressor connection 396. In device 100 compressor connection 396 is comprised in compressor line 353. The compressor line 352 further comprises a T-type filter 394 adjacent and downstream of the compressor connection 396.

[00113]Advantageously, the provision of the plurality of compressor line non-return valves 384, 388, 392 allow charging of the three or more cylinder banks simultaneously.

[00114]By connecting to a compressor, the cylinders 210 may be charged or recharged. If a compressor is not available, cylinders 210 may simply be exchanged for full or fuller cylinders 210.

[00115] The outlet line 351 is also shown in FIG. 3 and comprises pressure regulator 372, fill pressure gauge 374, refilling attachments 378a,b and fill valve 380.

[00116]Of particular advantage to some hazardous environments, is that device 100 does not comprise any electronic components.

EXAMPLES

[00117] The inventors have applied cascade filling technology to provide a device that has increased mobility and rapid fill times.

[00118] A device will be constructed comprising four 40L, 350 bar ultra light cylinders, which each weigh around 20 kg. This compares with conventional 40L, 350bar steel cylinders which each weigh around 55 Kg.

[00119] The inventors theoretical calculations are that by using four 40L, 350bar cylinders partitioned in three banks, six 9L BA cylinders can be filled from 60 to 300 bar. Advantageously, the theoretical indicative fill time is 130 seconds for two BAs.

[00120]In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[00121] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS The Claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A sequence valve for a breathing apparatus filling device, the sequence valve comprising: a casing comprising a pilot-side body and a valve-side body joined together in an air-tight connection; the pilot-side body defining a pilot flow path comprising a pilot flow path inlet and a pilot flow path outlet; the valve-side body defining a cascading flow path comprising a cascading flow path inlet and a cascading flow path outlet; a poppet comprised on a piston; a spring biasing the piston to hold the poppet in a blocking position to block the cascading flow path; and an internal adjustment mechanism for setting a pressure differential where the biasing is overcome and the piston is actuated to move the poppet to open the cascading flow path, wherein the setting of the internal adjustment mechanism is adjustable to a different setting to optimise switching to open the cascading flow path and optimise filling of the breathing apparatus.

2. The sequence valve of claim 1 wherein the adjustment mechanism is positioned entirely within inside the casing.

3. The sequence valve of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the adjustment mechanism is tamper proof and/or vibration proof, or tamper resistant and/or vibration resistant.

4. The sequence valve according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the adjustment mechanism is preset to an optimal setting to actuate the opening of the cascading flow path.

5. The sequence valve according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the internal adjustment mechanism comprises a screw.

6. The sequence valve according to claim 5 wherein the screw is turned to adjust the differential pressure at which the switching occurs.

7. The sequence valve according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pilot side body and the valve-side body are joined by a fastener.

8. The sequence valve according to claim 7 wherein the fastener comprises a seal.

9. The sequence valve according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a transitional time for opening the cascading flow path is less than one second.

10. A breathing apparatus filling device comprising: a body comprising a frame; a cylinder store mounted on the body, the cylinder store comprising three or more cylinder banks, each cylinder bank comprising one or more cylinders; and a two stage or higher order cascade filling panel comprising two or more sequence valves for controlling filling of one or more compressed air breathing apparatus with air stored in the cylinder store, wherein each of the two or more sequence valves comprise the sequence valve of any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The breathing apparatus filling device of claim 10 wherein each of the one or more cylinders comprises an ultralight air bank cylinder.

12. The breathing apparatus filling device of claim 11 wherein each ultralight air bank cylinder comprises one or more of a polymeric liner; and a composite outer layer.

13. The breathing apparatus filling device of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein each ultralight air bank cylinder comprises a volume of 25 L or greater; 30L or greater; 35 or greater; or 40L.

14. The breathing apparatus filling device of any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein each ultralight air bank cylinder comprises a working pressure of 200 bar or greater; 250 bar or greater; 300 bar or greater; or 350 bar or greater.

15. The breathing apparatus filling device of any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the cylinder store comprises three banks and four cylinders, and the cylinder distribution for bank 1:bank 2:bank 3 comprises 2:1:1; 1:2:2; or 1:1:2.

16. The breathing apparatus filling device of any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein the cascade filling panel further comprise one or more quick release filling attachments.

17. The breathing apparatus filling device of any one of claims 10 to 16 wherein the breathing apparatus filling device is mobile.

18. A method of filling a Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) comprising: connecting the Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus to a filling attachment comprised on a breathing apparatus filling device; filling the Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus from a cylinder store comprising three or more cylinder banks, each cylinder bank comprising one or more cylinders; and switching between the three or more cylinder banks using two or more sequence valves to thereby fill the Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus wherein each of the two or more sequence valves comprise the sequence valve of any one of claims 1 to 9.