MULTI-PHASE HEADSET FOR PILOTS

摘要

A multi-phase headset (50) for aircraft crew members is provided which includes an inflatable gas mask unit (54) and a visor unit (56), supported on the head of a user (60) by mounting assembly (52). The overall headset (50) also has a selectively and/or automatically operable motive and control assembly (60). Preferably, the mounting assembly (52) includes a pair of ear pieces (62, 64) and a strap assembly (66) to allow positioning of the headset (50) on the user's head, with the mask and visor units (54, 56) adjacent the crown of the user's head. In the event of an emergency, the mask unit (54) is lowered and the mask body (124) is inflated for delivery of breathable gas to the user (60). Also, the visor unit (56) may be lowered to a use position atop mask unit (54). The pneumatically or electrically operated motive and control assembly (60) serves to move the mask and visor units (54, 56) between their retracted and deployed position. In order to prevent ingress of smoke, physical seals or air curtain passageways (144, 286) may be provided along the upper and lower margins of the visor and mask units (56, 54).