Assembly for storing and facilitating application of breathing devices

摘要

An assembly installable at an underground mine site for storing breathing apparatuses and for facilitating access to and application of such apparatuses comprises a matrix of storage receptacles closable on a common side by respective spring-loaded hinged doors. An actuating mechanism is provided on an assembly frame for simultaneously releasing a multiplicity of latches locking the doors closed, the actuating mechanism being coupled to a valve for opening the same to permit the passage of air from a pressure source to a perforated tube mounted under a cylindrical roof on top of the compartment matrix. The roof has an opening for guiding a stream of air into a space in front of the storage assembly, thereby increasing the time available for a successful application of the breathing devices in a disaster involving the depletion of the atmospheric oxygen supply or the release of toxic fumes into the work area. An acoustic transducer and a light are provided at the assembly in part for signaling to endangered personnel the location of the storage unit.