Passenger oxygen mask having internal flow confirmation balloon

Abstract

Oxygen dispensing apparatus (10) is provided which includes a relatively large, primary oxygen chamber (12) operably coupled to a cup-like passenger mask (14), along with a flexible inflatable apertured indicator element (18) positioned within the confines of the chamber (12) and operably coupled with the oxygen supply conduit (16) for the apparatus (10). In use, oxygen flows through the conduit (36) and inflates the element (18) to give a visual indication of proper oxygen flow to the user; the oxygen then flows from the aperture (42) of the element (18) into the primary chamber (12), where it is available for consumption by the passenger. Placement of the element (18) within the confines of primary chamber (12) assures that oxygen flow is maintained to the passenger, even in the event of failure of the indicator element (18).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.