Electromechanically-assisted regulator control assembly

A regulator control assembly for use in a second-stage regulator, comprising:

• a pilot chamber;
• a single air supply line used to supply air to a SCBA facepiece;
• a mechanical actuator sub-assembly for depressurizing the pilot chamber;
• and
• an electromechanical actuator sub-assembly for depressurizing the pilot chamber.

A method of controlling a second-stage regulator single air supply line used to supply air to a SCBA facepiece using both mechanical and electromechanical actuators, comprising the steps of:

• providing a mechanical actuator for controlling the single air supply line;
• determining the pressure in the facepiece;
• determining the rate of pressure change in the facepiece;
• comparing the pressure in the facepiece to a predetermined pressure;
• comparing the rate of pressure change in the facepiece to a predetermined rate of pressure change;
• activating or deactivating the electromechanical actuator if the pressure in the facepiece is lower than the predetermined pressure;
• and
• activating or deactivating the electromechanical actuator if the rate of pressure change in the facepiece is higher than the predetermined rate of pressure change.

A method of modifying a second-stage regulator having a pilot chamber and a mechanically controlled single air supply line for supplying air to a SCBA facepiece to allow for electromechanical control of the single air supply line, comprising the steps of:

• adding an orifice to the pilot chamber;
• providing an electronically controlled actuator for sealing and unsealing said orifice;
• adding means for sensing the pressure inside the facepiece;
• and
• adding control means for activating and deactivating said electronically controlled actuator based at least partially on the pressure inside the facepiece.