| abstract |
An apparatus for providing a conditioned airflow inside a microenvironment using a portion of the breathing gas supply diverted to an ejector from a breathing respirator gas stream, is described. The respirator, such as a liquified-gas type respirator, includes an endothermic heat exchanger, and the microenvironment air or ambient air or both is flowed over and contacted with the heat exchanger to condition the air by cooling and dehumidifying it. The conditioned airflow is set up by the ejector which expels a portion of the breathing gas stream into a venturi to create a low pressure zone for entraining the microenvironment air or ambient air. The conditioned airflow is then directed to the user's body to reduce user heat stress. Broadly, the air conditioning apparatus is useful with any housing for a controlled physical environment in which a person or group of people can endure surrounding inhospitable conditions. |