Importance

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Abstract

A lightweight, free-standing, expandable shelter (10) providing protection against chemical and biological agents and against nuclear fallout. The shelter (10) has a frame comprising a series of U-shaped ribs (12) spaced and held parallel by a series of reinforcing members (16) connecting each adjacent pair of ribs (12) on each side of the shelter (10). A cover (11) made of flexible material which is resistant to chemical and biological agents is attached to the frame. An airtight floor (18) is attached to the cover material (11) so that the shelter (10) can be pressurized to a pressure of about one inch water gauge above ambient pressure, to prevent reverse air flow of contaminated air into the shelter (10). A blower (20) for pressurizing the shelter (10) and a filter (22) capable of filtering out chemical and biological agents are connected to the shelter (10). The shelter (10) incorporates an internal chamber (26) which serves as a protective air lock entrance and purge chamber and contains an indicator (30) showing when the air lock (26) has been purged and it is safe to enter main chamber (28) of the shelter (10). Air lock (26) is pressurized to one-half inch water gauge above ambient pressure to prevent air flow for air lock (26) into main chamber. The main chamber (28) is equipped with a pressure sensing device (52) and indicator lights (54, 56, 58) indicating either high, correct, or low pressure in the shelter (10) and an audible warning device (60) to warn of dangerously low pressure within the shelter (10).

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First Claim