BETTER APPARATUS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 117, 11 February 1936, Page 9

BETTER APPARATUS

Oxygen Supplies For Everest Climbers

IMPROVED DESIGNS (Received February 10, 5.5 p.m.) London, February 9. The'“Daily Telegraph" says that the Ruttledge. expedition’s attack on Mount Everest will be assisted by a newlydesigned oxygen apparatus enabling the user to breath pure oxygen Instead of a mixture of oxygen and air as previously. It will also be possible to inhale from and exhale into a bag attached to the face-mask by which process oxygen is not lost and, moreover,' the user retains valuable heat and moisture, which would otherwise be wasted. This improvement has been achieved by the insertion between the mask and bag of a soda and lime container which absorbs the carbon monoxide exhaled without disturbing the oxygen in the bag, which is fed from a cylinder carried on the back and containing four hours’ supply. Dr. Warren, who is accompanying the expedition, says that a man aided by such apparatus will be able to breathe as normally on the higher slopes of Everest as at sea level. The designers are now attempting to provide an, eight-hour supply of oxygen with larger apparatus of proportionately less weight. It is hope that porters will carry the oxygen apparatus to the highest camp only 1142 feet from the summit.