Abstract: A respiratory inlet having a mask end and a fitting end is provided. The respiratory inlet also includes a cavity and an exterior mating surface. The exterior mating surface is disposed proximate the fitting end, and is configured to matingly accept a first type of air supply fitting. The first type of air supply fitting is configured as a female fitting, and the respiratory inlet is configured to operate in a first mode when the female fitting is mated to the exterior mating surface. The cavity includes an opening oriented toward the fitting end, and an interior mating surface configured to matingly accept a second type of air supply fitting. The second type of air supply fitting is configured as a male fitting, and the respiratory inlet is configured to operate in a second mode when the male fitting is mated to the interior mating surface.

Abstract: A configurable exhale system for a respirator has a first valve assembly disposed within a chamber which is configured to prevent air from flowing through the first valve assembly when an air pressure differential between an upstream side and a downstream side of the first valve assembly is below a first opening pressure. A second valve assembly is disposed within the chamber in fluid communication with the first valve assembly which is configured to prevent air from flowing through the second valve assembly when an air pressure differential between an upstream side and a downstream side of the second valve assembly is below a second opening pressure, which is greater than the first opening pressure. A bypass opening is positioned adjacent the second valve assembly configured to enable air to bypass the second valve assembly with a bypass member positioned adjacent to the bypass opening.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for filling a filter cartridge canister. Flow through an exit plenum and a filter screen of the canister is initially blocked, a sorbent inlet of the canister is open, and a ring of the canister is open. Flow is then initiated through the inlet and ring so sorbent particles and fluid flow into the canister. A pressure differential is provided between the inlet and the ring to enhance filling. The exit plenum is opened to impart an even fluid flow across a sorbent stratum. Flow through the ring is stopped, and sorbent particles continue to be added via the inlet until the cavity is filled. The filter screen is then compressed, the sorbent inlet is sealed and the filter screen is fixed to a compressed position while flow is maintained through the exit plenum.

Abstract: A headgear support device (109) supports a face shield (160). The device includes a headband (106) having an elongated slot (103) and a pivot element (120) which is affixed to the face shield (160). The pivot element is slidably located within the slot to enable translational movement of the face shield. The pivot element is also rotatable within the slot to enable rotational movement of the face shield. The device also includes a retaining element for retaining the pivot element in the slot to enable translational movement of the pivot element and face shield. Translational movement of the pivot element enables the face shield to be positioned closer to, or further from, a user's face in order to provide greater comfort for the user.

Abstract: A respirator includes an outer mask defining a first volume. An oronasal mask defines a second volume. The oronasal mask is positioned within the first volume. A primary filter is affixed to the outer mask and a secondary filter is positioned within the first volume such that the secondary filter filters air traveling from the first volume to the second volume. The secondary filter filters air traveling around a portion of the second volume. The filters are arranged to filter either particles or vapors, or a mixture of these, as required.

Abstract: A headgear support device (109) supports a face shield (160). The device includes a headband (106) having an elongated slot (103) and a pivot element (120) which is affixed to the face shield (160). The pivot element is slidably located within the slot to enable translational movement of the face shield. The pivot element is also rotatable within the slot to enable rotational movement of the face shield. The device also includes a retaining element for retaining the pivot element in the slot to enable translational movement of the pivot element and face shield. Translational movement of the pivot element enables the face shield to be positioned closer to, or further from, a user's face in order to provide greater comfort for the user.