Abstract: A test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. Preferably, the test head assembly includes a test head having a test space that is generally coextensive with an inner surface of the protective mask being tested. Although the test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested, it is designed such that it has minimal volume to enhance the testing process by expediting test response time, reducing the time period it takes for a mask tester to reach one or more prerequisite test conditions, eliminate or greatly reduce lag time when the mask tester is operating in the probe mode and prevent dilution of challenge concentration. Preferably, the test head is formed from two or more removable sections to allow the size of the test head to be readily modified.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a protective mask. The apparatus includes a testing unit for testing a protective mask. The testing unit includes a headform upon which a protective mask to be tested is mounted. The testing unit is configured to take a sample of the challenge from two different locations about the protective mask. The testing unit may also be configured to inflate and deflate a neck seal protective mask when mounted on the headform prior to performing a mask leakage test to eliminate or significantly reduce pockets or folds that may hide a leak.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in testing a protective mask for leaks. The apparatus includes a test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. The test head assembly may be freestanding or it may be mounted directly on the mask tester. Preferably, the test head assembly includes a test head having a test space. The test space is operably associated with a mask tester such that a fluid from the test space is directed to the mask tester for analysis to determine if a leak exists in the mask. The test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested. Although the test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested, it is designed such that it has minimal volume to enhance the testing process by expediting test response time, reducing the time period it takes for a mask tester to reach one or more prerequisite test conditions (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a protective mask. The apparatus includes a testing unit for testing a protective mask. The testing unit includes a headform upon which a protective mask to be tested is mounted. The testing unit is configured to take a sample of the challenge from two different locations about the protective mask. The testing unit may also be configured to inflate and deflate a neck seal protective mask when mounted on the headform prior to performing a mask leakage test to eliminate or significantly reduce pockets or folds that may hide a leak.

Abstract: The preferred form of the present invention is directed to systems and methods used to test objects including but not limited to filters, respirator cartridges and filter media. The object to be tested is subjected to an aerosol challenge while the penetration percentage and resistance at a given flow are monitored to ensure that the object will function as desired. Preferably, the test object is challenged with a salt aerosol. However, any suitable aerosol may be used. A replenishment member is provided for automatically and continuously replenishing the reservoir of an aerosol generator. The replenishment member is configured such that there is no need for an operator to monitor the liquid level in the aerosol generator reservoir either during replenishment or at anytime while the apparatus is operated. The replenishment member of the preferred form of the present invention does not require interruption of the filter testing process to replenish the aerosol generator reservoir.