Abstract: A filter adaptor is provided for a respirator that allows the respirator to accommodate filters that have a different connection interface than the filter connection on the respirator. The adaptor includes a body having a first surface and an opposite second surface and defines a through hole. Mask locking tabs on the first surface engage with a complementary bayonet attachment the respirator. A first wall on the first surface and an inlet port gasket thereon nests within a complementary inlet port on the respirator to form an air-tight seal between the first wall and the inlet port. A valve ring on the first surface of the body engages an inlet valve on the respirator. A second wall on the second surface includes filter locking tabs that engage with a complementary filter opening of a filter. A filter gasket around the second wall forms an air-tight seal between the filter opening and the adaptor.

Abstract: A selectively attachable garment-to-appendage interface including a seal having a first portion to a garment and a second portion coupled to an appendage such as a glove, a hood or footwear. The first portion includes one of a projection or a groove. The second portion includes the other of the projection or a groove. The projection and the groove are configured to releasably engage for selectively attaching the garment to the appendage.

Abstract: A respirator cover or second-skin includes a support structure to cover a gas mask or respirator and is provided with cut-outs in the support structure to receive components of the respirator, the second-skin including an interior flexible gasket concentric and spaced from the outer perimeter of the second-skin which seals the cover to the outer surface of the respirator. The second skin serves to provide increased chemical protection to the user of a respirator, as an aid for garment interface, or to anchor a protective hood to the respirator.

Abstract: A dog respirator including a mask adapted to surround the dog's head and a positive pressure air supply and filter separate from the mask and adapted to be placed on the dog's body away from the dog's head. The air supply and filter may be attached to the dog's back using a harness. The respirator/mask surrounding the dog's head is connected to and receives positive-pressure filtered air from the filtered air supply so that the interior of the mask is maintained at positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure with filtered air.

Abstract: A selectively attachable garment-to-appendage interface. The interface includes a seal having a first portion to a garment and a second portion coupled to an appendage such as a glove, a hood or footwear. The first portion includes one of a projection or a groove. The second portion includes the other of the projection or a groove. The projection and the groove are configured to releasably engage for selectively attaching the garment to the appendage.

Abstract: A test cell may include a base frame including a test slot; a pressure-generating insert positioned on a pedestal within the test slot; an impermeable protective layer in contact with the base frame; a sorbent layer positioned between the pressure-generating insert and the impermeable protective layer; a complex protective material swatch in contact with the sorbent layer, the complex protective material swatch having a contaminant applied thereon; a locking frame in contact with the impermeable protective layer, wherein the locking frame secures the impermeable protective layer to the base frame; a sealing gasket in contact with at least the locking frame and the complex protective material swatch; a gasket compression frame in contact with the sealing gasket; a cover in contact with the stability plate; and weights in contact with the cover. The test cell may be included in methods for measuring permeation of contaminants through complex protective material swatches.

Abstract: A helmet mounted protective shroud apparatus for use with respirators includes a shroud mating component adapted to surround a respirator and a shroud component connected to the shroud mating component. The shroud component includes a fabric component having an edge, a plurality of connection mechanisms connected to the fabric component, and a flap component configured to cover a top of the fabric component, wherein the shroud component is adapted to cover a helmet and surround a wearer's head and neck. The present invention allows a chemical-biological protective hood/shroud assembly to be integrated for use with a helmet and respirator.

Abstract: A training filter includes an upper shell having a substantially central hole; a lower shell adjoined to the upper shell; and a plug positioned in the substantially central hole and extending through the lower shell, wherein the plug includes a top wall having a plurality of apertures; a valve adjacent to the top wall and the plurality of apertures; the plug defining a hollow breathing resistance core adjacent to the valve; an angled sidewall flanking the breathing resistance core; and a connection mechanism connected to the plug opposite the top wall. The training filter duplicates the weight, size, shape, and breathing resistance of an actual filter and is reusable and cleanable without a shelf life unlike an actual filter.

Abstract: A device for replacing an air filter of an air filtration mask in which the air filter has an inlet side adapted to be exposed to the environment and an outlet side adapted for connection to the air filtration mask. The device includes a housing having an airflow passageway with an outlet on one side of the housing and an inlet on a different outer portion of the housing. A connector detachably connects the housing to the filter so that the one side of the housing overlies at least a portion of the inlet side of the filter. An airflow mechanism, such as an impeller or source of compressed air, then creates an airflow through the airflow passageway from the housing inlet and to the housing outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved filter connection system for a gas mask, comprising: a filter, a mounting means that attaches the filter to the gas mask, and a retainer means to hold the filter within the mounting means. The mounting means includes a protruding means; a valving assembly in communication with the protruding means, wherein the valving assembly enables air to flow from the fitter to the mask when the retainer means retains the protruding means, and disables air flow from the filter to the mask when the protruding means disengages from the retainer means; and a sealing means located within or adjacent to the valving assembly to prevent air from outside of the filter from entering the mounting means.