Abstract: A modular, low profile PAPR system includes a blower, a filter rail chassis removably attachable to an inlet of the blower, a hose system removably attachable to the outlet of the blower, and a removable battery pack. The hose system comprises an ovular outer tube that maintains a generally flat profile for the hose as it extends across or along the operator's body. Two circular air carrying conduits are sealed within such ovular outer tube against outside contamination and provide a flat, small profile tube system that resists hoop stress applied to the outside of the hose, provides low resistance against bending, that will not inadvertently kink or seal in low radius turns, and that results in a low profile, non-collapsing hose system for delivering air from a remotely carried blower and filter assembly to the operator's protective mask.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular, adjustable, low profile PAPR system allowing customized configuration to meet an operator's weight and space requirements. The system includes a blower, a filter rail chassis that is removably attachable to an inlet of the blower, and a hose system that is removably attachable to the outlet of the blower. The blower unit is adjustable to enable a user or wearer to modify the position of the blower unit outlet, and thus the point of connection of the hose system, in order to allow the user or wearer to route the hose as may be most desirable for their then-current gear configuration, all while maintaining an air-tight airflow conduit extending from the filter rail chassis holding the filter cartridges through the PAPR to the outlet port, and ultimately into the hose system for delivery to the user's mask.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular, low profile PAPR system allowing customized configuration to meet an operator's weight and space requirements. The system includes a blower, a filter rail chassis that is removably attachable to an inlet of the blower, and a hose system that is removably attachable to the outlet of the blower. A battery pack is attachable to the blower in a close, nested configuration abutting both the blower and the filter chassis to maintain the small profile of the system, and may alternatively be carried remote from the blower with a power cord interconnecting the blower with the battery pack. The hose system comprises an ovular outer tube, which ovular shape maintains a generally flat profile for the hose as it extends across or along the operator's body.

Abstract: A modular powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) which is comprised of a fan, motor, scroll, and power source mounted within one housing, and which accepts either traditional or conformal filters. Ambient air is drawn into the PAPR module through the attached filter by a fan, which is driven by direct connection to a motor. The pressurized air is then accelerated by an optimized scroll to the outlet in the PAPR housing. The PAPR module can be employed in multiple use configurations. The PAPR module further comprises a removable battery pack module that is easily retained to/removed from the PAPR module, enabling a user to be able to quickly remove a spent battery pack module and install a fresh battery pack module, thereby replacing the batteries within one breath cycle.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) assembly and kit therefore has an elongated hollow belt body having open first and second ends and multiple inlet openings along its length for mounting one or more filter canisters, one or more filter canisters for mounting in the inlet openings for supplying purified air to the interior of the belt body, a motor and driven fan assembly having a fan inlet in communication with each filter canister through the hollow belt body and a fan outlet; and a power source operably mounted to the belt body and connected to the motor. The PAPR assembly forms a portion of a belt or bandolier to be worn around the user's waist, back, or other location, and at least the belt body can be made of a flexible rubber material, such as a Butyl and Silicone blend, or any other suitable material to conform the PAPR belt to the user's body.

Abstract: A respirator kit which includes a contoured plenum; a breathing mask or hood; an air supplying device, such as a powered air purifying respirator or self contained breathing apparatus; and an air hose. The contoured plenum has a low-profile and can be fluidly connected between the respirator mask and hose, and replaces the conventional air hose connection traditionally associated with powered air devices. The plenum is contoured to follow the profile of the mask, reducing the profile of the airway into the mask. The plenum includes a connector by which the plenum can be attached to the inlet of the mask, and can also include a demand valve.

Abstract: A system for regulating the airflow to a closed environment using feedback control for the position of a control valve and blower speed. The system provides a control apparatus that regulates airflow to a closed environment, such as the mask of a breathing apparatus, to ensure sufficient breathing air for a wearer of such mask. In order to provide fast response to a change in condition in the breathable environment, the airflow regulator includes a valve control and a blower control.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) assembly and kit therefore has an elongated hollow belt body having open first and second ends and multiple inlet openings along its length for mounting one or more filter canisters, one or more filter canisters for mounting in the inlet openings for supplying purified air to the interior of the belt body, a motor and driven fan assembly having a fan inlet in communication with each filter canister through the hollow belt body and a fan outlet; and a power source operably mounted to the belt body and connected to the motor. The PAPR assembly forms a portion of a belt or bandolier to be worn around the user's waist, back, or other location, and at least the belt body can be made of a flexible rubber material, such as a Butyl and Silicone blend, or any other suitable material to conform the PAPR belt to the user's body.

Abstract: An assembly line for manufacturing filter canisters is disclosed. The method for assembling filter canisters provides a unique serial number for each canister and a database that associates the component lot numbers, activated charcoal weight, and quality assurance test results with the serial number for the filter canister. The manufacturing method can be adapted for assembly of canisters with activated charcoal and an aerosol HEPA filter, canisters with activated charcoal only, and canisters with an aerosol HEPA filter only. Some embodiments can also enable different testing conditions and specifications, activated charcoal loading requirements, labeling specifications, and packaging requirements.

Abstract: A modular powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) which is comprised of a fan, motor, scroll, and power source mounted within one housing, and which accepts either traditional or conformal filters. Ambient air is drawn into the PAPR module through the attached filter by a fan, which is driven by direct connection to a motor. The pressurized air is then accelerated by an optimized scroll to the outlet in the PAPR housing. The PAPR module can be employed in multiple use configurations. The PAPR module further comprises a removable battery pack module that is easily retained to/removed from the PAPR module, enabling a user to be able to quickly remove a spent battery pack module and install a fresh battery pack module, thereby replacing the batteries within one breath cycle.

Abstract: A modular air filtration unit having a disposable filter section separable from an inlet cap and a blower section. The modular air filtration unit is of rugged, lightweight construction and eases the interchange of used filter assemblies without jeopardizing leakage that might cause contamination of the intended clean environment.

Abstract: An assembly line for manufacturing filter canisters is disclosed. The method for assembling filter canisters provides a unique serial number for each canister and a database that associates the component lot numbers, activated charcoal weight, and quality assurance test results with the serial number for the filter canister. The manufacturing method can be adapted for assembly of canisters with activated charcoal and an aerosol HEPA filter, canisters with activated charcoal only, and canisters with an aerosol HEPA filter only. Some embodiments can also enable different testing conditions and specifications, activated charcoal loading requirements, labeling specifications, and packaging requirements.

Abstract: An assembly line for manufacturing filter canisters is disclosed. The method for assembling filter canisters provides a unique serial number for each canister and a database that associates the component lot numbers, activated charcoal weight, and quality assurance test results with the serial number for the filter canister. The manufacturing method can be adapted for assembly of canisters with activated charcoal and an aerosol HEPA filter, canisters with activated charcoal only, and canisters with an aerosol HEPA filter only. Some embodiments can also enable different testing conditions and specifications, activated charcoal loading requirements, labeling specifications, and packaging requirements.

Abstract: A multi-function device for testing masks such as NBC masks used in civilian and military applications. In its preferred form, the device is self-contained and can be readily transported to field sites by one or two individuals. The device includes a protective storage and transport case. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the case houses the power unit assembly and includes sufficient storage space to store such things as an aerosol generator reservoir, various headform accessories, a containment shroud, manuals (e.g. installation, operation and maintenance manuals) and nominal tools. The lower portion of the case houses the head assembly and controller unit which are preferably mounted on a cover or top panel. Underneath the top or cover panel of the lower portion of the case are stored the light scattering chamber, flow sensor, pressure transducer, circuit boards and valves.

Abstract: A modular air filtration unit having a disposable filter section separable from an inlet cap and a blower section. The modular air filtration unit is of rugged, lightweight construction and eases the interchange of used filter assemblies without jeopardizing leakage that might cause contamination of the intended clean environment.

Abstract: An assembly line for manufacturing filter canisters is disclosed. The method for assembling filter canisters provides a unique serial number for each canister and a database that associates the component lot numbers, activated charcoal weight, and quality assurance test results with the serial number for the filter canister. The manufacturing method can be adapted for assembly of canisters with activated charcoal and an aerosol HEPA filter, canisters with activated charcoal only, and canisters with an aerosol HEPA filter only. Some embodiments can also enable different testing conditions and specifications, activated charcoal loading requirements, labeling specifications, and packaging requirements.

Abstract: A multi-function device for testing masks such as NBC masks used in civilian and military applications. In its preferred form, the device is self-contained and can be readily transported to field sites by one or two individuals. The device includes a protective storage and transport case. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the case houses the power unit assembly and includes sufficient storage space to store such things as an aerosol generator reservoir, various headform accessories, a containment shroud, manuals (e.g. installation, operation and maintenance manuals) and nominal tools. The lower portion of the case houses the head assembly and controller unit which are preferably mounted on a cover or top panel. Underneath the top or cover panel of the lower portion of the case are stored the light scattering chamber, flow sensor, pressure transducer, circuit boards and valves.

Abstract: A continuous wave laser excites a biological particle. Detection channels are created to detect light scattered by the biological particle, and to detect any auto-fluorescence emitted by the biological particle. Additional channels can also detect light emitted by auto-fluorescence of the biological particle when simultaneously excited by light at harmonics of the laser's fundamental wavelength. The biological particle is identified using Mie scattering and auto-fluorescence. Ratio-metric calculations generated by calculating ratios of detected peak heights or integrated pulse values in the channels provides additional information for identifying and classifying the biological particle. A warning or alert can be provided if the identified biological particle is a particle of interest.

Abstract: A continuous wave laser excites a biological particle. Detection channels are created to detect light scattered by the biological particle, and to detect any auto-fluorescence emitted by the biological particle. Additional channels can also detect light emitted by auto-fluorescence of the biological particle when simultaneously excited by light at harmonics of the laser's fundamental wavelength. The biological particle is identified using Mie scattering and auto-fluorescence. Ratio-metric calculations generated by calculating ratios of detected peak heights or integrated pulse values in the channels provides additional information for identifying and classifying the biological particle. A warning or alert can be provided if the identified biological particle is a particle of interest.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) assembly and kit therefore has an elongated hollow belt body having open first and second ends and multiple inlet openings along its length for mounting one or more filter canisters, one or more filter canisters for mounting in the inlet openings for supplying purified air to the interior of the belt body, a motor and driven fan assembly having a fan inlet in communication with each filter canister through the hollow belt body and a fan outlet; and a power source operably mounted to the belt body and connected to the motor. The PAPR assembly forms a portion of a belt or bandolier to be worn around the user's waist, back, or other location, and at least the belt body can be made of a flexible rubber material, such as a Butyl and Silicone blend, or any other suitable material to conform the PAPR belt to the user's body.