Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for connecting a sealed, flexible nutrition pouch to the hydration system of a user's protective mask, that allows the nutrition pouch to remain sealed until the user intends to consume the product inside of the nutrition pouch, enables resealing of the pouch after it has initially been opened, and allows connection of the nutrition pouch to the user's hydration system. The connector comprises a multi-piece body having an inlet end that may be manually attached to the outlet of the nutrition pouch without breaking the seal covering the outlet of the nutrition pouch. The connector likewise has an outlet end configured for attachment to an adapter on the user's fluid delivery system.

Abstract: A collapsible respiratory mask includes a flexible main body having a face-engaging flange that provides a continuous seal against a wearer's face and viewing windows that provide full peripheral vision to maximize the wearer's field of view. Filter panels are provided on opposite sides of the mask that allow for single-use disposable or replaceable assemblies, and each comprise a multi-layer assembly sewn around the perimeter with a fluorescent thread. A urethane gasket encloses the perimeter with the fluorescent thread viewable from inside of the gasket under ultraviolet light. An inner nose cup guides air that is inhaled through the filter panels past the viewing windows and into a separated air compartment inside of the nose cup, creating an airflow that minimizes fogging on the interior of the viewing windows. The mask is equipped with straps configured to enable a wearer to don the mask alone or with a protective helmet by attachment to a rail on the helmet.

Abstract: A hydration system maintains a ready supply of hydrating fluid within a sealed system that protects against contamination of the fluid supply and of the user in a CBRN environment. The system includes a fluid container having a removable cap that is equipped with a pressurization system that pressurizes the inside of the fluid container. Pressure inside of the fluid container drives the hydrating fluid, such as water, to an outlet in the cap and onward to a shuttle valve. In an exemplary embodiment, the shuttle valve has an inlet configured for fluid connection to the pressurized container, an outlet configured for connection to a supply line to the user's protective mask, and an intermediate port for connection to a personal hydration carrier carried by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for connecting a sealed, flexible nutrition pouch to the hydration system of a user's protective mask, that allows the nutrition pouch to remain sealed until the user intends to consume the product inside of the nutrition pouch, enables resealing of the pouch after it has initially been opened, and allows connection of the nutrition pouch to the user's hydration system. The connector comprises a multi-piece body having an inlet end that may be manually attached to the outlet of the nutrition pouch without breaking the seal covering the outlet of the nutrition pouch. The connector likewise has an outlet end configured for attachment to an adapter on the user's fluid delivery system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated respiratory and eye protective system that is light-weight and easily carried, is fast and easy to apply by a user, and that ensures protection of a user against inhalation or ingestion of or exposure to environmental contaminants, including for example dangerous aerosolized chemical, biological, and radiological materials. The system includes a mask that fits tightly over a user's nose and mouth and down and around their neck, with two filter assemblies on either side of the mask that filter environmental contaminants out of the air as the user breathes in through the mask. Goggles are provided that provide a single, continuous seal against the user's face and about the user's eyes, with the bottom, central portion of the goggles configured to engage and closely mate with the top, central portion of the mask.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular serviceable cartridge assembly for a respirator exhalation unit that is simple in construction and that allows quick-connect of an exhalation valve cartridge in a mask to minimize the need for reconfiguration when changing personal protective equipment, and that allows for easy removal and breakdown for servicing and/or replacement of individual components of the exhalation valve without modifying or replacing other elements of the protective mask. The assembly may be convertible from a negative pressure valve assembly to a positive pressure valve assembly, and vice versa, and a grill may be provided on an outlet side of the cartridge assembly, the rotation of which converts the assembly from a negative pressure valve to a positive pressure valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular serviceable cartridge assembly for a respirator exhalation unit that is simple in construction and that allows quick-connect of an exhalation valve cartridge in a mask to minimize the need for reconfiguration when changing personal protective equipment, and that allows for easy removal and breakdown for servicing and/or replacement of individual components of the exhalation valve without modifying or replacing other elements of the protective mask. The assembly may be convertible from a negative pressure valve assembly to a positive pressure valve assembly, and vice versa, and a grill may be provided on an outlet side of the cartridge assembly, the rotation of which converts the assembly from a negative pressure valve to a positive pressure valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular serviceable cartridge assembly for a respirator exhalation unit that is simple in construction and that allows quick-connect of an exhalation valve cartridge in a mask to minimize the need for reconfiguration when changing personal protective equipment, and that allows for easy removal and breakdown for servicing and/or replacement of individual components of the exhalation valve without modifying or replacing other elements of the protective mask. The assembly may be convertible from a negative pressure valve assembly to a positive pressure valve assembly, and vice versa, and a grill may be provided on an outlet side of the cartridge assembly, the rotation of which converts the assembly from a negative pressure valve to a positive pressure valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular serviceable cartridge assembly for a respirator exhalation unit that is simple in construction and that allows quick-connect of an exhalation valve cartridge in a mask to minimize the need for reconfiguration when changing personal protective equipment, and that allows for easy removal and breakdown for servicing and/or replacement of individual components of the exhalation valve without modifying or replacing other elements of the protective mask. The assembly may be convertible from a negative pressure valve assembly to a positive pressure valve assembly, and vice versa, and a grill may be provided on an outlet side of the cartridge assembly, the rotation of which converts the assembly from a negative pressure valve to a positive pressure valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular voice amplification system for a protective mask that allows connection of a single amplifier assembly to masks of varying configurations through minimal adjustment of the system. Adapter plates in the form of mounting brackets are provided, each of which is configured for attachment to the single amplifier assembly, but is individually configured for attachment to protective masks of varying configurations through differing attachment mechanisms provided on each adapter plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular voice amplification system for a protective mask that allows connection of a single amplifier assembly to masks of varying configurations through minimal adjustment of the system. Adapter plates in the form of mounting brackets are provided, each of which is configured for attachment to the single amplifier assembly, but is individually configured for attachment to protective masks of varying configurations through differing attachment mechanisms provided on each adapter plate.

Abstract: A quick-connect and disconnect securing mechanism is provided for allowing one wearing a protective mask to quickly connect to and drink fluids from a standard drinking fluid container while minimizing the risk of contamination of the fluid or the wearer. The device enables a secure connection of a gas mask to a chemical-biological warfare resistant water pouch to provide safe drinking water in contaminated environments. The securing mechanism is designed to interface with a variety of currently available coupling devices that are typically attached to a protective mask, and particularly for mask drinkstraw systems, and is particularly well suited for an AVON™ type fitting.

Abstract: A hydration system for providing fluid to a user. The system includes a bladder configured to hold a fluid, the bladder having a multilayer outer protective skin of a lightweight, durable thermoplastic laminate. A spout is connected to the bladder and in communication with the inside of the bladder and having a relatively large-diameter fill outlet for filling the bladder with fluid. A cap adapted to engage and close the fill port is included. A drinking tube in communication with the inside of the bladder extends from an exit port and includes a distal end upon which a mouthpiece may be mounted. The fill port includes a three-part closure fitting having a sealing base portion, a sealing closure portion, and a sealing cap portion. Each portion includes flanges having mating ridges and troughs to provide a leak proof seal.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for a coupling device is provided for allowing one wearing a protective mask to drink fluids from a standard drinking fluid container. The device enables a secure connection of a gas mask to a chemical-biological warfare resistant water pouch to provide safe drinking water in contaminated environments. The securing mechanism is designed to interface with a variety of currently available coupling devices, particularly for mask drinkstraw systems, and is particularly well suited for an AVON™ type fitting.

Abstract: A connector assembly for mounting on a main printed circuit board, comprising a jack defining a plug-receiving receptacle and including an outer housing part and an inner housing part, circuit coupling means including contact portions arranged in said receptacle and adapted to engage contacts of a mating plug when situated in said receptacle and terminal portions adapted to engage the main printed circuit board and being electrically coupled to said contact portions, a light pipe element arranged in said jack being visible from a front face of said jack, and light generating means for generating light and being arranged such that light generated by said light generating means is transmitted through said at least one light transmitting section to said front face of said jack.

Abstract: A multi-port modular jack including an outer housing part, inner housing parts arranged in the outer housing part to define plug-receiving receptacles receivable of mating plugs, and an optional shield surrounding the jack. The outer housing part having a top wall, a bottom wall and a front face having a mid-portion arranged substantially parallel to and between the top and bottom walls. The front face defines a first row of apertures between the mid-portion and the top wall and a second row of apertures between the mid-portion and the bottom wall. Each aperture in the first row has a plane of symmetry offset in relation to a plane of symmetry of each aperture in the second row such that only a portion of each aperture in the first row is directly opposite the opposed apertures in the second row. Vents are formed in the outer housing part to allow for the passage of air through the jack.

Abstract: A high frequency, modular electrical connector assembly including contact/terminal members arranged in such a manner to reduce crosstalk during use. The connector assembly includes a dielectric housing having a receptacle and an insert assembly arranged therein. The insert assembly includes an insert housing and first, second and preferably third sets of contact/terminal members, each contact/terminal member including a contact portion situated in the receptacle, a terminal portion extending beyond the bottom surface of the insert housing and an intermediate portion interconnecting the contact portion and the terminal portion. The contact/terminal member(s) in each set are geometrically different than the contact/terminal members in the other set(s) and are arranged substantially parallel to one another. The insert housing has conduits in each of which a respective contact/terminal member is received.