Abstract: A respirator assembly e.g. for NBC protection is formed from two separate sub-assemblies. The first sub-assembly comprises a flexible hood (or other suitable headgear), a rigid mounting ring and a peripheral face seal. The second sub-assembly comprise a face plate with lens, oronasal mask and inlet and outlet valves, and is demountably attachable to the ring. The first sub-assembly can be worn on its own with the user breathing ambient air through the front end, the second sub-assembly being added if and when a hazard is encountered. The positioning of the face seal in the first sub-assembly means that a comfortable and reliable fit can be ensured when the sub-assembly is donned prior to a mission, but the user is relieved of the physiological burden of wearing the complete respirator unless and until protection is required.

Abstract: A patient interface gas delivery mask having a forehead and chin support system including a forehead support, a chin support, and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient that incorporates such a mask, forehead support, and chin support. The forehead support includes a supporting arm which is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patient's of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. Likewise the chin support is also adjustably mounted to the mask shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory protection mask for a compressed air breathing apparatus comprising a pulmonary machine which is controlled by a control membrane when the wearer of the mask breathes in. According to the invention, the air outlet of the expiratory valve and the control membrane are covered by a common cover, forming a rinsing area on the outside of the control membrane through which homogeneously temperate, clean rinsing air flows from the air outlet to the air discharge openings in the cover, thereby ensuring high functionality and high service life of the membrane-controlled pulmonary machine despite extreme environmental conditions.

Abstract: A shoulder mounted hood cooling assembly includes a support, a blower carried by the support, and vents in fluid communication with the blower. The support when worn by a user positions at least a portion of the support adjacent the user's shoulder's and the vents are positioned to direct air exhausted from the blower to a neck or to a head or both the neck and the head of the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to positive airway pressure therapy apparatus and methods for using same. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a body- (e.g., head-) mounted housing enclosing a blower, wherein the housing includes air inlets on multiple sides so that the blower may draw adequate air even when inlets on one side are obstructed. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a mask or mask system securable to an airway of the user. The mask system may include a mask shell and two or more adapters configured to permit the attachment of two or more different mask seals to the same mask shell. Other embodiments of the invention describe strapping systems configured to removably attach the housing and the mask to the body. The apparatus may further include a drying mode that activates upon removal of the apparatus from the user.

Abstract: A surgical protective assembly having an air movement device and a head gear assembly carrying the air movement device. The head gear assembly includes an outer wall, an inner wall, a front end, a back end and a middle portion between the front end and the back end. The outer wall has an upper opening, the inner wall has an array of openings, and the inner and outer wall define a front opening at the front end. The head gear assembly has a passageway that fluidly connects together, the upper opening, the array and the front opening.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for artificially ventilating a patient, having: a nose receiving chamber; first and second fastening tabs each being arranged on respective nose wing portions of the nose receiving chamber and a third fastening tab being arranged on a nose root portion of the nose receiving chamber. A respiratory mask arrangement can include such a respiratory mask; a hat arranged on the head of the patient; and fastening means which cooperate with the fastening tabs and with the hat in order to fix the respiratory mask to the head of the patient. A respiration system can include such a respiratory mask arrangement; and a respiration device for producing a continuous positive airway pressure. A packaging unit can include such a respiratory mask having a border with a peripheral groove; a sealing means which is arranged in the peripheral groove and a protective film for covering the sealing means.

Abstract: A blow filter device for breathing masks and hoods, comprising a blower which is driven by a motor and at least one filter which is arranged upstream from the blower, in addition to an electronic control system for adjusting a predefined airflow volume. The invention is characterized in that the motor is an electronically commutated direct current motor (6) which is controlled with the aid of a pulse width modulation ratio as a control variable, wherein a calibrating curve is created and stored in the memory (14) of the electronic control system and is based on a plurality of different filter resistances and a respectively corresponding pulse-width modulation ratio (PWM) and the respective motor speed (n) for a specific volume of air.

Abstract: A respirator mask has a removably mounted support frame that adjustably and removably mounts a corrective lens frame. The corrective lens frame further has a molded bridge with a biasing member embedded therein. A pivotal tab on the support frame is received in one of a plurality of detents on the lens frame for releasably securing the lens frame in the desired position on the support frame. Laterally disposed mounting lugs on the support frame are received in integrally molded pockets in the respirator mask.

Abstract: A face mask support for continuous positive airway pressure comprises a circumferential band with biasing means support at the crown of the head on the medial line of the head. The circumferential edge of the cap extends from just below the forehead of a patient to below the inion protrusion at the nape of the neck. A biasing means which is preferably of length of spring steel is formed so as to extend from the biasing means support hold a nasal or face mask apposed to the face of a patient. The circumferential band is stabilized by a band extending from the circumferential band at the region of the ear to the biasing means support.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for identifying monitoring and evaluating hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions. The system may be worn by safety personnel to detect equipment conditions such as low power supply, environmental conditions such as ambient temperature and/or physiological conditions such as heart rate of a wearer. The system may further include a control unit having electronics operable to communicate signals associated with equipment, environmental and physiological conditions.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions. The pair of side portions includes at least one strap. The rear portion has at least one strap constructed of at least two layers of material. One of the layers of material has a more rigid construction than the other of the layers of material to resist compression of the at least one strap of the rear portion in a first direction which resists movement of the at least one strap of the pair of side straps in the first direction.

Abstract: The full face flexible oxygen mask for use with flight helmets includes an elastic face seal with an oronasal cone that seals around the nose and mouth of the wearer, and flexible sealing flaps along the perimeter of the face seal to adapt the face piece of the mask to seal against the surface of a flight helmet. The mask face piece has two large sealing surfaces or channels down each side of the mask that overlap and flex to adapt to seal to a variety of flight helmets. The top of the face seal has an inner and outer flap that work together to seal the exposed face visible between the sides of the flight helmet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a helmet suitable for use in an operating room setting, an emergency room setting, a hospital setting, or a lab. The helmet of the present invention provides one or more of the following features: (i) superior barrier protection to a surgeon (or other operating room personnel) during a surgical procedure, (ii) a desired degree of air flow through the helmet so as to minimize the potential for carbon dioxide buildup within the helmet, and (iii) an integrated battery pack positioned within the helmet.

Abstract: A surgical protective assembly having an air movement device and a head gear assembly carrying the air movement device. The head gear assembly includes an outer wall, an inner wall, a front end, a back end and a middle portion between the front end and the back end. The outer wall has an upper opening, the inner wall has an array of openings, and the inner and outer wall define a front opening at the front end. The head gear assembly has a passageway that fluidly connects together, the upper opening, the array and the front opening.

Abstract: A modular helmet-mask assembly for protecting a user's head and face from hazards such as from chemical and biological warfare agents. The invention includes an impact resistant helmet; a face protection assembly, which can be attached and detached from the helmet; and a transparent, impact resistant lens. The face protection assembly includes an impact resistant face protection shell with a vision port, through which the transparent lens can be positioned; a flexible nosecup assembly positioned to engage the mouth and nose of the user, which also includes a breathe-through airflow assembly and filter unit; and a flexible face seal which surrounds the nosecup assembly and lens and engages the face of the user. An adjustable head harness is attached to the shell or face seal, for adjustably securing the face seal and nosecup to the user's face to maximize comfort and protection while preventing fogging of the lens.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for delivery of oxygen or other treatment gases to a patient without requiring physical contact or enclosure of the patient. Embodiments can include a delivery hood, sensing components, and a gas distribution system including one or more gas delivery ports. Gas delivery ports may be individually controlled based on input from the sensing components to alter the volume and orientation of treatment gas flow directed at a patient. Sensing components can include cameras or other sensors that detect the position of a patient's head, and gas delivery ports may then be controlled to direct treatment gas flow in the direction of the patient's head. Embodiments and methods described thereby allow for efficient oxygen or other gas delivery to a patient without requiring contact or enclosure of the patient.

Abstract: A headgear for securing a patient airway interface device to a patient's head, and in particular an infant patient. The headgear includes a central body, first and second forehead straps, and first and second lower straps. The forehead straps extend from opposite side of the central body. The lower straps also extend from opposite sides of the central body, and are inferiorly spaced from a corresponding forehead strap. Upon application to a patient's head, the central body and the forehead straps establish a line of attachment extending from the patient's forehead to a nape of the patient's neck (i.e., adjacent the occipital bone). The lower straps are then available for connecting an airway interface piece to the headgear.

Abstract: A heat management system for industrial safety equipment is described, including an industrial safety article (e.g., a full face respirator), a power source and a fan unit, wherein the fan unit is mounted on the industrial safety article such that the fan directs air within a confined or other interior space of the industrial safety article, and wherein the fan unit is powered by the power source.

Abstract: A gas mask with device for supplying a liquid into the interior space of the gas mask includes a feed tube (6) for drinking liquid that can be fastened to the mask body of the gas mask (3) in a simple manner. A circumferential bead (10) with holes (11), into which a closing plug (8) on the gas mask (3) can be inserted, is provided on the feed tube (6).

Abstract: A headgear for securing and positioning a mask suitable for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing is constructed from a composite including polyurethane foam. It includes a back portion with upper and lower straps connected to the back portion. The straps have relatively narrow strap ends the lower straps are displaced downward with respect to the back portion. A quick release mechanism near the front of the face attaches the headgear to the mask. Additional components can be attached to the straps to alter their elasticity and stiffness.

Abstract: Mask apparatus and methods for providing positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The mask apparatus includes a mask secured to the mount with the mask cantilevered from the mount. A circumferential band, a first lateral stabilizing band and a second lateral stabilizing band secure the mount to the head of a user. The methods include securing a mask apparatus to the head of a user and administering a positive airway pressure therapy.

Abstract: A high output, powered air purifying respirator that includes an anti-contamination suit, a filter for filtering particulates from the air, a high powered blower for delivering a cool flow of air to the body, and a stabilization mechanism. The stabilization mechanism is configurable in either head mounted or back mounted modules as desired by a worker. The head mounted configuration facilitates stream lined mobility and includes a head mounted suspension system with a circular rail and roller bearing halo around the worker's head for stabilizing the blower/filter and allowing for rotation of the worker's head inside the halo. The invention also includes additional modules, also configurable by the user, such as personal hydration and independent camera and dosimeter support.

Abstract: A respiratory protection system which is worn by a passenger during a flight in air plane, by a patient visiting hospital or doctors office, a nurse working with a patient during hospital stay, or the like. The system includes a relatively light weight, substantially rigid, headgear structure, containing an air disinfection chamber, a fan means, a filter means, an ultraviolet air disinfection means, an air blanket origination means and an energizing means.

Abstract: A respiratory component mounting assembly includes a first respiratory component, a second respiratory component and a mounting clip for mounting the second respiratory component to the first respiratory component. Each of the first and second respiratory components includes at least two spaced apart clip openings. The mounting clip has an intermediate portion and two spaced apart free ends connected to the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the mounting clip is received within both of the clip openings of the first respiratory component and the free ends of the mounting clip are received in the clip openings of the second respiratory component for releasably securing the first and second respiratory components together.

Abstract: A patient interface having a cushion for engagement with the face of a user, a shell having an extension with a forehead support connected to the extension. The forehead support has a hinge so that the forehead support can be deformed to conform to the user's forehead. The patient interface also has a pivotable coupling defined by a body and a coplanar conduit that extends radially from the body. The coupling also has a port that allows access within the cavity formed by the cushion so that the port and coupling may rotate together.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible respiratory protective hood having interior and exterior surfaces. Multiple apertures are die-cut in the hood in a predetermined geometric configuration. A substantially rigid respiration component to provides a fluid pathway between hood interior and exterior. Raised fluid ports extend from the respiration component and are aligned with the apertures. Fluid ports extend from the hood interior surface and project from the hood exterior surface. A bond between the hood interior surface and the respiration component form a fluid impermeable seal between the respiration component and hood.

Abstract: A universal headgear is easy to use and creates an effective seal between a patient interface device, such as gas delivery mask, and a patient. The headgear of the present invention includes a halo-like headband formed from an elastomeric material. The headband includes contoured panels that allow the device to fit most people without circumference length adjustment. The halo headband is designed to maintain a substantially frusto-conical shape when worn. The present invention preferably includes an adjustable crossover strap on the top connecting the contoured panels that is adapted to hold the halo headband in position. The headpiece further includes connecting straps to adjustably connect the headgear to a patient interface device. The present headgear fits a wide range of head sizes and shapes, is easy to use, and provides increased stability.

Abstract: A patient interface gas delivery mask having a forehead and chin support system including a forehead support, a chin support, and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient that incorporates such a mask, forehead support, and chin support. The forehead support includes a supporting arm which is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patient's of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. Likewise the chin support is also adjustably mounted to the mask shell.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed to extract breathable air from snow via an air extraction backpack. The apparatus includes an air-permeable extraction assembly that is attached to a backpack. The air-permeable extraction assembly has an air intake cavity. An air-permeable membrane covers the air intake cavity. A mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the air intake cavity. The mouthpiece draws intake air through the air intake cavity upon inhalation by a user. A transfer guide passes intake air from the air-permeable extraction assembly to the mouthpiece upon inhalation by the user.

Abstract: Breathing apparatus for medicating an airstream, compring a breathing apparatus (139), a medication chamber (138) adapted to store and discharge a therapeutic agent, a delivery pathway (141) between the chamber (138) and an intake air pathway and releasing means (145) for selectively discharging the therapeutic agent from the chamber (138) into the intake air pathway. The apparatus is particularly suited for scuba diving, snorkels, gas masks and filters. The invention is suitable for asthma sufferers but also extends to other respiratory diseases. Also claimed are a medication chamber for use in medicating an airstream and a method of medicating an airstream.

Abstract: A respirator for a compressed air breathing apparatus including a lung machine controlled by a control membrane and an expiratory valve with an air outlet. The air outlet of the expiratory valve and the control membrane of the lung machine are covered by a common lid spaced from the expiratory valve and control membrane, with there being at least one air discharge opening on the lid that forms a purging space around the control membrane through which air from the air outlet passes so as to move against the control membrane and to the at least one discharge opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed to extract breathable air from snow via a protective helmet. The apparatus includes a protective structure, at least one air intake cavity, and a mouthpiece. The protective structure defines an inner cavity and an outer surface. The air intake cavity or cavities are disposed on the outer surface of the protective structure. The mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the air intake cavity or cavities. Additionally, the mouthpiece is configured to allow a user to draw intake air from ambient snow through the one or more intake cavities and to the user's mouth upon inhalation. Advantageously, the apparatus and system provide a reliable mechanism for drawing air from ambient snow when a user, especially the user's face or head, is at least partially buried in the snow. Additionally, bulky and inefficient breathing tubes are minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: A fluid impermeable interface between a polymer hood and an elastomeric neck dam includes a film composite material having a fluid impermeable outer surface and a fibrous backing inner surface. At least one fiber-free fluid barrier channel is formed in the fibrous backing inner surface. An adhesive disposed within the at least one fiber-free fluid barrier channel bonds the elastomeric neck dam to the fibrous backing inner surface, forming a mechanical bond and a fluid barrier between the fibrous backing inner surface and the elastomeric neck dam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for a gas delivery and monitoring system for delivering a gas product to a patient and receiving a gas product exhaled from a patient. In an embodiment, the gas delivery and monitoring system includes a head support made of resilient material and having therein a facial cavity. The facial cavity is configured to fit the contours of a patient's face and provides an oxygen rich environment for the patient while undergoing a medical procedure. In an embodiment, the facial cavity is shaped substantially in the form of a figure eight. In an embodiment, the facial cavity is further provided with one or more segmented edges that can be removed to further shape the facial cavity to the contours of the patient's face. In an embodiment, tubing is used to deliver oxygen from an oxygen source to the patient. Similarly, tubing is also used to receive carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient so that it might be measured by a carbon dioxide monitor.

Abstract: A flow generator for generating a flow of pressurized breathable gas includes a cylindrical housing and a motor supported in the housing. The motor has a shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The shaft is generally coincident with an axis of the motor. A first impeller is attached to the first end of the shaft and a second impeller is attached to the second end of the shaft. A stator directs an air flow from the first impeller back towards the motor axis. The housing includes an inlet adjacent the first end of the shaft having an inlet axis generally coincident with the motor axis and at least one outlet between the first and second impellers. The at least one outlet has an outlet axis generally tangential to the motor axis. An apparatus for delivering a flow of pressurized breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator and a casing to contain the flow generator.

Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask, especially for use in the field of sleep medicine, includes a headband which, in an application position, extends from the forehead area of the patient to behind the ear area of the patient, whereby the headband is provided with a flexible reinforcing insert for reinforcing the headband in a lateral direction. This makes it advantageously possible to provide the mask retention forces, which are necessary for reliably applying a respiratory mask, in a manner that is very compatible with regard to ergonomics.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protective headgear comprising a respirator (2) capable of being connected to a breathing mixture source, an eye protecting shield (5) and first (32) and second (56) lock elements, respectively located on the respirator (2) and on the shield (6) and adapted to co-operate with each other to secure the shield (6) to the respirator (2), when the respirator is in its use position on the user's face, the first (32) and second (56) lock elements being adapted to be mutually engaged and interlocked by a movement bringing the shield (6) closer to the respirator (2), from above.

Abstract: The present invention is a nasal oxygen supply cannula and head support structure, having a tube with a proximal end connected to an oxygen supply and a distal end connected to a nosepiece having a one or more intra-nasal oxygen delivery output ports, a head support on the head of a patient, and a mechanism for securing the cannula to the cap.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly which are adapted to being remove ably magnetically coupled to one another at a desired angular orientation therebetween.

Abstract: A system adapted to provide a flow of gas to an airway of a patient. The system comprises a first conduit, a second conduit, an interface appliance, and a retention assembly. The first conduit has a proximal end and a distal end. The second conduit has a proximal end and a distal end. The interface appliance has an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and one or more airway openings. The inlet opening is engaged with the proximal end of the first conduit such that the flow of gas is provided from the first conduit to the interface appliance at the engagement between the inlet opening and the proximal end of the first conduit. The one or more airway openings are adapted to deliver a portion of the flow of gas to the airway of the patient. The outlet opening is engaged with the proximal end of the second conduit such that a portion of the flow of gas is released from the interface appliance into the second conduit at the engagement between the outlet opening and the proximal end of the second conduit.

Abstract: A personal oxygen supply tubing management system includes a headband for positioning and grasping the tubing. The headband includes a rear tubing entry point, a curved path for grasping the tubing to prevent sliding, and an exit over a patient's ears. The curved path is created by a flap which resides over the tubing and obstructions between the flap and the headband which prevents the tubing from assuming a straight path. For example, the obstructions may be four mutually offset snaps forcing the tubing to assume a curved path to navigate past the snaps. The headband may be worn as a headband alone or may be a headband of a cap or hat. Integrating the oxygen supply tubing management system into a cap, for example a common base ball cap, provides a degree of concealment and reduces or eliminates the embarrassment a patient may experience when wearing an oxygen supply.

Abstract: A personalised cap (10) for use with a protective helmet is disclosed, having crown and brow portions (12, 14). The brow portion (14) is removable independently of the crown portion (10), and an alternative brow portion (14?) is provided for use when a environmental protection hood is to be worn under the helmet. An alternative crown portion (12?) also may be provided. A hood for use over a helmet and a hose for use to provide air to a respiratory mask, a mask and fittings for attaching a mask to a helmet are also disclosed. The environmental protection hood may comprise a manifold (412) having an element external to the hood, for receiving supply of services needed within the hood, and an element internal to the hood, for providing those services where required.

Abstract: A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a common frame provided without built-in or integral headgear attachment points and at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to be provided to the frame. Each of the at least first and second headgear connectors are adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear. The at least first and second headgear connectors are different from one another in at least one aspect.

Abstract: A flexible respiratory protective hood having interior and exterior surfaces, at least one aperture in the hood die-cut in a predetermined geometric configuration, a substantially rigid respiration component adapted to provide a fluid pathway between hood interior and exterior, at least one raised fluid port extending from the respiration component, the raised fluid port arranged in aligned relation to the aperture, the fluid port is received by the aperture in the hood interior surface and projects from the hood exterior surface whereby a portion of the hood interior surface abuts the respiration component between the raised fluid port, a bond between the hood interior surface and the respiration component thereby forming a fluid impermeable seal between the respiration component and hood.

Abstract: A personal air-filtration device directing filtered air at the face without the use of a mask or a mouthpiece is described. The inventive device provides filtered air to the user without obstructing the user's mouth, thus allowing the user to talk and consume food and/or water while in operation.

Abstract: The present system includes a protective hood with a vent opening and a transparent shield mounted to a front portion of the hood. In a basic configuration, a fan assembly is removably mounted to the hood and coupled to the vent opening to direct airflow within the hood. In another configuration, a fan assembly is selectively attachable to the vent opening or position. Optionally, a rear flap selectively seals the vent position when the fan assembly is detached and the rear flap partially covers a fan when the fan assembly is attached to the hood. In another configuration, a fan assembly is detachably mounted to the hood to draw an airflow into the hood. In preferred embodiments, a wearer can wear the hood with the fan assembly attached or detached.

Abstract: A respiratory protective hood design that aligns rigid components of the respiratory protective hood into a predetermined geometric configuration suitable for a visor to overlay without causing the visor to crease while in the packaged state. An exhalation unit abuts two filtration units on each side to create a substantially uniform surface area over which a visor is disposed while in a packaged state.

Abstract: A protective helmet for wearing while riding an open-air vehicle, such as a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle. In addition to protecting the head from being injured in a collision, the helmet prevents particles of dirt, dust and similar debris from reaching the face of the helmet wearer. The helmet includes one or more removable filters which cover one or more air intakes ports formed in the helmet, and which are sufficiently porous to allow adequate air passage therethrough. Each filter is coated with a benign adsorption substance, such as vegetable oil, which captures the particles and prevents them from passing through to the rider, and which does not clog the filter pores. A filter with these characteristics also may be used in other applications, such as with air conditioners, carpentry dusk masks, and the like.

Abstract: The full face flexible oxygen mask for use with flight helmets includes an elastic face seal with an oronasal cone that seals around the nose and mouth of the wearer, and flexible sealing flaps along the perimeter of the face seal to adapt the face piece of the mask to seal against the surface of a flight helmet. The mask face piece has two large sealing surfaces or channels down each side of the mask that overlap and flex to adapt to seal to a variety of flight helmets. The top of the face seal has an inner and outer flap that work together to seal the exposed face visible between the sides of the flight helmet.