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 breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing oxygen from an oxygen supply to a user. The system includes: (a) a hood adapted to fit over the user's head. The hood includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a seal mechanism adapted to engage at least one of the user's head, neck and torso to restrict a flow of oxygen from the hood; (b) a flow control mechanism for coupling between the oxygen supply and the inlet port, and for controlling a flow of oxygen to the hood; and (c) a pressure control mechanism coupled to the outlet port, wherein the back pressure valve is adapted to regulate a pressure of the oxygen in the hood to between about 0.5 inches of water (“inH2O”) (0.00127 atm) and about 4 inH2O (0.01016 atm). Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a protective headgear system which includes a relatively light weight, substantially rigid, headgear structure which may include an internal, adjustable headband. The system includes at least one filter which is attachable to the headgear structure to cover the structure and a filter protector mounted thereon. A fan mechanism is mounted on the headgear structure to draw air into the headgear structure through the filter means. A power supply selectively powers the fan. A facial shield is attachable to the headgear structure to cover the face of the wearer to maintain non-contaminating conditions relative to the wearer. A flexible cuff or hood is attachable to the facial shield to enclose the lower opening of the lens and provides protection for the wearer through which air can be exhausted.

Abstract: A pressure demand regulator assembly for use with a breathing apparatus having a valve assembly that includes an inlet for connection to a source of breathing gas, an outlet for connection to a facepiece to provide breathing gas to the user and an actuator for controlling the flow of breathing gas between the inlet and the outlet in response to the user's respiration. The regulator assembly further includes a flexible elastomeric diaphragm in operative connection with the actuator. The diaphragm is exposed to ambient pressure on a first side thereof and exposed to a positive pressure within the facepiece on a second side thereof.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator comprises an oxygen reservoir and adsorbent columns that each have an inlet, an outlet, and a bed of adsorbent material. The concentrator also comprises an air inlet, an exhaust outlet, and a vacuum pump for pumping nitrogen rich gas from one of the column inlets to the exhaust outlet. A product control pump pumps oxygen rich gas from one of the column outlets to the oxygen reservoir. A control valve controls flow in and out of the columns by selectively connecting the air inlet to one column inlet, connecting the vacuum pump to another column inlet, and connecting the product control pump to a column outlet. A motor drives the vacuum pump and control valve to produce vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) cycles in which oxygen-rich product gas is separated and accumulated in the reservoir.

Abstract: In order to prevent tainting of a cougher's hand with germs, the product from a cough is carried in contact with a germicide inside a hollow article, and is vented out of the hollow article, in directions away from the user's face and hand holding the article. More specifically, the cough catcher has a hollow region for accepting the product from a cough therein. This hollow region has a filter element containing a germicide mounted therein, and a series of channels formed between the filter element and a bottom surface of the hollow region. The channels communicate with vent ports around a rim portion of the cough catcher. The vent ports are oriented away from both the mouth opening and the outside surface of the cough catcher for conveying the product from a cough away from both the face and the hand of a user.

Abstract: Concentrated oxygen product gas is produced and delivered to a patient. Product gas is produced by (a) introducing ambient air into a first end of a column containing an adsorbent material that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen and removes oxygen-rich product gas out a second end of the column; (b) evacuating the column through the first end to remove adsorbed gas from the column; (c) repressurizing the column by introducing ambient air into the first end of the column until the column is near 1.0 atmosphere; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c). Product gas is delivered as needed to the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a personal air purifier having a housing with a filtering-and-purifying unit, a fan and an air-velocity-controlling unit therein. Under the control of the air-velocity-controlling unit, the fan can draw air through an air inlet into the housing and supply it via the filtering-and-purifying unit and a vent hole to the user, with comfortable air pressure and the filtering-and-purifying unit can purify most of the harmful substances from the air, making the air well purified. The vent hole is formed in the housing and connected with a duct that is extending to the user's nostril to supply the well purified air to the user. The personal air purifier is able to be carried on the shoulder or belt of the user anywhere, and is able to be activated by the solar energy when it is used outdoors.

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: A motorcycle helmet having an oxygen conversion unit, which converts polluted air to breathable oxygen and other harmless compounds, while riding through the polluted atmosphere.

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 respirator helmet (10?) or other helmet adapted to receive, by means of a plug (66) and socket arrangement (70), a pivotable bar (62) carrying a protective screen (63) such that the screen may be moved between a lowered position in front of the face of the wearer of the helmet and a raised position.

Abstract: A combined air-supplying/air-purifying breathing system that includes a self-contained breathing apparatus, a facepiece for delivering breathable air from the self-contained breathing apparatus to a user, and a powered air-purifying respirator having at least one filter and a blower and having an output connected by a hose assembly to the facepiece. A control interface operationally connects the self-contained breathing apparatus to the powered air-purifying respirator. The self-contained breathing apparatus includes a pressure vessel, a cylinder valve assembly and a pressure reducer, all carried by a back frame, and the powered air-purifying respirator is adapted to be mounted on, and carried by, the back frame, by coupling the back frame and the respirator together at respective attachment points.

Abstract: A heat exchange module comprising a number of substantially parallel and spaced apart heat exchange elements is provided. One or more surfaces of the heat exchange elements may be coated with a dessicant. The module can be manufactured so that first and second surfaces of the module are curved. The module may be used as part of a face mask or other garment that positions the module within the respiratory air stream of a user. The module may be inserted in a mesh sleeve provided as part of the garment. The module may also be used as part of other forms of clothing that protect the face and in protective helmets, or as part of outdoor or survival equipment.

Abstract: A compressed air respirator with prolonged operating time due to rebreathing. The compressed air reservoir includes a compressed air reserve with a connected demand air supply valve, a reversible breathing gas reservoir (4) with a registering device (5) detecting the filling level of the breathing gas reservoir (4), and with an inspiration and expiration line (7, 8) for the user of the apparatus. A valve (6) is connected with the inspiration and expiration line (7, 8) and, on the inlet side, with the compressed air reserve (1) with a demand air supply valve (2) and with the breathing gas reservoir (4) and, on the outlet side, with the ambient air (11) and with the breathing gas reservoir (4).

Abstract: A powered air-purifying respirator that includes an enclosure, defining a single contiguous enclosed interior, an inlet duct, including an inlet and a distribution portion, that guides ambient air to the interior of the enclosure, a plurality of filter canisters disposed within the interior of the enclosure, and a blower that forces air through the at least one inlet, into the interior of the enclosure and through the plurality of filter canisters to produce filtered air suitable for breathing. A valve controls the flow of ambient air through the inlet duct. A fluid dam, disposed in an air path between the inlet and the filter canisters prevents liquids from reaching the filter canisters. The enclosure is reinforced and is adapted to provide protection for the filter canister from flame and heat while the filter canister is in use. A recirculation valve recycles previously-filtered air back into the enclosure.

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: The present invention relates to a full-face germproof respirator, which comprises a respirator body and a three-dimensional mask. The three-dimensional mask is assembled on the respirator body. The full-face germproof respirator is disposable owing to its adoption of low-cost materials and fabrication. All joints of the full-face germproof respirator are heat-sealed, achieving excellent germproof effects. Besides, the full-face germproof respirator adopts the three-dimensional mask, and thereby mists produced by a user are reduced.

Abstract: An adapter for testing an outlet valve of a protective mask with a testing apparatus includes portions which oppose the valve and are configured to connect the valve to the tester in sufficient isolation for testing purposes. In one implementation, the valve has first and second notches configured to engage corresponding non-uniform geometries in an interference fit. In still further implementations, the adapter comprises an overmold with a resiliently compressible surface conformed to mate with the outlet valve and an insert at least partly encapsulated by the overmold and providing support to the resilient compression of the surface of the overmold. In use, the portions of the adapter engaging corresponding locations on the valve to be tested form an interference fit.

Abstract: A respirator which has a collapsible air guide (2) and two filter supports (3), the filter supports (3) each having a first end (35)=joined to the first end (35) of the other, and a second end (36) opposite to the first end (35). The air guide (2) is in a collapsed state when second ends (36) of the filter supports (3) are adjacent to one another, and is in a deployed state when the second ends (36) are further apart. The air guide (2) may be located between the filter supports (3) when the second ends (36) of the filter supports (3) are adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A face mask assembly and method of assembling a face mask is provided for a patient that includes a face piece sized to fit over the patient's nose and mouth. The face mask assembly forms a mask chamber between the face piece and the patient's nose and mouth. An inhalation adapter is coupled to the face piece to deliver medication to the chamber. A filter housing is coupled to the face piece and includes a flange section that defines a passageway to connect the mask chamber and the flange section. A filter is positioned in the filter housing. A cover is coupled to the flange section and has an exhalation opening or vent to allow gases from the mask chamber to pass through the filter and escape from the passageway to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A protective hood is provided for protecting a wearer's head from environmental elements. The protective hood includes a hood body having a cap section positioned to fit over a top of the wearer's head, side sections positioned to hang adjacent sides of the wearer's head, and a back section positioned to hang adjacent a back of the wearer's head. The hood body defines an interior space for receiving the wearer's head. An outlet is provided for exhausting gas from the interior space of the hood body. The outlet includes a channel defined by first and second portions of the hood body. The channel is in fluid communication with the interior space and includes an open end portion in fluid communication with the environment for exhausting gas from the channel into the environment.

Abstract: The combination noise suppression and breathing respirator of the present invention includes a face mask of the snorkel or diving type, the facemask sealing against the face of the user around the nose, cheeks, eyes and forehead of the wearer. The facemask has a nosepiece having an exhalation flap check valve for exhalation by the user. Each side of the face mask has a one-way inlet valve at a connection which connects with rearward extending dual use air channel and straps. A noise suppression and air filter module is worn over each ear of the user and is attached to respective dual use air channel and straps. Head bands extend around the back of the wearer's head between air filter modules an adjustably connected by buckles thereto.

Abstract: A rebreather apparatus having a gas scrubber canister with a generally oval or elliptical cross section. The canister being configured so that exhaled gases pass through the adsorbent in a radial manner through a generally hollow tube having the same cross sectional shape as the canister. The shape of the canister allows for increasing the volume of the canister relative to round cylinder shaped canisters without making it too cumbersome such that it effects the efficiency of a diver. The canisters have at least one removable end cap and the end caps are configured for housing gas addition and control systems. The rebreather apparatus can be rapidly reconfigured to provide a variety of fully closed or semi closed circuit configurations and it can be reconfigured to be worn in a variety of ways based on tasks to be performed and diver preference.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a silencer for an airline hood and a protective hood having the silencer. The present invention reduces the speed of air fed into a space between upper and lower units, using an air distributing means, prior to discharging the air through air outlet holes formed on the lower unit to the outside of the space, thus minimizing noise due to the air. Further, the silencer for an airline hood is installed in the protective hood, thus minimizing noise, therefore increasing work efficiency, when a worker works with the protective hood on.

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 powered respiration comprising, an air supplying unit and a filter equipped to a face piece part of said powered respiration, wherein an electric fan, a motor and a battery are installed in said air supplying unit.

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 respirator includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a separator that separates the first chamber and the second chamber. A filtration system includes an inhale valve that only allows air to enter the respirator and an exhale valve that only allows air to exit the respirator. The system can be reversed so that the inhale valve and exhale valve may be positioned on either the first or second chamber. A replaceable filter can be provided that includes a supply canister including a supply of filter material, a take-up canister that receives used filter material, and a path between the supply canister and the take-up canister that guides the filter material across the respirator's inhale valve, exhale valve, or both the inhale and exhale valves.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator comprises a vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) gas separation system which includes a cartridge containing a mass of adsorbent material for producing oxygen, a drive which activates the gas separation system, and a power source comprising a mass. A ratio of the mass of the power source to a flow rate of oxygen produced by the oxygen concentrator is between 0.047 and 0.29 kg/LPM·hr.

Abstract: Helmets are disclosed. Methods of making and using helmets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter pad, particularly for a protective hood or smoke mask, has a flow distributor and an adjacent underlying filter layer. The flow distributor, which is impermeable or substantially impermeable to gas, diverts gas flow and directs flow in the underlying filter layer thus increasing or maximizing resident time for filtering in the filter layer. The filter pad may include one or more flow distributors and one or more filter layers. The filter pad may be incorporated into a protective hood that is provided for the protection of individuals in the event of fire or other disaster. The hood includes a transparent, low flammability cover having an opening therein with the filter pad exposed through the opening, the hood being disposed over and completely around the head of a wearer with a bottom thereof extending to a neck of the wearer.

Abstract: A bandana for holding a particulate breathing filter over the mouth and nose of a wearer which includes a fabric panel with an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge, and at least first and second sides depending downwardly from the upper edge. The upper edge includes an upper elastic strap with first and second ends extending beyond the panel material sufficiently to tie or fasten the bandana around the head of a wearer. Attachment apparatus is disposed on the inner surface of the fabric panel so that a particulate air filter pouch having complementary attachment apparatus can be attached to the bandana.

Abstract: An improvement to a combination of an SCBA system for providing bottled air to a user and a PAPR system for purifying ambient air for use by a user wherein a sensor is included to determine the oxygen content of the breathing gas and the presence of contaminations in the atmosphere to control operation of the two systems depending on the contaminated condition of the ambient air and the oxygen content of the ambient air.

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: A filter for a gas mask has an elliptical or circular, convex shape to conform to the curvature of the wearer's face, or a planar shape. The filter comprises a double particulate filter element and a double adsorption filter element configured for axial airflow therethrough with a bifurcated flow pattern. The adsorption filter element comprises a granulated charcoal, a composite material having carbon particles combined with binder particles, or an immobilized bed of charcoal granules and EVA-coated fibers.

Abstract: A respiration hood assembly is effected from a thin-walled headpiece nested within the periphery of a mating exterior housing that includes a filtered aperture. The nested engagement between the headpiece and the housing is also useful in capturing one edge of a plastic membrane skirt that is thus suspended to drape over the person wearing the headpiece. A battery powered electric fan is deployed within the housing to draw ambient air through the vent aperture into the space shrouded by the skirt. The nested headpiece arrangement is useful in retaining other fibrous towels or tissue to extend the usefulness of the assembly and a parallel connection is provided to a motor vehicle battery to extend the period of electrical excitation.

Abstract: A speech transmission adapter for use with a respirator mask. The respirator mask has an associated clean air source and defines a clean air envelope between the body of the respirator mask and the face of the wearer and is bounded by a sealing portion of the respirator mask, the clean air source, and an exhalation port. The speech transmission adapter comprises a peripheral housing, a speech reception device supported by the peripheral housing, a speech transmitter coupled to the speech reception device, and a port defined in the peripheral structure for enabling the passage of air therethrough. The peripheral housing is adapted to mate to the respirator mask in a manner that expands the clean air envelope defined therein to include the speech reception means within the clean air envelope without requiring structural modification to the respirator mask.

Abstract: A protective garment incorporates a face and neck mask adapted to filter out airborne particulates. The protective garment outwardly has the appearance of a conventional shirt, sweater or jacket, yet incorporates a convenient, easy to use, and readily accessible mask that is always available to the wearer and is ready for use on short notice.

Abstract: A protective device to be emplaced over the head of a user comprises a sack-like member fabricated from a flexible film material and having an opening to enable a user to place the sack-like member over the user's head. The sack-like member has an interior containing a predetermined amount of an oxygen producing material, wherein the material produces oxygen by reacting with the exhalation products of the user.

Abstract: A filter canister assembly for a gas mask comprising a primary canister with a first filter medium adapted to remove aerosols, particulate materials and droplets from air and a second filter medium comprising an adsorbent filter medium adapted to remove toxic gases and arranged in serial communication with the first filter medium in the first canister. A supplementary filter canister has a third filter media adapted to intercept toxic industrial materials and is removably mounted to a first end of the first housing to supplement the ability of the primary filter canister to filter toxic industrial gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a respirator hood assembly that has a bag, half mask and a respirator assembly. The assembly includes a filtration unit and at least one inlet pipe containing a filter. The assembly of the invention allows for flexible filter design and also defines a rigid external structure that supports the hood and allows the user to quickly don the hood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breathing-speaking valve intended to be used as a speaking valve of patients requiring filtration of inspiration air inhaled via tracheostomas and are mounted on a tracheal tube, which breathing-speaking valve includes a valve housing (1) inended to be attached to the tracheal tube and which comprises a check valve in the form of a membrane (10), which check valve opens when the patient inhales and closes at expiration and filter (7) for filtration of the inspiration air, which filter is located within this membrane, and optional, a nipple (6) for connection to a oxygen apparatus for oxygen delivery to the inspiration air whereby the filter (7) is laying against a number of ribs (5) located in the bottom (2) of the valve housing (1) and a nipple (6) for connection to a oxygen apparatus is mounted substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the valve housing (1) by the bottom of the valve housing (1), and said nipple (6) opens into the space (14) defined by t

Abstract: A supplied air helmet 10 comprises a visor 14 and a face seal 12 that is secured to the visor. The face seal 12 includes a sealing member 18 and a frame member 16. The sealing member 18 extends radially inward from the frame member 16 and has first and second regions of permeability 20 and 22. The second region 22 has greater permeability than the first region 20. The use of a face seal 12 that has differentiated permeability allows for a controlled flow of air through the interior of the supplied air helmet 10.

Abstract: A protective breathing hood comprising a hood made of a stretchable fire resistant material and which is also impermeable to gases and biologic material. The hood is sized and shaped for placing over a head of a user in an airtight manner with an opening of the hood scalingly engaging a neck portion of the user. At least a visor portion of the hood is transparent and a pair of respiratory units are disposed offset with respect to the nose location. Each respiratory unit comprises a housing formed with an inhalation flow path accommodating activated charcoal particles, and an exhalation flow path fitted with a one way exhaling valve, wherein at a donned position of the hood a chamber is formed at a mouth/nose location thereof.

Abstract: A nostril filtering system is described for providing clean, filtered air for breathing in through the nose. The filtering system includes a soft, pliable filter material held in a flexible frame that can be inserted into each nostril of a user. In the case of foul odors or noxious fumes, for example, the filter can include an activated charcoal filter portion. The device can be offered in several sizes to accommodate adults and children.

Abstract: The invention relates to biological defense masks, and more particularly, biological defense masks designed for use by populations at risk of widespread biological attack via biological weapons of mass destruction. The present invention is also related to methods for using such biological defense masks wherein meteorological data is used to issue advisories with regard to the use of such biological defense masks to a population at risk of biological weapons of mass destruction.

Abstract: A self-powered, personally wearable air purifier includes a sequence of packed bed filter media packets having filter media therein of specifically targeted types that will absorb those ambient air pollutants that have been identified as being particularly dangerous to human health. A HEPA filter is included for the removal of particulate matter that will have adhered thereto many of such pollutants. Media types can be selected to meet different environmental circumstances, including normal highway or city center air, or terrorist attacks of chemical, biological or “dirty bomb” types as on a battlefield or similar environments. Shoulder straps and a chest strap are provided for wearing the apparatus on a user's back, or other means such as a shoulder pouch can also be employed. Emergency substitution of filter media using thermal insulation from the clothing of the user is available upon depletion of the normal media material.

Abstract: A respirator (10) that includes a face piece (14) and a cartridge receiving structure (22) located on the face piece (14). The face piece (14) is sized to fit snugly over the nose and mouth of a person, and the filter cartridge (12) is capable of being manually snapped into engagement with the cartridge receiving structure (22). The snap-fit can be instantaneously obtained without rotational movement of the filter cartridge (12), simply by pressing the filter cartridge (12) against the receiving structure (22).