Abstract: A fabric containing nanotubes which is impervious to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens; which is self-sterilizing and reusable; and a method of producing the same are disclosed. The fabric can be used to construct facemasks, gloves, protective suits, protective habitats, continuous air filtration/sterilization systems or any other type of protective clothing or structure. The fabric may have integrated temperature monitoring sensors. The fabric may be made into patches which may be integrated into existing articles of clothing. When connected to an electrical power source, either via built-in electrical connections or by induction, the active layer which is one of the components of the fabric will heat to a temperature high enough to eliminate potential biological contamination from viruses, bacteria and other microbial threats. Combining the CNT active layer with an insulating layer will allow a garment to be continuously worn or used without needing removal during multiple sterilization cycles.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a shell with a central opening configured to receive the pressurized flow of air, a foam cushion, and an elastomeric support portion that is attached to the shell, supports the foam cushion, and forms at least part of a chamber together with the shell and the foam cushion. The elastomeric support portion includes a side wall that forms a continuous perimeter around the chamber and a resiliently flexible lip that supports the foam cushion and extends from the side wall toward an interior of the chamber. The resiliently flexible lip has an outer perimeter that is anchored to the side wall and an unsupported inner perimeter. The foam cushion overhangs the inner perimeter of the resiliently flexible lip, and the shell is more rigid than the elastomeric support portion. In addition, the foam cushion is configured to directly contact and engage a portion of the patient's skin in use.

Abstract: A spun-blown non-woven web is disclosed which is formed from a plurality of fibers formed from a single polymer having an average fiber diameter ranging from between about 0.5 microns to about 50 microns; a basis weight of at least about 0.5 gsm; a tensile strength, measured in a machine direction, ranging from between about 20 g to about 4,200 g; a ratio of tensile strength, measured in the machine direction, to basis weight of at least about 20:1; and a ratio of percent elongation, measured in the machine direction, to fiber diameter of at least about 15.

Abstract: An anti-microbial partition divider assembly for a cart such as a golf cart is provided. The cart has a passenger seating area, including at least one seat, a roof and a floor. The assembly includes a flexible or beam-rigid partition divider having a substrate layer made of a material which prevents airborne liquid droplets from traveling therethrough.

Abstract: Described herein is a facemask and/or facial covering support system for a variety of masks and/or other facial coverings. The system is designed to redirect the straps and/or bands of a facial covering or facemask to prevent impinging on, or causing pain, to the ears of the user of the facial covering as well as preventing the facemask from obstructing the mouth/nose of the user. The system may be used with a dedicated facemask or retrofit onto existing facemasks. The system further allows for the facemask to be loosened without being completely removed.

Abstract: It is discloses a patient interface comprising a seal forming portion, a pad, and a cushion. The seal forming portion may comprise a base surface and a plurality of fibers fixed to and extending away from said base surface for contacting a patient's skin. The cushion may comprise at least along a portion of the circumference a first structure having an elongate section joined with at least one end section oriented substantially perpendicular or at an angle to the elongate section. A first end A of the elongate section may be connected or connectable to a frame member. The end section may be provided at an opposing second end B of the elongate section. The pad may comprise a resilient foam material layer with the seal forming portion. The pad may be adapted to be connected to the cushion.

Abstract: The mask of the present disclosure is adapted to be worn on a face including a main body that covers at least a portion of the face, and the main body includes a resin film having air permeability through the thickness thereof. The resin film is a non-porous film having through holes extending through the thickness of the film. The diameter of the through holes is 0.01 ?m or more and 30 ?m or less. The density of the through holes in the resin film is 10 holes/cm2 or more and 1×108 holes/cm2 or less. The mask of the present disclosure is completely different in structure from conventional masks, has high flexibility in the design of various properties such as shielding ability, air permeability, transparency, and sound permeability, and is capable, for example, of exhibiting high shielding ability, high air permeability, high transparency, and high sound permeability.

Abstract: This invention is a smart face mask for air filtration with a transparent mouth-covering portion, an active air filtration system which filters both air inflow and air outflow, an environmental or biometric sensor, and a smart control mechanism wherein the operation of the active air filtration system is automatically adjusted based on analysis of data from the sensor.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable, pressure sealed, cough and sneeze aerosol, containment apparatus and a system to virtually eradicate the cold, the flu, and Covid-19. A face mask having a rigid first section configured to hold a filter and a pliable second section configured to fit on a person's face; a face mask seal formed on an edge of the pliable second section of the face mask; a curved surface on the face mask seal configured to fold inward to form a seal on the person's face when pressed on the person's face.

Abstract: A personal respiratory protection device (10) comprising an upper panel (18), a central panel (16), and a lower panel (20), the central panel being separated from each of the upper and lower panels by a first and second fold, seam, weld or bond, respectively, such that device is capable of being folded flat for storage along the first and second fold, seam, weld or bond and opened to form a cup-shaped air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer when in use, wherein the upper panel has a graspable upper tab, the upper tab (41) being graspable in use to open the device.

Abstract: A surgical mask gripper covering nose apex, ala and mouth of a person is disclosed. Gripper is designed to enhance the flow of air through the mask filter and restrict the flow of air leaking through the periphery of the surgical face mask. Gripper covering the contours of nose apex and ala creates a tight seal between face skin and surgical mask. Low profile of gripper around nose allows a person to wear safety or eye glasses without any interference. Tight seal forces inhaled and exhaled air through the surgical mask filter thereby improving the particulate filtering efficiency and eliminate the fogging of safety glasses.

Abstract: In an example, a respirator includes a respirator body having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion including a filter housing wall and an open distal end. The proximal portion includes a facial interface which is compliant and deformable from an undeformed state to a deformed state to conform to a facial contour of an individual. One or more filter frames are inserted into the distal portion and supported by the filter housing wall to separate filter media on opposite sides of at least one of the one or more filter frames. A filter cover is releasably attached to the open distal end to enclose the one or more filter frames and filter media, forming a filter housing. The one or more filter frames are removable from the distal portion and replaced into the distal portion to allow replacement of the filter media.

Abstract: A continuous elongated ring configured to engage a filtration textile to a nose-mouth perimeter of a user, said continuous elongated ring including an upper curvilinear portion adapted to engage said filtration textile disposed about a nasal periphery of the user; said upper curvilinear portion including a pair of attachment features adapted to fastenly receive an upper support strap configured to engage the user's head, and a lower curvilinear portion adapted to engage said filtration textile disposed about a mouth periphery of the user, the lower curvilinear portion including a pair of attachment features adapted to fastenly receive a lower support strap configured to engage the user's head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a face mask for filtering inhaled and exhaled air without fogging glasses of the mask wearer by providing superior seal along its upper edge. The mask of the invention also features quick switching between two stable positions on the wearer's face, deployed and stand-by and may be manipulated without touching the filter media. A large breathing chamber of the disclosed mask provides for comfortable wearing without undue touching of the wearer's facial features and for easy breathing by maximizing active filtering area of the filter media. In one preferred embodiment the mask may be constructed as a disposable filter media removably attached to the external frame. In another preferred embodiment a single use disposable mask with a built in wireframe is disclosed.

Abstract: A patient interface can have a frame supporting a sealing member. Various features of the sealing member can improve comfort and sealing performance in the context of forming seals with the nares of a user, as well as contact with other facial surfaces. The sealing member can include convex portions, concave portions and thickness variations for providing various sealing, comfort, and deformability effects.

Abstract: A mask with filter port is configured to cover a wearer's nose and mouth to protect the wearer from airborne microbes in the environment and/or minimize a risk of spreading airborne microbes from the user. The mask with filter port includes a substantially arcuate body wall, a slanted base at a lower end of the wall, an elastomeric seal extending from a face edge of the wall, a filter holder secured to the slanted base, and a pair of securing straps connected to the body wall. The elastomeric seal provides an interface between the body wall and the user's face. The securing straps secure the mask against the user's face, with the elastomeric seal pressing against the user's face.

Abstract: A face mask for a user having a face, a nose and a mouth, the face mask including a covering including a periphery, a top end, a bottom end, the covering configured to cover at least a portion of the nose of the user and at least a portion of the mouth of the user, wherein the covering is configured substantially according to the shape and size of the nose of the user and the mouth of the user; a first opening disposed at a first location of the covering; a second opening disposed at a second location of the covering; a first filter configured for covering the first opening; a second filter configured for covering the second opening; and a seal disposed on the periphery.

Abstract: A radial fan has a housing with a motor-drivable fan wheel. The fan wheel generates an air volume flow during operation. The housing has a blow-out portion (4) with an impeller (5). The impeller (5) has a plurality of impeller blades (7) spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The impeller (5) is driven by the air volume flow generated by the fan wheel.

Abstract: An air-filtering protection device includes a filtering mask and an actuating and sensing device. The filtering mask is adhered to a user's nose for filter air and includes a first coupling element. The actuating and sensing device includes a second coupling element. The second coupling element is engaged with the first coupling element of the filtering mask for allowing the actuating and sensing device to be detachably mounted on the filtering mask. The actuating and sensing device includes at least one senor, at least one actuating device, a microprocessor, a power controller and a data transceiver. The at least one actuating device is disposed on one side of the at least one sensor and includes at least one guiding channel. The actuating device is enabled to transport an air to flow toward the sensor through the guiding channel so as to make the air sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mask structure, which comprises a first mask body, a main filtering layer, an air-isolator, and a second mask body. The main filtering layer is disposed at the first mask body. The area of the main filtering layer is smaller than the area of the first mask body. The air-isolator is disposed at the first mask body and adjacent to the periphery of the main filtering layer. The second mask body covers the main filtering layer and the air-isolator and is bonded with the air-isolator and the first mask body. Thereby, the bonding part of the mask structure can be tight and the filtering materials of the main filtering layer, such as sterilizing or adsorptive materials, will not leak from the bonding part.

Abstract: A method for producing a woven personal respirator mask includes providing a plurality of warp ends into an electronic woven label loom, programming the loom to weave the warp ends into a sheet having a repeating mask pattern in the weave direction, the mask pattern comprising an edge border having a tight weave and defining therein a filter section, the filter section having a tubular weave to define an outer layer and an inner layer, at least one of the outer layer and an inner layers comprising a filter weave, and at least one intermediate interlock fastening at least a point of the outer layer to an opposing point on the inner layer, and cutting the sheet to separate the repeating mask pattern into individual mask parts with a hot-wire slitter.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a cushion. The cushion has a non-face contacting portion structured to be connected to the frame, a face-contacting portion structured to engage the patient's face, and a central portion that interconnects the non-face contacting portion and the face contacting portion. The frame may be structured to allow a forehead support to assume multiple positions, to compensate for replacement cushions that may have a different profile, shape or size. The cushion is structured to compensate for variations in strap tension, treatment pressure and/or movement of the patient. Headgear may be provided with a strap assembly in which one or more straps is provided with selectively adjustable elasticity or extensibility that may be automatically changed in dependence of treatment pressure and/or treatment type.

Abstract: Respiratory protection systems are provided containing a form-fitting facial frame and a removable filter media. The respiratory protection systems can alleviate the problems with fit and comfort of traditional respiratory protection systems. The form-fitting facial frame can intimately contact face of a subject and can be configured to removably secure a filter media. The form-fitting facial frame can include an upper frame portion configured to intimately contact the dorsum nasi and cheekbone of a subject, and lower frame portion configured to intimately contact the jaw line of the subject. In some embodiments, the form-fitting facial frame is manufactured based upon a facial feature of a subject. The form-fitting facial frame can be manufactured by 3D printing. The respiratory system can be used with common mechanical filter media including N95 and N100 filter media.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a respirator and a method of making such respirator are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the respirator includes a mask body and a harness attached to the mask body. The mask body can include an outer cover web, an inner cover web, a filtration layer disposed between the outer cover web and the inner cover web, and a contrast layer disposed between the outer cover web and the inner cover web in a sinus region of the mask body. A portion of the contrast layer can be visible through an outer surface of the outer cover web to form a contrast region of the mask body, where the outer surface of the outer cover web faces away from the filtration layer.

Abstract: A half facepiece respirator has a shaped support piece supporting and fixing the position of a particle or paper filter insert or outsert with either the support piece or the particle filter incorporating a face sealing component. Placed within the shaped support piece, a grille may be placed in the lower section of the shaped support piece. Additionally the half facepiece includes a head harness having a release mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for the delivery of beneficial respirable compounds such as moisture, anti-inflammation compounds, anti-irritants, fragrances, aromatherapy compounds, and low dose medications slowly and continuously over time using a mask containing a thickened aqueous gel media delivery system combined with, supported by, and coating solid bodies inside the filter. The present invention also relates generally to methods for the removal of harmful industrial gasses from inhaled air using a disposable filtration mask containing a fluid filter media composed of a thickened aqueous gel that can be readily modified by means of additives to enhance its filtration properties for specific gasses individually, or in combination. The fluid filter media is combined with, supported by, and coats solid bodies inside the filter which optimize contact between the fluid filtration gel and the incoming air containing harmful industrial gasses.

Abstract: An earless filter mask includes an inner fabric layer, a filter layer, an outer fabric layer, a plurality of buttons, an exhalation valve, and a conforming band. The conforming band is sewn into an upper and a lower edge of the mask through in-seam sleeves with a first exposed portion extending beyond a first tapered end of the mask and a second exposed portion extending beyond a second tapered end of the mask. The conforming band conforms the mask to a shape of a wearer's face and a first tapered end of the mask is removably connected to a second tapered end of the mask at a nape of the wearer's neck.

Abstract: Mask assemblies, breathing circuits and related components include configurations for reducing condensation within the mask and/or inhibiting or preventing condensation from coming into contact with a user of the mask. The mask assemblies can incorporate heating elements (such as heating coils), insulating spaces or barrier layers.

Abstract: A mask system for providing pressurized breathable gas includes at least one panel and a seal member, wherein the panel comprises a textile. The panel defines a cavity adapted to receive a patient's nose. The seal member is adapted to sealingly engage with the patient's face. The panel and seal member may be integrally formed in one piece.

Abstract: Device embodiments use a person's exhaled breath to distribute an evaporated, sublimated, or vaporized material. The disclosure provides non-powered devices that use evaporation or sublimation to create the vapor that is distributed and the disclosure provides devices with electric vaporizers which rapidly vaporize liquid scent materials for distribution. The scent can be designed as a masking or cover scent, an aromatic lure scent, a scent elimination material, a pleasant scent for freshening air in a room or automobile, or a repellant scent. The device can be worn as a mask. The device can be handheld or disposed at an area remote from the user's mouth with the breath blown in through a tube.

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

Abstract: A disposable emesis bag comprising a soft cushioning material at the opening of the bag to improve the user's comfort while and after vomiting. The soft cushioning material can be attached only to the portions of the bag that come into contact with the user's nose or chin, or around the entire perimeter of the opening of the bag. The bag may be scented or odor-absorbing, and is preferably waterproof.

Abstract: A composition for coating a polypropylene-based fabric or polypropylene-based material for use in decreasing the transmission of human pathogens. A device such as a protective face mask made from a polypropylene-based fabric or polypropylene-based material coated with the composition.

Abstract: Device embodiments use a person's exhaled breath to distribute an evaporated, sublimated, or vaporized material. The disclosure provides non-powered devices that use evaporation or sublimation to create the vapor that is distributed and the disclosure provides devices with electric vaporizers which rapidly vaporize liquid scent materials for distribution. The scent can be designed as a masking or cover scent, an aromatic lure scent, a scent elimination material, a pleasant scent for freshening air in a room or automobile, or a repellant scent. The device can be worn as a mask. The device can be handheld or disposed at an area remote from the user's mouth with the breath blown in through a tube.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a respirator and a method of making such respirator are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the respirator includes a mask body and a harness attached to the mask body. The mask body can include an outer cover web, an inner cover web, a filtration layer disposed between the outer cover web and the inner cover web, and a contrast layer disposed between the outer cover web and the inner cover web in a sinus region of the mask body. A portion of the contrast layer can be visible through an outer surface of the outer cover web to form a contrast region of the mask body, where the outer surface of the outer cover web faces away from the filtration layer.

Abstract: An air quality indicator for indicating high fine particle levels in an environment of interest. The indicator includes a frame maintaining first and second air filter media. The first air filter medium differs from the second air filter medium at least in terms of a change in visual appearance (e.g., color) when subjected to air flow containing fine particles.

Abstract: A flat-fold respirator is made from a stiff filtration panel joined to the remainder of the respirator through at least one line of demarcation. The panel contains a porous monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web that contains charged intermingled continuous monocomponent polymeric fibers of the same polymeric composition and that has sufficient basis weight or inter-fiber bonding so that the web exhibits a Gurley Stiffness greater than 200 mg and the respirator exhibits less than 20 mm H2O pressure drop. The respirator may be formed without requiring additional stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement and can be flat-folded for storage. Scrap from the manufacturing process may be recycled to make additional stiff filtration panel web.

Abstract: Fiber webs which are used in filter media are described herein. In some embodiments, the fiber webs include fibrillated fibers and optionally non-fibrillated fibers, amongst other optional components (e.g., binder resin). In some embodiments, the fiber webs include limited amounts of, or no, glass fiber. The respective characteristics and amounts of the fibrillated fibers are selected to impart desirable properties including mechanical properties and filtration properties (e.g., dust holding capacity and efficiency), amongst other benefits.

Abstract: A face seal device for filtering face piece respirators is disclosed. The face seal device is designed to correct inner face seal leakage of particulate material using compensatory accentuations at locations along an inner perimeter based on specific details of a user's facial human anatomy known to be sites of inner face seal leakage. The face seal may be constructed of a heat activated thermoplastic copolymer that enables the device to be custom fitted to the user's face.

Abstract: A facemask assembly includes one or more airflow vents in a lower front section of the mask as well as within the nasal area. The airflow vent allow for the outflow of exhaled heat and CO2. The airflow vents can be configured to direct inward airflow to strike an interior air filter. In some embodiments the airflow strikes the air filter at an oblique angle. The particulate capturing air filter can be replaceable. In some embodiments the air filter contains biocidal elements. In some embodiments the internal filter design enhances the capture of exhaled H2O which activates silver ions in the filter material creating a biocidal environment. In some embodiments, the facemask has two snap-in zones—one below the nose and one under the chin that can accommodate a wide variety of straps/tubing/O-ring stock and be secured behind the head via tying or various cord locks.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods of manufacture of a filtration media, such as a personal protection equipment mask or respirator, which may incorporate an electrospinning process to form nanofibers. Some embodiments may comprise electrospinning material onto a convex mold, which may, for example, be in the shape of a human face. Other embodiments may comprise electrospinning material onto an inner and/or outer shell of a personal protective equipment mask, such as a flat fold mask. In an embodiment, the electrospun nanofibers may be functionalized, and therefore may, for example, be operable to capture one or more gases.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to hygienic devices to control the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria emanating from coughing or sneezing. In one embodiment, the hygienic device is a cough and sneeze arrestor in the form of a “coughing cup.” The coughing cup may incorporate one or more filters with a plurality of apertures of varying sizes and/or no apertures. In some embodiments, the filters may be embedded or infused with a microbicide such as an antibacterial or viricide. The filters may be pre-attached within the coughing cup at certain predetermined locations. The coughing cup may have one or more recesses to accommodate the nose and/or a chin of a person when using the coughing cup.

Abstract: To provide a mask less liable to cause a shift in wearing position. The mask includes a main-body portion for covering a lower face portion of a wearer and a fixation portion, coupled to the main body portion, for fixing the main-body portion to the lower face portion of the wearer. The main-body portion includes: a main-sheet portion; a lower body for holding a lower jaw of the wearer, the lower body being made of a stretchable material and provided across right and left end portions of the main-sheet portion on a lower, inner side of the main-sheet portion; and/or an upper body for holding the nose of the wearer, the upper body being made of a stretchable material and provided across the right and left end portions of the main-sheet portion on an upper, inner side of the main-sheet portion.

Abstract: There is provided a portable intake air sterilizing apparatus which allows prevention of a worker's infection with virus/bacteria and which allows, at the same time, the worker to work comfortably. The apparatus includes a cover member C for covering one or both of the nose and the mouth, an air intake portion K for the inner space of the cover member C, and a chlorine dioxide slow-release portion J capable of releasing chlorine dioxide gas into an intake air in association with introduction of this intake air from the air intake portion K.

Abstract: A device includes a cartridge containing a filter material. An insert extends through at least a portion of the filter material. The insert has gas sample path with an opening to provide a sample of air that is representative of the saturation of the filter material. A return path may be included in the insert to return sampled gas to the filter material. A gas mask contains a gas sensor and coupled to the cartridge, which may be replaced when saturated.

Abstract: A respirator comprises: a nose and mouth covering porous filter body and a flexible restraining device arranged so that the body may pivot in its vertical plane of symmetry about its nose contact portion, and the restraining device attaches to the body at positions where its restraining force imparts torque in the body about said nose contact portion so that the chin contact portion of said body bears against the user's chin. In use, the resulting chin contact force may be less than the opposing user expiration force on the filter body, so the periphery of the chin contact portion may separate from the user's chin during expiration to benefit user comfort and mitigate eyeglass condensation.

Abstract: A protective device protects the user from infection and may simultaneously immunize the user against future infection. In an embodiment, the protective device includes a disinfection chamber wherein the chamber is arranged to disinfect and/or sterilize fluid in the chamber prior to discharge of the fluid from the chamber such that the fluid discharged from the chamber comprises inactive microorganisms. The device may include a disinfection chamber in fluid communication with a face mask, with the chamber arranged to disinfect and/or sterilize fluid in the chamber prior to discharge of the fluid from the chamber to the mask, such that the fluid discharged from the chamber to the mask comprises inactive microorganisms.

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 sensor 40 that detects a chemical such as an organic vapor. The sensor 40 includes a film that has a film body 58 that includes a detection layer 48 and that is responsive to the presence of a chemical by providing a color change. The film also includes an occluding layer 54 that has a first major surface 59 and that is bound to the film body 58 but is inert to the detection layer 48 to preclude the occluding layer 54 and the chemical from causing a color change in the film body 58 in an area 42 normal to the first major surface 59 of the occluding layer 54. A sensor having this construction can provide a distinctly visible image on the sensor, which may be helpful in evaluating the remaining life of a filter cartridge.

Abstract: A non-invasive ventilation patient interface comprises a fresh gas entry port, an exhaust gas vent port, and a filter media disposed in the exhaust gas vent port. The fresh gas entry port is configured for coupling with a fresh gas supply. The exhaust gas vent port is configured for allowing expulsion of exhaust gas from the patient interface in response to exhalation of a patient. The filter media is configured for filtering contagious from the exhaust gas, diffusing the exhaust gas, and controlling an expulsion flow of the exhaust gas through the exhaust gas vent port.