Abstract: A full face mask (1) for a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) to be used in health hazardous environments, having an air inlet (7, 8) and an air outlet (16), manufactured in one piece from a transparent plastic in a one step vacuum forming process with a single curved field of vision (4) exempt from distorsions and comprising a compartment (5) inside a forehead area of the full face mask for accommodating a blower unit (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the surface structure of a plastic material and particularly of silicone surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to the surface structure of the surfaces of a breathing mask assembly or a patient interface to be used for supplying breathing gas to a patient. Such patient interface for providing respiratory gas to a patient comprises a contact surface for contacting a patient's skin, wherein at least a part of said contact surface is a structured surface.

Abstract: Provided is an electrically charged filter which has a high initial filtering efficiency and is not liable to decline in filtering efficiency, by including a liquid-charged nonwoven fabric layer that is charged by application of force via a polar liquid, and a tribo-electrically charged nonwoven fabric layer that is charged by friction between fiber components of a plurality of types.

Abstract: The present face mask may have a double seal, a triple seal or a quadruple seal, with distinct spacing between each of the seals within a set of seals. Each of the seals within a double seal, triple seal, or quadruple seal may stand alone or may be interconnected to other seals by bridging, where such bridging is formed of the same adhesive as the seal itself. Also disclosed is an after market embodiment where a multiple seal by itself is housed between two sheets of release paper to be applied to a face mask by the user himself when needed. Further disclosed is a multiple seal with bridging applied to a clothing combination, such as to seal sleeve cuffs to a glove.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary mask for hygienically protecting others that can be conveniently re-used and has a simple structure firmly maintained while the sanitary mask is used, so as to surely achieve the purpose of the sanitary mask, by molding the overall frame of plastics and improving the structure from a structure of preceding Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-111003, which was filed by the inventor(s) of the present invention before the filing of the present patent application. The sanitary mask for hygienically protecting other people by blocking unsanitary substances provided by respiratory organs including a mouth and a nose of a user from spreading to and contaminating a clean object while exposing the respiratory organs comprising: a lower body molded in a curved shape, i.e.

Abstract: A breathing mask arrangement for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame, a mask having a frame contacting portion and a patient contacting portion, and a forehead support supporting forehead padding that is structured to engage a patient's forehead. The forehead padding of the forehead support is integrally formed in one piece along with the patient contacting portion.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve for use with a filtering face mask. The valve can include a flap, and a valve seat. The flap can be cantilevered and can flex away from a seal surface of the valve seat to an open position. The valve can further include a housing that at least partially covers the valve seat and the flap. In some embodiments, the height of the housing is no greater than about 1.25 cm, while the distance between the flap and the seal surface when the flap is in the open position is at least 0.35 cm. A projection can be coupled to an inner surface of the housing, and the height of the projection can generally decrease toward the front of the housing. In some embodiments, the projection can have a profile that substantially follows the profile of the flap when the flap is in the open position.

Abstract: Face masks that are provided in a generally flat configuration and are capable of being expanded to a cup-shaped configuration. Such masks include at least one porous layer that includes at least one pleat and that is capable of being expanded by at least partially unfolding the at least one pleat. The mask further includes at least one stiffening element that comprises at least one engaging feature. Upon expanding the porous layer, the engaging feature engages with the porous layer so as to enhance the ability of the mask to maintain the expanded, cup-shaped configuration.

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. In a second embodiment, the filter housing is modified by providing a frame adjacent the bottom with a cross-shaped structure and a retainer button attached to the housing.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that includes a mask body 12 and a harness 14. The mask body 12 contains a filtering structure 18 that is retained in position on the mask body 12 by a support structure 16 that includes a longitudinally-movable, centrally-spaced, transversely-extending member 26 that extends from a first side 22 of the structure 16 to a second side 24 without being joined together by any longitudinally-extending members that hinder movement of the transversely extending member 26 in the longitudinal direction. The transversely-extending members converge towards each other at east side 22, 24 of the mask body 12. A filtering face-piece respirator 10 of this construction can allow the mask body 12 to readily accommodate the motion of a person's jaw. Workers who use this filtering face-piece respirator may find it much easier to talk to other persons when working. A single mask size also may be able to properly fit to faces of various sizes.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 12 that includes a sorbent filter material 42, an end-of-service-life (ESLI) indicator 40, a housing, and a housing cover 24. The housing 22 has a sidewall 26 that has a window pane that allows the ESLI 40 to be viewed through it. The cover 24 is secured to a first perimeter 28 of the housing sidewall 26 and has an air throughput surface 32 and an opaque extension 36. The opaque extension 36 is positioned on the cover 24 such that the extension is juxtapositioned against an outer surface of the housing sidewall 26. The cover extension 36 also has a window pane located in it so that the ESLI 40 may be viewed through it too. The provision of an opaque extension 36 on the cover 24 and a window 38 in the extension 36 allows the ESLI 40 to be appropriately masked such that the sensor registration position is consistently achieved during manufacture of the filter cartridge 12.

Abstract: A facemask structure for inactivating pathogens includes a facial contact layer that is benign to human skin followed by a subsequent interior layer and an outer layer including an anti-pathogenic material. In this manner, active, isolated anti-pathogen layers can be provided in a multilayer mask structure. For example, an important anti-viral mask structure uses one or a mixture of acids to create a low pH environment on the first inner (or outer hydrophilic layer) so that the virus laden droplets from, e.g., a sneeze, are absorbed into and away from the surface. Thus, for an infected wearer, two or more hydrophilic layers on the interior of the mask can protect the environment from an infected wearer.

Abstract: A respirator 10 that includes a mask body 12 and at least one filter cartridge 24. The mask body 12 has a central portion 14 and a peripheral portion 16. The filter cartridge 24 is attached to the rigid central portion 16. The peripheral portion 14 is made from a low stiffness first thermoplastic material, and the central portion 16 is made from a rigid second thermoplastic material. The first thermoplastic material is welded to the second thermoplastic material. A respirator of this structure can be made in a convenient manner, with a sound hermetic bond between the parts, while also being light in weight.

Abstract: The environmental system for motorsports helmets includes a helmet and backpack containing various components of the system. The helmet includes an inlet and air passages for forced air ventilation, a tube conducting drinking water from a helmet inlet to the mouth of the helmet wearer, and a radio communications headset. The helmet is a full-face helmet having an openable transparent face shield and visor formed with the face shield as a unit. A backpack is provided with the helmet, the backpack containing a motor driven fan to supply air to the helmet. The air is filtered through an external filter on the pack, before entering the fan and ventilation system. A water tank is also included in the backpack, allowing the helmet wearer to draw water from the supply. A conventional communications transceiver is also provided with the backpack, the transceiver connecting to the headset within the helmet.

Abstract: Reinforced filter media are prepared by adhering discrete, non-intersecting strands of thermoplastic or thermoset materials to the filter media web. The filter media may be a fabric, a nonwoven web or a filtering foam. The reinforced filter media can be used to prepare respirators, including flat-fold respirators or molded respirators.

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 breathing mask with debris deflector features small debris deflectors that close the gaps between the bottom profile of the eyewear worn by the user and the mask face-contacting perimeter. The debris deflectors are positioned, oriented and profiled to prevent fine debris from reaching and harming the eyes of the mask wearer without interfering with the field of vision of the wearer or causing visual glare.

Abstract: An inhalation mask (1) for fitting to a snout of an equine animal or an animal having an equine shaped snout is provided and comprise: a unitary mask body (6) defining a housing with an open end (11) which is adapted to overfit and accommodate the snout of the animal. The open end (11) of the housing being an integral part of the housing and forming a deformable seal about the open end (11) for sealing about the snout of the animal, wherein the open end (11) of the housing comprises a deformable lip (10) which forms the deformable seal, the lip (10) being formed by a continuation of a side wall (7) forming the mask body (6), which when the mask (1) is fitted, turns back inward upon itself, into the open end (11) of the mask (1), so that the lip (10) engages with the animal's snout to support the mask body (6) on the snout.

Abstract: Hygienic mask (1) for aircraft crewmember comprising a first area (3) made of an air filtering tissue and a second area (5) made of a flexible material, said second area (5) surrounding the first area (3) and being attached to the edge of said first area (3). The hygienic mask (1) comprises an air filter (43) including the second area (5) and a retaining element (70) including the first area (3), and the air filter (43) is removably fixed directly to the retaining element (70).

Abstract: A medical device may include a gas delivery apparatus, a patient interface, a connection system, and an electrical circuit. The gas delivery apparatus may be configured to deliver gas to a patient. The patient interface may be configured to interface with the patient to deliver gas communicated by the gas delivery apparatus to the patient. The connection system may be configured to communicate gas from the gas delivery apparatus to the patient interface. The electrical circuit may be configured to communicate electrical signals between the patient interface and the gas delivery apparatus, and may including one or more first electrical conductors at least partially integral with the patient interface and one or more second electrical conductors at least partially integral with the connection system.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a respiratory mask and a forehead support secured to the mask via a joining member. The forehead support includes a cushion frame pivotably mounted to the joining member so as to be pivotably movable relative to the mask when the cushion frame is secured to the mask. At least one cushion is mounted on the cushion frame. A finger-operated adjustment control member is provided to the cushion frame. The finger-operated adjustment control member is manually manipulable to adjust a position of the cushion frame relative to the joining member along a predetermined path generally towards and away from the patient's forehead.

Abstract: An filtering face-piece respirator that includes a mask body 12 and a harness 14. The mask body includes a support structure 16, filtering structure 18, and a face seal element 40. The face seal element 40 is overmolded onto at least a portion of a perimeter of the support structure of the mask body. The overmolding of the face seal member to the support structure allows the face seal to become firmly secured to the mask body at its perimeter.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 and a harness 14. The mask body 12 includes a supporting frame structure 16 and a filtering structure 18. The frame structure is injection molded onto the filtering structure 18 such that the frame structure 16 becomes bonded to the filtering structure 18. A mask body having such a support structure allows the filtering structure to follow its configuration closely, providing improved aesthetics and collapse resistance to the resulting article.

Abstract: A three dimensional face mask comprises: a three dimensional cup, a three dimensional soft rubber washer, an elastic tape, and an anti-skid band; it is characterized in that: the three dimensional cup is made by hot pressing of multilayer of filtration material, the three dimensional soft rubber washer is provided with a soft nose cushion and is bonded to an outer periphery of the three dimensional cup by hot pressing, the anti-skid band is bonded to a lower edge of the three dimensional cup, the elastic tape has two ends symmetrically bonded to both sides of the three dimensional cup. The three dimensional non-woven face ensures a good air tightness against the face while leaving a large enough space between the three dimensional cup and the nose and mouth area to ensure conformable wearing, good filtration, making the wearer easy to breathe and talk.

Abstract: Filter media that includes activated carbon particulates and zinc oxide particles disposed on surfaces of the activated carbon particulates. The zinc oxide particles have an average crystallite dimension that is not greater than about 50 nm.

Abstract: A respirator that includes a mask body and a nose clip. The mask body is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person, and the nose clip is placed on the mask body to extend over the bridge of the wearer's nose when the mask is worn. The nose clip has a predefined shape that comprises first and second wings. These wings exert a force resiliently inward on each side of the wearer's nose when the mask is worn. The invention eliminates the need for the wearer to individually shape the nose clip to the wearer's nose.

Abstract: A bite block is to be positioned between opposing upper and lower teeth in a patient's mouth. The bite block includes an elongate member having a top and a bottom. First and second sidewalls are coupled to the elongate member on opposite sides thereof. Each sidewall extends above and below the top and bottom of the elongate member to define upper and lower teeth spaced apart transverse notches defined in an upper surface thereof. In addition, the second sidewall has a second set of spaced apart receiving channels. The first sidewall has a first set of transverse notches defined in an upper surface thereof. The first sidewall may also have a third set of spaced apart transverse notches defined in a lower surface thereof. In addition, the second sidewall may also have a fourth set of spaced apart transverse notches defined in a lower surface thereof.

Abstract: A personal respiratory protection device that includes a multi-layered structure and first and second means for attaching a headband. The multilayered structure includes a filter medium and is divided into a flat upper panel, a flat non-rectangular central panel, and a lower panel. The central panel is separated from each of the upper and lower panels by first and second lines of demarcation. The first and second lines of demarcation converge towards the first and second means for attaching a headband. The multi-layered structure can be folded at the respective lines of demarcation so that the device can be folded flat for storage and can be opened to form a cup-shaped off the face air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer while an upper peripheral edge and a lower peripheral edge contact the wearer's face when the device is in use.

Abstract: A mask system includes a frame, cushion, cushion clip, swivel elbow, headgear and/or headgear clips that are configured for use in a clinical or hospital environment. One or more components of the mask system are configured to promote single patient use, e.g., by providing an age indicator and/or preventing disassembly and/or cleaning, etc.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a harness 14 and a mask body 12. The mask body 16 includes a filtering structure 18 and a support structure 16. The support structure 16 has first and second opposing side portions 22, 24 that each include a living hinge 44. The use of living hinges allows the mask body to respond dynamically to wearer jaw movement.

Abstract: A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mask includes a support member, a transparent main body, and a fixing member. The support member includes a main portion, a holding portion, and a resisting portion. The main portion includes a receiving portion mounted thereon for receiving exhaled or expelled material. The holding portion is integrally formed with the main portion. The holding portion extends away from the transparent main body. The resisting portion is positioned on the main portion. The transparent main body is fixed on the main portion. The fixing member is connected the main portion.

Abstract: A respiratory mask (10) that comprises a mask body (12) and a harness (21) that includes a carriage (22) and a strap (24). The mask body (12) lacks a rigid insert, is non-elastomeric, and is adapted for fitting over a person's nose and mouth. The mask body (12) has a nose portion (14), a chin portion (16), first and second cheek portions (18 and 20), and an axis (32) that extends from the nose portion (14) to the chin portion (16). The mask body (12) is constructed to deform such that the first and second cheek portions (18 and 20) move towards each other about the axis (32). The carriage (22) is joined to the mask body (12), and the strap (24) is joined to the carriage (22) for supporting the mask body (12) over a person's nose and mouth. When tension is applied to the strap (24) and an opposing force acts at the nose and chin portions of the mask body, the first and second cheek portions (18, 20) exhibit movement about the axis (32) towards each other.

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: There is provided a protective media and a method of manufacturing the same. In one aspect, the protective media includes a porous dielectric carrier, an active agent incorporated in the porous dielectric carrier, and an electrostatic charge across at least a portion of the porous dielectric carrier. This innovative media is capable of eradicating microorganisms and/or toxins more efficiently than prior art solutions and can also self sterilize.

Abstract: A face mask is provided. The face mask includes a body portion that is configured to be placed over a mouth and at least part of a nose of a user such that the air of respiration is drawn through the body portion. The body portion includes a baffle layer which helps prevent penetration from a fluid striking the mask. The baffle layer has an outer and an inner surface with a plurality of projections extending from one of the outer or inner surfaces. The baffle layer aids in absorbing energy associated with fluid striking the body portion of the mask. The baffle layer distributes fluid away form the point of impact in the channels between the projections.

Abstract: Face masks that are provided in a generally flat configuration and are capable of being expanded to a cup-shaped configuration. Such masks include at least one porous layer that includes at least one pleat and that is capable of being expanded by at least partially unfolding the at least one pleat. The mask further includes at least one stiffening element that comprises at least one engaging feature. Upon expanding the porous layer, the engaging feature engages with the porous layer so as to enhance the ability of the mask to maintain the expanded, cup-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes: a rigid mask frame having a ring portion, a loop portion spaced apart from the ring portion, and rib portions interconnecting the ring portion and the loop portion, the rigid mask frame defining a frame space; and a single piece of a flexible mask body having a flat central portion, a surrounding portion extending outwardly and curvedly from the flat central portion, and a peripheral end portion flaring from the surrounding portion. The flat central portion is formed with an annular flange sleeved on the ring portion. The peripheral end portion is disposed outwardly of the frame space. The surrounding portion extends into the frame space and is restrained by the rib portions and the loop portion of the mask frame.

Abstract: A complex respirator is provided that includes a first shell, at least a first filter layer and a second filter layer. The first filter layer is replaceable and arranged on an outer side of the first shell while the first shell is disposed on an outer side of the second filter layer. A slot is formed on an outer side of the first shell for accommodating the first filter layer. The filtering area of the first filter layer is smaller than that of the second filter layer while pore size of the first filter layer is larger than that of the second filter layer. The second filter layer filters the gas that the first filter layer is unable to filter. Moreover, the type of first filter media of the first filter layer may be chosen based on the location that the complex respirator is to be used.

Abstract: A face mask has mask material and ties or ear loops coupled to the mask material. The face mask is flat until worn. The mask material has an outside and an inside, which inside is designed to be against the wearer's face when the mask is worn. A deformable nose strip is provided near a top edge of the mask material. The nose strip is preformed into a contour for fitting about a nose. The contour bows out from the inside to the outside. A wearer donning the mask intuitively knows to orient the contour to the wearer's nose, wherein the inside is automatically positioned against the wearer's face.

Abstract: A face/dust mask constructed from differently-shaped filter media parts, each part having a different function, and each part interconnected so as to form a fitted air filter. Dual filters assist in eliminating from the intake air a substantial amount of the dust and debris encountered by riders of dirt bikes, manual bicycles, All-Terrain Vehicles, and other machines operated over unimproved, dusty terrain. By the nature of the materials and contours of the component parts, the mask fits comfortably and effectively for both adult and child users. The invention is highly resilient so as to adapt itself to the interior shape of a protective helmet or the mouthpiece section of a motorcycle helmet or similar safety helmet which is placed into position over the mask. The mask is of versatile design so as to enable a variety of embodiments with different filtering capabilities.

Abstract: The invention relates to surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) having high degradation temperatures and their use in the manufacture of articles made from base polymers which require high temperature processing. The surface modifier is admixed with the base polymer to impart alcohol and water repellency properties.

Abstract: A mask system is provided to fit pre-adult patients, or patients having facial features that are very small or child-like, e.g., patients having dimensions in the lower 5%-10% of the population. For example, the headgear and/or cushion are dimensioned to accommodate this range of patients.

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: A breathing mask includes a sheet of flexible material folded on itself, resulting in a first layer and a second layer, a filter located between the first layer and the second layer, and a nose bridge located along an edge of the folded sheet, the nose bridge configured to form a seal between the folded sheet and a user's nose when the mask is placed on a user's face.

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: In one embodiment, a custom-fitted mask includes a thin sheet of deformable material that has been formed and fitted to a portion of a face surrounding the nostrils to conform substantially optimally to unique facial features. The thin sheet includes a perimeter defining only soft cartilaginous portions of the nose and portions on either side of and below the soft cartilaginous portions. and excludes hard bony portions of the nose; and an interior within the perimeter. In another embodiment, a mask blank for using in forming a custom-fitted mask includes a thin sheet of deformable material adapted to be transitioned from a non-deformable state into a deformable state, applied against a portion of a face surrounding the nostrils while the mask blank is in the deformable state, and deformed against the face to cause the mask blank to conform substantially optimally to unique facial features to form the custom-fitted mask.

Abstract: A protective face cover, mask or respirator with a moldable attachment that allows different devices or solids to be inserted into and withdrawn from inside the face cover of the wearer without removing it and the moldable attachment itself. The same moldable attachment can contain also an exhalation port to provide the mask with exhalation capability.

Abstract: A respirator mask and a method of making the respirator mask that includes a lens member and a plurality of buckle members spaced around the lens member. A flange member is overmolded to the lens member and to the spaced buckle members at the same time by the following method. A mold member is provided to have individual mold supports to individually receive and support the lens member and to individually receive and support the buckle members at the spaced positions around the lens member. The mold member forms a flange cavity around the lens member and extending to the buckle members. The lens member is positioned within its individual mold support and the buckle members are positioned within their individual mold supports at the spaced positions around the lens member. The molding material is then injected into the flange cavity to form a flange that overmolds to the lens member while at the same time overmolds to the buckle members to form the respirator mask.

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.