With Gas Flow Control Valve Patents (Class 128/206.15)
  • Patent number: 11903881
    Abstract: Safety glasses for a human user, with at least one lens which has an upper rim assignable to the user's forehead and a lower rim assignable to a user's cheek, with at least one nosepiece arranged at the at least one lens and with at least one protective lip to be supported on the user's face. The at least one protective lip only extends at the lower rim of the at least lens from the at least one nosepiece towards at least one of the outer lateral rims of the lens and, in extension of the lens, downwards from the lower rim of the lens to be supported on the user's cheek.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Moldex-Metric, Inc.
    Inventors: Torben Skov, Roman Skov
  • Patent number: 11864604
    Abstract: A wearable face covering may include a mask including a filter and a cap, wherein the cap is configured to prevent any gas passing through the filter in a first direction from exiting the mask in the first direction; and a face shield including a partially-transparent screen, wherein the face shield is pivotally coupled to the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Aver Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pallavi Avasarala, Pranav Avasarala
  • Patent number: 11505036
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve flap includes an attachment portion, a main portion, and a hinge portion. The attachment portion is configured to be attached to the housing. The main portion has a lip and at least one damping feature. The lip extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the main portion. The hinge portion is disposed between and connects the main portion and the attachment portion. When the attachment portion is attached to the housing, the main portion is configured to move between a closed position and an opened position. When the main portion moves from the opened position to the closed position, the at least one damping feature is configured to engage the housing prior to the lip of the main portion and thereby dampen noise created when the lip of the main portion engages the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Barnes, Michael Raymond Markie, Erin Michael Daly
  • Patent number: 11445771
    Abstract: A personal respiratory protection device comprising a main body (12) carrying an exhalation valve (28), the valve (28) having a grip region (29) which is grippable in use by the user, the grip region (29) being configured to indicate to the user that the valve (28) is to be gripped during opening, donning and doffing of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher P. Henderson, Reyad A. Abdulqader, James J. May, Mark A. J. Fernandes, Daniel P. Jenkins, Stuart J. King, Elliott J. Baxter, Mario-Alexander Lehmann, Andrea Lejewski
  • Patent number: 11433262
    Abstract: A dog respirator including a mask adapted to surround the dog's head and a positive pressure air supply and filter separate from the mask and adapted to be placed on the dog's body away from the dog's head. The air supply and filter may be attached to the dog's back using a harness. The respirator/mask surrounding the dog's head is connected to and receives positive-pressure filtered air from the filtered air supply so that the interior of the mask is maintained at positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure with filtered air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Douglas E Wilke, Daniel E Barker
  • Patent number: 11399912
    Abstract: Provided is a filtering facepiece respirator. The respirator includes a mask body having an anterior side portion, a posterior side portion, a middle portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, a top side portion, a bottom side portion and outer edge portions. The respirator further includes a primary port positioned at the anterior middle portion of the mask body and a detachable primary port adapter which is positioned over and engages the primary port. The respirator may further include an oxygen port and oxygen port adapter and a luer port and luer port adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Tosan A. Ugbeye
  • Patent number: 11358012
    Abstract: A diaphragm or non-return valve is disposed in a supporting wall and includes a diaphragm plug and a valve seat having a passage opening surrounded by a continuous surface for sealing adhesion contact of a sealing lip of the diaphragm plug. The diaphragm plug is made as one piece and is of the same elastic, flexible material as the supporting wall, from which the diaphragm plug is separated along its perimetric edge by slots having a predetermined length. The diaphragm plug and the supporting wall are connected by at least two material bridges provided on opposite sides of the perimetric edge of the diaphragm plug, and the valve seat is configured as a shaped plate locked to the supporting wall in a position coincident with the diaphragm plug by a tightening ring, the valve seat and the tightening ring being engaged by elements passing through at least part of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Valerio Palmieri
  • Patent number: 11285344
    Abstract: A wearable air filtration apparatus configured to fit beneath a full-face helmet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a front plate including an output aperture and at least one input aperture, the input and output apertures arranged to be substantially front facing when the apparatus is worn by a user. An air filter is arranged behind the front plate and positioned to filter air moving from in front of the apparatus toward the face of a user wearing the apparatus. A valve plate is located behind the filter, the valve plate including an output check valve in fluid communication with the output aperture and at least one input check valve in fluid communication with the at least one input aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Paul Key, Michael Fineberg
  • Patent number: 11179532
    Abstract: A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Christopher Earl Nightingale, Aidan Mark Shotbolt, Ivan Milivojevic
  • Patent number: 11154735
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal respiratory protection device, in particular, such a device comprising a respirator body having a periphery, a filter media, forming at least part of the respirator body, and a gasket, the gasket being located at the periphery and extending along at least a portion of its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Garry J. Walker
  • Patent number: 11135459
    Abstract: A mask includes: an intake valve panel comprising one or more intake valves, the intake valve panel further comprising an intake filter configured to filter the user's intake breath, the intake valve panel positioned in a center of the mask; one or more exhaust tubes, at least one of the one or more exhaust tubes comprising at least one of the exhaust valves, at least one of the exhaust tubes configured to conduct the user's exhale breath through the at least one of the exhaust valves and then out of the mask, at least one exhaust tube holding the at least one exhaust valve tightly while allowing the at least one exhaust valve to open and close freely; and a soft foam lining configured to tightly hold the mask against the user's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Caldwell
  • Patent number: 11109625
    Abstract: A wearable face covering may include a mask including a filter and a cap, wherein the cap is configured to prevent any gas passing through the filter in a first direction from exiting the mask in the first direction; and a face shield including a partially-transparent screen, wherein the face shield is pivotally coupled to the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Aver Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pallavi Avasarala, Pranav Avasarala
  • Patent number: 11083627
    Abstract: An device for maintaining a moisture cavity surrounding the eye of a user is provided which employs a flexible body configured for positioning on the face of the user with a cavity defined by a curved sidewall positioned in front of each eye of the user. The cavity prevents communication of the exterior atmosphere with the air within the cavity and thereby maintains an environment in each cavity suitable to maintain natural eye moisture. The body is configurable to engage to the face of the user concurrent with the engagement of a CPAP device and may be adapted for engagement as part of the CPAP device. Curved sidewalls forming each cavity are optically correct and transparent to maintain the vision of the user during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Suzanne Paulson
  • Patent number: 11065412
    Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly and a headgear assembly. The mask assembly comprises a mask seal that is adapted to underlie the nose. The mask seal extends up the lateral sides of the nose. The mask seal has a primary seal below the nose and a secondary seal alongside the nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Roger Stephenson, Melissa Catherine Bornholdt
  • Patent number: 11040226
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modular serviceable cartridge assembly for a respirator exhalation unit that is simple in construction and that allows quick-connect of an exhalation valve cartridge in a mask to minimize the need for reconfiguration when changing personal protective equipment, and that allows for easy removal and breakdown for servicing and/or replacement of individual components of the exhalation valve without modifying or replacing other elements of the protective mask. The assembly may be convertible from a negative pressure valve assembly to a positive pressure valve assembly, and vice versa, and a grill may be provided on an outlet side of the cartridge assembly, the rotation of which converts the assembly from a negative pressure valve to a positive pressure valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: D. WHEATLEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: David Wheatley, Patrick Hulbert, Stanley Rodowsky
  • Patent number: 10945469
    Abstract: A respirator mask. The respirator mask has a filter that extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the mask itself, leaving a central area that coincides with the position of the wearer's mouth unobstructed. A front panel of the mask may be transparent over at least the central area in order to allow the mouth to be seen while the mask is worn. The filter may be a pleated particulate filter, a chemical/gas filter, or a filter of mixed type. The front panel may also include other features, like a port for a drinking straw. The respirator mask may include headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Grove Biomedical LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Rosenberg, Qing Xiang Yee, Joshua Boggs, Adam Pozdro, Benjamin Frothingham, Douglas Clift
  • Patent number: 10828453
    Abstract: A diffuser element for use over a vent opening of a breathing assistance apparatus. In some configurations, the diffuser element is formed by knitting or weaving one or more threads together into an interlocking pattern. In some configurations, the diffuser pad has a first surface and an opposing second surface and at least the first surface includes a surface texture. Arrangements for coupling the diffuser element to a structure that defines or carries the vent are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Roger Stephenson, Toong Chuo Lim, Thomas Mark Richardson, Kyle Gregory Brown
  • Patent number: 10798979
    Abstract: A mask is provided. The mask includes an outer cover made of ultra-fine fibers and formed by hot-pressing, and the outer cover has a plurality of through holes for ventilation; a filter configured to filter air and disposed at a side of the outer cover adjacent to a user; and two sealing pads, each attached to a side of the filter adjacent to the user and configured to contact skins at two sides of a nose bridge of the user to seal gaps between the filter and the two sides of the nose bridge of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignees: XIAOMI INC., AETHERIS (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher John Hosmer
  • Patent number: 10786695
    Abstract: A wearable protective respiratory mask with an attachable electronic system and an attachable gas filter system is provided. The mask may be easily disassembled for cleaning and maintenance. The attachable electronic system includes a functionality for communication with an external electronic system, and a control unit for controlling the attachable electronic system. The attachable gas filter system includes a plurality of components, including an adjustable valve system. The mask may act as a barrier for inhibiting transfer of one or more components of a gaseous composition. The mask is useful for individuals in a variety of environments, including environments with potentially harmful aerosols, vapors, particulates, or sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: The SmartMask LLC
    Inventor: Pamela Gabriel
  • Patent number: 10639506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal respiratory protection device, in particular, such a device comprising a respirator body having a periphery, a filter media, forming at least part of the respirator body, and a gasket, the gasket being located at the periphery and extending along at least a portion of its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Garry J. Walker, Christopher P. Henderson
  • Patent number: 10625102
    Abstract: An improved gauze structure capable of separating inhalation and exhalation includes: an outer layer member, a top and a bottom portions thereof are formed with at least one first through hole, a center at the bottom portion is formed with a first front hole; an inner layer member, a top and a bottom portions thereof are formed with at least one second through hole, a center at the bottom portion is formed with a second front hole, at least one fastening unit is disposed at two sides; an inner mask member, used for covering a mouth, and formed with at least one third through hole and a connection part; and at least two air valves, disposed corresponding to the first and the second through holes at the top and bottom portions of the outer and the inner layer members and the third through hole of the inner mask member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Chung-Yung Chen
  • Patent number: 10525292
    Abstract: Discloses a respiratory device comprising a mask positioned around the mouth and nose of a wearer to form a relative closed area sealed from the ambient air, at least one unidirectional valve for mounting of an active venting system, installed onto the mask for exhausting warm, moist exhaled air from the interior space of the respirators and at least one active venting system attached onto the valve and operated during the exhalation cycle. The top housing of the unidirectional valve has an attachment member for attaching the active venting system onto it. The active venting system can be attachable or detachable onto the valve. The valve attached with active venting system together effectively and quickly exchanges the air from the interior of the mask during exhalation cycle. When the AVS is not attached onto the valve, a simple valve cap can be attached on instead, for aesthetic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: INNOSPARKS PTE LTD
    Inventors: Ee Ho Tang, Kwok Jiang Sak, Jerome Wei Liang Lee
  • Patent number: 10463092
    Abstract: One aspect provides a breath conditioner. The conditioner, in one example, includes an enclosure for disposition of a user, the enclosure configured to collect substantially all exhaust breath of the user. The conditioner, in this example, may further include a one-way air intake valve in fluid communication with the enclosure for admitting ambient air through the enclosure to the mouth or nose but substantially precluding the exhaust breath from exiting, and an exhaust breath aromatizing stage in fluid communication with the enclosure for scenting the exhaust breath. The conditioner, in this example, may further include an exhaust breath purification stage in fluid communication with the enclosure for filtering the exhaust breath, the purification stage positioned in fluid flow relationship between the enclosure and the aromatizing stage, and a one-way discharge valve in fluid communication with the enclosure for discharging the exhaust breath to the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ardent Conceptual Design, Ltd.
    Inventor: Clint A. Hayes
  • Patent number: 10363441
    Abstract: A respirator mask wearable by a wearer for protecting the wearer against inhalation of noxious agents (e.g., chemical agents, biological agents, radiological agents, and/or other poisonous or otherwise harmful agents that can cause disease, injury or death), such as a CBRN mask, may be configured to enhance protection of the wearer (e.g., by providing ballistic protection in addition to protecting against noxious agent inhalation) while reducing a burden on the wearer, such as by reducing respiratory resistance, improving visibility, and/or facilitating use of the mask (e.g., connection or disconnection of a filter, conduit, or other air-providing device to or from a breathing interface of the mask).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBOSS ENGINEERED PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: David Bergeron, Alessandro Del Mistro, Luc Dionne, Charles Langevin-Bouffard, Sebastien Lagace, Philippe-Alexandre Lefebvre, Jean-Luc Lemyre, Jean-Francois Morissette
  • Patent number: 10322312
    Abstract: A resistance breathing device includes a face mask having an inlet aperture, an intake restricting element having an inlet aperture, and an adjustment mechanism, the intake restricting element positioned adjacent to the face mask and rotatable between a first position, in which a first portion of the inlet aperture of the intake restricting element overlays a first portion of the inlet aperture of the face mask, and a second position, in which a second portion of the inlet aperture of the intake restricting element overlays a second portion of the inlet aperture of the face mask, the second portion of the inlet aperture of the intake restricting element being larger than the first portion of the inlet aperture of the intake restricting element, the adjustment mechanism attached to the face mask and movable between first and second positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the intake restricting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: TrainingMask L.L.C.
    Inventor: Casey Danford
  • Patent number: 10293131
    Abstract: A patient interface, including a mask assembly and a headgear assembly, provides improved facial sealing and improved ease of use. The mask assembly includes an inflating or ballooning seal. The seal can be secured between two portions of a snap-fit exoskeleton. The headgear assembly connects to the mask assembly with flexible straps during course fitting and with more rigid straps following course fitting. The straps include holes that fit over a tapering post on the mask assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel John Smith, Brett John Huddart, Matthew James Adams, Nicholas Alexander Hobson, Timothy James Beresford Sharp, Troy Barsten, Gregory James Olsen, Matthew Roger Stephenson, Roheet Patel
  • Patent number: 10213722
    Abstract: A rigid support is disposed in a filtration media element. A first gas-permeable filtration media layer is disposed in an overlapping orientation with a second gas-permeable filtration media layer. The first and second layers define a void in which the support is disposed. The first layer is attached to the second layer near opposing edges of the first and second layers and at an attachment termination point substantially centrally located on the filtration media element. The filtration media element has a first media end and an opposite, second media end. The support has a first support portion that extends from the first media end toward the attachment termination point. The support has second and third support portions that extend from the first support portion toward the second media end with a gap between the second and third support portions in which the attachment termination point is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Columbus Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Haufe, James E. Large
  • Patent number: 10137321
    Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator that has a harness and a mask body where the mask body includes a filtering structure and a support structure. An exhalation valve is attached to the mask body and includes a valve seat that is integral to the mask body. The present invention is beneficial in that it eliminates the need to separately manufacture some or all of the non-dynamic parts of the exhalation valve. There also is no need to subsequently attach the valve seat to the mask body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Philip G. Martin
  • Patent number: 9901699
    Abstract: A cushion pad for a mask worn by a patient, comprising a first side to contact skin of the patient, and a second side, opposite the first side, to contact or face the mask. The pad has a main body portion having a central portion shaped to cover a portion of the patient's nose extending from above the nose tip to the nasal bridge region without obstructing the patient's line of sight, and lateral side portions to extend downward and terminate along the sides of the nose or on the patient's cheeks. The main body is made of a breathable material, e.g., foam. The pad may include adhesive and/or an attached portion, e.g., a ring, to couple the pad to the patient and/or portion of the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Lee James Veliss, Scott Alexander Howard, Luke Maguire, Donald Darkin, Philip Rodney Kwok, Alicia Kristianne Wells, Adam Barlow
  • Patent number: 9560887
    Abstract: A fluid management device comprising an air filler assembly comprising a filter, a body, a mouthpiece and a flap valve, and a fluid deflector situated between the filter and the mouthpiece. The body comprises condensation collection guide channels located on an inside surface of the body behind the fluid deflector that direct condensation and saliva into a collection basin located behind the fluid deflector at a base of the fluid deflector. The first end of the flap valve is attached to the body, and the second end of the flap valve is situated directly beneath the collection basin. When the flap valve is in an open position, fluids collected in the collection basin escape from the device by dripping out of it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Folkvord Products, LLC
    Inventor: Dean Folkvord
  • Patent number: 9421339
    Abstract: A patient interface for use with the administration of CPAP therapy to a patient, comprising: a body for connection with a supply of pressurized breathable gas pressurized above ambient; and a compliant patient contacting element to communicate the pressurized gas to at least the patient's nasal passages, the element including a multilayered cushioning interface, the interface comprising an interior layer and an exterior layer being provided in spaced relation to the interior layer, the exterior layer being elastically and resiliently movable towards and away the interior layer in use. Along at least a portion of the perimeter of the exterior layer, a surface of the exterior layer is deformable from the spaced relation to abut against and contact against a surface of the interior layer in dependence at least in part on a deformation force applied to the exterior layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, Robert Edward Styles
  • Patent number: 9126123
    Abstract: An entertaining nose clasp apparatus is described that includes a nose clasp, an extension and an entertainment device. The nose clasp includes two components and a mechanism for the adjustment of the components. The components connect to the nose of a wearer. The extension includes a first side an opposing second side and side edges. The extension is positionable adjoining the nose. The extension stabilizes the position of the entertainment device relative to the nose of the wearer. The entertaining nose clasp apparatus is constructed for operational use in odorous environments, but can also be used in other environments for entertainment. The entertainment device includes a broad range of decorative two and three dimensional objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Carl J Vallejo
  • Publication number: 20150136141
    Abstract: A respirator 10 that has a mask body 12 and a harness 16 has an exhalation valve 23 that includes a valve seat 36 and a flexible flap 42. The valve seat 36 has an orifice 38 and has a noncircular seal surface 40 surrounding the orifice 38. The flexible flap 42 is secured to the valve seat 36 at a centroid of the orifice and has a variable stiffness structure. The variable stiffness structure allows the flap to equally deflect under a given load at different distances from the centroid at the noncircular seal surface. An exhalation valve having this construction may beneficially optimize pressure drop and overall valve performance for applications where valve space may be limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: William A. Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 9022035
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Taiko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Asada, Takashi Shibata
  • Publication number: 20150114397
    Abstract: A chemical and biological protection mask with dual-external-filter cartridges each having a photo catalytic Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) filter element, alone or in combination with activated carbon filter, combination hydrophobic-hydrophilic filter, and/or other elements, and a miniaturized high-intensity shortwave UV illumination tube internal to the mask itself illuminating both TiO2 filter elements with UVA energy, thereby generating hydroxyl radicals (OH—) which destroy microbes in the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffery C. Litz
  • Publication number: 20150107596
    Abstract: A respiratory protection device in which a plurality of filter units are provided. A respiratory protection device includes a plurality of filter units. Air flow paths that extend to the facepiece are provided in respective filter units. An inhalation port leading in the facepiece is provided at a portion where the air flow paths merge. The inhalation port can be temporarily closed by using an inspection valve included in the fit checker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Mashiko
  • Patent number: 8978655
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: John Hincks Duke, Ritu Goel
  • Patent number: 8955514
    Abstract: A respiration system includes a regulator including an inlet for connection to a source of pressurized gas and an outlet for delivery of the gas to the user, and a respiration facepiece for use in connection with the regulator including an interface removably attachable to the regulator, at least one seal system adapted to form a sealing engagement with the face of a user, an inhalation port in fluid connection with the regulator interface and with the facepiece interior, an inhalation check valve in fluid connection between the inhalation port and the facepiece interior; an exhalation port in fluid connection with the facepiece; an exhalation check valve in fluid connection with the exhalation port; and an ambient port separate from the inhalation port and from the exhalation port, which is in fluid connection with the facepiece interior without an intervening check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC.
    Inventors: Carsten Leuschner, Klaus Schmidtke, Michael Horn, Christopher L. Prete, Marco Tekelenburg
  • Patent number: 8820326
    Abstract: A respiratory protection composite facepiece includes a polymeric rigid facepiece body having a first surface and a second surface, and a silicone sealing facepiece element chemically bonded to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. Methods of forming a respiratory protection composite facepiece are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Flannigan, Johannes Hoogenraad, David P. Knivsland
  • Patent number: 8789531
    Abstract: A mouth and nose mask including a main cover body with a main air vent at the center thereof, an inner cover body, and a linking member. There is a space between the main cover body and the inner cover body. The linking member links the main cover body and the inner cover body. The bottom edge of the inner cover body is designed not to touch the face when wearing. The mouth and nose mask is safe, can be used in the treatment of allergic respiratory diseases, and is effective in preventing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Qi Li
  • Patent number: 8757156
    Abstract: Face masks that include a unidirectional valve are disclosed. The unidirectional valves permit fluid communication between an interior gas space defined by the mask and the wearer and an exterior gas space outside of the face mask. The unidirectional valves includes one or more valve flaps positioned over an opening formed in the base of the valve. Each of the valve flaps includes a free edge and a hinge located generally opposite from the free edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Philip G. Martin, Michael K. Domroese
  • Publication number: 20140076325
    Abstract: A directional valve for a respirator product includes a valve housing (15) and a valve seat (1) for receiving a flexible valve membrane (16). The valve seat has a circular and essentially flat sealing surface (2) surrounding an opening (3), which is sealingly covered by the valve membrane during an inspiration phase. A fixing lug (13), on the valve housing (15), fixes the valve membrane in the valve seat and is arranged offset in relation to the center of the valve membrane, such that an entire circumferential surface of the valve membrane is lifted off from the sealing surface during an expiration phase. The fixing lug is directed essentially at right angles to a flow plane formed by the opening. A counter-support (25), within the opening, is arranged opposite the fixing lug such that the valve membrane is mounted with fixed clamping action, between the fixing lug and the counter-support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Michael ROSERT, Dennis LESKE, Harald HEYER, Thomas PANCUR
  • Patent number: 8596271
    Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a support member sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes responsive to the patient interface device being donned by such a patient and a sealing assembly operatively coupled to the support member such that the support member is moveable relative to the support member. The support member defines a gas carrying conduit adapted to carry a flow of gas to the sealing assembly. The support member is a single-piece unitary member and includes a conduit coupling portion adapted to be coupled to a patient circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Matula, Jr., Jason Paul Eaton, Steven C. Stegman, Luke Stonis, Greg Merz, Keith Grider, Nic Davirro, Christopher D. Von Dohlen, Justin Rothermel
  • Patent number: 8584676
    Abstract: A breath responsive filter blower respirator system for a gas mask including a pressure and control device, such as an optoelectric device and/or a pressure sensor, to control the air flow produced by an air blower. The optoelectric device detects the position of the mask's outflow valve. The pressure sensor measures air pressure in the mask relative to ambient air or the absolute air pressure in the mask. During exhalation, the pressure detector detects an increase in air pressure in the mask and/or the optoelectric device detects the outflow valve in an open position, and then signals the central processing unit to signal the air blower to reduce speed. The reduction in speed reduces air flow in the mask and lowers air pressure in the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Immediate Response Technologies
    Inventor: Otto Gossweiler
  • Patent number: 8544469
    Abstract: A respiratory protective device in which a face piece (11) is located within the volume of a filter canister (10). The filter canister (10) can be in the form of a hollow section or sections which fit around all or part of the face piece (11) or on either side thereof. Contaminated air that has been purified in the filter canister (10) is ducted in an airtight manner through a hollow assembly (18) into the face piece (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Robin Middlemass Howie
  • Patent number: 8485181
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling breathing of a patient. A system for controlling breathing of a patient includes a respiratory conduit. The respiratory conduit is configured to be coupled to a patient interface device and is further configured to be coupled to a pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two air flow control devices, positioned between the patient interface device and the pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two volumes, wherein one volume is positioned between a first air flow control device and a second air flow control device and another volume is positioned between a second air flow control device and a third air flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Periodic Breathing Foundation, LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Daly
  • Patent number: 8439038
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, inc.
    Inventors: Eric Steindorf, Debra Nell Welchel, Craig Miles, Sara Stephan
  • Publication number: 20130087151
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: FACECOVER SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Oliver Klockseth
  • Patent number: 8365771
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Xue, Michael K. Domroese, Philip G. Martin, Nathan A. Abel
  • Patent number: 8342179
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Respan Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard A. Hacke, Cornel C. Hacke