Abstract: A facial mask for use in decreasing the transmission of one or more than one human pathogen to and from a human wearer of the facial mask, the facial mask comprising a facepiece; where the facepiece comprises three or more than three layers; where one or more than one of the three or more than three layers comprises a fabric comprising one or more than one binding substance comprising one or more than one human pathogen binding group for chemically attaching the human pathogen to the binding substance; where the fabric further comprises one or more than one type of multivalent metallic ion or metallic salt; and where one or more than one of the three or more than three layers comprises a heat-moldable fabric.

Abstract: A flat-fold filtering face piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 that has a transversely-extending line of demarcation 22 and a longitudinal axis 34. First and second weld patterns 32a, 32b are disposed above and not traversing the line of demarcation on each side of the longitudinal axis 34, respectively. Third and fourth weld patterns 32c, 32d are disposed below and not crossing the line of demarcation 22 on each side of the longitudinal axis 34, respectively. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth weld patterns 32a-32d is a two-dimensional enclosed pattern. This combined weld patterns can provide a mask body that exhibits crush resistance without the need for additional or heavier layers, which may cause higher pressure drops across the filtering structure.

Abstract: A face mask for reducing or eliminating fogging of eye wear worn by a user of the face mask is provided. The face mask may include a body portion that has an outer surface and an oppositely disposed inner surface. The face mask may also have an absorbent element that may be located on at least one of the surfaces of the body portion. The absorbent element may be capable of absorbing at least 3.5 grams of water and may act to absorb moisture and/or condensation due to human respiration and/or perspiration.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask body with a perimeter. The mask has a use position wherein the mask body covers at least the mouth and nose and the perimeter is in contact with the face surrounding at least the mouth and nose. At least one ultrasonic sensor is supported on the mask body in detecting proximity to the perimeter. The ultrasonic sensor is operable to detect ultrasound. The ultrasonic sensor allows leakage around the perimeter of the mask body to be detected.

Abstract: A respirator 10 that has a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that is joined to the harness 14. The mask body 12 includes a filtering structure 16 that may contain a plurality of layers of nonwoven fibrous material 58, 60, 62. The layers of nonwoven fibrous material 58, 60, 62 have a thickness A and are welded together by at least two parallel weld lines 34?, 34? that are spaced at 0.5 to 6 times A. A mask body that uses parallel weld lines may exhibit better resistance to collapse and may be manufactured at faster speeds than similar structures which use single weld lines of comparable width.

Abstract: A filtering face mask 10 that has a harness 14 and a mask body 12. The mask body 12 includes a filtering structure 18 and a cup-shaped shaping layer 20 where the latter comprises a closed cell foam layer that has a plurality of fluid permeable openings 22 located in it. The openings 22 are surrounded by recessed regions 31. The filtering structure 18 does not make substantial contact with the shaping layer 20 at the recessed regions. The shaping layer 20 makes contact with the wearer's face at the mask body perimeter 19 when the respirator is being worn. The use of a foam shaping layer that has openings surrounded by recessed regions provides sufficient structural integrity or stiffness to prevent mask body collapse during respirator use while also exhibiting a low pressure drop and rapid fluid distribution of air within the mask to allow for low breathing resistance and extended wearer comfort.

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 face mask has upper and lower portions made of mask material. The upper and lower portions are joined together at side portions and a front portion. The side portions converge as the side portions extend from a face edge to the front portion. The mask has sections between the face edge and the front portion, with each section having a head retainer, a nose strip or both. The sections are divisible from each other along separation zones or bands that extend between the side edges. The size of the mask can be reduced by removing one or more sections, leaving one or more sections that incorporate the front edge and the shortened side edges.

Abstract: A personal respiratory protection device that comprises a multilayer body including a stiffening layer, filter media layer(s) and inner or outer cover layer(s). The mask body includes a central portion between first and second portions, the central portion being defined by a fold, bond, weld, seam, or combination thereof and having a width of about 160 to 220 mm and a height of about 30 to 110 mm. The device is capable of being folded flat for storage with the first portion in at least partial face-to-face contact with a surface of the central portion and the second portion contacting a surface of the first portion. When unfolded for use the device is capable of forming a cup-shaped off the face air chamber over the nose and mouth of a wearer.

Abstract: A mask that can prevent spaces from forming between a mask body and a wearer's face. In the mask, the top base and bottom base of a left ear loop are joined to the mask body at a top joining part and bottom joining part, respectively. Also, the top base and bottom base of a right ear loop are joined to the mask body at a top joining part and bottom joining part, respectively. In the top joining parts, joining part bottoms, which are at the bottom in a second direction, are shifted away from rims in a first direction with respect to joining part tops, which are at the top in the second direction.

Abstract: A wearable protective device (100) including an eye shield (102), a holder (106) for a removable breathing filter (400), and an arrangement (104, 118) for fixing the device, in use, to a wearer's head. The eye shield and the holder are integrated or permanently connected together.

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 method of making a face mask is disclosed. The method includes providing an elastic nonwoven web continuous in a machine direction, the elastic nonwoven web having a central lane extending in the machine direction; bonding a filtering web to the central lane of the elastic nonwoven web to provide a layered web, the filtering web being continuous in the machine direction and having a cross-web width that is substantially the same as the cross-web width of the central lane; and stamping a face mask into the layered web. A face mask and a continuous layered web having a plurality of face masks disposed thereon are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a four-sided dustproof mask including: an upper filter adapted to surround a wearer's nose area; a lower filter adapted to surround the wearer's chin area; and a protruded center filter adapted to attach the upper filter and the lower filter thereto in such a manner as to make the both ends of the upper filter and the lower filter correspond to center points formed at the both ends of a curved folding line dividing the protruded center filter into two sides, the curved folding line having a straight line portion having a predetermined length protrudedly extended from the center points thereof, whereby while the upper filter and the lower filter are being developed, the protruded center filter is protruded to a dome-like shape.

Abstract: An adjustable face mask having a body conforming substantially to the facial structure of a wearer. The face mask is provided with a neck shield and removable filter and novel air apertures providing a communication of forced air to the nose and mouth of a user. The face mask can optionally provide neck protection with a descending neck member.

Abstract: There is provided a splash resistant facemask having two outer splash layers adjacent each other on a side away from a wearer, a filter layer and an inside layer. None of the layers contains a repellent treatment. The facemask can pass a fluid splash resistance test, e.g. ASTM F-1862-05, wherein fluid is directed at the mask at a pressure of 160 mmHg.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 and a harness 14 that is joined to the mask body 12. The mask body 12 includes a filter layer 30 and a nonwoven fibrous cover web 16. The fibrous cover web 16 is partially occluded and is generally parallel to and spaced from the filter layer 30 such that air passing through the cover web 16 can move freely between the cover web 16 and the filter layer 30 so that it can enter the filter layer 30 at essentially any available point over the filter layer surface 32. The inventive respirator is beneficial in that it can provide very good splash fluid and airborne contaminant protection while also exhibiting an extraordinary low pressure drop across the mask body during breathing.

Abstract: The two-stage air filter is formed of a nonwoven glass fiber first or inlet filter element and a second or outlet filter element formed of nonwoven fiber. The outlet filter element is preferably formed of either polyester material, or a blend of polyester and cotton fiber material. The first or inlet filter element is coarser than the second or outlet filter element, with the first element serving to capture larger particles while allowing smaller particles to pass therethrough to be captured by the finer second filter element. The two filter elements have a continuous and unbroken, homogeneous interface therebetween, with the attachment of the two filter elements with one another being solely at their mutual peripheries by a peripheral frame. Additional air freshening and cleaning, deodorizing, odor neutralizing, scent applying, fungicidal, bactericidal, and/or germicidal chemicals or materials may be applied to either or both filter elements.

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: The present invention concerns a valve unit for a rebreather apparatus that recycles gas exhaled by a user. The valve unit includes a housing 5 with a first port for communication with a respiratory system of the user and a first inlet port 9 for breathable gas in said housing, a first exit port for exhausting gas from said housing into a flow channel, at least one separate second exit port 12 for exhausting gas form said housing 5 into an ambient environment, a second inlet port 13 for breathable gas connected to an open loop inlet valve 6 in said housing 5, and a valve body 4 in said housing 5 forming a valve for switching between two operating modes. The valve body 4 is formed as a barrel or cylinder with valve openings sealing against the housing 5, where the valve body 4 forms an internal cavity 18, alone or in combination with the housing 5, in connection with the port 10 for communication with a user. The valve 6 has an outlet in said cavity 18.

Abstract: A mask placeable over the nose and mouth of a user for blocking out unpleasant odors. The mask has an air-permeable body with an inner surface shaped to fit over the nose and mouth and a strap for securing the mask in place over the user's face. An arrangement of pliable material is affixed to the inner surface of the mask at nostril level providing a method to secure a separate scent emitting object at the user's discretion.

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 pleated molded filtering face piece respirator to be worn upon the face of a wearer and for providing filtering including at least one layer of moldable flexible plastic material formed from openwork flexible plastic material for providing a plurality of perforations for allowing for the free passage of air through the openwork plastic. A layer of moldable filter material for filtering impurities in the air, the one layer of flexible plastic material formed from openwork flexible plastic material and the layer of filter material for filtering impurities in the air lying one on top of the other to form a moldable multilayer of flexible plastic material and filter material. The moldable multilayer of flexible plastic material and filter material are pleated into pleated material and molded to form the pleated filtering face piece respirator to a desired configuration where the one layer of openwork flexible plastic material forms a support layer to carry the layer of filter material.

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 filtering face mask 10 that has a harness 14 and a mask body 12. The mask body 12 is structured such that a snug facial fit can be achieved without use of additional components such as an elastomeric face seal, nose foam, or nose clip. The mask body 12 includes a filtering structure 18 and a cup-shaped shaping layer 20 where the latter comprises a closed cell foam layer that has a plurality of fluid permeable openings located in it. The openings occupy at least 30% of the total surface area of the shaping layer, including a mid region of the shaping layer. The filtering structure is coextensively disposed over the shaping layer. The shaping layer 20 makes contact with the wearer's face at the mask body perimeter 19 when the respirator is being worn.

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: Apparatus and method to mitigate the spread of infectious material caused by coughing or sneezing are disclosed. The apparatus includes a bottom, a peripheral first duct and a peripheral second duct, and a top. The bottom has a first side and an opposing second side. The peripheral first duct is disposed on the first side of the bottom and around a portion of the periphery of the bottom. The peripheral second duct is disposed on the first side of the bottom and around a second portion of the periphery of the bottom. The peripheral first duct has a first cavity and the peripheral second duct has a second cavity. The top includes at least one opening configured to receive a nose and mouth of a user. The top is disposed above the first side of the bottom and is recessed below the peripheral first duct and the peripheral second duct. The bottom, the top, the peripheral first duct and the peripheral second duct define a third cavity.

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: Provided is a mask which can be folded small and has improved portability and storability. A mask which can be folded small characterized in that, as FIG. 1 shows, a filter part, which comprises single or multi layered filter material and provides a rectangular section at the center when folded in two along the center line, is provided; triangular filter parts, each having the major side of the rectangular filter part as the bottom side, are formed in an integrated manner in the longitudinal direction of the rectangle, and tightening strings are attached to the respective minor sides of the rectangular filter part.

Abstract: A flat fold filtering face piece respirator 10 that includes a mask body 12 and a harness 14. The mask body 12 includes a filtering structure 16 that contains a cover web 48, 50 and a filtration layer 52 that contains electrically-charged microfibers. The filtering structure 16 is folded over upon itself in a nose region 32 of the mask body 12 to be at least 1 centimeter or more wide and to extend across the upper perimeter of the mask body in a generally straight line when the respirator is in the folded condition. The filtering structure 16 has a deflection greater than about 0.5 millimeters and has a recoverability of at least 40% in the folded condition. A mask body having this construction is beneficial in that it does not need to use a nose foam to obtain a snug fit over the nose.

Abstract: A stress deformable and sealed breathing mask that includes an air permeable rectilinear mask body having at least one layer of air filtering material and a resilient sealing strip at an upper edge of the mask body for sealing engagement with a user's face. An upper attachment strap is in a laced engagement with the mask body and the resilient sealing strip such that tightening of the upper attachment strap about a user's head causes the resilient sealing strip to resiliently deform substantially to the contour of the user's face in the bridge area of the user's nose. A lower attachment strap secures the bottom of the mask body against a portion of the user's face below the user's mouth.

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/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: A surgical mask provides a wide range of wearers with a good fit and improved comfort, facilitates proper use of the mask, and reduces or eliminates fogging of eyewear, as compared with typical masks. The mask may include a pair of ties that are joined to the upper, central, and lower parts of either side of the body of the mask with the assistance of restraint members. The mask may also include a sealing member that reduces or eliminates gaps between the wearer's face and the upper part of the mask by forming a seal between the wearer's face and the mask in use. In addition, the mask may include a barrier panel that reduces or prevents the wearer's breath from escaping through the mask and rising to the wearer's eyewear.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask body with a perimeter. The mask has a use position wherein the mask body covers at least the mouth and nose and the perimeter is in contact with the face surrounding at least the mouth and nose. At least one ultrasonic sensor is supported on the mask body in detecting proximity to the perimeter. The ultrasonic sensor is operable to detect ultrasound. The ultrasonic sensor allows leakage around the perimeter of the mask body to be detected.

Abstract: A mask includes an airtight wrapper and a filtering cotton. The airtight wrapper further includes an airy opening and an airy covering. With the airy covering able to be engaged with and disengaged from the airy opening, the filtering cotton can be fixed immovably between the airy opening and the airy covering for use and taken away easily in case of needing to clean the airtight wrapper and the filtering cotton. Thus the airtight wrapper can be washed and the filtering cotton can be replaced with a new one if necessary, properly saving resource.

Abstract: A filter element utilizes a porous shape-retaining self-supporting non-woven web. The web includes thermoplastic elastomeric polymer fibers and active particles disposed in the fibers. The web also possesses a three-dimensional deformation.

Abstract: A filter element includes a porous non-woven web. The porous non-woven web includes a first layer with first thermoplastic elastomeric polymer fibers and first active particles disposed therein and a second layer including second thermoplastic elastomeric polymer fibers and second active particles disposed therein. The web possesses a three-dimensional deformation and the first layer is contiguous with the second layer across the deformation.

Abstract: A cough shield includes a cough shield body expandable from a folded state to an open state and collapsible to return from the open to the folded state. The cough shield body is retained in an unbiased condition in the folded state until acted on by a user to open the cough shield body. An engagement member adhesively fixed to the body is accessible to the user in the folded state. The engagement member defines a cavity between the engagement member outer wall and an outer surface portion of the body. The engagement member slidably receives a user's finger to assist in opening or closing the cough shield body and to temporarily retain the cough shield in the open state in contact with the face of the user to at least partially cover the user's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A mouth mask includes a mask body and fixing elements connected to the mask body. The mask body includes a waterproof nonwoven layer, a skin-contact nonwoven layer, and a filtering nonwoven layer provided between the waterproof nonwoven layer and the skin-contact nonwoven layer to correspond to mouth and nose of a user. The dimension of the waterproof nonwoven layer is the same as that of the skin-contact nonwoven layer. The dimension of the filtering nonwoven layer is smaller than that of the waterproof nonwoven layer and the skin-contact nonwoven layer. With the above structure, a mouth mask is provided, which is more comfortable when worn and has a less production cost.

Abstract: Multilayer filtering composition for a protective breathing mask, characterized in that this filtering multilayer composition comprises, from the outside in: a) an external layer made of a spunbonded nonwoven fabric; b) a first intermediate layer of felt-type tribocharged nonwoven fabric based on at least two different types of fibres suitable for giving the fabric opposite electric charges that enhance the filtration; c) at least one second intermediate layer made of a nonwoven ply of melt-blown microfibres, said ply being charged with static electricity; and d) an internal layer in contact with the face made of a spunbonded nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A respiratory etiquette device in the form of a mask that can be held in a compacted configuration within the pocket or purse of a user. When released, the mask springs open to its erected configuration and can be quickly placed over the mouth and nose of a wearer to contain a cough or sneeze. Rapid springing open of the mask is achieved by using a plastic core having an array of external bubbles that rapidly regain their shape when the mask is released, thereby forcing the entire mask into its fully erected configuration.

Abstract: A method of making a fluorinated fibrous web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web 22 that contains polymeric fibers, creating a plasma that contains fluorine atoms at a first location 14, and contacting the nonwoven web with products from the plasma at a second location 26 remote from the first location 14. The method avoids exposure of the web to the plasma and hence expands the manufacturing processing window. Webs so fluorinated have a different C3F4H+ to C2F5+ ratio when compared to locally fluorinated webs having similar levels of surface fluorination. The remote fluorinated webs can be subsequently charged electrically to provide a good performing electret filter 40 suitable for use in an air purifying respirator 30. Webs fluorinated in accordance with this invention also may exhibit good performance even after being “aged” at high temperatures.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that has a harness 14 and a mask body 12. The mask body 12 includes a support structure 16 and a filtering structure 18. The support structure 16 contains an auxetic mesh 20 that has been molded into an intended cup-shape configuration, and the filtering structure 18 contains a filtration layer 42 for removing contaminants from the ambient air. The use of an auxetic mesh 20 in the support structure 16 provides more uniformly-sized openings 26 in the mesh 20 and reduces opportunities for mesh overlapping and mesh distortion.

Abstract: A mask is revealed. The mask includes an upper construction surface and a lower construction surface, respectively disposed above and under a middle construction surface and having a main body that is arranged above and under a middle construction surface. The upper construction surface and/or the lower construction surface further include an extended part. The upper, lower and middle construction surfaces are folded to form a flat folded structure. In use, the upper and the lower construction surfaces are folded in opposite directions to form a 3D mask. The mask are formed of one construction surface or two construction surfaces or more construction surfaces. By the extended part, the mask is applied to users with various face shapes and sizes. Moreover, the air leakage is reduced and the filter efficiency is increased.

Abstract: Provided is a drug sustained-release agent including a carbon material (porous carbon material) which has an inverse opal structure. The drug sustained-release agent includes a porous carbon material which has spherical pores having an average diameter of 1×10?9 to 1×10?5 m and arrayed three-dimensionally and which has a surface area of 3×102 m2/g. Or, the drug sustained-release agent includes a porous carbon material in which pores are arrayed in an arrangement corresponding to a crystal structure on a macroscopic basis. Or, the drug sustained-release agent includes a porous carbon material in which pores are arrayed at a surface thereof in an arrangement corresponding to the (111) plane orientation of a face-centered cubic structure on a macroscopic basis.

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 molded respirator is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web of continuous charged monocomponent meltspun partially crystalline and partially amorphous oriented fibers of the same polymeric composition that have been bonded to form a coherent and handleable web which further may be softened while retaining orientation and fiber structure. The respirator is a cup-shaped porous monocomponent monolayer matrix whose matrix fibers are bonded to one another at at least some points of fiber intersection. The matrix has a King Stiffness greater than 1 N. The respirator may be formed without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement in the filter media layer.

Abstract: An underwater exhaust system and method which includes an exhaust valve having a sealing edge, an exhaust outlet for exiting an exhaust gas, and a projection for directing water flow away from the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve includes a valve head and a valve stem, the valve stem being coupled with the valve head. The system and method prevent a siphoning effect, whereby leakage of water into the exhaust valve is minimized or prevented.

Abstract: An adaptable component having antiviral and virucidal properties is disclosed. The component generally comprises of a metal impregnated activated carbon cloth, an inner layer positioned along one side of the cloth and an outer layer positioned along the opposite side of the cloth. The layers can be attached together along all or a portion of a perimeter. The component can also have a protective membrane positioned between the outer layer and the activated carbon cloth. The components can be of benefit used in facemask composite, medical clothing such as gowns and scrubs, bed linen and protective clothing for military purposes.