37 results about "Air-purifying respirator" patented technology

The present invention relates to a ventilation system for a protective suit for use in hazardous environments. In a further aspect it concerns the protective suit itself. An air purifying respirator draws air from outside the protective suit through a filter, supplies filtered breathing air via a breathing hose to a space within the face piece, and supplies filtered ventilating air via a ventilating hose to the interior of the protective suit. A ventilation valve in the ventilating hose automatically closes only during periods of high breathing demand to counter a pressure drop inside the face piece.

A modular powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) which is comprised of a fan, motor, scroll, and power source mounted within one housing, and which accepts either traditional or conformal filters. Ambient air is drawn into the PAPR module through the attached filter by a fan, which is driven by direct connection to a motor. The pressurized air is then accelerated by an optimized scroll to the outlet in the PAPR housing. The PAPR module can be employed in multiple use configurations. The PAPR module further comprises a removable battery pack module that is easily retained to / removed from the PAPR module, enabling a user to be able to quickly remove a spent battery pack module and install a fresh battery pack module, thereby replacing the batteries within one breath cycle.

An apparatus for protecting a user in a hazardous or contaminated environment caused by chemical, fire, biological, and / or nuclear contamination includes a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for providing tank stored breathable air, a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) for purifying ambient air and a valve system that can be used to control the source of air from either the SCBA or the PAPR. The source of breathable air can be selectively controlled via manual or automatic controls while a protective body suit can be operably coupled with the SCBA and the PAPR to protect a user within the contaminated environment.

The present invention provides an air-purifying respirator facepiece with a removable, one-piece filter element connector. It also has a removable component housing in the lens as well as a nosecup without inhalation valves that prevents fogging of the portion of the lens used for viewing.

A pressure indicator for positive pressure protection masks, including powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) that monitors and determines relative air pressure between the internal space of a protection mask and the ambient environment to alert users of negative or threshold level air pressure, and in turn, to ensure safe operation of the protection masks. The pressure indicator, which is incorporated in the mask, alerts users when the air pressure in the mask reaches a critical level by transmitting optical signals, auditory signals, vibrational signals or a combination thereof that are detectable by the user. The optical signals are projected into the user's line of vision either directly or through a head-up display. The pressure indicator may cause the signal to indicate a safe and danger mode, or may cause the signal to indicate only during a danger mode.

A filter mask includes an oronasal cup, an inhalation directional cover, and an exhalation diverter body. The oronasal cup encloses a nose and mouth of a user. The oronasal cup is fluidly coupled with a filter. The inhalation directional cover is configured to be joined to the filter. The inhalation directional cover includes an elongated wing portion that is oriented in an inhalation direction that is angled with respect to the center axis of the filter. The exhalation diverter body is fluidly coupled with the oronasal cup. The exhalation diverter body defines an exhalation duct that directs exhaled air out of the oronasal cup along an exhalation direction. The inhalation direction and the exhalation direction are oriented away from a plane of interaction between the user and another person.

A high output, powered air purifying respirator that includes an anti-contamination suit, a filter for filtering particulates from the air, a high powered blower for delivering a cool flow of air to the body, and a stabilization mechanism. The stabilization mechanism is configurable in either head mounted or back mounted modules as desired by a worker. The head mounted configuration facilitates stream lined mobility and includes a head mounted suspension system with a circular rail and roller bearing halo around the worker's head for stabilizing the blower / filter and allowing for rotation of the worker's head inside the halo. The invention also includes additional modules, also configurable by the user, such as personal hydration and independent camera and dosimeter support.

An air purifying respirator includes a dual stage fan that sucks outside air in through the filter canisters and then pushes the filtered air on to the user's mask or hood, where excess air escapes. A differential pressure sensor measures the pressure within the passages after the dual stage fan and in the ambient environment to estimate the user's rate of respiration. The microcontroller monitors the estimated rate of respiration, as well as the estimated altitude and its estimated amount of oxygen to calculate a user's filtered air flow need. The microcontroller adjusts the van via a fan controller to the appropriate air flow level. The microcontroller further monitors the battery level, filter life, and for low pressure within the user's mask and operates their respective indicators when problem levels arise. The battery supplies power to the microcontroller, power on / off button, and the dual stage fan.

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for operating powered air-purifying respirators safely in explosive atmospheres. The apparatus and method utilize a current control means for sensing a current flow from a battery to a motor, and stopping the current flow when the current flow exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined amount of time. Upon sensing that the current flow has exceeded the threshold value for the predetermined amount of time, the current control means immediately stops the current flow. The apparatus and method provides sufficient power to properly start and operate the motor by providing a soft start to the motor by limiting the duration of higher than threshold operating current to intervals shorter than the predetermined amount of time. Pulse width modulation is used to ramp-up the motor to speed by supplying pulses of energy to the motor that will not cause the current control means to stop the current flow.

A method for determining at least one of an effluent concentration profile, a breakthrough time and a filter cartridge recommendation includes receiving at least one input parameter, determining at least one of the effluent concentration profile, the breakthrough time and the filter cartridge recommendation based on the input parameter, and graphically displaying at least one of the effluent concentration profile, the breakthrough time, and the filter cartridge recommendation. The effluent concentration profile includes a plot of a concentration of a chemical species over a period of time. The breakthrough time includes a time at which a predetermined concentration of the chemical species passes through a filter cartridge.

A modular powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) which is comprised of a fan, motor, scroll, and power source mounted within one housing, and which accepts either traditional or conformal filters. Ambient air is drawn into the PAPR module through the attached filter by a fan, which is driven by direct connection to a motor. The pressurized air is then accelerated by an optimized scroll to the outlet in the PAPR housing. The PAPR module can be employed in multiple use configurations. The PAPR module further comprises a removable battery pack module that is easily retained to / removed from the PAPR module, enabling a user to be able to quickly remove a spent battery pack module and install a fresh battery pack module, thereby replacing the batteries within one breath cycle.

A high output, powered air purifying respirator that includes an anti-contamination suit, a filter for filtering particulates from the air, a high powered blower for delivering a cool flow of air to the body, and a stabilization mechanism. The stabilization mechanism is configurable in either head mounted or back mounted modules as desired by a worker. The head mounted configuration facilitates stream lined mobility and includes a head mounted suspension system with a circular rail and roller bearing halo around the worker's head for stabilizing the blower / filter and allowing for rotation of the worker's head inside the halo. The invention also includes additional modules, also configurable by the user, such as personal hydration and independent camera and dosimeter support.

A method for determining at least one of an effluent concentration profile, a breakthrough time and a filter cartridge recommendation includes receiving at least one input parameter, determining at least one of the effluent concentration profile, the breakthrough time and the filter cartridge recommendation based on the input parameter, and graphically displaying at least one of the effluent concentration profile, the breakthrough time, and the filter cartridge recommendation. The effluent concentration profile includes a plot of a concentration of a chemical species over a period of time. The breakthrough time includes a time at which a predetermined concentration of the chemical species passes through a filter cartridge.

The invention relates to a portable air purifying respirator which is characterized by comprising a portable air purifier and a mask. An air outlet of the portable air purifier is connected with an air pipe, and the other end of the air pipe is connected to the mask. Due to the fact that the air outlet of the portable air purifier is connected with the mask through the air pipe, purified air can be conveyed to the mask through the air pipe, air breathed by the human body is the purified air, input power of the purified air input to the mask mainly comes from the portable air purifier, and the human body can breathe easily smoothly while the air filtering effect is good and extremely fine particles such as plenty of dust, acidic substances and organic hydrocarbon which are suspended in air are effectively prevented from being breathed by the human body.

A filter medium of an air purifying respirator captures one or more substances from the air in a worker's environment as the worked breathes. Air contaminants captured by the respirator filter media can be subsequently analyzed and measured. An air flow meter placed at an air channel of the respirator measures air flow and / or total air volume inspired by the worker wearing the respirator. Personal chemical exposure of the worker can be assessed from the filter media measurements and air flow data.

The present application discloses a lockable fitting structure used for an electric air-purifying respirator of an auto-darkening welding helmet, the electric air-purifying respirator comprising a housing and a battery device, a battery holder being formed in the housing, and the battery device being able to be detachably installed in the battery holder by the lockable fitting structure, wherein the lockable fitting structure comprises at lease four pairs of sliding joint structures formed on the battery device and the battery holder respectively and a locking structure provided in the battery device, wherein the sliding joint structures of each pair can be engaged with or disengaged from each other by sliding them relative to each other, wherein the locking structure comprises a button and a tongue capable to be actuated by the button, wherein the tongue is movable along a direction substantially perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding joint structure, and wherein after the sliding joint structures have been moved relative to each other in place, the tongue contacts a stop side of the battery holder to lock the pairs of sliding joint structures. The present application also discloses an electric air-purifying respirator for an auto-darkening welding helmet, which is equipped with said lockable fitting structure.

The invention discloses a head-mounted air-purifying respirator, which belongs to a personal respiratory protection device and is composed of a miniature air purifier, a head clip device, an air delivery hose, an elastic device, and a nasal aspirator. The back of the air purifier is connected to the head clip The device, the elastic device is compounded on the air hose, and the two ends of the air hose are connected with the air purifier and the nasal aspirator; the nasal aspirator includes a hollow body, and the upper side is juxtaposed with two nasal suction pipes with soft sealing skirts on the outer periphery , the front side is provided with an exhaust port and a one-way diaphragm is installed in front of the exhaust port, and the side is provided with an air inlet connected to an air hose; the device is fixed on the head by using the mechanical action of the elastic device and the head clamp device The nasal aspirator is sealed and attached under the nostrils, which solves the problems of air leakage, occlusion, hot flashes, mixed breathing, and activity restriction of mask-type respirators. It is comfortable and invisible to wear, and is suitable for indoor and outdoor advanced respiratory protection; it is equipped with negative oxygen ions and an audio unit that creates high-quality purified air resembling a forest composition, and you can also enjoy music broadcasts.

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

A pressure indicator for positive pressure protection masks, including powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) that monitors and determines relative air pressure between the internal space of a protection mask and the ambient environment to alert users of negative or threshold level air pressure, and in turn, to ensure safe operation of the protection masks. The pressure indicator, which is incorporated in the mask, alerts users when the air pressure in the mask reaches a critical level by transmitting optical signals, auditory signals, vibrational signals or a combination thereof that are detectable by the user. The optical signals are projected into the user's line of vision either directly or through a head-up display. The pressure indicator may cause the signal to indicate a safe and danger mode, or may cause the signal to indicate only during a danger mode.

An information display and control device of an air purifying respirator comprises: a blower motor; a pulse width modulation drive unit controlling rotation of the blower motor; a temperature sensor; an air flow sensor; an oxygen sensor; a voltage detection unit for a battery; a differential pressure sensor detecting a differential pressure value of a filter; a switch input unit for a user to input predetermined temperature, air flow, and oxygen amount and operation commands; a controller executing a diagnostic mode, calibrating the oxygen sensor, calculating a detected value of the voltage detection unit to determine whether the voltage is low, comparing the detected value of the differential pressure sensor with a reference to determine whether the filter is absent or clogged, and comparing the detected value of the oxygen sensor with a reference to determine whether oxygen is insufficient or excessive; and an alarm output unit outputting an alarm.

The present invention relates to improvements to powered air purifying respirators (PAPR). PAPR are known generally for use in polluted environments. A typical PAPR comprises a powered impellor arranged to draw air from the atmosphere, a filter element and a mask to provide the filtered and pressurized air to the user. Embodiments of the present invention place a generator unit, comprising a filter and impellor for pressurizing the air, behind the head of the user, and include components for improving delivery of the air to the user and improving its quality.

The invention discloses an anti-haze water washing type air purification respirator. The respirator comprises a water washing box with a water accommodating cavity formed inside; an upper cover covers the water washing box; a separating plate is vertically arranged in the upper cover to separate the internal space of the upper cover into an air inlet cavity and a pure air cavity; an isolating plate is arranged between the lower end of the air inlet cavity and the water accommodating cavity; an air inlet is formed in the position, corresponding to the air inlet cavity, of the upper cover; an air suction device is arranged in the position, directly facing the air inlet, inside the air inlet cavity; an air inlet pipe inserted into water in the water accommodating cavity is connected onto the air suction device; a filter net is arranged between the air inlet pipe and the air suction device; the pure air cavity communicates with the upper part of the water accommodating cavity; an air outlet pipe is arranged on the upper cover; the inlet end of the air outlet pipe is inserted in the pure air cavity; and the outlet end of the air outlet pipe is connected with a respiration device. The respirator has the advantages of being simple in structure, small in size, convenient to carry, good in haze removal effect and suitable for outdoor use.

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

An air purifying respirator includes a dual stage fan that sucks outside air in through the filter canisters and then pushes the filtered air on to the user's mask or hood, where excess air escapes. A differential pressure sensor measures the pressure within the passages after the dual stage fan and in the ambient environment to estimate the user's rate of respiration. The microcontroller monitors the estimated rate of respiration, as well as the estimated altitude and its estimated amount of oxygen to calculate a user's filtered air flow need. The microcontroller adjusts the van via a fan controller to the appropriate air flow level. The microcontroller further monitors the battery level, filter life, and for low pressure within the user's mask and operates their respective indicators when problem levels arise. The battery supplies power to the microcontroller, power on / off button, and the dual stage fan.

An air-purifying breathing apparatus is provided. The breathing apparatus comprises an air chamber with a filter disposed therein. The air chamber is directly communicated with a respiratory tract through pipes. Therefore, the air-purifying breathing apparatus has the advantages of completely filtering air; avoiding backflow; and making full use of filtered fresh air. Further, the breathing apparatus is directly communicated with the respiratory tract, thus fitting various facial forms of different people. Moreover, various filter elements can be used, such that the breathing apparatus is applicable to various working and living environments.