Respirator test accessory

• US 8,621,914 B2
• Filed: 09/14/2012
• Issued: 01/07/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TSI Incorporated
• Original Assignee: TSI Incorporated
• Inventors: Montividas, Robert, Remiarz, Richard, Johnson, Brian, Carideo, Max
• Primary Examiner(s): LARKIN, DANIEL SEAN
• Application Number:
  US13/618,500
• Publication Number:
  US 20130086978A1
• Time in Patent Office: 480 Days
• Field of Search: 73/40, 73/407, 128/201.22, 128/201.23, 128/202.22, 128/206.24, 128/206.25, 128/206.27, 434/262, 434/267, 434/270
• US Class Current: 73/40
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 27/00 Methods or devices for testing respiratory or breathing apparatus for high altitudesapparatus for testing gastightness in general G01M
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/02 by using fluid or vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/027 Details with respect to the testing of elastic elements, e.g. gloves, condoms
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/227 for flexible or elastic containers

Abstract

A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process.

Claims

1. A system for testing the integrity of a respirator mask, comprising:

a test accessory including an instrumentation module mounted to a casement, said test accessory including a microprocessor operatively coupled with instrumentation for determination of integrity of said respirator mask, said instrumentation including a pressure sensor and a flow sensor; and

a head form adapted to accommodate said respirator mask, said head form being mounted to said casement and operatively coupled with said instrumentation module,

wherein said microprocessor is adapted for selective coupling with a leak detection device, and said head form is adapted for detachable coupling with said leak detection device, said leak detection device being external to said casement.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said instrumentation module includes an operator interface.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said instrumentation module includes said microprocessor.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said test accessory further comprises a memory device adapted to communicate with said microprocessor.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein an aerosol generator is mounted to said casement.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said microprocessor is adapted for detachable coupling with said leak detection device.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said microprocessor is adapted for selective coupling with said leak detection device via an instrumentation cable.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said pressure sensor is configured for a pressure decay measurement.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said pressure sensor is coupled to a testing volume, said testing volume being configured for selective coupling with an exhalation valve of said respirator mask.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein said test accessory and said head form are configured for selective coupling of said pressure sensor with a drink train of said respirator mask.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said flow sensor is an orifice flow meter.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said test accessory and said head form are configured for elective coupling of said flow sensor with a drink train of said respirator mask.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said leak detection device is an aerosol detector.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said aerosol detector is a particle counter.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said head form is detachably mounted to said casement.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein said head form is magnetically coupled to said casement.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein said instrumentation module is detachable from said casement.