US 12,329,994 B2
Respirator flow control apparatus and method
Garry J. Walker, Norton (GB); Andrew Murphy, Binchester Moor (GB); Desmond T. Curran, Nevilles Cross (GB); Derek A. Parkin, Newton Aycliffe (GB); Thomas I. Insley, Lake Elmo, MN (US); and Mark A. J. Fernandes, Leamington Spa (GB)
Assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US)
Filed by 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY, St. Paul, MN (US)
Filed on Aug. 31, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/446,466.
Application 17/446,466 is a continuation of application No. 16/167,955, filed on Oct. 23, 2018, granted, now 11,130,008.
Application 16/167,955 is a continuation of application No. 14/556,692, filed on Dec. 1, 2014, granted, now 10,137,320, issued on Nov. 27, 2018.
Application 14/556,692 is a continuation of application No. 12/529,794, abandoned, previously published as PCT/US2008/057788, filed on Mar. 21, 2008.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/066,129, filed on Mar. 23, 2007.
Prior Publication US 2021/0387028 A1, Dec. 16, 2021
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A62B 18/04 (2006.01); A42B 3/28 (2006.01); A62B 17/04 (2006.01); A62B 18/00 (2006.01); A62B 18/08 (2006.01); A62B 18/10 (2006.01)
CPC A62B 18/04 (2013.01) [A42B 3/286 (2013.01); A62B 17/04 (2013.01); A62B 18/006 (2013.01); A62B 18/084 (2013.01); A62B 18/10 (2013.01)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An air flow control system for a respirator, the air flow control system comprising:
a shell defining a breathable air zone for a user;
a manifold comprising an air flow plenum within the shell of the respirator and having an air flow inlet extending through an air inlet opening of the shell, the manifold being separable from the shell;
wherein the manifold comprises an air distribution chamber to receive air flow from the air flow inlet and a plurality of air delivery conduits each extending from the air distribution chamber to an air outlet within the shell of the respirator, and each of the plurality of air delivery conduits receives air flow from the air distribution chamber and has a separate air flow outlet;
wherein, when worn on the user's head, the air flow inlet and the air distribution chamber are disposed adjacent the back of the user's head, the plurality of air delivery conduits each extend forwardly from the air distribution chamber, and the air outlets are adjacent a facial area of the head of the user.