US5659296A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Exposure indicating apparatus
Assignee: 3M Co
•
Filing: 1994-10-24
•
Granted: 1997-08-19
•
Expires: 2014-10-24
Abstract
Abstract An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring air flowing along a flow-through path extending from the external environment through an air purifying respirator cartridge and into a face mask. A processor housing is releasably attached to the flow-through path so that it can be removed allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location. A reversible sensor with at least one property responsive to a concentration of a target species within an environment is in fluid communication with the flow-through path. A processing device in the processor housing generates a concentration signal as a function of the at least one property of the reversible sensor. An indicator provides an active indication in response to the concentration signal. A flow-through housing may form a portion of the flow-through path. The flow-through housing may be interposed between the air purifying cartridge and the face mask. The reversible sensor may be located in the processor housing, the air purifying respirator cartridge or the flow-through housing. The sensor is coupled to the processing device by a coupler.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark K. Debe
- 👤 Gregory Yuschak
- 👤 Edward E. Parsonage
- 👤 Richard J. Poirier
- 👤 Lowell R. Miller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 18:42
CPC Classifications
A; A62; A62B; A62B18/00; A62B18/08; A62B18/088
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processor housing is releasably attached to an air purifying cartridge located along the flow-through path.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the processor housing and the air purifying cartridge includes interface means for providing mechanical attachment therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the air purifying cartridge includes receiving means for releasable engagement with the processor housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
143 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to an air purifying cartridge located along the flow-through path such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path, the air purifying cartridge including receiving means for releasable engagement with the processor housing wherein the receiving means comprises a plurality of generally parallel walls restricting engagement and disengagement of the processor housing with the receiving means along a single axis; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
143 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to an air purifying cartridge located along the flow-through path such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path, the air purifying cartridge including receiving means for releasable engagement with the processor housing wherein the receiving means comprises a plurality of generally parallel walls restricting engagement and disengagement of the processor housing with the receiving means along a single axis; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the reversible sensor is located in the air purifying cartridge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
130 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to an air purifying cartridge located along the flow-through path such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path, and wherein the reversible sensor is located in the processor housing and the processor housing further includes a fluidic coupling in fluid communication with the air purifying cartridge: a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
130 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to an air purifying cartridge located along the flow-through path such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path, and wherein the reversible sensor is located in the processor housing and the processor housing further includes a fluidic coupling in fluid communication with the air purifying cartridge: a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the air purifying cartridge further includes an opening for receiving the fluidic coupling, the opening having a cover which closes upon removal of the fluidic coupling.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processing device is coupled to the reversible sensor by a releasable electrical coupler.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processing device is coupled to the reversible sensor by a releasable optical coupler.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the indicator is located in the processor housing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the indicator comprises a plurality of signaling devices responding to the concentration signal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the indicator comprises a plurality of indicators arranged generally symmetrically on the processor housing.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the indicator comprises a fight source.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the indicator comprises an acoustical generator.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the indicator comprises a vibro-tactile generator.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reversible sensor has at least one property responsive to a concentration of a target species, the at least one property selected from the group consisting of temperature, mass, mechanical deformation, complex electric permittivity, gravimetric, optical absorption and reflectivity, magnetic permeability, resistivity, electrochemical, optical emission, electronic surface states, and bulk modulus of elasticity.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one property is responsive to a concentration of a target species selected from the group consisting of hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, other toxic gases and vapors, organic gases and vapors, oxygen, and explosive gases and vapors.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reversible sensor comprises a plurality of reversible sensors.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reversible sensor comprises a plurality of reversible sensors, each of the plurality of reversible sensors generating a concentration signal as a function of a concentration of at least one target species.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the indicator comprises a single signaling indicator for signaling a plurality of signaling patterns corresponding to at least an exposure signaling rate, a ready signaling rate, and a fault signaling rate.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the face mask comprises: a face piece forming a face mask chamber for extending over at least the mouth and nose of a user; securing means for releasably attaching the face piece to a user's head; and fluidic connectors on the face piece for fluidically engaging at least one air purifying respirator cartridge with the face mask chamber.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the face mask comprises: a face piece forming a face mask chamber for extending over at least the mouth, nose and eyes of a user; securing means for releasably attaching the face piece to a user's head; and fluidic connectors on the face piece for fluidically engaging at least one air purifying respirator cartridge with the face mask chamber.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the face mask comprises a portion of a powered air respirator, the powered air respirator including an air source fluidically coupled to the face mask via the flow-through path.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the face mask comprises a portion of a supplied air respirator, the supplied air respirator including an air source fluidically coupled to the face mask via the flow-through path.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
144 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to an air purifying cartridge located along the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location, the reversible sensor is located in the processor housing, the processor housing further including a fluidic coupling in fluid communication with the air purifying cartridge, wherein the fluidic coupling comprises a diffusion limiting device: a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
144 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to an air purifying cartridge located along the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location, the reversible sensor is located in the processor housing, the processor housing further including a fluidic coupling in fluid communication with the air purifying cartridge, wherein the fluidic coupling comprises a diffusion limiting device: a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
124 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a flow-through housing forming a portion of the flow-through path interposed between an air purifying cartridge and the face mask; a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through housing at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
124 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a flow-through housing forming a portion of the flow-through path interposed between an air purifying cartridge and the face mask; a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through housing at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising a flow-through housing forming a portion of the flow-through path and wherein the reversible sensor is located within the flow-through housing.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
127 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a flow-through housing forming a portion of the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through housing at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a reversible sensor located within the processor housing, the processor housing further including a fluidic coupling in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
127 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a flow-through housing forming a portion of the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through housing at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a reversible sensor located within the processor housing, the processor housing further including a fluidic coupling in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
144 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a flow-through housing forming a portion of the flow-through path; a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through housing at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location, wherein the flow-through housing includes receiving means comprising a plurality of generally parallel walls restricting engagement and disengagement of the processor housing with the receiving means along a single axis; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and a indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
144 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a flow-through housing forming a portion of the flow-through path; a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through housing at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location, wherein the flow-through housing includes receiving means comprising a plurality of generally parallel walls restricting engagement and disengagement of the processor housing with the receiving means along a single axis; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and a indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
104 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the face mask at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
104 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the face mask at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the reversible sensor is located in the processor housing.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
123 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask and further extending from the face mask to the external environment through an exhaust port, comprising: a reversible sensor located in the mask in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
123 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask and further extending from the face mask to the external environment through an exhaust port, comprising: a reversible sensor located in the mask in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
125 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal, wherein the processing device operates the indicator at a signaling rate which varies as a continuous function of the concentration signal.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
125 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal, wherein the processing device operates the indicator at a signaling rate which varies as a continuous function of the concentration signal.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the processing device includes threshold detection means for generating a threshold signal in response to the concentration signal when a predetermined threshold concentration is attained, the indicator being activated in response to the threshold signal at a threshold signaling rate corresponding to the predetermined threshold concentration, the signaling rate thereafter varying as a continuous function of the concentration signal.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
159 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; and a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor, wherein the processing device is responsive to a concentration signal from the reversible sensor, the processing device operating a single signal indicator at an exposure signaling rate which varies as a function of the concentration signal, a ready signaling rate indicative of a correctly functioning alarm, and a fault signaling rate indicative of an exposure indicator functioning outside of predetermined operating parameters.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
159 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; and a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor, wherein the processing device is responsive to a concentration signal from the reversible sensor, the processing device operating a single signal indicator at an exposure signaling rate which varies as a function of the concentration signal, a ready signaling rate indicative of a correctly functioning alarm, and a fault signaling rate indicative of an exposure indicator functioning outside of predetermined operating parameters.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
109 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending from at least an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; processor housing means for releasable attachment to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; processing means contained in the processor housing for generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and signaling means responsive to the concentration signal for signaling the user.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
109 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending from at least an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; processor housing means for releasable attachment to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; processing means contained in the processor housing for generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and signaling means responsive to the concentration signal for signaling the user.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
146 words
A face mask with an exposure indicating apparatus comprising: a face mask defining a face mask chamber extending across at least the mouth and nose of a user, the face mask having a flow-through path extending from at least an external environment through the face mask chamber; an air purifying respirator cartridge located along the flow-through path in fluidic engagement with the face mask chamber; a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path for monitoring the air flowing along a flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
146 words
A face mask with an exposure indicating apparatus comprising: a face mask defining a face mask chamber extending across at least the mouth and nose of a user, the face mask having a flow-through path extending from at least an external environment through the face mask chamber; an air purifying respirator cartridge located along the flow-through path in fluidic engagement with the face mask chamber; a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path for monitoring the air flowing along a flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
96 words
An air purifying respirator cartridge for use with an exposure indicating apparatus, the exposure indicating apparatus including a sensor, comprising: filter media; a cartridge housing containing the filter media defining at least a portion of a flow-through path between an external environment and a face mask; receiving means on the cartridge housing for releasable engagement with the exposure indicating apparatus; and transmission means for permitting the sensor to monitor the filter media without permitting ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the receiving means upon disengagement of the exposure indicating apparatus from the cartridge housing.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
96 words
An air purifying respirator cartridge for use with an exposure indicating apparatus, the exposure indicating apparatus including a sensor, comprising: filter media; a cartridge housing containing the filter media defining at least a portion of a flow-through path between an external environment and a face mask; receiving means on the cartridge housing for releasable engagement with the exposure indicating apparatus; and transmission means for permitting the sensor to monitor the filter media without permitting ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the receiving means upon disengagement of the exposure indicating apparatus from the cartridge housing.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
111 words
An air purifying respirator cartridge for use with an exposure indicating apparatus containing a sensor, comprising: filter media; a cartridge housing containing the filter media defining at least a portion of a flow-through path between an external environment and a face mask; receiving means on the cartridge housing for releasable engagement with an exposure indicating apparatus, wherein the sensor is located proximate the receiving means; and transmission means for permitting the sensor to monitor the filter media without permitting ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the receiving means upon disengagement of the exposure indicating apparatus from the cartridge housing and wherein the transmission means comprises a diffusion limiting device.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
111 words
An air purifying respirator cartridge for use with an exposure indicating apparatus containing a sensor, comprising: filter media; a cartridge housing containing the filter media defining at least a portion of a flow-through path between an external environment and a face mask; receiving means on the cartridge housing for releasable engagement with an exposure indicating apparatus, wherein the sensor is located proximate the receiving means; and transmission means for permitting the sensor to monitor the filter media without permitting ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the receiving means upon disengagement of the exposure indicating apparatus from the cartridge housing and wherein the transmission means comprises a diffusion limiting device.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
96 words
A flow-through housing interposed between an air purifying cartridge and a face mask for use with an exposure indicating apparatus including a sensor, comprising: a housing forming a portion of a flow-through path between an external environment and the face mask; receiving means on the housing for releasable engagement with the exposure indicating apparatus including the sensor; and transmission means for permitting the sensor to monitor the flow-through path, the receiving means permitting the exposure indicating apparatus to be removed from the housing without permitting ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the receiving means.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
96 words
A flow-through housing interposed between an air purifying cartridge and a face mask for use with an exposure indicating apparatus including a sensor, comprising: a housing forming a portion of a flow-through path between an external environment and the face mask; receiving means on the housing for releasable engagement with the exposure indicating apparatus including the sensor; and transmission means for permitting the sensor to monitor the flow-through path, the receiving means permitting the exposure indicating apparatus to be removed from the housing without permitting ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the receiving means.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for monitoring the presence of target species in air flowing from an external environment through a face mask along a flow-through path, comprising the steps of: providing a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path and a processor housing containing a processing device releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location so that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; monitoring at least one property of the reversible sensor; generating a concentration signal in response to the at least one property of the reversible sensor; and activating an indicator in response to the concentration signal.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for monitoring the presence of target species in air flowing from an external environment through a face mask along a flow-through path, comprising the steps of: providing a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path and a processor housing containing a processing device releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location so that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location; monitoring at least one property of the reversible sensor; generating a concentration signal in response to the at least one property of the reversible sensor; and activating an indicator in response to the concentration signal.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for interchanging an exposure indicator located along a flow-through path extending from an external environment through a face mask, comprising the steps of: releasably attaching a processor housing containing a processor device to the flow-through path at an attachment location so that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location, the processor housing containing at least one reversible sensor for monitoring air in the flow-through path; and detaching the processor housing from the flow-through path and attaching an alternate processor housing to the flow-through path.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for interchanging an exposure indicator located along a flow-through path extending from an external environment through a face mask, comprising the steps of: releasably attaching a processor housing containing a processor device to the flow-through path at an attachment location so that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location, the processor housing containing at least one reversible sensor for monitoring air in the flow-through path; and detaching the processor housing from the flow-through path and attaching an alternate processor housing to the flow-through path.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for attaching an exposure indicator located along a flow-through path extending from an external environment through a face mask, comprising the steps of: interposing a flow-through housing forming a portion of the flow through path between an air purifying cartridge and the face mask, providing at least one reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through housing; and releasably attaching a processor housing to the flow-through housing at an attachment location so that the processor housing is detachable from the flow-through housing without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location, the processor housing containing an indicator responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for attaching an exposure indicator located along a flow-through path extending from an external environment through a face mask, comprising the steps of: interposing a flow-through housing forming a portion of the flow through path between an air purifying cartridge and the face mask, providing at least one reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through housing; and releasably attaching a processor housing to the flow-through housing at an attachment location so that the processor housing is detachable from the flow-through housing without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location, the processor housing containing an indicator responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the sensor is located in the flow-through housing.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
141 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location, the reversible sensor is located in the processor housing, the processor housing further including a fluidic coupling in fluid communication with the flow-through path, a diffusion limiting device interposed between the reversible sensor and the flow-through path; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
141 words
An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring the presence of a target species in air flowing along a flow-through path extending at least from an external environment through a face mask, comprising: a reversible sensor in fluid communication with the flow-through path; a processor housing releasably attached to the flow-through path at an attachment location such that the processor housing is detachable without allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location, the reversible sensor is located in the processor housing, the processor housing further including a fluidic coupling in fluid communication with the flow-through path, a diffusion limiting device interposed between the reversible sensor and the flow-through path; a processing device contained in the processor housing generating a concentration signal responsive to at least one property of the reversible sensor; and an indicator responsive to the concentration signal.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-08-18 | 2001-02-17 | 2001-08-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-08-18 | 2005-02-17 | 2005-08-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-08-18 | 2009-02-17 | 2009-08-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |