초록 ▼

A multi-function device for testing masks such as NBC masks used in civilian and military applications. In its preferred form, the device is self-contained and can be readily transported to field sites by one or two individuals. The device includes a protective storage and transport case. The case i

A multi-function device for testing masks such as NBC masks used in civilian and military applications. In its preferred form, the device is self-contained and can be readily transported to field sites by one or two individuals. The device includes a protective storage and transport case. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the case houses the power unit assembly and includes sufficient storage space to store such things as an aerosol generator reservoir, various headform accessories, a containment shroud, manuals (e.g. installation, operation and maintenance manuals) and nominal tools. The lower portion of the case houses the head assembly and controller unit which are preferably mounted on a cover or top panel. Underneath the top or cover panel of the lower portion of the case are stored the light scattering chamber, flow sensor, pressure transducer, circuit boards and valves. The device can perform multiple tests including: (1) an overall mask leakage test; (2) an outlet valve leakage test; (3) a drink seat test; (4) a drink tube flow test; (5) a drink train leakage test; and, a mask fit test. Further, the device can be programmed for any given test period to perform one or all of the aforementioned tests. The device further can readily create a data log to record results of any given test or series of tests. The device further includes numerous safety features including requiring any operator of the device to reject or retest a defective mask.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus for testing a protective mask, comprising:(a) a testing unit for testing a protective mask; (b) a control system for operating the testing unit to perform at least first and second tests on the protective mask, said first test being a drink tube flow test and the second test being on

1. An apparatus for testing a protective mask, comprising:(a) a testing unit for testing a protective mask; (b) a control system for operating the testing unit to perform at least first and second tests on the protective mask, said first test being a drink tube flow test and the second test being one of a drink tube valve seat test and a drink train leakage test; (c) said control system having a first detection device for detecting a first parameter during said first test performed on the protective mask, said first parameter being pressure; (d) said control system further having a second detection device for detecting a second parameter during said second test performed on the protective mask, said second parameter being fluid flow; and, (e) said control system having at least one monitor for monitoring said first and second parameters to determine whether the protective mask passed said first and second tests. 2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein:(a) said testing unit is portable. 3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein:(a) said second test is a drink tube valve seat test. 4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein:(a) said second test is a drink train leakage test. 5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein:(a) said control system further operating said testing unit to perform a third test, said third test being a mask leakage test. 6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein:(a) said control system further including a third detection device for detecting a third parameter during said third test performed on the protective mask. 7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein:(a) said third detection device is a photometer for detecting challenge concentration. 8. An apparatus for testing a protective mask, comprising:(a) a testing unit for testing a protective mask; (b) a control system for operating the testing unit to perform at least first, second and third tests on the protective mask, said first test being a mask leakage test, said second test being an outlet valve test and said third test being one of a drink tube valve seat test, a drink tube flow test and a drink train leakage test; and, (c) said testing unit including a headform assembly, said headform assembly having a first portion on which a protective mask is removably mounted for testing, a second portion to which at least a portion of a drink tube is removably connected for testing and a third portion to which an outlet valve of a protective mask is connected for testing. 9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein;(a) said testing unit is portable. 10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein:(a) said third test is a drink tube valve seat test. 11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein:(a) said third test is a drink tube flow test. 12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein:(a) said third test is a drink train leakage test. 13. An a apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein:(a) said testing unit further having at least one detection device for detecting first, second and third parameters during said first, second and third tests, respectively, performed on the protective mask. 14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein:(a) said first parameter is different from at least one of said second parameter and said third parameter. 15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein:(a) said first parameter is challenge concentration. 16. An apparatus as set forth claim 15, wherein:(a) said second parameter is fluid flow. 17. An apparatus as set forth in claim 16, wherein:(a) said third parameter is one of pressure and fluid flow.