The present invention relates generally to methods of using stable aqueously dispersed superhydrophobic compositions to provide superhydrophobic treatments on a range of porous and semi-porous target materials and surfaces to enhance the filtration properties of the materials and surfaces. Compositions provide stably dispersed waterborne superhydrophobic compositions comprising colloidal silica or hydrophobically-modified fumed silicon dioxide (i.e., silica) and one or more additional agents and/or compounds applied to semi-porous target filter materials and surfaces. More particularly, the present compositions and methods are optimized to provide one or more superhydrophobic surfaces in layered filtration systems provided to users as personal protection equipment (“PPE”). Compositions of the present invention can be applied (e.g., via spray deposition, immersion, liquid application, and the like) to one or more surfaces and allowed to air dry or cured with heat treatment(s).

The present invention relates generally to methods of using stable aqueously dispersed superhydrophobic compositions to provide superhydrophobic treatments on a range of porous and semi-porous target materials and surfaces to enhance the filtration properties of the materials and surfaces. Compositions provide stably dispersed waterborne superhydrophobic compositions comprising colloidal silica or hydrophobically-modified fumed silicon dioxide (i.e., silica) and one or more additional agents and/or compounds applied to semi-porous target filter materials and surfaces. More particularly, the present compositions and methods are optimized to provide one or more superhydrophobic surfaces in layered filtration systems provided to users as personal protection equipment (“PPE”). Compositions of the present invention can be applied (e.g., via spray deposition, immersion, liquid application, and the like) to one or more surfaces and allowed to air dry or cured with heat treatment(s).

An air purification and disinfection system includes an apparatus having a housing, an ultraviolet disinfection chamber, an air mover, and an air distribution unit in communication with the disinfection chamber. Air is passed through the disinfection chamber where it is purified and disinfected before it is delivered to the user of the apparatus through the air distribution unit. The apparatus can be configured as an open or a closed circuit system. The system may be configured to purify air in an airplane, a conference room, a classroom, or as a portable unit for an individual user. As a portable unit the disinfection chamber can be incorporated into a back pack, a vest, a purse, a briefcase, a shoulder bag, a cervical collar, or any other format for being carried by the user.

An air purification and disinfection system includes an apparatus having a housing, an ultraviolet disinfection chamber, an air mover, and an air distribution unit in communication with the disinfection chamber. Air is passed through the disinfection chamber where it is purified and disinfected before it is delivered to the user of the apparatus through the air distribution unit. The apparatus can be configured as an open or a closed circuit system. The system may be configured to purify air in an airplane, a conference room, a classroom, or as a portable unit for an individual user. As a portable unit the disinfection chamber can be incorporated into a back pack, a vest, a purse, a briefcase, a shoulder bag, a cervical collar, or any other format for being carried by the user.

Respiratory protection systems are provided containing a form-fitting facial frame and a removable filter media. The respiratory protection systems can alleviate the problems with fit and comfort of traditional respiratory protection systems. The form-fitting facial frame can intimately contact the face of a subject and can be configured to removably secure a filter media. The form-fitting facial frame can include an upper frame portion configured to intimately contact the dorsum nasi and cheekbone of a subject, and lower frame portion configured to intimately contact the jaw line of the subject. In some embodiments, the form-fitting facial frame is manufactured based upon a facial feature of a subject. The form-fitting facial frame can be manufactured by 3D printing. The respiratory system can be used with common mechanical filter media including N95 and N100 filter media.

Respiratory protection systems are provided containing a form-fitting facial frame and a removable filter media. The respiratory protection systems can alleviate the problems with fit and comfort of traditional respiratory protection systems. The form-fitting facial frame can intimately contact the face of a subject and can be configured to removably secure a filter media. The form-fitting facial frame can include an upper frame portion configured to intimately contact the dorsum nasi and cheekbone of a subject, and lower frame portion configured to intimately contact the jaw line of the subject. In some embodiments, the form-fitting facial frame is manufactured based upon a facial feature of a subject. The form-fitting facial frame can be manufactured by 3D printing. The respiratory system can be used with common mechanical filter media including N95 and N100 filter media.

Provided is a microfluidic PDMS face mask, including a face mask body having a plurality of bores mounted on a surface thereof, a microfluidic block array including a plurality of microfluidic blocks being arranged in arrays and received in the bores, each of the microfluidic block includes a microfluidic module for allowing a fluid to flow therethrough, thereby capturing microparticles, and a strap having one end attached to a left side of the face mask body and the other end attached to a right side of the face mask body for adhering the face mask body to the face of a user.

A self-sterilizing, face mask, respirator, open or enclosed face shield employs germicidal, far UV-C light safe for direct human exposure, mitigating risk of acquisition or transmission of respiratory pathogens, such as COVID 19. Device attachments or special lenses direct far UV-C light into the respiratory chamber and/or reservoir areas of infection including nasal, oropharyngeal or ocular areas to reduce or eliminate pathogens, serving also as a treatment modality. In a preferred embodiment the face shield has a removable front section, which can be exchanged or replaced with sections that include various functional attributes while maintaining germicidal protections and avoiding need to remove PPE during these activities including consumption of liquids, oral medications or food, as well as providing antimicrobial absorbent sneeze or cough guard or rhinorrhea secretion absorption, or a communication device to address communication deficiencies caused by respiratory protection barriers.

A breathing filter assembly for filtering breathing air includes a breathing unit that includes a mouthpiece that can be placed in a user's mouth. The breathing unit includes a pair of nose tubes that can each be positioned in a respective one of the user's nostrils when the mouthpiece is positioned in the user's mouth. A filter is removably insertable into the breathing unit. The filter is comprised of an air permeable material to pass air therethrough for breathing. The filter extends into the mouthpiece and each of the nose tubes to filter air inhaled through the user's mouth or the user's nose.

A breathing filter assembly for filtering breathing air includes a breathing unit that includes a mouthpiece that can be placed in a user's mouth. The breathing unit includes a pair of nose tubes that can each be positioned in a respective one of the user's nostrils when the mouthpiece is positioned in the user's mouth. A filter is removably insertable into the breathing unit. The filter is comprised of an air permeable material to pass air therethrough for breathing. The filter extends into the mouthpiece and each of the nose tubes to filter air inhaled through the user's mouth or the user's nose.