OPENTECHNICAL PUBLICATION
OT-2026-000003202

Vacuum adherent face mask

Published: 2026-09-15T19:48:35.080237Z
Permanent URL: https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000003202
Categories: Lifting, Positioning & Manipulation > Vacuum Lifting

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ABSTRACT

A vacuum adherent face mask unit is provided having (a) a face mask for
enclosing the nose and mouth of humans. The mask has (i) a mask body having a
periphery and defining a chamber from and into which a person may inhale and
exhale gases, and (ii) a bladder attached to the periphery of the mask body.
The bladder has a face engaging region for engaging the face of a human and
encircling the chamber, and has a plurality of perforations spaced around the
face engaging region. The unit also has (b) vacuum means for producing a
subatmospheric pressure in the bladder when said mask is in engagement with a
human face. The vacuum is preferably created by a battery operated vacuum
pump, and optionally may be created and/or augmented by the wearer applying
suction to a check valved pipe extending from the bladder to the chamber.
Monitoring the level of vacuum within the face seal bladder provides a means
for advising the wearer of the unit the status of fit in real-time. This will
result in higher, more consistent, and reliable levels of respiratory
protection. A method for adhering a face mask is also provided.

1. Drawings

[0001] Sheet 1.

[0002] Sheet 2.

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OpenTechnical publication OT-2026-000003202
Published 2026-09-15T19:48:35.080237Z
https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000003202