Rockville, Maryland Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Integrated Pharma Services LLC has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for its innovation in enhancing respiratory protection. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11871802, titled ‘Pleating spacer and its use to provide improved facial masks and respirators’, introduces a pleating spacer designed to improve the performance of pleated facial masks and respirators.
This technology employs a pleating spacer that enters and maintains the separation of folds in a pre-pleated mask filter or forms pleats in an initially unpleated filter. By increasing the effective surface area of the filter, the spacer enhances airflow while preserving the mask’s ability to protect the wearer from hazardous agents. This design aims to improve comfort and breathability without compromising safety.
The pleating spacer is adaptable to various mask designs and can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes. Its implementation could lead to more efficient and user-friendly respiratory protective equipment, addressing the growing demand for improved personal protective devices.
Integrated Pharma Services LLC’s development reflects a commitment to advancing public health through practical engineering solutions. Their patented design offers a promising approach to enhancing the functionality of facial masks and respirators, contributing to better protection for users in various environments.