A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ research team has invented a novel face mask using a transparent shield with filtered vents. The see-through “Clear Talker” mask allows accurate communication via lip reading, facial expressions, and visually apparent emotions.
The mask allows air to flow through four vents with replaceable filters that can be swapped at the end of their functional life or changed to address specific particle filtering concerns.
The vents face down to help keep the warm air from fogging the user’s eyeglasses. The novel design is meant to be an alternative option to the now-common surgical mask used by the public to limit the airborne spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The VA has submitted a provisional patent application for the new mask with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is looking to out-license the mask to a private company that can manufacture it for widespread availability.
