The masks donated to hospitals at Malone’s expense, can help protect health workers from tiny airborne particles. Hospitals have been reporting significant shortages of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), to treat COVID-19, particularly in the hard-hit state of NY.
Until recently, the US did not allow the use of masks, such as the KN95. In a recent measure, the FDA announced an emergency authorization of the KN95 masks. Prior to this 3M N95 masks only, were officially approved for medical use.
Testing of Malone’s batch of masks, sourced from overseas, has been completed by an independent lab, here in the US. The masks were shown to provide a 99.31% protection against very small particles of 0.3µm (microns) in size. These help prevent penetration of small particles such as bacteria and virus, similar to the N95 masks, which filter out 95% of particles of 0.3µm in size.
As an inventor, Malone understands the need for ensuring the efficacy of masks. His own invention was stolen resulting in millions of units of an inferior version being sold around the world. Malone explains: “During this nationwide shortage of masks, we’re hearing lots of reports of counterfeit masks being sold, that don’t perform as required. Unscrupulous individuals are crawling out of the woodwork, taking advantage of the situation, sourcing cheap products, then selling them at significantly higher than normal cost”. Malone explains further: “Testing ensures that the product you receive from a manufacturer complies with the safety standards needed to protect our healthcare professionals”.
Malone expresses his sadness about the current conditions faced by those working in hospitals in the front line: “Not only do medical professionals have a woeful lack of PPE, they also face a risk to their own health. They are working long hours under extreme pressure and making difficult decisions about which people they can save. I want to thank these individuals for their incredible dedication to their patients and their will-power and strength to keep going”.
The first batch of masks arrived at the Montefiore Medical Center, located in the Bronx, New York in April.
Josh Malone quit his corporate job in 2006 to take his shot at the Inventor’s Dream. Eight years later, savings depleted and kids college unfunded, he took one last swing before trudging back to the corporate world. And hit a homerun with Bunch O Balloons. His solution to the 63 year old problem of filling and sealing water balloons instantly became the number one selling summer toy. His invention was stolen by a notorious infringer who convinced the USPTO to revoke his patent under a controversial procedure of the 2011 America Invents Act. A brutal and costly legal battle combined with a anti-corruption crusade ultimately resulted in a $31 million award and restoration of his patent rights. He is now a full time volunteer with the inventor advocacy organization, US Inventor.
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