Ford Announces New Solutions To Protect People From COVID-19

Multinational Automaker Ford, is developing a clear N95 respirator and fan-based HVAC filters as part of its #FinishStrong initiative to encourage Americans to protect themselves against COVID-19.

Ford has received patent-pending approval for a new, clear respirator mask, the company announced Tuesday, one they expect to work just as well as an N95.

The respirator mask is transparent, affordable, reusable, and allows people to communicate better with each other. It enables a full range of human expression, aiding those with hearing impairments to read lips.

The company says this is also a safe solution where visible human expression is preferred, such as teaching, air travel, and sales.

“One of the things that is missing during the pandemic is the power of a smile,” said Jim Baumbick, Ford vice president, enterprise product line management, and leader of Ford’s Project Apollo personal protective equipment manufacturing effort. “This clear respirator promises to improve interactions between neighbors, at the store, and for those who have hearing impairments.”

As part of the solutions, Ford has developed an air filtration kit that supplements a room’s existing filtration system to further help reduce the risk of COVID-19 virus particle concentrations. The kits are based upon scientific studies from academic and government research. The company plans to donate up to 20,000 air filtration kits to underserved communities.

The filtration kit is comprised of an easy-to-assemble die-cut cardboard base, a 20-inch box fan, and a 20x20x4 air filter with a standard minimum efficiency reporting value of 13. The air filter is placed inside the folded base with the fan placed on top. The fan operates on high for maximum filtration, discharging clean air downward as it pulls in unfiltered air from above.

In the last five weeks, the automaker has donated 120 million masks and $25 million to communities in need across the country.

Ford had previously made a commitment to produce and donate 100 million U.S.-made medical-grade face masks to at-risk communities across the country. With the acquisition of another 20 million masks, Ford and Ford Fund have now increased their promise to 120 million donated masks by mid-2021.