Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable, flexible headgear band. The band comprises a first end and a second end which overlap. The first end comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots therein. The second end comprises a resilient fastener formed integrally with the second end. The resilient fastener comprises a channel to slidably receive the first end in overlapping engagement with the second end. The fastener comprises a fastener surface from which at least one flange extends to engage and be seated in one of the plurality of slots of the first end. The fastener surface is resiliently bowable in a direction away from the first end upon application of compressive force to the fastener. Upon application of such compressive force, the at least one flange is unseated from the slot in which it is seated so that the first end can be slid relative to the fastener (and thereby the second end).

Abstract: Synthetic routes for forming alkali metal substituted borohydride compounds include the step of reacting an alkali metal reagent, a hydrogen donor, and a substituted borane. The reactions proceed without the requirement of specialized handling of alkali metal hydrides associated with prior synthetic processes for the production of alkali metal trisubstituted borohydride compounds. A chemical composition comprises solid potassium tri-sec-butyl borohydride.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing copper oxide to improve its acid resistance comprising the step of reacting cupric oxide with a reducing agent selected from the group consisting of morpholine borane, ethylene diamine borane, ethylene diamine bisborane, t-butylamine borane, piperazine borane, imidazole borane, and methoxyethylamine borane to form cuprous oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a respirator filter system suitable for filtering toxic agents, including organic vapors, acid gases, formaldehyde, ammonia, and methylamine as well as pesticides, CS and CN tear gases, dusts, mists, fumes and radionuclides from environmental air to be respired by a user of the filter system. In general, the filter system of the present invention includes a cartridge containing a layer of an unimpregnated activated carbon, a layer of an activated carbon impregnated with sulfate, molybdenum and at least one impregnate selected from the group consisting of copper and zinc, and a HEPA filter. Cartridges containing these adsorbents or adsorbents similar to them (in carbon tetrachloride activity and chemistry) have been discovered to be uniquely capable of filtering a broad range of toxic agents.

Abstract: A microminiature combustible gas sensor and a method of fabricating a microminiature combustible gas sensor are provided in which the catalytically active detector comprises a high surface area refractory catalyst support. A microminiature combustible gas sensor is also provided which comprises a catalytically active detector and a diffusion/flow restrictor for limiting the amount of combustion fuel reaching the catalytically active detector. The restrictor causes the catalytic reaction occurring in the vicinity of the catalytically active detector element to become substantially diffusion limited and reduces the power requirements of the sensor. The restrictor also reduces convective heat losses which may arise because of the large temperature gradient surrounding the catalytically active detector element. Finally, a microminiature combustible gas sensor comprising a flashback arrestor with one or more generally linear capillaries for preventing flashback is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrochemical sensors for the detection of nitric oxide comprising a housing in which is disposed a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode. The electrochemically active surface of the working electrode preferably comprises RuO.sub.2. The nitric oxide electrochemical sensors of the present invention are capable of resolving nitric oxide concentrations at least as low as approximately 0.1 ppm and are well suited for use in medical environments because of their insensitivity to many other gases commonly used in medical environments.

Abstract: A gas detection device is provided comprising an exterior housing in which an active pelement and a compensating pelement are disposed. The gas detection device further comprises a porous frit seated within a distal end of the exterior housing to separate the active pelement and the compensating pelement from the surrounding environment. The porous frit is adapted to prevent flashback into the surrounding environment while allowing movement of environmental gas through the porous frit to contact the active pelement and the compensating pelement. The gas detection device further comprises a flow guide for directing flow of environmental gas into the gas detection device disposed adjacent the exterior side of the porous frit. The flow guide comprises an inlet port through which a forced flow of environmental gas is pumped to pass through the porous frit and into the exterior housing in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the exterior housing.

Abstract: A one-step process is provided for the synthesis of organohaloboranes, including diisopinocampheylchloroborane, and alkoxyorganoboranes. The present process does not utilize a thermally unstable ether adduct or a malodorous dimethyl sulfide adduct as required in prior processes. In general, the organohaloboranes are synthesized in a single reactor by reacting olefin(s) and/or alkyne(s) with boron trihalide and diborane. Alkoxyorganoboranes are synthesized in a single reactor by reacting olefin(s) and/or alkyne(s) with alkylborate and diborane.

Abstract: A one-step synthesis of an alkali-metal hexamethyldisilazane is provided in which an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium is reacted with 1,1,1,3,3,3,-hexamethyldisilazane at a reaction temperature above the melting point of the alkali metal without the use of an electron carrier, alkali-metal derivatized reagents, such as alkyl-aryl organometals, alkali-metal amides and alkali-metal hydrides, or a catalyst.