Abstract: A self-belaying and descent device is provided which includes a triaxial junction, including a rope wrap leg, a rope deflector leg and a rope clamp leg joined at a central area, and a structure for retaining a rope in a desired configuration around the triaxial junction. This device, when used with one rope configuration, will travel freely up a rope during climbing, but lock securely in place if the climber should fall. When used with an alternate rope configuration, the device allows a climber to safely descend a rope.

Abstract: An improved spiral membrane cartridge is provided, comprising one or more filter elements, spirally wound on a cylindrical permeate transport tube. Each filter element comprises a heat-sealed membrane element and a feed spacer. The spiral membrane cartridge of the invention contains no adhesives, improving the reliability and durability of the cartridge. The invention further provides a method for making such an improved membrane cartridge, and the membrane elements used therein.

Abstract: A shielding gasket is provided, comprising a conductive or non-conductive resilient core, the surface of which is rendered electrically conductive by flocking with conductive fibers. The gasket is inexpensive, lightweight and allows a low closure force. The invention further provides a method of rendering selected areas of the surface of a core conductive by selectively flocking with conductive fibers.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting, EMI/RFI shielding composition is provided comprising a polyurethane resin which comprises a hydroxy or amine functional first polymer and an isocyanate terminated second polymer, a stabilized conductive filler, and an azole. In one embodiment of the invention a coating is provided comprising a polyurethane which comprises a fluoroolefin vinyl ether and an isocyanate terminated castor oil prepolymer, a stabilized copper powder, and a triazole selected from the group consisting of alkyl substituted aromatic trianzoles and other azoles. The invention further provides a method of coating a substrate with a coating of the invention in order to provide EMI/RFI shielding and prevent corrosion, and a substrate thus coated.

Abstract: A device for concentrating solute-containing solutions, e.g. macromolecular sample solutions, by filtration through a semipermeable membrane, which device enables the user to obtain various different retentate concentrations by placing the device in different positions before use.

Abstract: An insulating blanket is provided for dispensing an insulating particulate material onto the surface of a molten metal. This blanket comprises a bag containing the insulating particulate material, the bag having flattening means such that when the bag is filled with the particulate material, it maintains a substantially flat shape. The bag is formed of a material which will disintegrate upon contact with the molten metal, thereby allowing the particulate material to spread over the surface thereof.

Abstract: An EMI/RFI shielding panel assembly is provided which is lightweight and easily and economically manufactured. The panel assembly of the invention may comprise one or more hinged members which snap together to form a closed frame having a filter media panel disposed therein, or may alternately comprise an integral frame having a filter media panel disposed therein or attached to the surface thereof.

Abstract: An EMI/RFI shielding gasket comprising a resilient elastomeric core enveloped with a fine, open format knit or braided wire mesh, and having a strip of pressure sensitive adhesive disposed lengthwise along a surface of the gasket. This strip of adhesive allows the gasket to be removably fastened to an enclosure, circumventing the need for a metal clip and thus making the gasket lighter and less expensive than conventional gaskets.

Abstract: Fire retardant coatings for metal structural members are obtained by spraying onto the structural members settable plaster compositions which are air-containing pumpable aqueous slurries of plaster, clay prill aggregate, cellulose and glass fiber reinforcement and foaming agent. The specially prepared clay prill aggregate has a low aspect ratio of near unity and is an acceptable substitute for the exfoliated vermiculite aggregate of prior coating compositions.

Abstract: The treadle assembly of the present invention comprises one or more lightweight flexible circuits completely sealed within an envelope of resilient elastomeric material. This treadle is thus more resistant to water, wear, road salt, and other environmental factors than conventional treadle assemblies.

Abstract: A method of controlling the level of entrained air in hydraulic cement compositions is disclosed comprising the sequential steps of preparing a hydraulic cement composition in the form of an aqueous slurry containing an air entraining plasticizer and a defoamer, and increasing the air content of the composition by adding to said composition an air entraining agent. This method prevents undesired air entrainment, while allowing controlled amounts of air to be entrained if desired for freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: An additive combination for hydraulic cement compositions is provided which advantageously provides corrosion inhibition and set acceleration, in combination with a high level of fluidity and retention of fluidity over a desired period of time. The cement additive combination comprises an alkali or alkaline earth metal nitrite and a graft copolymer plasticizer comprising a polyether backbone and side chain polymers formed by polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers.Fluid hydraulic cement compositions are further provided comprising these additive combinations.