Abstract: A connector includes a first housing section having a plurality of electrically conductive contacts therein. The connector also includes a second housing section including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts that can form an electrical connection with the contacts of the first housing section. The first housing section and the second housing section are removably connectable and are capable of forming an explosion proof or flame proof housing when connected. The contacts of at least one of the second housing section and the first housing section are movable relative to their respective housing section to align the contacts of the second housing and the contacts of the first housing section during connection of the second housing section to the first housing section.

Abstract: A projectile resistant device for use in armor includes a ceramic component; and at least a first component adhered to the ceramic component on at least one side thereof. Preferably the first component is a woven carbon fabric that is adhered to the back surface of the ceramic component. The projectile resistant device can further include at least a second component adhered to the front surface of the ceramic component. The second component preferably comprises a woven carbon fabric. The projectile resistant device can also include a retention layer adhered to the front surface of the second component. At least a portion of the retention layer extends around the edges of the second component, the ceramic component, and the first component and is adhered to the back surface of the first component. Preferably the retention layer is a woven fiberglass.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air-purifying respirator facepiece with a removable, one-piece filter element connector. It also has a removable component housing in the lens as well as a nosecup without inhalation valves that prevents fogging of the portion of the lens used for viewing.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes an active element in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a thermistor network to compensate for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element. Another combustible gas sensor includes an active element having a geometric surface area no greater than approximately 0.5 mm2 in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a compensator that compensates for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element without compensating for heat lost by thermal conduction from the active element.

Abstract: A shock absorbing lanyard having an integral fall arrest energy absorber formed in a one-piece woven, knitted or braided construction wherein partially oriented yarn (“POY”) fibers and high modulus yarn fibers are combined integrally in one section and are separate in another section in which the high modulus yarn fibers preferably form a sheath around a core of POY fibers.

Abstract: A fall arrest system for a worker connected to a horizontal lifeline supported by at least one intermediate support having a pair of rotatable star wheels for supporting the lifeline. A glider connector connects a worker to the lifeline so that the glider connector slides along the lifeline as the worker walks parallel thereto. The glider connector which is supported by rails as it passes near the intermediate support rotates the star wheels as it passes through spaces between their projections to allow the glider connector to pass through the intermediate support without having to disconnect it from the lifeline.

Abstract: A gas sensor for the detection of gases comprises a housing and an active element disposed within the housing. The active element is surrounded by a porous insulating material having a bulk density no greater than 0.15 g/cc. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous insulating material having a surface area no greater than approximately 200 m2/cc. Another gas sensor comprises a copper compound positioned so that gas contacts the copper compound before contacting the active element. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous material having an average pore size of at least approximately 100 Å. Another gas sensor comprises a heating element surrounded by a porous material that supports a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen chloride. In general, the electrochemical sensor comprises a housing having disposed therein a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode. The electrochemically active surface of the working electrode preferably comprises a gold film having a thickness of approximately 1000 to 3000 .ANG.. Electrical connection is maintained between the working electrode and the counter electrode via an electrolyte present within the housing. The electrochemical gas sensor preferably further comprises circuitry for maintaining the working electrode at a potential in the range of approximately 1025 to approximately 1400 mV versus the normal hydrogen electrode. The present invention also provides a method of using such a sensor to detect hydrogen chloride.