Abstract: Disclosed are elastomeric compounds including an elastomer and a silicon-treated carbon black, and optionally including a coupling agent. The elastomeric compound exhibits poorer abrasion resistance, lower hysterisis at high temperature and comparable or increased hysterisis at low temperature compared to an elastomer containing an untreated carbon black. Elastomeric compounds incorporating an elastomer and an oxidized, silicon-treated carbon black are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for preparing elastomers compounded with the treated carbon black.

Abstract: Disclosed are foamable EPDM compositions comprising EPDM, a carbon black having a CTAB of about 50 to 60 m2/g and DBP of 90 to 115 cc/100 g and a blowing agent which are advantageous for use in applications where UHF microwave curing is utilized and for replacing foamable EPDM compositions incorporating similar amounts of conventional blends of carbon blacks. Also disclosed are foamed, cured EPDM compositions comprising: EPDM and a carbon black having a CTAB of about 50 to 60 m2/g and DBP of 90 to 115 cc/100 g which have advantageously lower sponge density and lower sponge compression set than EPDM compositions incorporating similar amounts of conventional low reinforcing carbon blacks. Further disclosed is a process for producing the foamed, cured EPDM compositions of the present invention. Additionally disclosed is use of the foamed, cured EPDM compositions of the present invention as weatherstripping.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises a) an amphiphilic ion, and b) a modified carbon product comprising carbon having attached at least one organic group. The organic group has a charge opposite to the amphiphilic ion. Also disclosed are aqueous and non-aqueous ink and coating compositions incorporating this composition. Ink jet ink compositions are further described incorporating this composition.

Abstract: Novel carbon blacks that impart advantageous properties to rubber and plastic compositions and may be utilized in the place of lamp blacks, thermal carbon blacks and blends of carbon blacks. Also disclosed are novel rubber and plastic compositions incorporating the novel carbon blacks which exhibit the advantageous combinations of compound processing and physical performance properties.

Abstract: Aqueous ink compositions are described which include a modified carbon product comprising a carbon having attached at least one organic group that is substituted with an ionic or an ionizable group. A coating composition is also described and comprises water, a binder, and a modified carbon product having at least one organic group attached to carbon wherein the organic group is substituted with an ionic or an ionizable group.

Abstract: A device for fit testing facepiece respirators is presented. In accordance with the present invention, a testing probe is installed in the facepiece of a respirator during fit testing. In a first embodiment, the probe of this invention is installed in the front or side port of the facepiece after the filter element, valve or breathing tube assembly has been removed. The probe comprises a threaded plug adapted for installation into the front port of a respirator and a male hose connector mounted through a hole located at about the center of the plug. In a second embodiment of this invention, a fit testing probe is installed in one of the side or front ports of the facepiece respirator after the exhalation valve or filter element assembly has been removed therefrom. In this latter embodiment, the probe comprises a spool shape plug adapted for installation into the side port.

Abstract: A method for separating fine particles from contaminant particles suspended in a gaseous medium. The method includes introducing a particle suspension at a predetermined velocity into a vessel having a top and bottom portion, each portion having a discharge outlet. The particle suspension is then directed into an impingement plate, which is arranged within the vessel at a predetermined angle. The impingement plate is angled to achieve uniform distribution of the particle suspension within the vessel after impact with the plate. The fine particles will rise to the top portion of the vessel, and the contaminant, as well as residual fine particles, will settle to the bottom of the vessel. The fine particles and contaminant and residual fine particles are removed from the top and bottom discharge outlets respectively.

Abstract: An improved process for uniformly distributing high levels of water in hydrophilic fumed silica by mixing with dry water.

Abstract: An earplug dispenser to deliver one or two earplugs from a bulk supply which includes a front housing having an access door, a rear housing and a removable cover. Situated inside of the rear housing is a hopper having an opening with a central tab. A chute is located inside the front housing and has a trough which terminates slightly below the lower edge of the access door. A conveyor member, attached to a supporting extrusion member includes a pair of rollers which are journalled one above the other, a belt mounted on the rollers having a series of carriers and a means for rotating the rollers. As the rollers are rotated, the carriers are elevated through the hopper of earplugs picking up an earplug and dispensing it down the chute to the trough. Earplugs are easily removed through the access door.

Abstract: A positive pressure test apparatus for fit testing a facepiece respirator having an exhalation valve, including a cover portion having a central bore with an inwardly directed shoulder at the base. A plunger is provided having a stem, a button portion on one end and a flange portion on the opposite end. The stem is situated within the central bore, the button portion extending above the surface of the cover portion in a rest position, and the flange portion extending below the inwardly directed shoulder. Bias means are located in engagement with the button portion and the shoulder for biasing the plunger from the rest position to a depressed position, wherein the button is flush with the surface of the cover portion and the flange portion seals the exhalation valve. A mounting means is provided to attach the positive pressure test apparatus to the respirator.

Abstract: An improved vibration damping handle grip having a vibration damping elastomer and a webbed, tack-free elastomer-coated tubular shaped material. The vibration damping handle grip is fabricated having a vibration damping elastomer nearest a vibration generating handle, and a webbed tack-free elastomer-coated tubular shaped material adapted to conform to the vibration damping elastomer-covered handle shape, thus providing a comfortable, substantially slip free hand gripping surface.

Abstract: An aqueous colloidal dispersion of fumed silica, acid and stabilizer, having a fumed silica concentration of at least about 40% by weight. A process for making an aqueous colloidal dispersion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for molding a scrubbing sponge wherein raw materials are added a mold cavity having a bottom half and a top half having at least one cavity connected to a venting portion. The raw materials are foamed and expanded to pass through the cavity and vent until flashing is formed on the top of the mold. As the foam passes through the cavity and vent during the foaming cycle, it will become progressively denser as a result of the restrictive flow leading to the small opening of the vent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hearing protective earplug constructions of the roll-down type. In one aspect the constructions employ means to limit the depth of insertion of the earplug into the ear canal and to facilitate proper insertion thereof. In another aspect, the constructions employ polymeric foam bodies adapted to be compressed, inserted into the ear canal and there allowed to expand to obturate the ear canal and whose recovery time is markedly and inversely temperature dependent.

Abstract: A hearing protective earplug which permits alternative push-in and roll-down modes of insertion. The earplug includes a soft, smoothly contoured, resilient, homogeneous viscoelastic polymeric foam main body element having a manipulable stem axially embedded therein and extending outwardly from its base.

Abstract: A detection system for monitoring safety equipment being worn by an individual for whom the wearing of such equipment is mandatory. The detection system is more specifically directed to individuals who are passing through an entryway into a designated area which requires the wearing of the equipment, and also to operators of machinery which require the same. In one embodiment, the detection system includes an infrared reflector which is fixed to a designated piece of equipment, for example, safety eyewear, an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver which are located at one side of an entryway to the designated area and an alarm system which is activated when a person who is not wearing the specified equipment attempts to pass through the entryway into the designated area.