Abstract: A protective garment comprises an outer shell, which provides abrasion resistance and puncture resistance, a thermal liner, and a liner including a moisture barrier. Each liner being adapted to be separately and detachably attached to and within the outer shell. The garment is adapted to be selectively configured with neither said liner so attached or with the thermal liner so attached, for a firefighter fighting a wildland fire, with both said liners so attached, for a firefighter fighting a structural fire, or with the liner including the moisture barrier so attached, for a firefighter engaging in a technical rescue.

Abstract: Non-chloride containing regenerant compositions of potassium acetate or potassium formate, at least one surfactant and at least one chelating agent as well as methods for efficient regeneration of water softeners utilizing the regenerant compositions are disclosed. A preferred regenerant composition is a solution of potassium acetate or potassium formate with citric acid and octyl phenol ethoxylate.

Abstract: A fitment is provided for incorporation into a closure assembly to provide at least one high-pressure seal suitable for maintaining high-positive pressures in a container having pressurized contents, such as carbonated beverages. The fitment and closure assembly also provide for bi-modal dispensing operations, because the fitment it can be removed from the closure assembly to provide alternative flow characteristics from the container through the closure assembly. The fitment may also be provided with one or more projections adapted to engage a thread on the closure body such that rotation of the closure body relative to the container results in removal of the fitment from the container. The fitment may also be provided with one or more projections for engaging the closure body to limit its movement relative to the container, thereby defining a fully open dispensing position of the closure body.

Abstract: A part is stamped from a steel sheet having a textured surface. The stamped part is coated with a zinc layer. The zinc layer is coated with a chromate conversion layer, either yellow-colored or black-colored. Preferably, the textured surface is produced by embossing the steel sheet. Alternatively, the textured surface is produced by etching, shot peening, or sand blasting the sheet steel. An exterior surface comprised of at least some of the textured surface of the part, as coated with such layers, has a finish simulating the similarly-colored, textured finish that the part would have if the part were stamped from a steel sheet so that the part would have a smooth, exterior surface and if the smooth, exterior surface were to be electrostatically coated with a black-colored, epoxy powder, which would be heat-cured.

Abstract: A paddle type flow detector for an explosive environment is mountable onto a pipe. The detector includes a structure for mounting to a pipe, a substantially sealed switch housing containing an electrical switch, and a paddle located within the pipe. A lever mechanism connects to the paddle and extends up through the mounting structure and to the switch housing. A spring is contained between the switch housing and the mounting structure and is connected between the lever mechanism and a screw adjustable spring block. The spring is contained within a spring compartment formed between the switch conduit and the mounting structure. A slide rod is operatively connected to the lever mechanism and to the switch to change a state of the switch upon sliding movement of the slide rod. The slide rod is tightly fit within a bore of the switch housing and blocks a flame path between the switch housing and the spring compartment.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector incorporates a control switch which can be actuatable by one of a plurality of circumstances. In a response to an actuated switch, control circuitry of the detector selects at least one predetermined function or process to carry out. The control circuitry can include a programmed processor and a storage unit. A plurality of processes or functions can be stored in the storage unit. One or more of the processes can be selected for execution in response to signals received from the control switch. The switch can be closed in response to manual actuation, a magnetic field, or incident electromagnetic radiation such as RF signals or a beam of light.

Abstract: A method for transferring spin-polarized charge carriers, comprising the steps of: a) injection of spin-polarized charge carriers in an organic material and b) transport of the spin-polarized charge carriers through the organic material. The invention also relates to a device for the spin-polarized transfer of charge carriers, comprising: a) a medium suitable for the transport of spin-polarized charge carriers, and b) apparatus for injecting spin-polarized charge carriers into the medium suitable for the transport of spin-polarized charge carriers, the medium suitable for the transport of spin-polarized charge carriers comprising an organic material.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for hydroentangling polymeric filament webs for production of low basis weight nonwoven fabrics. A hydroentangling device having a foraminous forming surface is employed for hydroentangling a precursor web to form a fabric. High-speed production of relatively low basis weight fabrics can be achieved, with the fabrics exhibiting desired softness, uniformity, and strength characteristics.

Abstract: A pump control system incorporates a programmed processor and responds to input from multiple floats. The programmed processor can respond to detected float failures in real time by reassigning control, lag, or lead functions from a failing float to one of the remaining functioning floats. Pump alternating functionality can be provided if any two of a plurality of four or more floats continue to function as expected.

Abstract: A closure is provided for a container opening. The closure includes a base for mounting to the container and a lid movable between a closed position and an open position. The lid and base are connected by a bistable, snap-action hinge structure having a web with a reduced thickness region along a lateral edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a yield monitoring system for a slicing and packaging apparatus. In accordance with one embodiment of the system, the system includes at least one product input scale, a slicing mechanism for slicing the product after the product has been weighed on the at least one product input scale, and at least one product output scale capable of weighing the product after slicing by the slicing mechanism to determine a post-processing weight. A yield monitor is connected to electronically receive weight information corresponding to the weight of product weighed by the at least one product input scale and the at least one product output scale. The yield monitor uses the received weight information to provide system yield data to a user via a screen, print-out, electronic data, etc.. Preferably, the system also includes a makeweight scale that is disposed at a makeweight station. The makeweight scale is connected to electronically communicate makeweight data to the yield monitor.

Abstract: A molded, unitary overcap structure for assembly on a finger-operable spray pump dispensing package is provided so that it can be subsequently modified to a two-piece, ready-to-use condition operatively engaged with a discharge tube of the pump. The actuator has a top surface and a periphery. The actuator defines an outlet, an inlet cavity, and an internal discharge passage extending between the outlet and the inlet cavity. The inlet cavity has a configuration and size for sealingly receiving the end of the discharge tube in a friction-fit engagement. A shell surrounds the periphery of the actuator. The shell has an open top providing access to the top surface of the actuator and has a notch adjacent the outlet to permit the discharge of product from the outlet as the actuator is depressed relative to the shell. A plurality of tabs each extends from the actuator to the shell. Each tab is connected to the shell with a frangible web to hold the actuator at an initial, as-molded position relative to the shell.

Abstract: A multi-unit ambient condition detecting system incorporates either a wired or a wireless communication medium wherein the units are in bi-directional communication with one another. Units can incorporate programmed processors and ambient condition sensors such as smoke or gas sensors. In response to detected local ambient conditions, the respective units can transmit messages indicative of the level of sensed ambient condition to other units in the system. The units can maintain running totals of levels of ambient conditions received from other units in the system and combine those received indicators, along with one or more locally generated indicators, to determine that a selected condition, such as fire or gas is present in at least a portion of the region being monitors. Output devices coupled to the communication medium can provide human discernable audible or visible indicators of the presence of one or more selected conditions.