Abstract: A retractable step construction with a drive means for achieving powered or automatic retraction and deployment in motor vehicles to provide access onto or into the motor vehicle such as an emergency apparatus, for example a fire truck, usable in areas having limited vertical dimensions. This construction includes a housing assembly with guide channels adapted to receive a step assembly movably mounted thereinto controlled by the inclusion of a linkage assembly connected to the drive means and the step for powering deployment and retraction thereof.

Abstract: A boat lift with a rotatable head attached to a bracket securable with respect to environmental structure such as a pier which to be capable of lifting a watercraft from the water and while rotating thereof to a position above an adjacent area such a dock area. The lift includes a rotating head assembly having a mounting fin extendable into the interior of a vertically reciprocating mast. A watercraft supporting cradle is secured to the mast to be movable therewith and includes vessel support members for facilitating retaining of a watercraft thereupon. Vertical movement between the mounting fin and the reciprocating mast is facilitated by sliding wear pads positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A new Rhenium alloy usable for improving the performance of emission filaments used in mass spectrometers or other similar scientific instruments, which is made by adding low level concentrations of Yttrium Oxide to Rhenium of less than 10%. This new alloy has demonstrated superior performance characteristics compared to pure Rhenium for this purpose. Filaments made from the Yttria/Rhenium alloy exhibit the same voltage, current and emission properties as Rhenium but have the added advantage of greatly decreasing warping during use. The Rhenium alloy filaments are usable with various shapes and configurations including straight filaments, multiple coiled filaments and pin shaped filaments. Electron microscopy and microscopy studies verify that the Yttria/Rhenium material of the new alloy has a smaller grain size and increased strength when compared to pure Rhenium, which accounts for the enhanced structural strength.

Abstract: A tank holding bracket mechanism positionable within a seat back of an emergency vehicle for holding therein of an air tank usable for emergency breathing situations which is attachable to the back of emergency personnel such as firefighters while sitting on the vehicle seats during transport. The holding bracket includes a pivoting head movable between an opened position allow entry of removal of a tank from the bracket mechanism and a closed position retaining a tank with respect to the bracket mechanism. A locking mechanism is adapted to selectively lock the head in the closed position to prevent release of the tank responsive to certain vehicle parameters, such as disengagement of an emergency brake or movement of the vehicle transmission from the park mode. The locking mechanism can be externally activated manually or electrically such as with a powered solenoid.

Abstract: A tank retaining bracket having a rotating head for selectively receiving and securing a tank to the bracket having a mounting cup preferably of nylon which adapted to abut and hold a cylindrical tank in an inverted position in a positively engaging manner. The mounting cup includes an arcuate retaining surface and can easily replaced during normal maintenance. The mounting cup is attachable to the rotating head of the bracket frame of a positively engaging tank holder usable with cylindrical tanks such as self-contained breathing apparatus primarily for facilitating adjustability of positioning of retaining of the tank with respect to the mounting bracket. The body member is adjustably movable to a multiple of lateral directions such that it is firmly secured in place by a plurality of fasteners and engagement is further enhanced by a ridge on the rotating frame head and a mated engaging block on the mounting cup.

Abstract: A new Rhenium alloy usable for improving the performance of emission filaments used in mass spectrometers or other similar scientific instruments, which is made by adding low level concentrations of Yttrium Oxide to Rhenium of less than 10%. This new alloy has demonstrated superior performance characteristics compared to pure Rhenium for this purpose. Filaments made from the Yttria/Rhenium alloy exhibit the same voltage, current and emission properties as Rhenium but have the added advantage of greatly decreasing warping during use. The Rhenium alloy filaments are usable with various shapes and configurations including straight filaments, multiple coiled filaments and pin shaped filaments. Electron microscopy and microscopy studies verify that the Yttria/Rhenium material of the new alloy has a smaller grain size and increased strength when compared to pure Rhenium, which accounts for the enhanced structural strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly terminating of the flow of any fluid or particulate material through a conduit responsive to predefined dangerous conditions. A particular application will terminate fuel flow through a large fuel supply conduit in a racing vehicle responsive to a fire or accident or other dangerous condition. The apparatus includes a gas supply source that is opened responsive to actuation of the apparatus such that gas passes into a cylinder which moves to force a liquid to hydraulically expand an inflatable member which is operative to expand within the flow conduit to instantaneously terminate material flow therethrough.

Abstract: A mechanism for facilitating the storage of ladders in the upper area on the outside of an emergency vehicle which includes the capability of moving of the ladder to a lower deployed position to facilitate immediate access thereto by emergency workers such as firemen and the like. The construction includes an inner housing attached to the vehicle and an outer housing movable by an arm assembly relative thereto to urge the ladder between the storage and deployed positions. An adjustment mechanism including a yoke is included for varying the position of the powering drive cylinder which operatively moves the outer housing relative to the inner housing.

Abstract: A releasable mounting apparatus for securely retaining of a cylindrical tank in an inverted vertical position adjacent to a seat back assembly of an emergency vehicle including a foot plate and a top clamping assembly between which a tank receiving zone is defined for receiving and holding of a cylindrical tank in the inverted position. The top clamping assembly can include a three part positioning apparatus including a rear positioning device and an upper centering guide as well as a top clamping member. Preferably the top clamping member is movable between a lower clamping position and an upper retaining position for facilitating securing and releasing of a cylindrical tank relative to the receiving zone thereof.

Abstract: A mounting bracket configuration with two lower mounting locations and an optional upper mount and a flexibly resilient securement strap attachable thereto to securely retain a helmet such as those used by firefighters securely in place against a mounting surface such as the interior of the passenger compartment of an emergency vehicle, such as a fire truck. The present apparatus also includes a bumper construction for protecting a user from being injured by the protruding upper hook while also preventing damaging of the helmet itself during mounting or removal. A release lanyard provided for easy release and engagement. The upper hook can attach to a fire helmet directly and/or to the securement strap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for making yarn from a unique combination of fibers of cotton, nylon (preferably nylon6) and silver and a process for forming this yarn utilizing a unique sequencing of individual steps. The final yarn product is extremely strong, stable and useful for being woven into various fabrics and/or materials and, most particularly, possesses enhanced antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: A unique formulation for yarn from a novel combination of fibers of polyester and silver which is made by a special manufacturing process including proprietary individual steps. The formed yarn product is durable and useful and can be used to make various fabrics and/or materials and, most particularly, to make final products that possess highly advanced characteristics, particularly fire retardant properties and antimicrobial properties.