Abstract: A seal plate attachment for earmuffs. The seal plate attachment has a first and second portion including substantially flat surfaces, outer perimeters, and inner perimeters defining central openings. The first portion of the seal plate attachment includes a first channel extending around a section of the outer perimeter. The seal plate attachment second portion includes a rim, projecting inwardly from and extending around a section of the outer perimeter. The rim of the seal plate attachment second portion forms a second channel to oppose the first channel on the seal plate attachment first portion, allowing the second portion to be slidable relative to the first portion. An improved earmuff design includes rigid earcup elements, a connecting band, and soft sealing elements in combination with the seal plate attachments for earmuffs.

Abstract: An earmuff cushion providing improved attenuation is described. The cushion is a foam material having a low static stiffness, and a high dynamic stiffness, which produces improved attenuation in the earmuff in which it is used. Earmuffs made from the cushion and improved methods of making the cushion and the earmuffs are also described.

Abstract: Semi-rimless and rimless eyeglass frame assemblies. The semi-rimless frame assembly includes an eyewire extending along the upper and side edges of a lens, a nose bridge, and a pair of endpiece assemblies. The endpiece assemblies have channels for receipt of the eyewire and the lens, and through holes on each side of the channels, aligned with apertures in the lens, for receipt of means to secure the lens to the frame assembly. The endpiece assemblies are pivotally connected to temples.

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: 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: 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.