Abstract: A method for synthesizing highly soluble metal alkoxides includes the step of reacting a tertiary alcohol having the formula: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are, independently, the same or different, an alkyl group, an alkenyl, an alkynyl group or an aryl group, and at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is a group of at least 3 carbon atoms, with at least a stoichiometric amount of a metal reagent. The metal reagent is generally a group I metal, a group II metal, zinc, a metal alloy of a group I metal, a metal alloy of a group II metal, a metal alloy of zinc, a compound of a group I metal, a compound of a group II metal or a compound of zinc.

Abstract: A closed circuit breathing apparatus comprising: a container containing a reactant for reacting with carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen gas; a housing for the container; a foldable breathing bag and breathing tube assembly, including a mouthpiece disposed on the breathing bag, in gas-flow communication with the container; a cover for containing the folded breathing bag and breathing tube assembly; a strap for removably securing the cover onto the apparatus; and a chlorate candle for providing an initial volume of oxygen gas to the breathing bag wherein the breathing bag and breathing tube assembly is unfolded and the chlorate candle automatically fired by a user donning the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible respirator filter having substantially coextensive front and back portions of filter material which are sealed to each other along their periphery, forming a sealed edge. A flexible plastic frame is contained within the front and back portions to form a plenum between the front and back portions of filter material. The frame has a peripheral edge which remains adjacent to the sealed edge of the filter material along substantially the entire length of the sealed edge to provide sufficient rigidity to prevent crushing while at the same time providing sufficient flexibility to fit under other personal protective equipment. A connector for attaching the filter to the respirator mask is formed integrally with the frame such that it protrudes through the back portion of the filter material. A plurality of recesses are also formed integrally with the frame to facilitate grasping the filter without crushing or damaging it.

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: A method of increasing enantioselectivity in a reduction reaction of a prochiral substrate with a borane reagent including a borohydride species (for example, a borohydride stabilized borane-tetrahydrofuran complex) catalyzed by a chiral catalyst includes the step of maintaining the concentration of borohydride species in the borane reagent below approximately 0.005 M during the reduction of the prochiral substrate. A method of increasing enantioselectivity in a reduction reaction of a prochiral substrate with a borane reagent including a borohydride species that is catalyzed by a chiral catalyst includes the step of reducing the detrimental effect the borohydride species has on enantioselectivity by adding a Lewis acid. For example, the prochiral substrate can be a ketone and the chiral catalyst can be a chiral oxazaborolidine.

Abstract: A safety helmet having a rigid outer shell, a shock absorbing layer inside of the outer shell, and a shield layer fabricated from a strong and lightweight material positioned between the outer shell and the shock absorbing layer. The shield layer is preferably free to move relative to the outer shell in a direction toward the shock absorbing layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter containing a filter material folded into a chrysanthemum shape. While such a filter can be made of an electret fiber nonwoven fabric or a fiberglass nonwoven fabric, preferably it is made of a polytetrafluoroethylene porous film that is extended lengthwise and widthwise such that the overall area is extended by more than fifty-fold.

Abstract: Radio interface apparatus in combination with a lapel mounted microphone and speaker and a radio and with or without a head-protective helmet, radio interface apparatus in combination with a lapel-mounted radio and with or without a head-protective helmet, and radio interface apparatus for being mounted to the nape device of a head-protective helmet.

Abstract: A synthetic route for forming lithium trisubstituted borohydride compounds comprises the step of reacting a processed lithium hydride reactant with a trisubstituted borane wherein the reaction is maintained for a period of time in a temperature range of approximately 15° C. to approximately 42° C. A method of synthesizing LiH comprises the step of reacting an alkyl lithium (for example, n-butyl lithium) with hydrogen in the presence of tetrahydrofuran. The reaction temperature is preferably maintained in the range of approximately −78° C. to approximately 25° C.

Abstract: A faceshield that is securable to a protective helmet or headband having an indexable pivot joint which utilizes an interference fit between an O-ring and radially spaced lug sets. The O-ring is compressed when the crests of the two sets of lugs are radially aligned. This interference holds the faceshield in a desired indexed position.

Abstract: A head-protective helmet comprising a geodesic dome. A further feature is the geodesic dome in combination with other elements providing a head-protective helmet.

Abstract: A synthetic route for forming lithium trisubstituted borohydride compounds comprises the step of reacting a processed lithium hydride reactant with a trisubstituted borane wherein the reaction is maintained for a period of time in a temperature range of approximately 15° C. to approximately 42° C. A method of synthesizing LiH comprises the step of reacting an alkyl lithium (for example, n-butyl lithium) with hydrogen in the presence of tetrahydrofuran. The reaction temperature is preferably maintained in the range of approximately −78° C. to approximately 25° C.

Abstract: A small, portable electrochemical power cell, having an output voltage of over 4 V, and preferably over 5 V, includes an anode, a cathode having a fluorine compound and an electrolyte having an organic sulfur-containing compound to maintain ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode. A method of fabricating such an electrochemical power cell includes the step adding an electrolyte having an organic, sulfur-containing compound to maintain electrical conductivity between the anode and the cathode. An electrochemical power cell having a lithium anode, a CoF3 cathode, an electrolyte to maintain ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode and a cobalt complexing material within the electrolyte to complex cobalt ions is described.

Abstract: A method of increasing enantioselectivity in a reduction reaction of a prochiral substrate with a borane reagent including a borohydride species (for example, a borohydride stabilized borane-tetrahydrofuran complex) catalyzed by a chiral catalyst includes the step of maintaining the concentration of borohydride species in the borane reagent below approximately 0.005 M during the reduction of the prochiral substrate. A method of increasing enantioselectivity in a reduction reaction of a prochiral substrate with a borane reagent including a borohydride species that is catalyzed by a chiral catalyst includes the step of reducing the detrimental effect the borohydride species has on enantioselectivity by adding a Lewis acid. For example, the prochiral substrate can be a ketone and the chiral catalyst can be a chiral oxazaborolidine.

Abstract: A motion sensor having an electrically-conductive ball and at least a second ball to damp the motion of the electrically-conductive ball. Both balls are confined within a housing. A plurality of electrical contact elements are disposed within the housing. During movement, the electrically-conductive ball successively forms electrical connection with the electrical contact elements within the housing. The motion sensor also includes detection circuitry in electrical connection with the electrical contact elements to detect if the electrically-conducting ball is moving.

Abstract: A small, portable electrochemical power cell, having an output voltage of over 4 V, and preferably over 5 V, includes an anode, a cathode comprising a fluorine compound and an electrolyte to maintain ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode. A method of fabricating such an electrochemical power cell includes the step of adding a fluorine compound to the cathode and/or to the electrolyte solvent.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing an alkali-metal amide comprises the step of charging a reactor vessel with a reaction mixture comprising an alkali metal selected from the group of lithium, sodium, potassium or cesium, an electron carrier, and a disubstituted amine. The disubstituted amine preferably has the formula R1R2NH, wherein R1 and R2 are independently, the same or different, an alkyl group or —SiR3, wherein R3 is an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aryl group substituted with an alkyl group. The reaction to form the alkali-metal amide product occurs without the use of a solvent.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen cyanide. In general, the electrochemical sensor includes a housing having disposed therein a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode. The electrochemically active surfaces of the working electrode and reference electrode preferably comprise silver. Electrical connection is maintained between the working electrode and the counter electrode via an organic 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 +40 mV to approximately -40 mV versus the silver reference electrode. Most preferably, the electrochemical gas sensor comprises circuitry for maintaining the working electrode at a potential of approximately 0 mV versus the silver reference electrode.