Abstract: A building information management (BIM) system is provided with a library platform that supports a toolset with novel functionality. Embodiments of the invention provide a library of products that can be used in a BIM and provide a virtual product set with improved functionality and more detailed information about the products. The library of products includes virtual products that comprise parametrically described data objects. The toolset includes an editor with which the virtual products can be edited and modified. The library of virtual products can be configured for interoperability with multiple BIM systems.

Abstract: A portable personal headlamp utilizes an array of light-emitting diodes on the front face of a circuit board. Arc-shaped projections on the front face of a finned heat sink are in heat-conducting relationship with printed conductors on the rear face of the circuit board, which partially surround one lead of each light-emitting diode.

Abstract: A structural building component includes a pultruded member adapted to be used as a structural frame member of a building.

Abstract: In auxiliary headlamp, for attachment to the headstrap of a personal headlamp, a lamp body is removably attachable to a strap bracket having a strap-receiving slot through which a headstrap can extend. When the lamp body is attached to the strap bracket, the lamp body is rotatable about an axis of rotation which extends in perpendicular relationship to the portion of the headstrap held in the slot, and the lamp is arranged to project a beam of light in substantially perpendicular relationship to the axis of rotation of about which the lamp body is rotatable.

Abstract: In auxiliary headlamp, for attachment to the headstrap of a personal headlamp, a lamp body is removably attachable to a strap bracket having a strap-receiving slot through which a headstrap can extend. When the lamp body is attached to the strap bracket, the lamp body is rotatable about an axis of rotation which extends in perpendicular relationship to the portion of the headstrap held in the slot, and the lamp is arranged to project a beam of light in substantially perpendicular relationship to the axis of rotation of about which the lamp body is rotatable.

Abstract: A miniature LED flashlight is composed of a flashlight assembly and an attachment loop. The attachment loop is configured to require a two-step manipulation for attachment or detachment from a key ring. The flashlight assembly and attachment loop are attached by a snap fit relationship between a projection on one and a recess on the other, and can be readily disconnected by application of a bending force.

Abstract: A portable personal headlamp utilizes an array of light-emitting diodes on the front face of a circuit board. Arc-shaped projections on the front face of a finned heat sink are in heat-conducting relationship with printed conductors on the rear face of the circuit board, which partially surround one lead of each light-emitting diode.

Abstract: A heat sterilization process for small, washed, and bagged articles such as vial stoppers includes a conditioning or air removal phase prior to sterilization. During the air removal phase, a substantial majority of the liquid moisture is removed from the bagged articles by introducing brief periods of dry, warm air to the autoclave chamber. The air is introduced in short bursts at the point of greatest vacuum while pressure pulsing the chamber during the air removal phase. The air is heated and injected into the chamber through a supply valve which is rapidly opened and closed while the chamber is maintained within a preselected vacuum range between the pressure pulses. The result is a greatly reduced time for a complete sterilization and drying process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to automatically release a respirator device at least from a wearer's face. For a respirator mask, such apparatus includes a securement device, which fits around at least the rear side of a wearer's head, and one or more couplings which are configured to releasably secure the respirator mask with the securement device around the wearer's head. For a respirator hood, a neck dam is used as the securement device. Pressurized, breathable gas is supplied to the wearer through the respirator device and to the coupling(s) to secure the device to the wearer's head and, if and when pressure of the gas supplied to the device drops below a critical level, the pressure of the gas supplied to the actuator(s) also drops sufficiently for the actuator(s) to change states and allow the coupling(s) to separate, thereby releasing the device. Manual and/or remote release can also be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for detecting impending earthquakes includes at least one sensor, and preferably multiple sensors, for mounting on a building or other like structure, and include a transducer for converting vibration signals to electronic impulses. The signals are transmitted to a solid state detection circuit, which distinguishes between extraneous signals and signals indicative of the P-waves which signal an impending earthquake. Discrimination between relevant and non-relevant may be achieved by selecting a minimum amplitude and duration of signals within a selected frequency range, and triggering an alarm when the selected minimums are exceeded. Where multiple sensors are deployed, temporal overlap between selected signals can be assessed for further discrimination.

Abstract: A rotatable head flashlight utilizes a bulb carrier having a circuit board on which are mounted contacts which remain in engagement with energy cells in a battery compartment, a bulb-receiving socket, and a switch assembly engageable with, and operated by, a molded shelf on the inner wall of the battery compartment. The switch includes three contacts, one being a movable contact in the form of a resilient, bridge-like element overlying both of the other contacts, the latter two contacts being printed on the circuit board.

Abstract: A method of forming a plastic component. The method includes a first step of forming a profile by pulling fibrous material, having been wetted out by a resin, through a first die and curing the composite formed so that it maintains its ultimate shape. The surfaces to be coated are treated to create free radicals (bonding sites) which are then available for bonding of an acrylic compound coating. Thereafter, the acrylic compound is applied to the profile to form a coating directly thereon. Application is effected by passing the cured and treated profile through a crosshead extrusion die. The acrylic compound coating is bonded directly to the profile. The invention also includes a fiber reinforced plastic component manufactured in accordance with the method.