Abstract: A cylindrical canister or respirator filter for use in conjunction with a s mask for individual protection against respiratory hazards, including a frustum shaped carbon bed and a layered array of different size carbon particles in the carbon bed. The interior wall of the canister or respirator is dimpled to afford greater packing density of the carbon particles, and the carbon particles have hollow rectangular or cylindrical extrudate shapes. A chromium-free carbon is used to reduce health risks to users.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position and orientation tracking system uses accelerometers to measure acceleration of a moveable object (e.g., a head-mounted display unit or a data glove). A tracking processor generates both position and orientation information on the object relative to a simulation environment as a function of the acceleration data. In one embodiment, a simplified radar-based tracking system is disposed relative to the object and periodically provides additional tracking data on the object to the tracking processor. The tracking processor uses the additional data to correct the position and orientation information using a feedback filter process. The position and orientation information signals generated can be used, for example, in a simulation or virtual reality application. Position and orientation information is received by a simulation processor relative to the object. The simulation processor modifies a simulation environment as a function of the position and orientation information received.

Abstract: Alpha-alkoxy-omega-siloxanols, R'O(R.sub.2 SiO).sub.x H, are produced by contacting cyclic siloxanes with alcohols under mild conditions. For example, hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane heated at reflux in methanol for four hours gives 5-methyoxyhexamethyltrisiloxan-1-ol in high yield. The reaction proceeds more rapidly in the presence of weak acids or bases. The products are useful as coupling agents, as antistructure agents and filler-treating agents for silicone elastomers.

Abstract: Surfaces of inorganic materials are rendered hydrophobic by treating the inorganic materials with alpha-alkoxy-omega-siloxanols which are obtained from the reaction of cyclic siloxanes with alcohols under mild conditions.

Abstract: An antistructure agent consisting essentially of hexamethyltrisiloxanediol and methoxyhexamethyltrisiloxanol is prepared by reacting hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane with water, methanol and a short-chain fatty acid. It is very effective in preventing structure buildup in silicone elastomers.

Abstract: Alpha-alkoxy-omega-siloxanols, R'O(R.sub.2 SiO).sub.x H, are produced by contacting cyclic siloxanes with alcohols under mild conditions. For example, hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane heated at reflux in methanol for four hours gives 5-methoxyhexamethyltrisiloxan-1-ol in high yield. The reaction proceeds more rapidly in the presence of weak acids .[.or bases.].. The products are useful as antistructure agents, coupling agents, and filler-treating agents for silicone elastomers.