Abstract: A half-face respiratory mask is disclosed. The respiratory mask has replaceable filters associated with inhalation valves, the filters further having a minimal relief from an outer surface of the respiratory mask. The respiratory mask may be made of a substantially transparent material, a substantially colorless material, or both, or of a aesthetically pleasing color scheme, and may be of a size, weight, and design such that the respiratory mask is physically discreet and unobtrusive to the user for everyday or active use, and is unobtrusive, discreet, or otherwise aesthetically appealing to users and passersby.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of head and spine protection conceptually different from, and superior to, the traditional free-floating helmet concept, for use in high impact physical activities, such as such as football, hockey, lacrosse, motorcycling, downhill skiing, bobsledding/luge, cycling, snowmobiling, race car driving, factory/construction activities, firefighting, skydiving, and training/battlefield activities by the military and law enforcement officers. The head dome and connection system provides a clear or tinted, impact-proof, projectile-proof bubble over the head and neck, which is secured firmly to the wearer's shoulders and torso via a connection system of straps to a harness, or to the waistline/upper thighs. The head is protected from impact against the inside of the dome by a cushioned cap, secured in place with a chin strap.

Abstract: A roof venting apparatus is mounted to a firefighting vehicle's aerial extension ladder, where a semi-cylindrical, double-pointed lance is dropped and raised onto and through the roof of a burning structure as many times as necessary to properly vent the burning building. The lance is dropped and raised by a free-spooling, electric braking winch, which is mounted to an anchor board securely hooked onto the bottom rungs of a fire truck's aerial extension ladder, and which is operated by a fire fighter on the ground who mans a toggle control panel welded onto the lower anchor board. The winch cable extends up the length of the extended aerial ladder, through a series of stabilizing, free-wheeling idler wheels mounted to another removable anchor board screwed onto the top rungs of the truck's extension ladder. The lance, if hollow, is transported to the scene of the fire empty, where it can be filled with water with the fire hose, to establish the necessary dropping weight.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel durable, tough, transparent, luminescent overlay compositions, useful for highlighting and/or illuminating and preserving surfaces and markings thereupon, such as roadways/highways, pedestrian passageways, airport runways, traffic control surface markings on travelways such as those listed above, traffic control devices/signs, structures, and articles. The clear compositions contain a moisture sensitive luminescent substance (for example, a phosphorescent substance having increased brightness and longer lasting afterglow) and an epoxy resin which imparts moisture stability to the luminescent substance, and durability and longer life to the underlying markings, surface area, structure or article.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a system for collecting and segregating particulate food debris from the whole pieces in a packaged food product, and a system to facilitate and ease the opening of the sealed plastic/cellophane/other packaging material within an outer cardboard food box, including: an inner bag; a system of small filter holes perforating the bottom of the inner bag; an outer bag adhered thereon; a system where the composite inner and outer bags are adhered to the inside and toward the top of the cardboard box, in order to maintain a food debris collection pocket at the base of the two-bag system; two gripping devices, of a style/type to include but not limited to, a pull-ring or pull-tab; and a system for affixing the gripping devices directly opposite one another on the outside and at the top of the sealed composite double-bag packaging material, to facilitate breaking the plastic packaging system's hermetic seal.