Abstract: A lock-out, tag-out system for use with an appliance having a door includes a lock for controlling opening of the door. The lock has a locked state and an unlocked state. A controller is communicatively coupled to the lock. An automatic identification and data capture system includes a tag and a reader. The reader is communicatively coupled to the controller. When the reader receives a signal from the tag indicating the presence of the tag within an opening envelope, the reader communicates with the controller to transmit a signal to the lock to change the state of the lock from the locked state to the unlocked state. The tag is located on or in the personal protective equipment item. The system may include a second tag on the appliance, the signal of which is attenuated by a user's body and compared to the signal from the first tag to determine whether protective equipment is worn.

Abstract: Composite materials combining both high and low strength fibrous materials. More particularly, composite materials that are useful as lightweight vest covers for tactical vests and that are suitable for the formation of alternatives to conventional Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE).

Abstract: An impact resistance test method of a glove having a protective material includes applying an impact force, with an impactor, to the glove at a plurality of locations on a section of the glove, measuring, with a load cell, a transferred impact force transferred through the section of the glove, and determining an impact resistance of the glove based on the measured transferred impact force. The impactor has a predetermined weight and is dropped from a predetermined height to apply the impact force to the section of the glove. An apparatus for carrying out the test method is also provided.

Abstract: A lock-out, tag-out system for use with an appliance having a door includes a lock for controlling opening of the door. The lock has a locked state and an unlocked state. A controller is communicatively coupled to the lock. An automatic identification and data capture system includes a tag and a reader. The reader is communicatively coupled to the controller. When the reader receives a signal from the tag indicating the presence of the tag within an opening envelope, the reader communicates with the controller to transmit a signal to the lock to change the state of the lock from the locked state to the unlocked state. The tag is located on or in the personal protective equipment item. The system may include a second tag on the appliance, the signal of which is attenuated by a user's body and compared to the signal from the first tag to determine whether protective equipment is worn.

Abstract: A cut resistant hydrophobic glove includes a main body portion having a front side and a rear side, the main body portion enclosing the palm and back of a user's hand, finger portions and a thumb portion. The main body portion, the finger portions and the thumb portion are each knitted as a single layer of material formed from a yarn that is a composite yarn having a core constructed of one or more core filaments and a sheath constructed of two or more filaments. At least one of the core filaments is a formed from a high performance material having cut resistant properties and at least one of the sheath filaments is formed from a material exhibiting hydrophobic characteristics. A cut resistant hydrophobic sleeve and a yarn for making the glove and sleeve are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal and cut resistant glove includes a main body portion that encloses the palm and back of a user's hand, finger portions and a thumb portion. The glove is knitted as a single layer of material formed from a yarn that is a composite yarn having a core constructed of one or more core filaments and a sheath constructed of two or more filaments. The glove exhibits a temperature differential of no more than about 1.3 degrees C.

Abstract: An impact resistance test method of a glove having a protective material includes applying an impact force, with an impactor, to the glove at a plurality of locations on a section of the glove, measuring, with a load cell, a transferred impact force transferred through the section of the glove, and determining an impact resistance of the glove based on the measured transferred impact force. The impactor has a predetermined weight and is dropped from a predetermined height to apply the impact force to the section of the glove. An apparatus for carrying out the test method is also provided.

Abstract: Composite materials combining both high and low strength fibrous materials. More particularly, composite materials that are useful as lightweight vest covers for tactical vests and that are suitable for the formation of alternatives to conventional Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ballistic resistant composite 20 including a bimodal binder, the composite formable in a manner in which it is exposed to low pressure for a short duration of time and at a controlled temperature. More particularly, the bimodal binder of composite 20 allows the composite to be formed with a flat-bed laminator, for example, which may be less expensive than other processing methods, such as a steel belt press.