Abstract: A portable vacuum system adapted to be worn on the back of an operator for collecting dust and debris generated during use of an air powered tool such as a grinder or a sander. The portable vacuum system is powered by the same pressurized air source used to power the tool, thus eliminating the need to tether the operator to additional hoses. The portable vacuum system comprises a collection bag assembly that has mounted thereto a venturi device which generates a vacuum pressure from a pressurized air supply. A vacuum hose is connected between the vacuum inlet to the venturi device and the power tool. A fluid manifold directs pressurized air through first and second on/off valves to the venturi device and the power tool to provide the operator with the ability to separately control the supply of pressurized air to each device.

Abstract: An expansion device for doing work comprised of a housing including first and second selectively expandable sections defining an internal chamber which contains a chemical motor. Upon activation of the chemical motor, the first and second chamber are driven apart with sufficient force to allow the device to do work. The chemical motor is generally an irreversible reaction which causes the expansion device to be maintained in an expanded position.

Abstract: A disposable environmentally controlled suit. The suit includes a coverall made of an inexpensive material which is relatively non-permeable to air. Elastic closures are provided at the neck and the terminal portions of the arms and legs. A manifold is formed in the back of the suit by an inner layer and an outer layer which forms a chamber therebetween. Outlet ports are provided for release of air from the chamber into the interior of the suit. A Hilsch tube is attachable to the manifold for supplying a cooled or heated air stream to the manifold. Suspenders hold the suit off of the shoulders of the user for providing circulation of air around the shoulders. The suit inflates upon injection of air into the manifold which keeps the suit away from the body of the user. Air is allowed to escape through the elastic closures. In a controlled manner such that the entire body of the user is kept cool or warm as desired.

Abstract: An improved core structure is provided for composite structures and particularly those employing fiberglass reinforced plastic surface layers. In accordance with this invention, a composite article is formed having a central layer comprised of a plurality of elongated hollow rod like members which are supported by a retaining material. The rod members are preferably made from a naturally occurring hollow material such as bamboo stalks. The retaining material is preferably a foam type plastic such as urethane, PVC, or syntactic foam. The core structure may be fabricated by loading a plurality of bamboo stalks into an elongated trough form, and then filling the trough with retaining material. Following curing, the core body is removed from the form and is sliced into plate shaped individual core pieces. The core structures are thereafter skinned with a plastic outer layer such as fiber reinforced plastic and used to develop webs, bulkheads, reinforcing members and various other features in composite structures.