Abstract: Preferred rod/piston assemblies (50, 50?, 150) comprise unitary rod members (52, 52?, 152) and compression rings (54, 54?, 154). In accordance with one preferred embodiment (50), the unitary rod member (52) comprises a connecting rod portion (60), a lower bezel portion (62) and a knob portion (66). The lower bezel portion (62) and the compression ring (54) define facing surfaces (82, 106) along which the compression ring (54) is secured to the unitary rod member (52). In accordance with a preferred method of manufacture, one or both of the facing surfaces (82, 106) are chemically treated to promote coupling of the compression (54) ring to the lower bezel portion (62). The unitary rod member (52) and the compression ring (54) are positioned in the mold or press with the compression ring (54) fitted over the knob portion (66) of the unitary rod member. Elevated temperature and pressure are applied to secure the compression ring (54) to the lower bezel portion (62).

Abstract: An expanding and retractably collapsing device includes a generally cylindrical hose which is expandable and retractably collapsible and has formed on a surface thereof a circumferentially extending rib. A roller assembly having rotatable framework is disposed adjacent the hose and has roller bearings disposed in the framework for mechanically engaging the rib such that rotation of the framework in one or another direction causes either expanding or collapsing the hose. The roller assembly is generally axially stationary with respect to an axis about which the hose expands and contracts. An air supply unit is connected to the hose to deliver conditioned air. A remote controller enables operation of the air supply unit and includes a detector for detecting toxic air conditions and generating an alert signal indicating an unsuitable environmental condition.

Abstract: An expanding and retractably collapsing device includes a generally cylindrical hose which is expandable and retractably collapsible and has formed on a surface thereof a circumferentially extending rib. A roller assembly having rotatable framework is disposed adjacent the hose and has roller bearings disposed in the framework for mechanically engaging the rib such that rotation of the framework in one or another direction causes either expanding or collapsing the hose. The roller assembly is generally axially stationary with respect to an axis about which the hose expands and contracts. An air supply unit is connected to the hose to deliver conditioned air. A remote controller enables operation of the air supply unit and includes a detector for detecting toxic air conditions and generating an alert signal indicating an unsuitable environmental condition.

Abstract: Preferred rod/piston assemblies (50, 50′, 150) comprise unitary rod members (52, 52′, 152) and compression rings (54, 54′, 154). In accordance with one preferred embodiment (50), the unitary rod member (52) comprises a connecting rod portion (60), a lower bezel portion (62) and a knob portion (66). The lower bezel portion (62) and the compression ring (54) define facing surfaces (82, 106) along which the compression ring (54) is secured to the unitary rod member (52). In accordance with a preferred method of manufacture, one or both of the facing surfaces (82, 106) are chemically treated to promote coupling of the compression (54) ring to the lower bezel portion (62). The unitary rod member (52) and the compression ring (54) are positioned in the mold or press with the compression ring (54) fitted over the knob portion (66) of the unitary rod member. Elevated temperature and pressure are applied to secure the compression ring (54) to the lower bezel portion (62).