Abstract: A test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. Preferably, the test head assembly includes a test head having a test space that is generally coextensive with an inner surface of the protective mask being tested. Although the test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested, it is designed such that it has minimal volume to enhance the testing process by expediting test response time, reducing the time period it takes for a mask tester to reach one or more prerequisite test conditions, eliminate or greatly reduce lag time when the mask tester is operating in the probe mode and prevent dilution of challenge concentration. Preferably, the test head is formed from two or more removable sections to allow the size of the test head to be readily modified.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a protective mask. The apparatus includes a testing unit for testing a protective mask. The testing unit includes a headform upon which a protective mask to be tested is mounted. The testing unit is configured to take a sample of the challenge from two different locations about the protective mask. The testing unit may also be configured to inflate and deflate a neck seal protective mask when mounted on the headform prior to performing a mask leakage test to eliminate or significantly reduce pockets or folds that may hide a leak.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in testing a protective mask for leaks. The apparatus includes a test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. The test head assembly may be freestanding or it may be mounted directly on the mask tester. Preferably, the test head assembly includes a test head having a test space. The test space is operably associated with a mask tester such that a fluid from the test space is directed to the mask tester for analysis to determine if a leak exists in the mask. The test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested. Although the test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested, it is designed such that it has minimal volume to enhance the testing process by expediting test response time, reducing the time period it takes for a mask tester to reach one or more prerequisite test conditions (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a protective mask. The apparatus includes a testing unit for testing a protective mask. The testing unit includes a headform upon which a protective mask to be tested is mounted. The testing unit is configured to take a sample of the challenge from two different locations about the protective mask. The testing unit may also be configured to inflate and deflate a neck seal protective mask when mounted on the headform prior to performing a mask leakage test to eliminate or significantly reduce pockets or folds that may hide a leak.

Abstract: A method of assembling roof decking to an underlying substrate comprises the steps of providing a pin having a shank portion and a head portion having a predetermined diametrical extent, and a washer, having a central aperture, disposed upon the shank portion of the pin such that the washer has a diametrical extent which is substantially the same as that of the pin head so as to cooperate therewith in guiding the pin when the pin is axially driven through a drive bore of a fastener-driving tool.

Abstract: As formed from a predetermined length of carbon steel wire, such as AISI C 1062 steel wire or high-manganese carbon steel wire, in sequential forming, rolling, and austempering steps, a pin for axial, non-rotational penetration into a steel, concrete, or masonry substrate has a head, a tapered shank, a point having a tip, and a transition zone between the tapered shank and the head. The head has an outer diameter at least about 2.6 times greater than the initial diameter of the predetermined length wire. The smaller end of the tapered shank has a diameter about 0.6 times the initial diameter thereof. The larger end of the tapered shank has a diameter about 0.7 times the initial diameter thereof. The point is joined unitarily to the smaller end of the tapered shank and conforms except at the tip, which is rounded, substantially to a tangent ogive, which is tangent to the tapered shank.

Abstract: As formed from a predetermined length of carbon steel wire, such as AISI C 1062 steel wire or high-manganese carbon steel wire, in sequential forming, rolling, and austempering steps, a pin for axial, non-rotational penetration into a steel, concrete, or masonry substrate has a head, a tapered shank, a point having a tip, and a transition zone between the tapered shank and the head. The head has an outer diameter at least about 2.6 times greater than the initial diameter of the predetermined length wire. The smaller end of the tapered shank has a diameter about 0.6 times the initial diameter thereof. The larger end of the tapered shank has a diameter about 0.7 times the initial diameter thereof. The point is joined unitarily to the smaller end of the tapered shank and conforms exept at the tip, which is rounded, substantially to a tangent ogive, which is tangent to the tapered shank.

Abstract: A unitary fastener collation tube for retaining a plurality of fasteners useable in a stand-up fastener driving tool. The fastener collation tube includes an elongated body member having a channel having a substantially T-shaped cross section for receiving the fasteners arranged side by side therein. At least one end of the elongated body member includes a resilient fastener retaining member engageable with an endmost fastener of the plurality of fasteners so as to retain the plurality of fasteners in the channel of the fastener collation tube, whereby the plurality of fasteners retained in the fastener collation tube are releasable from the fastener collation tube when the resilient fastener retaining member is disengaged from the endmost fastener.

Abstract: A unitary fastener collation tube for retaining a plurality of fasteners useable in a stand-up fastener driving tool. The fastener collation tube includes an elongated body member having a channel having a substantially T-shaped cross section for receiving the fasteners arranged side by side therein. At least one end of the elongated body member includes a resilient fastener retaining member engageable with an endmost fastener of the plurality of fasteners so as to retain the plurality of fasteners in the channel of the fastener collation tube, whereby the plurality of fasteners retained in the fastener collation tube are releasable from the fastener collation tube when the resilient fastener retaining member is disengaged from the endmost fastener.

Abstract: A stand-up fastener driving tool including a rotary driver having a rotatable shaft with a fastener driving member disposed on a distal end thereof and disposed within telescoping upper and lower tubes, wherein the lower tube has a nose-piece with an opening for retaining a fastener therein. The fastener driving member is extendable toward and away from the nose-piece upon contraction and extension of the lower and upper tubes. A plurality of fasteners are retained side by side in a magazine of the tool, and are individually releasable therefrom upon contraction and extension of the upper and lower tubes. A feed tube connects the magazine to the nose-piece, and includes a magnetized wall portion for capturing and retaining fasteners fed from the magazine.

Abstract: An attachment plate is used to attach insulation panels to building substrates using internal combustion cordless nail setting tools loaded with collating strips for feeding and holding nails in the tool magazine. The attachment plate has a washer and an annular chamber at a first end. A wall of the annular chamber is defined by a band of fingers. The interior of the attachment plate has a recess. The attachment plate second end has flexible tabs. The attachment plate is placed on a pilot and against a flange of a tool adapter. The attachment plate is pushed into the insulation panel such that the tool muzzle bends the fingers and passes through the same. When the tool is fired, a nail and nail collating ring are forced into and captured within the recess. The tabs bend against the substrate if the insulation panel is of less than nominal thickness.

Abstract: An attachment plate is used to attach insulation panels to building substrates using internal combustion cordless nail setting tools loaded with collating strips for feeding and holding nails in the tool magazine. The attachment plate has a washer and an annular chamber at a first end. A wall of the annular chamber is defined by a band of fingers. The interior of the attachment plate has a recess. The attachment plate second end has flexible tabs. The attachment plate is placed on a pilot and against a flange of a tool adapter. The attachment plate is pushed into the insulation panel such that the tool muzzle bends the fingers and passes through the same. When the tool is fired, a nail and nail collating ring are forced into and captured within the recess. The tabs bend against the substrate if the insulation panel is of less than nominal thickness.

Abstract: An attachment plate is used to attach insulation panels to building substrates using internal combustion cordless nail setting tools loaded with collating strips for feeding and holding nails in the tool magazine. The attachment plate has a washer and an annular chamber at a first end. A wall of the annular chamber is defined by a band of fingers. The interior of the attachment plate has a recess. The attachment plate second end has flexible tabs. The attachment plate is placed on a pilot and against a flange of a tool adapter. The attachment plate is pushed into the insulation panel such that the tool muzzle bends the fingers and passes through the same. When the tool is fired, a nail and nail collating ring are forced into and captured within the recess. The tabs bend against the substrate if the insulation panel is of less than nominal thickness.

Abstract: In a tandem wheel and axle suspension for suspending a vehicle chassis, a flexible joint assembly for connecting the underside of each distal end of a fore-and-aft leaf spring equalizer beam to the subadjacent end of a transverse axle comprising a downwardly projecting spring anchor mounted on the underside of the distal end of the bottom leaf of the leaf spring, a load cushion formed of elastomeric material having an upwardly open socket in which the projecting portion of the spring anchor is embedded, and an axle bracket mounted on the subadjacent end of the axle having an upwardly open socket formation into which the load cushion is seated. An elastomeric rebound cushion is mounted over each distal end to prevent the spring anchor from disengaging the load cushion axle and is without upper torque rods.