Abstract: A bearing unit includes two hydro-deflector sealing systems, each positioned on opposite axial ends of the bearing unit. Each hydro-deflector sealing system includes an external seal having a first radially outer lip, a second radially outer lip, and a radially inner anchoring lip formed at an opposite end. An angled connecting portion connects the second radially outer lip to an intermediate portion that extends to the radially inner anchoring lip. At least two ridges are formed on the intermediate portion. The first and second radially outer lips and the angled connecting portion define a W-shaped groove that deflect contaminants away. The hydro-deflector sealing system also has an internal seal having a primary lip, an anchoring lip formed, an intermediate portion connecting the primary lip and the anchoring lip, and a secondary lip toward the external seal that does not contact the external seal under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for a hard hat and method of assembling the same are provided. The ratchet mechanism includes a knob with knob protrusions. The ratchet mechanism also includes a ratchet gear. The ratchet gear includes teeth engagement mechanisms. Each teeth engagement mechanism includes a hooking mechanism and a tooth protrusion. Each hooking mechanism is configured to engage with the knob protrusions. The ratchet mechanism also includes a band housing configured to allow a band to ratchetably move within the housing. The band housing also includes a knob engagement protrusion and a ratchet gear aperture configured with one or more teeth defining a ramped surface. The ratchet gear is disposed on the knob engagement protrusion and includes one or more ratchet gear teeth configured to engage with a set of band teeth on the band, such that the rotation of the ratchet gear tightens or loosens the band during operation.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for a hard hat and method of assembling the same are provided. The ratchet mechanism includes a knob with knob protrusions. The ratchet mechanism also includes a ratchet gear. The ratchet gear includes teeth engagement mechanisms. Each teeth engagement mechanism includes a hooking mechanism and a tooth protrusion. Each hooking mechanism is configured to engage with the knob protrusions. The ratchet mechanism also includes a band housing configured to allow a band to ratchetably move within the housing. The band housing also includes a knob engagement protrusion and a ratchet gear aperture configured with one or more teeth defining a ramped surface. The ratchet gear is disposed on the knob engagement protrusion and includes one or more ratchet gear teeth configured to engage with a set of band teeth on the band, such that the rotation of the ratchet gear tightens or loosens the band during operation.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for a hard hat and method of assembling the same are provided. The ratchet mechanism includes a knob with knob protrusions. The ratchet mechanism also includes a ratchet gear. The ratchet gear includes teeth engagement mechanisms. Each teeth engagement mechanism includes a hooking mechanism and a tooth protrusion. Each hooking mechanism is configured to engage with the knob protrusions. The ratchet mechanism also includes a band housing configured to allow a band to ratchetably move within the housing. The band housing also includes a knob engagement protrusion and a ratchet gear aperture configured with one or more teeth defining a ramped surface. The ratchet gear is disposed on the knob engagement protrusion and includes one or more ratchet gear teeth configured to engage with a set of band teeth on the band, such that the rotation of the ratchet gear tightens or loosens the band during operation.

Abstract: A system and method for completing fit tests on a respirator mask, and indicating end of service life for one or more elements of the respirator mask. The system includes an electronics module mounted on the interior of the face mask. The module includes a pressure sensor, and possibly other sensors, such as gas sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors. The module may detect the pressure on the interior of the mask during fit tests to detect any leaks in the mask. The module may be used for positive and negative pressure fit tests. Additionally, the module may include one or more indicators (lights, sounds, vibrations) for alerting a user during a fit test. The module may also detect end of service life by analyzing the sensor data, and may indicate end of service life to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments generally describe systems and methods for using mobile drones as mobile access points for a mesh network, particularly in use for firefighters, or other first responders. Embodiments described herein provide a self-healing mesh network for improved wireless communication between the first responders and the external monitors. The self-healing mesh network may comprise mechanism drones operable to be deployed around a building or emergency area, wherein the drones can act as routers capable of automatically adjusting their position (thereby healing the wireless network) based on the signal needs for each individual located within the building.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate generally to improved mask displays (e.g. with thermal imaging) and/or control interfaces that may allow for hands-free operation of displays and/or devices. Specifically, such display and/or control systems may operate in the context of a mask, and may provide gesture-based control of display of information within the mask. Disclosed embodiments may comprise near-eye displays configured for gesture sensing of the wearer of the mask and/or for systems and/or methods of gesture-based control.

Abstract: Embodiments generally describe systems and methods for using mobile drones as mobile access points for a mesh network, particularly in use for firefighters, or other first responders. Embodiments described herein provide a self-healing mesh network for improved wireless communication between the first responders and the external monitors. The self-healing mesh network may comprise mechanism drones operable to be deployed around a building or emergency area, wherein the drones can act as routers capable of automatically adjusting their position (thereby healing the wireless network) based on the signal needs for each individual located within the building.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a powered air purifying respirator (PA-PR) comprising a housing that is less than approximately 7 inches in width; a cylindrically shaped filter located within the housing; and a blower located within the housing, operable to force air through the cylindrically shaped filter. The cylindrically shaped filter may comprise a first filter layer and a second filter layer, wherein the first filter layer may comprise a particulate filter, and wherein the second filter layer may comprise a gas filter. In some embodiments, the second filter layer may comprise carbon particles.

Abstract: An article of safety clothing that comprises sensors and an electronic module coupled to the sensors to detect at least one of ambient electric fields or electro-magnetic fields above a predefined threshold, whereby a wearer of the vest may be alerted to electrical hazards.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate generally to improved mask displays (e.g. with thermal imaging) and/or control interfaces that may allow for hands-free operation of displays and/or devices. Specifically, such display and/or control systems may operate in the context of a mask, and may provide gesture-based control of display of information within the mask. Disclosed embodiments may comprise near-eye displays configured for gesture sensing of the wearer of the mask and/or for systems and/or methods of gesture-based control.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a communication headset, which may comprise active noise cancellation or reduction, configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more PPE devices using voice recognition to process voice inputs from a user. The headset may comprise a voice recognition module configured to receive voice inputs from a user (via a microphone on the headset) and convert the voice inputs to text. The voice inputs may comprise commands that may be sent to the PPE devices, wherein the commands may request information from the PPE devices, such as pressure level, temperature, gas content and level, battery life, etc., and wherein the PPE devices may send a response to the headset comprising that information. The headset may then convert the response to a voice output, which may then be sent to the user via speakers in the headset.

Abstract: An article of safety clothing that comprises sensors and an electronic module coupled to the sensors to detect at least one of ambient electric fields or electro-magnetic fields above a predefined threshold, whereby a wearer of the vest may be alerted to electrical hazards.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and method for completing fit tests on a respirator mask, and indicating end of service life for one or more elements of the respirator mask. Applicants propose a system comprises an electronics module mounted on the interior of the face mask, wherein the module comprises a pressure sensor, and possibly other sensors, such as gas sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors. The module may detect the pressure on the interior of the mask during fit tests to detect any leaks in the mask. The module may be used for positive and negative pressure fit tests. Additionally, the module may comprise one or more indicators (lights, sounds, vibrations) for alerting a user during a fit test. The module may also detect end of service life by analyzing the sensor data, and may indicated end of service life to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for detecting harmful substances in the ambient air around a user, such as particulate matter and toxic gases, and communicating this information to the user and other interested parties. In certain areas, the ambient air in a city or area may sometimes contain harmful gases and/or particulates. People may be encouraged to wear and/or carry certain PPE devices, such as masks, to protect themselves from the harmful substances in the air. However, a user may not always know when they are breathing in a harmful substance and should be wearing a mask. Also, a method may comprise activating an alarm to user to when environment is polluted, and alerting the user when to wear the respiratory mask. Additionally, a system may provide information on where a user may be able to obtain a mask or other PPE, based on the detected harmful substance.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for detecting harmful substances in the ambient air around a user, such as particulate matter and toxic gases, and communicating this information to the user and other interested parties. In certain areas, the ambient air in a city or area may sometimes contain harmful gases and/or particulates. People may be encouraged to wear and/or carry certain PPE devices, such as masks, to protect themselves from the harmful substances in the air. However, a user may not always know when they are breathing in a harmful substance and should be wearing a mask. Also, a method may comprise activating an alarm to user to when environment is polluted, and alerting the user when to wear the respiratory mask. Additionally, a system may provide information on where a user may be able to obtain a mask or other PPE, based on the detected harmful substance.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR). The PAPR comprises an electric motor mechanically coupled to a blower, an oxygen sensor, an alarm device, and a controller coupled to the oxygen sensor and to the electric motor, wherein the controller controls the electric motor, wherein the controller determines if the oxygen concentration is deficient, and wherein the controller commands the alarm device to present an indication when the oxygen concentration is deficient.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods of donning and/or testing an abrasive blast respirator may be described herein. The method may comprise one or more of the following, by way of example: placing head straps over a head of a user, wherein the head straps are coupled to an abrasive blast respirator, pulling a hood of the abrasive blast respirator over the head of the user, checking a seal of a facepiece of the abrasive blast respirator by blocking an opening of an exhalation valve coupled to the facepiece and exhaling by the user, where the opening of the exhalation valve is located on an outside of the abrasive blast respirator, and checking the seal of the facepiece by blocking one or more breathing filter coupled to the outside of the facepiece and inhaling by the user.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to improvements for supplied-air abrasive blast respirators. Embodiments may comprise purified air via filters as a back-up air supply, with the filters typically operating automatically to provide purified air when the supplied air is compromised. Embodiments may locate elements outside of the hood to provide ready access for performing seal checks. Embodiments may incorporate noise reduction elements and/or lens protection elements as well.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to noise reduction techniques and systems for use with supplied air respirators. Typical embodiments may comprise porous elements located within a respirator system operable to alter the air flow pattern through the system and therefore reduce noise created in the system. These porous elements might be located within an inhalation valve, a breathing hose and/or a muffler block housing of a respirator system.