Abstract: A welding helmet (1) has a protective shield (2) and a first swivel mechanism (10) that pivotally connects the protective shield with a head suspension system (6) for swiveling about a swivel axis. The first swivel mechanism enables the protective shield and the head suspension system to be swiveled between a lowered position, in which the protective shield covers a wearer's face, and an upraised position, in which the protective shield uncovers the wearer's face. The first swivel mechanism (10) has a recess (16a) and a retainer (17a) for engaging with the recess. The retainer and the recess are arranged to engage with each other in the upraised position, and to remain disengaged in the lowered position and between the lowered position and the upraised position.

Abstract: A tool communication adapter system is provided. One exemplary system described herein includes a tool communication adapter having an adapter body including first and second mechanical attachment ends, a first electrical connector proximate the first mechanical attachment end and a second electrical connector proximate the second mechanical attachment end, a first supply channel having an opening extending through the body between the first and second mechanical attachment ends, and including a first supply channel connector at the first attachment end and a second supply channel connector at the second mechanical attachment end, and a control unit in communication with the first and second electrical connectors. The control unit is configured to provide a filter command signal to a protective filter in response to a signal received at the first electrical connector. An exemplary tool communication adapter thus allows communication between a tool and personal protective equipment.

Abstract: A tool communication adapter system is provided. One exemplary system described herein includes a tool communication adapter having an adapter body including first and second mechanical attachment ends, a first electrical connector proximate the first mechanical attachment end and a second electrical connector proximate the second mechanical attachment end, a first supply channel having an opening extending through the body between the first and second mechanical attachment ends, and including a first supply channel connector at the first attachment end and a second supply channel connector at the second mechanical attachment end, and a control unit in communication with the first and second electrical connectors. The control unit is configured to provide a filter command signal to a protective filter in response to a signal received at the first electrical connector. An exemplary tool communication adapter thus allows communication between a tool and personal protective equipment.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) with an active heating system. The PAPR includes a powered air component designed to be carried by a user of the PAPR, the powered air component including a fan and a filter, wherein the fan draws air from a user's environment through the filter. The PAPR further includes an electronically controlled active heating element and a control system. The control system varies the power provided to the heating element and further disables the heating element when potential overheating of the heating element is detected. The present invention further includes a heating module for use with a PAPR. The heating module includes an electronically controlled active heating element. The heating element is disabled when the fan in the PAPR is not rotating.

Abstract: An eye-protection headgear including a rigid visor with a window bearing an optical filter, and with a flexible fabric bib and a flexible fabric cap.

Abstract: A welding helmet (1) has a protective shield (2) and a first swivel mechanism (10) that pivotally connects the protective shield with a head suspension system (6) for swiveling about a swivel axis. The first swivel mechanism enables the protective shield and the head suspension system to be swiveled between a lowered position, in which the protective shield covers a wearer's face, and an upraised position, in which the protective shield uncovers the wearer's face. The first swivel mechanism (10) has a recess (16a) and a retainer (17a) for engaging with the recess. The retainer and the recess are arranged to engage with each other in the upraised position, and to remain disengaged in the lowered position and between the lowered position and the upraised position.

Abstract: A tool communication adapter system is provided. One exemplary system described herein includes a tool communication adapter having an adapter body including first and second mechanical attachment ends, a first electrical connector proximate the first mechanical attachment end and a second electrical connector proximate the second mechanical attachment end, a first supply channel having an opening extending through the body between the first and second mechanical attachment ends, and including a first supply channel connector at the first attachment end and a second supply channel connector at the second mechanical attachment end, and a control unit in communication with the first and second electrical connectors. The control unit is configured to provide a filter command signal to a protective filter in response to a signal received at the first electrical connector. An exemplary tool communication adapter thus allows communication between a tool and personal protective equipment.

Abstract: A tool communication adapter system is provided. One exemplary system described herein includes a tool communication adapter having an adapter body including first and second mechanical attachment ends, a first electrical connector proximate the first mechanical attachment end and a second electrical connector proximate the second mechanical attachment end, a first supply channel having an opening extending through the body between the first and second mechanical attachment ends, and including a first supply channel connector at the first attachment end and a second supply channel connector at the second mechanical attachment end, and a control unit in communication with the first and second electrical connectors. The control unit is configured to provide a filter command signal to a protective filter in response to a signal received at the first electrical connector. An exemplary tool communication adapter thus allows communication between a tool and personal protective equipment.

Abstract: An elongated guide that is removably attachable to a hardhat and a visor that is removably mountable to the elongated guide.

Abstract: A tool communication adapter system is provided. One exemplary system described herein includes a tool communication adapter having an adapter body including first and second mechanical attachment ends, a first electrical connector proximate the first mechanical attachment end and a second electrical connector proximate the second mechanical attachment end, a first supply channel having an opening extending through the body between the first and second mechanical attachment ends, and including a first supply channel connector at the first attachment end and a second supply channel connector at the second mechanical attachment end, and a control unit in communication with the first and second electrical connectors. The control unit is configured to provide a filter command signal to a protective filter in response to a signal received at the first electrical connector. An exemplary tool communication adapter thus allows communication between a tool and personal protective equipment.

Abstract: An appliance mounting device 10 that is adapted for securement to head gear 12. The device 10 has an elongated guide 14 that is adapted for removable attachment to the head gear 12 such that a lengthwise dimension of the elongated guide 14 is at least generally coincident with a sagittal plane 16. An appliance holder 20 supports an appliance 18 and can engage the elongated guide 14 to allow for adjustment of the position of the appliance 18 along the elongated guide 14.

Abstract: A welding helmet 10 that has a face shield 12 that has a native width NW and that has a lens 14 disposed in the face shield 12. A spreader bar 30 can expand the face shield 12 from its native width NW to an increased width IW to allow the welding shield 10 to easily accommodate earmuffs 16 worn by the welder.

Abstract: An appliance mounting device 10 that is adapted for securement to head gear 12. The device 10 has an elongated guide 14 that is adapted for removable attachment to the head gear 12 such that a lengthwise dimension of the elongated guide 14 is at least generally coincident with a sagittal plane 16. An appliance holder 20 supports an appliance 18 and can engage the elongated guide 14 to allow for adjustment of the position of the appliance 18 along the elongated guide 14.

Abstract: An eye-protection headgear including a rigid visor with a window bearing an optical filter, and with a flexible fabric bib and a flexible fabric cap.

Abstract: A welding helmet 10 that has a face shield 12 that has a native width NW and that has a lens 14 disposed in the face shield 12. A spreader bar 30 can expand the face shield 12 from its native width NW to an increased width IW to allow the welding shield 10 to easily accommodate earmuffs 16 worn by the welder.

Abstract: An appliance mounting device 10 that is adapted for securement to head gear 12. The device 10 has an elongated guide 14 that is adapted for removable attachment to the head gear 12 such that a lengthwise dimension of the elongated guide 14 is at least generally coincident with a sagittal plane 16. An appliance holder 20 supports an appliance 18 and can engage the elongated guide 14 to allow for adjustment of the position of the appliance 18 along the elongated guide 14.

Abstract: An elongated guide that is removably attachable to a hardhat and a visor that is removably mountable to the elongated guide.