Abstract: A power supply system for a portable article of personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided. The portable article of PPE has a housing and an operating unit configured to operate upon supply of electrical power. The power supply system includes an internal battery pack disposed within the housing and configured to selectively supply electrical power to the operating unit. The power supply system further includes an external battery pack configured to be removably attached to or separate from the portable article of PPE and is configured to be selectively electrically connected to at least one of the operating unit and the internal battery pack. The power supply system further includes a controller coupled to at least the internal battery pack and the external battery pack and is configured to electrically connect at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit.

Abstract: There is provided a composite article comprising a composite material comprising 60 wt % to 98 wt % of a hydrolytically stable thermoplastic resin; and 1 wt % to 11 wt % long conductive metal fibers coated with a polymer selected from at least one of aromatic polycarbonates, aromatic polycarbonate alloys, aromatic polyethers, maleated polyolefins, semi-aromatic nylons, stabilized nylons, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a composite article comprising a composite material comprising 60 wt % to 98 wt % of a hydrolytically stable thermoplastic resin; and 1 wt % to 11 wt % long conductive metal fibers coated with a polymer selected from at least one of aromatic polycarbonates, aromatic polycarbonate alloys, aromatic polyethers, maleated polyolefins, semi-aromatic nylons, stabilized nylons, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Gusseted filter bag capable of flexing between a flat configuration and an open configuration.