Abstract: An omni-directional connection assembly broadly includes a hinge pin and one or more connection brackets. The hinge pin comprises a base section, a pair of primary walls, and a pair of opposed projections. The primary walls form a primary slot therebetween for receiving an engagement portion of a first panel therein. The opposed projections are spaced from the primary walls and form elongated passageways for allowing the primary walls to bend slightly outward for receiving the engagement portion of the first panel. The connection brackets are U-shaped for being positioned over the hinge pin and including flanges for attaching the connection brackets to a second panel. The first and second panels are then connected together at angles of between 0 and 180 degrees or more.

Abstract: A substantially vertically extending removable and replaceable cover and a substantially horizontally extending cover for use with a curtain wall system broadly comprising an array of windows, a set of vertical and horizontal mullions, a set of window gaskets. The covers overlay the mullions and each include a front side, left and right or top and bottom sides, and rear tabs extending therefrom for removably connecting the covers on the mullions.

Abstract: An omni-directional connection assembly broadly includes a hinge pin and one or more connection brackets. The hinge pin comprises a base section, a pair of primary walls, and a pair of opposed projections. The primary walls form a primary slot therebetween for receiving an engagement portion of a first panel therein. The opposed projections are spaced from the primary walls and form elongated passageways for allowing the primary walls to bend slightly outward for receiving the engagement portion of the first panel. The connection brackets are U-shaped for being positioned over the hinge pin and including flanges for attaching the connection brackets to a second panel. The first and second panels are then connected together at angles of between 0 and 180 degrees or more.

Abstract: An omni-directional connection assembly broadly includes a hinge pin and one or more connection brackets. The hinge pin comprises a base section, a pair of primary walls, and a pair of opposed projections. The primary walls form a primary slot therebetween for receiving an engagement portion of a first panel therein. The opposed projections are spaced from the primary walls and form elongated passageways for allowing the primary walls to bend slightly outward for receiving the engagement portion of the first panel. The connection brackets are U-shaped for being positioned over the hinge pin and including flanges for attaching the connection brackets to a second panel. The first and second panels are then connected together at angles of between 0 and 180 degrees or more.

Abstract: A physical barrier having a carrier device and a sealer material applied to the carrier device. The sealer material is configured to expand when it is activated. In its pre-activation state, the sealer material is flowable. The sealer material is applied directly to the carrier in its pre-activation state through a dispensing orifice without being previously molded.

Abstract: An improved structural reinforcer is provided, some embodiments comprising expansible material disposed on a carrier, the carrier having a plurality of chambers arranged longitudinally, with locking slots and shutoffs that lock a portion of the expansible material to the carrier, and a channel that permits the flow of liquids within a structural member in which the structural reinforcer is disposed.

Abstract: An improved structural reinforcer is provided, some embodiments comprising expansible material disposed on a carrier, the carrier having a plurality of chambers arranged longitudinally, with locking slots and shutoffs that lock a portion of the expansible material to the carrier, and a channel that permits the flow of liquids within a structural member in which the structural reinforcer is disposed.

Abstract: A mask and harness system for use in providing breathing oxygen and protection from pollutants for the eyes and respiratory system as might be encountered in high altitude aviation environments. In one preferred embodiment, the mask system has a face seal, a soft flexible lens, a pneumatically-actuated harness, and a regulator with microphone to control the flow of oxygen and to facilitate communications in aircraft flight decks and other aircraft compartments. The system is designed for required five-second donning with one hand and because of the flexible lens, is capable of storage in the relatively preferred on crowded flight decks. It is connected to an oxygen source and, optionally, with aircraft communications. The regulator controls the flow rate of oxygen to the wearer based on altitude and physiological requirements. The regulator includes a valve for purging the condensation-prone moist gases from the lens area and provides positive pressure in the mask.

Abstract: A physical barrier having a carrier device and a sealer material applied to the carrier device. The sealer material is configured to expand when it is activated. In its pre-activation state, the sealer material is flowable. The sealer material is applied directly to the carrier in its pre-activation state through a dispensing orifice without being previously molded.

Abstract: The present invention is a physical barrier for an orifice in a panel member which includes a plastic carrier and a patch adapted to adhere to the carrier and the panel member. The patch is comprised of a heat-activated material. The patch is joined to a portion of the plastic carrier and encapsulates a peripheral edge of the plastic carrier. Joining the patch and the plastic carrier preferably employs use of traditional vacuum-forming techniques. The plastic carrier is attached to the panel member and the patch is heated to generally flow. The patch cools and forms a seal between the interface of the plastic carrier and the panel member while a portion of the patch is disposed between the plastic carrier and the panel member filling any gap therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is a physical barrier for an orifice in a panel member which includes a plastic carrier and a patch adapted to adhere to said carrier and the panel member. The present invention also includes a method of sealing an orifice in a metal panel member with a plastic carrier. Lastly, the present invention includes a thermoplastic which adheres to both plastic and metal upon the application of heat.

Abstract: A physical barrier having a carrier device and a sealer material applied to the carrier device. The sealer material is configured to expand when it is activated. In its pre-activation state, the sealer material is flowable. The sealer material is applied directly to the carrier in its pre-activation state through a dispensing orifice without being previously molded.

Abstract: The present invention is a physical barrier for an orifice in a panel member which includes a plastic carrier and a patch adapted to adhere to said carrier and the panel member. The present invention also includes a method of sealing an orifice in a metal panel member with a plastic carrier. Lastly, the present invention includes a thermoplastic which adheres to both plastic and metal upon the application of heat.

Abstract: A reinforcing assembly for use with roll bars adapted to be mounted to motor vehicles such as an automobile. The reinforcing assembly includes a heat-expandable synthetic resin reinforcing member and a retainer configured to attach the member to the interior of a two-piece telescopically interfitting tubular roll bar construction. Upon heating, the reinforcing member expands to form a seal between the two roll bar tube sections thereby providing sound-reduction and stability of the roll bar assembly.

Abstract: A reinforced structural member is provided which includes a reinforcing member received in the cavity of a structural member. The reinforcing member includes a carrier having divergent, intersecting legs which preferably engage and rest upon the structural member, a thermally expandable reinforcing material, and a fastener for coupling the reinforcing material to the carrier. The thermally expandable reinforcing material is preferably provided as separate elements positioned on the carrier, whereby upon activation by heat, the expandable material melts, foams and expands so that after curing, the structural member is bonded to the carrier. The shape of the carrier in combination with the expanded reinforcing material serves to stiffen and reinforce the structural member. The thermally expandable material is preferably initially dry and non-tacky, and the fasteners serves to maintain the relative position of the reinforcing material elements on the carrier prior to activation of the reinforcing material.

Abstract: An expansible foaming reinforcing member for reinforcing a hollow structural member of an automobile, aircraft, boat, etc. is provided. The reinforcing member includes a synthetic, resin-based expansible reinforcing material secured to a carrier which maintains the reinforcing member at the desired location within the structural member until thermal expansion. The reinforcing material is formed of a thermally expansible composition which preferably has an expansion temperature similar to the temperatures achieved in specific stages of a particular manufacturing process (e.g., such as the temperature at which the paint bake or powder bake stage is carried out in the automobile manufacturing process). The reinforcing material of the inventive reinforcing member comprises a plurality of spaced-apart fins or ribs. During heat activation, heated air can travel between the ribs, thus allowing a greater surface area of the reinforcing material to be exposed to heat leading to improved expansion.

Abstract: A reinforcing member for a structural component such as a rail or channel of a vehicle is provided which includes a carrier and a thermally expansible structural reinforcing material element which is fastened to the carrier by mechanical fixation or an adhesive. The mechanical fixation may be provided by a flange or other mechanical connection on the carrier or by a fastener such as a push pin extending through aligned holes and openings in the carrier and foamable material. The push pins are preferably of a synthetic resin material which more closely approximates the heat conductivity of the foamable material when the latter is activated by heat, and is sufficiently yieldable to absorb impacts to the foamable material during installation.

Abstract: A reinforcing member for receiving thereon a thermally expansible reinforcing material includes a tubular carrier and a fastener mechanically affixing the reinforcing material to the carrier. The tubular carrier preferably has a continuous arcuate wall with the reinforcing material received on the exterior thereof. The reinforcing material may be provided as a plurality of longitudinally spaced annular elements, an elongated sleeve, or a plurality of prism-shaped elements. Upon heating, the reinforcing material expands and bonds the carrier to the structural member to provide additional strength and stiffness.