Abstract: A method of organizing personal protective equipment (PPE) testing/inspection records comprising: securely fastening transponders having a read/write capability on items of PPE that require periodic testing/inspections; providing at least one scanner that can activate the transponders and read, record, and process information received from the activated transponders, and electronically write information on the activated transponders; providing a computerized database for storing and organizing information from installed transponders; providing a computerized interface program that interfaces with the scanner and the computerized database; using at least one scanner to write in a read-only format appropriate initial information on installed transponders which identifies each item of PPE and to write inspection information in a read/write format on installed transponders; and using the computerized interface program to initialize the computerized database with initial information from installed transponders wit

Abstract: An anchoring system includes an anchor member to anchor the lifeline and at least one extending unit to extend the anchor member out to a working position beyond (horizontally) and above (vertically) an edge to provide for an overhead anchoring point. The anchoring system preferably further includes a support to which the extending unit is attached. The support immobilizes the overhead anchoring system so that the anchor member remains at the working position (even in the case of a fall by the worker). A method of anchoring a fall protection lifeline for use by a worker working at or beyond an edge includes the steps: elevating an anchor member to position the lifeline above the head of a worker and supporting the anchor member at the working position. The method can also include the step of extending the anchor member to a working position horizontally beyond and above the edge.

Abstract: An anchoring system includes an anchor member to anchor the lifeline and at least one extending unit to extend the anchor member out to a working position beyond (horizontally) and above (vertically) an edge to provide for an overhead anchoring point. The anchoring system preferably further includes a support to which the extending unit is attached. The support immobilizes the overhead anchoring system so that the anchor member remains at the working position (even in the case of a fall by the worker). A method of anchoring a fall protection lifeline for use by a worker working at or beyond an edge includes the steps: elevating an anchor member to position the lifeline above the head of a worker and supporting the anchor member at the working position. The method can also include the step of extending the anchor member to a working position horizontally beyond and above the edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable lifeline safety device in which the side of the housing thereof comprises at least two extruded metal housing member which are connected to form the side of the housing. The present invention also provides a retractable lifeline safety device comprising a roller disposed in housing to reduce friction and abrasion. The present invention further provides a retractable lifeline safety device comprising a pawl clip means for maintaining the pawl adjacent the drum flange. The present invention also provides a ratchet brake assembly comprising abutment means extending radially outward therefrom to abut the housing and prevent rotation of the ratchet brake assembly relative to the housing. The present invention also provides retractable lifeline safety device comprising a drum assembly in which the drum flanges are removable from the drum hub to facilitate changes in the lifeline type.

Abstract: A resilient, low modulus, semirigid shell for use as a component of an article of luggage. The shell comprises a first nonwoven batt of thermoplastic resin fibers and an exterior material attached to the first nonwoven batt. The first batt and exterior material are thermally formed to a predetermined shape. The shell may also include one or more additional component layers selected from a second nonwoven, fibrous batt, a layer of backing material, a water impermeable film, and a lining material. In manufacturing the shell, the exterior material is attached to a first portion of a substrate material which is comprised of the nonwoven batt of thermoplastic resin fibers. A second portion of the substrate material is secured to an apparatus for thermal forming and the exterior material and substrate material are thermally formed to a resilient, low modulus, semirigid shell having a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A nonwoven textile panel for use as a fire retardant and sound deadening barrier in the interiors of aircraft, comprised of three layers of nonwoven textile fibers of polyphenylene sulfide fibers and Nomex brand aramid fibers that have been carded, cross-lapped, needle punched and thermally bonded by heating the panel to the temperature softening point of the polyphenylene sulfide fibers. The fibers are capable of being thermoformed and retaining a permanent shape due to the thermoplastic properties of the polyphenylene sulfide fibers.

Abstract: A nonwoven textile panel for use as a fire retardant and sound deadening barrier in the interiors of aircraft, comprised of five layers of nonwoven textile fibers of polyphenylene sulfide fibers and Nomex brand aramid fibers that have been carded, cross-lapped, needle punched and thermally bonded by heating the panel to the temperature softening point of the polyphenylene sulfide fibers, whose panel exterior is comprised of a skin of polyvinyl chloride that has been adhered to the outermost fibrous layer. The fibers are capable of being thermoformed and retaining a permanent shape due to the thermoplastic properties of the polyphenylene sulfide fibers. An important alternative embodiment uses a layer of polyester polyurethane foam underneath the vinyl to shield it from the heat radiating properties of the polyphenylene sulfide and prevent puckering of the vinyl material during the processing.

Abstract: The disclosure is of decorative vehicular kick panels e.g. for automobiles, and the method of their manufacture. The decorative panels are laminates of textile materials, having a decorative fabric surface. The panels of the invention are particularly advantageous in that they are economical to manufacture and exhibit resistance to edge fraying.

Abstract: A cushioned panel is provided together with a process of molding it. A non-woven fabric having an outer layer composed of polypropylene or other thermoplastic fibers is heated to the melting point of the fibers. It is inserted into a mold having a decorative surface fabric and a piece of foam cushioning therein. The mold is designed so that the edges of the male and female mold halves compress the molten non-woven substrate and the surface fabric forcing the molten surface of the substrate into the interstices of the surface fabric. A mechanical bond is formed upon cooling.

Abstract: A cushioned panel is provided together with a method of molding it. A non-woven fabric having an outer layer composed of polypropylene or other thermoplastic fibers is heated to the melting point of the fibers. It is inserted into a mold having a decorative surface fabric and a piece of foam cushioning therein. The mold is designed so that the edges of the male and female mold halves compress the molten non-woven substrate and the surface fabric forcing the molten surface of the substrate into the interstices of the surface fabric. A mechanical bond is formed upon cooling.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a new and novel method of producing upholstered and padded panels. The panels are useful to upholster the interior of transportation vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a new and novel method of producing upholstered panels having a plurality of different textile surfaces. The panels are useful to upholster the interior of transportation vehicles.

Abstract: The disclosure is of decorative textile panels, and in particular carpet faced decorative textile panels which are useful as interior upholstery panels.

Abstract: A gas permeable, self-supporting, molded textile duct which matches the surrounding area in color and texture is disclosed which is useful to convey heated or conditioned air. The ducting is particularly useful for the interior of recreational vehicles. The ducting is prepared by thermomolding techniques.