Abstract: An earplug with a stem (22) and with fins (31-34) extending at rearward and radially-outward inclines from the stem, is constructed for comfort and for high noise blocking. The stem has a multiplicity of air pockets (60) lying in an imaginary band (62) that lies on the earplug axis (20). The band has opposite band sides (64, 66) spaced radially inward of the periphery (40) of the stem, the air pockets helping to block the passage of noise. A plurality of the fins are of constant thickness with parallel front and rear surfaces (50, 52), and with the fins being stubby with a fin thickness (T) at least 20% of the fin length (E), and with the front surface (50) of each fin being at least 20% longer than the fin length (E), all as seen in a sectional view taken along the earplug axis (20). Stem peripheral parts (80) that lie between adjacent fins, extend continuously at rearward and radially inward inclines of more than 15°.

Abstract: An earplug of the type that has a stem (12) and a plurality of flanges (21–23), is constructed to be stiff enough to be easily inserted into the ear canal, and to thereafter press with minimal force against the walls of the ear canal for comfort. The earplug is molded of an elastomeric material whose stiffness decreases considerably, such as at least 4%, when it is warmed from room temperature (about 72° F.) to ear canal temperature (about 100° F.). Each flange has a radially inner portion (52) that extends straight at an angle (B) that is within 15° of a radial direction (62) (a direction perpendicular to the stem axis), and has a radially outer portion (54) that extends straight and at an angle (C) that is within 20° of an axial direction (66).

Abstract: An earplug is provided for use by an airplane passenger, which more slowly increases the pressure of air in the passenger's ear canal than the rate of increase in cabin air pressure as the airplane descends near the end of a flight. The earplug has a cavity (30) that is open to the front end (20) of the earplug, and with a restrictor (24) at the front end of the cavity that allows air to pass between the cavity and ear canal, and the cavity to collapse, only at a very slow rate. As the environmental air pressure increases near the end of a flight, the earplug is slowly compressed in diameter and compresses the cavity.

Abstract: An earplug of the type that has a stem (12) and a plurality of flanges (21-23), is constructed to be stiff enough to be easily inserted into the ear canal, and to thereafter press with minimal force against the walls of the ear canal for comfort. The earplug is molded of an elastomeric material whose stiffness decreases considerably, such as at least 4%, when it is warmed from room temperature (about 72° F.) to ear canal temperature (about 100° F.). Each flange has a radially inner portion (52) that extends straight at an angle (B) that is within 15° of a radial direction (62) (a direction perpendicular to the stem axis), and has a radially outer portion (54) that extends straight and at an angle (C) that is within 20° of an axial direction (66).

Abstract: An earplug is provided for use by an airplane passenger, which more slowly increases the pressure of air in the passenger's ear canal than the rate of increase in cabin air pressure as the airplane descends near the end of a flight. The earplug has a cavity (30) that is open to the front end (20) of the earplug, and with a restrictor (24) at the front end of the cavity that allows air to pass between the cavity and ear canal, and the cavity to collapse, only at a very slow rate. As the environmental air pressure increases near the end of a flight, the earplug is slowly compressed in diameter and compresses the cavity.

Abstract: A banded earmuff for protecting a worker's hearing, includes a band (12) formed of a wire frame (34) and a flexible polymer sheath (32) around much of the wire frame and a pair of pods (14,16) that press around the wearer's ears. The wire frame includes parallel wire lengths (50, 52) with opposite end parts joined by loops (70, 72). Each pod that seals around the ear has a mount (40) that is coupled to the wire length end parts. Each mount has a groove (42) with opposite sides that receive the pair of wire length end parts. This allows the pod to pivot on the wire length end parts, and to also slide along them. The sheath is molded with a pair of slits (114, 116), and middle length parts of the wire frame are installed through the slits into passages (54, 56) in the sheath.

Abstract: A banded earmuff for protecting a worker's hearing, includes a band (12) formed of a wire frame (34) and a flexible polymer sheath (32) around much of the wire frame and a pair of pods (14,16) that press around the wearer's ears. The wire frame includes parallel wire lengths (50, 52) with opposite end parts joined by loops (70, 72). Each pod that seals around the ear has a mount (40) that is coupled to the wire length end parts. Each mount has a groove (42) with opposite sides that receive the pair of wire length end parts. This allows the pod to pivot on the wire length end parts, and to also slide along them. The sheath is molded with a pair of slits (114, 116), and middle length parts of the wire frame are installed through the slits into passages (54, 56) in the sheath.

Abstract: An improved battery pack is provided for short term battery power operation of a medical instrument such as an infusion pump. The battery pack comprises a substantially closed and compact housing one or more rechargeable batteries inaccessibly encased therein, with the battery pack housing being adapted for mounting directly onto the casing of an electronic medical instrument. The batteries are mounted on a base plate beneath a foil shield and a housing cap, both of which are attached to the base plate in a manner precluding nondestructive removal thereof and thereby substantially preventing access to the batteries. The assembled battery pack housing includes seal members for preventing passage of any gases discharged from the batteries into the medical instrument casing, and further defines at least one vent for exhaust passage of such gases to the exterior of the battery pack and medical instrument.

Abstract: A monitor panel for insertion into a range hood for use in recreational vehicles wherein said panel employs locking wall means for quick connect-disconnect hand insertion and removal of the panel from an opening in said range hood. Said locking wall means cooperate with said monitor panel to maintain said panel within said opening against said range hood.

Abstract: A dispensing device for use with a variety of containers and contents such as wine and artist's paint. The device has two parts: a stationary member having three flexible flanges for engaging a container and providing a seal, a central disc and a screw thread; and a movable member having a sealing end portion, a measuring throat, a gripping surface and a drip edge. The sealing end portion provides a seal with the disc when the device is in a closed position. The device is simply constructed, reliable and relatively inexpensive.