Abstract: Blends comprising a sulfonated block copolymer and particulate carbon are useful materials for membranes, films and coatings in applications which require high dimensional stability, high water vapor transport, high conductivity, and low flammability. The sulfonated block copolymer comprises at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol percent sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups based on the number of monomer units of the B block.

Abstract: Embodiments provide body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of holographic heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing elements include heat-directing elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and that may direct heat towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.

Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of performance characteristic elements coupled to a base material to direct heat, absorb heat, emit heat, and/or wick moisture while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, two, three, four, or more different types of performance characteristic elements may be included in a piece of body gear, for example in desired zones of the body gear.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat management elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.

Abstract: A shielding or protective garment in the form of women's clothing includes an outer fashionable portion or component and an inner protective portion or component having electromagnetic radiation defeating material distributed throughout the inner component. The inner component is affixed within the outer component as a liner so as to extend around and over a portion of a wearer's torso and lower abdomen. The electromagnetic radiation defeating material of the inner component shields or protects the wearer from electromagnetic fields coming from any or all directions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat management elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.

Abstract: The invention provides an adsorptive filtering material endowed with integrated particle and/or aerosol protection and with protective performance with regard to biological and/or chemical noxiants, in particular biological and/or chemical warfare agents, the adsorptive filtering material having a multilayered construction comprising a carrier layer, an adsorptive layer assigned to and preferably fixed to the carrier layer, and optionally a covering layer disposed on that side of the adsorptive layer that is remote from the carrier layer, wherein the adsorptive filtering material is additionally equipped with a particle and/or aerosol filtering layer which is preferably disposed between the adsorptive layer and the covering layer, wherein the particle and/or aerosol filtering layer is embodied as an air pervious textile fabric formed from fibers. The adsorptive filtering material is particularly useful in NBC protective materials of any kind (e.g. NBC protective apparel) and for producing filters.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a surgical gown, includes a garment body defining sleeves. A cuff may be secured at respective ends of the sleeves. An elastic fiber layer is disposed on the sleeves beginning at the sleeve or cuff. The elastic fiber layer has a high friction surface such that an end of a glove pulled over the elastic fiber layer is inhibited from rolling or sliding back over the elastic fiber and down the sleeve. The elastic fiber may be formed of a polyolefin or other polymers according to known processes and may include a dye or colorant that may be used to indicate the fluid protection level of, for example, a surgical gown.

Abstract: A material structure is provided with a multilayer material web (1) for forming flexible safety suits, containers, tarpaulins and tents. The material structure and products formed therefrom offers both high mechanical and chemical safety and makes it at the same time possible to greatly simplify both the manufacture of the material structure itself and the manufacture of chemical safety suits or other products with the desired properties and thus to make it less expensive. The multilayer material web (1) includes a fabric layer (2), a PTFE layer (3) applied on one side of the fabric layer (2) and a layer of a flameproof and flame-retardant material (5) applied on the other side of the fabric layer (2).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a support frame for alleviating the weight and stress inflicted upon the shoulders and neck of individual caused by wearing a radiation shield garment and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the support frame comprises an elongated upper vertical back members slidably coupled to a lower vertical back member to provide vertical height adjustment; a lower back support panel coupled to the lower vertical back member to provide lower back support to the wearer; and a pair of shoulder members attached to the upper top end of the elongated vertical back member to support shoulder regions of the radiation shield garment.

Abstract: A layered adaptive membrane structure that has movable membranes is provided. The structure can change its gas, liquid and/or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Applications include protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. Hence, the protective apparel is highly breathable and comfortable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment.

Abstract: A material intended for personal protective equipment, such as a suit for escaping chemicals or a flash fire is disclosed, wherein the material includes at least four different layers, the layers being: an outer first layer of a material comprising at least one polymer, which material is self-extinguishing; a second layer of a fiber material, which fiber material is self-extinguishing; a third layer being adhesive; and an inner fourth layer being a barrier laminate. All of the at least four different layers individually are attached to layers located next to them.

Abstract: Described is an adsorption filter material, in particular for NBC protective apparel, preferably for wearing next to the skin, in particular as an undergarment (underwear), wherein the adsorption filter material has a multilayered construction, wherein the multilayered construction comprises a first textile sheet material, a second textile sheet material and an adsorption layer disposed between the first and the second textile sheet materials, wherein the adsorption layer includes discrete, in particular grain-shaped, preferably sphere-shaped, sorbent particles, preferably based on activated carbon, adsorbing chemical and/or biological poison and noxiant materials, in particular warfare agents.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a material intended for personal protective equipment is disclosed, wherein the material includes at least four different layers, the layers being: an outer first layer of a material comprising at least one polymer, which material is self-extinguishing; a second layer of a fiber material, which fiber material is self-extinguishing; a third layer being adhesive; and an inner fourth layer being a barrier laminate; wherein all at least four different layers individually are attached to layers located next to them. Furthermore, a protective suit including a material according to the present invention and the use of such a material for the production of personal protective equipment are also described.

Abstract: Chemical and/or biochemical resistant protective garments are disclosed that include a top part having a body portion and sleeves, the body portion having a vapor skirt that is self-tightenable towards the torso of a wearer, and a bottom part having a fold-over waistband extension, a waistband, a seat portion, and left and right leg portions, the fold-over waistband extension being foldable over the waistband to reveal a backside of the fold-over waistband extension when the bottom part is worn by the wearer. When the top and bottom parts are worn by the wearer, the vapor skirt is positioned against the backside of the fold-over waistband and is self-tightened thereagainst as a seal that is generally impermeable to gases.

Abstract: A material intended for personal protective equipment, such as a suit for escaping chemicals or a flash fire is disclosed, wherein the material includes at least four different layers, the layers being: an outer first layer of a material comprising at least one polymer, which material is self-extinguishing; a second layer of a fiber material, which fiber material is self-extinguishing; a third layer being adhesive; and an inner fourth layer being a barrier laminate. All of the at least four different layers individually are attached to layers located next to them.

Abstract: Nonwoven safety garments are described. Features of the stitching of some embodiments limit the number of particulates emitted from seams between cut edges. Attachments features may be included on the garments to enable secure, external attachment of measuring equipment. Doffing features, such as loops, are provided to help the wearer safely remove the garment, either by helping her pull off part or all of the garment or by starting to separate closure devices. In some embodiments, a repositionable closure on a neck flap covers the neck up to the bottom of a face mask or respirator, and a grasping tab helps the wearer safely open the repositionable closure and the neck flap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a functional protective clothing unit which provides protection from chemical and/or biological toxic and harmful substances, especially warfare agents, the protective clothing unit comprising a protective suit which provides protection from chemical and/or biological toxic and harmful substances, especially warfare agents, and a wrap which is associated with the protective suit and repels organic substances in liquid form. The protective suit is equipped with an adsorptive material for adsorbing organic substances and the wrap is worn on top of the protective suit to extend the protective function of the protective suit when worn and covers the protective suit at least partially and/or in some sections thereof.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a protective membrane having first and second layers. The first layer is air permeable, vapor breathable, and liquid repellant. The second layer is vapor breathable, liquid repellant, and adsorptive of chemical and/or biological agents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a support frame for alleviating the weight and stress inflicted upon the shoulders and neck of individual caused by wearing a radiation shield garment and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the support frame comprises an elongated upper vertical back members slidably coupled to a lower vertical back member to provide vertical height adjustment; a lower back support panel coupled to the lower vertical back member to provide lower back support to the wearer; and a pair of shoulder members attached to the upper top end of the elongated vertical back member to support shoulder regions of the radiation shield garment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a personal protective suit including a sealed shell equipped with connection means intended to be connected to one same pressurized air source, air distribution means having an air intake connected to the connection means, and at least one first and one second air outlet, respectively intended to supply means for delivering air to the wearer and means for ventilating the suit, wherein the air distribution means includes a valve designed to reduce the air flow rate of the second air outlet when the air pressure at the air intake is below a determined value, whilst maintaining the supply of air to the wearer.

Abstract: An article includes a membrane having pores and that is air permeable. A nanoparticle precursor is dispersed throughout the pores, and the nanoparticle precursor is responsive to a stimulus to form a catalytically active nanoparticle. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A garment for regulating temperature includes a body having a back panel and at least one front panel made of a temperature insulating textile and partially joined along at least one common edge, the joined panels defining an inside chamber. At least one pocket is fastened to an inside surface of at least one of the front panel and the back panel. The at least one pocket is configured for accommodating a temperature regulating element.

Abstract: A stretchable chemical protective material is described comprising a selectively permeable chemical protective film and an elastic textile. Further described are methods for making a stretchable chemical protective material and methods of using the same. Materials made from these methods may have improved flex durability. Garments made from these materials may have improved heat loss.

Abstract: A gasket system (18) is provided for use with a protective boot (12) and a pant leg (16) of a protective garment (14) for a firefighter or other emergency worker. The boot (12) includes an outer boot (24) and a moisture/vapor barrier liner (26), and the leg (16) includes an outer shell (20) and a moisture/vapor barrier liner (22). The gasket system (18) includes a first gasket (30) fixed to the liner (22) of the pant leg (16) and defining a first annular interlock (34) to encircle a wearer's leg received in the pant leg (16), and a second gasket (32) fixed to at least one of the outer boot (24) and the boot liner (26) and defining a second annular interlock (36) to encircle a wearer's leg received in the boot (12). The first and second interlocks (34,36) are engageable with each other to form a seal with a leg received in both the boot (12) and the pant leg (16).

Abstract: A barrier suit (10) comprises a one-piece suit for fully encapsulating a user. The suit has a main body portion (12) for fully encapsulating a user's torso, arms, hands, legs and feet and a hood (21) integral with the main body portion for positioning over and encapsulating the user's head. The hood (21) includes an integral filter respirator (46) through which external air can be drawn into the suit for breathing. The suit is made from materials which are non-permeable to particulates and vaporous gases and the seams are sealed. The filter respirator may have a moulded body (48, FIG. 6) for positioning over a user's nose and mouth, the body have sealing portions (49, FIG. 6) for sealing engagement with the user's face. The suit can be provided in one-size to fit a large proportion of the population and has various belts and straps that can be adjusted to provide a satisfactory fit for an individual user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a helmet suitable for use in an operating room setting, an emergency room setting, a hospital setting, or a lab. The helmet of the present invention provides one or more of the following features: (i) superior barrier protection to a surgeon (or other operating room personnel) during a surgical procedure, (ii) a desired degree of air flow through the helmet so as to minimize the potential for carbon dioxide buildup within the helmet, and (iii) an integrated battery pack positioned within the helmet.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for use in protective garments, such as hazard suits and the like, enables components of the protective garments, such as gas masks, hoses, respirators and the like to be removably attached to the garment material. The sealing mechanism includes a framing ring which may be attached to an object to be sealed to the garment material and a locking ring. The framing ring and the locking ring are adapted to engage each other in a snap fit type connection while trapping a portion of the garment material therebetween to thereby form an airtight seal between the object and the protective garment.

Abstract: An adaptive membrane structure is provided. The adaptive membrane structure has movable membranes that can be made to change its gas, liquid or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Such adaptive membrane structures can be used to provide protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. The adaptive membrane structures can be used to provide protective enclosures.

Abstract: A breathable composite barrier fabric for protective garments includes a high strength nonwoven web, a barrier layer and an aperture film layer, with the barrier layer between the high strength nonwoven web and the film layer. The different layers and webs may be bonded together to form the fabric using calendaring, thermal bonding and/or adhesives. The breathable composite barrier fabric is capable of blocking particles as small as 0.3 microns at greater than 99% efficiency while allowing air transmissions between 7 CFM and 9 CFM at 20 Pa. Protective garments may be constructed using the breathable composite barrier fabrics so that the high strength nonwoven web is on the body side of the garment and the film layer is on the exterior of the garment.

Abstract: A stretchable chemical protective material is described comprising a selectively permeable chemical protective film and an elastic textile. Further described are methods for making a stretchable chemical protective material and methods of using the same. Materials made from these methods may have improved flex durability. Garments made from these materials may have improved heat loss.

Abstract: A non-woven, flame resistant fabric and a disposable coverall made from the fabric. The non-woven, flame resistant fabric is made of a plurality of NOMEX® synthetic fibers, a plurality of KEVLAR® synthetic fibers, and a plurality of electrostatic dissipative fibers. The coverall has an upper section for covering the shoulder, chest, back and abdominal regions of a wearer. The upper section has long sleeves to cover the arms of the wearer and a collar to cover the neck region of wearer. The coverall also has a waist section contiguous with the upper section for covering the waist region of a wearer, and a pair of leg sections for covering the legs of the wearer. Each leg section has an upper portion contiguous with the waist section. The coverall also has a seat section contiguous with the waist section and the upper portions of the leg sections. The coverall has a two-way zipper extending from the collar section to the waist section.

Abstract: A breathable protective garment or laminate for protection against chemical and/or biologic agents which contains one or more scrim layers which contain anti-microbial and/or anti toxic chemical agents. The garment or laminate is also self-decontaminating.

Abstract: A protective bodysuit comprises a body portion and a hood portion that are selectively securable together via a zipper along a sealing interface. The body portion and the hood portion are constructed of a material for protecting a wearer against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and/or fire hazards. Additionally, the protective bodysuit comprises a sealing apparatus that is removably coupled between opposing ends of the zipper to provide a complete seal between the hood portion and the body portion.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for use with exposure protection systems or equipment such as respiratory protection devices. One system is provided for detecting a breach of an exposure protection device by an amount of a target substance. The system includes an exposure protection device that isolates a protected environment from an external environment potentially including a target substance. The device includes a protective covering that includes a substantially transparent window. The system also includes a detector or detector element for indicating the presence of the target substance. Such a detector is capable of producing a visually observable indication upon detection of the level of target substance.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method of treating a folded garment to achieve good alcohol repellency on the innermost layers of the folded garment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorption filter material, in particular an adsorption filter material, which is suitable in particular for producing protective materials of all types (such as protective suits, protective gloves, protective shoes and other protective clothing as well as protective coverings, e.g. for transporting patients, for sleeping bags or similar) and for producing filters and filter materials. Said material is suitable for both military and civilian use, in particular for ABC applications.

Abstract: A protective suit is disclosed which comprises an external pocket that is adapted to receive and releasably retain at least one decontamination product, such as a wipe in a sealed envelope, and to avoid collecting any liquid such as a wash liquid that may be used to decontaminate the suit. The external pocket is configured such that the opening of the pocket is pointing directly down, or at an angle that is less than about horizontal, when the person wearing the suit stands on a generally horizontal surface.

Abstract: A chemical protective fabric garment includes a first fabric layer, and a barrier layer bonded to the first fabric layer. The barrier layer includes a nonwoven membrane that is formed of fibers with embedded particles having one or more detoxifying properties, such as being absorptive of hazardous gases and/or being catalytically destructive of hazardous gases.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a protective membrane having first and second layers. The first layer is air permeable, vapor breathable, and liquid repellant. The second layer is vapor breathable, liquid repellant, and adsorptive of chemical and/or biological agents.

Abstract: Provided are laminates containing in order: a fabric layer with an oil and water repellant coating, a continuous chitosan film, a continuous water vapor permeable polyurethane layer, and a fabric layer. The laminates, which have improved function in high moisture environments, can be used to make a variety of finished articles that can be used to provide protection from hazardous chemical and biological agents.

Abstract: A high output, powered air purifying respirator that includes an anti-contamination suit, a filter for filtering particulates from the air, a high powered blower for delivering a cool flow of air to the body, and a stabilization mechanism. The stabilization mechanism is configurable in either head mounted or back mounted modules as desired by a worker. The head mounted configuration facilitates stream lined mobility and includes a head mounted suspension system with a circular rail and roller bearing halo around the worker's head for stabilizing the blower/filter and allowing for rotation of the worker's head inside the halo. The invention also includes additional modules, also configurable by the user, such as personal hydration and independent camera and dosimeter support.

Abstract: A disposable surgical gown having a neck binding that includes a visual indicator to identify the barrier protection level associated with the disposable surgical gown. In particular, the disposable surgical gown has a neck binding that is color-coded for identifying the barrier protection level associated with the disposable surgical gown for protecting against penetration of body fluids and infectious materials. Also disclosed is a disposable surgical drape having a visual indicator, such as color-coding, to identify the barrier protection level associated with the disposable surgical drape. A surgical kit includes the disposable surgical gown and/or disposable surgical drape having visual indicators, such as color-coding, to identify the barrier protection level.

Abstract: Laminates made from films and powders of N-halochitosan are provided. The films and laminates can be used to make a variety of finished articles that can be used to provide protection from hazardous chemical and biological agents.

Abstract: A negative pressure protective system is provided for protection of persons (including animals) from harmful environments, such as environments containing hazardous materials. In one aspect, the system provides for protection of extremities, such as hands, wrists, feet and ankles, by enclosing the extremities with an extremity enclosure that is maintained at negative pressure or a vacuum. The system may also provide for an extremity liner and sensors to monitor conditions in the enclosure. The enclosure may also be used in conjunction with environmentally controlled enclosures, such as may be used in laboratories. In other aspects, the system provides for a partial body casing that encloses the torso and a portion of the neck, arms and legs. The partial body casing may be used with head, hand or foot casings that are also under negative pressure.

Abstract: Described herein is apparel that protects a wearer from an undesirable agent. The apparel employs a transition portal to assist doffing and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination during doffing. The transition portal attaches to the apparel proximate to one end of an aperture, which provides an exit for the protective apparel. When doffing, the transition portal extends away from the person, who exits the aperture. The transition portal is then pulled over the body along with any attached portions of the protective apparel. This turns the transition portal—and attached parts of the apparel—inside-out. After doffing, most portions of protective apparel are either a) inside-out, or b) contained within the inside-out transition portal and/or apparel. As a result, undesirable agents—that were initially on the outside of the apparel—are now inside the inside-out transition portal and apparel.

Abstract: The invention provides an adsorptive filtering material endowed with integrated particle and/or aerosol protection and with protective performance with regard to biological and/or chemical noxiants, in particular biological and/or chemical warfare agents, the adsorptive filtering material having a multilayered construction comprising a carrier layer, an adsorptive layer assigned to and preferably fixed to the carrier layer, and optionally a covering layer disposed on that side of the adsorptive layer that is remote from the carrier layer, wherein the adsorptive filtering material is additionally equipped with a particle and/or aerosol filtering layer which is preferably disposed between the adsorptive layer and the covering layer, wherein the particle and/or aerosol filtering layer is embodied as an air pervious textile fabric formed from fibers having fiber diameters in the range from 10 nm to 5 ?m, preferably 100 nm to 1.

Abstract: A chemical protective garment or ensemble is disclosed that comprises a impermeable, protective cooling laminate having a water-holding layer for holding and evaporating liquid, and a chemical barrier. The water-holding layer has a water-holding capacity of at least about 5% wt., and the suit is designed to retain sufficient liquid to provide cooling to a wearer upon evaporation of the liquid from the suit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adsorptive filtering material with biological and chemical protective function, in particular with protective function with regard to both chemical and biological poisons and noxiants, such as chemical and biological warfare agents, the adsorptive filtering material having a multilayered construction comprising a first outer supporting layer and a second outer supporting layer and an adsorptive layer disposed between the two supporting layers, the adsorptive filtering material further comprising at least one catalytically active component, the first outer supporting layer and/or the second outer supporting layer being provided with the catalytically active component. The adsorptive filtering material is particularly useful in NBC protective materials (for example NBC protective apparel) and also for production of filters.