News

Research developed at BSU could make workers’ clothes safer

September 1, 2003 /

MATR Sponsor (view all)

"For small to medium to national organizations, for events and fundraisers of any size, in any format – live, virtual or hybrid – the platform is built for scale."

A Boise State University professor helped invent new technology that could make work safer for firefighters, soldiers, industrial workers and others.

The Idaho Statesman

Invented by BSU professor Uwe Reischl and University of South Florida professor Francis N. Dukes-Dobos, the system tests how well protective clothing stands up to heat using an “inflatable thermal mannequin.”

Clothing is placed on the mannequin and subjected to a battery of tests. The mannequin eliminates the need for tests involving humans and allows researchers to analyze more severe types of climates.

The system also costs a fraction of the $1 million currently needed to perform similar tests, and could be used to make sure clothing has adequate ventilation for body heat.

Reischl said the system has applications for sports clothing manufacturers as well.

The technology received a U.S. patent in June.

The University of South Florida is looking for industry participation in licensing the technology internationally.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/News/story.asp?ID=48054