WASHINGTON--A pair of fume extraction arms from Nederman Inc. (Westland, MI) are helping historians at the National Museum of American History restore the American flag that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Efforts to restore the 187-year-old flag began May 28, 1999, and are expected to last 3 years. The conservation of the flag, which measures 30 feet by 34 feet, is taking place in public view within a glass-walled laboratory.

The fume extraction arms are attached to a moveable gantry inside the lab. The arms keep the air free of contaminants, and they help maintain a steady temperature and relative humidity.

In manufacturing, the arms capture fumes and dust at the source of operations. They come in lengths of 5, 7, 10 and 14 feet, and can be mounted in single or multiple arrangements with fans or filtration equipment. Brackets allow the arm to be mounted on walls, ceilings, floors or workbenches.

For more information on fume extraction arms, call 800-575- 0609 or visit www.nederman usa.com. For more information on the flag restoration project, visit www.smithsonian.com.