Abstract: A magnetic induction data transmission network comprising a master hub, at least one sensor node communicatively coupled to the master hub and a magnetic induction coil preferably adapted to be worn about a body part of a subject such as an individual's waist or neck. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the magnetic induction coil preferably includes a connector which serves as an intermediary between the coil and the hub to allow data communication.

Abstract: A magnetic induction data transmission network comprising a master hub, at least one sensor node communicatively coupled to the master hub and a magnetic induction coil preferably adapted to be worn about a body part of a subject such as an individual's waist or neck. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the magnetic induction coil preferably includes a connector which serves as an intermediary between the coil and the hub to allow data communication.

Abstract: A magnetic induction data transmission network comprising a master hub, at least one sensor node communicatively coupled to the master hub and a magnetic induction coil preferably adapted to be worn about a bodypart of a subject such as an individual's waist or neck. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the magnetic induction coil preferably includes a connector which serves as an intermediary between the coil and the hub to allow data communication.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to be movably mounted upon a rope for lifting and pulling a load as the apparatus travels along the rope. The apparatus can also be used to retract a rope. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pneumatic cylinder having first and second gas ports for receiving and venting a pressurized gas. The cylinder includes a piston and piston rod that move in response to the pressurized gas. A portion of the piston extends from the cylinder. The apparatus further comprises a first ascender and a second ascender. The first ascender is attached to the portion of the piston rod that extends from the cylinder. The second ascender is attached to the cylinder. Each ascender comprises a body through which a rope passes and a locking device that allows movement of the ascender, with respect to the rope, in a first direction, and prevents movement of the ascender, with respect to the rope, in a second direction. The second ascender includes means for attaching a load.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fluid intake includes a bladder having a known volume and capable of holding fluid, the bladder having a fill opening and an extraction opening; a first section of tubing connected to the extraction opening; a fluid monitoring unit having a downstream end and an upstream end, the first section of tubing being connected to the fluid monitoring unit at the downstream end; a check valve disposed at the upstream end of the fluid monitoring unit; a second section of tubing connected to the check valve; and a bite valve connected to an end of the second section of tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the true distance and relative velocity between first and second objects. The apparatus comprises a transceiver located at the first object which measures a first transit time for the transmission of a first signal from a first object to a second object and for the reflection of the first signal from the second object back to the first object. The transceiver further measures a second transit time for the transmission and reflection of a second signal, the second signal being transmitted immediately upon the reflection of the first signal back to the first object. First and second transit times can be used to calculate first and second apparent distances between the first and second objects, respectively. The apparatus also includes calculating means for determining the relative velocity between the first and second objects using the first transit time and the second transit time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method for determining the metabolic energy expenditure by a human during periods of running or walking. The energy expenditure is correlated with the weight of the subject (W) divided by the time of foot contact with a hard surface (t). This relationship can be programmed into a portable device for the direct measurement of both the rate of energy expenditure and the total energy expended.

Abstract: A winch includes a cylinder containing a movable piston to which are respectively mounted a fixed and a movable pulley assembly around which a line to be pulled is entrained. The pulley assemblies are located within the working chamber and the line enters the cylinder through one end formed remote from the chamber and through a one way brake mounted to that remote end. The brake permits line to enter the cylinder as the working chamber is pressurized to move the piston and thereby the movable assembly towards the remote end. The one way brake prevents line from exiting the cylinder at this location. The line extends slidingly through the piston and may exit the cylinder at the opposite end thereof which is also equipped with a one way brake which prevents line from entering the cylinder but allows the line to exit the cylinder. End of stroke positions of the piston are sensed by means of Hall Effect Sensors to control pressurization and venting of the working chamber through a three way valve.

Abstract: A height measurement system uses an inexpensive ultrasonic height measuring evice to provide an apparent height of a descending airborne object. To compensate for movement of the object during the ultrasonic measurement, a Doppler radar velocity measuring device determines the vertical velocity in a short measurement period. The measured vertical velocity is used to determine the vertical distance travelled during the ultrasonic measurement and to compensate therefor by converting the apparent height to a true height of the descending object. Updates of the true height may be obtained by storing the vertical velocity and retrieving the vertical velocity for multiplication by a time value to obtain an updated value of the true height.