Abstract: A suspended load backpack includes a moving frame including a bag for receiving a load to be carried by the backpack, a fixed frame including shoulder straps for holding the fixed frame in place on a wearer's back, and a rail assembly that connects the moving frame to the fixed frame but allows the moving frame to move relative to the fixed frame. A mounting wheel is connected to the fixed frame, and a compliant mechanism such as a bungee cord is connected between the fixed frame and the moving frame and wrapped around the mounting wheel to permit movement of the moving frame relative to the fixed frame during a gait of the wearer of the backpack in accordance with tension on the compliant mechanism. A ratchet assembly includes a lever that rotates the mounting wheel to easily apply tension to the compliant mechanism.

Abstract: A human powered electricity generator includes a suspension system including a compliant mechanism that permits a first portion of the suspension system to be displaced relative to a second portion of the suspension system as a result an application of force to the first or second portions of the suspension system. A generator converts the mechanical displacement of the first portion of the suspension system with respect to the second portion of the suspension system into electrical energy and stores the electrical energy in an energy storage device. Displacement means, such as a handle or a seat, is connected to either the first portion or the second portion of the suspension system to enable a user to manually displace the first portion of the suspension system with respect to the second portion of the suspension system so as to increase the efficiency of the energy generation.

Abstract: A suspended-load backpack designed to permit the load to move relative to the wearer during walking and running so that the large movements between the load and the wearer of the backpack reduce the fluctuations of vertical motion of the load with respect to ground. Because the hip (and thus the pack body) goes up a down a good deal during walking, a large relative movement between the wearer and the load reduces the absolute excursion of the load. This movement may be, in turn, transferred to a motor through, for example, a rack and pinion gear, to convert the mechanical movement to electrical or mechanical energy. Such movement of the suspended-load relative to the wearer also reduces the forces on the wearer's body while walking or running, thus reducing the likelihood of orthopedic injury.

Abstract: A suspended-load backpack designed to permit the load to move relative to the wearer during walking and running so that the large movements between the load and the wearer of the backpack reduce the fluctuations of vertical motion of the load with respect to ground. Because the hip (and thus the pack body) goes up a down a good deal during walking, a large relative movement between the wearer and the load reduces the absolute excursion of the load. This movement may be, in turn, transferred to a motor through, for example, a rack and pinion gear, to convert the mechanical movement to electrical or mechanical energy. Such movement of the suspended-load relative to the wearer also reduces the forces on the wearer's body while walking or running, thus reducing the likelihood of orthopedic injury.

Abstract: A suspended-load backpack designed to permit the load to move relative to the backpack frame during walking and running so that the large movements between the load and the frame of the backpack reduce the fluctuations of absolute vertical motion of the load. Because the hip (and thus the pack frame) go up a down a good deal during walking, a large relative movement between the frame and the load reduces the absolute excursion of the load. This movement may be, in turn, transferred to a motor through, for example, a rack and pinion gear, to convert the mechanical movement to electrical energy. The movement may also be converted to electrical energy by using an electroactive polymer (EAP) to connect the suspended load to the frame. Such designs allow the load to move in a controlled fashion to prevent the patient from losing his or her balance as the load moves up and down along the backpack frame.

Abstract: A suspended-load backpack designed to permit the load to move relative to the backpack frame during walking and running so that the large movements between the load and the frame of the backpack reduce the fluctuations of absolute vertical motion of the load. Because the hip (and thus the pack frame) go up a down a good deal during walking, a large relative movement between the frame and the load reduces the absolute excursion of the load. This movement may be, in turn, transferred to a motor through, for example, a rack and pinion gear, to convert the mechanical movement to electrical energy. The movement may also be converted to electrical energy by using an electroactive polymer (EAP) to connect the suspended load to the frame. Such designs allow the load to move in a controlled fashion to prevent the patient from losing his or her balance as the load moves up and down along the backpack frame.