Abstract: An improved elastomeric electrically conductive strain gauge for use in virtual reality systems is disclosed which involves the flash heating of a doped ethylene vinyl acetate elastomer.

Abstract: A protective helmet assembly (10) comprising a hard ballistic outer shell (12) in a clam shell construction of hinged shell portions (14, 16), the front portion (14) being provided with a window opening (20) and a facial seal (34). A transparent visor (22) and sun visor (24) are pivotally mounted on the shell portion (14) and are positionable to cover the window with a seal (23) between the visor (22) and shell portion (14). Impact absorbing pads (31, 32) of open cell flexible polyimide foam material are attached to the inner surface of the hard shell portions (14, 16) by cooperative fastener strips (35, 36) of hook-and-loop material.

Abstract: A method for forming a glove attachment principally for the palm of an astronaut glove to enhance the gripping area of the palm without detracting from the flexibility and utility of the glove. The attachment is a composite construction formed from a layer of silicone rubber having an outer surface with a friction configuration and an another layer of silicone rubber in which a meta-aramid mesh fabric is embedded prior to curing. The method of construction involves the use of a mold with a friction configuration surface. A first layer of silicone rubber or sealant is disposed in the mold and allowed to set for an hour. A second layer of silicone rubber or sealant is layered over the first layer and leveled. A meta-aramid mesh fabric is embedded into the second layer and the composite is permitted to cure. When cured, a configured area of the composite construction is glued or stitched to the palm area of the glove.

Abstract: An article of laminate construction comprising an underlayer of polycarbonate polymer material 16 to which is applied a chemically resistant outer layer of polysulfone material 17. The layers 16, 17 which are joined by compression-heat molding, are moldable to form the shape of a body protective shell such as a space helmet 10 comprising a shell 18 of polycarbonate, polysulfone laminate construction attached at its open end to a sealing ring 19 adapted for connection to a space suit. The front portion of the shell 18 provides a transparent visor for the helmet. An outer visor 25 of polycarbonate polysulfone polymer laminate construction is pivotally mounted to the sealing ring 19 for covering the transparent visor portion of the shell 18 during extravehicular activities. The polycarbonate under layer of the outer visor 25 is coated on its inner surface with a vacuum deposit of gold to provide additional thermal radiation resistance.

Abstract: A flexible multi-layered covering article 10 for protection against the hazards of exposure to the environment of outer space. The covering 10 includes an outer layer section 12 comprising an outermost lamina 14 of woven expanded tetrafluoroethylene yarns (Gore-Tex) for protecting against abrasion and tearing, an underlying weave 16 of meta-aramid yarns (Nomex) and para-aramid yarns (Kevlar) for particle impart protection, an electrostatic charge dissipation and control system 18 incorporated therein, and a chemical contaminants control barrier applied as a coating 19. A middle section includes a succession of thermal insulating layers 21 of polymeric thermoplastic or thermoforming material, each of which is coated with a metal deposit of high infra-red emissivity and low solar radiation absorption characteristics and separated from adjacent insulating layers 21 by a low thermal conductance material 26.

Abstract: A multi-layer absorbent product (10) for use in contact with the skin to absorb fluids, the product having a water pervious facing layer (12) for contacting the skin, a first fibrous wicking layer (14) overlaying the water pervious layer, a first container section (17) defined by inner and outer layers (16, 18) of a water pervious wicking material between which is disposed a first absorbent mass (20), a second container section (20) defined by inner and outer layers (22, 24) of a water pervious wicking material between what is disposed a second absorbent mass (28), and a liquid impermeable/gas permeable layer (30) overlaying the second fibrous wicking layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer absorbent product (10) for use in contact with the skin to absorb fluids, the product having a water pervious facing layer (12) for contacting the skin, a first fibrous wicking layer (14) overlaying the water pervious layer, a first container section (17) defined by inner and outer layers (16, 18) of a water pervious wicking material between which is disposed a first absorbent mass (20), a second container section (26) defined by inner and outer layers (22, 24) of a water pervious wicking material between what is disposed a second absorbent mass (28), and a liquid impermeable/gas permeable layer (30) overlaying the second fibrous wicking layer.

Abstract: A lightweight, active thermal control mechanism for spacecraft use comprised of woven or unwoven cross-layered yarns where one set of yarns are composed of flexible electrically conductive metal fibers which are capable of being resistance-heated by the application of voltage and another set of yarns which are electrically non-conductive and flexible. The non-conductive yarns provide mechanical strength and preclude the passage of electrical current between metal yarns by virtue of the spacing between them. A lightweight, electrically non-conductive film is bonded to the cross-layered yarns to protect the metal yarns from the elements (minimize electrical shorts from moisture, e.g., rain), provide additional strength to the fabric and to prevent the conductive loss of heat in non-vacuum applications. The non-conductive film is metalized on its obverse side to provide a more uniform heat load distribution.