Abstract: An apparatus includes a headset having one or more speaker units. Each speaker unit is configured to provide audio signals to an operator. Each speaker unit includes an ear cuff configured to contact the operator's head. The headset further includes multiple sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics associated with the operator. At least one of the sensors is embedded within at least one ear cuff of at least one speaker unit. The sensors could include an electrocardiography electrode, a skin conductivity probe, pulse oximetry light emitting diodes and photodetectors, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a temperature sensor. The apparatus could also include a processing unit configured to analyze audio signals captured by a microphone unit of the headset to identify respiration by the operator or at least one voice characteristic of the operator.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic composite structure includes multiple layers, with at least one layer including an electrically-conductive element incorporated in a fabric substrate. A fabric substrate with an electrically-conductive element can be referred to as an e-textile. The electrically-conductive element of the electrically-conductive fabric layer is connected to a controller for analysis of the fabric's changing electrical properties over time as a way to identify and prevent failure of the composite structure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a headset having one or more speaker units. Each speaker unit is configured to provide audio signals to an operator. Each speaker unit includes an ear cuff configured to contact the operator's head. The headset further includes multiple sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics associated with the operator. At least one of the sensors is embedded within at least one ear cuff of at least one speaker unit. The sensors could include an electrocardiography electrode, a skin conductivity probe, pulse oximetry light emitting diodes and photodetectors, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a temperature sensor. The apparatus could also include a processing unit configured to analyze audio signals captured by a microphone unit of the headset to identify respiration by the operator or at least one voice characteristic of the operator.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electrical interconnection system includes a pair of printed wiring boards formed of a printed wiring board material. Each printed wiring board has multiple surface pads formed on a surface of the printed wiring board adjacent its outer edge. The surface of each printed wiring board is operable to be placed adjacent to one another such that an electrical circuit coupled to one printed wiring board is electrically coupled to another electrical circuit of the other printed wiring board by contact of the surface pads of each printed wiring board with one another.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electrical interconnection system includes multiple first electrical contacts and multiple second electrical contacts alternatively meshed together using a slider. The first electrical contacts are configured on a first substrate and electrical coupled to a first electrical circuit, while the second electrical contacts are configured on a second substrate and electrical coupled to a second electrical circuit. When meshed together, the first electrical contacts and second electrical contacts electrically couple the first electrical circuit to the second electrical circuit.