Abstract: A modular load bearing field support system having a waist belt, a pair of shoulder straps, each of the shoulder straps having a front end attached to the waist belt and a rear end attached to the waist belt, and a middle section disposed between said front and rear ends. A mounting track is attached to said waist belt, and a spatula accessory support system is included for mounting an accessory on the mounting track. The spatula system includes a flat spatula attached to an accessory, with the spatula inserted between the mounting track and the waist belt to attach the accessory to waist belt. A long gun support system for conveniently and safely carrying a firearm along with the load bearing support system is described. Extension panels for carrying large loads on the support system, as well as fabric noise-reduction and color variation panels are also described.

Abstract: A modular load bearing field support system having a waist belt, a pair of shoulder straps, each of the shoulder straps having a front end attached to the waist belt and a rear end attached to the waist belt, and a middle section disposed between said front and rear ends. A mounting track is attached to said waist belt, and a spatula accessory support system is included for mounting an accessory on the mounting track. The spatula system includes a flat spatula attached to an accessory, with the spatula inserted between the mounting track and the waist belt to attach the accessory to waist belt. A long gun support system for conveniently and safely carrying a firearm along with the load bearing support system is described. Extension panels for carrying large loads on the support system, as well as fabric noise-reduction and color variation panels are also described.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for performing the method, the method consists of the steps of: estimating a time when a dominant channel distortion occurs for each of a plurality of received test signals, wherein each of the plurality of received test signals occupies a different position in frequency in a communications medium having a given bandwidth; determining a differential group delay for the times estimated for each of the plurality of received test signals; and approximating a phase distortion of the communications medium as the differential group delay. In a variation, the method further consists of the steps of: estimating a power of each of the plurality of received test signals; determining an amplitude ripple by evaluating the power of each of the plurality of received test signals; and approximating an amplitude distortion of the communications medium as the amplitude ripple.

Abstract: A modular load bearing field support system having a waist belt, a pair of shoulder straps, each of the shoulder straps having a front end attached to the waist belt and a rear end attached to the waist belt, and a middle section disposed between said front and rear ends. A mounting track is attached to said waist belt, and a spatula accessory support system is included for mounting an accessory on the mounting track. The spatula system includes a flat spatula attached to an accessory, with the spatula inserted between the mounting track and the waist belt to attach the accessory to waist belt. A long gun support system for conveniently and safely carrying a firearm along with the load bearing support system is described. Extension panels for carrying large loads on the support system, as well as fabric noise-reduction and color variation panels are also described.

Abstract: A first mixer (306) shifts a first end (208) of a desired signal frequency bandwidth (206) of a desired signal (202) to an edge (508) of a first filter frequency bandwidth (502) of a first filter (312), wherein the first filter frequency bandwidth (502) is greater than the desired signal frequency bandwidth (206). Signals within a first undesired frequency spectrum (504) are attenuated by the first filter (314). A second mixer (316) shifts a second end (210) of the desired signal frequency bandwidth (206) to an edge (608) of a second filter frequency bandwidth (602) of a second filter (320) to receive the desired signal (202).

Abstract: A backpack includes a waistbelt system with a pocket formed by a pair of longitudinally extending spaced-apart flexible straps for receiving the hipbone of the user. The pocket is formed by a pair of longitudinally extending spaced-apart flexible strap. One of the longitudinally extending horizontal straps on either side of the waistbelt system is adjustable so that each separate side of the waistbelt system can be tilted to fit users having large hips or stomachs. A pair of hip cushions are provided on the waistbelt system, one on either side, which are connected to the remainder of the waistbelt system in a manner which allows relative movement between the hip cushion and the waistbelt assembly to reduce frictional forces upon the user. A shoulder width-adjustment system includes a spring bias member and an adjustment strap which allows a pair of shoulder strap support members to be adjusted to the desired shoulder width.

Abstract: A lashing system for selectively attaching a component to a piece of material includes a pair of anchors or loops which are attached in a spaced part relationship to the piece of material. A pair of releasable connectors are provided on the component for engaging with the loops. The releasable connectors are positioned so that a fixed portion is mounted to the front side of the component and a moveable portion of the releasable connector is mounted at a terminal end to the back side of the component. The free end of the moveable portion of the releasable connector can be threaded through the loop to engage the loop and then can be connected to the matching surface of the releasable connector on the front side of the component. A lashing system is provided for the interior or exterior of a travel bag or backpack to lash containers, panels, or walls to the side panels thereof. A matrix of anchors is provided for the releasable connectors on the containers, panels or walls to engage therewith.

Abstract: A lumbar pack having a bag and a waistbelt attached to the bag and including an elongated, flexible, semi-rigid support member flexed into a curved shape and received within the bag. The support member is of sufficient height when in this curved shape to extend from the buttocks of the user to the thoracic region of the user. A pair of adjustable straps are provided, one on either of opposite sides of the pack, to adjust the pack into a position adjacent the lumbar region of the user. When in this adjusted position, the flexible support member serves to bring the upper portion of the bag against the thoracic region of the user's back. The support member may include a pair of elongated delrin rods. The bag includes a front and a back interior wall with top edges folded over to form pockets therein for receiving the ends of the flexed rods so as to retain the rod within the compartments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a backpack having a combination waist-encircling belt, belt storage compartment and closure therefor characterized by a pouch open at both ends secured to the front panel of the pack, sections of a waist-encircling belt fastened alongside the open pouch ends positioned and adapted for insertion into the latter. The invention also encompasses a construction in which elements of a two part fastener are carried by the belt sections and pouch which move into a juxtaposed mating relationship thus defining closures for the open end pouch when the belt sections are stowed. The invention further encompasses an improved anatomically-contoured waist-encircling belt for use with backpacks, both frameless and with frames.