Abstract: In some embodiments, an optical communication system may include an optical source, a modulator, and a photoreceiver. The optical source may be configured to generate a beam comprising a series of light pulses each having a duration of less than 100 picoseconds. The photoreceiver may have a detection window duration of less than 1 nanosecond. When a first pulse travels through a variably refractive medium, photons in the first pulse may be refracted to travel along different ray paths to arrive at the photoreceiver according to a temporal distribution curve. A full width at half maximum (FWHM) value of the temporal distribution curve may be at least three times as large as a coherence time value of the first pulse, and the detection window of the photoreceiver may be at least six times as large as the FWHM value of the temporal distribution curve.

Abstract: A portable cooking system has a heating chamber supported by retractable legs that rest on a lid. A fire pan also resting on the lid and partially within the heating chamber is adaptable to burn charcoal, wood, or compressed gas. The lid supports and isolates the fire pan from the ground. The fire pan may be adapted for grilling. An alternate lid may contain an electric heating element. Thermometers and a vent on the heating chamber allow regulation on temperature within the heating chamber. The system may be adapted to provide uniform, controlled heat for Dutch ovens contained within. The system may also function as a smoker.

Abstract: A backpack is provided including a waistbelt having a dual-axis canting system. The waistbelt includes a central support and left and right belt portions that are pivotally coupled to the central support, extending around the sides of the user. The belt portions are configured to pivot about corresponding pivot axes, spaced apart from each other. The belt portions can freely pivot with respect to the central support to accommodate the user's body shape and the user's movement.

Abstract: A backpack is provided, having a pack body and a shoulder strap system configured to hold the pack body securely against the user even during periods of high activity. The strap system includes two shoulder straps each having a lower portion attached to a coupler having an extended interface with the pack body, to inhibit sagging and secure the pack body to the user.

Abstract: A backpack includes a pair of contoured side rails and three separate molded plastic support members removably attached to the rails. The upper support member includes a structure for carrying much of the weight of the carry bag. The carry bag includes hook and loop fasteners on fabric strips for securing the bag to the rails. The upper support member and other support members include slots and ports for attaching various straps and pads. One of the support members includes a flexible section to which the waistband and pad structure is attached, thereby providing flexibility to accommodate hip movement of the wearer. Separate back and lumbar pads are strapped to the support members. The separate plastic support members may be removed from one pair of contoured side rails and fastened to a pair of side rails of different length to accommodate wearers of different heights and proportions.

Abstract: A modular backpack for carrying heavy loads over substantial periods of time includes a back panel with a polyfoam layer, a stretch fabric cover, and a fabric layer between the polyfoam layer and the back panel, all thermally molded to the back panel to define a number of smaller polyfoam pads, a carry bag attached to the back panel, a separate waist support having separate molded left and right waistband pads fastened thereto, a molded bun pad of multilayered polyfoam positioned between the waistband pads and stitched to the lower part of the back panel and to a bottom panel of the carry bag, leaving a space between itself and the back panel to insert and remove the waist support and waistband pads. A pair of generally triangular stress panels are stitched to the lower part of the back panel on each side so as to overlay the outside of the waistband pads and padded shoulder straps are attached to the stress panels and to the upper part of the back panel.

Abstract: A shoulder harness for a backpack having a back panel, a carry bag attached to the back panel, and a pair of S-shaped elongated shoulder pads formed of a polyfoam pad molded to a cover of stretch material and backed with a fabric cover of Velcro loop material. A load control panel is sewed to one end of each shoulder pad and includes one surface of Velcro hook material which engages the loop material on the shoulder pads. A pair of load stabilizing straps are secured at several places to the load control panels and attached to stress members at the lower end of said back panel and to buckles at the top end of the back panel. A sternum strap is fastened to each of the stabilizing straps and may be adjusted to one of several levels as chosen by the wearer.

Abstract: A fannypack is disclosed which includes a back support section to which a carry bag is attached including a semi-rigid plate of polyethylene which extends from below to substantially above a wearer's lumbar region and which includes a lumbar pad including a series of spaced polyfoam members which are molded to a stretchable fabric cover. Attached to the back support section are a pair of waistband members which also include spaced polyfoam members molded to a stretchable fabric cover. Belt members attached to the back support section secure the waistband members around the wearer and are fastened at the front with a quick release buckle. Additional straps attached at the bottom and top of the carry bag and passing through loop members anchored outboard on the belt members may be pulled up to further secure the carry bag against the wearer.

Abstract: An improved holster comprising a sheet of compressible material or a composite including a compressible layer formed into a pouch to hold a handgun with an edge seam at the rear. At the front inside of the holster is a stiffener member secured to the holster sheet material by at least one generally vertical stitch line. The stitch line distorts the compressible material and the stiffening member to form a front groove for receiving the barrel and front sight of the handgun. A protective sleeve may cover the stiffener. An improved universally adjustable strap arrangement includes hook and pile type fabric on an inner face of a belt loop formed in the holster body and the mating hook and pile material on one face of the flat strap. The angle and length of the strap may be adjusted by relative movement of the strap within the belt loop. Securement of one end of the strap results from engagement of the hook and pile fabric and is insured by pressure from the wearer's belt when worn.