Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove having a glove palm and fingers, with the glove worn on a user's hand. A sensor measures flexion of the glove fingers, and thus a change of position and/or attitude of the fingers is determined. Finger saddles at least partially surround a phalange of a respective one of the user's fingers. The system uses one or more tendon actuators to pull on flexible tendons. Each tendon connects to a respective finger saddle. A controller is in communication with the actuators and sensor(s). The glove may use feedback from optional contact sensors to adjust tension, and may have a built-in restorative force. In executing a control method, the controller selectively applies tension to the tendons in response to finger flexion, via the tendon actuators, at a level sufficient for moving the user's fingers when the user executes a hand maneuver.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for simultaneously filling balloons with water generally includes a fitting and at least three branch assemblies coupled to the fitting. The fitting includes an inlet and at least three outlets. Each branch assembly includes a tube, a balloon, an elastic ring, and a plurality of colloid particles disposed within the balloon. For each branch assembly, the tube extends from its respective fitting at a respective one of the at least three outlets; the balloon has a neck defining an opening through which an end of the tube is inserted; and the elastic ring. Each elastic ring compresses the neck of the balloon around the end of the tube. The elastic ring is configured to restrict detachment of the balloon from the tube and to automatically seal the opening of the balloon upon detachment of the balloon from the tube.

Abstract: A piece of fitness equipment, which is suitable for fitting to a body part of a person comprising a pressure chamber to which a fluid can be applied and a pump that is connected with the pressure chamber and is suitable for applying the fluid to the pressure chamber. Furthermore, the device comprises a controller for controlling the pump and a wearable holder that is detachably connectable with the pressure chamber and serves for holding the pressure chamber to the body part. The pressure chamber is formed in the shape of a hose.

Abstract: A cryogenically cooled radiation shield device and method are provided to shield an area, such as the capsule of a space vehicle, from radiation. A cryogenically cooled radiation shield device may include at least one first coil comprised of a superconducting material extending about an area to be shielded from radiation. The cryogenically cooled radiation shield device also includes a first conduit extending about the area to be shielded from radiation. The at least one first coil is disposed within the first conduit. The cryogenically cooled radiation shield device also includes a second conduit extending about the area to be shielded from radiation. The first conduit is disposed within the second conduit. The cryogenically cooled radiation shield device also includes a first cryogen liquid disposed within the first conduit and a second cryogen liquid, different than the first cryogen liquid, disposed within the second conduit exterior of the first conduit.

Abstract: A method of countering the effects of G-forces on a person comprises passing inflation gas to a bladder (41, 40) around a leg of the person by starting the inflation of the bladder (41, 49) to an operating pressure from a point (62a, 62d) adjacent an ankle of the leg as well as from a point (62b, 62c, 62e, 62f) spaced from said ankle towards the abdomen of the wearer. The inflation then progresses away from the ankle at the same time as the upper part of the bladder is being inflated. When the bladder (41, 49) is inflated to the operating pressure, the blood vessels of the leg are constricted.

Abstract: An elastic skin suit simulates gravitational loading. By selecting material(s) of appropriate dimensions and appropriate moduli of elasticity, and optionally integrating inelastic portions to maintain a desired surface distribution, the suit can be adapted to impose a loading regime that simulates the loading of terrestrial gravity in a more continuous, shoulder-to-ankle manner than current loading suits.

Abstract: An elastic skin suit simulates gravitational loading. By selecting material(s) of appropriate dimensions and appropriate module of elasticity, and optionally integrating inelastic portions to maintain a desired surface distribution, the suit can be adapted to impose a loading regime that simulates the loading of terrestrial gravity in a more continuous, shoulder-to-ankle manner than current loading suits.

Abstract: A suit includes a hard upper torso providing shoulder apertures. A repositionable scye bearing is arranged at a shoulder aperture. An adjustable shoulder device interconnects the scye bearing and the hard upper torso. The adjustable shoulder device is configured to move the scye bearing between first and second shoulder width positions relative to the hard upper torso. A method of donning a suit includes the steps of adjusting a scye bearing relative to a hard upper torso to a desired shoulder width position. The scye bearing can be subsequently repositioned for desired crewmember fit and use while the desired shoulder width position is maintained.

Abstract: Novel aqueous polyurethane dispersions and shaped three dimensional articles formed therefrom are provided. The aqueous polyurethane dispersions are provided in solvent-free systems of a prepolymer comprising at least one polyether, polyester, or polycarbonate polyol, a mixture of MDI isomers, and a diol. The shaped articles from such dispersions can be heat-activated for bonding, lamination, and adhesion of substrates, including stretch fabrics.

Abstract: An extravehicular activity system includes a vehicle having a bulkhead providing a port. The bulkhead separates an interior environment and an unenclosed exterior environment. The exterior environment is configured to be exposed to atmospheric pressure in a donning condition. A cover has a perimeter with a side of the perimeter secured to the bulkhead by a hinged joint. A spacesuit is supported on the bulkhead in the exterior environment and includes a flange providing a rear entry opening aligned with the port. A PLSS is retained in the cover and spaced from the flange in the donning condition. The PLSS is configured to be rotated about the hinged joint and into engagement with the flange in a donned condition in which the PLSS is removably secured to the flange.

Abstract: A rocket launch system (1) includes a tubular rocket launcher carriage (2) with electromotive cableway traction drives (26) conveyed beneath a two axis pivot (63) anchored to the earth, elevated into a co-axial transfer tube (124, 143) leading to three primary tether cables (27) whose weight is offset by balloons (164). The carriage is conveyed to a docking station (166) supported into the stratosphere by a pair of secondary cables (184) suspended under an attachment frame (162) for tensioning balloons. The carriage is engaged by a carriage end gripper (196) guided by two secondary and two tertiary cables (186) and lifted by a lower hoist (198) guided by the secondary cables. This lower hoist is supported by an upper hoist (168) suspended from the tensioning balloons attachment frame.

Abstract: There is provided a safety vest assembly including a vest having a vest outer layer defining a vest inner cavity. A pair of contact substrates is disposed within the vest inner cavity. Each contact substrate includes an input connection element. A data input is connected to a respective contact substrate. The data input is electrically connected to the respective input connection element and is configured to receive data from the wearer. A data output is connected to a respective contact substrates and is communicable with a remote transceiver. The data output is electrically connected to the respective input connection element and is configured to communicate data to the remote transceiver. An input flex circuit is engageable with the pair of input connection elements to facilitate communication between the data input and data output along the input flex circuit.

Abstract: A suit includes a hard upper torso having a visor and providing an entry opening and shoulder apertures. An interface includes a harness supporting a load plate. The harness is configured to be secured to a subject. A primary life support system is mounted to the hard upper torso. The interface is arranged at the entry opening and is secured between the hard upper torso and the primary life support system in a donned condition. A method of donning the suit is provided, which includes donning a harness that supports a load plate. A hard upper torso includes an entry opening through which the suit is entered. The load plate is positioned relative to the hard upper torso. A primary life support system is closed over the load plate to secure the primary life support system relative to the hard upper torso.

Abstract: A suit includes a hard upper torso having an entry opening and shoulder apertures. The hard upper torso extends along a subject axis configured to coincide with an axis of a subject having donned the suit. The entry opening lies in a plane at an angle 7°+/?5° relative to the subject axis. The hard upper torso also includes non-circular shoulder apertures in one embodiment. In one example, the hard upper torso includes a waist bearing lying is at an angle of 63°+/?5° relative to the entry opening plane.

Abstract: A suit includes a hard upper torso providing shoulder apertures. A repositionable scye bearing is arranged at a shoulder aperture. An adjustable shoulder device interconnects the scye bearing and the hard upper torso. The adjustable shoulder device is configured to move the scye bearing between first and second shoulder width positions relative to the hard upper torso. A method of donning a suit includes the steps of adjusting a scye bearing relative to a hard upper torso to a desired shoulder width position. The scye bearing can be subsequently repositioned for desired crewmember fit and use while the desired shoulder width position is maintained.

Abstract: A submarine escape suit is made longitudinally adjustable by elastic adjustment members (20a, 20b) that extend along the sides of the suit between the ankle region and the arms of the suit. This provides a long adjustment length which allows a wide range of wearer heights to be accommodated. The members (20a, 20b) are encased in non-snag covers (29). A central adjustment strap (21) is also provided and is also partially encased in a non-snag cover (35).

Abstract: The present invention relates to variable low/zero gravity simulation systems. variable low/zero gravity condition is achieved by substantial immersion in a fluid environment (“buoyancy means”) and using power assist means/robotic displacement devices such as exoskeleton to help user's movement/gravity compensation and/or relief or change loads on the subject's torso and limbs that caused by the weight and shape of the “Buoyancy means”, so that user can experience the effect of the (variable) gravity environment being simulated, such as Zero gravity in which situation user could move effortlessly in a weightless environment. When combine with VR related technology, this can create vivid immersive simulations for extraterrestrial scenes and can be widely used for entertainment, game, training, healing and etc.

Abstract: A jacket and method for surviving an avalanche. The method includes inflating an expandable member to generally encapsulate a head of a person. The jacket may comprise a pair of expandable members disposed in pockets of the jacket, and a canister communicating with one of the expandable members. Apparel comprising an inflated expandable member having a depending inflated portion that at least partly covers another inflated expandable member.

Abstract: A suit is described herein which incorporates correlated magnets that enable an object (e.g., tool, equipment bag, hood, glove, boot, flipper) to be secured thereto and removed therefrom. Some examples of such a suit include a scuba suit, a construction suit, a bio-hazard suit, a medical suit, a fire fighter suit, and an astronaut suit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an impact-resistant suit having a base layer of material dimensioned to fit over a body of a wearer, and at least one impact-resistant panel attached to the base layer, the impact-resistant panel being sized and positioned with respect to the base layer to protect a specific part of the body of the wearer from localized impacts. In some embodiments, the impact-resistant suit comprises a super buoyant wetsuit having an upper body portion that substantially resists crush-down at extreme pressures.

Abstract: A personal flying apparatus has a substantially horizontal element having a lower surface adapted to acted on by a wind upwardly so as to produce a wind-generated lifting force, and an inflatable element connected with the substantially horizontal element and filled with gas which is lighter than air so as to produce a gas-generated lifting force, so that both the wind-generating lifting force and the gas-generating lifting force jointly lift the flying apparatus to allow it to fly.

Abstract: A protective garment consisting of boots and pants which can be quickly attached and detached. The boots contain an attachment ring which sealingly mates with a respective attachment ring on the pant leg by a bayonet attachment. There is also provided a kit for retrofitting existing boots and protective garments.

Abstract: A protection suit, particularly a spacesuit, has an opening in a back portion of the spacesuit for entering and exiting the suit. The spacesuit is suspended on one side of a bulkhead (5?) so that a hole in the bulkhead is aligned with the opening in the back portion of the suit. The opening is closeable by a backpack (3) which fits through the hole in the bulkhead into a decontamination chamber (7) on the opposite side of the bulkhead. Two sealing and interlocking systems are used. Each system has two subsystems to provide a total of four sealing and interlocking subsystems. A first subsystem (4) connects the spacesuit to the bulkhead that separates a living and working space from an airlock. A second subsystem (6) connects a backpack to the spacesuit (1). A third subsystem (9) connects the spacesuit, preferably through the backpack (3), to a decontamination chamber (7). A fourth subsystem (12) connects the decontamination chamber to the bulkhead (5?).

Abstract: Composite textile material for protecting the human body against heat, essential comprising an outer zone providing a leakproofing function, an intermediate zone in which a flow of air circulates, and an inner zone allowing mass and heat to be transferred into the intermediate zone, the material being characterized in that it is constituted by a three-dimensional cloth (1, 3, 4) having one fabric (1) of hydrophobic cloth constituting the outer zone, and having its other fabric (4) in the form of a woven cloth or a knit of hydrophilic fibers and constituting the inner zone, the two fabrics (1, 4) being interconnected by link threads (5) enabling the intermediate zone to exist.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an articulated joint for a pressure vessel, especially a pressure suit, by separately forming a structural fabric and a gas barrier layer into a series of alternating peaks and valleys. The structural fabric can be formed into the three dimensional shape by patterning or heat shrinkage. The resulting articulated joint, pressure vessels and pressurized suits are also described.

Abstract: A portable life support system includes a primary oxygen supply in thermal communication with a recirculated ventilation flow from a user. The primary oxygen supply has a solid adsorbent bed made of a molecular sieve that adsorbs oxygen at cryogenic temperatures and desorbs oxygen when heated. The primary oxygen supply freezes carbon dioxide and moisture in the recirculated ventilation flow. A wire mesh is adjacent to the primary oxygen supply to contain frozen carbon dioxide and moisture. A first ice chest is downstream of the primary oxygen supply to condition the temperature and humidity of the recirculated ventilation flow. A liquid cooled garment associated with the suit is in thermal communication with the first ice chest.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an articulated joint for a pressure vessel, especially a pressure suit, by separately forming a structural fabric and a gas barrier layer into a series of alternating peaks and valleys. The structural fabric can be formed into the three dimensional shape by patterning or heat shrinkage. The resulting articulated joint, pressure vessels and pressurized suits are also described.

Abstract: A low-temperature thermal insulation garment is proposed for low-energy requirement, self-sustaining body temperature maintenance. The proposed garment uses the body's expired respiratory gases and natural thermal production capabilities to insulate and maintain a comfortable skin temperature. The garment provides a constant re-supply of heated air with each exhaled breath. The garment has a mouthpiece with a check-valve that shunts exhaled air into a network of channels and bladders that cover the entire body. The garment also consists of a heat reflective lining to reduce radiant heat loss and a neoprene outer layer providing conductive insulation, durability, and waterproofing. Inhaled air is heated prior to entering the mouthpiece due to heat exchange with warmer areas of the garment. This allows residual heat from the exhalant to be transferred to incoming air. The garment can be fitted with artificial air supply, worn as is, or under a pressurized suit.

Abstract: New artificial muscles and actuators, that are operated by hydrogen gas as working fluid stored interstitially in metal hydrides as a hydrogen sponge. These artificial muscles and actuators are operated both electrically and thermally. The artificial muscles and actuators have fast response, are compact/light-weight, are noiseless, and produce high-power density. They can be used for biomedical, space, defense, micro-machines, and industrial applications.

Abstract: Novel gels and gel composites for direct contact with the body and capable of substantially preventing the generation moisture from said body in extreme cold weather use.

Abstract: A closure system for an astronaut space suit comprises a frame member provided within a hard, upper torso section of an astronaut space suit, and a hatch or door closure provided within a rear portion of the hard, upper torso section of the space suit such that the closure system comprises a rear-entry type closure. The closure member is provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral flange portion and a seal member operatively associated therewith, while the frame member is provided with a complementary, matable inwardly projecting peripheral flange portion and a seal member operatively associated whereby the closure system is of the pressure-assist closed type. Pressurization of the space suit increases the sealing of the system and the closure cannot be opened without depressurization of the suit.