Abstract: A life preserver head restraint may be configured to inflate in response to deployment of a parachute assembly. The life preserver head restraint may comprise an inflatable volume and a charge tank fluidly coupled to the inflatable volume. In an inflated state, the life preserver head restraint may restrict head movement during line stretch of the parachute assembly.

Abstract: A head garment, which may comprise a nose covering portion, a head covering portion, and/or a neck covering portion. The nose covering portion may comprise a nose bridge portion, an upper lip portion, and a throughhole The head covering portion may be affixed to the nose covering portion and positioned to, when the head garment is worn by a user, cover the user's forehead and the back of the user's head. The neck covering portion may comprise an upper edge with a fastener portion that is configured to engage with a corresponding fastener portion on the lower edge of the nose covering portion, to releasably affix the lower edge of the nose covering portion to the upper edge of the neck covering portion, and disengage from the corresponding fastener portion on the lower edge of the nose covering portion, to form a mouth opening between the two edges.

Abstract: An optical system for overlaying a first image of a scene and a second image includes an image intensified night vision and/or telescopic device providing the first image, a second imaging device with an image display and collimation optics providing the second image, and a waveguide. The waveguide has a first diffraction grating configured to receive the first image, a second diffraction grating configured to receive the second image, and a guide portion disposed between the first diffraction grating and the second diffraction grating configured to convey the second image to the first grating. The first diffraction grating is configured to overlay the first image and the second image.

Abstract: A pad for mounting to a helmet, the pad comprising a support member, a first layer of material arranged to cover a first side of the support member and a second layer of material arranged to cover the first layer of material, wherein a low friction interface is arranged between the first layer of material and the second layer of material to enable sliding of the first layer of material relative to the second layer of material, wherein each layer of material is formed from at least one of a textile, a cloth, a fabric and a felt.

Abstract: A cheek pad for a helmet, the cheek pad comprising: an outer layer; an inner layer; and a sliding interface between the outer layer and the inner layer; wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are configured to slide relative to each other at the sliding interface, in response to an impact to the helmet, and the inner layer is configured to contact a side of the wearer's face, when the cheek pads are arranged in the helmet and the helmet is worn.

Abstract: The present invention provides a helmet, comprising first and second components having a sliding interface between them, wherein the sliding interface is provided between respective sliding surfaces of the first and second components, and the first component comprises (a) a mixture of (i) an olefin polymer, (ii) a lubricant, and optionally one or more further agents; or (b) an ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polymer having a density of ?960 kg/m3, which UHMW polymer is preferably an olefin polymer.

Abstract: A helmet accessory mounting system includes a mounting device configured to couple to an outer surface of a side of a helmet. The mounting device includes a plurality of mounting locations configured to removeably couple to at least one accessory. A plurality of the plurality of mounting locations each includes an electrical node. A power supply is coupled to the mounting device. An electrical supply line electrically couples the power supply to each of the electrical nodes and the electrical supply line is contained at least partially within the mounting device.

Abstract: A protective clothing device having an article of clothing having an inner layer and/or an outer layer is disclosed. The protective clothing device may have thin force absorbing members coupled to the inner layer or outer layer of the article of clothing. The force absorbing members can have overlapping or interlaced portions for enhanced protection even when the protective clothing device expands. In one embodiment, the protective clothing device may be a protective hat. In another embodiment, the protective clothing device may be a headband.

Abstract: A life preserver head restraint may be configured to inflate in response to deployment of a parachute assembly. The life preserver head restraint may comprise an inflatable volume and a charge tank fluidly coupled to the inflatable volume. In an inflated state, the life preserver head restraint may restrict head movement during line stretch of the parachute assembly.

Abstract: A wearable battery-pack accessory may include (1) one or more curved batteries, (2) charging circuitry that charges the one or more curved batteries, (3) supplying circuitry that supplies power to a connected external computing device, and (4) an outer housing including a curved surface shaped to conform to a portion of a wearer's body. A head-mounted display system may include (1) a head-mounted display, (2) a strap that is coupled to the head-mounted display and wraps around the back of a user's head when the user is wearing the head-mounted display, and (3) a battery-pack accessory detachably coupled to the strap. Various other apparatus, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of a safety helmet for protecting the human head against repetitive impacts, moderate impacts and severe impacts so as to significantly reduce the likelihood of both translational and rotational brain injury and concussions includes an outer shell, an outer liner disposed within and coupled to the outer shell, and an inner liner disposed within and coupled in spaced opposition to the outer liner by a plurality of isolation dampers for omnidirectional movement of the inner liner relative to the outer liner and the outer shell.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprising at least one compression spring that connects one or more inner shells to an outer shell. Once the multiple shells are connected, they provide a multiple layer protection system that absorbs and reflects energy by compressing. The compression springs also comprise a threaded spring cap that allows for easy connecting and disconnecting between the compression springs and the shells. The threaded spring cap allows the springs to be exchange within the multilayered shell, for springs of a different compression rate, size, or material if desired; which would allow customization of the protection level provided by the protective helmet.

Abstract: A modular helmet is described herein. The module helmet includes an inner shell adapted to be positioned onto a user's head and an outer shell coupled to the inner shell. The outer shell is spaced a distance radially outward from the inner shell to define a climatic zone between the inner shell and the outer shell. A cooling assembly is positioned within the climatic zone between the inner shell and the outer shell. The cooling assembly includes a plurality of cooling packets that are coupled to the outer shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of displaying a magnified image comprising obtaining an image of a scene using a camera with greater resolution than the display, and capturing the image in the native resolution of the display by either grouping pixels together, or by capturing a smaller region of interest whose pixel resolution matches that of the display. The invention also relates to a method whereby the location of the captured region of interest may be determined by external inputs such as the location of a person's gaze in the displayed unmagnified image, or coordinates from a computer mouse. The invention further relates to a method whereby a modified image can be superimposed on an unmodified image, in order to maintain the peripheral information or context from which the modified region of interest has been captured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of displaying a magnified image comprising obtaining an image of a scene using a camera with greater resolution than the display, and capturing the image in the native resolution of the display by either grouping pixels together, or by capturing a smaller region of interest whose pixel resolution matches that of the display. The invention also relates to a method whereby the location of the captured region of interest may be determined by external inputs such as the location of a person's gaze in the displayed unmagnified image, or coordinates from a computer mouse. The invention further relates to a method whereby a modified image can be superimposed on an unmodified image, in order to maintain the peripheral information or context from which the modified region of interest has been captured.

Abstract: Intrapersonal communication systems and methods that provide an optical digital signal link between two or more local devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a first signal converter disposed at a first end of the optical digital signal link and configured to convert between electrical digital signals from a first local device and optical digital signals from the optical digital signal link. The system can include an optical connector having a non-contact portion configured to couple optical digital signals between the first signal converter and the optical digital signal link across a gap. The system can include a second signal converter disposed at a second end of the optical digital signal link and configured to convert between electrical digital signals from the second local device and optical digital signals from the optical digital signal link.

Abstract: The head mounted digital viewing system includes a sensor system, positionable substantially directly in front of the eyes of the user. The sensor system provides sensor video data. An image processing system is configured to receive the sensor video data. The image processing system modifies the sensor video data and provides display video data. A display system is positionable substantially in front of the eyes of the user. The display system is configured to receive the display video data and provide a display image to at least one eye of the user. The display system is positionable between the sensor system and at least one eye of the user. The line of sight of the sensor system and the display system are substantially aligned with the line of sight of at least one eye of the user. The sensor system and the display system are mechanically separate from each other and mechanically aligned with each other.

Abstract: Various embodiments of protective helmets are disclosed, with a particular focus on rear opening full-face helmets. Embodiments include an emergency release mechanism tor such helmets, which allows the helmet to be separated into a front and rear shell thereby to facilitate removal from a wearer's head with minimal stress to the neck.

Abstract: A helmet blastometer for characterizing the direction, speed, magnitude, and duration of a blast event to determine the likelihood of blast-induced traumatic brain injury (biTBI). Time of arrival (TOA) gage sensors are mounted on a rigid outer shell of the helmet each producing a TOA signal in response to a fast rising blast induced positive pressure change above a predetermined threshold. A receiver analyzes the positive pressure changes from the gages to determine direction, speed, and magnitude of a blast. Other TOA gauge sensors can be used to produce a TOA signal in response to a negative pressure change below a predetermined threshold. The positive and negative pressure change TOA signals are used to determine blast duration. A second set of internal contact pressure sensors is connected to an inner liner of the helmet to detect contact pressure on a user's head to determine if biTBI has been sustained.

Abstract: An integrated accessory mounting and electrical interconnection device are provided which can be embedded or attached to the surface of a ballistic or non-ballistic helmet. The helmet system herein includes a flexible circuit substrate that may be embedded between a ballistic shell and an outer skin or shell. The helmet system and method allow a secure connection of helmet mounted accessories to the helmet without the need to penetrate any one or more layers of the ballistic shell with mounting hardware, fasteners, wiring vias, and so forth.

Abstract: A helmet is provided which is to be worn on the head of a helmet wearer and can be removed from the head with a comparatively small force. Operation for removing the helmet, including preliminary operation for it, can be performed easily and quickly. A recess-projection engaging mechanism to attach a blockish inside pad to a head protecting cap portion side includes an engaging pin on the inside pad side or head protecting cap portion side, and a notched engaging hole on the head protecting cap portion side or inside pad side. When pulling the inside pad outward from inside the head protecting cap portion at least partly, the engaging pin moves relative to outside the engaging hole through a notch of the engaging hole.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of helmet shells made of composite material comprising at least one “armure” of fabrics impregnated with a resin matrix. Certain parts of the “armure” are impregnated with a resin matrix comprising an additive adapted to reinforce the mechanical strength of the helmet, the said parts corresponding to the weakest zones of a human head, such as the top of the head or the ears. Preferably, the resin is of the epoxy type and the additive is based on acrylic block copolymers. More precisely, the additive is of the “Nanostrength®” brand.

Abstract: The inflatable harness crew mask includes an inflatable harness with a compressed gas supply system connected to the inflatable harness independent of oxygen supplied to the mask from an oxygen regulator. The mask includes a valve connector with an exhalation and inhalation valve and an inflation valve connected to a pressurized gas inflation supply assembly including a container portion for a compressed gas cartridge, and a regulator portion connected to provide pressurized gas from the cartridge to an inflation gas supply tube connected to the inflation valve, which is manually operable by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective helmet and a method for mitigating or preventing a head injury, in which a shock-absorbing, or shock-absorbing and comfort-providing, inner wearing unit, which can comprise liners, comfort pads, protective pads, nubbed cages and/or strapped wearing units (for example spider-shaped wearing elements, wearing straps, head bands or the like), is divided into a shell-side insert and a head-side insert, which can be counter-rotated (preferably starting from application of a predetermined force) in at least one direction, wherein a sliding surface is provided that assumes the function of a rotational surface, so that the angular acceleration introduced by a blow is drastically reduced or prevented because the head-side insert and the shell-side insert, and thus the head of the wearer and the outer helmet shell, can be counter-rotated quickly and without impediment, preferably in all directions.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of helmet shells made of composite material comprising at least one “armure” of fabrics impregnated with a resin matrix. Certain parts of the “armure” are impregnated with a resin matrix comprising an additive adapted to reinforce the mechanical strength of the helmet, the said parts corresponding to the weakest zones of a human head, such as the top of the head or the ears. Preferably, the resin is of the epoxy type and the additive is based on acrylic block copolymers. More precisely, the additive is of the “Nanostrength®” brand.

Abstract: An air rescue simulator, wherein the simulator comprises a helicopter passenger cabin, which is attached to a crane system.

Abstract: A helmet restraint system for restraining the forward and downward movement of a helmet having an unfavorable center of gravity. A buckle strap having a first end and a second end is configured to be movably disposed in a wearer's garment. The buckle strap is preloaded between its first end, which is attached to the adjustment mechanism, and its second end, which is attached to an emergency release, and is extended in a loop coming out from first and second openings respectively in the collar of the garment for connection with a snap hook on the helmet.

Abstract: Mask apparatus and methods for providing positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The mask apparatus includes a mask secured to the mount with the mask cantilevered from the mount. A circumferential band, a first lateral stabilizing band and a second lateral stabilizing band secure the mount to the head of a user. The methods include securing a mask apparatus to the head of a user and administering a positive airway pressure therapy.

Abstract: A helmet for an aircraft pilot is provided including an inner shell and a liner attached to the inner shell configured to closely contact the pilot's head. The helmet also comprises adjustable tensioning means disposed at the rear of the helmet configured to tension the inner helmet and liner onto the pilot's head, to secure and locate the helmet in place on the pilot's head.

Abstract: A night vision device is disclosed. The device includes a housing that houses an intensifier tube and a proximity sensor mounted on the housing. An ON/OFF switch is operatively coupled to the intensifier tube and to the proximity sensor such that operation of the ON/OFF switch to the “ON” position automatically activates the proximity sensor. A method of operating the night vision device with the proximity sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The full face flexible oxygen mask for use with flight helmets includes an elastic face seal with an oronasal cone that seals around the nose and mouth of the wearer, and flexible sealing flaps along the perimeter of the face seal to adapt the face piece of the mask to seal against the surface of a flight helmet. The mask face piece has two large sealing surfaces or channels down each side of the mask that overlap and flex to adapt to seal to a variety of flight helmets. The top of the face seal has an inner and outer flap that work together to seal the exposed face visible between the sides of the flight helmet.

Abstract: Soft armor is disclosed. The soft armor comprises an armor structure having a threat side and an inner side inward of the threat side. The armor structure is formed from soft armor material, and the armor structure is substantially imperforable by rifle fire.

Abstract: A mouthpiece assembly for use in detecting impact forces on the neck and head of a user is disclosed. The mouthpiece assembly includes sensors which determine linear and rotational impact forces on the user. The mouthpiece assembly includes a mouth guard having a channel sized to receive the upper teeth therein. A raised dome portion extends from the mouth guard and is adapted to be positioned adjacent the roof of the mouth. The sensors are located in the raised dome portion and the mouth guard or in other locations of the mouthpiece if mouthpiece sensors are required. An indicator is provided to provide a visual and/or audible indication when the magnitude of an impact exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A headmount apparatus for mounting vision enhancement equipment thereon which is comprised of a mounting shell having at least one pad and having at least one mounting surface to which the vision enhancing equipment is mounted, where at least one pad is configured to contact the user's head. The headmount apparatus is also comprised of at least one elastic strap which is attached to the mounting shell for securing the mounting shell to the user's head. The headmount apparatus for mounting vision enhancement equipment thereon could alternatively be comprised of at least one mounting frame for attaching vision enhancement equipment, at least one hardware mounting surface for accepting the mounting frame, and a hood configured to fit over a user's head where the hood is made at least in part from an elastic material and which contains the hardware mounting surface.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the ergonomics and safety of head equipment, notably incorporating display devices, intended to be worn by aircraft crew. One of the difficulties in evaluating injury risks associated with the wearing of head equipment is to determine precisely the center of gravity of the actual user's head, since standard head models prove to be too imprecise. The invention proposes a process enabling individualized determination of the center of gravity of the user's head and therefore its precise position relative to the center of gravity of the head equipment. One preferred embodiment of said process is to establish a three-dimensional mapping of the external surface of the user's head.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. (2), a helmet (2) for an aircraft crew member (1) is provided with a device (10) for forming an eye-shielding curtain (11) of air in front of the crew members eyes. The air exhausts to the ambient atmosphere (9) by way of an escape path (12) beneath the lower edge of the visor (4), as indicated by arrow (13).

Abstract: A head restraint for a passenger of a vehicle including a seat with a seat back, a helmet pivotally secured to the seat back and having an interior for receiving a human head therein, and an inertia harness connected to the helmet for restricting relative movement of the helmet upon application of forces beyond a desired level to the vehicle. A universal joint secures the helmet to the seat back. The helmet includes a rigid outer shell, a resilient member layer affixed to an interior surface of the outer shell, a packing layer affixed to an interior surface of the resilient member layer, and a pliable layer affixed to an interior surface of the packing layer. The resilient member layer includes a plurality of springs. The packing layer includes a bubble wrap material or a plurality of randomly disposed foam elements. The pliable layer includes a layer of silicone material lined around the surface of the packing layer.

Abstract: A headmount apparatus for mounting vision enhancement equipment thereon which is comprised of a mounting shell having at least one pad, and having at least one mounting surface to which the vision enhancing equipment is mounted, where the pad is configured to contact the subject's head. The headmount apparatus also contains at least one strap attached to the mounting shell for securing the mounting shell to the subject's head, and contains an occipital assembly which is positioned at the occiput of the subject's head, where the occipital assembly is attached by the strap to the mounting shell and is used to adjust the tension in the strap.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. (2), a helmet (2) for an aircraft crew member (1) is provided with a device (10) for forming an eye-shielding curtain (11) of air in front of the crew members eyes. The air exhausts to the ambient atmosphere (9) by way of an escape path (12) beneath the lower edge of the visor (4), as indicated by arrow (13).

Abstract: A head restraint for a passenger of a vehicle including a seat having a seat back, a helmet pivotally secured to the seat back, and an inertia harness mechanism connected to the helmet. The helmet has an interior suitable for receiving a human head therein. In particular, the helmet has a plurality of bar members extending in transverse relationship to each other and have a curvature generally conforming to a curvature of a portion of the human head. The inertia harness mechanism is suitable for restricting relative movement of the helmet upon application of forces beyond a desired level to the vehicle. Pad members are secured to the ends of the each of the bar members so as to generally face the human head received within the helmet.

Abstract: A man portable video enhanced night vision goggle comprised of a head mount assembly, an image intensified video camera, and a display. A thermal camera may also be provided and the images from the video camera and the thermal camera may be electronically fused on the display.

Abstract: One or more tubular inflatables are mounted in pockets spaced around a flight vest to assist and maintain upper body stiffness during ejection. The inflatables function to maintain the body stiff and prevent its moving from side to side during ejection. By proper positioning of the inflatables around the body, spinal compression may be prevented. In addition, connected to the flight vest is a collar-like inflatable that supports and protects the neck and head of the air crewmember from moving. The collar-like member can encircle the neck like a scarf. In another embodiment, it can also extend above the shoulders and completely encircle the helmet holding the head in a vertical position. In each embodiment, the collar-like member properly maintains the center of gravity of the air crewmember on the aircraft seat.

Abstract: A restraint system for a flight helmet that functions to hold the head steady and centrally located in the aircraft seat. The inflatable is stored on the helmet and upon activation of an ejection sequence. The inflatable member is inflated and breaks a frangible cover to rest on the shoulders. In addition, the inflatable member operates to seal the neck and, in another embodiment, to shield the face from the windblast the air crewmember encounters during ejection. The inflatable member can also function to lift the head and reduce spinal compression encountered during ejection.