Abstract: A passive repeater garment includes a clothing item and a plurality of flexible antenna apparatuses, each including an electromagnetically reflective layer; an insulation layer, which can be dielectric; an arrangement of conductors, including a first antenna, a second antenna, a coupling element, a reflector; an antenna layer; and a protective cover layer. The conductors can be made from conductive threads. The first and second antennas can include a dipole antenna, a rhombic antenna, a planar antenna, or a Yagi-Uda antenna, and an undulating portion. Also disclosed is a system of passive repeater garments, including a plurality of personal assemblies of passive repeater garments, each assembly configured for a human user, and including a plurality of passive repeater garments.

Abstract: A method for making a textile sensor and a textile sensor can include selecting a combination of variables from the group consisting of yarn variables, stitch variables, and textile variables; and knitting an electrically conductive yarn in the textile sensor in accordance with the selected combination of variables, wherein the combination of variables is selected so as to provide a controlled amount of contact resistance in the textile sensor. The method and textile can further include a capacitive textile-sensor having at least two integrally knit capacitor plate elements and having a configuration adapted for a sensing activity. Resistance in the textile sensor can automatically calibrate to a stable baseline level after the textile sensor is applied to a body.

Abstract: A garment comprises a torso portion including a volume reduction arrangement. The volume reduction arrangement includes a first strap that crosses a second strap, a first strap adjustment member, and a second strap adjustment member. The first strap adjustment member is coupled to a right side of the torso portion. A first portion of the first strap is coupled to a left side of the torso portion, and a second portion of the first strap engages the first strap adjustment member on the right side of the torso portion. The second strap adjustment member is coupled to the shell on the left side of the torso portion. A first portion of the second strap is coupled to the right side of the torso portion, and a second portion of the second strap engages the second strap adjustment member on the left side of the torso portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selection and creation of custom athletic jerseys are described. The athletic jerseys combine two different jerseys. For instance, the jersey may have a front half consisting of one jersey and back half consisting of another jersey. The jerseys may be related to a number of different sports teams, for instance, professional sports teams, college sports teams, and high school sports teams. This allows a fan to own a single jersey that represents multiple points in a player's career. Automatic validation of the license associated with each jersey may be provided and the purchase price of the athletic jersey may include relevant licensing fees. Additionally, a user interface may be provided that allows a user to select amongst a number of possible options.

Abstract: In an image processing method, an object is located within an image. An area around the object is determined and divided into at least first and second portions based upon image information within the area. The object can then be classified based upon both image information in the first portion of the area and image information in the second portion of the area.

Abstract: A harness for lifting a person in conjunction with a walker apparatus includes a seat portion made with flexible webbing. Two flexible, adjustable back straps are each fixed with a rear edge of the seat portion proximate one of two opposing lateral edges. Two flexible, adjustable front straps are each fixed with a front edge of the seat portion proximate one of the lateral edges. The back straps and front straps each include a connection mechanism for fixing with the walker apparatus. As such, with the harness under the person either in a prone position or a seated position, the back straps extend up the person's back and around his shoulders such that the back straps may be pulled forward and the walker apparatus raised so as to lift the person from the prone position into the seated position, or from the seated position into a standing position.

Abstract: A glove having a top surface and a bottom surface is described herein. The top surface and the bottom surface each have an inner surface and an outer surface. The glove includes a plurality of resistance bands, which can be configured to be removably attached to the glove. The resistance bands can be removably attached at connection points on the outer surface of the glove. The glove can also include at least one adjustable resistance mechanism connected to the glove. The adjustable resistance mechanism is configured to adjust degrees of resistance to motion via the resistance bands.

Abstract: Wheeled walker with an integrated safety system includes a frame, wheels on the frame to enable the frame to be manually moved along a surface, and a belt/tether apparatus including a belt adapted to be attached to a person using the walker and at least one tether connected at a first end region to the frame and at a second end region to the belt. The tether may include an elastic portion that provides a proportional tension as distance beyond a slack distance of the elastic portion increases. This limits separation of the walker from the person attached to the belt.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a weighted exercise garment includes multiple parts. The garment is weighted with weights being distributed about the garment in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: An improved beach towel that can be converted to a swimsuit cover-up by simply wrapping the towel long ways around a wearer's body and buttoning the attached two buttons into the buttonholes that are along one length of the towel. In some embodiments, the inventive beach towel has two buttons attached to a face of the beach towel toward a corner of one end of the towel, and also has a series of evenly spaced buttonholes along the same length of the towel at the other end. The spacing between the two buttons matches a spacing of the buttonholes. This allows the wearer of the beach towel/cover up to wrap the towel around their hips, waist, or chest, and secure the buttons into appropriate buttonholes so that the cover up fits the wearer. The cover up can be easily adjusted for different sizes simply by choosing other buttonholes in the series of button holes.

Abstract: A thermal energy dissipating garment may include a first garment portion having a perimeter defined by at least a first side and a second garment portion having a perimeter defined by at least a vent side. The first garment portion and the second garment portion are discontinuously affixed to each other at defined intervals along a surface of each portion proximate to the first side and the vent side creating a vent seam having a plurality of ducts/scalloped vents for directing air towards a body of a wearer. The plurality of scalloped vents are oriented with an angle of attack that redirects air from the exterior of the garment to the interior of the garment to increase air movement along a wearer's skin.

Abstract: An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion includes composite material including a photonic lattice. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters. The article can be connected to a computer and the color change portion can be controlled using the computer.

Abstract: A swaddle-configured blanket having four edges including a first edge having a first length, a second edge parallel to the first edge having a second length different than the first length, a third edge coupled to the first edge and the second edge, the third edge forming a first corner with the second edge, and a fourth edge coupled to the first edge and the second edge, the fourth edge forming a second corner with the second edge. The first corner and the second corner being configured to tie into a knot.

Abstract: Garments having an evacuation harness that are intended for connection to each other, with each garment having an outer wear unit including at least a torso portion and an evacuation harness that includes a torso strap system connected to the outer wear unit. The garments may include an outer wear pant having a leg strap system. Garments that are similar to each other conveniently may be used in a rescue garment system. Also disclosed are methods of connecting an individual to be rescued to one or more rescuers wearing similar garments.

Abstract: The slip cover for an outdoor collapsible chair is adapted for use with a chair. The slip cover for an outdoor collapsible chair is designed to drape over a chair in a manner that provides a clean top surface upon which the user can sit. The slip cover for an outdoor collapsible chair is designed to be able to be folded on to the user. Optionally, the slip cover for an outdoor collapsible chair can further comprises a plurality of pockets such that when the slip cover for an outdoor collapsible chair is folded on the user the plurality of pockets are accessible. As a further option, the slip cover for an outdoor collapsible chair can be formed from a water resistant insulated textiles that is suitable for blankets. The slip cover for an outdoor collapsible chair comprises a plurality of panels and a plurality of sewn seams.

Abstract: Sensor data generated by a plurality of sensors integrated into the smart garment can be received by a processor integrated into a smart garment. Based on the sensor data, the processor can generate at least one parameter indicating a manner in which the smart garment is worn. A transmitter integrated into the smart garment can communicate to a receiver the at least one parameter indicating the manner in which the smart garment is worn.

Abstract: For operating a plant having at least one open- and/or closed-loop heating control device for heating elements, values for an energy consumption and/or an instantaneous power draw of the heating elements are determined, without using measured values for electric currents, on the basis of characteristic parameters of the heating elements and on the basis of values of open- and/or closed-loop control variables for the open- and/or closed-loop control of a heat output of the heating elements. This enables the network load to be determined, reported and optimized by the open- and/or closed-loop heating control devices even without complex and therefore expensive measuring devices in the open- and/or closed-loop heating control device.

Abstract: A system comprising a yoga mat, storage compartment and carrying case and associated methods for use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are structure and method for connecting a fabric sensor and a digital yarn. The structure includes a sheet-type member which is configured to be worn on a body of a wearer, a first fabric sensor which is provided on the sheet-type member and senses a biological signal, a digital yarn which is provided on the first fabric sensor and has a peeled portion that is electrically connected to the first fabric sensor, a sewing yarn which couples a portion of the digital yarn to the first fabric sensor by sewing, and a second fabric sensor which is coupled to the first fabric sensor and covers an upper portion of the peeled portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are flocked shapewear garments. The flocked shapewear garments comprise a fabric, an elastomeric coating, and flocking fibers embedded in the elastomeric coating.

Abstract: A breathable blanket may be made from a breathable mesh material to improve airflow through the blanket. The breathable blanket may include a multi-layer material having a combination of light-weight liner fabric and a mesh fabric. The blanket may be have a shape similar to an animal and include attachments, such as a stuff polyfill head. Additionally, the blanket may include ornamental additions of satin to further convey the animal shape.

Abstract: A portable, light-weight exercise apparatus includes a jacket made light-weight material and coated with low surface friction coating, and can be worn on the user's upper body. The jacket having an upper protuberance member and a lower protuberance member, each with an aperture for engaging a pair of resistance cables that are respectively connected to a pair of grip handles. Depending on the desired exercise of certain muscle groups, the user engages resistance cables in either the lower protuberance member, or the upper protuberance member. In another embodiment, the jacket comprises of two track-like members means placed on the back-side of the jacket, for adjusting the resistance cables, and a single protuberance member where the resistance cables are secured therein.

Abstract: A multipurpose infant positioning device that includes a lower pad with front and back surfaces, wings attached to lateral sides of the lower pad and a bottom flap attached to the bottom portion of the lower pad. At least one of the wings and bottom flap have fastening segments attached thereto for adjustably attaching these components to portions of the lower pad. The fastened wing and bottom flap are made of a material having sufficient resiliency to maintain and bring an infant back to flexed midline position within the infant positioning device. These infant positioning devices may further include a headpiece, brim, pocket at the back surface of the lower pad and a detachable readjustable multipurpose pillow for positioning the infant from and between supine, prone and side-lying positions, all while maintaining and reinforcing the flexed midline position of the infant for normal development.

Abstract: A thermal system includes a plurality of thermal elements. In one form, each of the thermal elements define a resistor and a current limiting device. The plurality of thermal elements have at least a first subset of parallel thermal elements and at least a second subset of parallel thermal elements. The system also has a plurality of power lines connected to the plurality of thermal elements. The power lines are configured in pairs for providing power to a subset of the plurality of thermal elements that are connected in a parallel set. Each of the pairs of power lines share a common power line with an adjacent parallel set of thermal elements within a subset. Additionally, each of the current limiting devices in the adjacent parallel sets of thermal elements within a subset are opposed. The first and second subsets of parallel thermal elements share the common power line.

Abstract: A blanket convertible into an article of clothing and a method of using the blanket for protection against the elements by converting the blanket into an article of clothing and donning the article of clothing. The blanket is a planar expanse, having an inner layer of a thermal insulating textile, and an outer layer of a water repellant or waterproof material. A first fastening device is configured and arranged on the expanse within an upper margin for user selective attachment of laterally spaced portions of the upper margin to one another to form a neck opening. A second fastening device is configured and arranged on the expanse within at least one side margin proximate a lower margin for user selective attachment of the side margins to one another.

Abstract: A blanket that may include a layer of material with trapezoidally shaped notches in two opposite sides of the material. An upper panel of the material may be configured to wrap around a user's upper legs with the user in a sitting position, and a lower panel of the material may be configured to wrap around the user's lower legs. Fasteners removably attach right and left edges of the lower panel together. A method of covering a portion of a user's body with a blanket may include placing the blanket on the user with an upper panel of the blanket over the user's upper legs, and a lower panel of the blanket over the user's lower legs, wrapping left and right edges of the lower panel around the user's lower legs, thereby surrounding the user's lower legs with the lower panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a TRPM8 modulator for achieving a cooling effect on the skin or a mucous membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a central panel attachable to a seatback and at least one flexible, insulating wing cooperative with the central panel that can be wrapped around a seated user for warmth. The central panel can be strapped to the seatback, or can be part of a central pocket that fits over the seatback. The central pocket can include solid net polyester and/or an elastic material such as polyester spandex. The wings can include tweed, micro-velvet, fleece, and/or imitation fur. In embodiments, when not in use, the wings can be stowed behind the seatback by hook-and-loop attachment or by insertion into a rear stowage pouch. In some automotive embodiments, the central pocket can include a top opening through which a head restraint of a front or rear seat can extend. Various automotive embodiments include a side opening through which a side-impact airbag installed in the seatback can be deployed.

Abstract: A feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning while bicycling comprising one or more sensors located on the bicycle in positions that indicate when rider is in an aerodynamic position that activates and or otherwise records data associated with aerodynamic positioning while riding.

Abstract: Integrating dynamic materials into articles for adjustable physical characteristics (e.g., aesthetic, functional) can include various systems and methods. For example, in response to a human's body heat, a dynamic material may change shape to allow additional permeability in an article of clothing. Similarly, in response to the presence of moisture, an article of clothing may change shape to prevent the introduction of rain into an internal portion of the article. Additionally, it is contemplated that the shape changing material may change shape that affects a geometric structure of the article as a whole (e.g., protrusions, dimples, vents, etc.).

Abstract: A body-shaping intimacy garment for a woman has an upper portion that supports or at least contacts undersides of the breasts while leaving the breasts exposed, a torso portion extending from the upper portion, a lower portion that encircles the waist, buttocks and hips while defining a crotch opening through the garment for access during intimate encounters, and leg portions that extend to below the knee. The torso portion, lower portion and leg portions each include respective portions of inner and outer layers of stretchable fabrics. The inner layer fabric is worn stretched about the torso, waist, buttocks, hips and legs, with tension in shoulder straps maintaining some inner layer stretch along the torso portion while worn.

Abstract: Lightweight, flexible protective fabrics for protecting a person, animal or other object from hot burning materials, hot high heat capacity and/or hot corrosive materials, such as hot molten metal, hot oily liquids (e.g., heating oil), hot gels, hot solids, hot sparks, and hot acids. The lightweight protective fabrics can be used to protect a person, animal or other object from hot molten metals, such as liquid metal zinc heated to a temperature of about 950° F. (510° C.) or greater, hot molten aluminum heated to a temperature of about 1150° F. (620° C.) or greater, burning phosphorus at temperature of about 1550° F. (843° C.) or greater, hot solid iron having a temperature of about 500° F. (260° C.) or greater, hot heating oil having a temperature of about 500° F. (260° C.) or greater, and hot hydrochloric acid having a temperature of about 300° F. (150° C.) or greater.

Abstract: A leg covering adapted for use with a wheelchair. The present leg covering includes an outer covering having a closed end, an open end, and one or more straps positioned adjacently to the open end such that the covering can be secured to the armrests of a wheelchair once drawn over the user's legs. The leg covering further comprises a liner removably insertable therein, which provides an additional layer of insulating material for especially cold or otherwise inclement weather conditions. The outer covering additionally has a zipper disposed on the front portion thereof to provide other individuals with the ability to access to catheters, colostomy bags, or other such objects stored beneath the covering in a discrete manner. The liner has a front slit or opening aligned with the outer covering zipper so that it does not act as an impediment to accessing the internal volume of the covering.

Abstract: A heating system is described for generating heat and bringing heat to a semiconductor device under test. The heating system comprises a conduction heating unit comprising a heating resistor, a thermal contact area for thermally contacting the semiconductor device under test, and a thermally conductive and electrically insulating connection between the heating resistor and the thermal contact area. The heating resistor is operable to generate a user-defined amount of heat and arranged to provide a part of the heat generated by the heating resistor to the thermal contact area via the thermally conductive and electrically insulating connection. It is also described that the heating system may further comprise a convection heating chamber operable to provide a user-defined heat-controlled convection to the semiconductor device under test. A method of testing a semiconductor device using a heating system is also described.

Abstract: A maternity garment, which provides mild support to shape a woman's body and to act as a suspender for bottoms such as pants, shorts, or skirts that may be ill fitting due to body changes as a result of pregnancy, wherein the preferred garment has at least one shoulder strap, a belly panel, a hip band, two side panels, and a back panel, and is made of high performance fabric with varying degrees of compression.

Abstract: A wearable or swaddling accessory blanket provides gentle pressure on the side and/or on the thoracic area of an infant to mimic the human hold. The wearable garment or swaddling blanket appliance includes integrated protrusions in the form of pressure accessories for simulating the slight pressure felt from a caregiver when holding or cradling an infant. The pressure accessories are enlarged or expanded areas disposed at locations on a textile base such as a blanket such that they approximate the arm and hand positions of a caregiver when the swaddling appliance is engaged by wrapping around an infant. Wings or flaps of the appliance facilitate engaging the appliance around an infant such that tension in the wrapped blanket appliance induce a slight inward pressure on the pressure accessories such that the infant perceives the pressure and interprets a caregiver hold or touch.

Abstract: A method of creating three-dimensional products customized with user-selected images is described. The method includes storing definitions of products comprising components, receiving indication of selection by a user of a product, receiving indication of selection by a user of at least one image for printing on the product, receiving information regarding placement of the selected image on components of the product, preparing a two-dimensional representation of the components of the product with the image arranged thereon, and causing the printing of the two-dimensional representation on a material.

Abstract: A protective cover includes a textile layer and an air permeable, moisture-vapor-transmissive, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane layer attached to said textile layer, the cover having an MVTR rating of at least 4000 g/m2/day.

Abstract: A body-shaping intimacy garment for a woman has an upper portion that supports or at least contacts undersides of the breasts while leaving the breasts exposed, a torso portion extending from the upper portion, a lower portion that encircles the waist, buttocks and hips while defining a crotch opening through the garment for access during intimate encounters, and leg portions that extend to below the knee. The torso portion, lower portion and leg portions each include respective portions of inner and outer layers of stretchable fabrics. The inner layer fabric is worn stretched about the torso, waist, buttocks, hips and legs, with tension in shoulder straps maintaining some inner layer stretch along the torso portion while worn.

Abstract: A garment of at least one layer of fabric (303) with air vents (103) and which is further characterized in that it has a set of tubes (202) attached to the inside of the garment creating space between the garment and the body (301) of the user, the tubes (202) are elongated and run continuously at least most of the length of the garment.

Abstract: A game device includes a first receiver that receives body motion signals from a plurality of remote motion sensing device coupled to a user's body. A user data generation module generates simulated body image data. A processor executes a game application that generates display signals for display on a display device, wherein the display signals are generated based on the simulated body image data.

Abstract: The garment is adapted to be worn by a wearer. The garment includes a main body portion. The main body portion is configured to be worn over at least a portion of the wearer's body. The main body portion includes first and second portions each defining a longitudinal axis and configured to extend toward a respective limb of the wearer so as to envelop a portion of a respective limb of the wearer. At least a portion of the first strap is releasably affixed to the main body portion, and at least a first grip layer is associated with the first portion. The first strap overlies the first grip layer. The first grip layer is configured to come into contact with a wearer's skin when the garment is worn.

Abstract: Devices for containing exposed internal body parts during their insertion into the body of a patient are provided. The devices include a surgical pouch that comprises a measurement feature adapted to facilitate a measurement of the oxygen saturation of the exposed internal body parts. In some embodiments, the subject devices comprise an inner pouch for containing the exposed internal body parts, as well as an outer pouch that can be pressurized to exert positive pressure on the inner pouch to facilitate insertion of the internal body parts into the body of the patient. Also provided are methods for containing the exposed internal body parts of a patient and inserting the body parts into the patient, optionally using positive pressure, while monitoring the oxygen saturation of the exposed internal body parts via the measurement feature.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for monitoring a wearer of a breathing apparatus, comprising a pressure detecting device and a mobile monitoring unit. The pressure detecting device comprises a pressure transducer arranged to detect a pressure of a gas supply of the breathing apparatus; and a wireless transmitter arranged to wirelessly transmit a preset number of ON signals when it is determined that the pressure of the gas supply has exceeded a predetermined on threshold. The mobile monitoring unit is arranged to be attached to the wearer and comprises a motion sensor arranged to monitor the motion of the wearer; an alarm; and a wireless receiver arranged to receive signals wirelessly transmitted by the wireless transmitter of the pressure detecting device.

Abstract: A method for limiting peak currents, particularly depending on a charge quantity provided by a voltage source, and the maximum pitch of the current flanks of an electric motor for an electrohydraulic motor vehicle brake system, particularly a pump motor, controlled by pulse width modulation, wherein a change to an actual duty cycle of the PWM is made by a first duty cycle of the PWM on a second duty cycle at runtime, wherein the change takes place according to a positive or negative pitch value calculated and/or changeable at runtime. The invention further describes an electronic circuit arrangement for the implementation of a method for limiting peak currents and the maximum pitch of current flanks.

Abstract: A belt includes an inside belt surface, a belt coating layer provided on the inside belt surface and a plurality of belt teeth in the belt coating layer. A belt adjustment system and a belt fabrication method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Functional pants include a pant body, two front bands, two rhombic bands and two back bands. The two rhombic bands are disposed corresponding to the wearer's gluteus medius muscles that work to extend and lift the legs during a long-distance running. The rhombic bands are adapted to enhance the extensibility and reduce fatigue of the gluteus medius muscles. The front and back bands alternatively impart a stretching force to the wearer when the wearer's legs are repeatedly kicking and lifting during running, enabling the wearer to run with less effort. Thus, the functional pants have a significant effect on reducing fatigue, and are suitable for long-distance runners.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed relating to the production of camouflage that include steps such as harvesting a set of objects that have a diversity of color from the environment, placing the set of objects within a scene, capturing a set of images of the scene, adjusting color in the set of images, assembling a composite image, printing the composite image, making color adjustments and reprinting the composite image.

Abstract: Weighting garment and orthotics are provided for improving balance. In particular, adjustable balance evaluation systems are used to determine placement of a weight to improve a subject's balance. These evaluation systems may be used to create customized garments for enhancing or improving balance. Described herein are customized garments for enhancing balance. Methods of creating customized garments enhance balance from the adjustable balance evaluation systems. Methods and apparatus further include eyeglasses with weights and testing methods to improve vision.

Abstract: A swaddling blanket and pouch combination (SBPC) (10) that allows an infant to be comfortably and easily swaddled. The blanket (12) is comprised of a right blanket flap (28) and a left blanket flap (46) and includes a designated area to which is removably attached the pouch (70). The pouch features a lower end (78) which includes an opening and closing means that allows an infant's soiled diaper to be easily removed and replaced or to take a rectal temperature. The SBPC (10) is used by first placing the left blanket flap (46) over the pouch (70), which is then followed by placing the right blanket flap (28) over the pouch. The right and left blanket flaps (28,46) as well as the pouch (70) are preferably held in place by hook and loop fasteners (88).