36314results about "Protective garment" patented technology

A non-invasive physiologic signs monitoring device includes a garment with electrocardiogram electrodes and various inductive plethysmographic sensors sewn, embroidered, embedded, or otherwise attached to the garment with an adhesive. The garment is in the form of a shirt. When the garment is fitted over the torso of the patient to be monitored, the electrodes and sensors generate signals in response to the physiologic signs of the patient. The signals are transmitted to a recording / alarm device where they are monitored for adverse conditions and logged. When an adverse condition or other preprogrammed condition occurs, a message is communicated to the patient by either an audio message or a display. The recording / alarm unit is also connectable to a remote receiving unit for monitoring by a health care professional or other machine.

The invention relates to a preparation method and an application of multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric. The multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric is formed by successively arranging and laminating a metal foil reflection layer, a phase change temperature limitation layer, an interval composite membrane heat-insulation layer and a flame-retardant comfortable layer, wherein the metal foil reflection layer has high reflectivity and an enhanced heat-dissipation function; the phase change temperature limitation layer has functions of high energy consumption absorption and evenly-distributed heat conduction; the interval composite membrane heat-insulation layer has the functions of reflection insulation and even distribution of heat; and the flame-retardant comfortable layer has the functions of low-contact heat conduction, heat insulation and comfort. When the front side of the multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric is under the action of open fire and strong heat flow environment, the back side of the multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric can be kept below 50DEG C which is near the safe temperature state of the human skin, and the integral structural form and the mechanical property are stable. The natural thickness of the composite fabric is 5-15mm, the compression thickness of the composite fabric is 3-8mm, and the square meter quality of the composite fabric is 400-1500g / m<2>. The composite fabric is fire-proof heat-insulation material which is totally sealed, stuck and sewn and can be used for individual protection and environment heat insulation in special high-temperature occasions, such as fire control, military, exploration, safe escape and industry and the like.

The present invention provides an energy delivery device for use with a medical treatment system for the more efficacious treatment of patients during laser surgery which limits the number of uses or prevents reuse of the energy delivery device after a certain threshold limit has been reached. The energy delivery device comprises a diffusing optical fiber and a memory device having data programmed therein and being operatively connected to an energy generator the optical fiber includes a temperature sensor for generating a temperature signal in a closed loop manner. The data stored in the memory device includes a multiplicity of use parameters, usage limits, usage counts, and count limits all relating to the properties of the medical treatment system. The use parameters may include an elapsed time, a total treatment time, and a number of treatment sites. A main processor is also included for calculating a temperature from the temperature signal and for updating the use parameters in response to data received by the main processor. The main processor is also used to compare the use parameters to their corresponding usage limits. The main processor can create and increment a usage count when at least one of the use parameters exceeds its corresponding usage limit. Thereafter, the main processor compares the usage count to the count limit and disables the energy delivery device when the usage count exceeds a predetermined count limit.

An wearable communications garment that includes one or more user-selectable inputs integrated into the garment. A sartorial communications apparatus may include a flexible material that is worn (e.g., as an undergarment) by the user and includes one or more interactive sensors that may be manually activated by a user, even through one or more intervening layers of clothing. The apparatus may also include one or more additional body sensors configured to sense a user's position, movement, and / or physiological status. The sensor(s) may be connected via a conductive trace on the garment to a sensor module for analysis and / or transmission. Methods of manufacturing the garments as well as methods of using the garments are also described.

A method of rendering materials having hard and soft surfaces hydrophilic or more hydrophilic is disclosed. The method involves hydrophilizing such materials by applying a high energy treatment and charged particles and / or one or more hydrophilic polymeric materials with discrete charges to such materials.

A fabric, in the form of a woven or knitted fabric or garment, including a flexible information infrastructure integrated within the fabric for collecting, processing, transmitting and receiving information concerning-but not limited to-a wearer of the fabric. The fabric allows a new way to customize information processing devices to "fit" the wearer by selecting and plugging in (or removing) chips / sensors from the fabric thus creating a wearable, mobile information infrastructure that can operate in a stand-alone or networked mode. The fabric can be provided with sensors for monitoring physical aspects of the wearer, for example body vital signs, such as heart rate, EKG, pulse, respiration rate, temperature, voice, and allergic reaction, as well as penetration of the fabric. The fabric consists of a base fabric ("comfort component"), and an information infrastructure component which can consist of a penetration detection component, or an electrical conductive component, or both. The preferred penetration detection component is a sheathed optical fiber. The information infrastructure component can include, in addition to an electrically conductive textile yarn, a sensor or a connector for a sensor. A process is provided for making an electrical interconnection between intersecting electrically conductive yarns. Furthermore, a process is established for sheathing the plastic optical fiber and protecting it.

The invention relates to a preparation method and an application of multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric. The multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric is formed by successively arranging and laminating a metal foil reflection layer, a phase change temperature limitation layer, an interval composite membrane heat-insulation layer and a flame-retardant comfortable layer, wherein the metal foil reflection layer has high reflectivity and an enhanced heat-dissipation function; the phase change temperature limitation layer has functions of high energy consumption absorption and evenly-distributed heat conduction; the interval composite membrane heat-insulation layer has the functions of reflection insulation and even distribution of heat; and the flame-retardant comfortable layer has the functions of low-contact heat conduction, heat insulation and comfort. When the front side of the multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric is under the action of open fire and strong heat flow environment, the back side of the multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric can be kept below 50DEG C which is near the safe temperature state of the human skin, and the integral structural form and the mechanical property are stable. The natural thickness of the composite fabric is 5-15mm, the compression thickness of the composite fabric is 3-8mm, and the square meter quality of the composite fabric is 400-1500g / m<2>. The composite fabric is fire-proof heat-insulation material which is totally sealed, stuck and sewn and can be used for individual protection and environment heat insulation in special high-temperature occasions, such as fire control, military, exploration, safe escape and industry and the like.

An apparatus for cooling a skin surface includes an RF device that has an RF electrode with dielectric and conductive portions. The RF device is configured to be coupled to an RF energy source. A cooling member is coupled to the RF device. A memory is coupled to the RF device. The memory is configured to store information to facilitate operation of at least one of the RF electrode, the cooling member, and the RF energy source.

Methods of forming garments having one or more stretchable conductive ink patterns. Described herein are method of making garments (including compression garments) having one or more highly stretchable conductive ink pattern formed of a composite of an insulative adhesive, a conductive ink, and an intermediate gradient zone between the adhesive and conductive ink. The conductive ink typically includes between about 40-60% conductive particles, between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; and between about 3-7% thickener. The stretchable conductive ink patterns may be stretched more than twice their length without breaking or rupturing.

Fabric laminates having superior resistance to penetration of fragments, such as shrapnel. The fabrics are formed of high-strength fibers consolidated with from about 7% to about 15% by weight of an elastomeric matrix composition, and in combination with protective layers of a polymer film on each surface of the fabric. The fabrics achieve a significant improvement in fragment resistance compared to fabrics of the prior art, while also maintaining excellent ballistic resistant properties.

A closure system for braces, protective wear and similar articles is disclosed. The closure system includes a plurality of opposing lace guide members and a tightening mechanism. The closure system further includes a lace extending through the guide members and coupled to the tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, a quick release apparatus is included to facilitate opening of the closure system. The tightening mechanism in some embodiments includes a control for winding the lace into a housing to place tension on the lace thereby tightening the closure system.

This invention relates to active protective garments which are inconspicuously worn by an individual and which activate upon certain conditions being met. Activation causes inflation of regions of the active protective garment to provide padding and impact cushioning for the wearer. The invention is an active protective garment such as pair of shorts or pants, a jacket, a vest, underwear, and the like. The garments comprise multiple layers of material that constrain pockets or regions that are inflatable by a source of compressed gas or foam. The garments also comprise sensors to detect ballistic parameters such as acceleration, distance, relative acceleration, and rotation. The sensor information is used to determine whether activation is required. Detection and activation are accomplished in a very short time period in order to offer maximal protection for the individual wearing the garment. The system comprises a computer or logic controller that monitors the sensor data in real time and coordinates the information from all sensors. The system calculates velocity, distance, and rotational velocity. A rule-based system is used to detect a complex fall in progress and discriminate said fall in progress from the events of every day life. The pockets or inflatable regions of the garment protect the individual against falls and other impacts that may cause bone fracture or organ damage.

The present invention comprises a fabric-based sensor for monitoring vital signs or other electrical impulses of a subject. The sensor is woven or knitted from conductive fibers and, when in contact with the body, receives signals from the wearer and transmits them to a processing or monitoring device through a data-output terminal. The sensor may be integrated into the fabric of a garment or used independently as a conductive patch. Additionally, the sensor may provide bi-directional communication by both monitoring electrical impulses and sending them.

An apparatus for cooling a skin surface includes a support structure coupled to an electromagnetic energy delivery device. The electromagnetic energy delivery device is configured to be coupled to an electromagnetic energy source. A cooling member is coupled to the electromagnetic energy delivery device and is configured to create a reverse thermal gradient through a skin surface. A memory is coupled to the electromagnetic energy delivery device and is positioned at the support structure or the electromagnetic energy delivery device. The memory is configured to store information to facilitate operation of at least one of the cooling member, and the electromagnetic energy source. Resources are coupled to the cooling member to permit different levels of cooling at different times of treatment.

A physiological monitoring garment includes first and second elastic fabric portions. An elongate stretchable textile data / power bus is disposed between the first and second elastic fabric portions. The elongate stretchable textile data / power bus includes a plurality of integral conductors, woven, knitted, or braided along the length thereof. One or more sensors are connected to the elongate stretchable textile data / power bus.

An embodiment of a system for wirelessly charging a wrist-worn device may include a radio frequency (RF) charging energy generating element, and an antenna configured to radiate the RF charging energy, the antenna comprising a first coil and a second coil, the first coil and the second coil each comprising a plurality of windings, the windings of the first coil being wound in a direction opposite the direction of the windings of the second coil. An embodiment of a wrist-worn charge-receiving device may include an antenna coil adapted to receive radio frequency (RF) charging energy, the antenna coil comprising non-uniform windings; and a rechargeable power source coupled to the antenna coil, the antenna coil adapted to provide the RF charging energy to the rechargeable power source.

The invention relates to a listening assistance device (1) comprising hearing modules (3) mounted on the ends of the arms of an eyeglass frame (2), said modules being designed to support the eyeglass frame on the ear of the user. The hearing modules also have a formed part (5) which extends into the auditive canal without closing the latter and which includes the sound outlet hole (6) of the module. The modules comprise a speech spectrum frequency response and linear dynamics in order to improve speech intelligibility. This makes it possible to provide a listening assistance device compensating for mild hearing loss that can be produced easily and economically, is more comfortable to use and is not regarded at first sight as a hearing aid by an observer.

A filtering face mask that includes a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person and a harness that is attached to the mask body. The mask body comprises i) a first shaping layer that has been molded; ii) a second shaping layer that has been molded; iii) a filtration layer that is disposed between the first and second shaping layers; iv) a first adhesive layer that adheres the first shaping layer to the filtration layer; and v) a second adhesive layer that adheres the second shaping layer to the filtration layer.

Buckyrock is a three-dimensional, solid block material comprising an entangled network of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT), wherein the block comprises greater than 75 wt % SWNT. SWNT buckyrock is mechanically strong, tough and impact resistant. The single-wall carbon nanotubes in buckyrock form are present in a random network of individual single-wall carbon nanotubes, SWNT “ropes” and combinations thereof. The random network of the SWNT or SWNT ropes can be held in place by non-covalent “cross-links” between the nanotubes at nanotube contact points. In one embodiment, SWNT buckyrock is made by forming a SWNT-water slurry, slowly removing water from the slurry which results in a SWNT-water paste, and allowing the paste to dry very slowly, such that the SWNT network of the SWNT-water paste is preserved during solvent evaporation. Buckyrock can be used in applications, such as ballistic protection systems, involving light-weight material with mechanical strength, toughness and impact resistance.

A wearable system or garment comprises at least three conductive electrodes that may, for example, be made of stretch-recovery electrically conductive yarns integrated with non-conductive stretch-recovery yarns that make up the remaining portion of the wearable system or garment. The wearable or garment further comprises means for using three electrodes to monitor at least one physiological or biophysical event or characteristic of the wearer. One electrode is specifically used to feed back an inverted noise signal to the wearer to destructively interfere with the wearer generated noise. Specifically, the wearer's heart rate, ECG and associated electrical characteristics may be monitored in high resolution under dry electrode conditions.

An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and / or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the apparatus also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material. Applications of the composite materials are also described which take advantage of the composite's thermal characteristics. The examples described include a diver's wet suit, ski boot liners, thermal socks, gloves and a face mask for cold weather activities, and a metabolic heating or cooling blanket useful for treating hypothermia or fever patients in a medical setting and therapeutic heating or cooling orthopedic joint supports.

A protective helmet (1) has an outer shell (2) and an inner shell (3), the outer shell being displaceable relative to the inner shell by means of at last one sliding layer (4) arranged between the the outer shell and the inner shell. In the edge region of the helmet, the outer shell and the inner shell are interconnected by means of members (5), for absorbing energy on displacement of the outer shell on the inner shell. In this way, impact energy from an oblique impact against the helmet can be absorbed during displacement between the outer shell and the inner shell.

Described is a system for wireless energy transfer for person worn peripherals. The system makes use of a technique referred to as strongly-coupled magnetic resonance to transfer energy across a distance without wires and enables efficient transfer of energy over distances of 10 to 18 cm or more. The system comprises a resonant power source, which could be embedded in a person's equipment vest or backpack receiving power from a central battery pack or micro fuel cell, and a resonant power capture unit which could be integrated with the helmet or hand held weapon, electronic device, and the like that may be carried or handled by a person.

The present disclosure may provide various electric receiver arrangements included in clothing pieces that require electric current to perform tasks, such as warming, cooling and displaying. Suitable wireless power transmission techniques, like pocket forming, may be used to provide the clothing pieces with wireless power. In some embodiments, receivers may include at least one antenna connected to at least one rectifier and one power converter. In other embodiments, receivers including a plurality of antennas, a plurality of rectifiers or a plurality of power converters may be provided. In addition, receivers may include communications components which may allow for communication to various electronic equipment including transmitters.

The present invention provides fabrics that have unique chemical, electrical, and thermal properties. The fabrics comprise layers of yarns woven together wherein the yarns further comprise carbon nanotube fibers. These carbon nanotube fibers may be either single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The use of carbon nanotube fibers allows the fabrics to insulate, semi-conduct or super-conduct electrical charges. Additionally, the thermal properties of carbon nanotubes allow thermal energy to flow efficiently between the fabric and a heat sink or source. Additional yarns of materials other than carbon nanotubes can be integrated or woven into the fabric to provide other unique properties for the fabric. These fabrics can be layered to form unique garments or structures.

Woven fabric laminates having superior resistance to penetration by ballistic projectiles, assemblies thereof, and the method by which they are made. In one embodiment, among others, a laminate of the invention is comprised of a fabric woven from a high strength, high modulus yarn, a surface coating of a low modulus elastomer and a plastic film bonded to its elastomer-coated surface.

The present invention provides for a magnet module adapted for use in an automatic shutdown assembly of a flip-up helmet mount for a night vision device, the magnet module comprising a vertically angled cavity with a substantially L-shaped profile, the cavity including a use end and a stowed end substantially opposite the use end and a bar magnet slidably received within the cavity and movable between the use end and the stowed end.