A backpack includes a compartment exhibiting a compartment opening, a flap that can be moved between a closed position to close the compartment opening and first and second open positions in which it leaves the compartment opening open after swinging over from the closed position towards the back and front of the compartment, respectively. A ballistic protection shield can be moved, passing through the compartment opening and over the head of a backpack wearer, from a storage position in the inside of the compartment to a deployed position to protect the torso of the backpack wearer. Shield straps link the shield to the compartment capable of suspending the shield in the deployed position. The backpack defines a passage between the edge of the compartment opening and the flap in the closed position and includes a pull-type handle fixed to the shield and projecting to the outside of the compartment.

A backpack includes a compartment exhibiting a compartment opening, a flap that can be moved between a closed position to close the compartment opening and first and second open positions in which it leaves the compartment opening open after swinging over from the closed position towards the back and front of the compartment, respectively. A ballistic protection shield can be moved, passing through the compartment opening and over the head of a backpack wearer, from a storage position in the inside of the compartment to a deployed position to protect the torso of the backpack wearer. Shield straps link the shield to the compartment capable of suspending the shield in the deployed position. The backpack defines a passage between the edge of the compartment opening and the flap in the closed position and includes a pull-type handle fixed to the shield and projecting to the outside of the compartment.

A wearable load redistribution system can include a base support structure and a thoracic frame configured to surround an upper torso of a wearer of the system. The base support structure can include a support frame and a plurality of support members disposed at distal ends of the support frame. The thoracic frame can include a coupling structure, a front plate, and a plurality of struts. A connector member can removably connect the coupling structure to the support frame. The plurality of struts is mated to the front plate to redistribute a weight of the front plate away from shoulders of the wearer and towards the base support structure.

A wearable load redistribution system can include a base support structure and a thoracic frame configured to surround an upper torso of a wearer of the system. The base support structure can include a support frame and a plurality of support members disposed at distal ends of the support frame. The thoracic frame can include a coupling structure, a front plate, and a plurality of struts. A connector member can removably connect the coupling structure to the support frame. The plurality of struts is mated to the front plate to redistribute a weight of the front plate away from shoulders of the wearer and towards the base support structure.

Various embodiments of a spiral shaped element and wavy suture are disclosed for use in a shock mitigating material to dissipate the energy associated with the impact of an object. The shock mitigating material can be used in helmets, bumpers, bulletproof vests, mats, pads, foot gear, military armor, and other applications. One embodiment, among others, is a shock mitigating material having spiral shaped elements, each having a circular cross section and each being tapered from a large outside end to a small inside end but also having a suture or sutures that can induce shear waves to mitigate the shock pressure and impulse. Another embodiment is a shock mitigating material having sutures (wavy gaps or wavy materials). In this embodiment when the material is impacted, the wavy gap or material will induce a mechanism in shear to dissipate the impact energy and action.

A synchronized infrared beacon/infrared detector system. The system may include (A) an infrared beacon module configured to generate a time-varying encoded infrared signal, (B) an infrared detector module configured to capture the encoded infrared signal generated by the beacon module, (C) a synchronizer configured to generate a synchronization signal that controls timing of the beacon module and the detector module, and (D) a processor, in communication with the detector module, configured to analyze the infrared signal captured by the detector module. The infrared signal may be modulated at frequencies undetectable by human vision. The synchronizer signal may be produced independent of the capture of, and without input from, the infrared signal.

A synchronized infrared beacon/infrared detector system. The system may include (A) an infrared beacon module configured to generate a time-varying encoded infrared signal, (B) an infrared detector module configured to capture the encoded infrared signal generated by the beacon module, (C) a synchronizer configured to generate a synchronization signal that controls timing of the beacon module and the detector module, and (D) a processor, in communication with the detector module, configured to analyze the infrared signal captured by the detector module. The infrared signal may be modulated at frequencies undetectable by human vision. The synchronizer signal may be produced independent of the capture of, and without input from, the infrared signal.

Provided are mask removable type automatic shading goggles in that a welding helmet is manufactured in a goggle shape, so that the mask removable type automatic shading goggles can replace the existing heavy and large welding surface; the mask removable type automatic shading goggles can also be used for both an arc welding work and a grinding work, a cutting work, and a gas welding work; and if necessary, the mask part can be easily attachably and detachably coupled to the goggle part.

A beacon includes an infrared emitter configured to emit beacon signals; an infrared-link emitter configured to emit infrared-link signals having a wavelength different from that of the beacon signals; an infrared-link detector configured to detect infrared-link signals; a memory configured to store a delay time; a clock configured to generate a clock cycle signal; and a microcontroller configured to, in response to receiving an infrared-link signal including a signaling code and clock synchronization data from an external beacon: adjust the clock to be synchronized with a clock of the external beacon; store the signaling code in the memory; and when the clock cycle signal generated by the clock indicates that it is a starting time of a clock cycle period, control the infrared emitter to emit a beacon signal including the signaling code with the delay time relative to the starting time of the clock cycle period.