A helmet comprises a shell with an integrated panel tab that is formed by cutting a pattern into the shell. The helmet further comprises an enclosure located interior to the shell and at a position that corresponds to the integrated panel tab. Within the enclosure are an electronic membrane, which is operatively coupled to the integrated panel tab, and a membrane force tab, which is operatively coupled to the electronic membrane. When pressure is applied to the integrated panel tab from the exterior of the shell (by, for example, a finger of a user), the integrated panel tab functions as a flexible actuator that presses the electronic membrane, thereby permitting control of helmet functions without any externally-protruding controls that can be inadvertently broken.

A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.

A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.

A tool communication adapter system is provided. One exemplary system described herein includes a tool communication adapter having an adapter body including first and second mechanical attachment ends, a first electrical connector proximate the first mechanical attachment end and a second electrical connector proximate the second mechanical attachment end, a first supply channel having an opening extending through the body between the first and second mechanical attachment ends, and including a first supply channel connector at the first attachment end and a second supply channel connector at the second mechanical attachment end, and a control unit in communication with the first and second electrical connectors. The control unit is configured to provide a filter command signal to a protective filter in response to a signal received at the first electrical connector. An exemplary tool communication adapter thus allows communication between a tool and personal protective equipment.

A tool communication adapter system is provided. One exemplary system described herein includes a tool communication adapter having an adapter body including first and second mechanical attachment ends, a first electrical connector proximate the first mechanical attachment end and a second electrical connector proximate the second mechanical attachment end, a first supply channel having an opening extending through the body between the first and second mechanical attachment ends, and including a first supply channel connector at the first attachment end and a second supply channel connector at the second mechanical attachment end, and a control unit in communication with the first and second electrical connectors. The control unit is configured to provide a filter command signal to a protective filter in response to a signal received at the first electrical connector. An exemplary tool communication adapter thus allows communication between a tool and personal protective equipment.

In some examples, a system includes an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) comprising one or more sensors, the one or more sensors configured to generate usage data that is indicative of an operation of the article of PPE; and at least one computing device comprising a memory and one or more computer processors that: receive the usage data that is indicative of the operation of the article of PPE; apply the usage data to a safety learning model that predicts a likelihood of an occurrence of a safety event associated with the article of PPE based at least in part on previously generated usage data that corresponds to the safety event; and perform, based at least in part on predicting the likelihood of the occurrence of the safety event, at least one operation.

The invention relates to a refractive surface for blocking short- and medium-wavelength visible-spectrum radiation that affects human physiology. The refractive surface selectively absorbs short wavelengths between 380 nm and 500 nm, between a maximum and a minimum absorption threshold, and selectively absorbs medium wavelengths between 500 nm and 590 nm, between a maximum and a minimum absorption threshold, the selective absorption of short and medium wavelengths between 380 nm and 590 nm not completely blocking the passage of visible light in this range. Other embodiments include an LED screen, a software product and an electronic device, and ophthalmic, intraocular or sunglass lenses.

An automatic darkening filter assembly for a welding protector and a welding protector that includes the automatic darkening filter assembly. The automatic darkening filter assembly has a housing that forms an opening in which a switchable light filter is arranged. The switchable light filter is retained by a first and a second resilient gasket that are arranged on opposite sides of the switchable light filter and which each extend circumferentially adjacent a periphery of the switchable light filter. The invention helps maximizing the robustness of the welding protector and facilitates assembly.

An automatic darkening filter assembly for a welding protector and a welding protector that includes the automatic darkening filter assembly. The automatic darkening filter assembly has a housing that forms an opening in which a switchable light filter is arranged. The switchable light filter is retained by a first and a second resilient gasket that are arranged on opposite sides of the switchable light filter and which each extend circumferentially adjacent a periphery of the switchable light filter. The invention helps maximizing the robustness of the welding protector and facilitates assembly.

An example audio device includes: communication circuitry configured to receive a first signal representative of an audible sound associated with a welding-type waveform; audio processing circuitry configured to generate, based on the first signal, a welding noise cancellation signal to produce destructive interference to the audible sound; and a transducer configured to output the destructive interference using the welding noise cancellation signal.