Browse Topic: Protective clothing

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Adapting to Manufacturing Challenges of COVID-19TBMG-385552/1/2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused great changes and challenges, disrupting not only the global marketplace but also the supply chains that keep people and essential businesses healthy and functioning. For example, amid an already growing market for infection-control gear and hygienic products made of nonwoven thermoplastic fabrics, COVID-19 has greatly strained and helped to reshape the global supply chain for nonwoven personal protective equipment (PPE).
Empowering Soldiers Through ISPDSTBMG-385382/1/2021
According to research conducted by Markets and Markets (Northbrook, IL), the military wearables market is projected to grow from $4.2 billion in 2019 to $6.4 billion by 2025. That’s a 7.2% growth from 2019 in six short years. Soldier modernization programs that increase soldier coordination, rising asymmetric warfare, and potential geopolitical conflicts are all factors fueling the growth of this market.
Upper Body Robotic ExoskeletonTBMG-3817312/1/2020
A soft, wearable, robotic upper limb exoskeleton garment was designed to actively control the shoulder and elbow, both positioning the limb in specific orientations and commanding the limb through desired motions. The invention was developed to provide effective upper extremity motor rehabilitation for patients with neurological impairments (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke).
Device Camouflages Wearer from Heat-Detecting SensorsTBMG-3821512/1/2020
Researchers developed a wearable technology that can hide its wearer from heat-detecting sensors such as night vision goggles, even when the ambient temperature changes. The technology can adapt to temperature changes in just a few minutes, while keeping the wearer comfortable.
Oxygen System and Component CleaningARP1176B (Current)10/19/2020
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) provides recommended practices for the cleaning of aircraft oxygen equipment, both metallic and non-metallic articles, such as oxygen lines (tubes, hoses, etc.), components (including regulator and valve parts), cylinders, and ground-based equipment that may be used to support aircraft oxygen systems. This document also specifies work area details, methods for selecting suitable cleaning agents, cleaning methods, and test methods for verifying levels of cleanliness. The cleanliness coding scheme specified in this document provides a method for documenting minimum cleanliness level requirements and for identifying compliance.
A-10 Aircraft Oxygen Equipment Committee
Oxygen System and Component CleaningARP1176B-TEST-REC (Historical)10/19/2020
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) provides recommended practices for the cleaning of aircraft oxygen equipment, both metallic and non-metallic articles, such as oxygen lines (tubes, hoses, etc.), components (including regulator and valve parts), cylinders, and ground-based equipment that may be used to support aircraft oxygen systems. This document also specifies work area details, methods for selecting suitable cleaning agents, cleaning methods, and test methods for verifying levels of cleanliness. The cleanliness coding scheme specified in this document provides a method for documenting minimum cleanliness level requirements and for identifying compliance.
A-10 Aircraft Oxygen Equipment Committee
Optical Tracking System Helps Improve Exoskeleton FitTBMG-3784210/1/2020
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new measurement method to test whether an exoskeleton and the person wearing it are moving smoothly and in harmony.
5 Ws of Slip-Resistant Shoe CoatingsTBMG-374768/1/2020
Anyone walking on icy or slippery surfaces.
Preliminary Development of an Integrated Mobility, Lethality, and Survivability Soldier Performance Testing Platform20AERP08_078/1/2020
Developing a methodology that incorporates objective measures of performance and is sensitive to changes in soldier-system equipment could help guide equipment manufacturers during product development and acquisition. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, Massachusetts In 2017, the US Army announced their modernization priorities as a means of maintaining their military strength. Six specific areas were targeted for focus improvement and development, with the first five being specific technologies or end products. The sixth was “Soldier Lethality” or a soldier's ability to shoot, move, communicate, protect and sustain by improving human performance and decision making. In an effort to support this priority area for those trying to make clothing and individual equipment (CIE) acquisition and development decisions, there is a desire for an integrated or holistic objective tool to measure soldier performance, specifically mobility, lethality and
Preliminary Development of an Integrated Mobility, Lethality, and Survivability Soldier Performance Testing PlatformTBMG-373788/1/2020
In 2017, the US Army announced their modernization priorities as a means of maintaining their military strength. Six specific areas were targeted for focus improvement and development, with the first five being specific technologies or end products. The sixth was “Soldier Lethality” or a soldier’s ability to shoot, move, communicate, protect and sustain by improving human performance and decision making. In an effort to support this priority area for those trying to make clothing and individual equipment (CIE) acquisition and development decisions, there is a desire for an integrated or holistic objective tool to measure soldier performance, specifically mobility, lethality and survivability incorporating underlying measures of human factors, biomechanics and cognition.
Wool Mask Used to Fight Fires in Space Improves Fire Equipment on EarthTBMG-370276/1/2020
Spinoff is NASA’s annual publication featuring successfully commercialized NASA technology. This commercialization has contributed to the development of products and services in the fields of health and medicine, consumer goods, transportation, public safety, computer technology, and environmental resources.
Wearable Air ConditioningTBMG-368445/1/2020
One day, soldiers could cool down on the military battlefield — preventing heat stroke or exhaustion — by using wearable air conditioning, an on-skin device that offers numerous human healthcare applications such as the ability to monitor blood pressure, electrical activity of the heart, and the level of skin hydration.
Highly Sensitive Sensors Show Promise in Enhancing Human TouchTBMG-364274/1/2020
People rely on a highly tuned sense of touch to manipulate objects, but injuries to the skin and the simple act of wearing gloves can impair this ability. Surgeons, for example, find that gloves decrease their ability to manipulate soft tissues. Astronauts are also hampered by heavy spacesuits and find it difficult to work with equipment while wearing heavy gloves.
Real Time Physiological Status MonitoringTBMG-366174/1/2020
Dismounted, foot-mobile soldiers currently use a wide variety of wearable technologies, e.g., GPS (global positioning system) /PNT (position, navigation, timing), night vision goggles (NVGs), rangefinders, radios, other Nett Warrior items, etc. These wearable technologies, i.e., electronic systems carried and used by soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, constitute the individual soldier’s technological ecosystem.
Material Combination Strengthens Body ArmorTBMG-363864/1/2020
A new combination of materials was developed that can prevent weaknesses in body armor. By adding a tiny amount of silicon to boron carbide (a material commonly used for making body armor) bullet-resistant gear can be made substantially more resilient to high-speed impacts.
Production Method for High-Performance PolymerTBMG-361973/1/2020
A method was developed to produce a polymer material called PBO — known commercially as Zylon — that’s used in bulletproof vests and other high-performance fabrics. The new approach could be useful in making PBO products that resist degradation — a problem that has plagued PBO-based materials in the past.
Threads Detect Gases When Woven into ClothingTBMG-359892/1/2020
A fabrication method was developed to create dyed threads that change color when they detect a variety of gases. The threads can be read visually or even more precisely by use of a smartphone camera, to detect changes of color due to analytes as low as 50 parts per million. Woven into clothing, the gas-detecting threads could provide a reusable, washable, and affordable safety asset in medical, workplace, military, and rescue environments.
‘Hyper Glue’ Could Be Used for Medical ImplantsTBMG-360152/1/2020
Researchers hope to make everything from protective clothing to medical implants stronger and more corrosion resistant thanks to a newly developed hyper glue formula. The team of chemists and composite materials researchers discovered a broadly applicable method of bonding plastics and synthetic fibers at the molecular level in a procedure called cross-linking. The cross-linking takes effect when the adhesive is exposed to heat or long-wave UV light making strong connections that are both impact-resistant and corrosion-resistant. Even with a minimal amount of cross linking, the materials are tightly bonded.
Unpowered, Lightweight Ankle ExoskeletonTBMG-3571712/1/2019
A lightweight, low-profile, inexpensive ankle exoskeleton could be widely used among elderly people, those with impaired lower-leg muscle strength, and workers whose jobs require substantial walking or running.
Heat-Regulating Material for Next-Generation Space BlanketTBMG-3572012/1/2019
Drawing design inspiration from the skin of squid, researchers developed an adaptive space blanket that gives users the ability to control their temperature. The drawback to current Mylar heat-regulating blankets is static. The new material has changeable properties to regulate how much heat is trapped or released.
Durable Polyimide AerogelsTBMG-3572712/1/2019
Innovators at NASA's Glenn Research Center have developed polyimide aerogel technologies that are 500 times stronger than traditional silica aerogels. These durable polyimide aerogels are highly flexible and foldable in contrast to traditional silica aerogels, which shed dust particles and are notoriously fragile and brittle. Polyimide aerogels possess remarkable strength, flexibility, and moisture resistance and make excellent “wrappable” insulators. No other aerogel possesses the compressive and tensile strength of this organic polyimide aerogel while still retaining its ability to be flexibly folded to contour to whatever shape is needed such as automotive shields, pipeline insulation, and protective clothing.
Pearl-Like Coating Enhances Lightweight ArmorTBMG-3545311/1/2019
By mimicking the outer coating of pearls (nacre or mother of pearl), researchers created a lightweight plastic that is 14 times stronger and eight times lighter (less dense) than steel. It could be applicable to vests, helmets, and other types of body armor as well as protective armor for ships, helicopters, and other vehicles.
CONTI SUITS UP19AUTP10_0110/1/2019
A team of young innovators aims to transform a critical piece of safety equipment - and create new business - through collaboration. Few colors shock the human brain into attention more than high-visibility Yellow. “Hi-viz” as it's known in the safety-apparel industry, is an on-the-job requirement for first responders, road workers, tow-truck drivers, linesmen, loggers, couriers, coast guard deck crews - any all-weather vocation for which being seen in low-visibility situations can make the difference between life and death. Included are overnight package-delivery drivers who must sprint across busy city streets - at night, in the fog and rain - to deliver the goods. But hi-viz, even when combined with reflective fabrics, is often not sufficient for wearers to be seen.
Brooke, Lindsay
Smart, Soft, Back Orthosis Uses Real-Time Motion DetectionTBMG-346136/1/2019
Back pain is inevitable with constrained posture over a number of hours. Permanent damage such as premature spine wear is not uncommon in people who do not adopt proper ergonomic posture. The same applies to those who frequently lift heavy objects.
5 Ws of Foldable Mechanical DevicesTBMG-344025/1/2019
Manufacturers across medical, space, aviation, military, and automotive industries could use the technology to build complex machines that integrate with surfaces to be very compact, but can deploy to do complex tasks.
Sound Attenuation of Neoprene Wetsuit Hoods as a Function of Dive Depth and Acoustic Frequency: Hyperbaric Chamber Trials19AERP05_105/1/2019
Data gathered during testing will help develop strategies to protect Navy divers from loud underwater sounds. Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, Groton, Connecticut The U.S. Navy is interested in strategies that divers could employ to protect them from loud underwater sounds. Sonar transmissions and other forms of underwater sound, such as that produced by noisy underwater tools, are an occupational hazard for U.S. Navy divers. At the time this research was conducted, the U.S. Navy guidance for diver exposure to underwater sound accounted for the diver wearing a wetsuit hood but did not account for any changes in the hood's sound attenuation properties with dive depth. Characterizing how the hood's attenuation properties change with depth and frequency is critical to creating appropriate guidance for diver's exposure to underwater sound.
Sound Attenuation of Neoprene Wetsuit Hoods as a Function of Dive Depth and Acoustic Frequency: Hyperbaric Chamber TrialsTBMG-343375/1/2019
The U.S. Navy is interested in strategies that divers could employ to protect them from loud underwater sounds. Sonar transmissions and other forms of underwater sound, such as that produced by noisy underwater tools, are an occupational hazard for U.S. Navy divers.
Dynamic Spine Brace Characterizes Spine DeformitiesTBMG-336291/1/2019
Spine deformities, such as idiopathic scoliosis and kyphosis (also known as “hunchback”), are characterized by an abnormal curvature in the spine. The children with these spinal deformities are typically advised to wear a brace that fits around the torso and hips to correct the abnormal curve. Bracing has been shown to prevent progression of the abnormal curve and avoid surgery; however, the underlying technology for bracing has not fundamentally changed in 50 years.
Optically Transparent Polyimide AerogelsTBMG-335931/1/2019
Innovators at NASA's Glenn Research Center have expanded their growing portfolio of aerogels to include a new optically transparent polyimide aerogel. Aerogels — low-density, highly porous, ultralight materials derived from gels — can be fabricated to achieve specific desirable traits including various ranges of optical transparency. In the past, high optical clarity was most commonly produced in silica aerogels, which shed dust particles and are notoriously fragile and brittle. In contrast, polyimide aerogels possess remarkable strength and flexibility. They are often used in aerospace applications due to their ability to retain their physical and mechanical properties in thermally and chemically demanding environments.
Aerogel Insulation Makes Thinner, Warmer OuterwearTBMG-3320611/1/2018
Spinoff is NASA's annual publication featuring successfully commercialized NASA technology. This commercialization has contributed to the development of products and services in the fields of health and medicine, consumer goods, transportation, public safety, computer technology, and environmental resources.
Energy-Storing Material Folds Onto ItselfTBMG-3322211/1/2018
Eagles can store energy in their feet without having to continuously contract their muscles to then jump high or hold on to prey. New materials have been created that can store energy this way. The materials, called auxetics, behave quite differently from regular materials. Instead of bulging out when squeezed, they collapse in all directions, storing the energy inside.
Artificial “Blubber” Protects Divers in Frigid WaterTBMG-324828/1/2018
When Navy SEALs carry out dives in Arctic waters, or when rescue teams are diving under ice-covered rivers or ponds, the survival time even in the best wetsuits is very limited — as little as tens of minutes. Researchers have discovered a process to triple that survival time.
Exoskeletons, Surgical Robotics Drive Advances in Motion System TechnologiesTBMG-297477/1/2018
New technologies are coming along every day that are designed to make an engineer's life easier when attempting to fulfill his or her motion control system needs. This article reviews some of the latest advances in motion control and presents an application in which all of these components can be used together.
3D-Printed Device Produces Nanofiber MeshesTBMG-296997/1/2018
Nanofibers are useful for any application that benefits from a high ratio of surface area to volume, such as solar cells that maximize exposure to sunlight, or fuel cell electrodes that catalyze reactions at their surfaces. Nanofibers can also yield materials that are permeable only at very small scales, such as water filters, or that are remarkably tough for their weight, such as body armor. Most such applications depend on fibers with regular diameters. But their commercialization has been hampered by inefficient manufacturing techniques.
Plastic Bearings Reduce Weight and Improve DurabilityTBMG-290026/1/2018
When engineer Mark Doyle started to put together plans for an exoskeleton to support surgeons in 2012, he wanted to develop a lightweight product that they could wear comfortably for extended periods of time. Doyle and his team at Levitate Technologies (San Diego, CA) had to carefully choose the products that would be included in the device because any additional ounces could have made the device uncomfortable and unwieldy, thus ending development before it entered production.
Brainwave-Controlled Exoskeleton Restores Functional GraspTBMG-285243/1/2018
École Polytechnique Fédéral de LausanneLausanne, Switzerland
Products of Tomorrow: January 2018TBMG-281821/1/2018
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
Multi-Functional Yarns and Fabrics with Anti-Microbial, Anti-Static, and Anti-Odor CharacteristicsTBMG-2801212/1/2017
Prior art fabrics used to manufacture military combat uniforms typically are made from yarns comprised of a blend of cotton and nylon fibers. This blend supports dyeing and printing techniques that use a combination of acid and vat dyes to impart a camouflage pattern. The yarns made from the blend are combined with lightweight, thin fabric construction to produce fabrics that provide comfort, durability, and UV resistance. Other fabrics, such as flame-retardant fabrics, are made from blends of Nomex® synthetic fiber meta-aramid fiber, Kevlar® synthetic fiber para-aramid fiber, and P140 electrostatic-dissipative fiber, and also provide a level of visual and near-infrared camouflage protection; however, they do not provide anti-odor, anti-micro-bial, or electrostatic dissipation performance in a single, complete fabric. Other prior art techniques involve treating uniform fabrics with antimicrobial treatments, but some of these are not durable and wear out after repeated laundering.
Wireless Tamper Detection Sensor and Sensing SystemTBMG-272878/1/2017
NASA's Langley Research Center researchers have developed a wireless, connection-free inductor capacitor sensor system that can be placed on or embedded in materials and structures to monitor for and detect damage. The sensors can also be used to detect package tampering and pilfering. This innovation — SansEC (Sans Electrical Connections) — makes sensors more damage-resilient and more environmentally friendly to manufacture and use.
Functionalization of Carbon NanotubesTBMG-270536/1/2017
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted much attention due to their extraordinary mechanical and unique electronic properties. CNTs are being studied for applications in high-strength/low-weight composites and other applications. In order to alter the CNT properties for particular applications, chemical functionalization may be necessary. Development of multifunctional composite materials may require functionalization of a collection of CNTs to allow the tubes to be dispersed more easily in a host matrix.
Lightweight Exoskeleton Fuel Bladder TransitionF-0073-2017-120385/9/2017
ABSTRACT Previous efforts demonstrated the ability to achieve a 30% weight reduction for a MIL-DTL-27422D Phase I test cube construction with Protection Level A gunfire performance, using a lightweight 2-ply exoskeleton design to replace the 4-ply construction otherwise required to meet crash impact test requirements. An additional 20% reduction in weight was projected by replacing the natural gum rubber (NGR) used in conventional fuel bladder constructions with a lightweight formulation. This paper reviews the technical efforts executed to support the transition of the lightweight exoskeleton construction to the Apache AH-64 helicopter. The fuel bladders made with the lightweight sealant were 15.5% lighter for the AH-64 FWD fuel bladder and 13.2% lighter for the AFT. Additional weight savings based on the 2-ply exoskeleton construction was not realized as the existing AH-64 fuel bladders are already relatively lightweight constructions. The final AH-64 fuel bladders demonstrated the
Heater, Kenneth, Pilati, Bryan, Whipple, Matt
Portable Nanofiber Device Offers Precise Control for Fabricating 3D TissueTBMG-268875/1/2017
There are many ways to make nanofibers. These versatile materials — whose target applications include everything from tissue engineering to bulletproof vests — have been made using centrifugal force, capillary force, electric field, stretching, blowing, melting, and evaporation.
Exoskeleton Device Helps People with Arthritic KneesTBMG-266023/30/2017
A University of North Texas (Denton, TX) graduate student is taking a step toward making exoskeletons available to help more people. Typically, exoskeletons, which are wearable mobile machines that allow for more limb movement, increased strength, and endurance, are extremely expensive and mostly used in the military. However, Jenn Cao, a student in UNT’s College of Engineering, has created a working prototype aimed at helping those who struggle to walk because of osteoarthritis in their knees.
Wireless Tamper Detection Sensor and Sensing SystemTBMG-264883/1/2017
NASA's Langley Research Center researchers have developed a wireless, connection-free inductor capacitor sensor system that can be placed on or embedded in materials and structures to monitor for and detect damage. The sensors can also be used to detect package tampering and pilfering. This innovation — SansEC (Sans Electrical Connections) — makes sensors more damage resilient and more environmentally friendly to manufacture and use.
Ankle Exoskeleton Aids or Enhances MobilityTBMG-253949/1/2016
Clutches can be used to enhance the functionality of springs or actuators in robotic devices. A research team headed up by Steve Collins, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, created a lightweight, low-power clutch used to control spring engagement in an ankle exoskeleton.
Polyimide Aerogels with Three-Dimensional Cross-Linked StructureTBMG-251708/1/2016
NASA-developed polyimide aerogels are 500 times stronger than conventional silica aerogels. The innovative aerogels represent a revolutionary advance over fragile silica aerogels because they are highly flexible and foldable in thin film form. As a thin film, they can be used to insulate industrial pipelines, automotive shields, and temporary housing structures, and can be used within protective clothing such as firefighting jackets, space suits, and parkas. As a thicker part, they can be easily molded to a shape, or sanded and machined to provide insulation as well as mechanical support. No other aerogel possesses the compressive and tensile strength of the NASA innovation while still retaining its ability to be flexibly folded to contour to whatever shape is needed.
Using Black Polyimide/Kevlar as a Metering Structure Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI)TBMG-2321211/1/2015
Metering structures of remote sensing instruments often have large openings or access holes. Shear panels that are X-shaped, such as those proposed for the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), generally consist of C-channels and L-brackets to minimize structural distortion. This type of metering structure has large openings on the sides. Structural panels that have large access holes, such as those studied for the Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI), generally consist of aluminum honeycomb panels with composite facesheets. Both types of metering structure require multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets to shield the internal components such as optics from sunlight and Earth albedo, and to minimize heat loss to 3K space by radiation. The issues of conventional MLI blankets for these metering structures include MLI sagging, stray light, and risk of micrometeoroid damage to optics.
Robotic Exoskeleton (EXO)TBMG-2323411/1/2015
The Exoskeleton (EXO) is a device that falls into a new classification of robotics called wearable robots. On-orbit applications include countermeasures and dynamometry, allowing for continual assessment of a person’s muscle strength while aboard the International Space Station. Due to its small, compact size and relatively light weight [57 lb (≈26 kg) without batteries], EXO holds great promise as a countermeasure device for missions below low-Earth orbit.
Products of Tomorrow: October 2015TBMG-2309310/1/2015
The technologies NASA develops don’t just blast off into space. They also improve our lives here on Earth. Life-saving search-and-rescue tools, implantable medical devices, advances in commercial aircraft safety, increased accuracy in weather forecasting, and the miniature cameras in our cellphones are just some of the examples of NASA-developed technology used in products today.
Nanocomposites for Radiation ShieldingTBMG-225438/1/2015
Currently, lead and lead-based materials are used to fabricate shields not only for X-rays, but also for other types of radiation. With the growing environmental concern about the toxicity of lead, and the high costs associated with transporting heavy lead-based shields in spacecraft, alternatives are needed for fabricating X-ray shields that are less toxic and lighter.
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