Background This document describes a system designed to study the feasibility of augmenting tolerance to acceleration stress using external pressure pulsations synchronized to the electrocardiogram. The system, known as synchronized pulsating anti-gravity suit, consists of a modified G Suit, a controller and a pneumatic subsystem. The modified suit has individual bladders for calf, thigh, and abdomen with separate inlet/outlet ports. A microcomputer controls the synchronization, phasing and sequencing of pressure pulses in the bladders. Desired high and low pressures are obtained using feedback of pressure signals to a set of comparators. Solenoid valves and related circuitry regulate the flow of…
Author: John Greenewald
Background In the early 1960s, Bell Aerosystems built a rocket pack which it called the “Bell Rocket Belt” or “man-rocket” for the US Army, using hydrogen peroxide as fuel. This concept was revived in the 1990s and today these packs can provide powerful, manageable thrust. This rocket belt’s propulsion works with superheated water vapor. A gas cylinder contains nitrogen gas, and two cylinders containing highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide. The nitrogen presses the hydrogen peroxide onto a catalyst, which decomposes the hydrogen peroxide into a mixture of superheated steam and oxygen with a temperature of about 740 °C. This was led…