Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The shell contains a plurality of first pin bores annularly and evenly defined to the axis of the shell for receiving first pins and first springs. The high latch includes a hook carriage including a structural hook, with the hook carriage coupled to the seatback. Other circuits, systems, and methods are described. In an embodiment of the invention, the input and output elements can be power splitters and power combiners respectively and are arranged so as to include crossover connection paths therebetween, with the result that crossover of connection paths is distributed between the power dividingcombining function and the switching function.