Abstract: A personal ballistic protective device having a first layer comprised of ballistic material and a second layer comprised of buoyant material. The second layer preferably has a density sufficient to counteract a density of at least the first layer of ballistic material such that the first layer and the second layer have a combined density substantially equal to or less than the density of water. A method of counteracting negative buoyancy in a personal protective device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ceramic armor system with built-in conductive circuit attached to a ceramic component. The conductive circuit can be accessed by a user at contacts provided in the system. The circuit is arranged so that damage such as cracks that occurs within the ceramic component can propagate into the conductive material forming the circuit and thereby cause a rupture in the conductive circuit. An electrical probe such as an ohmmeter is used to measure the conductive circuit resistance that is then checked against an expected value. The results are used to determine if the ceramic armor component is in operable condition.

Abstract: The invention provides gallium nitride phosphor materials and methods of manufacturing the gallium nitride phosphor materials. By making use of these methods, it is possible to produce members of the family of gallium nitride materials, with or without alloying elements or fluxing compounds, in powdered form having the required purity and particle size to perform as highly efficient electroluminescent emitters in many display applications.

Abstract: A method of forming a ceramic-metal composite including steps of providing a body of ceramic material; infiltrating molten metal into open spaces of the body at an elevated pressure; cooling the metal to form a solid composite; and reacting a portion of the metal in the composite at an elevated temperature with an oxidizing gas. A particularly preferred composite is made by infiltrating an alumina body with an aluminum alloy and then oxidizing in air at an elevated temperature. The composite is useful for making armor plate and other products where a combination of high hardness, good strength, and light weight are needed.