Abstract: An inexpensive, prefabricated portable tornado shelter is disclosed. The shelter is assembled from four equilateral triangular sides, a base frame, and a floor, to form a square pyramid-shaped enclosure with latched doors and PLEXIGLAS windows. The shelter allows constant air pressure equalization between its interior and exterior. The shelter is held firmly to the ground with four auger bolts.

Abstract: A penetration-resistant modular security passway (20) includes a concrete vestibule (24), a doorframe (70), and a penetration-reactive security door (32). The vestibule (24) has a plurality of reinforcing members (36), a plurality of lifting lugs (26), and an embedded passive antipersonnel device (56). The doorframe (70) has hinge and strike jambs (108,110) attached to the reinforcing members (36). The hinge jamb (108) has a plurality of studs (124) and the strike jamb (110) a plurality of deadbolts (126) for protrusion into the door (32). The door (32) has a substruction (72), to which are affixed grates (86,92) and cladding (84,90). A girdle (100) is affixed to the cladding (84,90). Within a space (76) within the substruction (72), a metallic cable (78) is woven and a plurality of individually sealed tubes (96) containing a foaming agent (98) under pressure are suspended.

Abstract: An underground shelter for the protection of at least one person, comprising two substantially identical rigid panels which may be assembled together into a tunnel configuration and disassembled by distinct mechanical means arranged so as to permit a joined interfitting of both top parts of both panels, respectively, and a rigid connection between the bottom parts of the latter so that the buried panel may withstand side or transverse forces applied to the panel and resulting from the thrust exerted by the earth layer covering the tunnel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a passive explosion protection device wherein a quick acting gate valve is designed in combination with means for directing and reflecting incumbent pressure surges to reduce or decelerate the surges prior to contact with the gate valve.

Abstract: An underground blast shelter providing short and long term protection against nuclear detonation for its occupants. The shelter consists of a paraboloidal cell to house the occupants and a command station interfacing with the ground surface. A flange completely surrounds the cell along its long dimension. The command station is made from an upper portion made out of steel and a lower portion which is a part of the flange of the cell. Access between the command station and the cell is through the flange and includes foot wells to facilitate movement.

Abstract: An underground shock-resistant structure comprises a vaulted roof having a ring configuration as viewed from above and a ring-shaped base member, such as a flat floor, joined to the inner and outer edges of the vaulted roof. The external surface of the vaulted roof has a continuous convex configuration with a slowly varying radius of curvature and no change of signal such that over pressures and shockwaves striking the external surface of the vaulted roof apply compressive pressures to the vaulted roof and are deflected by the surface. Optionally, there may be one or more basement levels below the flat floor which are enclosed by inner and outer walls having a ring configuration which are joined to the inner and outer edges of the vaulted roof. In another option the flat floor may be replaced by an arch with its concavity facing upwards joined to the inner and outer edges of the vaulted roof.

Abstract: A disaster prevention system for underground spaces has a compressed air supply system and an independent power generator installed in an underground space. In the event of a disaster, the compressed air supply system discharges compressed air into an underground space in order to maintain the air pressure therein at a higher level than that of the external atmosphere. The independent power generator generates electrical energy which provides the necessary lighting for the underground space.

Abstract: In connection with the inflation of pneumatic vehicle tires the risk exists that the tire explodes and that the nearby operator or other nearby persons are slung away and severely injured by the pressure wave of the exploding tire. The invention provides for a security wall between the inflation area and an adjacent area, whereby the air pressure wave of an exploding tire will be effectively broken before reaching the adjacent area. Preferably, the security wall includes a doubled stretch metal net material with mutually oppositely oriented obliqueness of the opposed mesh strip portions is arranged as a wall element on at least one side of an inflation cage for receiving a tire to be inflated inside such a cage.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of a self-supporting body of cellular structure, great rigidity, and capable of withstanding stresses exerting in all directions, either separately or together, of withstanding impacts, pressure, shock waves, acoustical and thermal phenomena, and using free volumes as assemblies having different characteristics or as shock absorbing means. The invention also provides the possibility of varying the weight of said body by being filled with various fluids which may be static or flowing, which may be at various different pressures, and which may contain specialized agents on a permanent basis or which may be put into action under certain constraints of pressure, temperature, etc.

Abstract: A buried vault for telecommunication equipment is disclosed. It is adapted to connect with telecommunication conduits, especially optical fiber conduits enclosing optical fibers. The vault encloses laser light generating devices for providing signals and also encloses suitable signal switch gear for telecommunication circuitry. The wall is constructed of alternating plies of glass fibers matting and woven roving, each layer being applied and joined with a polymeric resin. It is then covered with a light weight layer, the preferred form being balsa wood and the outside surface is then sprayed with a skin, typically a polyester resin co-mingled with chopped reinforcing fibers of random lengths randomly distributed or glass fibers matting and woven roving plies.

Abstract: A walk-in shelter providing protection against undesired heat, radiation, gas and water action, as well as mechanical stressing, particularly for data carriers is proposed, in which the walls comprise several different layers. The inner and outer layers are constructed as a closed metal envelope. Between the outer and inner layers is provided a metal supporting frame and between the outer layer, supporting frame and inner layer are provided insulating layers with high thermal insulation and mechanical strength. All the layers are set up independently of one another, are self-supporting and not mechanically interconnected.

Abstract: A shelter 20 to enable occupants thereof to survive a near-strike nuclear detonation as well as chemical, biological and conventional weapons attacks can be assembled by four men in thirty minutes. Panels 38 are lightweight laminates of plastics and reinforcing fibers. As installed underground, the arched roof 26 of the shelter 20 is supported on a drive ring base member 28, which is crushable to absorb, attenuate and help divert the airslap force of a nuclear detonation.

Abstract: A blast supression device for use in explosive hardening in a relatively confined enclosed area. The device absorbs and dissipates the explosive force by utilizing a containment frame covered with overlapping multiple flexible resilient flaps that dissipate the explosive force by yielding during the blast within the device.

Abstract: A protective annular construction for protecting surface or subsurface facilities against shock. In one embodiment, the invention utilizes concentric slip formed concrete cylinders, at least partially embedded in the soil as a sacrificial construction to dissipate the shock. A method of forming the construction by slip casting concrete shapes followed by, or simultaneously excavating the soil beneath the void between the concrete shapes to allow the cylinders to descend into the soil.

Abstract: A safety system, particularly for use with fire fighting tankers, comprising a device whereby at least part of the contents of the tank can be caused to be rapidly discharged and having a hatch for the ingress into the tank of at least one person, the hatch being capable of being sealed after the person is in the tank so that the person is isolated from the surrounding atmosphere. Preferably the tank has a layer of insulating material thereabout, which layer maintains the temperature within the tank below a dangerous level for a person therein, at least for a period equal to the likely incidence of high temperature thereon.

Abstract: An underground blast shelter for providing short and long term protection against nuclear detonations for its occupants. The shelter consists of a cell to house the occupants and a command station interfacing with the ground surface. The cell and command station are vertically and horizontally spatially separated with vertical and horizontal shafts providing communication between the two. Provision is made to give protection to the occupants from blasts, overpressure, surface fires, radiation, chemical and biological warfare agents.

Abstract: A radiation shielding door of massive concrete mounted to move parallel to a wall surface adjacent a door opening, while supported on a plurality of roller assemblies which travel along a rail mounted in the floor.

Abstract: A nuclear bomb shelter of small dimensions, buildable at low-cost and of very easily installable prefabricated structural elements, comprising an outer protective wall of cupola shape, an optional second inner wall, concentric to the first wall, and bounding a central living compartment and an air space between the two walls, suitable to house various utilities and accessories, it being possible to make the prefabricated elements e.g. of plastic material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blasting chamber; i.e. a cylindrical container or chamber (1, 2) which can contain high pressure and splinters produced by an explosion. The blasting chamber according to the invention is characterized of its low weight, which has been achieved by an at least partial double wall design with an interior part (1) which is locked up in an exterior part (2) in such a way that any increase of pressure working on the interior part is divided between primarly the jacket wall of the interior part, secondly the end walls (4, 5) thereof and thirdly the jacket wall (12) of the exterior part.

Abstract: The invention provides a nuclear blast and fall-out shelter to contain a number of persons completely enclosed for several weeks and is provided with oxygen supply means, air conditioning means, and hand operated pump for introducing external air if required, the oxygen, CO.sub.2 and CO contents all being controlled to maintain life for the occupants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a readily replaceable liner for a detonation chamber (1) intended to protect the inside of the chamber from damage when the detonation chamber is used for test firings of fragment-producing charges. The liner consists of a plurality of readily replaceable parts or sections of a few types. In the case of cylindrical detonation chambers (1), use is made primarily for protection of the mantle wall of the chamber of rectangular plates or cassettes (20) slightly cupped in one direction, which are held together by a special fitting (29) to mantle rings covering the inside of the detonation chamber wall (10). The joint between the various parts of the liner is such that a small amount of play or rattle exists between the parts. By this means, the liner is prevented from commencing to vibrate in phase with the chamber wall (10). The fundamental idea behind the invention is a readily replaceable liner capable of receiving fragments and in which only damaged parts need to be replaced.

Abstract: A tornado shelter, specially adapted for use with mobile home lots. The shelter is an underground enclosure defined by an annular sidewall and a top and bottom. The top of the enclosure has an entrance and egress passageway in communication with both the enclosure and the bottom of a mobile home. The passageway is surrounded by a flexible sidewall which is moveably attached to the top of the underground disclosure and the bottom of the mobile home. An associated collapsible stepladder allows convenient and egress. When the mobile home unit is moved, the passageway sidewall may be removed, and the shelter sealed until a new unit is moved in place.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle having a high degree of survivability against a nearby nuclear blast. The vehicle includes a chasis on which wheels or the like are mounted for movement along the earth's surface and a protective shell covering the vehicle. A skirt extends downwardly from the shell to a substantially uniform distance above the earth's surface during normal conditions. In the event of a nearby nuclear detonation, sensors on the top of the shell detect the initial flash and initiate braking, retraction of the wheels, and closure of any vents. The vehicle comes to rest on the skirts, which may include seals in contact with the earth. Blast overpressure and winds cannot leak underneath the vehicle. Overpressure on top then forces the vehicle tightly against the earth, preventing it from being overturned or blown away by the blast winds. Thereafter, the vehicle can return to its normal function, e.g. erect and launch a missile contained therein, extend the wheels and resume movement, etc.

Abstract: An armored panel construction for a shelter to defeat ballistic fragment and thermal radiation threats comprises an inner structural panel of aluminum alloy sheets bonded to a honeycomb core and an outer face panel of an aramid fiber fabric in a multi-ply resin matrix laminate. The face panel is in a specific spaced relationship to the inner structural panel such that the energy of an impacting projectile is distributed over a large area and the face panel is allowed to flex inwardly in the absorption of such energy.

Abstract: A pressurization and filter installation for shelters, notably of the substantially horizontal tubular tunnel type, comprises at least one entry-exit section communicating with a respective entry-exit airlock. This is adapted to be pressurized, in use, to a pressure higher than the normal external pressure. There is an armored door on the outside of the airlock. There is a sealed door on the inside of the airlock, controlling access to the shelter interior. The shelter interior is pressurized to a pressure higher than that in the airlock. Filter units are disposed in the airlock. Each filter unit comprises at least one absolute filter and at least one activated carbon filter. The shelter provides protection against the effects of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

Abstract: The invention deals with a spherical or almost spherical chamber or container 1 which can seal in pressure and splinters produced by explosion, deflagration or detonation of explosive substances. The chamber is constructed with an outer structural shell 2, an inner splinter protection layer 3 and an intermediate shock absorbant layer 4. Openings cut in the chamber wall are provided with equally strong outlets or are sealed with equally strong doors constructed after the same principles as the chamber.

Abstract: Manufactures, apparatus and processes for shielding the hazards of exploss, pyrotechnics and propellants during manufacture, demolition, demilitarization storage, transportation and use.

Abstract: In the production of a compression-proof shelter a semi-finished car garage is used consisting of reinforced lightweight thin concrete walls and being open at the front side. It is required that a personal living chamber is partitioned off against a filtering chamber by a compression-proof thick cross wall. If such a cross wall would be prefabricated the housing would become heavy and cannot easily be transported. Therefore only a pair of thin cross walls are installed leaving a hollow chamber therebetween. The housing is installed with all technical equipment and then is transported to the place of use and there the hollow chamber is filled with concrete avoiding any necessity to work within the housing. The cross wall can be prefabricated with all necessary technical equipment and is pushed into the housing before or after having been transported to the place of use.

Abstract: A building structure for recurrent detonation of explosive charges of up to several hundreds of kilos with the aim to obtain effective sound dampening and economical use of materials.The building comprises a tube shaped steel structure (2) with two gable walls (4,4) inside the tube and which defines an explosion chamber (6) in the center portion thereof. One or preferably both of said two gable walls are apertured by a plurality of through-going openings. A webbed wall or the like (20) is situated at least in one end portion of the tube which together with respective adjacent gable wall (4) defines one, respectively two, gable chambers (16) which are filled with a mass of stones (18) or the like. The tube shaped steel structure is positioned horizontally and freely resting on a sand bed (36) or the like and is covered along its entire length with sand (38). The building is effective to obtain a sound dampened gas discharge and a pressure relief.

Abstract: A living apparatus comprises a first reservoir within the ground surface of circular form and having a quantity of water therein. A building having a roof and a peripheral side wall of circular form is concentrically nested and spaced within said reservoir. A convex hull is peripherally connected and sealed to the bottom of said building wall and immersed within the water and floatingly projected into said reservoir, a substantial portion of said building wall extending above said ground surface. A second reservoir within the ground surface is spaced from and below said first reservoir. A drain outlet is spaced above the bottom of said first reservoir; and a conduit interconnects said outlet and said second reservoir.

Abstract: Nuclear reactor installation in underground construction having a tunnel extending from a location at the surface of the earth to an underground concrete tank includes an auxiliary tunnel extending from a branching location of the first-mentioned tunnel to a location at the surface of the earth different than that from which the first-mentioned tunnel extends, the auxiliary tunnel having a cross section smaller than that of the first-mentioned tunnel and having means disposed therein for blocking the auxiliary tunnel, the blocking means being openable during operation of the nuclear reactor installation, the first-mentioned tunnel being substantially rectilinear and being continuously closed during operation of the nuclear reactor installation between the branching location thereof and the location at the surface of the earth from which the first-mentioned tunnel extends.

Abstract: The environment of an enclosed space is controlled to simulate the conditions of an arbitrarily selected geographic site. The sound, temperature and light of the space are raised and lowered in accordance with a predetermined program to coincide with the occurrence of dawn and dusk, respectively, at the arbitrarily selected site.