Abstract: A method for extracting material and mechanical properties of a cylinder subject to expansion cause by an explosion so as to better understand the evolution of damage. The method is directed towards obtaining material and mechanical properties of the cylinder between an undeformed state and a state of deformation prior to total fracture. The method includes the steps of providing: (1) a plurality of cylinders, each of which have the same physical dimensions; (2) a plurality of charges, each of the plurality of charges having a different diameter and hence explosive force; and (3) a fluid having a shock impedance less than a shock impedance of any of the plurality of charges. The method further includes the step of placing the charges in a respective cylinders, tilling the cylinder with the fluid and detonating the charge, and recording the cylinder radial velocity during radial expansion and post-mortem material properties.

Abstract: A mobile ballistic defense shield with enhanced protection for a user includes a base frame with swivel castors to contact a ground surface, a ballistic main plate with at least one shooting port and a viewing port, the ballistic main plate affixed to the base frame and oriented to enable the main plate to extend upward from the ground surface, a ballistic foot plate pivotably mounted to a bottom portion of the ballistic main plate, and a handle affixed to the ballistic foot plate and connected to a support assembly affixed to the base frame. The handle adjusts to a first position to enable the ballistic foot plate to contact the ground surface. The handle adjusts to a second position to enable the ballistic foot plate to pivot away from the ground surface, thereby permitting the base frame to travel along the ground surface.

Abstract: An antiballistic panel includes at least a first stack and a second stack. The first stack has a plurality of first laminates made of a first kind of fibers, and the second stack has a plurality of second laminates made of a second kind of fibers. Either the first kind of fibers or the second kind of fibers has a tensile modulus in the range of 40-85 GPa measured according to ASTM D7269. The other of the first kind of fibers or the second kind of fibers has a tensile modulus in the range of 86-140 GPa measured according to ASTM D7269.

Abstract: A tire inflation cage includes a plurality of retention members that include spaced, substantially vertical upstanding members. The upstanding members are attached at their ends to a base and at a point along their outer surface to support members that extend at a substantially right angle from the base. The spaced retention members allow a tire assembly to be received therein and to be retained between a pair of tire stops for servicing of the tire. The substantially perpendicularly extending support members serve to increase the shear strength of the attachment of retention members to the base, thus preventing the retention member from separating from the base in the event that the tire assembly separates as it is being serviced in the inflation cage.

Abstract: A feedthrough includes a ceramic body mechanically joined about a perimeter to a hermetic case. The ceramic body includes a ceramic matrix and a ductile phase distributed through at least a portion of the ceramic matrix. The ductile phase increases the resistance of the ceramic matrix to crack propagation. A plurality of electrical conductors passes through the ceramic body.

Abstract: A barrier formed from a plurality of identical modular units that have an essentially planar front panel and triangular shaped top and bottom plates extending rearward from the front panel. Adjacent units are interconnected to one another at their terminal vertices by a square tubular member. A square shaped opening is formed approximately centrally through each of the triangular shaped plates. In addition, elongated linkages may be provided at about the midpoint of each side edge for purposes of interconnecting units that are positioned adjacent to another unit so as to assist in the formation of the overall barrier. The linkages provide pivotal movement between adjacent barriers through a range of angles from about 90 degrees (to provide a corner arrangement) to 180 degrees (to provide a straight wall arrangement).

Abstract: An armor apparatus and associated methods are described. In an exemplary embodiment, the armor apparatus is a laminate armor apparatus that includes two or more plates. In several exemplary embodiments, slots are formed through each of the two or more plates.

Abstract: A security screen (5) comprises: a shutter frame (6) securable in a window opening (1) in a building, with a first side facing the window and a reverse side facing away from the window inwardly of the building; a plurality of parallel blades (7) extending across the shutter frame (6), each said blade having in cross-section a shape which includes a point at each opposed edge of the blade and having a reinforcing axial member (8) extending therethrough and engaged in respective opposing sides of the shutter frame, the blades being linked together and rotatable such that rotation of one blade induces the other blades to rotate simultaneously between a closed position, in which the blades lie substantially parallel to the frame so as to form a continuous shutter, and an open position substantially normal to the closed position; and a sheet of transparent plastic material (10) mounted on the frame and extending across the frame at a predetermined distance from the edges of the blades when in the open position the

Abstract: The invention describes a transparent plastics composite composed of PMMA and TPU with excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: An armor includes a core that, in turn, includes a first layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion and a second layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion. The first layer of prismatic elements is nested into the second layer of prismatic elements. An armor includes a strike face sheet, a rear face sheet, and a core disposed between the strike face sheet and the rear face sheet. The core includes a first layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion, a second layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion, and a strain isolation layer. The first layer of prismatic elements is nested into the second layer of prismatic elements with the strain isolation layer disposed between the first layer of prismatic elements and the second layer of prismatic elements.

Abstract: A deployable security barrier system (10, 10?, 110) is formed by deploying bullet-proof or bullet-resistant barrier fence sections (26, 26?, 28, 28?). A control system which enables rapid deployment of the sections to form across a hallway or other closed area a barrier fence (30, 130) which is high enough to prevent or at least greatly impede a person from passing through or over the fence. The barrier fence (30, 130) may extend from floor to ceiling or to a fixed barrier extending downwardly from the ceiling. The barrier fence may have at least one transparent section (26a, 28a) to enable law enforcement or security persons to observe the situation on the other side of the barrier fence. The controls also permit at least partial opening of the barrier fence to enable law enforcement or security personnel to pass through it as needed. Supplemental alarm and/or distracting and/or disabling agencies may be deployed in addition to the barrier fence (30, 130).

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchanger pressure test shield to protect observers from a shell and tube heat exchanger plug ejection during a hydrostatic pressure test. The shield provides a transparent high impact resistant shield material clamped between two annular rings. This shield material is isolated from the annular rings by a flexible gasket, which allows slight movement of the shield material upon impact, which is necessary to prevent failure. The heat exchanger pressure test shield is mounted to the channel cover flange, after removal of the channel cover, with several studs passing through an adjustable slot, enabling attachment to a range of heat exchanger diameter sizes. The heat exchanger pressure test shield, with adjustable slot attachment, enables visual inspection of tube plugs during pressure testing at a lower cost, while significantly improving the safety of the observer.

Abstract: An armor includes a core that, in turn, includes a first layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion and a second layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion. The armor further includes a smart component operably associated with a component of the armor. The first layer of prismatic elements is nested into the second layer of prismatic elements.

Abstract: A door safety shield that completely overlies a door having a frame and a doorknob, replaceabley and slidably attaches to the frame of the door and not the door so as to eliminate damage to the door, and prevents unauthorized opening of the door. The door safety shield includes a sheet and bolt assemblies. The sheet completely overlies the door. The bolt assemblies are affixed to the sheet, replaceabley and slidably attach to the frame of the door and not the door so as to eliminate the damage to the door, and prevent the unauthorized opening of the door.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-functional, multi-ply material mix and device, capable of providing ballistic protection are herein presented. The device and material herein presented provide multiple electronic and ballistic functionality integrated into a soft body armor that is lighter in weight and more comfortable to wear than previously available alternatives.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy absorption system for absorbing mechanical impact energy using one or more chemicals for promoting absorption of a liquid, and optionally including one or more promoter, recovery agent, and/or viscosity adjusting agent, which allows the system to release the absorbed energy.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for physically protecting an interface on an electronic device having first and second protrusions, each having a surface. The mechanism includes first and second clamping mechanisms, a hinge assembly and a cover plate. Each clamping mechanism has a pair of blocks that are detachably fastenable together. As assembled along the protrusion surface of the device, the blocks form a channel that rigidly engages that surface. The hinge assembly forms a pivotable joint and can be removably attached to the first clamping mechanism to orient the pivotable joint substantially parallel to the interface. The cover plate can be removably attached to the hinge assembly for disposal to swing on the pivotable joint between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the cover plate securely connects to at least the second clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A security enclosure that may include at least three supports with each support secured to a surface, at least two panels with each panel installed between adjacent ones of the supports, and a locking device that may selectively permit and prevent removal of the panels. A method of securing equipment in a security enclosure that may include the steps of arranging supports around the equipment being secured, and securing the supports. The method may also include inserting a panel in the supports and inserting another panel in the supports. One panel may prevent removal of the other panel from the supports, and each of the panels may be retained between the adjacent ones of the supports.

Abstract: A multilayer backing composite for armor plate systems. One embodiment provides a ceramic layer and a bonded multilayer backing layer bonded to the ceramic layer. The backing layer can be formed from at least two layers each of alternating elastomeric interstitial layers and UHMWPE layers having an areal density in the range of about 125 to 400 g/m2. The areal density of the stack can be in the range of about 4 to 15 lbs/ft2, and specifically about 6.98 lbs/ft2. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least two UHMWPE layers nearer to the ceramic layer of the stack can have a lower areal density than at least one layer further from the ceramic layer. The ceramic layer can be SiC and 0.280? thick; each rubber layer can be about 0.01?; and each UHMWPE layer can be about 0.15?.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for storing objects to be protected from unauthorized access, particularly an automatic teller, vault (1), safe or security cabinet, comprising a housing (2) having a storage space, the housing having a rear wall, two side walls (3) disposed opposite each other, a base (4) and a top (5), wherein the base (4) and the top (5) are disposed opposite each other and connect the side walls (3) to each other, wherein the housing (2) has at least one opening (6) that can be locked using a door (7) and/or flap. In order to improve a generic container such that it is sufficiently protected from unauthorized opening by explosion, while simultaneously being constructed in a simple manner, so that a corresponding container can also be produced in a cost-effective manner, the invention provides that an absorber element (10) is disposed in the storage space.

Abstract: The fusion of a side wall may be made difficult by using a fusion-resistant material having light weight. Provided is a casing including a side wall having a multi-layer structure. In the casing, the side wall includes an outer wall, a fusion-resistant material provided at an inner side of the outer wall with a predetermined gap with respect to the outer wall, and an inner wall provided at an inner side of the fusion-resistant material with a predetermined gap with respect to the fusion-resistant material.

Abstract: A multilayer backing composite for armor plate systems. One embodiment provides a ceramic layer and a bonded multilayer backing layer bonded to the ceramic layer. The backing layer can be formed from at least two layers each of alternating elastomeric interstitial layers and UHMWPE layers having an areal density in the range of about 125 to 400 g/m2. The areal density of the stack can be in the range of about 4 to 15 lbs/ft2, and specifically about 6.98 lbs/ft2. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least two UHMWPE layers nearer to the ceramic layer of the stack can have a lower areal density than at least one layer further from the ceramic layer. The ceramic layer can be SiC and 0.280? thick; each rubber layer can be about 0.01?; and each UHMWPE layer can be about 0.15?.

Abstract: A camouflage material comprising an electromagnetic energy (EME) absorbing layer comprising an array of carbon nanotubes and a plurality of energy transmitting elements embedded within the absorbing material. The energy transmitting elements are operative to convey energy to at least a portion of an outer surface of the absorbing layer.

Abstract: A structural system that is capable of absorbing high impactive and impulsive loads comprises of the following elements: (a) Main Structure: should be one of certain types of structures such as: containments, reservoirs, tanks, storages, etc. (b) Outer Shield: an outside hardened structure fixed by an anchorage system and resting on a sliding-plane. (c) Anchorage System: a set of anchors that hold the outer shield in place and collapses if the impactive or impulsive load exceeds certain level allowing the outer shield to slide crushing the filling layer and absorbing substantial amount of energy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a blast resistant door assembly having a front surface exposed to potential explosive attack, the door assembly comprising a stack of alternating front and rear elongated flat plates, the front plates offset to the front of the panel relative to the rear plates such that only a portion of the front and rear plates overlap. A series of tension rods extends through stacked assembly, and compresses the assembly together. The door assembly may be used alone or in combination with another blast resistant panel of a different construction.

Abstract: A portable protective shield for an IED or other suspected explosive devices includes a plurality of toroidal rings clamped between a lid and a base of the shield. The device is capable of withstanding high-pressure blast waves, thermal release and/or high-velocity fragments.

Abstract: An attack-resistant window assembly that can be easily maintained without requiring the use of tools. The attack-resistant window assembly includes a slidable plate for securing the attack-resistant pane into the window assembly. The window assembly also has ballistic-resistant armor around the peripheral sides of the ballistic-resistant pane to prevent bullets from exiting the peripheral sides of the ballistic-resistant pane and coming into the space on the protected side of the window assembly.

Abstract: An armor plate for use in the ballistic protection of a structure against projectiles incoming from an expected threat direction, the plate having an outer face facing the threat direction and comprising a layer of first pellets made of ballistic material of a high density S1 and having a characteristic diameter DP, and second pellets which have a low density section with a central axis transverse to the outer face, along which the low density section at least partially extends, the low density section of the second pellets having a density S2 which is in the range 0?S2<<S1, the second pellets having an outer characteristic diameter DOUT substantially equal to the diameter DP and the low density section having an inner characteristic diameter DIN, DIN<DOUT, each second pellet being surrounded only by the first pellets.

Abstract: A portable protection system including a selectively collapsible truss for supporting a protection member. The truss is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The protection member includes at least one layer of ballistic armor material for disrupting a projectile. The truss includes suitable connectors for releasably connecting the protection member to the truss, and also suitable connectors for releasably connecting the truss to an adjoining truss so as to form a protection wall.

Abstract: A wall structure and a method for constructing the wall of a building provide protection for inhabitants of the building against ballistic projectiles impacting the wall. The wall structure includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel is a composite structure that includes a metal sheet having a first face attached to a wallboard panel. Preferably, a sheet of self-healing material is attached to a second face of the metal sheet. A cavity formed between the outer and inner panels is filled with sand or another granular material. A flexible sheet suspended in the cavity provides additional protection. Preferably, a sheet of woven para-aramid fiber such as Kevlar® brand fiber is loosely attached to the flexible sheet to provide further protection.

Abstract: A system of gravel modules to be used atop a room or other enclosure in which there is a threat of explosion. Each module has a rigid metal box frame, which contains a two layers of gravel. The lower gravel layer is screen gravel, and a layer of graded gravel is above the screen gravel. The box frame has a lower and an upper criss-cross pattern of bridge cable. A stack of wire mesh and other supporting material is laid over the lower bridge cable to support the screen gravel, and more wire mesh is laid over the screen gravel to support the graded gravel. The depths and grades of gravel are selected according to the type potential explosion, in terms of explosive fragment sizes and the nature of any expanding gases.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a protective armor system includes first and second armor layers separated by a gap. The second armor layer has a hardness that is less the first armor layer. The protective shield is configured to disperse energy of a shaped charge, such as the energy within a penetrator generated by an explosively formed penetrator (EFP).

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of metallically encapsulated ceramic armor through the use of low pressure processing methods in autoclave furnaces or brazing furnaces.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture through diffusion bonding of metallically encapsulated ceramic armor providing enhanced ballistic efficiency and physical durability.

Abstract: A portable protection system including a selectively collapsible truss for supporting a protection member. The truss is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The protection member includes at least one layer of ballistic armor material for disrupting a projectile. The truss includes suitable connectors for releasably connecting the protection member to the truss, and also suitable connectors for releasably connecting the truss to an adjoining truss so as to form a protection wall.

Abstract: A method and device for protecting a surface. The device includes modular spaced armor assemblies having a ceramic face plate, a composite backing plate, and a lightweight low-density module therebetween. The modular spaced armor assemblies may be tiled to form a protective arrangement for protecting a desired surface. The lightweight low-density module includes one or more gas filled cavities.

Abstract: A cementitious armor panel assembly including cementitious armor panel with ballistic and blast resistant properties attached to a frame structure to produce a protective structure. The cementitious armor panels have a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of an inorganic cement binder, an inorganic mineral filler having a particle size of about 150-450 microns, a pozzolanic mineral filler, a polycarboxylate based superplasticizer self-leveling agent, and water. The mixture may also contain alkanolamine, and acid or acid salt. Prior to curing, the continuous phase is reinforced with fiber uniformly distributed in the continuous phase before it is cured to form the panel. The panel may be reinforced with a skin attached to at least one surface of the panel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ballistic shielding and protective armor; and more particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to improved methods and systems for ballistic deflection and protection through dynamic armor and/or the like.

Abstract: A portable ballistic shield is disclosed. The portable ballistic shield is contoured to conform to an individual's body and may be integrated with a rucksack and frame to provide protection to the user's back and torso while still allowing the user substantially unobstructed access to all parts of the rucksack. The portable ballistic shield may also provide rigidity for the rucksack, eliminating the need for a rucksack frame. The portable ballistic shield may also comprise a shape allowing for the user to concurrently utilize an assault rifle or other firearm. During times of hostility, the user may deploy the shield from the rucksack in a minimal amount of time in order to protect the user from oncoming gunfire or shrapnel.

Abstract: Vehicle armor includes a body panel of the vehicle having a stressed skin construction with an inside surface and an outside surface. A liner overlies the inside surface of the body panel and a particle-filled elastomer overlies the outside surface of the body panel. Thin, single-layer steel tiles overlie the elastomer layer, with the tiles each having a hardened outer side and a non-hardened inner side.

Abstract: A system of gravel modules to be used atop a room or other enclosure in which there is a threat of explosion. Each module has a rigid metal box frame, which contains a two layers of gravel. The lower gravel layer is screen gravel, and a layer of graded gravel is above the screen gravel. The box frame has a lower and an upper criss-cross pattern of bridge cable. A stack of wire mesh and other supporting material is laid over the lower bridge cable to support the screen gravel, and more wire mesh is laid over the screen gravel to support the graded gravel. The depths and grades of gravel are selected according to the type potential explosion, in terms of explosive fragment sizes and the nature of any expanding gases.

Abstract: A security apparatus for a work object, the security apparatus having an enclosure adapted to be mounted in proximity to the work object in at least partially obscuring relation thereto; and a portion mounted on the enclosure for imparting at least limited visual observation of the work object through the enclosure for operation of the work object.

Abstract: A portable protection system including a selectively collapsible truss for supporting a protection member. The truss is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The protection member includes at least one layer of ballistic armor material for disrupting a projectile. The truss includes suitable connectors for releasably connecting the protection member to the truss, and also suitable connectors for releasably connecting the truss to an adjoining truss so as to form a protection wall.

Abstract: Lightweight, ballistic resistant articles are provided. More particularly, armor structures incorporating two or more spaced apart, ballistic resistant panels, having superior impact and ballistic performance at a light weight. The panels are spaced by air or by an intermediate material.

Abstract: A shield for shielding structures, vehicles and personnel from a projectile and/or an explosive blast generally includes a substantially planar shield plate adapted for attachment to a structure to provide protection to the structure. The shield plate includes a chassis having an interior surface facing the structure and an opposite outer surface, and a ballistic liner disposed on the outer surface of the chassis such that the chassis is more proximal the structure than the ballistic liner. The ballistic liner has an exterior surface facing the exterior environment.

Abstract: Barriers and methods of obstructing apertures. One embodiment provides a temporary barrier that includes a bag, a fluid source, and a shear thickening fluid. The bag is made of fabric and can expand (e.g. inflate) via the fluid source which is in communication with the bag. The shear thickening fluid permeates the fabric of the bag and has two states. In the first state the shear thickening fluid allows the fabric to be flexible. In the second state the shear thickening fluid causes the fabric to be inflexible. To cause the shear thickening fluid to transition to the second state a shear must be present in the shear thickening fluid. A material that is capable of reacting to form a gas may be in communication with the fluid source to provide a gas to expand the bag. A deflation valve may also be included in the barrier.

Abstract: A structural system that is capable of absorbing high impactive and impulsive loads comprises of the following elements: (a) Main Structure: should be one of certain types of structures such as: containments, reservoirs, tanks, storages, etc. (b) Crushable Filling Layer: a layer made of crushable, thermally isolating and fire resisting material surrounding the outer walls of the main structure and filling a space between the main structure and an outer shield. (c) Outer Shield: an outside hardened structure fixed by an anchorage system and resting on a sliding-plane. (d) Anchorage System: a set of anchors that hold the outer shield in place and collapses if the impactive or impulsive load exceeds certain level allowing the outer shield to slide crushing the filling layer and absorbing substantial amount of energy.

Abstract: Armor for a vehicle comprises a grid of bars, at least the majority of the bars being formed from carbon fiber. The carbon fiber bars may be pultruded and some of the bars may be metallic.

Abstract: Lightweight, ballistic resistant articles are provided. More particularly, armor structures incorporating two or more spaced apart, ballistic resistant panels, having superior impact and ballistic performance at a light weight. The panels are spaced by air or by an intermediate material.

Abstract: A personal safety device for protection from a firearm attack includes a conventional accessory item adapted for use other than as a personal safety device and a bullet resistant panel that is integrated into the conventional accessory item. The conventional accessory item may take the form of a clipboard, a backpack or other item. Integration of the panel with the selected item is conducted in such a manner as to cause the panel to be placed in the path of fire when a person engages in natural defensive posturing. The clipboard is provided with a light, multiple spring clips and a suitably sized handle to encourage proper grasp of the clipboard for the intended purpose.