Abstract: In certain embodiments, a hose includes an inner tube, a filler material, and an outer cover. The inner tube has a cross-sectional shape and includes a cavity for transporting a substance. The filler material is provided around an outer periphery of the inner tube. The filler material includes a self-sealing material or a self-healing material. The outer cover is provided around an outer periphery of the filler material such that the filler material is between the outer cover and the inner tube. The outer cover has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A self-healing shield panel for protecting a spacecraft against High Velocity Particles (HVPs). The self-healing shield includes an exterior layer and an interior layer connected to define a cavity which contains a dilatant fluid with a plurality of spheroids. The kinetic energy from HVP impact is dispersed by the plurality of spheroids and absorbed by the dilatant fluid. The plurality of spheroids within the cavity move to block a puncture hole in the shield.

Abstract: A self-heating and self-sealing bladder comprising of a fuel and water resistant layer overlaid on a mold; an adhesive tack layer overlaid on the fuel and water resistant layer; a first fabric reinforcement layer overlaid on the adhesive tack layer; a microballoon powder, water containing microspheres, and reactive salt powders disposed in a plurality of pouches such that upon activation the microballoon powder and the reactive salt powders come in contact with the water and react to create a formulation that results in heat and expansion, thus a self-sealing capability; and, a second fabric reinforcement layer overlaid the plurality of pouches.

Abstract: A fuel container having walls defining a space in which fuel is to be contained, a layer of deformable material bonded to the external surfaces of the container walls, and a self-sealing layer of fuel-activated swellable material bonded to the deformable material, wherein said self-sealing layer is a latex foam, in particular a natural rubber latex foam, comprising a non-ionic associative thickener as rheology modifier and optionally other additives such as foam enhancers, foam stabilizers, accelerators and vulcanization components.

Abstract: A container includes first and second hollow shells respectively including first and second inner surfaces to receive a portion of a pressure vessel (PV). The first hollow shell includes a fiber layer that is and at least partially impregnated with resin, and an energy dissipating material that is substantially concentric with the first inner surface and disposed between the first inner surface and the fiber layer. The second hollow shell includes a fiber layer that is at least partially impregnated with resin, and an energy dissipating material that is substantially concentric with the second inner surface and disposed between the second inner surface and the second fiber layer. The first and second hollow shells are attachable to one another to define a volume for at least partially enclosing the PV.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid storage system comprising a tank for containing a liquid, said tank enclosing a liquid storage space, and a plurality of spaced apart protrusions extending from an internal surface of the tank into the liquid storage space. The protrusions are resistant to deformation and deflection caused by shockwaves within a liquid in the tank resulting from impact of a projectile with the tank, for example, the protrusions may be rigid and be polygonal prisms in shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a missile structural wall, in particular for a thermal protection fairing. The structural wall of a missile, in particular of a protective fairing of the missile, comprises a structural part provided with an outer surface and an inner surface, as well as comprising, at least at a front end of the structural part, an outer thermal protection layer on the outer surface and an inner thermal protection layer on the inner surface, the inner layer being made from a material having a density that is between 2 and 20 times lower than that of the material of the outer layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a protective casing are provided. In at least one embodiment, a protective casing includes a flexible insulation layer configured to inhibit thermal energy from conducting from an external side of the flexible insulation layer to an internal side of the flexible insulation layer. The protective casing also includes a microlattice layer abutting the internal side of the flexible insulation layer, the microlattice layer configured to distribute thermal energy that passes through the flexible insulation layer substantially throughout the microlattice layer. Further, the protective casing includes a heat absorbing material that impregnates the microlattice layer, the heat absorbing material configured to absorb the thermal energy in the microlattice layer.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a process for production of a water-absorbing article including a substrate and a coating film formed on the substrate and formed of a water-absorbing urethane resin is characterized in that: the process comprises an application step of applying a coating liquid to the substrate; the application step includes a step of supplying the coating liquid from a nozzle disposed above the substrate to a surface of the substrate conveyed horizontally; the coating liquid includes a solid matter and a solvent; the solid matter includes a mixture of a polyisocyanate, a polyol having ethylene oxide and a hydrophobic polyol; a concentration of the solid matter in the coating liquid is adjusted within a range from 5 to 30% in mass; and a viscosity of the coating liquid is adjusted within a range from 1 to 3 mPa·s.

Abstract: A method, and a self-sealing, layer-effect, stealth-reaction liner, for sealing against fuel leakage from the wound-punctured wall of an FT synthetic liquid fuel container. The liner includes (a) an elastomeric body defined by spaced, opposite faces, formed of a material which is non-reactive to FT fuel, and (b) nominally shrouded in a region within the liner body, inwardly of the faces, a distribution of liquid-imbiber beads which react to contact with FT fuel to initiate liquid-imbibing and material-swelling actions. The method includes (a) preparing, for installation in such a container, a liner with a non-fuel-reactive, substantially continuous-material elastomeric body having opposite faces, and (b) within that body, a non-facially exposed, normally body-shrouded, central distribution of fuel-reactive liquid-imbiber beads.

Abstract: A bulk, generally elastomeric and pliable, layered mat formed to permit selective trimming into size-chosen mat trims/tiles, each of which is structured to perform as a self-puncture(wound)-sealing, defined-liquid-reactive, anti-puncture-leakage coating element applicable bondedly to the outside surface of a selected wall in a container holding the defined-liquid. The mat is made by preparing it as a generally elastomeric, pliable, layered arrangement of coatings formed of self-puncture-healing, defined-liquid-reactive, anti-puncture-leakage material, or materials; and is applied for use in relation to a selected container wall by (1) trimming, from the prepared mat, one or more trims/tiles shaped for specific use on the outside surface of that wall; and (2) applying and surface-bonding the one or more trims/tiles to the outside surface of the selected wall.

Abstract: Barrier structure placeable as a projectile-disabling, anti-liquid-leakage protective shield for the outside surface of a container designed to hold liquid of a certain nature including (a) a first-type (innermost) layer formed as an expanse of high-elastomeric material which is substantially fully self-healing via elastomeric behavior with regard to a piercing projectile wound, (b) a second-type (intermediate) layer disposed adjacent one side of the first-type layer as an expanse including a body of substantially the same high-elastomeric material in which there is contained a distribution of liquid-imbiber beads which react, and expand three-dimensionally in relation, to contact with liquid of the mentioned certain nature, and (c) a third-type (outermost) layer disposed adjacent the second-type layer, and formed as an expanse of substantially the same high-elastomeric material employed in the first- and second-type layers.

Abstract: Barrier structure placeable as an anti-fuel-leak coating on the outside surface of a liquid container. This coating includes a first-type layer structure formed of a high-elongation-capable elastomer which also is capable of imbibing container leakage liquid, and of swelling in the process, and a second-type layer structure disposed adjacent one side of the first-type layer structure, composite in nature, and possessing bead-like components entrained in the same elastomer employed in first-type layer structure, with these entrained components structured also to be imbibers of leakage container liquid, and to expand on imbibing such liquid. Also disclosed is methodology which involves applying to the outside surface of such a container a coating possessing cooperative, penetration-sealing characteristics including (a) elastic elongatability before breakage within a range of about 300–400%, and (b) leakage-liquid-contact swelling, accompanied by leakage-liquid/coating contact-triggered coagulation.

Abstract: A method for safely handling unstable hydrides, such as germane, in an enclosure which has one or more openings, by partitioning the enclosure into smaller but interconnected volumes and providing heat storage and transfer within the enclosure to rapidly remove heat from any incipient hot spot before it can reach a temperature where it could rapidly propagate to the rest of the enclosure. A preferred embodiment includes where the partitioning material comprises part or all of the means to store the heat and has a large surface area to rapidly adsorb heat from the gases in the smaller volume. An even more preferred embodiment is where the partitioning material comprises materials that can be poured into the enclosure. The use of sensible heat, phase change or chemical reactions are feasible ways to store the heat.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly contains a supply of volatile fuel in a collapsible container having a highly compliant wall movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration so as to follow and conform closely to the supply of volatile fuel within the container as the fuel is withdrawn from and replenished in the supply, the wall having a composite construction including a fluid filler material contained within a highly flexible envelope such that the composite construction of the wall enables expansion of the container toward the expanded configuration in response to the replenishment of fuel in the container to conform to and contain the supply of volatile fuel, and enables collapse of the container in response to the withdrawal of fuel from the container, toward the collapsed configuration, with the wall continuously and closely conforming to the supply of fuel within the container as fuel is withdrawn from and replenished within the container, thereby deterring the formation of fuel vapor with

Abstract: A method for disposing of radioactive material in a disposal area, which is accessible from the surface through a wellbore which contains a wellbore fluid. The method comprises the steps of: encapsulating the radioactive material within a container, placing the container in the wellbore, passing the container through the wellbore to the disposal area, and equalizing the differential pressure between the wellbore pressure and internal pressure within the container as the capsule descends within the wellbore, prior to the differential pressure reaching a magnitude which would exceed a design collapse rating of the container.

Abstract: A protective device for a container containing toxic or hazardous materia includes a shell, a mechanism positioned in the shell for sealing a puncture in the container so as to prevent release of the toxic materials from the container and a mechanism for attaching the shell to the container.

Abstract: A protective composite liner for installation inside a vessel, such as a supertanker, is proposed with an outer layer of high strength fibers, a middle layer of flexible, high strength, resilient film material, and an inner chemical resistant layer. Means for anchoring the protective composite liner and sensor means for detecting a leak are further provided for use with the liner of the present invention.

Abstract: A leakage prevention system, to be used in combination with a liquid storage and transportation tank, which is comprised primarily of a puncture proof bladder disposed along the inner surface of a tank and constructed so as to be flexible and liquid impervious. The puncture proof bladder is securely fastened to the upper surface of the tank and is connected at a flanged aperture to a means for containing and redistributing overflow that may result from impact to the puncture proof bladder.

Abstract: A damage-resistant containment device includes a high strength fiber covering the surface of the container and an elastomeric matrix supporting the fiber and bonding the fiber to the surface of the container. The device and method provide a damage-resistant polyolefin container which may be used to transport hazardous fluids by vehicles, such as trucks, on publicly used thoroughfares.

Abstract: A bag or similar portable container having a wall or walls surrounding an internal space accessible through an opening (4) in the bag, the wall or walls incorporating or being lined with one or more layers (6) of high tensile strength and high stretch resistance material such as to be capable of resisting penetration by a bullet. Preferably, a single multi-layer sheet (6) is used to form the wall or walls (9) by folding the sheet at the corners (32), thereby avoiding joins that would be vulnerable to penetration. Preferably, the penetration resistant material (6) is backed up by one or more layers (11) of an impact absorbing material, such as polycarbonate sheet material and foamed plastics material. The layers of penetration resistance material (6) and impact absorbing material (11) may be separately formed as removable inserts that are used to line the bag.

Abstract: Closed pressurized storage vessels for holding liquefied gases and their vapors under high pressure at ambient temperature are provided on the interior surface with a covering of porous heat-conductive material, e.g. heat-conductive expanded metal foil for reducing or avoiding the risk of BLEVE of the vessel on accidental exposure of the vessel to a fire hazard. The filling serves to delay rise in temperature of the wall of the vessel, thus delaying weakening of the wall to the point where it may rupture under the increased internally-generated pressure.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder is placed between the wall of an aircraft inlet duct nd the liquid fuel to reduce the potential damage caused by hydrodynamic ram effects from a projectile penetrating the fuel tank. The inflatable bladder is inflated by a regulated gas source prior to combat. The inflatable bladder may be formed as a double layered section of a rubber bladder fuel cell type fuel tank, or an inflatable bladder may be bonded to the inner surface of an integral fuel tank wall.

Abstract: A shock resistant fuel tank comprises a plurality of cylindrical cells supported within a frame over which an impervious enclosing shell is stretched.

Abstract: A container having flexible walls. One or more layers of a high-strength load-carrying member are provided, with the member including meandering, aromatic, polyamide cords, with a cover material having a relatively slight adhesion to the cord. Where several layers of load-carrying members are provided, the meandering cords are angularly shifted so that the cords of one layer cross the cords of another layer.

Abstract: A wing structure for controlling hydrodynamic ram and which includes a substructure having a plurality of individual cells each with a respective boundary, a composite skin disposed on the substructure, and perforations disposed through the composite skin which define a plurality of sections in the composite skin such that each section of the plurality of sections of the composite skin is disposed within the confines of each respective boundary of each of the plurality of individual cells of the substructure so that each section of the plurality of sections of the composite skin forms a blow off panel for relieving pressure created by hydrodynamic ram in a respective individual cell of the plurality of individual cells of the substructure.

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: An aircraft safety fuel tank is provided and consists of a safety seal fuel filler neck secured to an inlet opening of a housing, a quick coupling engine fuel line holder secured to an outlet opening of the housing, a protective covering wrapped around the housing and at least one strap for supporting the tank to the aircraft.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank of the collapsible type that has an elongate body with a liner and cover that sandwich a twined reinforcement. The body has an intermediate tubular portion with a reinforcement arranged to allow radial growth. Two opposite end portions are interconnected by the tubular body and are reinforced with twined cords that generally radially enforce such end portions. An outlet is provided in one of the end portions.

Abstract: An attache case constructed to serve as a protective shield against bullet fired from handguns, the case having separate and relatively movable top and bottom sections with the top section including a flexible sidewall with a pouch holding an armor plate releasably attached to the exterior side of the sidewall. A pair of hand straps are attached to the bottom section of the case.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank subject to penetration by projectiles that is improved by virtue of being a segmented container having a frangible liner secured to one internal wall of the fuel container thereby forming an auxiliary tank. Damage caused by hydrodynamic ram effects by a projectile penetrating the main tank is minimized by the rupturing and/or distortion of the frangible liner.

Abstract: A protective laminate has high impact and heat resistance suitable for use as an exterior shield for missile structures and substructures. The laminate includes one or more outer plies of a resin-impregnated woven fabric made from high tensile strength fibers in which a majority of the fibers in each ply extend in the same direction. The laminate also includes one or more sub-plies of a resin-impregnated woven fabric made from high tensile strength fibers woven in a generally uniform pattern. Each of the sub-plies is coated with a separate layer of finely divided hollow microspheres. The woven fabric plies overlie one another and the resin system bonds the plies together at the interface between them to form the protective laminate. In one embodiment the fibers are aramid fibers and the resin system contains an elastomer to bind the fabric plies together in a rubbery matrix. The microspheres are crushable to absorb energy upon impact.

Abstract: An inner wall for a self-sealing fuel tank in which the inner wall is provided with a plurality of fronds bonded at one end to the wall, the fronds facing towards the inside of the tank such that on penetration of the wall of the tank by a projectile the fronds are carried by the surge of escaping fuel through the wall to become entangled in the hole and choke off escaping fuel.

Abstract: A container for hazardous material has an outer shell, an inner cylindrical tank for hazardous material, resilient filler material between the shell and the tank, flexible, impervious diaphragms fixed within the tank and extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tank to provide chambers adjacent each end of the tank, and an arrangement to pressurize and de-pressurize the chambers. The flexible, impervious diaphragms act as an energy absorbent in case the container is subjected to a sudden load and in addition the diaphragms allow for thermal expansion or contraction of the hazardous material in the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fabrication technique for, and the structure of, a flexible self-sealing fuel tank having a preactivated sealant constructed by laying-up over an innerliner, positioned on a form, prefabricated panels having a self-sealant member stitched into a rubber-coated outer wrap.

Abstract: A flexible, fabric-reinforced, complex-shaped container comprises a fabric reinforcement material and at least one facing layer of a polymeric or elastomeric material, said fabric comprised of yarns capable of changing their effective lengths upon being shaped to a complex mold configuration and thereafter maintained in that shaped condition by curing of the composite material. The method of the invention comprises applying a differential pressure to the fabric reinforced composite in a concave mold having the desired complex configuration to move the composite into the mold cavities as the effective length of the yarns change to conform to the mold and thereafter curing of the composite so as to set the composite to the mold shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fabrication technique for, and the structure of, a flexible self-sealing fuel tank having a preactivated sealant constructed by laying-up over an innerliner, positioned on a form, prefabricated panels having a self-sealant member stitched into a rubber-coated outer wrap.

Abstract: A composite or metal baffel system around a fuel tank collapses after punre from an explosive round. The collapse is caused by the overpressure that follows penetration. The collapse delays fuel leakage until the incendiary effect of the explosive round is passed. The delay of fuel leakage is caused by the time it takes for fuel to follow a serpentine path through the collapsed baffel system.

Abstract: A fuel tank largely filled with a plurality of discrete impermeably walled cells, the cells and the space between them and the tank sides and roof being substantially filled with fire protective reticulated structure. The cells are each plugged into one of a plurality of fuel collection networks, via non-return valves which prevent return flow of the fuel into the cells. The region between the cells and the tank walls is arranged to receive incoming fuel which then flows from the ullage into the cells, and, by means of a self switching pump, is also arranged to empty preferentially. The purpose of the invention is to minimize fuel loss and fuel fire in the event of a tank rupture.

Abstract: An improved inflammable liquid safety tank comprising a double walled tank body with the tank walls being interconnected by support plates. An intermediate container is formed by the inner wall structure of the tank and is adapted to hold inflammable liquid. A pressurized gas bottle is threadably mounted to a sleeve secured to and extending into the intermediate container. The pressurized gas bottle is selectively connected to the intermediate container to pressurize liquid held in the intermediate container. The pressurized gas bottle also communicates with the tank to pressurize a foam, nonflammable fluid, or cleaning agent placed in the chamber or outer compartment defined by the outer wall structure of the intermediate container and the inner wall structure of the tank body so that the foam, fluid or agent will be expelled from the tank if the tank wall is accidentally punctured. The outer compartment is preferably pressurized at a lower pressure than the intermediate container.

Abstract: In the walls of a fire resistant enclosure such as a cabinet for storing heat sensitive, valuable goods or a room or shelter in a building in which persons can find refuge in the event of a fire, hollow bodies of large area contain substances which melt at a temperature which is still acceptable to the contents of the cabinet or physiologically acceptable to the persons in the room or shelter. The invention also provides various appliances for alleviating conditions in a said room or shelter, for providing a breathing air supply at an acceptable temperature for persons trapped therein and for facilitating the evacuation of persons therefrom, all such appliances involving the use of substances adapted to absorb heat from their environment by utilizing the latent heat of fusion of the substances.

Abstract: An external, aircraft fuel tank constructed to be crashworthy or to withstand a crash from flight without rupturing the outer, rigid walls thereof. The fuel tank includes bulkheads arranged in the tank adjacent to but spaced from the end sections and defined to be yieldably responsive to fluid pressures above normal operating pressures for dissipating the kinetic energy of the fluid without rupturing the outer, rigid walls of the tank.