Abstract: Armor includes a projectile impermeable material layer and a shock stiffening layer. The shock stiffening layer has opposing shock stiffening sublayers wherein each shock stiffening sublayer has a plurality of shock stiffening sublayer elements. The plurality of shock stiffening sublayer elements of opposed shock stiffening sublayers are interdigitated. The armor includes a foam layer wherein the shock stiffening layer is positioned between the foam layer and the projectile impermeable material layer. The plurality of shock stiffening sublayer elements of opposed shock stiffening sublayers may momentarily or permanently fuse in response to a projectile's impact. The shock stiffening layer spreads the energy laterally, thereby effectively mitigating the transfer of kinetic energy from a ballistic projectile directly to a region to be protected.

Abstract: A ballistic shield has a handle to allow for one arm deployment. The shield also includes an integral window and a firearm mounted to the shield that may be dischargeably operated in its mounted position. Optionally, a second firearm at a different orientation from the first firearm, and/or other weapons or accessories may be mounted to the shield.

Abstract: Protection against blast and ballistic damage is improved by encapsulating or sandwiching rigid inclusions (for example, tiles) or a rigid plate by a high-strain rate hardening elastomer. Typical high-strain rate hardening elastomers include polyurea and polyurethane. If desired, the inclusion or plate may be wrapped in a cloth and/or fabric before encapsulation/sandwiching. The armor may be used independently of a substrate or may be attached by any means to a substrate that it is intended to protect.

Abstract: Flexible body armor formed from flexible composites which have improved knife-stab resistance. The body armor is formed from composites which include layers of a fabric base, formed from high tenacity fibers, and a rubber layer bonded to the fabric base. A thermoplastic bonding layer may be used to bond the fabric and rubber layers together. To provide ballistic resistance, the body armor may also include a ballistic resistant composite of a network of high tenacity fibers.

Abstract: A projectile resistant device for use in armor includes a ceramic component; and at least a first component adhered to the ceramic component on at least one side thereof. Preferably the first component is a woven carbon fabric that is adhered to the back surface of the ceramic component. The projectile resistant device can further include at least a second component adhered to the front surface of the ceramic component. The second component preferably comprises a woven carbon fabric. The projectile resistant device can also include a retention layer adhered to the front surface of the second component. At least a portion of the retention layer extends around the edges of the second component, the ceramic component, and the first component and is adhered to the back surface of the first component. Preferably the retention layer is a woven fiberglass.

Abstract: Structure, methodology and performance involving and utilizing body armor strand material which includes an elongate strand body possessing elongate brittle ceramic surface structure, elongate ductile core structure disposed within that surface structure, and elongate brittle/ductile transition structure operatively interposed and joining the surface and core structures. Methodology includes the steps of preparing a defined mass of elongate ceramic-surfaced, ductile-cored strand elements, each including, along the outside of its length, elongate, sharp-angular edges, and placing that mass in the impact path of such a projectile in a manner whereby edges in the strands face the projectile impact path.

Abstract: Soft armor is disclosed. The soft armor comprises an armor structure having a threat side and an inner side inward of the threat side. The armor structure is formed from soft armor material, and the armor structure is substantially imperforable by rifle fire.

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: An armor assembly for protecting a body disposed behind said armor assembly, wherein the armor assembly comprises at least one layer of material made of an essentially brittle material, said layer extending slanted relative the expected trajectory of an oncoming firearm projectile.

Abstract: A cup-shaped protective body armour (10) to give impact protection is in the form of an outer skin (11) and a honeycomb lining (13) formed integrally with each other of a substantially non-deformable material. The honeycomb lining (13) is on the concave face (12) of the outer skin (11) and is formed by hexagonal cells (14) bounded by walls (15) upstanding from the outer skin (11) in common direction parallel with the central perpendicular (P) to the outer skin (11). A variation in thickness of the outer skin (11) provides fold lines (16) free from walls (15) of the honeycomb lining (13) extending across the body armour (10) to facilitate the conforming of the body armour (10) to the contours or a person wearing it. In addition, wedge-shaped cuts (17) extend along a portion of a fold line (16) from the outer edge (18) of the body armour (10).

Abstract: A bullet-resistant defensive device is disclosed made up of layers of bullet resistant material layered together and connected along their peripheral edge on a frame to form a planar shield. The shield so formed works such that a bullet striking the shield causes the layered bullet resistant material to flex thereby dissipating the force of the bullet, the material when it stretches transfers the force of the bullet from a shear mode to a tensile mode. One preferred embodiment incorporates the invention into a clipboard box for use by police officers for protecting against head, neck and hand wounds from handguns fired at close range from vehicles. The hand-held, bullet resistant clipboard box holds documents and writing implements, and the bullet-resistant material is located within the clipboard box interior cavity and configured for catching a fired bullet before it can pass through the entire clipboard.

Abstract: A portable ballistic shield for use by civilian and military SWAT teams that provides both mobile and stationary cover, protection and a shooting platform for sniper and observer teams deployed behind the shield includes a rectangular-shaped planar member having a front surface that can include camouflage patterns, a rear surface and a lower edge having a rubber strip attached thereto for stabilizing the ballistic shield when disposed on the supporting surface. A centrally located gun slot is cut out adjacent the upper edge of the planar member and pivotally mounted to the rear surface is a pair of support legs for supporting the planar member. A slip-on camouflage cover is provided for covering at least the front surface so that the camouflage pattern can be adapted to suit the terrain and environment, such as urban, desert and midnight blue, where the shield is being deployed.

Abstract: An armor, especially a body armor has at least one layer and preferably a multiplicity of layers of a woven ballistic fabric with titanium beads or disks threaded onto the yarns at the crossovers to serve as a projectile shredders. The titanium beaded fabric layers may be used in conjunction with other ballistic fabrics and armor designed to catch and trap resultant projectile fragments in a body armor or other type of shield or armor.

Abstract: A momentum trap ballistic armor comprises an accelerating layer, a plug layer adjacent to the accelerating layer, and an energy absorbing layer. The plug layer includes an opening and at least one plug maintained within the opening. When a projectile impacts the accelerating layer, the plug is accelerated to the velocity of the projectile before the projectile perforates the plug, forming a projectile-plug combination. The energy absorbing layer is used to capture the projectile-plug combination. The accelerating layer is typically ceramic, the plug layer is typically metal, and the energy absorbing layer is typically ballistic cloth material.

Abstract: An inflatable body armor system has one or more body armor sections adapted to be worn by a user. Each body armor section includes (i) a inflatable flexible/sealable plenum, (ii) a ballistic armor fabric encasing the plenum, and (iii) a variety of lines, shaped objects and/or fabric sheets dispersed in the plenum to alter the trajectory of a projectile entering the plenum.

Abstract: An unfinished reinforced multilayer fabric (11), able to produce a finished reinforced multilayer fabric (18) which includes an initial layer (12) of threads (13) parallel with each other, superimposed, with the interpositioning of a binding layer (14) on at least a second layer (12) of threads (13), these also being basically parallel with each other, where the threads (13) of the first layer (12) are set in various directions with respect to the threads (13) of the second layer (12) and the two layers (12) are also joined by a large number of binding threads (15), made of a thermoplastic, or thermosetting type material, or of a material which is water-soluble or soluble in a suitable solvent.

Abstract: A land mine pressure fuse avoidance system has a base. A tread on the base contacts the ground around a land mine and independently distributes pressures around the ground. The tread has plural independent closed cell foam rubber elements. Each element is separated from adjacent elements for independently supporting only a portion of a load on the base, while other similarly independent elements support remaining portion of the load. The base is a cylindrical tire, a continuous track, a shoe sole attachment or a robotic foot, and the tread is conformed to and extends outward from the base. The independent elements of the tread are made of closed cell foam rubber formed as a tread on the base with notches between adjacent elements of the tread. Notches extend longitudinally along the tread, and notches extend across the tread, forming block shaped elements extending from the base.

Abstract: A ballistic shield formed of ballistic material is provided with side wing sections and a central section adjustably secured to one another. A support/handle is provided adjacent a shallow V-groove along the upper margin of the shield for mounting and grasping the forward end of a barrel of a long gun with one hand, enabling the individual to support the shield and in part the long gun by one hand. The individual's opposite hand is free to operate the long gun. A strap is connected to the shield and carried by the individual in he hand supporting the shield and the long gun. Thus, the hand that supports the shield also supports the long gun.

Abstract: A ballistic body armor and dehumidification system includes a flexible carrier containing a watertight sealed pouch which itself contains a desiccant and a stack of substantially vertical layers of ballistic material whose performance degrades under certain conditions in the presence of moisture. The watertight sealed pouch is mounted into the carrier so as to cover a portion of a user's body. The desiccant is mounted into the pouch so that either it is, or its effect is, distributed uniformly across the ballistic material to uniformly reduce the humidity level within the pouch.

Abstract: A composite armor 10 and method for making it. The armor 10 has a honeycomb core 12 that is provided with polygonal openings 14 and oppositely facing sides 16, 18. Inserts 20 are placed within at least some of the openings. A pair of sheets 22, 24 are respectively secured to the oppositely facing sides of the honeycomb core to close the openings, thereby containing fracture debris after impact, and to provide reinforcement. One method of making the composite armor includes: providing a honeycomb core having polygonal openings; adhering a sheet to cover the polygonal openings that are located on one side of the honeycomb core; at least partially filling at least some of the openings with a resin; placing one or more inserts within at least some of the openings; and adhering a front sheet to the oppositely facing side of the honeycomb core. A preferred manufacturing practice involves resin infusion.

Abstract: A sheet of ballistic-resistant fiber strands includes a bi-directional array of bonding fibers interwoven with the ballistic-resistant fibers to form a fiber panel. In one embodiment, a sheet of laminated ballistic-resistant fibers is joined to the first sheet of laminated ballistic-resistant fibers with the ballistic-resistant fibers running in a second direction as compared to the first fibers. In yet another embodiment, individual laminated sheets of ballistic-resistant fibers are stitched together to form packets of sheets that may be used singularly or bundled together.

Abstract: A ballistic shield may include a first ballistic plate that includes a ballistic material. A second ballistic plate may also include the ballistic material. The second ballistic plate may be connected to a side of the first ballistic plate so that the first ballistic plate and the second ballistic plate may fold together to substantially overlap. A gap may exist between the first ballistic plate and the second ballistic plate when not folded together. An overlapping ballistic section may include the ballistic material. The overlapping ballistic section may be connected to the first ballistic plate and/or the second ballistic plate so that the overlapping ballistic section covers the gap between the first ballistic plate and the second ballistic plate.

Abstract: Silicon infiltration technology is used to produce ceramic bodies having utility as ballistic armor. In a first aspect of the invention, the ballistic armor includes a reaction-bonded silicon carbide body (RBSC). Good ballistic performance can be advanced by loading the permeable mass or preform to be infiltrated to a high degree with one or more hard fillers, and by limiting the size of the largest particles making up the mass. In a second aspect, the silicon infiltration technology, e.g., siliconizing or reaction-bonding, is used to bond silicon carbide fibers to at least the back surface of a ceramic armor body, thereby enhancing ballistic stopping power. A third aspect of the invention pertains to the ability to engineer RBSC bodies such that there is little dimensional change during processing, thereby permitting high dimensional reproducibility in large-scale production.

Abstract: A lightweight ballistic resistant materials and method of making the same are provided. The material includes at least two layers of penetration resistant material intermittently connected to form areas of connection between the material and much larger areas of material where there is no connection between the adjacent layers. The intermittently connected material may be used as a component of composite ballistic panels or may be utilized alone to provide penetration protection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defeating high-velocity projectiles. A plurality of disks of equal size comprised of fiber induced ceramic composites are provided. The disks are laid out in an imbricated pattern row by row such that each disk in a row is in substantially a straight line with the other disks in the row and overlaps a segment of a disk in an adjacent row. The imbricated pattern is then adhered to a flexible, high tensile strength substrate and overlaid by a second high tensile strength layer such that the imbricated pattern is enveloped between the substrate and the second layer. The envelope is then coupled to a soft body armor backing.

Abstract: Composites comprising porous polymeric membrane films meeting the following equation: 75 MPa<(longitudinal membrane tensile modulus+transverse membrane tensile modulus)/2, wherein at least a portion of the porosity of the membrane is imbibed with resin and methods for making the same. The composites have unusually high resistance to fracture and catastrophic failure.

Abstract: Composites comprising porous polymeric membrane films meeting the following equation: 75 MPa<(longitudinal membrane tensile modulus+transverse membrane tensile modulus)/2, wherein at least a portion of the porosity of the membrane is imbibed with resin and methods for making the same. The composites have unusually high resistance to fracture and catastrophic failure.

Abstract: A momentum trap ballistic armor system comprises an accelerating layer and a plug layer adjacent to the a accelerating layer. The plug layer includes an opening and at least one plug maintained within the opening. When a projectile impacts the accelerating layer, the plug is accelerated to the velocity of the projectile before the projectile perforates the plug, forming a projectile-plug combination. Typically, the accelerating layer and plug layer are joined with an energy absorbing layer, which is used to capture a projectile-plug combination. The accelerating layer is typically ceramic, the plug layer is typically metal, and the energy absorbing layer is typically ballistic cloth material.

Abstract: A soft fabric multithreat ballistic vest is disclosed. The vest is a combination of different types of ballistic fabric used together, One type of ballistic fabric serves to slow and deform a projectile through plastic deformation and heat transfer. The other material serves to slow a projectile and absorb its energy thereby reducing backface deformation. The combination of various types of ballistic grade material allow the use of fewer total plies of material and a lighter weight end product than if either one type of material was used alone.

Abstract: An unfinished reinforced multilayer fabric (11), able to produce a finished reinforced multilayer fabric (18) which includes an initial layer (12) of threads (13) parallel with each other, superimposed, with the interpositioning of a binding layer (14) on at least a second layer (12) of threads (13), these also being basically parallel with each other, where the threads (13) of the first layer (12) are set in various directions with respect to the threads (13) of the second layer (12) and the two layers (12) are also joined by a large number of binding threads (15), made of a thermoplastic, or thermosetting type material, or of a material which is water-soluble or soluble in a suitable solvent.

Abstract: A personal protective shield, which comprises a central panel; at least two lateral panels; and hinged connections between the central panel and the lateral panels. The protective shield has a folded configuration for carrying it and for attaching to it other equipment, in which the aforementioned lateral panels are folded against the central panel, and an expanded configuration for carrying out its protective function, in which the aforementioned lateral panels are angularly set off from the central panel. The central panel and the lateral panels are made of bulletproof plate materials. The central panel may have a curved configuration adapted to fit the back of the user, and the lateral panels may have curved configurations matching that of the central panel.

Abstract: Silicon infiltration technology is used to produce ceramic bodies having utility as ballistic armor. In a first aspect of the invention, the ballistic armor includes a reaction-bonded silicon carbide body (RBSC). Good ballistic performance can be advanced by loading the permeable mass or preform to be infiltrated to a high degree with one or more hard fillers, and by limiting the size of the largest particles making up the mass. In a second aspect, the silicon infiltration technology, e.g., siliconizing or reaction-bonding, is used to bond silicon carbide fibers to at least the back surface of a ceramic armor body, thereby enhancing ballistic stopping power. A third aspect of the invention pertains to the ability to engineer RBSC bodies such that there is little dimensional change during processing, thereby permitting high dimensional reproducibility in large-scale production.

Abstract: An armor component includes a tile having a perimeter; and a wrapping material wrapped around the perimeter of the tile. An armor system includes a back plate; at least one tile array layer disposed on the back plate, the at least one tile array layer comprising a plurality of armor components wherein each armor component comprises a tile having a perimeter wrapped with a wrapping material; and a top layer disposed on the at least one tile array layer.

Abstract: A ballistic shield formed of ballistic material is provided with side wing sections and a central section adjustably secured to one another. A support/handle is provided adjacent a shallow V-groove along the upper margin of the shield for mounting and grasping the forward end of a barrel of a long gun with one hand, enabling the individual to support the shield and in part the long gun by one hand. The individual's opposite hand is free to operate the long gun. A strap is connected to the shield and carried by the individual in he hand supporting the shield and the long gun. Thus, the hand that supports the shield also supports the long gun.

Abstract: A ballistic shield formed of ballistic material is provided with side wing sections and a central section adjustably secured to one another. A support/handle is provided adjacent a shallow V-groove along the upper margin of the shield for mounting and grasping the forward end of a barrel of a long gun with one hand, enabling the individual to support the shield and in part the long gun by one hand. The individual's opposite hand is free to operate the long gun. A strap is connected to the shield and carried by the individual in he hand supporting the shield and the long gun. Thus, the hand that supports the shield also supports the long gun.

Abstract: A composite armor plate for absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy from high velocity projectiles including an internal layer of pellets, which are bound and retained in plate form by a solidified material such that the pellets are in a plurality of adjacent rows. The pellets have a specific gravity of at least 2 and are made from glass, sintered refractory material or ceramic material. The majority of the pellets have at least one axis of at least 3 mm length and are bound such that a majority of the pellets is in contact with six adjacent pellets in the same layer to provide mutual lateral confinement therebetween. The pellets have a substantially regular geometric form, wherein the solidified material and the plate are elastic. A channel is provided in a plurality of the pellets, substantially opposite to an outer impact-receiving major surface of the plate, thereby reducing the weight of the pellets.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant pad having a first group of at least two successive overlying woven sheets constructed of high strength fibers. The warp and the weft for individual ones of the successive overlying woven sheets of the first group are substantially in alignment to one another. A second group of at least two successive overlying woven sheets constructed of high strength fibers is also provided. The warp and the weft for individual ones of the woven sheets of the second group are substantially in alignment to one another and are angularly displaced from the warp and the weft of the woven sheets of the first group.

Abstract: A protective face shield with incorporated laser light including a handle portion having an inner end and an outer end. The outer end has a frustoconical collar extending outwardly therefrom. The frustoconical collar has an open outer end. A laser-generating device is disposed within the frustoconical collar of the handle portion. The laser-generating device has an activated orientation whereby a ray of light is directed outwardly through the open outer end of the frustoconical collar. A protective shield is disposed within the frustoconical collar of the handle portion in a retracted orientation. The protective shield extends outwardly of the collar in a deployed orientation.

Abstract: A lightweight, ballistic resistant fabric armor constructed of multiple layers of high performance fiber woven fabric arranged in a quasi-isotropic orientation. The fabric armor is used in ballistic resistant garments to cover and protect vital portions of the human body. Used in a garment, the fabric armor is of minimal areal density and bulk while providing flexibility, freedom of movement, ventilation, and an inconspicuous appearance. The fabric armor meets many different global ballistic standards (e.g., the ballistic performance requirements of the National Institute of Justice Standard), with the number of woven fabric layers determined by the level of protection desired.

Abstract: An armoring system for vehicles, vessels, aircraft and structures. A plurality of discus-shaped disks are individually wrapped in a containment wrap. The wrapped disks are laid out in an imbricated pattern and adhered in place between a pair of fibrous layers. In one embodiment an elastomer layer is used to seal the panel to prevent degradation from exposure to environmental factors.

Abstract: A reactive armor structure having an outer layer and a reactive element adjacent to and integral with the outer layer is provided. The reactive element provides an amount of support to the outer layer effective to restrain movement of the outer layer and to delay fracture of the outer layer when the outer layer is impacted by a projectile.

Abstract: An undergarment body armor comprising elastic pants, at least one removable ballistic protection pad configured to cover at least the femoral artery path of a wearer; and elastic shorts adapted to hold the ballistic protection pads in closable pockets created into the elastic pants.

Abstract: A protective face shield with incorporated laser light including a handle portion having an inner end and an outer end. The outer end has a frustoconical collar extending outwardly therefrom. The frustoconical collar has an open outer end. A laser-generating device is disposed within the frustoconical collar of the handle portion. The laser-generating device has an activated orientation whereby a ray of light is directed outwardly through the open outer end of the frustoconical collar. A protective shield is disposed within the frustoconical collar of the handle portion in a retracted orientation. The protective shield extends outwardly of the collar in a deployed orientation.

Abstract: A bulletproof equipment for protecting personnel against a projectile fired from a gun or the like. The equipment includes a inflatable bulletproof air bag for protecting a targeted individual from fire of a weapon; an air tank for ejecting compressed gas or air into the air bag; a high speed fan for feeding air into the air bag when the air bag is punctured; a controller for controlling the associated components; and a power supply for applying electric current.

Abstract: A personal protective shield, which comprises a central panel; at least two lateral panels; and hinged connections between the central panel and the lateral panels. The protective shield has a folded configuration for carrying it and for attaching to it other equipment, in which the afore the lateral panels are folded against the the central panel, and an expanded configuration for carrying out its protective function, in which the afore the lateral panels are angularly set off from the central panel. The central panel and the lateral panels are made of bulletproof plate materials. The central panel may have a curved configuration adapted to fit the back of the user, and the lateral panels may have curved configurations matching that of the central panel.

Abstract: A body armor system having improved impact energy absorbing characteristics includes a projectile penetrant inhibiting layer and an impact energy absorbing layer positioned in overlying relation to one side of the projectile penetrant inhibiting layer such that the impact energy absorbing layer is adapted to absorb the impact energy from an incoming projectile. The impact energy absorbing layer spreads at least a portion of the impact energy in the plane of the impact energy absorbing layer. An anti-spalling layer is positioned on the opposite side of the projectile impact inhibiting layer. In another aspect of the invention, the impact energy absorbing layer contains a foam to further enhance impact energy absorption. Additionally, a temperature stabilizing means such as a phase change material is placed within the impact energy absorbing layer and provides thermal regulation.

Abstract: Armor apparatus comprising a non-oxide ceramic element bounded to an aramid fiber composite baking. A special ceramic and a novel aramid fiber substrate are combined in a unique arrangement that permits a single armor system to provide protection against multiple types of ballistic attack. The armor apparatus may be used alone or as a supplementary armor system to provide increased protection from ballistic attack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shield operable by two persons. This shield advantageously comprises in combination: a shield body, said shield body having a front face and a rear face; at least first handling means positioned in central portion of a width of the rear face of said shield and intended to be shared by said persons; at least second handling means positioned in a periphery portion of the rear face of the shield and intended to be used by one of said persons; and at least third handling means positioned in a periphery portion of the rear face of the shield and intended to be used by the other of said persons. The said shield is utilized for protection in order to secure an aggressive individual within an enclosed area. It can also be used in riot control to prevent an aggressive crowd from advancement.

Abstract: A sole for a boot and the boot incorporating the sole. The sole provides the wearer of the boot with a level of protection from explosive devices triggered by the wearer stepping on or near the explosive device. Tie sole includes at least one layer of corrugated blast-resistant material. The corrugations provide channels that effectively channel blast gases generated by the explosion of the explosive device sidewardly and so away from the foot of the wearer of the boot.

Abstract: A ceramic composite tile armor which is reinforced at the more vulnerable joint and free edge areas, using glass or ceramic strips or overlays bonded with an adhesive to the outer surface of the tile joints and free edges. This reinforcement provides improved ballistic threat protection for ground vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, spacecraft, and body (personnel) ceramic tile armor applications. Glass or ceramic overlay strips assist in fracturing impacting projectiles that strike the tile joints or free edges. The substrate laminate backing can then capture fragments of the projectile and broken ceramic and prevent penetration. The invention provides improved protection over conventional joint and edge enhancements with higher reliability of accurate positioning over joint and free-edge areas, with less added weight, and at lower associated production costs.