Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the automated assembly of individual tiles on a surface in a predetermined pattern. In one exemplary embodiment, an automated apparatus comprises a tile dispenser with an open ended shoe portion adapted for holding a stack of regularly shaped tiles, and a tile advancement mechanism for incrementally advancing tiles in the shoe toward the open end thereof. The automated apparatus may further comprise a robotic mechanism adapted to retrieve a tile from the end of the tile stack, and place the tile on the surface.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a lightweight, penetration resistant door post. In one embodiment the door post comprises an elongated structural frame, and a ballistic composite blanket overlaying the elongated structural frame. The ballistic composite blanket may comprise multiple stacked arrays of unidirectional ballistic fiber bundles. The exemplary door post may further comprise an outer shell overlaying the ballistic composite blanket.