Abstract: An armor production tool including a housing having at least two housing portions that form a substantially air-tight chamber when closed. The tool can include a lower thermal diaphragm forming at least a portion of a mold, and an upper thermal diaphragm forming at least a portion of the mold and capable of engaging the lower flexible membrane. The thermal diaphragms may comprise a thermal transfer membrane, a pressure bearing membrane and a fluid dispersion layer between the thermal transfer membrane and the pressure bearing member. A heating or cooling fluid can be circulated through the fluid dispersion layer to apply heat or to cool the armor part during the molding process. The tool can include a pressure port for pressurizing the chamber and to move the thermal diaphragm towards each other to apply compression on the molded armor part, and a locking mechanism for locking the two housing portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide body armor composite and methods of fabrication. The body armor composite can include at least one strike-face layer, at least one strike-face reinforcement layer, and at least one catchment layer. Some embodiments include body armor composite with a bump guard layer, and a back-face reduction layer. In some embodiments, the fabrication method includes bonding multiple layers to form an armor composite. Some embodiments include an armor production tool including a housing at least two housing portions which form a substantially air-tight chamber when closed. The tool can include a lower flexible membrane forming at least a portion of a mold, and an upper flexible membrane capable of engaging the lower flexible membrane. The tool can include a pressure port for pressurizing the chamber and to move portions of the mold towards each other, and a locking mechanism for locking the two housing portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide body armor composite and methods of fabrication. The body armor composite can include at least one strike-face layer, at least one strike-face reinforcement layer, and at least one catchment layer. Some embodiments include body armor composite with a bump guard layer, and a back-face reduction layer. In some embodiments, the fabrication method includes bonding multiple layers to form an armor composite. Some embodiments include an armor production tool including a housing at least two housing portions which form a substantially air-tight chamber when closed. The tool can include a lower flexible membrane forming at least a portion of a mold, and an upper flexible membrane capable of engaging the lower flexible membrane. The tool can include a pressure port for pressurizing the chamber and to move portions of the mold towards each other, and a locking mechanism for locking the two housing portions.

Abstract: A convertible ballistic shield includes a plurality of cooperating ballistic panels. Each ballistic panel has a threat-side surface and a protected-side surface, and opposing end edges. A first elongated panel strap is attached to the threat-side surface of one of the ballistic panels between its opposing end edges. A second elongated panel strap is attached to the protected-side surface of an adjacent one of the ballistic panels between its opposing end edges. A ring connector is slidably linked to both of the first and second panel straps. The ring connector is adapted for slidably interconnecting the adjacent panels together wherein the threat-side surface of one panel is adapted to overlie the protected-side surface of the adjacent panel, and the adjacent panels are slidably movable relative to one another such that an overall length of the ballistic shield is selectively adjustable between a fully retracted condition and a fully extended condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide body armor composite and methods of fabrication. The body armor composite can include at least one strike-face layer, at least one strike-face reinforcement layer, and at least one catchment layer. Some embodiments include body armor composite with a bump guard layer, and a back-face reduction layer. In some embodiments, the fabrication method includes bonding multiple layers to form an armor composite. Some embodiments include an armor production tool including a housing at least two housing portions which form a substantially air-tight chamber when closed. The tool can include a lower flexible membrane forming at least a portion of a mold, and an upper flexible membrane capable of engaging the lower flexible membrane. The tool can include a pressure port for pressurizing the chamber and to move portions of the mold towards each other, and a locking mechanism for locking the two housing portions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a three-dimensional camouflage applied to the exterior of a man-made article. The camouflage comprises a surface with a visible topography defined by a predetermined arrangement of three-dimensional elements.

Abstract: A ballistic floor blanket is adapted for use in a military vehicle. The floor blanket includes top and bottom assembly covers, and an interior ballistic fabric composite intermediate the top and bottom assembly covers. The fabric composite incorporates a plurality of overlying structural ballistic layers. The ballistic layers include high-performance fibers having a tensile strength greater than about 2000 MPa and an elastic modulus greater than about 60 GPa. A retention assembly having a plurality of peripherally spaced floor anchors is adapted for attaching the floor blanket to the military vehicle.

Abstract: A convertible ballistic shield includes a plurality of cooperating ballistic panels. Each ballistic panel has a threat-side surface and a protected-side surface, and opposing end edges. A first elongated panel strap is attached to the threat-side surface of one of the ballistic panels between its opposing end edges. A second elongated panel strap is attached to the protected-side surface of an adjacent one of the ballistic panels between its opposing end edges. A ring connector is slidably linked to both of the first and second panel straps. The ring connector is adapted for slidably interconnecting the adjacent panels together wherein the threat-side surface of one panel is adapted to overlie the protected-side surface of the adjacent panel, and the adjacent panels are slidably movable relative to one another such that an overall length of the ballistic shield is selectively adjustable between a fully retracted condition and a fully extended condition.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a multi-range camouflage. In one exemplary embodiment, the camouflage comprises an array of tiles creating a micro camouflage pattern discernable at a first distance. The camouflage design further comprises a macro camouflage pattern discernable at a second distance that is substantially greater than the first distance. The macro camouflage pattern is inherent in the arrangement of tiles forming the micro camouflage pattern, and based on a predefined source image.

Abstract: A generally barrel-shaped machine bed is designed for a textile sewing machine. The sewing machine is adapted for stitching together with thread multiple overlying plies of flexible ballistic fabric. The machine bed defines a substantially semi-cylindrical work surface, such that the stitched ballistic fabric substantially conforms to a curved shape of the work surface and substantially retains the curved shape when sewn.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a multi-range camouflage. In one exemplary embodiment, the camouflage comprises an array of tiles creating a micro camouflage pattern discernable at a first distance. The camouflage design further comprises a macro camouflage pattern discernable at a second distance that is substantially greater than the first distance. The macro camouflage pattern is inherent in the arrangement of tiles forming the micro camouflage pattern, and based on a predefined source image.

Abstract: An expansible ballistic containment bag is adapted for safely storing weapons ammunition. The containment bag includes a blast-resistant flexible body defining an ammunition storage compartment, and having an access opening to the storage compartment for receiving weapons ammunition. A reinforcement webbing is attached to an outside of the flexible body, and incorporates an arrangement of spaced-apart longitudinal straps and spaced-apart lateral straps. At least one of the spaced-apart longitudinal straps extends substantially from one end of the flexible body to an opposite end of the flexible body, and is substantially continuously affixed along its length to the outside of the flexible body. At least two of the spaced-apart lateral straps substantial encircle the flexible body, and are substantially discontinuously affixed along their respective lengths to the containment bag.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a three-dimensional camouflage applied to the exterior of a man-made article. The camouflage comprises a surface with a visible topography defined by a predetermined arrangement of three-dimensional elements.

Abstract: A rappel device is used in rapidly descending from a height using a rope and then quickly disengaging from the rope. The rappel device comprises a body having a rim which defines a rope opening therein. The body is further adapted to be affixed to a harness. A lock extends across the rope opening. The lock frictionally engages a rope extending through the rope opening. A retracting mechanism manually releases the lock from engagement with the rope. The retracting mechanism is biased to a secured position whereby the lock is engaged with the rope. The retracting mechanism, when actuated, manually releases the lock to an open position whereby the rope is quickly released from the lock.