Abstract: A platform to be used to secure objects for delivery by air. As a platform is lowered toward the ground, the legs of the platform touch the ground and interact with each other to stabilize the platform. A stable platform does not tip over. The platform may stabilize itself even when lowered onto uneven terrain. As the platform is lowered, the legs, except the last leg, move upward or inside the body of the platform until the last leg touches the terrain. On uneven terrain, the legs of the platform move upward or inside different amounts, so the legs have different lengths. The last leg to touch locks the other legs so that they cannot move up or down thereby stabilizing the platform. An incompressible material is used to detect when the last leg touches the terrain and to lock the other legs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bonding a strand of a yarn to a strand of a thermoplastic to form a bonded yarn. The bonded yarn may be used to weave a bonded fabric.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an armor mounting device capable of securely and detachably holding an armor panel to a floor. In one exemplary embodiment the armor mounting device consists of a base having a flat plate portion and a raised central portion, and a detachable clamp that includes a hold down plate and a spring loaded latch disposed within hold down plate. The spring loaded latch is connectable to the raised central portion of the base through a hole in the armor panel when the detachable clamp is juxtaposed with the base, to thereby trap the armor panel between the hold down plate and the flat plate portion of the base. A bonding agent secures the base to the floor.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a convertible fighting vehicle. In one embodiment the vehicle includes a drivable chassis having a standardized bed with mounting surfaces and a suite of interface connections for utility coupling. A mission module is adapted to attach to the bed mounting surfaces and couple with the suite of interface connections, wherein the mission module is configured in one of several mission specific forms.

Abstract: A ballistic armor assembly for a vehicle-mounted explosives carrier includes an assembly substrate and a ballistic composite. The assembly substrate is adapted for covering at least a portion of the explosives carrier, and has opposing inside and outside surfaces. The ballistic composite is secured to the outside surface of the assembly substrate. The ballistic composite includes a hard armor facing proximate a threat side of the ballistic armor assembly, and a flexible fabric backing proximate a protection side of the ballistic armor assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a mounting system adapted to attenuate a shock load imparted by a structure to an object being supported by the structure. In one exemplary embodiment the mounting system comprises a mounting plate with a perimeter portion, a central boss, and an array of at least two symmetrically arranged perforations extending through the mounting plate between the perimeter portion and the central boss. The perforations are arranged so as to cooperatively define at least two deformable links that interconnect the central boss with the perimeter portion of the mounting plate, wherein the deformable links are adapted to attenuate the shock load through plastic deformation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a hold-down assembly for attaching an armor panel to the floor of a vehicle utilizing an existing integrated tie-down feature. The assembly includes a base member positioned underneath the tie-down feature and aligned with a through-hole in the panel. A top positioned over both the base member and the hole in the panel at least partially overlaps the panel around the hole. A fastener extending through the top and into the base is adapted to pull the top down onto the panel, holding the panel against the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A variable displacement seating assembly incorporates at least first and second pivotable seat frames. The first seat frame includes a male seat connector. The second seat frame is arranged adjacent the first seat frame, and includes a female seat connector receiving the male seat connector of the first seat frame. The first and second seat frames are operatively interconnected for simultaneous pivoting movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position of the first and second seat frames, the male and female seat connectors are disposed for sliding vertical movement of one seat connector relative to the other, such that the first and second seat frames are independently vertically displaceable upon an impact force acting against the seat assembly.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing the tampering of anti-theft devices is provided comprising a technique for electrifying the surface of the anti-theft device so as to visually and physically deter tampering of the anti-theft device. The invented method also provides a technique for marking an unauthorized person who attempts to tamper with the device.