Abstract: Systems of weldable wires, powder, and materials comprising an aluminum-magnesium-scandium alloy, and methods for additive manufacturing the alloy are described. The alloy can be utilized in additive manufacturing to additively manufacture at industrial scales. With post treatment, the additive manufactured alloys can have advantageous properties for aerospace applications.

Abstract: A modular combination axe head with a mechanical system that allows multiple configurations of other modular attachments; such as a sledge hammer and pick that is particularly designed for use by firefighters or military as a tactical entry tool. The axe includes a front end and a rear end. The front end has an upper section that functions as an axe blade and the lower section functions as a brush hook or. The rear section includes a pick that can be utilized for a variety of functions. By incorporating three tools in a single structure the weight that a firefighter carries is lessened. Thus, reducing fatigue and the time that is required to cut through an obstruction to reach fire victims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reactive materials formed by thermal spray techniques. The thermally sprayed reactive materials have low porosity and high structural integrity. The reactive materials are useful for applications such as shaped charges, thermite welding, near net shaped components and the like.

Abstract: Metal aluminides are formed by an initial thermal deposition process which forms an intermediary material comprising elemental aluminum and another elemental metal, as well as an oxide of the other metal. The thermally formed intermediary material is subsequently heated to initiate an exothermic reaction which forms the metal aluminide material. The reaction may be initiated by localized or bulk heating of the intermediary material, and may involve reaction between the aluminum and elemental metal as well as a thermite reaction between the aluminum and the metal oxide. The resultant metal aluminide material may be substantially fully dense and may contain oxide strengthening precipitates such as aluminum oxide.

Abstract: The helmet stabilization apparatus includes a helmet adapted to be worn by a user, a night vision goggle unit attached to a front portion of the helmet, and a removable counterweight attached to a rear portion of the helmet that balances with the weight of the night vision goggle unit, wherein said removable counterweight can be connected in a variety of manners, such as a magnetic means of connection, a hook and loop connection, or a mechanical means of connection. Furthermore, the helmet may provide staggered connections, such that the removable counterweight may be positioned on the helmet at the user's desired orientation. This allows the user to move the center of mass of the system such that it is self-stabilizing on the user's head. Moreover, the removable counterweight may be formed such that when it is removed, it may be coupled with an attachable handle to form a plurality of tools or weapons. This is beneficial in that it provides a collection of tools while only one object need be carried.

Abstract: The helmet stabilization apparatus includes a helmet adapted to be worn by a user, a night vision goggle unit attached to a front portion of the helmet, and a removable counterweight attached to a rear portion of the helmet that balances with the weight of the night vision goggle unit, wherein said removable counterweight can be connected in a variety of manners, such as a magnetic means of connection, a hook and loop connection, or a mechanical means of connection. Furthermore, the helmet may provide staggered connections, such that the removable counterweight may be positioned on the helmet at the user's desired orientation. This allows the user to move the center of mass of the system such that it is self-stabilizing on the user's head. Moreover, the removable counterweight may be formed such that when it is removed, it may be coupled with an attachable handle to form a plurality of tools or weapons. This is beneficial in that it provides a collection of tools while only one object need be carried.

Abstract: The invention provides shock initiation devices comprising multilayer structures with constituent layers that undergo an exothermic self-propagating reaction once initiated by shock. The multilayer structures may be used as components in shaped charges, EFP devices, warheads, munition casings, interceptors, missiles, bombs, and other systems. The reactive layer materials may be selected based on required structural properties, density and reaction temperature.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bar for use with interchangeable tool attachments is described. The bar includes a high strength-to-weight ratio design, providing a tool ideal for military, first-responder emergency scenarios, mountaineering, aerospace, and the like. The bar includes a hole for attaching a carabiner and universal connectors, such as snap joint fasteners, for quick interchangeability of tool attachments. A kit including the multi-purpose bar and at least two tool attachments is also described. The two tool attachments are preferably configured to removeably couple to one another, thus providing a third tool.

Abstract: Aluminum-zinc-magnesium-scandium alloys containing controlled amounts of alloying additions such as silver and tin are disclosed. The presence of Ag and/or Sn alloying additions improves fabrication characteristics of the alloys, such as the ability to be extruded at high temperatures and very high extrusion rates. The Al—Zn—Mg—Sc alloys may optionally include other alloying additions such as Cu, Mn, Zr, Ti and the like. The alloys possess good properties such as relatively high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. The alloys may be fabricated into various product forms such as extrusions, forgings, plate, sheet and weldments.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-purpose tool that may provide the utility of a plurality of tools at a reduced weight and volume through the interchangeability of distinct tool attachments. A multi-purpose tool may comprise an elongated member including a handle and a plurality of universal connectors, wherein each universal connector is adapted to securely attach to a plurality of distinct tools, a first distinct tool including a first universal connector securely mated to one of the universal connectors of the elongated member, and a second distinct tool including a second universal connector securely mated to another of the universal connectors of the elongated member. A plurality of tool attachments may be attached to and removed from the elongated member in order to provide a specific utility.

Abstract: The helmet stabilization apparatus includes a helmet adapted to be worn by a user, a night vision goggle unit attached to a front portion of the helmet, and a removable counterweight attached to a rear portion of the helmet that balances with the weight of the night vision goggle unit, wherein said removable counterweight can be connected in a variety of manners, such as a magnetic means of connection, a hook and loop connection, or a mechanical means of connection. Furthermore, the helmet may provide staggered connections, such that the removable counterweight may be positioned on the helmet at the user's desired orientation. This allows the user to move the center of mass of the system such that it is self-stabilizing on the user's head. Moreover, the removable counterweight may be formed such that when it is removed, it may be coupled with an attachable handle to form a plurality of tools or weapons. This is beneficial in that it provides a collection of tools while only one object need be carried.

Abstract: Aluminum-zinc-magnesium-scandium alloys containing controlled amounts of alloying additions such as silver and tin are disclosed. The presence of Ag and/or Sn alloying additions improves fabrication characteristics of the alloys, such as the ability to be extruded at high temperatures and very high extrusion rates. The Al—Zn—Mg—Sc alloys may optionally include other alloying additions such as Cu, Mn, Zr, Ti and the like. The alloys possess good properties such as relatively high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. The alloys may be fabricated into various product forms such as extrusions, forgings, plate, sheet and weldments.

Abstract: Shaped charge liners are made of reactive materials formed by thermal spray techniques. The thermally sprayed reactive shaped charge materials have low porosity and high structural integrity. Upon detonation, the reactive materials of the shaped charge liner undergo an exothermic reaction that raises the temperature and the effectiveness of the liner.

Abstract: Composite materials made from reactive compounds such as oxides are disclosed. The materials comprise a reaction producing of metal oxide, phosphate and reactive residual materials. The metal oxide may comprise MgO, CaO, ZnO, TiO2 or the like. The phosphate may comprise mono-potassium phosphate, mono-ammonium phosphate, mono-sodium phosphate or the like. The reactive residual material may be ash, phosphate clay, phosphate residual slurry, mining waste or the like. The composite materials may be used for many applications including rapid repair materials, pre-cast structures, in-situ structures, mixes and coatings.

Abstract: Shaped charge liners are made of reactive materials formed by thermal spray techniques. The thermally sprayed reactive shaped charge materials have low porosity and high structural integrity. Upon detonation, the reactive materials of the shaped charge liner undergo an exothermic reaction that raises the temperature and the effectiveness of the liner.

Abstract: Tobacco products such as dried tobacco leaves, stems and dust are added to cementitious materials in order to inhibit corrosion. In one embodiment, the tobacco additions protect steel embedded in Portland cement from corrosive attack. Tobacco is a renewable, potentially inexpensive bioproduct that provides excellent corrosion protection with little or no environmental concerns.

Abstract: Metal aluminides are formed by an initial thermal deposition process which forms an intermediary material comprising elemental aluminum and another elemental metal, as well as an oxide of the other metal. The thermally formed intermediary material is subsequently heated to initiate an exothermic reaction which forms the metal aluminide material. The reaction may be initiated by localized or bulk heating of the intermediary material, and may involve reaction between the aluminum and elemental metal as well as a thermite reaction between the aluminum and the metal oxide. The resultant metal aluminide material may be substantially fully dense and may contain oxide strengthening precipitates such as aluminum oxide.