Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a video enabled armor system for use in an armored surface of a vehicle. In one embodiment the system has an exterior facing ballistic resistant armor panel mounted over an opening in the armored surface of the vehicle, with the armor panel overlaying the armored surface around a perimeter of the opening. The armor panel has a first aperture in a portion of the panel adjacent the opening, and a first video camera disposed in the first aperture aimed outward through the first aperture. The system may further include a video display operatively connected to the first video camera and mounted over the opening on an interior side of the armored surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart vehicle health system. In one embodiment the system includes a smart vehicle equipped with sensors configured to detect health parameters indicative of a relative health of certain vehicle components or systems. A processor is configured to generate a data signal containing vehicle component or system health information based on data from the sensors, and to transmit the data signal from the vehicle to a remotely located data receiver configured to receive the data signal. The system may further include a monitor connected to the data receiver and configured to present a plurality of selectable visual displays indicating the health of the vehicle components or systems based on the vehicle component or system health information in the transmitted data signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a modular vehicle seating system. In one embodiment the seating system has a universal center module that is mountable to a seating position in a vehicle and includes seat pan and seat back portions. The seating system may further include a matched pair of modular side bolsters selectable from an assortment of matched pairs of side bolsters, where each matched pair has a particular physical property defined by a unique value in a range of values of the physical property in the assortment. The side bolsters are detachably connectable to the to left and right sides of the universal center module with fasteners.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a ballistic resistant shelter configured for emergency deployment in an open space. The shelter has a structural frame configured to rapidly convert from a stowed condition disposed substantially flat on the ground, to a deployed condition in which the frame is elevated substantially above ground level. One or more anti-ballistic panels are attached to the frame so as to be tilted or lifted above ground level when the frame is deployed. The anti-ballistic panels collectively present enough surface area to shield at least one person from a single source of gunfire.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a shock absorbing vehicle seating system. In one embodiment the seating system includes a seat moveably attached to a vehicle by a seat guide apparatus configured to constrain seat movement to a stroking direction. The system further includes a spring damper with opposed first and second ends, configured to compress along a longitudinal axis extending through the ends in response to an external compressive load, and an energy attenuating component with a deformable portion disposed between a first end and a second end thereof. The spring damper and energy attenuating component are arranged serially with respect to one another, and together form a seat supporting assembly disposed between the seat and the vehicle. The energy attenuating component is configured to deform in a predictable manner in response to a shock load that reaches a predefined threshold value, allowing the seat to stroke in the stroking direction as the energy attenuating component absorbs energy.

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: An apparatus may be configured to provide electrical power while incorporated in an armored garment. The apparatus may include a plate having a footprint that corresponds to a plate of body armor, a plurality of energy storage cells carried by the power plate, and a port carried by the plate. The port may be configured to output power stored in the plurality of energy storage cells from the apparatus. The apparatus may also include one or more processors configured to enhance functionalities of the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a protective helmet for the military and other uses are disclosed. Embodiments of the method include winding ballistic-tolerant tape or fibers to create a preform, placing the preform into a first mold member having an interior that defines a helmet-shaped cavity, and pressing together the first mold member against a second mold member that includes a pressurized bladder member. The method may further include pressurizing the bladder until the first and second mold members are heated and adhesives have melted or cured. The first and second mold members are cooled and the preform is removed from the first and second mold members.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a protective helmet for the military and other uses are disclosed. Embodiments of the method include winding ballistic-tolerant tape or fibers to create a preform, placing the preform into a first mold member having an interior that defines a helmet-shaped cavity, and pressing together the first mold member against a second mold member that includes a pressurized bladder member. The method may further include pressurizing the bladder until the first and second mold members are heated and adhesives have melted or cured. The first and second mold members are cooled and the preform is removed from the first and second mold members.

Abstract: A connector, or a peripheral module including a connector, is configured to form at least a portion of an operative link between a wearable combat processing platform and the peripheral module. The connector may be adapted to facilitate deployment with a soldier or combatant in contexts including battlefield contexts. The wearable combat processing platform may include one or more processors and a power distribution unit. The peripheral module may include one or more peripherals configured to communicate data and to receive power over the operative link with the wearable combat processing platform.

Abstract: An apparatus may be configured to provide electrical power while incorporated in an armored garment. The apparatus may include a plate having a footprint that corresponds to a plate of body armor, a plurality of energy storage cells carried by the power plate, and a port carried by the plate. The port may be configured to output power stored in the plurality of energy storage cells from the apparatus. The apparatus may also include one or more processors configured to enhance functionalities of the apparatus.

Abstract: A body armor plate is configured to provide ballistics protection to a wearer of the plate. For example, the plate may be configured to protect the upper torso of the wearer from high-speed, ballistic projectiles like bullets, shrapnel, and/or other projectiles. In some implementations, the plate may include one or more electronic modules formed integrally therewith. Formation of the electronic modules integrally with the plate may enhance the functionality of the plate, may enhance the convenience (e.g., the form factor, the weight, the portability, etc.) of the electronics modules, robustness of the electronics modules, and/or other aspects of the electronics modules. The combination of the plate and the electronics modules may specifically provide various enhancements to, for example, military or law enforcement personnel that rely on the plate for ballistics protection.

Abstract: A body armor plate is configured to provide ballistics protection to a wearer of the plate. For example, the plate may be configured to protect the upper torso of the wearer from high-speed, ballistic projectiles like bullets, shrapnel, and/or other projectiles. In some implementations, the plate may include one or more electronic modules formed integrally therewith. Formation of the electronic modules integrally with the plate may enhance the functionality of the plate, may enhance the convenience (e.g., the form factor, the weight, the portability, etc.) of the electronics modules, robustness of the electronics modules, and/or other aspects of the electronics modules. The combination of the plate and the electronics modules may specifically provide various enhancements to, for example, military or law enforcement personnel that rely on the plate for ballistics protection.

Abstract: A fast acting active protection system for military vehicles defeats RPG (rocket propelled grenade) threats fired from close ranges. The system minimizes the hazard to troops and civilians nearby. The system uses a plurality of passive sensors to locate the threat and initialize the system. A low cost radar or laser tracker is used as the means to determine range, velocity, and (if required) angular position of the threat. The countermunition used may be one of several choices, with the requisites being that the countermunition provides fast response with low inertia, and is able to damage or destroy the detected threat. A multi-barrel recoilless gun is the weapon of choice. A launching device is used to deploy and aim the countermunition and the tracking means. On board software and electronics are used to control the system.

Abstract: A low profile lighting system for military or other heavy equipment vehicles that includes a high intensity discharge (HID) headlight, and light emitting diode (LED) turn signals and running light. A microprocessor controller is included to interface to the vehicle lighting control system. An electromechanical actuator lifts and holds the light unit in place. The light unit is mounted on a hidden hinge in an armored and signature managed housing. The unique hinge design allows for electromechanical actuation of the lights from a micro-controller. The special hinge enables the external surfaces of the vehicle to be generally planar, and thereby ready to accept further signature management treatments.

Abstract: A method of achieving a variable standoff distance on an armored vehicle or structure between a standoff plate and a base armor plate. The method comprises building the armor system with the base armor plating covered by a layer of electromagnetic material, and standoff plates also covered by a layer of electromagnetic material. The standoff plates are movably attached to the base armor plate. The base and standoff plates are oriented so that the two layers of electromagnetic material face each other. The amount of standoff distance is varied depending on the type of threat recognized by a sensor system.