Abstract: Apparatus for protecting an occupant of a building from flying debris from a frangible structure such as a window or the like, in the event of an explosion or other blast. The apparatus comprises a protective louver system disposed adjacent the building structure. The louver system comprises a plurality of louvers that are movable from an open position to a closed position wherein they form a protective barrier covering the building structure. A louver closing device is operatively connected to the louvers and is operable to move them to the closed position in the event of an explosion or other blast. The louvers are provided with locking portions so that they are interlocked when in the closed position and displaced inwardly by an explosion or other blast. Reinforcing cables may be positioned adjacent the inner surface of the louver system to support the louvers in the closed position when they are displaced inwardly by the explosion or other blast.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an occupant of a building from flying debris from a frangible structure of the building, such as a window or the like, in the event of an explosion or other blast. A protective barrier is positioned adjacent the building structure and is constructed to be deployed by inflation of at least a portion thereof. The protective barrier is movable from a stored position adjacent the building structure to a deployed position in which it covers the building structure. A gas generating device is connected to the protective barrier and is operable to generate gas to inflate the protective barrier and move it to the deployed position in response to the sensing of an explosion or other blast by a sensing device located remote from the building.

Abstract: A barrier for containing an explosion in a room or the like. The barrier is a structural panel comprising a base sheet, a plurality of truncated polyhedral elements secured to and projecting from the base sheet, and a face sheet covering and secured to the truncated apexes of the polyhedral elements. The face sheet is constructed to separate from the polyhedral elements to expose them in the event of an explosion. Each polyhedral element is constructed to collapse in the event of an explosion, is filled with a liquid, and has an opening therein that is closed by a closure device that is openable or removable in response to the collapse of the polyhedral element caused by an explosion. The openings in the polyhedral elements are of a size to effect a misting action of the liquid therein when it is ejected from the openings by the collapse of the polyhedral elements caused by the explosion. The liquid mist serves to absorb and dissipate the heat and energy of the explosion.