Abstract: An implosion shield of ballistic fabric adapted to mount so as to surround an implosion sleeve or dead-end on a power line. The implosion shield may be wrapped or formed as an envelope or tent including one piece and folded around the implosion sleeve or dead-end and secured with fasteners. A method of installing the implosion cover may include installing an implosion sleeve or dead-end on a power line, and then installing the implosion shield around the implosion sleeve or dead-end, by wrapping the implosion shield around the implosion sleeve or dead-end, or by securing an envelope implosion shield over the implosion sleeve or dead-end, or by draping the shield over the implosion sleeve or dead-end, or by mounting the shield on a frame over the implosion sleeve or dead-end, then detonating the implosion sleeve or dead-end. The implosion shield attenuates shock, pressure and sound waves from the detonation.

Abstract: An implosion shield of ballistic fabric adapted to mount so as to surround an implosion sleeve or dead-end on a power line. The implosion shield may be wrapped or formed as an envelope or tent including one piece and folded around the implosion sleeve or dead-end and secured with fasteners. A method of installing the implosion cover may include installing an implosion sleeve or dead-end on a power line, and then installing the implosion shield around the implosion sleeve or dead-end, by wrapping the implosion shield around the implosion sleeve or dead-end, or by securing an envelope implosion shield over the implosion sleeve or dead-end, or by draping the shield over the implosion sleeve or dead-end, or by mounting the shield on a frame over the implosion sleeve or dead-end, then detonating the implosion sleeve or dead-end. The implosion shield attenuates shock, pressure and sound waves from the detonation.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for preventing surrounding loose rock fragments from falling or collapsing into a blast hole. The apparatus includes a flexible sheet including a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending side edges and a pair of spaced apart laterally extending end edges. The sheet has a curved form defining a longitudinal passage extending between openings at longitudinally opposite ends, one end of the curved sheet being insertable into the open end of a blast hole whereby the curved sheet closely faces an internal surface of the blast hole and forms a barrier preventing surrounding loose rock fragments from falling or collapsing into the open end of the blast hole. The invention also provides a bench blasting method and a deployment device for deploying the apparatus into a blast hole.

Abstract: A mat assembly including a planar mat body formed to cover a preselected area of a surface region. The preselected area partially defines a volume of ground to be broken by explosion therein. The mat body includes one or more layer elements. The mat body has an engagement surface for engagement with the preselected area. The mat assembly includes a skirt element connected with the mat body having an external portion extending from the mat body, for at least partially restraining matter ejected from the volume of ground upon initiation of the explosion.

Abstract: A compact energetic-breaching apparatus is provided. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus is configured to receive energetic materials for use in energetic breaching. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may comprise a housing body with a receptacle to receive energetic materials. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may further comprise a tamping material. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may further comprise a metal liner which collapses upon detonation to form a cutting jet.

Abstract: A foldable vehicle undercarriage barrier assembly provides a frame that carries a foldable panel. The panel positions between the undercarriage of a vehicle and a ground surface in a friction fit relationship, so as to help restrict ingress of snow, debris, and small animals beneath the vehicle undercarriage. The panel positions perpendicularly to the ground surface, forming a barrier between the undercarriage and ground surface. The panel is vertically and horizontally expandable to accommodate different vehicle sizes and types. The panel has a joint to enable foldability. The panel comprises a handle for facilitating folding and carrying of the panel. The panel is supported by a length adjustable support pole that braces against the undercarriage or a wheel when deployed. The panel is also defined by at least one sight hole to enable viewing the space beneath the undercarriage, and verify proper alignment of the panel to the undercarriage.

Abstract: A breaching device includes a body having a tamping material. The body has a target surface that is configured to face a target to be breached and a backing surface that is opposite the target surface. The tamping material is formed of gel and is configured to reflect an explosive force directed way from the target surface towards the target surface.

Abstract: A portable tactical simulated shooter barricade for shooting ranges with a target located down-range. A portable tactical simulated barricade consisting of a barricade attached vertically to a base stand by a continuous hinge and kept in place vertically by a sash lock, forming the base barricade designed for use atop the counter in shooter's booth at an indoor gun range. A portable tactical simulated barricade consists of a second, detachable barricade that can be adjusted vertically to different height displacement by a dowel lock inserted laterally into a sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism which is located vertically at the mid-portion the barricade and perpendicularly to base stand, has a male and female component to facilitate upward and downward motion of the detachable barricade parallelly against the base barricade. The base stand is locked to the vertical barricade by a sash lock and can be pivoted toward the vertical portion, of the barricade by a continuous hinge.

Abstract: A blasting mat including a number of resilient elements arranged in a number of parallel rows that are located in a number of predetermined regions of the blasting mat. The resilient elements in each region are respectively subjected to a preselected compression pressure, to cause each region to have a respective preselected density within a range of preselected densities. The preselected density of at least a second selected one of the regions is greater than the preselected density of at least a first selected one of the regions.

Abstract: A safety system may include a shield for protecting or shielding personnel operating in a personnel working area from a hazard provided on a structure. The structure may be a wind turbine, the hazard may be a projecting flange of the wind turbine tower, and the personnel working area may be a ladder inside the wind turbine tower. The shield may have a bend or curvature when installed in order to cover the hazard. The shield may include a plurality of wings projecting from an intermediary portion of the shield. The wings may be separated from each other by a wing gap. Other structures, working areas, and hazards are contemplated and described in the disclosure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for concentrating and allowing for separation of nanoparticles from fluids use acoustically driven nanoparticle concentrators which have an aerogel as the reflecting material and include tuning capabilities to alter the location at which the particles are being concentrated.

Abstract: A panel structure includes a plate-like flat panel and a reinforcement panel in which a criterion plate portion and a plurality of truncated conic protrusions protruding from the criterion plate portion are formed. Apex portions of the plurality of truncated conic protrusions in the reinforcement panel are joined to the flat panel by an adhesive.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight, modular, blast control system utilizes a plurality of fabric panels that may be joined to form a matrix or blanket to protect or control the blast. The panels are preferably made from layers of auxetic woven fabric, with each successive fabric layer oriented between 0-90 degrees from the previous layer. The panels may be connected together via a locking mechanism or assembly comprising a cable which runs the length of the perimeter of each fabric panel, and a torque pin rotated about two adjoining cables to form an interlocking connection. The panels connected in this manner form the fully assembled blast control blanket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and related devices for carrying out TBM excavation and expansion blasting, which uses a blast protector and a cart to expand a pilot tunnel by blasting after the pilot tunnel has been formed; and which specifically includes: a step of forming a pilot tunnel; a step of forming a horizontal or vertical blast hole; a step of installing a blast protector within the pilot tunnel; a step of blasting the upper and lower halves of the pilot tunnel to expand the upper and lower halves; and a step of removing the debris formed during the blasting of the upper and lower halves, by dumping the debris into a cart. Accordingly, the rail and cable are protected from the debris formed during the blasting, and working efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A portable protective shield for an IED or other suspected explosive devices includes a plurality of toroidal rings clamped between a lid and a base of the shield. The device is capable of withstanding high-pressure blast waves, thermal release and/or high-velocity fragments.

Abstract: A protection device comprises a covering including at least a layer of ballistics material, and a layer of an electromagnetic screening material.

Abstract: Barriers and methods of obstructing apertures. One embodiment provides a temporary barrier that includes a bag, a fluid source, and a shear thickening fluid. The bag is made of fabric and can expand (e.g. inflate) via the fluid source which is in communication with the bag. The shear thickening fluid permeates the fabric of the bag and has two states. In the first state the shear thickening fluid allows the fabric to be flexible. In the second state the shear thickening fluid causes the fabric to be inflexible. To cause the shear thickening fluid to transition to the second state a shear must be present in the shear thickening fluid. A material that is capable of reacting to form a gas may be in communication with the fluid source to provide a gas to expand the bag. A deflation valve may also be included in the barrier.

Abstract: A protection device comprises a covering including at least a layer of ballistics material, and a layer of an electromagnetic screening material.

Abstract: A blast shield formed as a multilayer sandwich of composite material configured to provide protection to bystanders in close proximity to operation of a linear shaped charge. An exemplary embodiment may be used to shield passengers when explosively cutting an emergency door in airliners. The composite material forming a blast shield may have two types of composition: the first type contains a layer of carbon fiber cloth, a layer of natural rubber and a layer of Kevlar fiber cloth, from the inside out in order. The second type contains a layer of carbon fiber cloth, a layer of Kevlar fiber cloth and a layer of polyurethane rubber, from the inside out in order. Both types typically use epoxy resin as the bond between each layer. Through the composition of fiber and rubber, embodiments can effectively block the spread of explosive shock waves, reduce the noise, decrease the weight of protective devices, and avoid forming wounding debris.

Abstract: An apparatus for blast suppression involves forming a foam barrier in proximity to a bomb or other suspicious device. The foam is maintained in position by a containment structure which is inflated and kept in an inflated state by the foam used to form such barrier. Various containment structures are disclosed for suppression of compression waves and combustion effects caused by an explosive event.

Abstract: A container, such as a standard aircraft unit load device, a truck trailer, a ship's cargo compartment, or the like, is fitted with a blast mitigating material located within the container. The blast mitigating material can be fitted to the container during manufacture, or an existing container can be retrofitted.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a blast mitigation device (1) comprising one or more inflatable, rigidisable, free-standing arched frames comprised of one or more compartments (4, 4a), the or each compartment being fillable, in use, with a gaseous medium under pressure, and one or more water-fillable containers (3, 3a) supported or supportable by the or each free standing frame, which water-fillable container(s) form a blast mitigation structure in use.

Abstract: Apparatus for suppressing the effects of an explosion or collision, the apparatus comprising or including a pair of inflatable spaced-apart walled containers (1, 2) connected or connectable at respective upper ends to each other by webs (3), and connected or connectable at their respective lower ends to each other by an inflatable base (4), and inflatable support cushion means (5) disposed between the walled containers to at least partially support the walls thereof against collapse when such are filled with water.

Abstract: A self-supporting air tube for blasting and method of blasting rock using the air tube. The air tube includes an air bladder, a pair of support wings and an inlet. The air bladder has a diameter smaller than that of a blasting hole and extends longitudinally. The support wings extend from the outside of the air bladder to the wall of the blasting hole symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the air bladder so as to surround the air bladder and have certain widths. The inlet is attached to the upper fusion-welded portion of the air bladder to inject air into the air bladder. The total diameter of the air tube is smaller than the diameter of the blasting hole, and the air tube is inserted into the blasting hole and self-supported on a wall of the blasting hole.

Abstract: An improved method of blast suppression involves forming a foam barrier in proximity to a bomb or other suspicious device. The foam is maintained in position by a containment structure which is inflated and kept in an inflated state by the foam used to form such barrier. Various containment structures and methods are disclosed for suppression of compression waves and combustion effects caused by an explosive event.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a ceramic armor plate. A backing element having a known two-dimensional size is provided. A plurality of ceramic armor tiles are placed side by side to form a layer of ceramic armor tiles on a front surface of the backing element, and the layer of ceramic armor tiles is affixed to the backing element. An abrasivejet cutter is used to cut continuously through at least two adjacent ceramic armor tiles of the affixed layer of ceramic armor tiles, and through a corresponding portion of the backing element affixed thereto, so as to delineate a portion of a ceramic armor plate.

Abstract: A flexible blast curtain will reduce casualties and property damage in the event of a terrorist bombing by intercepting flying debris and dissipating over pressure through deflection of the curtain. The blast curtain may be attached directly to buildings or mounted on frames anchored in close proximity to buildings. The curtain provides complete visibility and easy pedestrian ingress and egress for the buildings.

Abstract: A blast protection system is provided for protecting an asset from a blast force. The system has a shaft; a plurality of plates mounted on the shaft; a panel attached to a first plate of the plurality of plates and for receiving the blast force and transmitting a portion of the blast force to the first plate; and a base attached to a second plate of the plurality of the plates and for receiving a portion of the force transmitted to the first plate by the panel. The force received by the base is less than the blast force.

Abstract: In its first aspect the invention provides an electromechanical acoustic transducer (5) which is resistively terminated at the rear with a closely-coupled sound absorber (7) made from an aerogel with good acoustic absorption at low frequencies. The invention also provides an aerogel suitable for this use and which is a conglomerate of small particles packed so that there are spaces left therebetween to allow the passage of sound. Moreover, the invention provides an aerogel suitable for this use and comprised of multiple layers (17a etc.) of materials of graded properties, or comprised of material of continuously varying properties throughout the thickness of the absorbing structure, in the principal direction of sound from the source.

Abstract: A blasting mat assembly comprising a steel plate member having thickness capable of bearing a blasting pressure of explosives inputted to blasting hole; an elastic member which is fixedly attached along a bottom edge of the steel plate member for isolating blasting noise, blasting gas and flying material. Explosives inputted into each blasting hole of blasting region are discharged; and a weight reinforcing member which is welded to a top surface of the steel plate member in a structure of a grid frame made of steel beams.

Abstract: A blasting mat assembly comprising a steel plate member having thickness capable of bearing a blasting pressure of explosives inputted to blasting hole; an elastic member which is fixedly attached along a bottom edge of the steel plate member for isolating blasting noise, blasting gas and flying material. Explosives inputted into each blasting hole of blasting region are discharged; and a weight reinforcing member which is welded to a top surface of the steel plate member in a structure of a grid frame made of steel beams.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an apparatus for explosive blast suppression, and a method therefor, the apparatus comprising a hemispherical enclosure (10) defined by an upstanding wall, positioning means (42) associated with the enclosure, for positioning the explosive device substantially equidistant from any point on the wall, and in a preferred embodiment includes an integral floor (40) and a rounded lower wall, to provide a substantially even distribution of blast forces in all directions toward the wall. The enclosure is made of composite textile material, comprising one or several layers of a ballistic material (e.g. Dyneema Kevlar) sandwiched between inner and outer layers of a light-weight rip-stop nylon fabric material.

Abstract: A water-based apparatus for mitigating the gas pressure loading and associated damage and injuries from a fully or partially confined explosion. The water-based apparatus comprises a water-blanket which rests on each pallet of ordnance to mitigate the gas pressure loading from an inadvertent explosion of the ordnance. The water-blanket includes a pair of storage modules, each module comprising a plurality of water storage compartments that store a predetermined quantity of water which is dependent upon the type and quantity of explosive in the ordnance on the pallet. The storage modules are joined by a zipper which allows the modules to be separated for ease in transport.

Abstract: A water-based apparatus for mitigating the gas pressure loading and associated damage and injuries from a fully or partially confined explosion. The water-based apparatus comprises a water-blanket which rests on each pallet of ordnance to mitigate the gas pressure loading from an inadvertent explosion of the ordnance. The water-blanket includes a pair of storage modules, each module comprising a plurality of water storage compartments that store a predetermined quantity of water which is dependent upon the type and quantity of explosive in the ordnance on the pallet. The storage modules are joined by a zipper which allows the modules to be separated for ease in transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure of slackening type blasting mat comprising a steel plate member having thickness capable of bearing a blasting pressure of explosive inputted to blasting hole; an elastic member which is fixedly attached by bolt along bottom edge of said steel plate member and isolating what blasting noise and blasting gas and flying away material of explosive inputted into each blasting hole of blasting region are discharged out to exterior; and a weight reinforcing member which is welded to top surface of said steel plate member in a structure as grid window frame, and which is made of steel frame material having heavy weight capable of bearing a blasting pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for selecting pressure wave suppression devices from among a menu of pressure wave suppression devices to satisfy the pressure wave requirements of a given job or application. The present invention is further directed to pressure wave suppression devices that can be used in the hole, at or near the opening of the hole, or at a distance from the hole to perform pressure wave and/or flyrock protection. The invention is particularly useful in suppressing airblast and other excavation equipment noise in urban areas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for selecting flyrock control devices from among a menu of flyrock control devices to satisfy the flyrock requirements of a given job or application. The present invention is further directed to flyrock devices that can be used in the hole, at or near the opening of the hole, or at a distance from the hole to perform flyrock and/or pressure wave protection. The invention is particularly useful in suppressing flyrock in urban areas.

Abstract: An explosion-suppressing structure comprises an explosion-suppressing barrier, such as a wall of liquid-filled tanks or blocks, and rupturable explosion-suppressing roof members 23 such as hollow rigid bodies containing liquid-filled bags 24 and supporting further bags 25. In an alternative embodiment, the roof member comprises a net stretched over the barrier.

Abstract: A water-based apparatus for mitigating the gas pressure loading and associated damage and injuries from a fully or partially confined explosion. The water-based apparatus comprises a water-blanket which rests on each pallet of ordnance to mitigate the gas pressure loading from an inadvertent explosion of the ordnance. The water-blanket includes a pair of storage modules, each module comprising a plurality of water storage compartments that store a predetermined quantity of water which is dependent upon the type and quantity of explosive in the ordnance on the pallet. The storage modules are joined by a zipper which allows the modules to be separated for ease in transport.

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 structure for the destruction of dangerous materials is described which has a destruction location, which may be a pit below ground level. The destruction pit contains the dangerous materials. At least one durable, sealed membrane is present beneath at least a portion of the destruction pit. An overburden mound of soil is provided above the destruction pit; and at least one shaped explosive charge placed adjacent the dangerous materials capable of subjecting the dangerous materials to crushing detonation forces and high heat for a period of time. After detonation of the explosive charge to destroy the dangerous materials and their containers, such as by pyrolysis, the destruction pit is remediated by removal of the waste products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a containment structure for containing and mitigating explosions. The containment structure is installed in the wall of the building and has interior and exterior doors for placing suspicious packages into the containment structure and retrieving them from the exterior of the building. The containment structure has a blast deflection chute and a blowout panel to direct over pressure from explosions away from the building, surrounding structures and people.

Abstract: A panel includes a plurality of elongated members in a serpentine configuration under axial compression. The members are adapted to straighten to extend into an opening cut through the panel and the members.

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.

Abstract: A bulletproof blanket for use with law enforcement vehicles, including a plurality of envelopes containing panels. Each of the panels is fabricated of a lightweight material. Each of the envelopes containing panels has a short lower horizontal edge, an upper edge, and long vertical side edges therebetween. A plurality of flexible connector straps are vertically positioned between adjacent edges of the envelopes. Each of the straps has a first edge coupled to an envelope adjacent one edge and a second edge coupled to an adjacent envelope. In this manner the envelopes containing panels may be positioned in an essentially vertical plane when deployed for operation and use. The envelopes containing panels may also be positioned in a stacked parallel planar array, accordion style, for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A blast suppression system is provided, with the system including a plurality of command-actuated units located in the immediate vicinity of a bomb, a reservoir of suppressant material, and transmission lines connecting the reservoir to the units. Each of the units provides for the transmission of a suppressant material, preferably water, therethrough. Each of the units has nozzles configured to disperse the suppressant material into the air surrounding the bomb. Preferably, the transmission occurs prior to the explosion of the bomb, and continues after the explosion as well. Each command-actuated unit preferably has associated therewith an adjustable flow rate, an adjustable flow pattern, and an adjustable droplet size. In one embodiment of the invention, the command-actuated units are stationary, while in another embodiment the units are mobile. A method for utilizing the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Rock slabs or pieces are broken from larger rocks or from rock formations with reduced cracking of the broken rock slabs or pieces by drilling bore holes along the desired break lines, placing detonating cord into the bore holes, filling the bore holes with a shock transmitting and moderating composition, and detonating the detonation cord. The shock transmitting and moderating composition is preferably a gel with shock absorbing material such as microspheres or micro gas bubbles suspended therein. Openings in rock can also be formed by drilling at least one bore hole within the desired opening and drilling a plurality of bore holes along the desired periphery of the desired opening.

Abstract: A method for severing or weakening materials. Explosive cords are placed in grooves on the upper surface of the material to be severed or weakened. The explosive cords are initiated simultaneously to introduce explosive shock waves into the material. These shock waves progress toward the centerline between the explosive cords and the lower surface of the material. Intersecting and reflected waves produce a rarefaction zone on the centerline to fail the material in tension. A groove may also be cut in the lower surface of the material to aid in severing or weakening the material.

Abstract: A method of limiting an environmental disturbance caused by exploding explosive material, comprising spraying liquid to generate a liquid dispersion about the explosive material to be exploded and detonating the explosive material so that it explodes in the dispersion. The invention also relates to an installation for limiting the environmental disturbance of an explosion.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of at least one rupturable flexible liquid containment device to reduce the effects of explosions. It has applications, inner alia, in the control of "fly" from building demolition, the disposal of munitions, the disposal of used but unexploded weapons and the suppression of terrorist bombs.