Abstract: A play structure is formed from flexible struts supporting a fabric. The struts are inserted through pockets along the edges of the fabric. The struts are joined together by connectors at apexes of the structure. The struts form an upper frame and a lower frame. The upper and lower frames are connected by battens. The struts and battens hold the fabric in a selected shape, such as a sailboat. The battens are formed from flat, flexible members that are bent about their longitudinal axis to form a C-shaped cross section. Ends of the battens are inserted into curved batten receivers on the connectors. When a downward force is applied, the upper frame is pressed toward the lower frame. The battens bend and flatten to resiliently allow the structure to collapse. When the force is relieved, the battens resiliently resume their curved shape, restoring the structure to its original configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a non-pyro cartridge for military training devices. The cartridge has a refillable compressed gas compartment fitted with a refill valve, which allows for quick reuse of the cartridge. The cartridge further has a blast compartment that receive a rush of compressed air from the gas compartment when the cartridge is triggered/detonated. Also provided is an activation device for the cartridge. The cartridge and activation device can generate physical and digital effects on the battlefield that safely and realistically simulate anti-tank weapon signatures, mortar weapon signatures, landmines signatures, improvised explosive device weapon signatures, artillery point of impact signatures, hand grenade signatures, weapon impact signatures on vehicles, weapon impact signatures on buildings, multiple types of battlefield effects, weapon signatures, impact signatures with a single device type.

Abstract: A digitally controlled hand-tossable explosive delivery receptacle comprises a ruggedized reusable compartment enclosing a digital circuit and a disposable cartridge holding one or more explosive chemical agents and a primer. The disposable cartridge is configured to be mounted to the ruggedized reusable cartridge, and a high-strength bulkhead incorporated into the reusable or disposable compartment that separates the digital circuit from the chemical agents. The reusable compartment is sufficiently ruggedized to withstand the ignition of the primer and the detonation of the chemical agents to be reused with one or more additional disposable cartridges. In one implementation, the delivery receptacle uses a commercial airbag initiator as the primer, which is arranged in relation to the one or more chemical agents so that when the initiator is activated, it generates a pressure wave that expels the one or more chemical agents from the grenade.

Abstract: A method of calculating blast injury metrics in a weapon training/IED blast scene can include: reconstructing topological layout of the scene having at least one real subject and a blast source; obtaining anthropometric and posture data for each real subject; obtaining anatomical soldier model for each real subject; identifying real position of at least one real pressure sensor on each soldier during a blast; positioning a virtual sensor on each anatomical soldier model to correspond with real pressure sensor on the real subject; calculating weapon signature of the blast source, the weapon signature including pressure versus time for a blast from the blast source; generating simulated pressure traces on each anatomical soldier model at east virtual pressure sensor; calculating blast injury metrics for the at least one real subject; and generating a report that includes the blast injury metrics for the at least one real subject.

Abstract: Ballistic body armor is provided having a ballistic body armor panel disposed in a flexible carrier vest. The panel has a pair of opposing outer walls sealed to each other and defining therebetween a gas-impermeable and water-impermeable interior in which is disposed a plurality of layers of woven or non-woven ballistic material. To reduce degradation of the ballistic material, ambient air is removed from the interior of the panel and is replaced with an inert gas. A sensor is disposed in the panel configured to detect a marker indicative of a risk of ballistic panel degradation. The sensor may provide a visual and/or electronic indication (such as a microchip sensor indication). In particular embodiments the marker indicates a level of oxygen above a certain threshold level. The outer walls of the panel may be opaque to reduce penetration of ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A portable, disposable, fireworks launch platform device that has a base member that includes an adhesive for securing one or more fireworks in a desired launching position as fireworks are launched.

Abstract: A fireworks kit can have a set of fireworks having multiple fireworks of different types and a plurality of detonators in communication with the fireworks that are configured to launch or detonate a firework attached thereto. A remote controller or mobile device can be in communication with the detonators and operable to provide dynamic or user customizable control of detonation, launching, or ignition of the fireworks.

Abstract: A training aid for use in training canines to detect an explosive material includes an explosive material adsorbed in the pores of a high surface area mesoporous or nanoporous host material. By adjusting the surfaces of the pores of the substrate material, the substrate can accommodate various types of explosive materials in a non-detonable and non-flammable manner, including nitroaromatics, nitroamines, nitrate-based explosives, and peroxide-based explosives. When the training aid is in an unsealed condition, a continuous flux of explosive material is released without providing any explosive or flame hazard to the trainer and canine.

Abstract: Additive Manufacturing (AM) is used to make mimics for explosives. The process uses mixtures of explosives and matrices commonly used in AM. The explosives are formulated into a mixture with the matrix and printed using AM techniques and equipment. The explosive concentrations are kept less than 10% by wt. of the mixture to conform to requirements of shipping and handling.

Abstract: A diffuse light source, for use in energy efficient lighting, as well as for visual disorientation or disruption systems, is configured with a single solid torus (15) or rotating dual cylinder (35a, 35b) diffuser of transparent refracting material into which light (13, 33) from a laser or LED beam source (11, 31) is coupled. Light (19, 39) emerges radially outward in all directions from the diffuser.

Abstract: Provided is a simulant material including a primary explosive and a carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes simulants and methods of production thereof that imitate characteristics of known explosives, including characteristics at the microscopic and macroscopic level. For instance, the present disclosure includes a simulant with the same texture, granularity, bulk density, particle density, and porosity of a known explosive. The simulants described herein provide the macroscopic bulk physical properties and the microscopic scale properties of actual explosives.

Abstract: An improved system and method for generating and controlling conducted acoustic waves for geophysical exploration are provided. A plurality of overpressure waves are generated by at least one overpressure wave generator comprising at least one detonation tube having an open end. The at least one overpressure wave generator is oriented so the plurality of overpressure waves are not directed directly towards a target media. The recoil force of the at least one overpressure wave generator occurring during generation of the plurality of overpressure waves is coupled to the target media to generate conducted acoustic waves. The timing of the generation of the plurality of overpressure waves can be in accordance with a timing code and can be used to steer the conducted acoustic waves to a location of interest in the target media.

Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling and directing sound waves is provided. A fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to at least one detonator having at least one spark initiator. The fuel-oxidant mixture flows through the at least one detonator and into the closed end of at least one detonation tube also having an open end. The timing at least one spark initiator is controlled to initiate at least one spark within the at least one detonator while the fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the at least one detonator thereby initiating a detonation wave at the closed end of the at least one detonation tube. The detonation wave propagates the length of the at least one detonation tube and exits the open end of the at least one detonation tube as a sound wave. When multiple detonation tubes are detonated with controlled timing, the resulting sound waves are directed to a desired location. Sound waves can be directed from groups of detonation tubes and from a sparse array of detonation tubes.

Abstract: Provided is a simulant material for simulating hazardous materials, including a quantity of at least one explosive material and at least one inert material. The simulant material is a non-explosive material and is in the form of a homogenous, flexible and non-particulated material. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a simulant material.

Abstract: An improved system and method for ignition of a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is provided where a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to a detonator tube having a fill point and an open end and an igniter placed at an ignition point within the detonator tube is ignited while the gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the detonator tube. A detonation impulse is produced at the ignition point that propagates to the open end of said detonator tube where it can be supplied to a detonation tube having an open end, to an internal combustion engine, a combustion chamber, and to a pulse detonation engine.

Abstract: A simulant material for simulating hazardous materials is provided. The simulant material includes a quantity of at least one explosive material and at least one inert material. The simulant material is a non-explosive material and is in the form of a homogenous, flexible and non-particulated material. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a simulant material.

Abstract: An improved system and method for ignition of a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is provided where a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to a detonator tube having a fill point and an open end and an igniter placed at an ignition point within the detonator tube is ignited while the gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the detonator tube. A detonation impulse is produced at the ignition point that propagates to the open end of said detonator tube where it can be supplied to a detonation tube having an open end, to an internal combustion engine, a combustion chamber, and to a pulse detonation engine.

Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling and directing sound waves is provided. A fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to at least one detonator having at least one spark initiator. The fuel-oxidant mixture flows through the at least one detonator and into the closed end of at least one detonation tube also having an open end. The timing at least one spark initiator is controlled to initiate at least one spark within the at least one detonator while the fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the at least one detonator thereby initiating a detonation wave at the closed end of the at least one detonation tube. The detonation wave propagates the length of the at least one detonation tube and exits the open end of the at least one detonation tube as a sound wave. When multiple detonation tubes are detonated with controlled timing, the resulting sound waves are directed to a desired location. Sound waves can be directed from groups of detonation tubes and from a sparse array of detonation tubes.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a firing apparatus that provides an arcuate visual effect. The firing apparatus includes a motor, an enclosure housing the motor and an arm connected to a shaft of the motor for moving a pyrotechnic device such as a gerb. Another aspect of the invention provides a pyrotechnic system that includes a firing apparatus including a reciprocal motor, a firing arm having a first end connected to a shaft of the reciprocal motor and a second end adapted to emit an arcuate pyrotechnic effect, a control unit in communication with the firing apparatus for controlling operation of the reciprocal motor and an ignition unit in communication with the firing apparatus for initiating the pyrotechnic effect.

Abstract: A simple device for generating pyrotechnic effects, in which an enveloping body (11) is formed from a plurality of interconnected plate-like layers between which the pyrotechnic charges (10) as well as the igniter means (12) are embedded. A configuration of the igniter means (12) as heating resistors, in particular as heating resistors whose conductors run in a meandering path. Such igniter means (12) are particularly suitable for use in the formation of a plate-like enveloping body consisting of a plurality of layers. By virtue of this enveloping body, the device assumes a shape comparable to that of a credit card or bank card.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method that can be used to scientifically fabricate pseudoscents of explosives, which, in their entirety, are comprised of non-energetic materials. It also discloses specific compositions of such pseudoscents, which can be used as energetically-inert-but-odoriferously-identical simulants for a range of explosives and are comprised of non-energetic components of the scent signature of an explosive and/or energetic scent components of the same headspace scent signature that have been rendered non-energetic. The scents achievable by the groups of formulations generated by this method encompass the different types of military and commercial explosives, and the components within the pseudoscents can be tuned to generate simulants representative of different qualities and quantities of such explosives.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for simulating an actual explosion of an explosive device includes one or more firing devices and a control module. A firing device comprises a pyrotechnic device operable to direct a pyrotechnic explosion in a predetermined direction to simulate the actual explosion of the explosive device. The control module receives a trigger signal from a trigger device, which is operable to send the trigger signal in response to a trigger event. The control module detonates the firing devices in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: An apparatus or device for simulating weapons firing/hit indications for military training which uses pyrotechnic devices to simulate target hits and hostile fire. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, can be used with blank ammunition. The combination of the device and the blank ammunition can offer both audio and visual indication of a hit in battlefield conditions and also simulate hostile fire. The device can be used for the training of military personnel. The device can provide visible and audible feedback to trainees. It can simulate hostile fire in which case the trainee must recognize the hostile fire and must be able to return fire.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a simulated mine includes a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) device and a pyrotechnic device disposed in a simulated mine housing that simulates the appearance of an actual mine. The multiple integrated laser engagement system device is operable to transmit a light signal representative of a blast from the actual mine. The pyrotechnic device is operable to detonate simultaneously with transmission of the light signal.

Abstract: A diversion device capable of generating a disorientating flash and a disorientating sound without an explosion has a housing with a cavity containing an inert gas, a piston and a powder. The powder creates the flash via ignition after exiting the device. The device also includes a mechanism configured to ensure the powder encompasses the device upon exit and does is not dispersed in a substantially horizontal plane. In addition, the device may include devices capable of creating a disorientating sound as the inert gas escapes the device.

Abstract: A diversion grenade (200) comprising: a transparent body (102) in which is located one or more charges of flash material (104); an internal power supply (114); a control circuit (126) that is responsive to one or more inputs, the control circuit (126) producing one or more output signals; and an external user operated trigger (110) for initiating a user input for activating the grenade (200). The grenade (200) may also include tracer lights (122) and sound emitters (201).

Abstract: An explosion simulation device comprising an elongated body formed with a hollow chamber, the body being formed with end apertures at opposite ends thereof and a plurality of radially-directed side apertures along an axial length thereof, the end apertures and side apertures being in fluid communication with the hollow chamber, a pyrotechnic substance disposed in the hollow chamber, and a detonator disposed in the body for detonating the pyrotechnic substance, wherein the end apertures and side apertures are arranged with respect to one another such that forces of post-combustion gases, formed as a product of detonation of the pyrotechnic substance and which are vented through the end apertures and side apertures, are directed in directions that tend to cancel movement of the body.

Abstract: An explosion simulator including a chamber at least partially filled with a pyrotechnic material, the chamber being formed with a plurality of holes arranged for fluid products of an explosion of the pyrotechnic material to pass therethrough, and a delaying detonator adapted to detonate the pyrotechnic material, the detonator being adapted to delay onset of the explosion of the pyrotechnic material a period of time after actuation of the detonator.

Abstract: A shotgun sound simulating device comprises an elongate tube having a hollow interior, an open end at one end of the tube, an ignitable mixture arranged to be injected into the tube, a baffle within the tube and an ignition device arranged to ignite the ignitable mixture. Ignition of the ignitable mixture with the tube creates a sound effect to simulate a sound created by the firing of a shotgun.

Abstract: An electrical connector device for use with a pyrotechnic ignition apparatus having a magazine for igniting a plurality of devices in an array in an ignition sequence includes a plastic tube mounted in a metal cap casing to which first and second electrically isolated terminals are attached, the terminals being located in the tube chamber and extending to the casing exterior. A wire is connected to each terminal at one wire end and to a terminal attached to a plastic end cap at an end of the plastic tube opposite the metal casing. The end cap is attached to a further tube mounted telescopically inside the plastic tube. A connector is attached to the end cap terminals. The connector device is of generally the same construction at its casing terminals as the pyrotechnic devices so as to be placed in the magazine in place of a pyrotechnic device and responsive to a generated ignition signal. A remote pyrotechnic device is attached by a cable to the end cap connector.

Abstract: In a towed body with infrared flares located at its rear, the flares are in an ejection unit and are pulled out of the towed body via a tow cable as they ignite, preventing the towed body from being destroyed by missiles when it is used during target simulation.

Abstract: A computer system whereby the user selects any combination of hazards and buildings which are of interest in modeling and simulating potential explosions. The software of the present invention automatically calculates distance and orientation of various building surfaces from the hazard, and accounts for side-on and reflected loads based on the orientation. The user is then provided with the pressure-impulse diagrams (P-i diagrams) where the software determines the damage expected for each building component. The results are displayed in a table which gives the applied blast load and damage level for each component on each building surface.

Abstract: Projectile simulation means serve for an acoustic and/or optical representation of the firing of canons or the like. The projectile simulation means are arranged in a pivotable receiving plate of a firing apparatus. There is a danger that, when pivoting the receiving plate for closing the firing apparatus, the projectile simulation means drop out of the receiving plate.According to the invention, the projectile simulation means are provided with spring tongues (27) which project from the outside of the casing (11) and are pressed together when pushing-in the projectile simulation means into the receiving plate. In this manner, the spring tongues (27) are resiliently preloaded, as a result of which they hold the projectile simulation means in the receiving plate in a hook-lie manner.

Abstract: A simulated weapon creates a muzzle flash and smoke effect. The simulated weapon has an elongated tube portion having a closed end and an open end. A high-intensity light source enters the elongated tube near the closed end. A communication passageway in the elongated tube conducts a pulse of theatrical haze through the weapon. A target illuminator is mounted on the elongated tube. A pressurized pulse of theatrical haze is delivered through a barrel of the weapon. The high-intensity light source is flashed as the pressurized pulse of theatrical haze exits the barrel.

Abstract: A re-usable simulated grenade is provided that may be utilized by soldiers training with a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES). The simulated grenade includes a central core having a blast chamber that contains a non-lethal quantity of an explosive detonated by a manually actuatable detonator mechanism. The core has a plurality of omni-directional passages containing a filer which is ejected to simulate the blast pattern of an actual grenade. A plurality of transducers such as infrared LED's, acoustic transducers or RF transducers are located on the core for emitting signals detectable by a plurality of sensors worn by a player within a predetermined proximity of the simulated grenade. A circuit including a pressure sensitive switch is located in the core and is connected to the transducers for energizing the same when the explosive is detonated. A player identification code (PID) is encoded onto the signals emitted by the transducers.

Abstract: Explosives simulants that include non-explosive components are disclosed that facilitate testing of equipment designed to remotely detect explosives. The simulants are non-explosive, non-hazardous materials that can be safely handled without any significant precautions. The simulants imitate real explosives in terms of mass density, effective atomic number, x-ray transmission properties, and physical form, including moldable plastics and emulsions/gels.

Abstract: Protective device for protection of rapidly moving objects such as aircraft or the like against homing heads that react to radiation, in particular infrared radiation, emitted by the aircraft, and that have a destructive charge. The protective device has at least one dispenser arranged on the object to be protected, and at least one effective body (flare), such as a spot flare or the like, that can be launched therefrom. The effective body has at least one decoy charge that can be at least partially ignited at a distance from the object and which, upon decomposition, temporarily forms an apparent target body that spectrally simulates, in a way relevant to the homing head, the target signature of the object to be protected.

Abstract: Aerial training flare or flare simulator comprising a polymeric case, a begradable polymeric candle housing, and a candle comprising a pyrotechnic illuminant and an environmentally friendly, fast-burning ignition composition. An expulsion cartridge ejects the candle and the candle housing while the case is retained on the launching aircraft. The only major component of the flare which falls to earth is the partially melted candle housing, which is biodegradable and thus reduces requirements for environmental cleanup.

Abstract: An improved battlefield simulation system based upon continuous wave lasers. The system uses continuous wave lasers and high-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to simulate weapons. A continuous wave laser energy beam is coded using pulse-code modulation (PCM) and pulse-pause modulation (PPM) so that the agent is uniquely identified, as well as the type of weapon responsible for the light beam. The present system provides improved eye safety, improved sensitivity, improved realism, and improved data transfer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrical ignitor for a model rocket, including two insulated lead wires, with each lead wire having an uninsulated end. An element wire interconnects the uninsulated ends from each lead wire. The element wire forms a plurality of turns around one of the insulated lead wires. A pyrogen compound surrounds the element wire.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method a flat-side model rocket. In the preferred embodiment, the model rocket is four-sided, and may be constructed by a user from wooden pieces that are pre-cut and pre-engraved with a sealed-CO.sub.2 laser. The model rocket of the present invention is compatible with existing model rocket engines, launching apparatuses, and parachute-type recovery apparatuses.

Abstract: A simulator which is chemically equivalent to an explosive, but is not detonable or explodable. The simulator is a combination of an explosive material with an inert material, either in a matrix or as a coating, where the explosive has a high surface ratio but small volume ratio. The simulator has particular use in the training of explosives detecting dogs, calibrating analytical instruments which are sensitive to either vapor or elemental composition, or other applications where the hazards associated with explosives is undesirable but where chemical and/or elemental equivalence is required. The explosive simulants may be fabricated by different techniques. A first method involves the use of standard slurry coatings to produce a material with a very high binder to explosive ratio without masking the explosive vapor, and a second method involves coating inert substrates with thin layers of explosive.

Abstract: Shots and hits are simulated with pyrotechnic indicator means e.g. in military maneuvers. For this purpose, devices are used which are designed for accommodating a plurality of pyrotechnic indicator means (15) . Each indicator means (15) can individually be ignited electrically. To this end, an ignition device is provided which has ignition connectors (16) leading to the ignition contacts of each indicator means (15). In known devices of this type making a contact between the indicator means (15) and the ignition connectors (16) requires relative high expenditure of time. Furthermore, faulty connections cannot be excluded. As a result, reloading the device becomes time-consuming and unreliable.The device according to the invention provides that either each ignition connector (16) or each indicator means (15) is provided with at least one annular circumferential contact.

Abstract: An arrangement for simulating indirect fire in military combat training exercises in which each individual exercise participant is not required to be equipped with an individual position-locating device. The arrangement uses a technique of grouping (20, 30) the players (1-7,11-17) and equipping only one member of the group with a position-locating device (43). The position of the single player equipped with the position-locating device is used to determine if the group is located within the area affected by simulated indirect fire. Once the group has been determined to be within the affected area, individual players within the group assess their own casualties based on weapon-target pairing and random chance.

Abstract: A practice dummy for simulating a handgrenade or another explosive weapon includes a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes. A light signal from these diodes is used for simulating the explosion. The light signal can be received by suitable detectors, such that the effect of the dummy can be detected in practice combat. Similar practice dummies can also be produced for the simulation of other weapons, such as mines, mortar shells, etc. The dummy therefore allows a more realistic combat simulation for practice and instruction. The light signals emitted by the diodes can be adjusted to have a range similar to the explosion to be simulated. Such a dummy is easy to construct and compatible with existing optical simulation systems.

Abstract: A simulator which is chemically equivalent to an explosive, but is not detonable. The simulator has particular use in the training of explosives detecting dogs and calibrating sensitive analytical instruments. The explosive simulants may be fabricated by different techniques, a first involves the use of standard slurry coatings to produce a material with a very high binder to explosive ratio without masking the explosive vapor, and the second involves coating inert beads with thin layers of explosive molecules.

Abstract: Ammunition for an electronically activated simulated firearm includes a combustible powder contained in a plastic casing having electrically conductive pins which mount in a barrel portion of the firearm. The powder charge is less than 2 grains of an oxidizer, a fuel, and a color enhancer to provide the smoke and flash of a real weapon without producing any significant noise or creating danger.

Abstract: A simulator which is chemically equivalent to an explosive, but is not detonable. The simulator has particular use in the training of explosives detecting dogs and calibrating sensitive analytical instruments. The explosive simulants may be fabricated by different techniques, a first involves the use of standard slurry coatings to produce a material with a very high binder to explosive ratio without masking the explosive vapor, and the second involves coating inert beads with thin layers of explosive molecules.

Abstract: A self contained, self-powered, bright, typically visible, light source in a strong case having a transparent dome is thrown or fired into position by police as a non-injurious agent of coercive intervention. Light is emitted after a predetermined delay, typically ten seconds, from a unidirectional manual actuation, typically by act of pulling an insulating plastic strip from between electrical contacts within the case. Once activated, the light source may not be readily deactivated, and will shine sufficiently brightly so as to be temporarily blinding to the direct view of any human who is close enough to the light source so as to touch it. A spent light source may be discarded but is commonly recycled by being recharged.