Abstract: An acoustic isolation booth for providing a space for noisemaking out of earshot from other parties. wherein: the acoustic isolation booth comprises a shell comprising at least two compartments, an intermediate wall, a plurality of outer walls, a ceiling and one or more entryways. The shell comprises a shell width, a shell depth and a shell height. The two compartments comprise at least a first compartment and a second compartment. each of the two compartments comprises a compartment depth, a compartment width and a compartment height. A first side wall, the intermediate wall and a second side wall are configured to divide a space within the shell into the first compartment and the second compartment.

Abstract: A compositionally-graded structure including a body having a first major surface and a second major surface opposed from the first major surface along a thickness axis, the body including a metallic component and a ceramic component, wherein a concentration of the ceramic component in the body is a function of location within the body along the thickness axis, wherein transitions of the concentration of the ceramic component in the body are continuous such that distinct interfaces are not macroscopically established within the body, and wherein the concentration of the ceramic component is at least 95 percent by volume at at least one location within the body along the thickness axis.

Abstract: An inflatable pouch includes a bladder formed from an inflatable web and an outer skin formed from a film. The bladder includes a bladder pouch that includes a bottom portion at a folded edge of the inflatable web, front and back portions on either side of the folded edge, and sides where the front and back portions are sealed to each other. The outer skin includes an outer skin pouch that includes a bottom portion at a folded edge of the film, front and back portions on either side of the folded edge, and sides where the front and back portions are attached to each other. The bladder is attached to the outer skin at a tack area such that the sides of the bladder pouch and the outer skin pouch are not directly attached to the sides of the outer skin pouch.

Abstract: A welding screen includes a primary barrier made of a magnetic sheet. The welding screen enhances safety by halting or restricting the motion of magnetic and paramagnetic by-products, thereby preventing flame, light, magnetic material, sparks and dust from being scattered during welding or post-weld grinding. This improvement can be applied to various type of welding screens (welding curtain, welding windshield), by using a flexible magnetic sheet material as the primary barrier material.

Abstract: A protective bag assembly made of multi-layer material for securing one or more articles against natural or man-made disasters, is disclosed. The protective bag assembly comprises an enclosure with an opening. Said bag assembly further comprises a closure secured to the enclosure for fastening the opening and a flap extends over the closure to protect them from exposure to flame and water. The enclosure and flap are made of multi-layer material comprising, a first layer made of silicone material, a second layer made of flame resistant foil, a third layer made of foam material and a fourth layer made of rubber material. The protective bag assembly secures one or more articles against flood water, storm surges, leaky roofs, sand, dust, rodents, insects, flames or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An armor system includes an armor plate, and an appliqué affixed to an exterior of the armor plate, wherein the appliqué has a density increasing in a direction towards the armor plate and configured to minimize reflection of a blast wave from the armor plate. The coupling system comprises a binder material that surrounds filler particles configured to create an impedance gradient parallel to the impulse propagation direction.

Abstract: A thermally insulating article of warmth such as an article of apparel is described and includes removable thermally insulating flexible panels disposed and removably secured between the outer shell fabric and the inner lining fabric. The thermally insulating panels are inserted through an opening having a closure and is retained in position between the outer fabric shell and inner liner by detachable fasteners. The panels are removed to change them with panels having different thermal values or properties to adapt to different climatic conditions or to wash the article without the insulation. By removing the insulation panels the article is less bulky to wash and dry and takes less time for washing and drying while preventing damage to the insulation, particularly if constructed of insulating material which absorbs humidity and has a tendency to form clumps when subjected to impact and stretching forces by the action of a washing and drying machine by being removable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels including a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces and a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces. Additionally, the embodiments of the releasably engagable systems of ballistic-resistant panels include at least one of fasteners, an adhesive coating, or a securement element, all of which function to releasably engage the second ballistic-resistant panel front surface with the first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. Further, disclosed herein are embodiments of a ballistic-resistant garment configured to receive an embodiment of the releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.

Abstract: A lumbar support system and device is disclosed herein which includes a lumbar support plate. The lumbar support plate may be incorporated or used in conjunction with a body armor protective garment.

Abstract: A system for applying a personal message to a heat resistant cameo that is intended to be included with a deceased person during a cremation process. The system includes a holder having a middle passage constructed and arranged to receive the cameo therein with the cameo having a predetermined inscription surface upon which a personal message can be inscribed; a transfer sheet with the holder retaining the transfer sheet and being constructed and arranged to stretch the transfer sheet over the inscription surface of the cameo; and a mask that is disposed over the transfer sheet. The mask has a middle hole therein that is aligned with the middle passage of the holder.

Abstract: An armor shield. The arm shield includes a ballistic material layer and a fabric layer. The fabric layer snuggly encases the ballistic material layer. The ballistic material layer and the fabric layer form a front side, a rear side, and an edge of the armor shield. A least one looped handle may be secured to the rear side.

Abstract: An abrasive element precursor includes a green body ceramic element having a first major surface, a second major surface, a plurality of inorganic particles, and a binder. At least the first major surface comprises a plurality of precisely shaped features. The plurality of inorganic particles is at least about 99% carbide ceramic by weight.

Abstract: A variable insulation system for an article of outdoor equipment that allows a user to adjust the amount of insulation within the article of outdoor equipment. The article of outdoor equipment may include at least one resealable channel that is configured to receive one or more insulation pouches. The insulation pouches may include first and second attachment members for connecting the insulation pouches before they are inserted into the resealable channels. A user may add insulation pouches to or remove insulation pouches from the resealable channels depending on the user's insulation needs.

Abstract: A method of protecting a user from a strike by a maximum threat includes adhesively bonding a plurality of solid elements to a support structure in a planar array, dimensions and material properties of the solid elements, support structure, and adhesive being selected to cause an impacted solid element to be dislodged by the maximum threat, and to combine its mass with the projectile for reduced velocity and increased impact area. The support structure is configured to fail in tensile and to allow the combined projectile and solid element to pass through the support structure. The solid elements can be ceramic, and can be commutated upon impact while remaining substantially intact. The solid elements can include titanium backing layers. After formation, ceramic cores can be compressed upon cooling by an outer ceramic layer having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion, the outer layer being formed by glazing or doping.

Abstract: A sandwich of impact resistant material comprising: a first tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the first tile and the first tile comprises a hardness value; a second tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the second tile and the second tile comprises a hardness value; and a third tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the third tile and the third tile comprises a hardness value, wherein the second tile is coupled in between the first tile and the third tile, and the second tile comprises a hardness value greater than the first tile and the third tile.

Abstract: A flexible armor system adaptable to a garment suitable for extremity protection uses a planar array of polygon-shaped solid elements which detach upon projectile impact and combine their mass with the projectile for reduced velocity and increased impact area. The solid elements are bonded between an elastic strike-side spall cover and a high tensile strength flexible backer layer, and are further supported by a substantial fiber pack. In embodiments, the solid elements are ceramic, and are commutated but remain essentially intact after the projectile impact. Edge bars can cover junctures between solid elements, and center buttons can cover intersections between the junctures. Edge bars and center buttons can also be ceramic. The ceramic parts can include titanium backing layers. After formation, ceramic cores can be compressed upon cooling by an outer ceramic layer having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion, the outer layer being formed by glazing or doping.

Abstract: A transparent ceramic composite armor is made of a crystalline transparent ceramic material and an amorphous glass phase material. The armor includes a first portion containing 100 per cent ceramic material; a second portion contiguous and integral with the first portion and containing a combination of the ceramic material and the glass phase material; and a third portion contiguous and integral with the second portion and containing 100 per cent glass phase material. Relative volumetric amounts of the ceramic material and the glass phase material in the second portion are inversely related and a greatest volume percentage of the ceramic material is adjacent the first portion. The volume percentage of the ceramic material in the second portion decreases a direction away from the strike face of the armor, while the volume percentage of the glass phase material increases in the same direction.

Abstract: Overlays for the interior of safe doors, such as doors of metal gun safes. In some embodiments, the safe may comprise a door frame comprising an interior surface. A door backing may be coupled to the interior surface of the door frame. A sheet of material may be coupled to the door backing, and an overlay may be positioned to extend along one or more edges of the interior surface of the door frame such that at least a portion of the sheet of material is positioned between the overlay and the door backing. Such configurations may allow for utilization of the interior of the safe door for storage of various items, such as firearm ammunition and other accessories, and further may simplify the process of manufacturing such accessories and/or improve the appearance of the interior of the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for storing objects to be protected from unauthorized access, particularly an automatic teller, vault (1), safe or security cabinet, comprising a housing (2) having a storage space, the housing having a rear wall, two side walls (3) disposed opposite each other, a base (4) and a top (5), wherein the base (4) and the top (5) are disposed opposite each other and connect the side walls (3) to each other, wherein the housing (2) has at least one opening (6) that can be locked using a door (7) and/or flap. In order to improve a generic container such that it is sufficiently protected from unauthorized opening by explosion, while simultaneously being constructed in a simple manner, so that a corresponding container can also be produced in a cost-effective manner, the invention provides that an absorber element (10) is disposed in the storage space.

Abstract: The fusion of a side wall may be made difficult by using a fusion-resistant material having light weight. Provided is a casing including a side wall having a multi-layer structure. In the casing, the side wall includes an outer wall, a fusion-resistant material provided at an inner side of the outer wall with a predetermined gap with respect to the outer wall, and an inner wall provided at an inner side of the fusion-resistant material with a predetermined gap with respect to the fusion-resistant material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a blast resistant door assembly having a front surface exposed to potential explosive attack, the door assembly comprising a stack of alternating front and rear elongated flat plates, the front plates offset to the front of the panel relative to the rear plates such that only a portion of the front and rear plates overlap. A series of tension rods extends through stacked assembly, and compresses the assembly together. The door assembly may be used alone or in combination with another blast resistant panel of a different construction.

Abstract: An armor system and method involves providing a core material and a stream of atomized coating material that comprises a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. An initial layer is deposited on the core material by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is less than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. An outer layer is then deposited on the initial layer by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is greater than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis.

Abstract: In a laminate, comprising at least one series of metal layers and fiber-reinforced plastic layers which are attached to one another, at least two different series are provided, these series including a transition, and at the location of the transition at least one of the internal layers is discontinuous and all the other layers are continuous.

Abstract: A composite armor plate with a layer of pellets in a binder matrix, the pellets having domed front and planar back end and a reduced weight. A method of producing the plate comprises providing front and back layers, applying binder material to the pellets and the layers, and heating the binder material to form the matrix and bind the front and back layers thereto. Each pellet may be coated with a primer adapted to facilitate the binding.

Abstract: A ballistic and blast protective composite panel includes a first composite layer and a second composite layer.

Abstract: The increase of temperature of heat sensitive devices during heat generating conditions is prevented through the absorption of heat, by providing a hydroxide, such as Lithium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Calcium Hydroxide, Beryllium Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ammonium Hydroxide and mixtures thereof, in an amount sufficient to effect the required heat absorption. Where the heat generating conditions are generated by a heat generator, separate and distinct from the heat sensitive device, the hydroxide may be supported in a position between the heat sensitive device and the heat generator. Where the heat sensitive device is itself the heat generator, the hydroxide is in contact with the heat sensitive device, either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: A modular ballistic wall assembly incorporates a rigid frame including first and second spaced-apart uprights, and at least one cross-member extending between the uprights. A plurality of ballistic panels are carried by the frame between the first and second uprights. Each ballistic panel has top and bottom edges, opposing side edges, and opposing major surfaces. The major surfaces define respective threat and lee sides of the panel. The ballistic panels are arranged edge-to-edge, such that adjacent panels form an unprotected seam therebetween. A first ballistic seam protector is carried by the cross-member of the frame, and covers the unprotected seam on the threat-side of the ballistic panels. A second ballistic seam protector is carried by one of the first and second uprights of the frame on the threat-side of the ballistic panels. The second ballistic seam protector is adapted for covering a second unprotected seam formed between adjacent ballistic panels.

Abstract: A modular ballistic abatement barrier system (10) includes a first corrugated panel (12) having at least one aperture (13), a second corrugated panel (16) having at least one aperture (17), and a ballistic cloth (14) placed between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel. The ballistic cloth can also include at least one aperture (15). The first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel are coupled using at least one among a mechanical bond and a chemical bond. For example, the ballistic cloth can be laminated between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel to form a multi-layered panel. Alternatively, the first corrugated panel, the ballistic cloth, and the second corrugated panel can be coupled together using a fastener that compresses the ballistic cloth between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel.

Abstract: A protective structure for protecting buildings, bridges, roads and other areas from explosive devices such as car bombs and the like comprises: (a) a mesh structure having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines an annular space; (b) a plurality of structural steel cables in contact with the mesh structure; (c) a composite fill material which resides within the annular space of the mesh structure and within the mesh structure; (d) at least one reinforcement member which resides within the composite fill material; and (e) a composite face material which resides upon the outer surface of the mesh structure. The mesh structure may be made up of, for example, steel wire.

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: Penetration resistant door panel comprises a plurality of spars having a series of holes therethrough and sandwiched between an outer skin and a rear skin. Preferably there are two series of holes in each spar that are staggered with respect to each other. The holes permit outer edges of the spars to be ablated by an explosion blast while dissipating energy to preserve the integrity of rear regions of the spars.

Abstract: A composite armor 10 and method for making it. The armor 10 has a honeycomb core 12 that is provided with polygonal openings 14 and oppositely facing sides 16, 18. Inserts 20 are placed within at least some of the openings. A pair of sheets 22, 24 are respectively secured to the oppositely facing sides of the honeycomb core to close the openings, thereby containing fracture debris after impact, and to provide reinforcement. One method of making the composite armor includes: providing a honeycomb core having polygonal openings; adhering a sheet to cover the polygonal openings that are located on one side of the honeycomb core; at least partially filling at least some of the openings with a resin; placing one or more inserts within at least some of the openings; and adhering a front sheet to the oppositely facing side of the honeycomb core. A preferred manufacturing practice involves resin infusion.

Abstract: A drill resistant plate, which presents a rough surface of hardened particles to drilling attack, and which tends to snap or destroy drill bits before they can began drilling. The plate is made by brazing hard particles into a matrix of brazing material attached to a steel plate. Nickel-Silver brazing material is used to form the matrix on the steel plate, and tungsten carbide particles of 8-10 mesh are secured within the matrix, with the hard particles of tungsten carbide partially exposed, presenting a roughened surface with angular pieces of tungsten carbide to the drilling attack.

Abstract: A reactive armor structure having an outer layer and a reactive element adjacent to and integral with the outer layer is provided. The reactive element provides an amount of support to the outer layer effective to restrain movement of the outer layer and to delay fracture of the outer layer when the outer layer is impacted by a projectile.

Abstract: A protective shelter for installation above and in the ground including a superstructure style frame, a composite wall structure for absorbing energy from missile impacts, and a tub encased in a foundation. The invention also discloses a method for constructing a protective shelter including a tub form and a superstructure which includes utilizing the availability of the tub form to provide a downward force such that the superstructure is not floated out of the excavation when the encasement is poured and removing the downward force after the concrete encasement has reached initial set stage. A further disclosure of the invention includes an energy absorbing compound wall structure for dissipating, transferring, and converting to potential energy the kinetic energy of a missile impact.

Abstract: An enclosure that is fire-resistive for a predetermined period of time including a floor having a structural forging which is covered with a glass wool felt. A platform of wooden plates is affixed to the glass wool felt. Lateral expansion joints are positioned at ends of the wooden plates. A wooden skirting board is positioned over the expansion joints and resides against walls of the enclosure. The walls are formed by plywood boards, incombustible boards, and a wooden board formed by planks. A metallic square bar is affixed to the floor and resides at the bottom of the walls. A ceiling is self-supported at the top of the walls. The door of the enclosure includes a frame having a plurality of wooden parts having a steel plate extending across at least one face thereof. This steel plate is covered with an incombustible board.

Abstract: An interconnect system for modularly fabricating bullet stops is disclosed including a plurality of bullet proof plates which are placed adjacent one another to form a seam which is covered by a facing strip. A plurality of bolts extend through the facing strip and through a backing mechanism positioned on an opposite side of the plates. When the bolts are tightened, the facing strip and backing pull towards one another and hold the plates together. The facing strips and other teachings of the invention allow standard plates to be used rather than large and specially manufactured plates.

Abstract: An enclosure that is fire-resistive for a predetermined period of time including a floor having a structural forging which is covered with a glass wool felt. A platform of wooden plates is affixed to the glass wool felt. Lateral expansion joints are positioned at ends of the wooden plates. A wooden skirting board is positioned over the expansion joints and resides against walls of the enclosure. The walls are formed by plywood boards, incombustible boards, and a wooden board formed by planks. A metallic square bar is affixed to the floor and resides at the bottom of the walls. A ceiling is self-supported at the top of the walls.

Abstract: A safe, vault or container 10 has a laminate wall that is resistant to the cutting effects of a high-temperature torch. The wall of the safe, vault or container 10 comprises a hardened steel outer panel 21 and a hardened steel inner panel 22. A refractory abrasive layer 23, as of Carborundum, is disposed adjacent the outer panel 21 to break any drill that might penetrate through the outer panel 21. A thermally conductive layer 24 is disposed adjacent the abrasive layer 23 to conduct heat rapidly away from any localized hot spots that might develop within the abrasive layer 23 when heat from a high-temperature torch is applied to a region of the outer panel 21. A thermally insulating layer 25 is disposed between the thermally conductive layer 24 and the inner panel 22 to inhibit heat transfer from the thermally conductive layer 24 to the inner panel 22. The thermally insulating layer 25 comprises a porous ceramic material consisting of vitreously fused ceramic fibers.

Abstract: An armoring material single or multilayered is provided with reinforced edge fastening to absorb impact of ballistic projectiles and to prevent delamination of the armoring material from the protected surface when a ballistic projectile strikes it.

Abstract: A ceramic armor having a tough backup plate and metal reinforcement in the ceramic to minimize damage thereto as projectiles smash into the armor and are shattered.

Abstract: A break-in obstructing, or burglarproof door or wall, for which old motor vehicle tires are used as filling units instead of steel structures and sheeting. The treads or strips separated from the tires form mat-like, layered, and/or stacked filling units for burglarproof doors or walls and are connected with each other and to the frame by special fastening devices. This application considerably reduces the weight of such a door, and allows for burglarproof and break-in obstructing doors and walls at a much lower production cost, due to using recycling material.

Abstract: Laminated armour comprising a first part (11) situated on the side of the armor from which attack is to be resisted and a second part (12) which is coextensive with the first part wherein: (i) the first part comprises a lamination of first metal sheets (1) each having an average thickness t.sub.2 adhesively bonded by interface layers (8) having a thickness (t.sub.1) between 0.4t.sub.2 and 0.9t.sub.2 and a compressive Young's Modulus perpendicular to the layers below 4 GPa; (ii) the second part comprises material which is more ductile than the metal of the first metal sheets, and preferably comprises second metal sheets (2) which are bonded to each other and to the first part of the armor (11) with aramid fibre reinforced adhesive.

Abstract: The armor for providing ballistic protection comprises an armor plate for stopping projectiles with an auxiliary plate disposed in front thereof at a determined spacing therefrom, the auxiliary plate being constituted by a ceramic plate pierced by a large number of cells distributed in a regular mesh and constituted by blind holes extending perpendicularly to the rear face of the auxiliary plate and opening out into the front face thereof. The effect of the auxiliary plate is to destabilize and to score the projectiles so as to enhance their tendency to shatter on striking the armor plate.

Abstract: A break-in obstructing, or burglarproof door or wall, for which old motor vehicle tires are used as filling units instead of steel structures and sheeting. The treads or strips separated from the tires form mat-like, layered, and/or stacked filling units for burglarproof doors or walls and are connected with each other and to the frame by special fastening devices. This application considerably reduces the weight of such a door, and allows for burglarproof and break-in obstructing doors and walls at a much lower production cost, due to using recycling material.

Abstract: Composite armor comprising a corrugated metal spoiler plate in front of and spaced from high alumina ceramic tiles backed by an aluminum anvil.

Abstract: A space dividing system which comprises a rectangular panel having a metallic frame which includes stiles and rails arranged to form a window. The stiles and rails each have a channel which faces the window and first and second spaced internal pockets which straddle the channel. Projectile resistant material is disposed in the first and second pockets of each stile, and a rigid rectangular layer of projectile resistant material is centered in the frame window with its outer edges extending into the channels and overlapping the first and second pockets. In a preferred embodiment, layers of acoustical insulation are respectively disposed against opposite sides of the rigid layer of projectile resistant material; and, the panel is supported by an arrangement which includes both a hollow metallic post filled with projectile resistant material, and a connecting joint structure which both blocks and deflects projectiles entering the joint.

Abstract: A bullet and blast resistance door leaf is comprised of inner and outer sheets connected by a profile section forming an end face of said leaf. The profile section includes an outer step and an inner step, the outer step extending laterally outwardly beyond the inner step. Outer and inner plates are connected to the outer and inner steps respectively, dividing the interior of the leaf into inner, outer and central chambers. A lock mechanism is mounted in the central chamber and projects through the profile, the lock mechanism being shielded by the outer plate. The inner and outer chambers may include insulation, and the outer chamber may include a sensor for activating an alarm.

Abstract: A structure for attenuating explosive shock waves to prevent propogation of accidental explosions by sympathetic detonation of adjacent explosives comprising bidirectionally symmetric layers of material of consecutively increasing or decreasing acoustic impedance laminated about a center layer. The structure may be made by combining several materials, as in consecutive layers of aluminum, plastic, and a rigid foam surrounding on both sides a layer of steel; or, two material, as in a center layer of Kevlar.TM. surrounded on both faces with layers of plastic. The plies comprising the layer of Kevlar.TM. are canted with respect to the plastic layers.

Abstract: A composite armor shield comprising alternating layers of steel and a polymeric material which is either a polymethyl methacrylate of the general formula ##STR1## or a polycarbonate of the general formula ##STR2##