Abstract: The present invention is directed to the initial construction of furniture having bullet-proof and/or bullet-resistant properties, and methods for manufacturing furniture providing ballistic defense shielding using soft armor and hard armor material components. Soft armor and hard armor require an area of flexibility or expansion to work effectively when struck by a projectile. If these materials are completely restricted their effectiveness is diminished. With the unique design of this application both the soft armor and hard armor are affixed to the interior and/or exterior surfaces of furniture allowing the flexibility or expansion required for maximum protection. The unique design may also be applied to retro-fit panels and/or frames comprising soft armor or hard armor material components to be attached to the exterior and/or interior surfaces of existing furniture.

Abstract: A camouflage apparatus includes a mesh adapted to receive twigs, leaves, or the like from a given locale, thus allowing an individual to better blend into local scenery. A first panel-type version includes an adhesive with panel of 2D mesh. A second ring-type version includes a ring of 3D mesh material, including a draw string band for securement, or a resilient band forming a brow for engaging a forehead when looking through the scope. These allow the individual to attach natural materials from an existing area, which greatly improves the individual's ability to camouflage his equipment and hide. The illustrated apparatus can be used to cover shiny clothing such as a belt buckle, or can be used to cover equipment, such as a gun scope, a gun barrel or stock, and the like.

Abstract: A protective plate assembly comprises a plurality of overlapping rigid plates (1, 2, 3) for covering a wearer's chest and abdomen, the plates being attached together such that the amount of overlap between successive plates is variable. Elements (13, 16) of compressible material are provided, distributed on an inner side of the assembly, such that when the amount of overlap between the plates (1, 2, 3) increases, the elements move closer together in the direction in which said overlap increases, and vice versa. Two adjacent plates of the assembly are attached to each other by means of a peg (12) extending from one of said plates, which peg is captive within a slot (9) on the other of said plates, the slot running substantially perpendicular to the overlapping edges of the plates.

Abstract: A standoff protection device intended to fully cover a door and incorporating at least one mobile panel hinged on hinges having an axis of rotation parallel to an axis of rotation of the door. The device incorporates at least one connecting rod linked to the door by a first pivot and to the mobile panel by a second pivot. The orthogonal projection of the axis of the second pivot in the plane of the door is located between the first pivot and the orthogonal projection in the plane of the door of the axis of the hinges of the mobile panel. The device incorporating a fixed standoff protective panel integral with the door. The fixed panel includes a first lateral edge extending beyond an external edge of the door parallel to its axis of rotation, and a second lateral edge contiguous with the mobile panel when the door is closed.

Abstract: Articulating protective systems for resisting mechanical loads and related methods are generally described. The protective structures described herein can incorporate one or more features that enhance the ability of the structure to resist an applied force while remaining sufficiently flexible to allow for movement of the object or person the structure is designed to protect.

Abstract: Provided herein methods and structures for construction of light weight sandwich panels or load-bearing panels having improved ballistic protection. The methods disclosed can facilitate construction of a hybrid core comprising ballistic fabrics and deformable pins that exhibit superior resistance to ballistic penetration. The methods and structures of the present disclosures can be advantageously used in many applications, such as armored vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pre-packaged kit and a method for creating unique multi-toned custom patterns or camouflage on a surface, and in particular the surfaces of a firearm. The multi-toned custom patterns or camouflage are created by separating or peeling off pre-cut stencil/templates from sheet or roll stock adhesive backed masking material and applying the stencil/templates to a surface. The surface is subsequently sprayed with coatings, finishers and sealants. Additional layers of stencil/templates are then added and sprayed with various colors or tones of coatings, finishers and sealants to complete the desired effect on the firearm surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a three-dimensional camouflage applied to the exterior of a man-made article. The camouflage comprises a surface with a visible topography defined by a predetermined arrangement of three-dimensional elements.

Abstract: An armor system includes a hard face and at least one reinforcing layer covering a rear surface of the hard face. The reinforcing layer is fabricated from a glass-ceramic material exhibiting crystalline bodies throughout the mass of the glass-ceramic material. At least one resilient layer forms a rearward outer layer of the armor system. The hard face and cooperating reinforcing layers serve to disburse energy caused by the impact of an incoming projectile with the armor system, while the resilient layer serves to retain any pieces of the hard face and reinforcing layers fractured during ballistic impact. In certain embodiments, a plurality of hard faces, each with cooperating reinforcing and resilient layers, are held in parallel and spaced apart arrangement.

Abstract: A wall structure and a method for constructing the wall of a building provide protection for inhabitants of the building against ballistic projectiles impacting the wall. The wall structure includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel is a composite structure that includes a metal sheet having a first face attached to a wallboard panel. Preferably, a sheet of self-healing material is attached to a second face of the metal sheet. A cavity formed between the outer and inner panels is filled with sand or another granular material. A flexible sheet suspended in the cavity provides additional protection. Preferably, a sheet of woven para-aramid fiber such as Kevlar® brand fiber is loosely attached to the flexible sheet to provide further protection.

Abstract: A structure or vehicle protection method including a removable frame on the structure or vehicle, and a net within the frame and spaced from the structure or vehicle and having a mesh size designed to disarm an incoming threat.

Abstract: A window cover for a military vehicle which includes armored plates angled away from an underlying vehicle window with reflectors, one of the reflectors being pivotable. The window cover allows an occupant of the vehicle to view outside the vehicle window as light is reflected off a viewing reflector to a stationary reflector and toward an occupant of the vehicle. A filter is placed between the viewing and stationary reflectors to filter out a portion of light reflected. The filter may also provide a collimation function.

Abstract: A structure or vehicle protection method including a removable frame on the structure or vehicle, and a net within the frame and spaced from the structure or vehicle and having a mesh size designed to disarm an incoming threat.

Abstract: A class of lightweight ballistic protection material and methods of forming such materials are disclosed. The material comprises a composite of polymeric material comprising high modulus resins and ceramic materials. The composite materials offer the advantage of being relatively easy to fabricate and lower in cost than competing materials. Body armor, blast protection panels and other articles comprising the new ballistic protection materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The system is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.

Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) that is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles and ships. The system includes a propulsion device (for example, a rocket) and a barrier that is attached to the propulsion device by one or more tethers. The barrier includes an inflatable frame. When the propulsion device is launched, an inflator inflates the frame to assume an open state, and the propulsion device pulls the tether and the barrier along a trajectory for intercepting an RPG.

Abstract: An electronic shield provides protection against rocket propelled grenades. The electronic shield has a mounting frame having opposite first and second mounting surfaces. Grids of electrodes are mounted in spaced-apart relation one behind the other on the first and second mounting surfaces of the mounting frame to form an impact surface configured to be impacted by a rocket propelled grenade. Each grid of electrodes has first connecting end portions connected directly to the first mounting surface of the mounting frame and second connecting end portions connected to the second mounting surface of the mounting frame via respective elastic members. During impact of a grenade on the impact surface, at least one electronic operation device instantaneously directs high power modulated electronic pulses to the impact surface to instantaneously deactivate the grenade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a transparent antiballistic article. The method comprises providing a plurality of anisotropic polymeric film layers, stacking the film layers to form an assembly and compressing the thus formed assembly at a temperature and pressure sufficient to consolidate the film layers, whereby the temperature is not more than 50° C. below the melting temperature of the polymer, the pressure is at least 80 MPa and sufficiently high to obtain an optical transparency according of at least 50% transmission. The invention also relates to a ballistic resistant article having an energy absorption for 17 grain FSP according to the STANAG 2920 standard of at least 10 J/(kg/m2) and an optical transparency according of at least 50% transmission.

Abstract: An improvement in an electric armor system designed to prevent, among other things, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) from penetrating the hull of a fighting vehicle. The system includes a self-clearing electrode that will make the system less vulnerable to non-plasma objects that might otherwise short out the active armor electrodes. It optionally further allows for the early initiation of current flow at the point of penetration making it even easier to defeat incoming threats by allowing more time to break-up an incoming plasma jet.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective armor system may include a first armor layer. The protective armor system may also include a plate that is detachably coupled to the first armor layer. The protective armor system may also have a second armor layer that is separated from the plate by a gap. When the plate is struck by a projectile, it may be operable to increase the surface area of the tip of the projectile as the projectile accelerates the plate through the gap.

Abstract: An improvement in an electric armor system designed to prevent, among other things, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) from penetrating the hull of a fighting vehicle. The system includes a self-clearing electrode that will make the system less vulnerable to non-plasma objects that might otherwise short out the active armor electrodes. It optionally further allows for the early initiation of current flow at the point of penetration making it even easier to defeat incoming threats by allowing more time to break-up an incoming plasma jet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defeating high-velocity projectiles. A plurality tile are retained in an imbricated pattern row by row such that each disk in a row is in substantially a straight line with the other disks in the row and overlaps a segment of a disk in an adjacent row. The imbricated pattern is then adhered to a flexible, high tensile strength substrate and overlaid by a second high tensile strength layer such that the imbricated pattern is enveloped between the substrate and the second layer. The envelope is then coupled to a soft body armor backing.

Abstract: A net deployment system which, in one example, includes a manifold assembly including multiple weight ducts and a bladder port. A weight is disposed in each weight duct and each weight is tied to the net. A bladder is behind the net and is over the bladder port. At least one inflator charge is associated with the manifold for inflating the bladder and firing the weights out of the weight ducts to deploy the net in the path of an incoming threat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for resisting ballistic impact including an outer energy absorbing assembly having a plurality of interconnected fibers, and a barrier positioned behind the outer energy absorbing assembly. A movement restraint is positioned behind the barrier and a dampener is positioned intermediate the barrier and the restraint.

Abstract: A window cover for a military vehicle which includes both upper and lower armored plates angled away from an underlying vehicle window. An upper and lower reflector are placed so that light striking the upper reflector is reflected onto the lower reflector. One of the reflectors is pivotable. The window cover allows an occupant of the vehicle to view outside the vehicle window, as light is reflected off an upper reflector to a lower reflector and toward an occupant of the vehicle. A filter is placed between the upper and lower reflectors to filter out a portion of light reflected. The filter may also provide a collimation function.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a protection system for a vehicle cab. The protection system includes a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is disposed between a floor of the vehicle cab and a vehicle tire. The second structure of the protection system is disposed between the first structure and the cab floor. Further, the second structure includes a non-metallic laminate and an air gap disposed between the first structure and the second structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defeating high-velocity projectiles. A plurality of disks of equal size comprised of fiber induced ceramic composites are provided. The disks are laid out in an imbricated pattern row by row such that each disk in a row is in substantially a straight line with the other disks in the row and overlaps a segment of a disk in an adjacent row. The imbricated pattern is then adhered to a flexible, high tensile strength substrate and overlaid by a second high tensile strength layer such that the imbricated pattern is enveloped between the substrate and the second layer. The envelope is then coupled to a soft body armor backing.

Abstract: A structure or vehicle protection system including a removable frame on the structure or vehicle, and a net within the frame and spaced from the structure or vehicle and having a mesh size designed to disarm an incoming threat.

Abstract: An aircraft has an armor releasably attached to the body of an aircraft, an actuator connecting the armor to the body of the aircraft, and a control that, upon operation, actuates the actuator to release the armor from the body.

Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The system is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.

Abstract: An improved transparent armor piercing protection system that acts as a vision window in an armor system. The transparent armor piercing protection system comprises ballistic plastic prisms with mirrored external surfaces disposed between armor plates so that the reflection of the image occurs entirely within the prism. The armor sheets are also redesigned with perforations to reduce weight while defeating incoming threats.

Abstract: This invention is a novel system for blast protection. It consists of lightweight, sectional or continuous barriers made of a novel blast resistant fiber reinforced polymer resin matrix composite, which may be fabricated on site. The barriers are lightweight and thin enough that they may be used in many spaces where barriers made from conventional construction materials are impossible, impractical, or undesirable. The novel barriers of this invention have the additional advantage of allowing for aesthetically appealing and architecturally harmonious designs. In order to minimize weight, the barriers may be designed such that the cross section varies with height, providing adequate resistance in areas of high blast loading, but allowing for thinner cross sections in regions of lowering load.

Abstract: A laminated, optically transparent, ballistic resistant structure is described as having a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer of ceramic tiles spread across the first layer, and a third transparent layer. The first and third layers are bonded to opposite sides of the second layer, respectively, by transparent adhesive. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A reactive armor module for protecting a target from an incoming projectile, and comprising at least one armor cassette formed of a front base plate and a rear base plate sandwiching between them at least one layer of energetic material, the front base plate and the rear base plate being adapted, upon impact of the projectile with the energetic material, to be propelled in opposite directions; the armor module further comprising at least one non-energetic auxiliary plate spaced from the armor cassette and positioned essentially along the expected trajectory of either the front or the rear base plate, such that when propelled, the velocity of a base plate facing the auxiliary plate is reduced upon collision with the auxiliary plate.

Abstract: A convertible ballistic structure has a threat side and a protected side. The ballistic structure includes a body panel assembly, and at least one movable side panel assembly adjacent the body panel assembly. Means are provided for articulating the side panel assembly relative to the body panel assembly, whereby the ballistic structure is convertible between a contracted condition and an expanded condition. In the contracted condition, the side panel assembly extends rearwardly from the body panel assembly and outwardly from the protected side of the ballistic structure. In the expanded condition, the side panel assembly extends outwardly substantially coplanar to the body panel assembly.

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: An armor panel system has a strike face assemblage formed of a hard material layer of discrete elements or tiles and a fiber reinforcement bonded to the tiles. The fiber reinforcement includes a layer of cup-shaped staples aligned and bonded to an inner surface of an associated tile and having legs that extend into gaps between side edges of adjacent tiles. The tiles and fiber reinforcement are encapsulated in a matrix material. The armor panel system also includes a support and containment assemblage having a support plate and a containment element. The containment element is fastened to and supported by the support plate along a periphery by stitching, which allows the containment element to act as a net to catch and contain fragments. A bonding layer joins the strike face assemblage and the support and containment assemblage. The bonding layer includes a mesh embedded in an adhesive material.

Abstract: A penetration resistant article with an area density less than 1.5 lb/ft2 made of a plurality of fibrous fabric layers that have applied thereto about 1 to 8 percent by weight of a polymer having a glass transition temperature in the range of minus 40 to about 0° C. and a zero shear melt viscosity 2×106 to about 1013 poise at 20° C.

Abstract: A gun case that facilitates safe handling of a gun to be contained therein. The gun case includes a pair of side walls with at least one of the side walls being formed with a ballistic resistant layer and one of the side walls being formed with a target indicia on an outer side thereof. During handling of the gun, the gun muzzle is held in close proximity to and pointed toward the target indicia such that an accidentally discharged bullet from the gun during handling will impact the ballistic resistant layer to prevent or minimize bodily injury or property damage.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for protecting an object from shaped charge jets comprising an electrode arrangement which is provided with at least one electrode facing the object and one electrode facing away from the object between which an electrical voltage can be applied. The invention is distinguished by the object-facing electrode having at least one area with a spatially heterogeneous electrode material.

Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to defect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in ah iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets mat provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.

Abstract: Maraging steel compositions, methods of forming the same, and articles formed therefrom comprising, by weight, 15.0 to 20.0% Ni, 2.0 to 6.0% Mo, 3.0 to 8.0% Ti, up to 0.5% Al, the balance Fe and residual impurities. The composition may be a first layer of a composite plate, and may have a second layer deposited on the first layer, the second layer having a composition comprising, by weight, 15.0 to 20.0% Ni, 2.0 to 6.0% Mo, 1.0 to 3.0 Ti, up to 0.5% Al, the balance Fe and residual impurities. The first layer may have a hardness value ranging from 58 to 64 RC, and the second layer may have a hardness value ranging from 48 to 54 RC. The first layer may be formed employing powdered metallurgical techniques. Articles formed from the compositions include armored plate.

Abstract: An assembly for use in a shield includes a protective panel, protective panel securing hardware and an adjustable mount. The protective panel is ballistic-resistant and/or blast resistant. The protective panel securing hardware secures the protective panel to the adjustable mount and to extend in an upwards direction from the adjustable mount. The adjustable mount is structured and sized to be securable on top of shield bases having a plurality of alternative geometries.

Abstract: Provided is an RPG disruption system (RDS) for protecting an enclosure against RPG's, the system including a casing fixed in close proximity to a wall of the enclosure facing an anticipated RPG threat. The casing includes an anvil accommodating a propelling mechanism for propelling the disrupting element, and an activating system for activating the propelling mechanism so as to propel the disrupting element towards an approaching RPG, to thereby neutralize it.

Abstract: A protective device for use in containing high energy debris and pressure is provided which employs a plurality of energy absorption elements disposed on an outer surface of an inner sheet, where the outer surface faces away from the body being protected and toward the high energy event, such as an explosion. Each energy absorption element extends generally away from the body to permit the high energy event to first impact upon the energy absorption elements, rather than the body. Energy absorbing elements are configured with a base and a cap and are formed of laminate composite materials. As such, energy absorption elements are configured to contain or reduce high energy debris material and pressure impacting the energy absorption element through delamination and possibly penetration of the composite material.

Abstract: A heat shield includes a ceramic composite heat shield panel having a generally concave first surface and a generally convex second surface and a pair of thickened panel edge portions provided in the heat shield panel. A heat shield assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing ballistic protection and stopping high-velocity rounds or explosives and for constructing protective structures. The apparatus includes a building block, one or more ballistic panels configured to fit within the building block, each ballistic panel includes a three-dimensional core that acts as a truss for the ballistic panel, and a filler. The filler fills in spaces defined by each three-dimensional core and any empty spaces in the building block. The one or more ballistic panels and the filler are inserted into the building block. The building block is shaped to interlock with other building blocks.

Abstract: A blast-resistant barrier comprising a plurality of units each including a panel having a thickness of greater than 20 to less than 40 millimeter is disclosed. The panel is in the form of a monolithic polycarbonate sheet or laminate that is positioned vertically between the source of a blast and the blast target, the laminate including at least two polycarbonate sheets and an optional image layer interposed therebetween. The panel is fixedly attached to a frame which is firmly embedded in concrete in a manner calculated to provide stiffness sufficient to absorb and withstand external forces resulting from said blast. In a preferred embodiment the panel includes at least two polycarbonate sheets laminated one to the other, optionally including an image layer interposed therebetween. In an additional embodiment, the frame is anchored securely to the target enabling dissipation of the blast force through the target's structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a building opening, comprising, a first panel, having a first end and a second end, pivotably coupled to the building at the first end; at least one second panel, having a first end and a second end; a first hinge, coupled to the second end of the first panel and the first end of the at least one second panel, configured for folding the first panel parallel to the second panel; and at least one attachment means.

Abstract: A structural system that is capable of absorbing high impactive and impulsive loads comprises of the following elements: (a) Main Structure: should be one of certain types of structures such as: containments, reservoirs, tanks, storages, etc. (b) Crushable Filling Layer: a layer made of crushable, thermally isolating and fire resisting material surrounding the outer walls of the main structure and filling a space between the main structure and an outer shield. (c) Outer Shield: an outside hardened structure fixed by an anchorage system and resting on a sliding-plane. (d) Anchorage System: a set of anchors that hold the outer shield in place and collapses if the impactive or impulsive load exceeds certain level allowing the outer shield to slide crushing the filling layer and absorbing substantial amount of energy.