Abstract: A technique for facilitating deployment and stowing of a ballistic shield on a vehicle includes providing a central armored panel having a hinged connection to a base, which may be coupled to or integral with the vehicle. The hinged connection includes an axle and a set of torsion springs configured to exert a lifting torque on the central armored panel relative to the base, such that the central armored panel is movable about the hinged connection for assuming both an upright, deployed position and a laid-down, stowed position.

Abstract: An exterior shell for an armored cab having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis is provided. The exterior shell has a right side panel extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a left side panel extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a rear panel extending parallel to the transverse axis. A cab lower surface extends between the right side panel and the left side panel. The cab lower surface has a center tunnel extending along the longitudinal axis with an exterior curvature having a variable radius as the center tunnel extends along the transverse axis of the exterior shell. The center tunnel is configured to act as a pressure vessel in the event of an explosion beneath the armored cab.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible ballistic armor apparatus for deflecting high velocity firearm, fragmentation, or shrapnel projectiles with a flexible armor unit. The apparatus minimizes the deterioration of the armor when subjected to shock waves or shear forces of a ballistic impact. The present invention also relates to the use of a flexible armor unit with soft body armor, a vehicle, a vessel, an aircraft or in structural applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular armored vehicle system that includes a plurality of armored components removably affixed to a vehicle frame, wherein the plurality of armored components includes an armored roof component comprising a forward roof section, a middle roof section, and a rear roof section, wherein each of the plurality of armored components comprise a plurality of bends to form-fit onto the vehicle frame. The modular armored vehicle system further includes a first side armored component of the plurality of armored components removably affixed to the vehicle frame, wherein the first side armored component comprises a flange portion to overlap the armored roof component. Further, the modular armored vehicle component further includes a side pillar armored component of the plurality of armored components removably affixed to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A composite material for absorbing forces applied to a face of the material includes a first plurality of shaped solids and a second plurality of shaped solids arranged proximate to one another. A third plurality of shaped solids may be arranged proximate to both the first and second plurality of shaped solids, and be least partially located in a plurality of spaces formed by the arrangement of the first and second shaped solids proximate one another. One of the first, second and third pluralities of solids may be connected to a material layer, which may be a fiber or filament reinforced layer. Interstices existing between the first, second and third pluralities of shaped solids may have a resilient material therein.

Abstract: A ballistic panel is described including a core layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, the core layer including a ballistic resistant material. A first layer comprising a ballistic gel material is disposed on the first major surface of the core layer. A second layer comprising a ballistic gel material is disposed on the second major surface of the core layer.

Abstract: A multi-threat security apparatus system for critical infrastructure protection is disclosed having an above-ground concrete base, a vertical post system adapted to be attached to the above-ground concrete base and to receive a plurality of louvers. The plurality of louvers provides the necessary ballistic protection for and air flow through to the critical infrastructure. The louvers may include a composite of aluminum foam, a resin impregnated ballistic material and an aluminum foam. The composite structure may be used on doors, panels or building walls.

Abstract: A method is provided in which a resin coating is applied to a surface of a preform. The resin coating includes a carbonaceous resin and a particulate. The preform is added to a tooling. The preform, which is positioned in the tooling, is cured. The tooling is removed. The resin coating on the surface of the preform is pyrolyzed to form a resin carbon-char layer on the surface of the preform. The preform and the resin carbon-char layer are infiltrated with silicon to form a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component including a layer of silicon carbide. During the infiltration, the silicon reacts with carbon in the resin carbon-char layer to form the layer of silicon carbide on the preform.

Abstract: Survivability and assault multi-tool assemblies and systems that can be used in combat and tactical situations. Exemplary survivability and assault multi-tool assemblies can include a first side support, a second side support, a middle rung coupled with the first side support and the second side support, a panel coupled with the first side support and the second side support, a folding rung pivotably coupled with the first side support and the second side support, and a sliding rung slidingly received by the first side support and the second side support. Multiple survivability and assault multi-tool assemblies can be coupled together to form a survivability and assault multi-tool system.

Abstract: Structure for the ballistic protection of vehicles in general, characterized in that it comprises at least a first textile element and at least an additional element formed of a thermoplastic or thermosetting matrix. The structure forms a ballistic system for light armor plating obtained from at least one textile element and one or more thermoplastic or thermosetting base elements. The first textile element includes textile fibers. The second element can include thermoplastic matrices, thermosetting matrices, matrices based on rubber, elastomeric polymers and thermoplastic films of various kinds, the purpose of which consists in providing mechanical properties such that the use of the element can be extended to the field of armor plating while maintaining a high degree of flexibility. The aforesaid elements together contribute to define an efficient ballistic solution while maintaining a relatively low areal density.

Abstract: A bulletproof protection elementary component of the tile type comprises a prism-shaped body having a first face and a second face of greater extension, which are opposite each other, and a side surface having a first height, at least one raised section from the first face by a second height, wherein the raised section is prism-shaped and has a base area which is less than an area of the first face. A ballistic panel and a bulletproof protection structure and a bulletproof vest, comprising a plurality of the elementary components, are also herein described.

Abstract: An anti-ballistic barrier system with a top shield support, a bottom shield support, and an anti-ballistic shield. A first extendable connector may extend between the anti-ballistic shield and the top shield support. Similarly, a second extendable connector may extend between the anti-ballistic shield and the bottom shield support. A polyester shield cover may extend over the anti-ballistic shield. A top mounting bracket attaches the top shield support to a vertical structure and a bottom mounting bracket attaches the bottom shield support to the vertical structure. The anti-ballistic shield is movable between a retracted position in which the anti-ballistic shield is wrapped around the top shield support and the bottom shield support is detached from the bottom mounting bracket and an extended position in which a majority of the anti-ballistic shield is unwrapped from the top shield support and the bottom shield support is engaged with the bottom mounting bracket.

Abstract: A composite comprised of: (i) at least one inverse freezing material, and (ii) an additive in the form of at least one solid particle. Articles made of the composites, and uses of the composites or the articles incorporating same, particularly for reducing incoming shockwaves, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reactive armor unit has a first explosion center and a second explosion center, the unit being configured with a predetermined distance between the first and the second explosion centers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present systems and apparatus may provide vehicle armor materials and systems that generate electricity from impact and blast energy. For example, in an embodiment, a protective apparatus may comprise a layer of armor and a layer comprising a plurality of electrical generating devices abutting the layer of armor and configured so that energy applied to the layer of armor is transferred to the plurality of electrical generating devices causing the plurality of electrical generating device to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: A fan track liner for a fan containment arrangement for a gas turbine includes a cellular impact structure and a supporting sub-laminate integrally formed with each other from fibre-reinforced material. The fan track liner further includes a ballistic barrier comprising a woven reinforcing fibre ply and a layer of reinforcing fibre felt. There is also disclosed an associated fan containment arrangement and a method of manufacturing a fan track liner.

Abstract: A chemical-mechanical polishing/planarization pad conditioner body made from diamond-reinforced reaction bonded silicon carbide, with diamond particles protruding or “standing proud” of the rest of the surface, and uniformly distributed on the cutting surface. In one embodiment, the diamond particles are approximately uniformly distributed throughout the composite, but in other embodiments they are preferentially located at and near the conditioning surface. The tops of the diamond particles can be engineered to be at a constant elevation (i.e., the conditioner body can be engineered to be very flat). Exemplary shapes of the body may be disc or toroidal. The diamond particles can be made to protrude from the conditioning surface by preferentially eroding the Si/SiC matrix. The eroding may be accomplished by electrical discharge machining or by lapping/polishing with abrasive.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dense boron nitride ceramic with high plasticity and high elasticity and the preparation process thereof. The preparation process includes the following steps: A) weighing a predetermined amount of spherical boron nitride nano-powders with onion-like structure, pre-pressing them into a pre-pressed body and putting the pre-pressed body into a sintering mold; B) putting the pre-pressed body obtained in step A) together with the sintering mold into a spark plasma sintering apparatus or a hot-pressing sintering apparatus for sintering; and C) taking out the mold after cooling, and removing the mold to obtain the boron nitride dense ceramic block with high plasticity and high elasticity. According to the present invention, a boron nitride ceramic with high strength and high plasticity is obtained via sintering spherical boron nitride nano-powders with onion-like structure.

Abstract: An optically detectable antiballistic plate, and a method of producing it are disclosed. The antiballistic plate includes a core of a ceramic plate, coated with a transparent fibre-reinforced surface composite layer of plastic matrix and reinforcement fibre. Cracks visible to the human eye in daylight will occur, in the event of damage to the ceramic plate.

Abstract: According to exemplary inventive practice, ceramic powder or slurry is selectively deposited at many discrete locations on each of many fiberglass fabric substrates. The sizes and/or shapes of the ceramic deposits vary among the substrates. The substrates are selectively ordered and stacked so that perpendicular through-plane alignments of respective ceramic deposits form selected three-dimensional geometric shapes. The resultant stack of substrates, characterized by many three-dimensional ceramic inclusions, is impregnated with an elastomer or an epoxy that binds the ceramic-deposited substrates together, resulting in a finished composite product. Inventive composite structures can be multifariously designed and embodied to afford selected ballistic and/or structural and/or electromagnetic qualities.

Abstract: An explosive reactive armor (ERA) enclosure for an ERA tile includes a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom, where the plurality of sidewalls are continuous with each other and with the bottom so as to define an internal volume. The plurality of sidewalls are formed from a fiber-reinforced composite material having a plurality of plies of fiber sheet material. Additionally, a sidewall seam defined by abutting edges of the first ply is offset from a sidewall seam defined by abutting edges of the second ply. Methods of manufacturing ERA enclosures, including applying wrap layers and forming attachment structures for securing the fiber-reinforced composite ERA enclosure to an armor element, are also described. The composite enclosure is inexpensive and lightweight and improves the dynamic capabilities of armored vehicles using such ERA tiles.

Abstract: A method of determining a path, the method comprising: determining a next event for the user device; mapping an event location of the next event; obtaining a current position of the user device; obtaining an access list for the user device, the access list including access devices that the user device is authorized to activate; obtaining a path list including one or more paths from the current position to the event location; and selecting a path.

Abstract: 3D fabrics have multiple layers including an outer dimensional layer of traditional fabric and a liner layer integrated with outer layer. The 3D fabrics have variable depth, typically ranging from between about 0.25 inches to about 2.0 inches. The 3D fabrics are produced from a molding process that creates the outer dimensional layer while adhering it to the liner layer. The 3D fabrics have unique visual properties which make them desirable for a variety of applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoplastic composite laminates comprising in order of: (a) a top layer composed of at least one polycarbonate sheet; (b) a fabric layer composed of a fabric comprising aromatic polyamide fibers and an adhesion aid; and (c) a bottom layer composed of at least one polycarbonate sheet; wherein the adhesion aid comprises polycarbonate oligomers having a weight average molecular weight of about 6500 or less. Also disclosed are articles comprising or produced from the thermoplastic composite laminates.

Abstract: An explosive device detection and expulsion system broadly comprising a detection subsystem for sensing an IED attached to a vehicle and an expulsion subsystem for expelling the IED from the vehicle. The detection subsystem includes a sensor for detecting an IED via an electromagnetic field change or capacitance change, vibrations, and/or heat, and a controller for activating the expulsion subsystem upon receiving a detection signal from the sensor. The expulsion subsystem includes a deployable panel configured to be attached to the vehicle and a deployable mechanism for shifting the deployable panel from an undeployed state to a deployed state so as to expel the IED from the vehicle.

Abstract: An impact sensing laminate 2 has a first surface 211 on which an impact force acts; a second surface 222 brought in contact with a protection object OBJ; an impact absorption layer 21 and a first pressure-sensitive layer 22. When a direction heading for the second surface from the first surface is defined as a first direction, the first pressure-sensitive layer is in the first direction from the impact absorption layer. The first pressure-sensitive layer is a layer of sensing a first impact force as the impact force to have been attenuated by the impact absorption layer.

Abstract: An infrared camouflage textile, including an emissivity layer on one side of the textile and adapted to provide at least two different infrared emissivities in a pattern; a heating layer between the emissivity and insulating layers; and a power source to the heating layer. The emissivity layer may include a display module including pixel elements displaying the pattern, each pixel element including a display segment; a plurality of first charged pigments in the display segment each having a first charge; a plurality of second charged pigments in the display segment each having a charge opposite the first charge; an electrical contact coupled to the display segment to receive signals creating an electric field in the display segment; at least one computer-readable storage medium including code to transmit signals to the display module that create an electric field in a pixel element form the pattern in the emissivity layer.

Abstract: A bulletproof steel plate with a tensile strength of 2000 MPa grade and a Brinell Hardness of 600 grade and a manufacturing method thereof, characterized by that the chemical elements in mass percentage thereof being: 0.35-0.45% of C, 0.80-1.60% of Si, 0.3-1.0% of Mn, 0.02-0.06% of Al, 0.3-1.2% of Ni, 0.30-1.00% of Cr, 0.20-0.80% of Mo, 0.20-0.60% of Cu, 0.01-0.05% of Ti, 0.001-0.003% of B, and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities. The tensile strength of the steel plate can reach a grade of 2000 MPa and its Brinell Hardness can reach a grade of 600.

Abstract: A dual hardness steel article comprises a first air hardenable steel alloy having a first hardness metallurgically bonded to a second air hardenable steel alloy having a second hardness. A method of manufacturing a dual hard steel article comprises providing a first air hardenable steel alloy part comprising a first mating surface and having a first part hardness, and providing a second air hardenable steel alloy part comprising a second mating surface and having a second part hardness. The first air hardenable steel alloy part is metallurgically secured to the second air hardenable steel alloy part to form a metallurgically secured assembly, and the metallurgically secured assembly is hot rolled to provide a metallurgical bond between the first mating surface and the second mating surface.

Abstract: A force defusing structure includes first and second plurality of spherical shaped objects. A first spherical shaped object is proximally positioned to two or more second spherical shaped objects. When a force is applied to the first spherical shaped object, the first spherical shaped object collides with the two or more second spherical shaped objects to defuse the force based on a multi-dimensional collision between the first spherical shaped object and the two or more second spherical shaped objects.

Abstract: Removable vehicle window security shield assemblies and related methods of use and/or installation. In some embodiments, an insert-shield assembly may comprise an insert-shield with or without a separate inner shield, one or both of which may comprise a ballistic-rated, transparent material. The assembly may be mounted in and/or to one or more existing windows or other openings of a vehicle. In some embodiments, an inner shield of the shield assembly may be removeable from the assembly. In some embodiments, the entire assembly or a portion thereof may be removed to allow an officer or other user to use the removed portion as a portable shield. The removed portion may be returned to the vehicle following use to enhance the protection of the vehicle. In some embodiments, a personal shield may be inserted into and held by a holster that is positioned within the window frame of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present application for patent is in the field of projectile-proof panels and devices and more specifically in the field of visually transparent projectile-proof panels which are light weight and suitable for goggles, helmets and other devices which benefit from being light weight.

Abstract: The ballistic structure for personal protection according to the present invention includes a plurality of rigid structures, separated from one another, in which at least one rigid element is formed by layering of leaves made of high molecular weight polyethylene tapes arranged in parallel and unidirectional fashion wherein these leaves are cross-plied and pressed at high temperature, with adhesive polymers being laid down on at least one face of the single leaves, and in which at least another rigid element is formed by a layering of unidirectional resin-impregnated yarns, wherein each layer of unidirectional yarn is crossed with the subsequent one. Such layering is pressed at high pressure and at high temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid structure, which is the first to be impacted by the bullet, is made of a rigid element composed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene yarn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory ceramic product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hot forming semi-finished products of steel, in which the semi-finished product is heated to the forming temperature, is conveyed to the forming tool, and in the forming tool is hot formed, hardened or press hardened. The object of proposing a method for hot-forming semi-finished products of steel, in which also extremely thin-walled blanks may be conveyed at the forming temperature without issues and be fed to the forming tool properly and without limiting the degree of forming of the semi-finished product, is achieved in that prior to hot forming, hardening or press hardening, at least one structure which increases rigidity at least is incorporated in the semi-finished product, and the structure which increases rigidity of the semi-finished product is at least partially or completely disposed in the trimming region of the semi-finished product.

Abstract: An impulse mitigation system configured to mitigate blast impulse directed to a surface (or structure or target). The system includes a substrate in communication with the surface (or structure or target), wherein the substrate is configured to receive an impulse directed to the surface (or structure or target) and then relocate from the surface (or structure or target) in response to received impulse.

Abstract: A testing apparatus to assess ballistic performance of helmet personnel protective equipment having a flat helmet analogue with a helmet shell material in flat panel form and at least one helmet suspension pad; head surrogate components including a skull skin surrogate, a skull bone surrogate, and a brain tissue surrogate; a pressure indicating film adjacent to the head surrogate components; and one or more pressure sensors in the brain tissue surrogate. Also disclosed is the related method for assessing ballistic performance of helmet personnel protective equipment.

Abstract: A sapphire article having improved survivability when subjected to impact or a drop event. The article includes a continuous planar array of sapphire segments, which reduces the bending stress experienced by each individual segment. The sapphire article may serve as a cover material for displays in mobile electronic devices.

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. Also disclosed are method of making such an armor system.

Abstract: An explosive device detection and expulsion system broadly comprising a detection subsystem for sensing an IED attached to a vehicle and an expulsion subsystem for expelling the IED from the vehicle. The detection subsystem includes a sensor for detecting an IED via an electromagnetic field change or capacitance change, vibrations, and/or heat, and a controller for activating the expulsion subsystem upon receiving a detection signal from the sensor. The expulsion subsystem includes a deployable panel configured to be attached to the vehicle and a deployable mechanism for shifting the deployable panel from an undeployed state to a deployed state so as to expel the IED from the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit comprising an actuator having an extension chamber and a retraction chamber, a bypass passage provided in the hydraulic circuit between defined between the extension chamber and the retraction chamber, and a damping device. The damping device includes first and second chambers separated by a wall, a first movable element received within the first chamber and a second movable element received within the second chamber. The first moveable element is movable from its closed position against the force of the first spring by entry of fluid into the second chamber, and the second movable member being movable from its closed position against the force of the second spring by entry of fluid into the first chamber.

Abstract: A lightweight antiballistic plate assembly includes a ceramic antiballistic plate that is strengthened with a superhard protective layer attached to the strike face of the antiballistic plate. In one embodiment, a strike face of the plate has a layer of superhard material, such as polycrystalline diamond (PCD), attached by sintering. In one embodiment, the ceramic antiballistic plate is made from a mixture of silicon carbide and superhard protective strike face comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polycrystalline diamond (PCD), polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN), thermally stable polycrystalline diamond and combinations thereof.

Abstract: In some variations, a polymer-based microlattice structure includes a plurality of intersecting micro-truss structural elements each comprising a thermoset first polymer, and a continuous coating layer (with a second polymer) that substantially encapsulates each of the micro-truss structural elements, wherein the second polymer in the continuous coating layer bonds the thermoset first polymer to a substrate. The micro-truss structural elements preferably are architecturally ordered and the coating layer is uniformly distributed within the microlattice structure. The polymer coating layer may be present over the entire microlattice surface area, thereby increasing bond area to improve toughness. The microlattice structure may also have higher glass-transition temperature and chemical resistance, compared to a microlattice structure without the coating layer. Methods of forming a polymer-based microlattice structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ballistic shielding material element is provided formed of molecularly oriented layers of material, such a polyethylene or HDPE that is modified using the application of continuous mechanical tension in combination with alternating heating and cooling cycles. The molecularly oriented planar material may then be used in the creation of ballistic resistant material panels through bias lay-up of subsequent layers. Further, the final multilayer composite may be additionally cured to form a final shape, such as a sheet material for construction or three dimensional shapes such as helmets, shields or custom shapes as needed by the end user. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a metal foam and a metal foam reinforced back plate may be used to provide high-strength and low weight structural elements in portable information handling systems. A method for manufacturing a metal foam may include selectively adding iridium oxide and ceramic particulate to a light-metal allow to create desired mechanical properties of the metal foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory product, a batch for producing the product, a method for producing the product, and a use of the refractory product.

Abstract: A front-facing armor system utilizing a composite laminate backed by a high hardness substrate. The composite laminate comprises a series of first and second layers. The first layer of the bi-layer laminate system is a polymer with a density of at least 1.8 g/cm3 and having both an amorphous and crystalline phase, and having phase transformation pressure of at least 0.5 GPa at a temperature of 20° C. The second layer of each bi-layer provides acoustic impedance mismatch to generate reflections of the incident compression wave following ballistic impact. Under ballistic impact, the polymer comprising the armor system undergoes a shock-induced transition resulting in a marked change in microstructure and mechanical behavior, providing a significant kinetic energy absorption mechanism.

Abstract: An electric reactive armor (10) comprises a first electrode (1) and a second electrode (2) spaced apart from the first electrode, to which electrodes (1, 2) a high voltage can be applied so as to disrupt a charge contacting the electrodes. The second electrode (2) comprises an electrically conductive structure (21) having a plurality of surfaces (22) embedded in an insulating material (23), such that the charge jet penetrates successive surfaces of the electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure (21) comprises a meandering structure and/or a structure of linked cavities, such as a honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A composite article having blast and ballistic resistance suitable for helmets, personal protection and hard armor applications comprises a high-strain hardening elastomeric layer and a layer of continuous yarns having a tenacity of 15 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 500 grams per dtex or an oriented polyethylene sheet layer having a modulus ten times greater in one direction than in another direction.

Abstract: A coating of atactic polypropylene over a transparent armor substrate improves resistance to penetration while allowing convenient repair of minor abrasions and scratches.