With Explosive Device Patents (Class 89/36.17)
  • Publication number: 20090266226
    Abstract: A countermeasure system which is capable of defusing rocket propelled grenades (RPG) is provided by spacing an array of explosive charges or primacord from the protected structure to allow and sense an ogive of the fused RPG to enter into a functional plane of the array initiating one or more of the charges to collapse to ogive. The array is supported flexibly or rigidly and further ballistic protection is incorporated behind the array in fixed or inflatable forms to provide protection of the structure from the explosive products from the array and the ballistic impact of the defused RPG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Innovative Survivability Technologies
    Inventors: Rodney B. Beach, Sam Christ Petronakis, William Gully
  • Publication number: 20090178550
    Abstract: A method of providing a defense against a shaped charge. An outer and an inner armor layer are provided with a medial space between these outer and inner armor layers. One or more defensive shaped charges are positioned in the medial space. If the outer armor layer is attacked by ordnance having an offensive shaped charge, one or more of the defensive shaped charges positioned in the medial space is detonated so as to degrade the effectiveness of the offensive shaped charge and prevent penetration of the inner armor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Paul A. Zank, Daniel J. Long
  • Publication number: 20090145290
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle equipped with seats and/or equipment for use in regions, in which detonations by mines or such like are to be feared, wherein walls, floor and ceiling are provided with means, which can withdraw energy from the blast wave of a detonation by means of work of deformation, and the floor is suspended only through ropes, rods or chains by means of separable connections. At least one pressure sensor and/or acceleration sensor is provided, which reacts to a blast wave, outputs a signal and ignites explosive charges thereby. The explosive charges (11) are arranged at the separable connections (8) and these are broken, before the blast wave of a detonation has reached the floor (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Helmut Meyer
  • Patent number: 7540229
    Abstract: Disclosed is an explosive reactive armor with a momentum transfer mechanism by developing a new protection mechanism in which a momentum transfer mechanism by detonation of a reactive material is integrated with a thickness increase mechanism. In this explosive reactive armor with the momentum transfer mechanism, a flying element always travels with a vertical angle or a slant angle with respect to an ongoing direction of the threat such that a momentum of the flying element is transferred to the threat effectively. As a result of this, shear force is induced over an entire length of the threat and thus the threat can be destroyed. Therefore, a protection effect can always be achieved regardless of an impact angle of the threat. Also, a protection capability can be achieved even in case of a vertical impact which is the most vulnerable case for the existing explosive reactive armor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Yongseok Seo, Jeong-Tae Kim, Chang Choi
  • Patent number: 7509903
    Abstract: A separable structure includes composite material that is separated or severed by a reactive pyrotechnic material. According to one embodiment, the structure includes a pair of composite laminate structural portions, each including multiple layers of composite material. The portions each extend into an overlap region, within which the composite layers of the two structural portions may be alternately placed, overlapping one another. A reactive material is also placed within this overlap region, for instance being in layers between pairs of the composite material layers. The reactive material may be ignited to cause destruction of the pyrotechnic material, and a matrix or resin material of the composite materials layers in the overlap region. This causes the structure to sever or separate along a line of separation within the overlap region. The separation may occur without need to sever fibers of the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Andrew B. Facciano, Robert T. Moore, Gregg J. Hlavacek
  • Patent number: 7484451
    Abstract: A method of protecting a target from a projectile propelled from a firearm comprises detecting an approaching projectile, continuously monitoring the projectile and transmitting an actual position of the projectile to a controller, computing an estimated projectile trajectory based upon the actual position of the projectile, determining an actual position of a target with a plurality of position sensors and a plurality of attitude sensors, determining whether the estimated projectile trajectory coincides with the actual position of the target, and triggering a plurality of muscle stimulators operably coupled to the controller and to the target when the estimated projectile trajectory coincides with the actual position of the target, wherein the muscle stimulators stimulate the target to move in a predefined manner, and wherein the target moves by an amount sufficient to avoid any contact with the approaching projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Morf, Jonas R. Weiss
  • Patent number: 7424845
    Abstract: An active armor system which includes an outer and an inner armor layer with a medial space between these inner and outer armor layers layer. One or more relatively small shaped charges are positioned on the inner armor layer in the medial space. If the outer armor layer is struck by a projectile having a shaped charge, one or more of the small shaped charges positioned in the medial space near where the projectile has struck the outer armor layer are detonated. The small shaped charges in the medial space are positioned so that when they are detonated, their jets will tend to intersect with or be oppositely directed to the jet from the shaped charge on the projectile so as to disrupt the jet from the projectile and prevent the penetration of the inner armor layer. The small shaped charges in the medial space may be detonated by an electrical current produced when a piezoelectric material, an electrostrictive material, or a magnetostrictive material in the outer armor layer is struck by the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Zank, Daniel J. Long
  • Patent number: 7398720
    Abstract: A blasting method of processing a bomb by forming an explosive layer on an outermost surface of the bomb to be processed having a casing in a particular shape and by exploding the explosive layer, wherein the explosive layer comprises a first explosive layer formed around the outermost surface of the casing and a second explosive layer formed as to surround the first explosive layer, an explosive in the second explosive layer has a higher explosion velocity than an explosive in the first explosive layer, and the second and first explosive layers are exploded at a certain time interval by igniting a particular region of the second explosive layer. The method allows low-cost blasting of bombs, by relaxing the impact of the scattering casing fragments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Shuzo Fujiwara, Takehiro Matsunaga, Ken Okada, Katsuo Kurose, Kenji Koide
  • Patent number: 7387060
    Abstract: A projectile defense system uses a rocket exhaust generator to generate a rocket exhaust after an approaching projectile is detected/sensed. The rocket exhaust generator directs the rocket exhaust therefrom in a region that intercepts the trajectory of the approaching projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Matthew J. Sanford
  • Patent number: 7363847
    Abstract: An initiator includes a reactive panel having a substrate and a plurality of reactive layers disposed on the substrate. The initiator further includes a transition manifold coupled with the reactive panel. A system for venting a container includes a venting device and an initiator coupled with the venting device. The initiator includes a reactive panel having a substrate, a plurality of reactive layers disposed on the substrate, and a transition manifold coupled with the reactive panel. A method of initiating a venting system includes providing a venting system operatively associated with the container, reacting a first material of the venting system with a second material of the venting system to produce an exothermic reaction, and venting the container as a result of reacting the first material with the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Roger B. Reed
  • Patent number: 7322268
    Abstract: A defense system for protecting a static structure, such as a building in an urban environment, from attack from an aircraft is provided. The air defense system includes at least one launching device for discharging a fluid payload at an incoming aircraft. Each launching device is mounted to an exterior wall of the static structure. In a preferred embodiment, the launching device is a water cannon. In a typical system, an array of launching devices are mounted to an exterior wall of the static structure which may be subject to attack from an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: C. Roger Wallin
  • Patent number: 7299736
    Abstract: A Controlled-Harm Explosive Reactive Armor (COHERA) is made of explosive layered between two plates of material with predetermined fragmentation having controlled harm prevention properties. The fragmentation is predetermined and prevents harm to personnel and equipment nearby a reacting COHERA. The controlled harm prevention qualities of a COHERA are determined according to a Harm Specification and to accompanying harm delimiting parameters. Furthermore, the COHERA is configured to prevent sympathetic initiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventor: Meir Mayseless
  • Patent number: 7114428
    Abstract: A sensor system for defending armored vehicles against projectiles through the use of active armor. A thermal sensor detects a projectile's presence, and a laser proximity sensor determines its location. A doppler sensor distinguishes between threatening and nonthreatening projectiles by measuring the projectile's velocity. The sensors are positioned in a housing with a segmented spherical window, wherein each sensor can detect the projectile through a window segment having a filtering characteristic which is matched to its associated sensor. An eyelid shutter, which can open and close, protects the window from small arms fire and shrapnel. A conical deflector protects the sensor system from objects such as tree branches. Heater elements are used to clear ice and snow from the window, and the eyelid shutter removes other material through the use of a cleaning liquid delivery system and rubber wipers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Gregory Lloyd
  • Patent number: 7104178
    Abstract: An active armor system, which includes a first armor layer and a second armor layer. An interior space is interposed between the first and second armor layer. A third layer is also positioned preferably adjacent to and on the inner side of the first layer. This third layer is comprised of a material selected from a piezoelectric material, and electrostrictive material, and a magnetostrictive material. The third layer may also be characterized as any material capable of producing an electrical or magnetic field within the space in response to the application of mechanical force on this third layer. The application of force on the third layer as a result of the impacting of a shaped charge projectile on the first armor layer will result in the production of an electric or magnetic charge in the interior space which will disrupt the formation of the shaped charge gas jet so as to prevent the penetration of the second armor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Zank
  • Patent number: 7080587
    Abstract: An armor module comprising a rigid casing having a front face, a top face and a bottom face, and a plurality of multi-layer planner cassettes fixedly mounted within the casing. Each cassette has a top base plate and a bottom base plate, sandwiching between them at least a one other layer. The top base plate of an uppermost cassette constitutes the top face of the casing, and a bottom base plate of a lowermost cassette constitutes the bottom face of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd
    Inventors: Moshe Benyami, Samuel Friling, Sony Helvanyo
  • Patent number: 7077049
    Abstract: A system of active protection system of objects has a central control panel, and at least one unit arrangeable on a protected object and including a target detection device, a protective ammunition connected with the target detection device, a device for moving the target detection device and the protective ammunition device, and a case accommodating the target detection device, the protective ammunition, and the moving out device, so that when the target detection device of the at least one unit detects a target, the ammunition of the at least one unit is moved out of the case and fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: S.A. Shumov
    Inventors: Sergei Aleksandrovich Shumov, Vasilij Onufrievich Khitryk, Vladimir Stanislavovich Medvid, Marina Ivanovna Poyhina
  • Patent number: 6962102
    Abstract: An applique armour panel for fitting to a substrate and for protecting the substrate from missile or other projectile attack which panel comprises an exterior plate (1), an interior plate (4) and a layer or layers (7) of explosive material therebetween. The explosive material is detonated by an incoming missile to cause disruption of the incoming missile and reduce its penetrative effect. The panel is constructed so that upon reactive explosion the interior and exterior plates are driven apart more rapidly at one edge of the panel than at an opposite edge by a rotating moment of one plate relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: Cameron Lindsay Johnston, Paul Stuart Leaman
  • Patent number: 6901839
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for producing a shield for protecting an area from a pressure blast. The shield, which attenuates the pressure blast, can be used with tall, mobile, and underwater structures, including structures in densely populated areas. One system includes a source for providing an attenuation material, a delivery system that delivers the attenuation material to nozzles, and at least one valve device to control the delivery. A detector is configured to actuate the valve device to an open position in response to a perceived blast threat so that the delivery system delivers the attenuation material to form the shield proximate to a periphery of the protected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Edberg, Stanley Schneider
  • Patent number: 6880445
    Abstract: A reactive armor element for protection against a shaped-charge warhead, comprising a casing fitted with an outer metal cover plate, and at least one explosive matrix extending between the metal plates. The explosive matrix comprises a substantially flat carrier plate formed with a plurality of compartments formed by adjoining divider ribs, with explosive material embedded between the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Benyami, Samuel Friling, Moshe Paz, Ron Gemussov
  • Publication number: 20040237765
    Abstract: A reactive armour module (14) including a sandwich structure (16) which is enclosed by a housing (18) and which is formed by at least one sandwich surface element (20) which is angled in a roof ridge shape and which has an HE-explosive layer portion (40) between a front plate (34) and an intermediate plate (36) and which has a damping layer (42) of elastic material between the intermediate plate (36) and a rear plate (38). Preferably at least two sandwich surface elements (20) which are angled in a roof ridge shape are arranged in mutually superposed relationship turned crosswire relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Schluter, Karl Rudolf, Manfred Schildknecht
  • Patent number: 6819237
    Abstract: An apparatus and fire protection system for detecting and extinguishing a spark, flame, or fire on a heat sensitive explosive object, which identifies, locates and relays vital information related to the particular endangered explosive object. The invention can be used to protect any heat sensitive object from thermal damage, explosive or not. Thermal energy activates a power supply, which powers the system, including a plurality of status sensor circuits that determine the status of the source of thermal energy. Each source of thermal energy is individually encoded to relay traits specific to the particular hazardous item, such as cook-off rate, type of energetic material and detonation temperature. Ultimately, all the information from the plurality of circuits and the EEPROM is relayed to personnel via the main system status display board. This permits personnel to become aware of a potential threat and monitor efforts to subdue the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John E. Wilson, Matthew L. Boggs, Howard L. Bowman
  • Patent number: 6805035
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for producing a shield for protecting an area from a pressure blast. The shield, which attenuates the pressure blast, can be used with tall, mobile, and underwater structures, including structures in densely populated areas. One system includes a source for providing an attenuation material, a delivery system that delivers the attenuation material to nozzles, and at least one valve device to control the delivery. A detector is configured to actuate the valve device to an open position in response to a perceived blast threat so that the delivery system delivers the attenuation material to form the shield proximate to a periphery of the protected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Edberg, Stanley Schneider
  • Patent number: 6782790
    Abstract: A method for deflecting a projectile from an initial trajectory. Such a projectile has a first surface area and a second surface area and moves through a gaseous atmosphere with a surrounding plasma sheath. This method includes the step of directing electromagnetic radiation toward the projectile, wherein the electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength which is absorbed by the plasma sheath but is not substantially absorbed by the gaseous atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Barrett
  • Patent number: 6782793
    Abstract: A sensor system for defending armoured vehicles against projectiles through the use of active armour. A thermal sensor detects a projectile's presence, and a laser proximity sensor determines its location. A doppler sensor distinguishes between threatening and nonthreatening projectiles by measuring the projectile's velocity. The sensors are positioned in a housing with a segmented spherical window, wherein each sensor can detect the projectile through a window segment having a filtering characteristic which is matched to its associated sensor. An eyelid shutter, which can open and close, protects the window from small arms fire and shrapnel. A conical deflector protects the sensor system from objects such as tree branches. Heater elements are used to clear ice and snow from the window, and the eyelid shutter removes other material through the use of a cleaning liquid delivery system and rubber wipers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell Aerospatiale Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Gregory Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6782792
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for producing a shield for protecting an area from a pressure blast. The shield, which attenuates the pressure blast, can be used with tall, mobile, and underwater structures, including structures in densely populated areas. One system includes a source for providing an attenuation material, a delivery system that delivers the attenuation material to nozzles, and at least one valve device to control the delivery. A detector is configured to actuate the valve device to an open position in response to a perceived blast threat so that the delivery system delivers the attenuation material to form the shield proximate to a periphery of the protected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Edberg, Stanley Schneider
  • Patent number: 6758125
    Abstract: An active armor system, which includes a first armor layer and a second armor layer. An interior space is interposed between the first and second armor layer. A third layer is also positioned preferably adjacent to and on the inner side of the first layer This third layer is comprised of a material selected from a piezoelectric material, and electrostrictive material, and a magnetostrictive material. The third layer may also be characterized as any material capable of producing an electrical or magnetic field within the space in response to the application of mechanical force on this third layer. The application of force on the third layer as a result of the impacting of a shaped charge projectile on the first armor layer will result in the production of an electric or magnetic charge in the interior space which will disrupt the formation of the shaped charge gas jet so as to prevent the penetration of the second armor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Zank
  • Publication number: 20040118273
    Abstract: An active armor system, which includes a first armor layer and a second armor layer. An interior space is interposed between the first and second armor layer. A third layer is also positioned preferably adjacent to and on the inner side of the first layer This third layer is comprised of a material selected from a piezoelectric material, and electrostrictive material, and a magnetostrictive material. The third layer may also be characterized as any material capable of producing an electrical or magnetic field within the space in response to the application of mechanical force on this third layer. The application of force on the third layer as a result of the impacting of a shaped charge projectile on the first armor layer will result in the production of an electric or magnetic charge in the interior space which will disrupt the formation of the shaped charge gas jet so as to prevent the penetration of the second armor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Paul A. Zank
  • Publication number: 20040050239
    Abstract: A reactive armor element for protection against a shaped-charge warhead, comprising a casing fitted with an outer metal cover plate, and at least one explosive matrix extending between the metal plates. The explosive matrix comprises a substantially flat carrier plate formed with a plurality of compartments formed by adjoining divider ribs, with explosive material embedded between the ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Moshe Benyami, Samuel Friling, Moshe Paz, Ron Gemussov
  • Patent number: 6681679
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wall (2)-protection device (1), notably for a vehicle wall, against attack by a projectile. This device comprises at least one explosive charge (3) able to project at least one metallic block (7) in the direction of the projectile. The device is characterized in that the block or blocks (7) are in the shape of elongated bars, that is which have a maximal length greater than or equal to 10 times their smallest crosswise dimension, the explosive charge (3) being position opposite a longitudinal surface of the bar (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Michel Vives, Alain Kerdraon, Jean-Paul Duparc
  • Patent number: 6622608
    Abstract: A method of achieving a variable standoff distance on an armored vehicle or structure between a standoff plate and a base armor plate. The method comprises building the armor system with the base armor plating covered by a layer of electromagnetic material, and standoff plates also covered by a layer of electromagnetic material. The standoff plates are movably attached to the base armor plate. The base and standoff plates are oriented so that the two layers of electromagnetic material face each other. The amount of standoff distance is varied depending on the type of threat recognized by a sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: United Defense LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey Faul, Kenneth B. Groves, Valent Horvatich
  • Patent number: 6619181
    Abstract: A reactive armor includes an orderly stack of multiple leaves of explosive, interleaved with non-explosive compressible foam. The stack is enclosed between armor plates. The armor plates are moveable between a first position in which the stack is compressed and a second position in which the stack is not compressed. An igniter is in electrical communication with the leaves of explosive. Each of the multiple leaves of explosive has a thickness below the “detonation failure thickness” of the explosive. In the compressed state, the compressible foam is compressed and the explosive leaves are sufficiently close to support detonation. In the uncompressed state the compressible foam is expanded and the explosive leaves are not sufficiently close to support detonation, and the use of highly plasticized explosives prevents other types of explosion. The invention provides for switching the reactive armor between an explosive state and a non-explosive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert B. Frey, Michael J. Zoltoski, Deborah Pilarski, Jerry Lee Watson, John J. Starkenberg
  • Publication number: 20030164087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wall (2)-protection device (1), notably for a vehicle wall, against attack by a projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Michel Vives, Alain Kerdraon, Jean-Paul Duparc
  • Patent number: 6595102
    Abstract: A counter-terrorism, reactive personnel protection system which detects the presence of a destructive object as it approaches a designated personnel target along an intersecting path. Before impact, an air bag is rapidly inflated and interposed between the destructive object and the target so as to provide a protective barrier. The air bag is constructed from polyethylene material or other anti-ballistic materials, and serves to halt or redirect the detected destructive force of the object and thereby protect the designated target from attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: David J. Stevens, Kirk A. Marchand, Thomas J. Warnagiris
  • Patent number: 6474213
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: James D. Walker, Dennis L. Orphal
  • Patent number: 6470784
    Abstract: A protection device against intrusion of a zone including at least one bag firmly affixed to at least one support, the bag having a flexible envelope inflatable by at least one gas or fluid generator triggered by control means. Upon inflation of the flexible envelope, the envelope spreads apart above the support to subtend a substantially cylindrical volume having an axis substantially parallel to the support and of dimensions adequate to constitute a barrier to hamper advance toward the zone protected by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Patrick Bonavita, Claude Boutet
  • Publication number: 20020152881
    Abstract: A counter-terrorism, reactive personnel protection system which detects the presence of a destructive object as it approaches a designated personnel target along an intersecting path. Before impact, an air bag is rapidly inflated and interposed between the destructive object and the target so as to provide a protective barrier. The air bag is constructed from polyethylene material or other anti-ballistic materials, and serves to halt or redirect the detected destructive force of the object and thereby protect the designated target from attack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: David J. Stevens, Kirk A. Marchand, Thomas J. Warnagiris
  • Patent number: 6412391
    Abstract: A counter-terrorism, reactive personnel protection system which detects the presence of a destructive object as it approaches a designated personnel target along an intersecting path. Before impact, an air bag is rapidly inflated and interposed between the destructive object and the target so as to provide a protective barrier. The air bag is constructed from polyethylene material or other anti-ballistic materials, and serves to halt or redirect the detected destructive force of the object and thereby protect the designated target from attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: David J. Stevens, Kirk A. Marchand, Thomas J. Warnagiris
  • Patent number: 6345563
    Abstract: An improved reactive armor system having one or more layers of matrix plates, each plate having a plurality of shallow wells with a plurality of blind holes in each well and an explosive pill in each blind hole. An explosive sheet covers each well and is in close proximity to the pills in the associated wells to insure that all the pills within a well will detonate when one pill therein is detonated. A separation plate covering and held in engagement with each matrix plate isolates each well from the other wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark Albert Middione, Paul Singh
  • Publication number: 20020007726
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for protection of an armored vehicle against projectiles, particularly non-explosive projectiles, characterized in that it comprises at least one launcher device whose movements in at least one plane are controlled by a pyrotechnic ram. The reaction time of the rams is very short. By increasing the angular positioning capability of the launchers, the number of launchers required in an armored vehicle self-defense system providing protection against non-explosive projectiles is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: TDA ARMEMENTS S.A.S.
    Inventors: Bruno Boissiere, Claude Georget
  • Patent number: 6327955
    Abstract: An active protection device for a surface, the device having at least one casing enclosing at least one shaped charge having a direction of action substantially parallel to or else inclined with respect to the surface as well as detection device ensuring the triggering of the shaped charge in response to the onset of a projectile. The casing encloses four dihedral shaped charges forming a quadrilateral, or four groupings of shaped charges, and having converging directions of action, the directions of action of the shaped charges can be inclined with respect to the surface and oriented towards the outside of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Alain Kerdraon, Michel Vives, Jean-Paul Toussirot, GĂ©rald Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 6279449
    Abstract: A rapid deployment countermeasure system comprises a base attached to a plurality of tubes which are in fluid communication with at least one deployment module. A guidance bar is attached to the top ends of the tubes, and a guidance shroud is proximate to the outer surfaces of the tubes. The system includes one or more anti-ballistic blankets fixedly attached to the guidance bar, and is erected to form an anti-ballistic barrier upon activation of the deployment modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Michael D. Ladika, Geoffrey Dearnaley
  • Patent number: 6244156
    Abstract: A blast shell is launched as a defense against an attacking tail fin-stabilized projectile, such as in particular a KE penetrator, from an object which is to be protected. Gas fumes and a reaction pressure blast wave from a fired blast warhead of the shell act principally on the tail region of the attacking projectile and thereby deflect the latter from a trajectory in the attack direction so that the object under attack is either missed or at least is not hit in a head-on direction, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the attacking projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Diehl Stiftung & Co.
    Inventors: Raimar Steuer, Christian Klee, Helmut Ertel, Gunter Weihrauch