Abstract: A multi-layer ballistic or armor panel system includes a hard component strike layer that is a continuous planar assembly of tile elements, the planar assembly having a strike surface and a rear surface. Seams between the tile elements are substantially non-perpendicular to the strike surface, thereby tending to deflect incoming projectiles. Grooves may be formed in one or more of the strike surface and the rear surface of the tile elements to provide a preferential weakness. The armor panel system may also include a reinforcing layer on at least one of the strike surface and the rear surface. A backing layer may be provided after the rear surface.

Abstract: A shield system for an ordnance having a fuse sensitivity includes a frame and a flexible net subsystem supported by the frame. Chords of net material intersect at nodes forming mesh openings and a hard point is attached to at least select nodes. The net material has a breaking strength such that a chord will break upon impact of an ordnance fuse with the chord for a predetermined percentage (e.g., 100%) of ordnance fuse impacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material sheet comprising a woven fabric of polymer tapes, wherein the width of a tape varies less than 2% on average in the longitudinal direction of the tape. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the material sheet, and to a ballistic resistant article comprising the material sheet. A ballistic resistant article comprising the material sheet exhibits excellent antiballistic properties.

Abstract: A ballistic wall panel device and system is disclosed. The ballistic wall panel device is adapted to contain ballistic media, which may include hardened metal particles. The ballistic wall panel device is capable of absorbing impact from various types of ammunition, destroying such ammunition upon impact, and withstanding multiple ammunition firings in a single location on the device. The ballistic wall panel device and system may be useful in a variety of settings, particularly where there may be a need or desire to protect individuals or valuables from weapons fire exposure, including but not limited to safe rooms, safe houses, embassies, shoot houses (such as those used by police and military personnel for live fire training), banks, post offices, gas stations, convenience stores, pay counters, various government agency buildings and facilities, and the like.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is: the use for a transparent bullet-proof and/or splinter-proof laminate, of which at least part of the thickness consists of a mosaic comprising at least two transparent constituent elements, in order to limit deterioration of the laminate beyond one of said at least two constituent elements that receive an impact; such a laminate with dimensions greater than those that are the maximum possible for a plate of monocrystalline sapphire, of which at least part of the thickness consists of an at least partly transparent mosaic, and of which at least one of its outer faces consists of a continuous transparent sheet; glazing for a building or transport vehicle comprising this laminate.

Abstract: Up-armoring structure for protecting a selected surface including (a) a foundation layer formed of a chemically curable, elastomeric, urethane-based material applied to that surface, (b) a core layer of hardened armoring material embedded, at least partially, in the foundation layer, and (c) a coating overlayer of a chemically curable, elastomeric material which covers the core layer, and which is bonded molecularly to the foundation layer. The method of the invention includes (a) applying a chemically curable, elastomeric foundation layer to a surface which is to be armor protected, (b) embedding a core layer of hardened armoring material at least partially in the foundation layer, (c) creating over the core layer an overlayer of chemically curable, elastomeric material, and (d) molecularly bonding the coating layer to the foundation layer.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to hull have a geometric shape where a first wall, second wall, and third wall are designed to mitigate the effects of an explosion. In an exemplary embodiment, the hull may have a double-vertex shape.

Abstract: A ballistic-resistant panel in which the entire panel or a strike-face portion thereof is formed of a plurality of sheets of high modulus high molecular weight polyethylene tape. The sheets of high modulus polyethylene tape can be in the form of cross-plied laminated layers of tape strips or a woven fabric of tape strips. The strips of UHMWPE tape include a width of at least one inch and a modulus of greater than 1400 grams per denier. The ballistic-resistant panel may include a backing layer of conventional high modulus fibers embedded in resin. A wide variety of adhesives were found acceptable for bonding the cross-plied layers of high modulus polyethylene tape together for forming the ballistic-resistant panels of the present invention.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an armor system comprises a plurality of metallic layers. The armor system further comprises a plurality of non-metallic layers located in between two or more metallic layers of the plurality of metallic layers, such that each non-metallic layer is located at a respective depth in the plurality of metallic layers.

Abstract: A conformable self-healing ballistic armor protective structure has a shell formed of a laminated cloth material having outer and inner lamellae. The outer lamella of the laminated material is a ballistic cloth and the inner lamella is a soft, conformable self-healing, rubber compound. The shell is filled preferably with multiplicity of ceramic particles disposed in a fluid.

Abstract: Vehicle armor includes a body panel of the vehicle having a stressed skin construction with an inside surface and an outside surface. A liner overlies the inside surface of the body panel and a particle-filled elastomer overlies the outside surface of the body panel. Thin, single-layer steel tiles overlie the elastomer layer, with the tiles each having a hardened outer side and a non-hardened inner side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boron carbide composite material comprising diamond particles and boron carbide, the composite material having a porosity of less than 2 percent by volume. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such materials, the method including coating a plurality of diamond particles with boron carbide, combining the plurality of diamond particles to form a green body and subjecting the green body to a temperature in the range from about 1,200 degrees centigrade to about 2,000 degrees centigrade and pressure or vacuum not exceeding about 2,000 Mpa.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an armor array for protecting a body to be protected from an incoming projectile having an anticipated impact direction. The armor array is constituted by at least a first and a second armor cassette, each comprising a top base plate and a bottom base plate sandwiching therebetween an expandable layer. The first and second armor cassettes are spaced apart by an intermediate depressible panel having a top and a bottom face, such that the bottom base plate of the first armor cassette faces the top face of the intermediate depressible panel and the top base plate of the second cassette faces the bottom face of the intermediate depressible panel. The armor array is constructed such that upon expansion of the expandable layer, caused by the impact of the incoming projectile, at least one of the bottom base plate of the first armor cassette and the top base plate of the second armor cassette is urged towards the intermediate depressible panel and depresses it.

Abstract: Vehicle armor includes a body panel of the vehicle having a stressed skin construction with an inside surface and an outside surface. A liner overlies the inside surface of the body panel and a particle-filled elastomer overlies the outside surface of the body panel. Thin, single-layer steel tiles overlie the elastomer layer, with the tiles each having a hardened outer side and a non-hardened inner side.

Abstract: A composite material suitable for use as an armor includes a first layer of a metallic material and a second layer, metallurgically bonded with the first layer. The second layer includes a matrix of the material of the first layer and a plurality of brittle particles dispersed in the matrix. A method for making a composite structure suitable for use as an armor from a workpiece of a metallic material includes the steps of plasticizing a fractional thickness of the workpiece using a friction stir process, introducing a plurality of brittle particles into the plasticized, fractional thickness of the workpiece, and dispersing the plurality of brittle particles into the plasticized, fractional thickness of the workpiece using the friction stir process.

Abstract: A design for improvements to the prior art of armor design that incorporates a uniquely designed layer within a multilayered armor fabricated assembly which redirects the supersonic destructive forces entering the assembly to exit the assembly in directions parallel to the surface being protected.

Abstract: A dual hardness armor, comprising a first steel layer of hardness H1 and thickness D1, a second steel layer of hardness H2 lower than H1, and a thickness D2 not greater than D1. The armor further comprises an intermediate substance therebetween bonding the first steel layer to the second steel layer.

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 vehicle and structure shield system including a flexible structure with a fabric border including one of a hook and loop type fastener thereon, a frame for the flexible structure including frame members with the other of hook and loop fastener thereon for releasably securing the flexible structure to the frame, and hard points attached to the flexible structure.

Abstract: An armor system for defeating rocket propelled grenade-type missiles and/or high velocity jets created by shaped charges directed at a vehicle includes a grid layer such as a net and/or an array of slats or bars (“RPG”) spaced from an outer surface of the vehicle by support members. The grid layer has a characteristic mesh size or bar/slat spacing to disrupt the missile firing mechanism. The system also has a shaped layer having a plurality of tapered members formed from a fiber-reinforced material, the tapered members positioned between the grid layer and the vehicle outer surface and having respective apex ends proximate the distant the grid layer and base ends, the tapered members defining with adjacent tapered members a plurality of depressions opening in a direction to receive an incoming conical portion of an unexploded RPG-type missile, or a jet emanating from an exploded RPG or other anti-armor device, and a layer of fiber-reinforced material abutting the base ends of the tapered members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ballistic resistant laminated structure comprising at least three glass sheets (1, 3, 5) a polycarbonate sheet (11) which are bound by adhesive layers (2, 4, 10) and a shielding insert (20), wherein a space delimited by said insert (20), the end face of the sheet (5) and the edge of the sheet (11) are provided with a material (30, 31) for absorbing the energy of a projectile. Said materials (30, 31) are embodied in the form of an yielding material (30) for degassing during assembling said stricture and an encapsulating material (31). A highly ballistic resistant glazing for a building or a transport vehicle comprising the inventive structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes a vest and a restraint incorporated into the vest. The vest includes a front panel, a back panel, and left and right shoulder portions extending between the front panel and the back panel. The vest has an inner face and an outer face. The restraint includes a front latch fixed to the vest front panel and a back latch fixed to the vest back panel. The restraint includes webbing portions extending in a force-transmitting relationship between the front latch and the back latch, within the front panel and the shoulder portions and the back panel of the vest, so as to extend at least partially around the torso of a occupant wearing the vest. The front panel of the vest includes a front armor pocket and the back panel of the vest includes a back armor pocket, for receiving and supporting panels of body armor.

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

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

Abstract: Improved 5xxx aluminum alloys and products made therefrom are disclosed. The new 5xxx aluminum alloy products may achieve an improved combination of properties due to, for example, the presence of copper. In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are able to achieve an improved combination of properties by solution heat treatment.

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 portable protection system including a selectively collapsible truss for supporting a protection member. The truss is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The protection member includes at least one layer of ballistic armor material for disrupting a projectile. The truss includes suitable connectors for releasably connecting the protection member to the truss, and also suitable connectors for releasably connecting the truss to an adjoining truss so as to form a protection wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ceramic tiles for armor.

Abstract: A shield for shielding a structural member from an explosive blast or accidental or malicious destruction is provided. The shield includes a plurality of shield members which include cast ultra high strength concrete, wherein the shield members are capable of being assembled to enclose at least a portion of the structural member to provide protection to the enclosed portion from, for example, an explosive blast. In one embodiment, the shield members include a chassis, at least one ballistic liner disposed on the energy absorbing layer, and a concrete-integrating structure.

Abstract: An improved ceramic tile armor has a core of boron nitride and a polymer matrix composite (PMC) facing of carbon fibers fused directly to the impact face of the tile. A polyethylene fiber composite backing and spall cover are preferred. The carbon fiber layers are cured directly onto the tile, not adhered using a separate adhesive so that they are integral with the tile, not a separate layer.

Abstract: An armour panel provides a continuous armoured strike face defined within a periphery. The panel is manufactured from a composite material having a plurality of armour tiles embedded in a polymeric matrix that is structurally reinforced by a layer of fibre fabric. The armoured strike face may be contoured to accommodate the base upon which it will be mounted. In some applications, an armour system is assembled from at least two of the armour panels. In such a system, at least a portion of the periphery of each armour panel defines an internal seam edge of the armour system. Each such periphery portion is in a lapping relationship with the corresponding internal seam edge of another armour panel.

Abstract: A boron carbide body having a graphite content in which the central portion of the body includes more graphite that the region surrounding the central portion and adjacent the exterior surface thereof, and a method for fabricating the boron carbide body.

Abstract: A building block for constructing a projectile absorbing armor. The building block has at least one interlocking male connector and at least one female connector. The interlocking male connector and said female connector are sized for interlocking engagement. The invention is also generally directed to a structure having projectile absorbing armor having at least two building blocks in interlocking engagement. The building blocks are constructed from projectile resistant material and may have various features to prevent the passage of a projectile through the block.

Abstract: An armor system for protecting an object from the impact of a projectile. A core layer of hardened metal or ceramic balls supported in a softer material, wherein the surfaces of the balls are in contact with adjacent ball surfaces and the sizes of the balls are selected with respect to the anticipated shape of the projectile being armored against. Inward and outward facing reinforced layers at the surfaces of the core layer. The reinforced layers including a resin base and fibers therein. A backing plate may back the core layer on the rear surface.

Abstract: Antiballistic armor is provided that includes a glass-ceramic component having 50 to 70 weight percent SiO2, 15 to 25 weight percent Al2O3, 0.5 to 5 weight percent ZrO2, 0.1 to 10 weight percent Li2O, 1 to 5 weight percent TiO2. The glass ceramic component has a main crystalline phase that comprises keatite mixed crystal in a compositional range of LiAlSi2O6 to LiAlSi4O10.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: An underbelly for an armored vehicle is provided, configured for providing ballistic protection against a detonation of an explosive device detonated substantially therebelow. The underbelly comprises a central portion having a lowermost area, sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom, the central portion and sidewalls constituting a main armor of the underbelly, and an auxiliary armor panel disposed so as to project downwardly from the lowermost area of the central portion. Upper portions of the sidewalls are free of any auxiliary armor panel.

Abstract: In ballistic attenuation a strike plate including a base armor plate having an outwardly facing surface, and a hard layer deposited on the base armor plate to substantially overlay the outwardly facing surface. In embodiments a ballistic attenuation assembly is provided having multiple sheets of a first fibrous material and a sheet of a second fibrous material laminated together by a modified epoxy resin with the first sheet of a second fibrous material being exposed along an outward facing surface. In embodiments a ballistic attenuation assembly is provided having a first panel having opposed inward and outward facing surfaces, a second panel having opposed inward and outward facing surfaces and a spacer interposed between the first and the second panels forming a gap between the inward facing surfaces of the first and second panels.

Abstract: The present invention describes a transparent plate of lithium aluminosilicate glass ceramic showing a high transmission, a process for producing same and transparent plate laminates comprising at least one plate of the lithium aluminosilicate glass ceramic of the invention and the use thereof as armored glass or bullet-proof vest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ballistic resistant laminated structure comprising at least three glass sheets (1, 3, 5) a polycarbonate sheet (11) which are bound by adhesive layers (2, 4, 10) and a shielding insert (20), wherein a space delimited by said insert (20), the end face of the sheet (5) and the edge of the sheet (11) are provided with a material (30, 31) for absorbing the energy of a projectile. Said materials (30, 31) are embodied in the form of an yielding material (30) for degassing during assembling said stricture and an encapsulating material (31). A highly ballistic resistant glazing for a building or a transport vehicle comprising the inventive structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Several ceramic armour systems are provided herein. One such system is a ceramic armour system for personnel. Such system includes an integral ceramic plate, or a plurality of interconnected ceramic components providing an integral plate. The ceramic has a deflecting front surface or a flat front surface, and a rear surface. A front spall layer is bonded to the front surface of the ceramic plate. A shock-absorbing layer is bonded to the rear surface of ceramic plate. A backing is bonded to the exposed face of the shock-absorbing layer. A second such system is a ceramic armour system for vehicles. Such system also includes an integral ceramic plate, or a plurality of interconnected ceramic components providing an integral plate. The ceramic plate has a deflecting front surface or a flat front surface, and a rear surface. A front spall layer is bonded to the front surface of the ceramic plate. A shock-absorbing layer is bonded to the rear surface of the ceramic plate.

Abstract: Improved composite armor designs uses optimally shaped ceramic pellets, a specific stacking geometry and a web system for patterning the pellets, improving manufacturability, and providing additional structural reinforcement. Lightweight, composite ballistic armor according to the invention may comprise an array of ceramic pellets, each pellet having a front surface, a back surface and a longitudinal centerline, and wherein the front surface of each pellet is intentionally convex. The front surface of each pellet may be hemispherical, in which case the cross-section of the pellet taken perpendicular to the centerline may be oval-shaped. Alternatively, the front surface of each pellet may be elliptical, in which case the cross-section of the pellet taken perpendicular to the centerline may be circular. In the preferred embodiment, the back surface of each pellet is formed at the same angle relative to its centerline, with the pellets being arranged with the flat surfaces lying in a plane.

Abstract: A composite armor 10 is provided with a cellular structure 12 having a plurality of composite inserts 14 arranged in openings 20 provided in the cellular structure 12. A pair of laminate sheets are arranged on oppositely facing sides of the cellular structure 12 and covering the inserts 14. The laminate sheets 26 and 28 are bonded to the structure 12 and the inserts 14 by an adhesive. The cellular structure 12 includes a plurality of fibers extending continuously throughout the cellular structure 12.

Abstract: A composite armor 10 is provided with a cellular structure 12 having a plurality of composite inserts 14 arranged in openings 20 provided in the cellular structure 12. A pair of laminate sheets are arranged on oppositely facing sides of the cellular structure 12 and covering the inserts 14. The laminate sheets 26 and 28 are bonded to the structure 12 and the inserts 14 by an adhesive. The cellular structure 12 includes a plurality of fibers extending continuously throughout the cellular structure 12.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective structure and panel system to protect a user against projectiles, blast pressures and fragments from small arms and explosions that is attached to a floor and a ceiling or just a floor. The system has a plurality of structural columns attached to the ceiling and/or the floor, a frame attached to the structural columns, a plurality of protective panels that are set within the frame and a means for attaching the protective structure and panel system to the ceiling and/or the floor. The invention also includes a vertical retrofit support system used in combination with a load bearing structure such as a wall to support a floor and a ceiling of the load bearing structure.

Abstract: A composite material plate comprising a plurality of hard ceramic stubs with silicon rich metal inclusions in a metal-ceramic, heterogeneous poly-phase matrix and a method of fabrication thereof comprising the steps of fabricating green ceramic stubs; densifying; optionally wrapping carbon fibers therearound and arranging the green ceramic stubs into a closely packed array with organic binder, pyrrolizing and Impregnating a silicon based metal matrix by reactive sintering.

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: An armored cab for a vehicle is provided, the cab including multiple layers of armoring material, and having a shape to assist in the deflection of radar and the various types of ordinance which may be fired or exploded against the armored cab.