Abstract: A method of designing a wearable air blast wave energy protection device includes computer modeling at least two candidate reflective materials for a first human-protective and primarily reflective response to a specified incident air blast wave energy. The method includes selecting a layer of a first material from the at least two candidate reflective materials based on the computer modeling of the at least two candidate reflective materials. The method includes computer modeling at least two candidate attenuative materials for a second human-protective and primarily attenuative response and computer modeling another at least two candidate attenuative materials for a third human-protective and primarily attenuative response. The method further includes selecting a first attenuating-region material and a second attenuating-region material.

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

Abstract: A modular and field adaptable body armor system includes a plurality of flexible, air-permeable, thermally vented plates arranged in fixed relationships that provide flexible, modular, field-adaptable protection for the torso and extremities without excessive weight or heat burden. The TVA plates include protective cards suspended in a parallel, louvered relationship between inner and outer mesh layers, thereby permitting air to flow therebetween while providing a flexible, compressible, modular barrier that protects the torso and extremities against projectiles. In embodiments, the outer mesh layer resists penetration and compresses cards together to intercept a projectile that would otherwise pass therebetween. Protective cards can include thermally pressed and flexed laminated UHMWPE. TVA panels can be removed and exchanged in the field according to the requirements of each mission. In embodiments, the TVA plates are laced together and/or attached to an underlying fabric carrier garment.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, device and method. A described device includes a first material configured to reflect a substantial portion of a specified incident air blast wave energy. The first material has an acoustic impedance substantially mismatched to air's acoustic impedance. A second material is configured for wearing proximate to a human body. The second material includes attenuating-regions. A first attenuating-region is configured to attenuate a first range of overpressures utilizing a first inelastic response. A second attenuating-region is configured to attenuate a second range of overpressures utilizing a second inelastic response. At least a portion of the back surface of the layer of the first material is proximate to at least a portion of the front surface of the layer of the second material.

Abstract: An encapsulated ballistic protection system (EBPS). In one embodiment, an EBPS for protecting a human or an object from a projectile includes one or more ballistic protection material layers at least substantially encapsulated by encapsulation material having a tensile strength of 20,000 psi or greater. Additionally, in one embodiment, an EBPS includes one or more ballistic protection material layers that are substantially encapsulated by the encapsulation material on a first side adapted to face the human or the object and on a second side opposite the first side and adapted to face the projectile, and the EBPS further includes a compressible layer between the one or more ballistic protection material layers and the encapsulation material on the first side, the compressible layer configured to at least one of dissipate energy, reduce velocity of the projectile, and reduce backface deformation.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight, modular, blast control system utilizes a plurality of fabric panels that may be joined to form a matrix or blanket to protect or control the blast. The panels are preferably made from layers of auxetic woven fabric, with each successive fabric layer oriented between 0-90 degrees from the previous layer. The panels may be connected together via a locking mechanism or assembly comprising a cable which runs the length of the perimeter of each fabric panel, and a torque pin rotated about two adjoining cables to form an interlocking connection. The panels connected in this manner form the fully assembled blast control blanket.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for mounting wearable ballistic body armor plates and accessories to a user. Embodiments may include a plate frame assembly comprising one or more plate frames and one or more ballistic body armor plates. The one or more plate frames may at least partially house the one or more ballistic body armor plates and hold them in position with respect to the one or more plate frames. A method of embodiments may include providing one or more plate frames and one or more ballistic body armor plates and using the one or more plate frames to hold the one or more ballistic armor plates in a fixed position with respect to the body armor plates. In some embodiments, the plate frame assembly is resistant to the absorption and/or accumulation of liquids and chemicals.

Abstract: A kinetic energy and blast energy absorbing material includes: a micro-truss structure including: a plurality of first struts extending along a first direction; a plurality of second struts extending along a second direction; and a plurality of third struts extending along a third direction; and a compressible fluid comprising a liquid or gel and a nanoporous material, wherein the micro-truss structure contains the compressible fluid.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, device and method. A described device includes a first material configured to reflect a substantial portion of a specified incident air blast wave energy. The first material includes a first reflective-region having a first acoustic impedance substantially mismatched to air's acoustic impedance. The first material includes a second reflective-region having a second acoustic impedance substantially less than the first acoustic impedance. The device includes a second material configured to attenuate the specified incident air blast wave energy utilizing an inelastic response. The second material is configured for wearing proximate to a human body. At least a portion of a back surface of the first material is proximate to a front surface of the second material.

Abstract: There is provided a polymer ceramic composite which includes one or more particulate ceramics and a mixture of polymers. There is further provided methods of manufacture and application of the polymer ceramic composition. The composition finds use as a mouldable armour strike face, particularly in personal protective equipment and in vehicle or aircraft armour.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Anti-ballistic Chairs with the preferred embodiment consisting of a conventionally appearing stacking chair with padded seat cushion and back rest, having a tubular framework with arm rests, having the addition of a skirt section below the seat extending to the floor level. The core of the chair will consist of layers of flexible anti-ballistic fabric, also known as soft armor, wrapped in two directions around the tubular members of the back rest, seat and skirt section. Alternatively, the stacking chair will be constructed of pre-manufactured hard anti-ballistic armor components, also known as hard armor. Two additional embodiments will be folding chairs with tubular frameworks, the first having hard armor anti-ballistic surfaces and the second being able to have hard armor or soft armor anti-ballistic surfaces.

Abstract: A bullet-resistant defensive device is disclosed made up of layers of bullet resistant material layered together and connected along their peripheral edge on a frame to form a planar shield. The shield so formed works such that a bullet striking the shield causes the layered bullet resistant material to flex thereby dissipating the force of the bullet, the material when it stretches transfers the force of the bullet from a shear mode to a tensile mode. One preferred embodiment incorporates the invention into a clipboard box for use by police officers for protecting against head, neck and hand wounds from handguns fired at close range from vehicles. The hand-held, bullet resistant clipboard box holds documents and writing implements, and the bullet-resistant material is located within the clipboard box interior cavity and configured for catching a fired bullet before it can pass through the entire clipboard.

Abstract: An encapsulated ballistic protection system (EBPS). In one embodiment, an EBPS for protecting a human or an object from a projectile includes one or more ballistic protection material layers at least substantially encapsulated by encapsulation material having a tensile strength of 20,000 psi or greater. Additionally, in one embodiment, an EBPS includes one or more ballistic protection material layers that are substantially encapsulated by the encapsulation material on a first side adapted to face the human or the object and on a second side opposite the first side and adapted to face the projectile, and the EBPS further includes a compressible layer between the one or more ballistic protection material layers and the encapsulation material on the first side, the compressible layer configured to at least one of dissipate energy, reduce velocity of the projectile, and reduce backface deformation.

Abstract: The invention provides a removable cover for a body armour plate, the cover including a sheet of strong fabric intended to face away from the plate, and an inner, foamed layer intended to face the plate, the cover being surrounded by an endless resilient edging for surrounding a periphery of the plate so as to retain the cover in place on the plate.

Abstract: An armor for protection against armor piercing and/or high energy projectiles has a ceramic layer with a confinement layer on a front thereof. The ceramic layer is backed by a first metal layer and the first metal layer in turn is backed by a composite layer. A second optional confinement layer may be included between the ceramic and first metal layers. The composite layer is backed by an optional second metal layer, which in turn is backed by an optional anti-trauma layer. The armor is used to protect personnel and objects such as vehicles.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for providing protection from blast and ballistic energy is provided. The apparatus includes a liquid storage mechanism containing a liquid and a rigid layer internal to the liquid storage mechanism. The apparatus also includes a pressure release mechanism configured to allow the liquid to exit the liquid storage mechanism when a pressure sufficient to open or activate the pressure release mechanism contacts the liquid storage mechanism and presses the liquid storage mechanism against the rigid layer.

Abstract: An example armor system includes a first ceramic matrix composite armor layer, a second ceramic matrix composite armor layer, and a monolithic ceramic armor layer directly bonded to the first and the second ceramic matrix composite armor layers.

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

Abstract: Overpressure absorbing material is positioned on the exterior of an enclosure. When an explosion occurs adjacent the enclosure, the overpressure absorbing material absorbs a large portion of an incoming overpressure wave from the explosion. The overpressure absorbing material cushions the impact of the overpressure wave against the enclosure and may prevent the incoming overpressure wave from penetrating the enclosure in sufficient magnitude to cause injury to the enclosure's occupants. The overpressure absorbing material may also be positioned on the interior of the enclosure. The overpressure wave from the explosion may enter the enclosure via a breach or other opening and may resonate within the enclosure, causing injury to the enclosure's occupants. The interior overpressure absorbing material also prevents a significant magnitude of the overpressure wave from being reflected off the interior walls of the enclosure, resonating within the enclosure, and causing injury to the enclosure's occupants.

Abstract: Ballistic collar comprising a bellows shaped member (1) which is arranged to surround a human's neck, comprising bellows plies (2, 3) being mainly perpendicular to the axis of the collar or of the human's neck. Free standing, the structure stands up around the neck to provide ballistic protection. The structure may be formed by folding a sheet of ballistic rated body armor fabric comprising strong synthetic fibers, e.g. from aromatic polyamide fibers, or ultra high molecular weight polyolefin, e.g. polyethylene polypropylene, fibers. For manufacturing the ballistic collar a plurality of sheets may be piled-up and the whole may be submitted to transformation in a mold (5, 6) at a temperature and pressure at which the sheets remain mainly loose from each other. Preferably parts of the collars or bellows shaped members are made, which are assembled afterwards e.g. by stitching, welding etc.

Abstract: Method of producing a shell-proof and bullet-proof structure comprising a first internal layer having a high resistance against the impact of a shell or a bullet, and at least a second external pierceable layer having a relatively low melting temperature allowing it to melt when hit by the shell or bullet for retaining the latter and avoiding the rebound thereof.

Abstract: Self-protection structure, comprising a first inner layer (2) made form a material having high resistant to the impact of a bullet (4), and at least a second outer pierceable layer (3) having a melting temperature relatively low so as to melt upon the arrival of the bullet (4) and to retain the latter by preventing the bounce thereof.

Abstract: A headgear bracket for mounting night vision goggles includes a base having a headgear-facing surface. The headgear-facing surface includes a pocket defined by a pocket wall and a pair of flanges adapted to contact a headgear surface. The headgear bracket further includes an opening in the base adapted to receive an attachment means and a ballistic slug removably inserted into the pocket, the ballistic slug having an opening adapted to receive the attachment means. A surface of the ballistic slug is adapted to contact and conform substantially to the headgear surface.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, there is provided a ballistic-resistant composite including a plurality of large denier per filament (dpf) yarns. The large dpf yarns may have a “Composite-Armor dpf factor” (CA•dpf) of greater than or equal to 6.9.

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: 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: A barrier comprising a base unit composed of a bullet resistant material and a transparent upper wall removably interconnected to the base unit and composed of a bullet resistant material. The base unit includes a front wall and two side walls extending from the front wall to provide protection to the front and sides of a person standing behind the barrier. A series of casters, preferably locking casters, are attached to the bottom edges of the side walls, and a pair of handles connected to each of the side walls permitting the barrier to be conveniently transported from one site to another.