Abstract:
Helmets for military and other applications that require resistance to high energy fragments and rifle bullets are disclosed. The helmets are fabricated with a combination of ceramic, either as a monolith or as a plurality of discreet pieces, and an inner backing material having a plurality of fibrous layers such as polyolefin and/or aramid fiber layers.
Abstract:
Dimensionally stable open woven fabrics formed from a plurality of high tenacity warp elongate bodies interwoven and bonded with a plurality of transversely disposed, high tenacity weft elongate bodies, composite articles formed therefrom, and to a continuous process for forming the composite articles.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for evaluating the backface signature of flat panel ballistic resistant composites with accuracy, repeatability and improved correlation to the expected backface signature of shaped ballistic resistant composites in actual field use.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the production of ballistic resistant articles. Prior to molding, the ballistic resistant fabrics are heated with microwave energy as an alternative to conventional preheating heating methods, reducing heating time and increasing produciton efficiency.
Abstract:
Rubberized polyolefin fabrics, particularly rubberized polyolefin fiber containing fabrics and a method for vulcanizing rubber without melting or lowering the performance of the fibers. A plurality of fibrous layers are molded and rubberized under high pressures, producing fabrics having customized stiffness properties.
Abstract:
A multilayered composite fabric, the composite fabric comprising a first fabric comprising first and second non-woven unidirectionally oriented fiber layers. Each of the fiber layers is in a resin matrix and the fibers comprise high tenacity fibers. The fibers in the two fiber layers are disposed at an angle with respect to each other. The composite fabric includes a second fabric comprising multi-directionally oriented fibers optionally in a resin matrix. The second fabric also comprises high tenacity fibers. The first and second fabrics are bonded together to form the composite fabric, which has improved ballistic resistant properties. Plastic films may be adhered to one or both outer surfaces of the first fabric and can serve as the bonding agent between the two fabrics. Also described is a method of making a composite fabric.
Abstract:
A ballistic resistant panel which is formed from a plurality of relatively thin ceramic layers and at least one fibrous backing layer of high tenacity fibers. The two relatively thin ceramic layers are adjacent each other, but may be separated by an additional fibrous backing layer of high tenacity fibers. The ceramic faced panel provides a desired protection level against ballistic projectiles. Different threat levels can be protected against by choosing the number of ceramic layers to be used in the panel. The relatively thin ceramic layers are simpler to manufacture than thick ceramic panels of the same overall thickness as the combined thickness of the multiple ceramic faced layers. The panels of this invention having a multiple number of ceramic layers provides substantially the same or better ballistic resistance than does a monolithic panel of substantially the same thickness and composition. Protection against various threat levels can be provided by using a desired number of performs of the relatively thin ceramic layer and the fibrous backing. This permits greater manufacturing flexibility and can reduce the inventory of panel constructions that need to be stored in order to provide protection against different threat levels.
Abstract:
Fabric laminates having superior resistance to penetration of fragments, such as shrapnel. The fabrics are formed of high-strength fibers consolidated with from about 7% to about 15% by weight of an elastomeric matrix composition, and in combination with protective layers of a polymer film on each surface of the fabric. The fabrics achieve a significant improvement in fragment resistance compared to fabrics of the prior art, while also maintaining excellent ballistic resistant properties.
Abstract:
Flexible body armor formed from flexible composites which have improved knife-stab resistance. The body armor is formed from composites which include layers of a fabric base. formed from high tenacity fibers. and a rubber layer bonded to the fabric base. A thermoplastic bonding layer may be used to bond the fabric and rubber layers together. To provide ballistic resistance, the body armor may also include a ballistic resistant composite of a network of high tenacity fibers.