Device and method to insure integrity to body armor or other ballistic protection apparatus

• Main Authors: STEELE WILLIAM R, MERRIMAN PAUL MARK
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.2011
• Subjects: MEASURING; MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER,MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE; PHYSICS; TESTING

A device and method to insure protection of a ballistic protection apparatus using a microtube indicator for alerting a user to inspect the ballistic protection apparatus for flaws, cracks and gaps. The device can include microtubes adapted to function as accelerometers. The microtubes can include a color containing component, a non-color containing component, and a frangible separating portion. The device can include a housing with a top surface, a window, a message, a bottom surface, parallel cuts, and an adhesive for securing the housing to the ballistic protection apparatus. A G-force impact that exceeds a preset limit can cause the color containing component to flow to the non-color containing component, thereby indicating that an excessive G-force event has occurred and that an inspection of the ballistic protection apparatus is required.