Devices and methods for clearance of mines or ordnance

• US 5,936,184 A
• Filed: 11/21/1997
• Issued: 08/10/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tracor Aerospace, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Tracor Aerospace, Inc.
• Inventors: Brown, Ronald L., Majerus, Mark E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jordan, Charles T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wesson, Theresa M.
• Application Number:
  US08/975,235
• Time in Patent Office: 627 Days
• Field of Search: 89/1.13, 89/1.11, 86/50, 102/306, 102/307, 102/309, 102/402, 102/403
• US Class Current: 89/1.13
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 11/12 Means for clearing land minefields; Systems specially adapted for detection of landmines
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 3/08 with cavities in the charge, e.g. hollow-charge blasting cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 33/06 Dismantling fuzes, cartridges, projectiles, missiles, rockets or bombs F42B33/004 and F42B33/04 take precedence; elimination of undesirable components of explosives C06B21/0091

Abstract

Disclosed are devices and methods for the destruction of an explosive device, such as mines and other unexploded ordnance, without the detonation of the explosive device. The devices comprise an explosive charge that penetrates and opens the casing of an explosive device and forces reactive material into the explosive device, thus neutralizing it.

Claims

1. An apparatus for neutralizing an explosive device, comprising:

a) a first portion comprising a first reservoir;

b) a first chemical agent for neutralizing said explosive device, said first chemical agent disposed within said first reservoir; and

c) a second portion operably connected to said first portion, said second portion comprising an explosive assembly.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said explosive assembly comprises a liner and an explosive charge.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said liner is fabricated from plastic or low density metal.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said explosive charge is a linear charge or a cylindrical shaped charge.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a front faceplate attached to said first portion and said second portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a front faceplate and a back faceplate attached to said first portion and said second portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first portion is fabricated from plastic.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second portion further comprises a housing.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said housing is fabricated from plastic.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a detonator operably connected to said explosive assembly.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first reservoir is adapted to rupture or open during use of the apparatus, thereby releasing the first chemical agent.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first reservoir is formed within said first portion.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first reservoir is attached to said first portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first reservoir is fabricated from plastic.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said first reservoir is fabricated from polytetrafluoroethylene or vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first chemical agent is diethylene triamine.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first reservoir further comprises a second chemical agent to neutralize said explosive device.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said first reservoir further comprises a barrier that separates said first chemical agent from said second chemical agent prior to use.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said barrier is adapted to rupture or open during use of the apparatus, thereby allowing the first chemical agent and the second chemical agent to mix and exit the reservoir.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first portion further comprises a second reservoir.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said second reservoir also comprises said first chemical agent.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said second reservoir comprises a second chemical agent distinct from said first chemical agent.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first portion and said second portion are discrete units.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first portion and said second portion are comprised within a single unit.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a positioning assembly to operably position said apparatus in relation to said explosive device.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said positioning assembly comprises a base standoff operably connected to said first portion.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said positioning assembly comprises a stake and a cross-member, said cross-member attached to said stake and operably connected to said second portion.

28. A mine-destroying system, comprising:

a) a first portion comprising a first reservoir;

b) a first chemical agent for destroying the mine disposed within said first reservoir;

c) a second portion connected to said first portion, said second portion comprising an explosive assembly; and

d) a positioning assembly connected to said first portion or said second portion, to operably position said first portion and said second portion in relation to a mine.

29. A method for neutralizing an explosive device, comprising:

a) positioning at least a first apparatus proximal to said explosive device, said apparatus comprising;

i) a first portion comprising a first reservoir;

ii) a first chemical agent for neutralizing said explosive device disposed within said first reservoir; and

iii) a second portion connected to said first portion, said second portion comprising an explosive assembly; and

b) detonating said explosive assembly, thereby producing an opening in said explosive device and an opening in said first reservoir, thereby releasing said first chemical agent from said first reservoir, said first chemical agent entering the opening in said explosive device and neutralizing said explosive device.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said explosive device is a mine.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said mine is exposed.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein said mine is partially exposed.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein said mine is unexposed.

34. The method of claim 29, wherein said explosive device is at least one piece of ordnance.