Ordnance – Mine-destroying devices
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-09
2001-05-08
Eldred, J. Woodrow (Department: 3644)
Ordnance
Mine-destroying devices
C102S403000, C102S482000, C102S487000, C102S318000, C029S002100, C029S463000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227095
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to munitions deployed in line charges. In particular, this invention relates to metal foil hermetic seals preventing migration of highly mobile plasticizers or desensitizers from one explosive compound to another.
For some time, anti-personnel obstacles and mines have been cleared with an ordnance system called the Bangalore Torpedo MI A2. However, bangalore torpedoes that can clear 0.6 by 45-meter paths are heavy and bulky, 530 pound weapon systems. Another drawback is that as many as a full platoon is needed to deploy them while being exposed to enemy fire for extended periods of time at the side of the obstructed area.
Due to these limitations, the Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS) was developed. APOBS is an explosive line charge system that is backpack-portable by two men and rocket-propelled over the obstructed area. Upon launch by rocket, an explosive line charge of grenades flies over and drops on the anti-personnel mines and other obstacles, and fuzing in the system initiates an explosive detonating cord. The detonating cord extends through the center of each insensitive munition warhead (grenade) and initiates the booster in each grenade to detonate each main charge and clear a safe path. Salient features of APOBS are disclosed in the above identified patent applications, and in particular, the application entitled, “Reliable and Effective Line Charge System.” The grenade is disclosed in detail in the above identified patent application entitled, “Line Charge Insensitive Munition Warhead.” Thus, in accordance with this invention, a need has been recognized in the state of the art to further improve reliability and efficiency of detonation of grenades in a line charge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to providing method and apparatus to hermetically seal munitions. Metal foil seal is interposed between booster and main charges to prevent migration of chemicals that might otherwise affect detonation.
An object of the invention is to provide a metal foil hermetic seal between munitions.
Another object of the invention is to provide a metal foil seal that blocks migration of chemicals between munitions.
Another object of the invention is to provide a seal made of metal foil that separates a booster charge from a main charge to prevent migration of chemicals between them.
Another object of the invention is to provide a seal made of aluminum foil between a booster and main charge to block migration of chemicals between them.
Another object of the invention is to provide a metal foil seal between a booster charge and main charge that does not introduce a barrier that hinders reliability between detonating cord and booster.
Another object of the invention is to provide a metal foil seal that stops chemical migration and prevents explosive transfer from detonating cord to main charge and ensures explosive transfer from detonating cord to booster charge.
Another object of the invention is to provide a metal foil seal between a booster charge and main charge that stops chemical migration and acts as a heat sink to reduce the probability of localized transient hot spots on or around the booster.
Another object of the invention is to provide a metal foil seal between a booster charge and main charge that stops chemical migration and prevents contamination of the booster during fabrication, storage, and handling.
Another object of the invention is to provide a metal foil seal between a booster and main charge that stops chemical migration and increases the reliability of detonation of the main charge by providing higher-density, fast-moving, hot particles.
Another object of the invention is to provide a metal foil seal between a booster and main charge that stops chemical migration and eliminates need of polymeric sealants, such as RTV, to simplify the assembly process.
Another object of the invention is to provide a metal foil seal that prevents chemical migration between energetic materials, such as explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, to prevent contaminations which might cause catastrophic accidental detonations or desensitizations of explosives.
Another object of the invention is to provide a metal foil seal between a booster and main charge that stops chemical migration of highly mobile plasticizers and/or desensitizers, such as Di-Octyl Adipate contained in the insensitive munition PBXN-9, into adjacent energetic materials.
Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade having thinner metal foil on the tube under the booster charge and, in comparison, thicker metal foil on the tube under the main charge to change the amount of explosive stimulation for the main charge.
Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade having thinner metal foil on the tube under the booster charge and, by comparison, thicker metal foil on the tube under the main charge to change the timing of the explosive stimulation for the main charge.
Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade having thinner metal foil on the tube under the booster charge and, by comparison, thicker metal foil on the tube under the main charge to vary the amount of explosive stimulation and the timing of the explosive stimulation for the main charge.
Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade having thinner metal foil on the tube under the booster charge and thicker metal foil on the tube under the main charge to vary the detonation signature propagated to the booster charge and main charge.
These and other objects of the invention will become more readily apparent from the ensuing specification when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4265177 (1981-05-01), Lundborg et al.
patent: 4699063 (1987-10-01), Aschwanden et al.
patent: 5654523 (1997-08-01), Brunn
patent: 5845933 (1998-12-01), Walker et al.
patent: 5932835 (1999-08-01), Woodall et al.
patent: 5959233 (1999-09-01), Garcia et al.
Garcia Felipe
Irizarry Gilberto
Woodall Robert
Eldred J. Woodrow
Gilbert Harvey A.
Peck Donald G.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
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