Ordnance – Mine-destroying devices
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-23
2001-12-04
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Ordnance
Mine-destroying devices
C102S402000, C102S403000, C367S145000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324956
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to methods and apparatus for clearing water mines and obstacles located under water from a specified surf zone or area. More specifically, the invention is related to a method and apparatus for neutralization of mines and obstacles that utilizes high pressure pulses to destroy mines and obstacles within the surf zone.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The neutralization of mines and obstacles from within a specified surf zone or harbor is a crucial function in assuring success of military landing operations during periods of conflict. It is equally important to clear mines and obstacles from a specified surf zone or harbor after the end of hostilities to allow a return to normal use of such areas. The most effective conventional method of removing mines and obstacles in relatively shallow surf areas still relies on individuals to attach explosive charges to the mines and obstacles and the activation of those explosive charges in order to clear a path through the surf area. This method is time consuming and extremely dangerous to the individuals involved in placing the explosive charges. It would therefore be beneficial to provide a method and apparatus for neutralizing mines and obstacles that could quickly and efficiently clear a specified surf zone without human intervention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for neutralizing mines and obstacles that can quickly and efficiently clear a specified surf zone without human intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes firing tubes including a combustion chamber, a mechanism for supplying an aluminum fuel to the combustion chamber; and an ignitor for igniting the aluminum fuel within said combustion chamber to generate pressure waves. The firing tubes arranged in arrays located on sides of a main body of an autonomous vehicle. Activation of the firing tubes on a rear side of the main body is utilized in a preferred embodiment to propel the vehicle forward. Forward propagating pressure waves generated by firing tubes arranged on forward facing first and second sides of the main body are utilized to destroy mines and other obstructions located within a selected surf area.
Alternatively, the firing tubes can be located on a main body of a ship to generate pressure waves to destroy torpedoes or other projectiles targeted at the ship. Still further, the firing tubes can be utilized to generate pressure waves for sonar devices such as sonar buoys.
Still further advantages, features and embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.
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APTI Inc.
Jordan Charles T.
Rossi & Associates
Zerr John W.
LandOfFree
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