Ammunition and explosive-charge making – Ammunition shell unloading
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-04
2001-04-10
Tudor, Harold J. (Department: 3641)
Ammunition and explosive-charge making
Ammunition shell unloading
C082S001110, C082S101000, C083S054000, C083S436700, C083S886000, C089S001130
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212986
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a case cutting device. More particularly, the present invention is a cutting device for munitions. Most particularly, the cutting device remotely rotates and cuts munitions for disassembly.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
Munitions handling is a tedious and hazardous endeavor. With current demilitarization, there has developed a need for disposing of munitions in an efficient way. However, handling and cutting munitions during disassembly generally require extended periods of time for personnel to perform the disassembly. Munitions generally possess three significant sections: the warhead and fuse, the control and guidance electronics, and the propellant. Disassembly and salvage of these munitions may require these sections to be separated.
In addition to demilitarization, munitions may be disassembled to discontinue weapon service due to aging, for training purposes, and/or for analysis. Several aging weapon systems are being placed out of service, including the Shillelagh anti-tank weapon system of 1960's vintage. Aging weapon systems may present problems of disassembly, as the components of the munitions may be slightly corrupted. Currently, hand tools are used to disassemble munitions, requiring on average approximately 15 to 30 minutes per missile.
Efficient devices and methods for the disassembly of munitions do not exist. There is a need in the art to provide a device and an improved method for disassembling munitions that allows the efficient and safe disassembly of the munitions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a device, with particular application to munition disassembly, comprising a case cutting first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame being fixed in a stationary position having the second frame member movably connected thereto sufficient to permit an open and closed position of the second frame member to the first frame member; a first and second horizontally level roller shafts, the first and second roller shafts rotationally attached to the first frame member and capable of a side-by-side configuration at a distance less than the width of the munition; at least a third roller shaft rotationally attached to the second frame member located above and optionally horizontally between the first and second roller shafts in the closed position, wherein the third roller shaft vertically secures the munition on top and between the first and second roller shafts; a plurality of roller coverings circumferentially attached to the first, second and third roller shafts and positioned in relation to each other capable of supporting and securing the munition on top of and between the first and second roller shafts, wherein the munition is capable of being rotated; a first end pad capable of engaging a first end of the munition and fixing the longitudinal positioning of the munition on the plurality of roller coverings, and a second end pad capable of engaging a second end of the munition and securing the munition in the fixed position; means for cutting the munition effective to sever sections of the munition; and, means for rotating the munition effective to circumferentially rotate the munition on top of and between the first and second roller shaft.
The present invention further comprises a method for cutting cases, with particular application to munition disassembly, comprising the steps of providing a case cutting device comprising a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame being fixed in a stationary position having the second frame member movably connected thereto sufficient to permit an open and closed position of the second frame member to the first frame member, a first and second horizontally level roller shafts, the first and second roller shafts rotationally attached to the first frame member and capable of a side-by-side configuration at a distance less than the width of the munition, at least a third roller shaft rotationally attached to the second frame member located above and optionally horizontally between the first and second roller shafts in the closed position, wherein the third roller shaft vertically secures the munition on top and between the first and second roller shafts, a plurality of roller coverings circumferentially attached to the first, second and third roller shafts and positioned in relation to each other capable of supporting and securing the munition on top of and between the first and second roller shafts, wherein the munition is capable of being rotated, a first end pad capable of engaging a first end of the munition and fixing the longitudinal positioning of the munition on the plurality of roller coverings, and a second end pad capable of engaging a second end of the munition and securing the munition in the fixed position, means for cutting the munition effective to sever sections of the munition, and, means for rotating the munition effective to circumferentially rotate the munition on top of and between the first and second roller shaft; placing munition on top and between the first and second roller shafts; securing the munition on top and between the first and second roller shafts with at least the third roller shaft; engaging the means for cutting with the munition; and, rotating the munition, wherein the munition is circumferentially rotated and severed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2449059 (1948-09-01), Costello
patent: 2517106 (1950-08-01), Hamlin
patent: 3906821 (1975-09-01), Schultz, Jr.
patent: 5027681 (1991-07-01), Hyvärinen
patent: 5295428 (1994-03-01), Heitmann et al.
patent: 5353676 (1994-10-01), King et al.
patent: 2515854 (1976-10-01), None
patent: 2639 (0000-01-01), None
Atienzamoore Therese M.
Decker Mark W.
Gerber Robert L.
Baugher Jr. Earl H.
Bokar Gregory M.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
Tudor Harold J.
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