Ordnance – Mine-destroying devices
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-24
2001-03-27
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3641)
Ordnance
Mine-destroying devices
C089S001340, C102S403000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205903
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to deployable munitions. In particular, this invention relates to a line charge of warheads for clearing mines and obstacles that includes novel structure to withstand severe deployment forces and to prevent damage to detonation components thereby assuring reliable and effective deployment of the warheads.
Anti-personnel obstacles and mines have been cleared from narrow passageways or lanes using a number of different explosive devices. One well-known device is the Bangalore Torpedo. The Bangalore Torpedo is not without its disadvantages, however. Generally speaking, although it is claimed to be portable, it is heavy and bulky. For example, to clear a 45-meter path, the users must handle a 530-pound weapon system. But, a further consequence of using the Bangalore Torpedo is that it exposes several members of the firing team to enemy fire for extended periods as it is being emplaced. Another line charge system currently in inventory is not even man-portable since it will weigh more than 2500 pounds. Still other demolition systems are available, but they too, for one reason or another, are inadequate or unacceptable for many breaching operations. In particular, many contemporary systems for breaching obstacles with explosives have a tendency to tear-apart or malfunction during deployment, to be inadequate for thorough demolitions, and to create elevated risks of explosive mishaps to undesirable and unacceptable levels.
Thus, in accordance with this inventive concept, a need has been recognized in the state of the art for a lightweight and readily deployable line charge that is reliably deployed to clear a lane through antipersonnel mines and wire obstacles for assault breaching operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to providing a line charge having a plurality of elongated strength members. A plurality of warheads is spaced-apart along the length of the strength members and each has a traverse bore. A plurality of coupling components couples the warheads to the strength members and a detonating element extends through the bores. The detonating element is sized for longitudinal displacement in the bores and is unattached to the warheads.
An object of the invention is to provide a line charge for clearing a lane through mines and obstacles.
Another object of the invention is to provide a lightweight line charge that is reliably deployed and is capable of clearing a lane through antipersonnel mines and wire obstacles.
Another object of the invention is to provide a line charge securely positioning a plurality of warheads for selective demolitions.
Another object of the invention is to provide a relatively lightweight line charge.
Another object of the invention is to provide a line charge having warheads that are not secured to its detonating cord to assure effective detonation.
Another object of the invention is to provide a line charge using warheads each provided with an axial bore sized to allow displacement of detonating cord that runs through it to the next warhead.
Another object of the invention is to provide a reliably deployed line charge securing a series of explosive charges, or warheads, to several flexible strength members and freely passing detonating cord through bores in the warheads.
Another object of the invention is to absorb strain created during deployment of a line charge by elastic deformation of thermoplastic, polymeric, or metallic strength members secured directly to the warheads.
Another object of the invention is to dissipate dynamic frictional losses between strength members and coupling components to reduce strains created during deployment of the line charge when slippage occurs between the strength members and the coupling components.
Another object of the invention is to dissipate dynamic frictional losses between strength members and frictionally engaging means to reduce strains created during deployment of the line charge when slippage occurs between the strength members and the frictionally engaging means.
Another object of the invention is to dissipate dynamic frictional losses between a tether and frictionally engaging means of anchoring devices to reduce strains created during deployment of the line charge when slippage occurs between the tether and the frictionally engaging means.
Another object of the invention is to provide a line charge having strength members selected from viscoelastic polymeric materials for elastically and plastically deforming to reduce strains created during deployment of the line charge.
Another object of the invention is to provide a line charge having strength members selected from viscoelastic polymeric materials that are non-Newtonian materials that exhibit characteristics of both elastic solids and viscous fluids, resulting in both recoverable (time-delayed) and nonrecoverable displacements.
Another object of the invention is to provide cost-effective and uncomplicated line charges that secure warheads at constant or variable separations from one another on thermoplastic, polymeric, or metallic strength members to withstand severe deployment forces and to prevent damage to detonating cords or similar electric or nonelectric devices used for detonation of the explosive charges.
Another object of the invention is to provide a line charge that emplaces weapons over land or in water for applications in surface and subsurface warfare.
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: 981677 (1911-01-01), Pain
patent: 3114316 (1963-12-01), Littleton
patent: 3242862 (1966-03-01), Stegbeck et al.
patent: 4313380 (1982-02-01), Martner et al.
patent: 5167382 (1992-12-01), Rochester et al.
patent: 5174384 (1992-12-01), Herman
patent: 5524524 (1996-06-01), Richards et al.
patent: 5675104 (1997-10-01), Schorr et al.
Garcia Felipe
Irizarry Gilberto
Woodall Robert
Gilbert Harvey A.
Jordan Charles T.
Peck Donald G.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
Thomson Michelle
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