Patent · US Expired

Pneumatically-powered battering ram

US5329685A · kind A · utility

44Cited by
8References
16Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 18, 1993
Grant dateJul 19, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 18, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/5393
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A pneumatically-powered battering ram for striking objects quickly and effectively with an initial high striking velocity resulting in an increased peak force effective in breaking the target object. The battering ram includes an elongated hollow housing containing a mass to be propelled, preferably a piston, and a supply of compressed gas, preferably carbon dioxide disposed within the housing. A valve mechanism releases a portion of the compressed gas into a charge cavity located between the piston and the supply of compressed gas. A sear mechanism holds the piston in place against the pressure of the compressed gas in the charge cavity. When the battering ram is swung at an object such as a door, a trigger mechanism releases the sear mechanism which in turn releases the piston. The piston is then accelerated forward by the compressed gas charge. Consequently, as the ram reaches the door, so does the piston which is traveling at a much higher velocity than could be obtained solely by manual swinging. As a result, the peak force initially imparted upon the door is greater and the door is broken down in a quick and efficient manner.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.