Method and apparatus for neutralization of mines and obstacles
US6606932B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H11/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.