Modular charge system

US9303961B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force · US

Inventors

• Lonnie Frericks · King George, US
• Thomas Higdon · Baltimore, US
• Michael Danforth Lincoln · Litchfield, US
• Bob Brush · Virginia Beach, US
• Mitchell Hovenga · Virginia Beach, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 11, 2013
• Grant date: Apr 5, 2016
• Expiry date: Oct 11, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F42B12/204
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A modular charge system based on a standard module fitted with a flying plate or a liner and axially coupled to other modules to configure the size and type of charge. The explosive is enclosed in a casing, which has a cylindrical wall with a plurality of external longitudinal rails that run lengthwise. The rails are substantially parallel, and approximately equidistantly spaced around the perimeter of the casing. The space between a pair of rails defines a channel. The casing rails function as a cylindrical tamper. The explosive is partitioned into removable portions and permanent portions, where the removable portions are separated from the permanent portions and any retained removable portions, therein enabling the module to be fitted with a variety of flying plates, liners and other hardware. Modules may be coupled utilizing internal slides, positioned in the channels to join modules.