U.S. patent application number 10/260077 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-13 for firing mechanism.
Invention is credited to Alexander, Graham Herbert, DeRoos, Bradley Gene, LaBine, James Patrick, Stroup, Jeffrey Taylor.
Application Number | 20030047062 10/260077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23761596 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030047062 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alexander, Graham Herbert ;
et al. |
March 13, 2003 |
Firing mechanism
Abstract
A portable explosives disrupter for de-arming improvised
explosive devices includes a barrel for housing a projectile, a
mechanism for firing the projectile from the barrel, a breech which
may be adapted to house a variety of firing mechanisms, a
semi-rigid, flexible support system for orienting the device in
relation to a target and minimizing the effects of recoil on the
accuracy of the device, and a means for accurately aiming the
explosives disrupter at a target. Three different firing mechanisms
are provided, the first employing a firing pin and shock tubing,
the second employing a metal sphere and shock tubing, and the third
employing a firing piston and a source of compressed air.
Inventors: |
Alexander, Graham Herbert;
(Blacklick, OH) ; Stroup, Jeffrey Taylor; (Upper
Arlington, OH) ; LaBine, James Patrick; (Powell,
OH) ; DeRoos, Bradley Gene; (Dublin, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
505 KING AVENUE
COLUMBUS
OH
43201-2693
US
|
Family ID: |
23761596 |
Appl. No.: |
10/260077 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10260077 |
Sep 27, 2002 |
|
|
|
09443636 |
Nov 19, 1999 |
|
|
|
6490957 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
86/50 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/57 20130101;
F42B 33/06 20130101; F41B 11/71 20130101; F41B 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
86/50 |
International
Class: |
F42B 033/00 |
Goverment Interests
[0001] This invention was made with government support under
Contract No. N39998-98-D-3563 awarded by The Office of Special
Technology (Department of Navy). The Government has certain rights
in this invention.
Claims
We claim:
1. A projectile-firing device, comprising: (a) a barrel for housing
said projectile; and (b) a semi-rigid, flexible support system
attached to said barrel for providing recoilless firing of said
device.
2. The projectile-firing device of claim 1, wherein said
semi-rigid, flexible support system further comprises individual
segments which may be assembled to a desired length.
3. The projectile-firing device of claim 1, wherein said projectile
is a bullet.
4. The projectile-firing device of claim 1, further comprising a
clamp for attaching said semi rigid, flexible support system to
said barrel.
5. The projectile-firing device of claim 2, wherein said individual
segments are joined together in a ball and socket-type union.
6. An explosives disrupter for de-arming explosive devices,
comprising: (a) a barrel; (b) a breech connected to one end of said
barrel; (c) a firing mechanism residing within said breech; and (d)
a semi-rigid, flexible support system for supporting said
explosives disrupter.
7. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, further comprising a
propellant conduit connected to said breech for delivering energy
to said firing mechanism.
8. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, further comprising a charge
source connected to said propellant conduit for providing energy to
said propellant conduit.
9. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, further comprising a clamp
for attaching said projectile-firing device to said flexible
support system.
10. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, further comprising a
projectile, wherein said projectile is a bullet or shotgun
shell.
11. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, further comprising means
for extending the reach of said disrupter at a target, said means
comprising at least one extension tube attached to the muzzle end
of said barrel.
12. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, further comprising at
least one standoff spoke attached to the muzzle end of said barrel
for providing standoff distance between said explosives disrupter
and a target.
13. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, further comprising at
least one stake for anchoring said explosives disrupter to a
substrate.
14. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, further comprising a clamp
attached to said flexible support system opposite the barrel.
15. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein the interior
surface of said barrel comprises a smooth bore.
16. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein the interior
surface of said barrel comprises a rifled bore.
17. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein said breech and
said barrel maintain a constant diameter for eliminating radial
forces on the threads of said breech.
18. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein said firing
mechanism further comprises: (a) a firing pin; (b) a plug
interposed between said propellant conduit and said firing pin; and
(c) a resistance coil encircling said firing pin for retaining said
firing pin in a retracted position until said explosives disrupter
is fired.
19. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein said firing
mechanism further comprises: (a) a metal sphere in contact with
said propellant conduit; (b) a retainer for eliminated radial
movement of said metal sphere; and (c) an O-ring in front of said
metal sphere for securing said metal sphere in a retracted position
until said explosives disrupter is fired.
20. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein said firing
mechanism further comprises a firing piston, said firing piston
further comprising a spring chamber; a slider residing within said
spring chamber; a ball bearing interposed between said slider and
said breech; and a resistance coil residing in said spring chamber
for retaining said firing piston in a retracted position until said
explosives disrupter is fired.
21. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein said propellant
conduit is explosive shock tubing.
22. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein said propellant
conduit is tubing selected from the group consisting of plastic,
polymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, and rubber.
23. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein said charge source
is electrical.
24. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein said charge source
is a manually-operated air pump.
25. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein said charge source
is an electrically operated air compressor.
26. The explosives disrupter of claim 6, wherein said charge source
is a carbon dioxide canister.
27. A remotely operated explosives disrupter for de-arming
explosive devices, comprising: (a) a barrel; (b) a projectile
residing within said barrel; (c) a breech threadably connected to
said barrel, said breech further comprising a cylindrical bore
therein extending longitudinally along the length of said breech;
(d) a firing mechanism residing in said cylindrical bore for
discharging said projectile from said barrel; (e) a propellant
conduit secured within said breech for transferring energy to said
firing mechanism; (f) a charge source connected to said propellant
conduit for providing energy to said propellant conduit; and (g) an
orienting apparatus for positioning said explosives disrupter
relative to a target, said orienting apparatus further comprising
flexible, semi-rigid support material; and clamp means for securing
said orienting apparatus to said barrel.
28. The explosives disrupter of claim 26, further comprising at
least one standoff spoke attached to the muzzle end of said barrel
for providing distance between said barrel and a target.
29. The explosives disrupter of claim 26, further comprising a
least one extension tube attached to the muzzle end of said barrel
for extending the reach of said explosives disrupter.
30. A kit for de-arming explosive devices, comprising: (a) a
explosives disrupter, said explosives disrupter further comprising
a barrel for housing a projectile; a breech connected to said
barrel; a firing mechanism housed within said breech; a propellant
conduit for transferring energy to said firing mechanism; and a
charge source for supplying energy to said propellant conduit; (b)
an orienting apparatus, said orienting apparatus further comprising
segmented support material; (c) a tool for rapidly assembly of said
explosives disrupter; (d) a container for securely storing in a
dissembled state said explosives disrupter, said orienting
apparatus, said stabilizing stakes, and said assembly tool, wherein
said container is fabricated to be worn directly on the person of
the user of said kit.
30. The kit of claim 29, further comprising a supply of
projectiles, wherein said projectiles are bullets.
32. The kit of claim 29, further comprising at least one stake for
anchoring said explosives disrupter to a substrate.
33. A method for de-arming an explosive device placed in a
challenging position, comprising: (a) assembling a portable
apparatus for de-arming explosive devices, wherein said portable
apparatus further comprises a barrel; a projectile residing in said
barrel; a firing mechanism for discharging the projectile from said
barrel; a power source for activating said firing mechanism; and a
segmented, flexible support for orienting said barrel relative to a
target; (b) securing said portable apparatus to a substrate; (c)
orienting said portable apparatus relative to the target; and (d)
initiating a propellant to transfer energy from said power source
to the firing mechanism of said apparatus thereby activating said
firing mechanism and discharging said projectile from said barrel
into the firing train of the explosive device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to projectile-firing devices used for
disabling or de-arming explosive devices, their method of making,
and method of use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Military and law enforcement personnel who work in bomb
disposal units are frequently required to contend with improvised
explosive devices or IEDs. IEDs include pipe bombs, letter bombs,
hand grenades, land mines, bombs in small packages, and trip-wire
devices. The dangerous task of de-arming such devices is often
exacerbated by the emplacement of IEDs in challenging positions or
orientations. For example, an IED may be partially buried, hidden
in a recess such as a mailbox, or taped to the bottom of a table,
desk, or chair. IEDs are terrorist devices, and as such, are
frequently found in highly populated areas where de-arming the
device greatly increases the risk of collateral damage to both
people and property.
[0004] A variety of devices may be used for disrupting or de-arming
improvised explosive devices. McDonald, U.S. Pat. No. 4,046,055
discloses a dearmer that neutralizes an IED by first piercing the
exterior of the device with an explosively-driven captive
projectile and then injecting liquid nitrogen into the device.
Lake, U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,112 discloses a wire cutter which
inactivates bombs by utilizing an explosively actuated piston
situated within a barrel to sever bomb wires. Hanson, U.S. Pat. No.
4,169,403 uses a liquid missile fired at a high velocity to breach
the housing of bomb and wet the contents to prevent or disrupt
detonation of the bomb. Proctor, U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,511 discloses
a prefabricated, single-use, disposable dearmer that utilizes a
propellant charge mounted in a tube adjacent to a slug which is
fired at the fuse mechanism of a bomb. Cherry, U.S. Pat. No.
4,957,027 discloses a multibarrel dearmer that requires shock
tubing to fire a small arms cartridge into an explosive device.
Heller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,368 discloses a tripod-mounted,
electrically activated dearmer that fires a shotgun shell at an
explosive device, and Gilbert, U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,767 discloses a
recoil-absorbing dearmer which fires a projectile from a barrel by
means of an explosive charge placed behind the projectile.
[0005] Despite the availability of the de-arming devices described
above, these devices are all subject to significant limitations.
For example, most of these devices are too large or cumbersome to
be useful in situations where open access to the target is
unavailable or extremely limited. Furthermore, accurately aiming
and orienting one of these dearmers in relation to a target may be
difficult if not impossible, due to a lack of flexibility of the
device, or the lack of a means by which to accurately aim the
dearmer if the barrel cannot be placed directly against the target.
Additionally, most projectile-firing dearmers require explosive
shock tubing as part of the firing train. The use of shock tubing
may not be economical because a significant length of tubing is
often required, and once the dearmer is fired the tubing must be
replaced before the dearmer can be fired again.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According, these and other disadvantages of the prior art
are overcome by the present invention which provides a
remotely-activated explosives disrupter comprising a projectile
housed within a cylindrical barrel which is securely mounted on a
semi-rigid, segmented, flexible support system. The support system
of this invention provides flexibility in orienting the explosives
disrupter relative to a target and minimizes the effects of recoil
on accuracy when the device is fired. The firing train of this
invention utilizes either shock tubing and a firing pin, shock
tubing and a metal sphere, or compressed air and a firing piston to
fire the projectile from the barrel. Providing standoff distance,
as well as aiming the present invention, is accomplished either by
inserting standoff spokes into the muzzle end of the barrel, or
adding extension tubing to either end of the barrel. The individual
component parts of this invention are disassembled and packaged as
a kit which is portable and easily carried into the field where the
explosives disrupter may rapidly be assembled and deployed.
[0007] Therefore, the principal object of the present invention is
to provide a portable, adjustable explosives disrupter that will
allow bomb disposal technicians to prevent the detonation of an IED
by accurately cutting, severing, jamming, gagging, or disrupting
the firing train of concealed or otherwise screened threat
items.
[0008] Another object of this invention is to provide an explosives
disrupter which uses a disposable metal sphere in place of a firing
pin in the firing mechanism, thereby eliminating the need to clean
the firing pin each time the dearmer is fired.
[0009] Still another object of this invention is to provide an
explosives disrupter which uses a non-explosive compressed-air
firing mechanism in place of an explosive shock tubing, thereby
making the device less expensive to use while increasing overall
safety.
[0010] Further objects, advantages, and novel aspects of this
invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings
and subsequent detailed description.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0011] 10 Explosives Disrupter
[0012] 12 Barrel
[0013] 14 Breech
[0014] 16 Firing Mechanism
[0015] 18 Union
[0016] 20 Compression Fitting (Ferrule Nut)
[0017] 22 Propellant Conduit
[0018] 24 Charge Source
[0019] 26 Projectile
[0020] 28 Orienting Apparatus
[0021] 30 Clamp
[0022] 31 Nut
[0023] 32 Clamp Knob
[0024] 33 Adapter
[0025] 34 Flexible Support
[0026] 40 Firing Pin
[0027] 42 Plug
[0028] 44 Spring
[0029] 46 Cylindrical Bore
[0030] 50 Metal Sphere
[0031] 52 O-Ring
[0032] 54 Retainer
[0033] 60 Firing Piston
[0034] 61 Retaining Ring
[0035] 62 Ball bearing
[0036] 63 Slider
[0037] 64 Resistance Coil
[0038] 66 Spring Chamber
[0039] 70 Extension Tubing
[0040] 72 Standoff Spoke
[0041] 80 Target
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled device
according to the teachings of the present invention. In this
illustration, the standoff spokes are inserted into the barrel and
the explosives disrupter has been oriented toward, and aimed at, a
target.
[0043] FIG. 2. is a cross-sectional view of the barrel and breech
portion of the explosives disrupter shown in FIG. 1 depicting an
embodiment utilizing a shock tubing and firing pin firing
train.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the barrel and breech
portion of the explosives disrupter shown in FIG. 1 depicting an
embodiment utilizing a shock tubing and metal sphere firing
train.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the barrel and breech
portion of the explosives disrupter shown in FIG. 1 depicting an
embodiment utilizing a compressed air and firing piston firing
train.
[0046] FIG. 5a depicts a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1
with two sections of extension tubing attached to the muzzle end of
the barrel portion. FIG. 5a also depicts the placement of the clamp
and clamp knob.
[0047] FIG. 5b depicts a bottom view of the device shown in FIG. 1
with two sections of extension tubing attached to the muzzle end of
the barrel portion. FIG. 5b also depicts the placement of the clamp
and clamp knob.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND BEST MODE
[0048] As best shown in FIG. 1, a explosives disrupter 10 according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a
cylindrical barrel 12 which, at one end, threadably receives breech
14 which houses firing mechanism 16. Breech 14 threadably receives
union 18, which in turn threadably receives compression fitting 20.
Projectile 26 is housed within barrel 12 and prior to being fired,
rests against the front end of breech 14. Propellant conduit 22
passes through compression fitting 20 and union 18 such that one
terminus of propellant conduit 22 rests against the back end of
firing mechanism 16. The other terminus of propellant conduit 22 is
attached to charge source 24. The energy required to forcibly drive
firing mechanism 16 into the primer of projectile 26 is provided by
propellant conduit 22 which is activated by the charge provided by
charge source 24.
[0049] Firing mechanism 16 is a sub-assembly comprising a means for
striking the primer of projectile 26 with the force required to
fire projectile 26 from barrel 12. Breech 14 may be adapted to
house various embodiments of firing mechanism 16.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the present
invention firing pin 40 rests in a retracted position within
cylindrical bore 46, and is encircled by spring 44. Spring 44
provides resistance to firing pin 40 and retains firing pin 40 in a
retracted position in cylindrical bore 46 until explosives
disrupter 10 is fired. One terminus of propellant conduit 22
extends through both compression fitting 20 and union 18 and rests
against plug 42, which in turn rests against the back end of firing
pin 40. Compression fitting 20 is tightened onto union 18 to hold
propellant conduit 22 against plug 42. The other terminus of
propellant conduit 22 is attached to charge source 24. Upon
receiving energy from propellant conduit 22, plug 42 strikes firing
pin 40 causing firing pin 40 to overcome the resistance of spring
44, travel down cylindrical bore 46 and forcibly strike the primer
of projectile 26 causing projectile 26 to exit barrel 12 at a high
velocity.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, in another embodiment of the present
invention metal sphere 50 resides within cylindrical bore 46, and
is encircled by retainer 54 which immobilizes metal sphere 50
within cylindrical bore 46. O-ring 52 is secured within cylindrical
bore 46 and rests against the front end of metal sphere 50 to
provide resistance to metal sphere 50 until explosives disrupter 10
is fired. One terminus of propellant conduit 22 extends through
both compression fitting 20 and union 18 and rests against the back
end of metal sphere 50. Compression fitting 20 is tightened onto
union 18 to hold propellant conduit 22 against metal sphere 50. The
other terminus of propellant conduit 22 is attached to charge
source 24. Upon receiving energy from propellant conduit 22, metal
sphere 50 overcomes the resistance of O-ring 52 and travels down
cylindrical bore 46 where it forcibly strikes the primer of
projectile 26 causing projectile 26 to exit barrel 12 at a high
velocity.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, in another embodiment of the present
invention firing piston 60 rests in a retracted position within
cylindrical bore 46, and is held in place by retaining ring 61.
Firing piston 60 comprises at least one spring chamber 66 with
slider 63 and resistance coil 64 residing therein. Cylindrical bore
46 is recessed to accommodate ball bearing 62 which also partially
resides in spring chamber 66. The front of ball bearing 62 rests
against slider 63 which in turn rests against resistance coil
64.
[0053] Resistance provided by resistance coil 64 secures ball
bearing 62 between cylindrical bore 46 and spring chamber 66
thereby retaining firing piston 60 in a retracted position until
explosives disrupter 10 is fired. One terminus of propellant
conduit 22 extends through both compression fitting 20 and union 18
and rests against the back end of firing piston 60. Compression
fitting 20 is tightened onto union 18 to hold propellant conduit 22
against firing piston 60. The other terminus of propellant conduit
22 is attached to charge source 24. Upon receiving energy in the
form of compressed air through propellant conduit 22, the
resistance of resistance coil 64 and retaining ring 61 is overcome,
slider 63 moves forward, and ball bearing 62 is forced completely
into spring chamber 66. Firing piston 60 then travels down
cylindrical bore 46 and forcibly strikes the primer of projectile
26 causing projectile 26 to exit barrel 12 at high velocity. In
this embodiment of the present invention, charge source 24 is the
actual source of the energy which ultimately fires explosives
disrupter 10; propellant conduit 22 is simply the conduit through
which compressed air travels to firing mechanism 16.
[0054] FIGS. 1 and 5a show explosives disrupter 10 secured within
orienting apparatus 28 by clamp 30. Clamp 30 may be tightened by
turning clamp knob 32 which threadably receives, and is secured by
nut 31. Adapter 33 is affixed to the base of clamp 30 and serves as
the attachment point for flexible support 34.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, two lengths of extension tubing
70 may be added to the front end of barrel 12 to extend the reach
of explosives disrupter 10. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1,
standoff spokes 72 are threadably received by the front end of
barrel 12 to provide distance between explosives disrupter 10 and
target 80 while maintaining accuracy.
[0056] The operation of explosives disrupter 10 may be described as
follows. In a preferred embodiment, the individual components of
explosives disrupter 10 are dissembled and packaged as a portable
kit having a container specifically designed to securely store the
various parts of the disrupter. A bomb technician may carry the kit
into the field on his or her person, and upon recognition of an
IED, the technician may quickly assemble the kit into an
operational device using a simple tool included in the kit.
Sections of flexible support 34 are joined together to achieve a
desired length and attached to adapter 33 which is permanently
affixed to the base of clamp 30. Barrel 12, breech 14, firing
mechanism 20, union 18, and compression fitting 20 are present as a
subassembly in the kit. This subassembly is secured within clamp 30
by tightening clamp knob 32. Projectile 26 is loaded into barrel 12
and either extension tubing 72, or standoff spokes 72 are threaded
onto the muzzle end of barrel 12. One end of propellant conduit 22
is inserted into compression fitting 20 and union 18 and secured by
tightening compression fitting 20. The other end of propellant
conduit 22 is attached to charge source 24. The length of
propellant conduit 22 is determined by the user at the time
explosives disrupter 10 is deployed. By increasing the length of
propellant conduit 22, the person using this invention can remotely
fire explosives disrupter 10 from a considerable distance if so
desired.
[0057] Explosives disrupter 10 is then clamped or staked to a
substrate, oriented, and aimed at the desired target.
Alternatively, flexible support 34 itself may be formed into a base
for explosives disrupter 10 to sit on. Charge source 24 activates
propellant conduit 22, or provides energy to propellant conduit 22,
causing energy to travel down propellant conduit 22. This energy
then causes firing mechanism 16 to overcome any resistance present
and travel down cylindrical bore 46 forcibly striking the primer of
projectile 26. Projectile 26 exits barrel 12 at a high velocity and
severs, cuts, or jams the firing train of the improvised explosive
device, thereby disabling or de-arming the device.
[0058] If firing mechanism 16 is either the firing pin or metal
sphere embodiment, then shock tubing is used for propellant conduit
22, and an electrical source serves as charge source 24. If firing
mechanism 16 is the firing piston embodiment, then propellant
conduit 22 is a length of tubing, and an energy source sufficient
to provide the required energy in the form of compressed air serves
as charge source 24.
[0059] If shock tubing is used, after each successive firing,
breech 14 must be removed from barrel 12 to either clean the firing
pin, or replace metal sphere 50. Shock tubing can be used only
once, and must be replaced after each use. If the air-pressure
method of firing is used, the length of tubing used as propellant
conduit 22 may be reused as often as desired.
[0060] The present invention presents many advantages over similar
devices including the following: (1) compact design and flexible
orientation; (2) a semi-rigid, segmented support system which
allows in-line recoil to occur upon firing without affecting the
accuracy of the device; (3) three possible firing mechanisms,
including an explosion-free firing mechanism which enhances the
overall safety of the present invention; (4) an integrated aiming
system to assure accuracy; and (5) a breech and barrel design that
increases the safety and durability of the device.
[0061] The present invention has the advantage of a compact,
lightweight design coupled with the ability to orient the barrel of
the explosives disrupter in a wide variety of positions in relation
to a target. These features allow the user to easily carry the
explosives disrupter kit into the field, quickly assemble the
device, and then position or mount the disrupter in small, hard to
reach spaces that would be inaccessible to larger devices. Other
de-arming devices are mounted on rigid bases, such as a tripod, or
must sit on the ground or other surface. Such disrupters do not
utilize designs which minimize the effects of recoil, and moments
generated by the firing of the projectile at the target may cause
the barrel or the entire device to move from its original
positioning. The result of this movement is firing inaccuracy and
decreased effectiveness of the device. The present invention has
the advantage of a design which preserves firing accuracy as the
projectile leaves the barrel of the device. In a preferred
embodiment, the flexible support is constructed of individual
segments that snap together in a ball and socket-type union or
joint. This segmented support is semi-rigid, meaning that it is
sufficiently inflexible to provide stability and support to the
barrel, and hold the barrel in place when aimed at a target, yet
when the explosives disrupter is fired, the flexible support yields
to the recoil generated by the disrupter. Each of the multiple
joints between the individual segments of the flexible support
moves a short distance when the disrupter is fired, effectively
absorbing the recoil generated as the projectile travels down the
length of the barrel.
[0062] The present invention also has the advantage of providing
the user with three different firing mechanisms. In one embodiment,
the present invention uses a firing pin and explosive tubing
combination to discharge the projectile from the barrel of the
device. In another embodiment, the present invention uses a metal
sphere and explosive tubing combination to discharge the projectile
from the barrel of the device. In still another embodiment the
present invention uses a compressed air and firing piston mechanism
to discharge the projectile from the barrel of the device. Use of a
metal sphere in the place of a firing pin is advantageous because
the sphere is easily fabricated, i.e., an ordinary BB may be used,
and the sphere may be replaced with each use thereby eliminating
the need to clean the firing mechanism after each firing.
Additionally, a reusable compressed air firing mechanism is more
economical than a single-use explosive tubing mechanism.
Furthermore, the enhanced safety aspects of a compressed air system
make the present invention less likely to cause collateral damage
because utilization of compressed air assures that the device has
no energy to fire until the air source is connected and
actuated.
[0063] Further advantages of this invention include low cost aiming
devices integrated into the design of the device. Threaded wire
(e.g. bicycle spokes) can be inserted into to the muzzle end of the
barrel to allow the barrel to stand off from a particular target
when the user wishes to maintain a distance from the target. Aiming
the device is also facilitated by sliding extension tubes over
either the front or rear end of the device. These extension tubes
allow the barrel to be extended into small or difficult to reach
areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
[0064] The breech and barrel design of the present invention are
inverted over that usually found in a conventional firearm; the
breech is threaded into the rear of the barrel, as opposed to
threading around the barrel. This design advantage allows the
barrel thickness to be minimized because there are no threads in
the region of the barrel where radial pressure is generated during
the firing of the projectile. Furthermore, the threads on the
breech must only withstand axial forces, thereby improving the
safety of the present invention by minimizing the risk of the
barrel and/or breech fracturing during operation. This design also
permits a constant diameter between the breech and barrel which
facilitates attachment of the extension tubes as well as
facilitating placement of the device in the orienting snake
assembly.
[0065] While the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as exemplification of preferred embodiments.
Numerous other variations of the present invention are possible,
and it is not intended herein to mention all of the possible
equivalent forms or ramifications of this invention. Various
changes may be made to the present invention without departing from
the scope of the invention, and the following are examples of such
changes.
[0066] A preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates
a device for use against small improvised explosive devices such as
letter bombs, or small ordnance such as land mines or grenades.
However, in another embodiment the present invention is scaled-up
and modified to be used against larger ordnance such complex bombs
or missiles. The same principles of flexibility and recoilless
operation found in the present invention apply to larger disrupter
devices.
[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, barrel
12 is a smooth-bore barrel; however, in another embodiment the
barrel is rifled to increase the accuracy of explosives disrupter
10 if the distance between the explosives disrupter and the target
is increased.
[0068] To withstand the normal firing pressures of the present
invention, the preferred material for both the barrel and the
breech is metal. However, other structural components of the
present invention can be fabricated from a wide variety of
materials. Clamp 30, nut 31, clamp knob 32, and adapter 34 may be
fabricated from polymer, plastic, or a variety of suitable metals
such as aluminum or stainless steel. If a securing clamp or stakes
are used to secure this invention against a solid substrate, such
items may also be fabricated from polymer, plastic, or a variety of
suitable metals such as aluminum or stainless steel.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment, projectile 26 is a 9 mm bullet.
In other embodiments projectile 26 is a 0.22, 0.38, 0.45, or other
suitable small caliber bullet. In another embodiment of the present
invention, projectile 26 is a shotgun shell. In still another
embodiment, projectile 26 is a large caliber projectile.
[0070] In one embodiment requiring shock tubing, Nonel.TM., a
commercially available product, is used as propellant conduit 22.
In another embodiment requiring shock tubing, any acceptable
explosive tubing capable of transferring the required energy is
used as propellant conduit 22. In one embodiment requiring
air-pressure, propellant conduit 22 is Tygon.TM. tubing. In another
embodiment requiring air pressure, propellant conduit 22 is
plastic, polyethylene, or polypropylene tubing.
[0071] In an embodiment of the present invention requiring an
electrical charge source, charge source 24 is an electric battery.
In another embodiment requiring an electrical charge source, charge
source 24 is any electrical source which will provide the charge
necessary to activate the shock tubing. In one embodiment of the
present invention requiring air pressure, charge source 24 is a
manually-operated air pump such as a bicycle pump, or an
electrically operated air compressor. In another embodiment of the
present invention requiring air pressure, charge source 24 is a
cylinder of gas such as a carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, flexible support 34
is the commercial product Loc-Line.TM., which is a segmented
plastic tube that can easily be assembled and bent into a desired
shape, with such shape being retained. Another embodiment of the
present invention replaces Loc-line.TM. with any flexible tubing or
conduit that will provide flexibility, stability, and in-line
recoil. Still another embodiment of the present invention utilizes
any flexible, segmented material that when assembled to a desired
length provides flexibility and also minimizes the effects of
recoil on the accuracy of the device.
* * * * *