U.S. patent application number 10/721889 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for projectile launching apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to METAL STORM LIMITED. Invention is credited to O'Dwyer, James Michael.
Application Number | 20050022657 10/721889 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 3813810 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050022657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Dwyer, James Michael |
February 3, 2005 |
Projectile launching apparatus
Abstract
Barrel assemblies (10) each include a plurality of projectiles
(11) arranged in-line within barrel (12) and associated with
discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for
propelling projectiles (11) through the muzzle of barrel (12).
Projectiles (11) are intended for civilian or non-military purposes
and include holding body (17) in which matter or objects may be
transported. Projectiles (11) are arranged with one another and
barrel (12) so as to prevent rearward travel of an ignited
propellant charge to the trailing propellant charge. The matter or
objects contained within holding body (17) may include explosive
charges for seismic exploration, fire retardants, fire
extinguishing means, pyrotechnics, herbicide, insecticide,
fertiliser or seeds. Methods of delivering loaded projectiles (11)
for civilian purposes are claimed.
Inventors: |
O'Dwyer, James Michael;
(Sinnamon Park, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER
LLP
1300 I STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
METAL STORM LIMITED
|
Family ID: |
3813810 |
Appl. No.: |
10/721889 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10721889 |
Nov 26, 2003 |
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09958466 |
Feb 26, 2002 |
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6701818 |
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09958466 |
Feb 26, 2002 |
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PCT/AU00/00296 |
Apr 7, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/1.41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62C 35/10 20130101;
A62C 3/025 20130101; F42B 5/035 20130101; G01V 1/393 20130101; G01V
1/104 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
089/001.41 |
International
Class: |
B64D 001/04; F41F
005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 7, 1999 |
AU |
PP 9612 |
Claims
1-7. canceled.
8-12. (cancelled)
13. Apparatus for seismic exploration, including: a pod containing
a cluster of barrels mounted for aiming together at a ground area
having underlying strata to be explored, a plurality of seismic
signal instigating projectiles aligned within each barrel, and a
firing control means for selecting and firing bursts of projectiles
simultaneously from multiple barrels into the ground.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to methods of and apparatus for
delivering loaded projectiles for civilian purposes.
[0002] The civilian purposes which may be embraced by this
invention include, but are not limited to:
[0003] seismic exploration utilising explosive signal generators in
the form of projectiles launched from a site remote from the
location to be explored;
[0004] target specific fire fighting utilising projectiles
containing fire retardant;
[0005] launching projectiles containing matter or objects to be
delivered rapidly to a site remote from the launch site, such as
difficult to access sites for subsequent retrieval from a
containment part of the projectile, and
[0006] launching projectiles containing matter to be dispersed from
the a projectile in flight above a target zone, such as dispersal
of fire retardants or insecticides or other treatment.
[0007] This invention has particular application to launching
projectiles from a barrel having a plurality of projectiles
arranged in-line within the barrel and which are associated with
discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling
the projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel.
Sealing engagement is provided between projectiles and barrel so as
to prevent rearward travel of an ignited propellant charge to the
trailing propellant charge. Such barrel assemblies will be referred
to hereinafter as of the type described. Such barrel assemblies are
illustrated in our earlier International Patent Applications.
BACKGROUND ART
[0008] Seismic exploration of the earth's strata is extensively
used in oil prospecting, as well as for site investigation in
building large scale structures and other civil engineering
projects such as for determination of depth to bedrock, delineation
of sand and gravel deposits and detection of water-bearing fracture
zones and the like in land and marine operations.
[0009] The principles of seismic methods of geophysical exploration
or mapping are well known. Initially explosive charges were placed
to initiate shock waves in the earth's crust. In order to provide
appropriate signals a plurality of spaced apart subterranean
charges were utilised. While this method is effective the cost of
drilling and placement of the charges, mostly in remote areas, is
extremely high. On-surface charges have also been trailed, however
this did not result in the formation of an effective signal.
[0010] In more recent times most seismic exploration has been
carried out using a VIBROSEIS type method in which vehicle mounted
mechanical vibration apparatus is utilised to instigate the
necessary subterranean shock waves. The mechanical vibrating source
introduces a definite band of frequencies into the earth. Because
of the physical constraints placed on a large vibrating body it is
understood that the disturbance produced is in the form of an
oscillatory pulse of finite duration in which the frequency
changes, substantially linearly with time.
[0011] Such systems may have means to vary the frequency of
vibration and amplitude of the pulse but such variations are also
limited by the mechanical constraints of the particular equipment
utilised. The duration of a typical seismic pulse will generally
not exceed a few seconds with frequencies within a frequency range
between 15 Hz and 90 Hz and with increasing amplitude of the pulse
during the event.
[0012] Use of these methods is limited to vehicle accessible areas.
However seismic signals are provided which enable a more detailed
interpretation of the earth's strata to be achieved than is
achieved using explosive detonation to generate the seismic signal.
However this method is difficult to employ in remote areas and its
cost of utilisation in such remote areas is high. There are also
significant constraints on the signal type which may be generated,
especially utilising mechanical vibration apparatus which of
necessity must be by extremely large machines.
[0013] In marine operations, the most widely used method of
generating seismic signals is to use an air-gun which discharges
highly compressed air into the water.
[0014] Target specific fire fighting, such as remote fighting a
fire in an office of a high rise building has typically been
performed by directing a water stream or fire retardant from an
elevated platform supported by an extendable ladder. This has
limitations imposed by the time required to target the fire and the
ability to closely position a nozzle to direct and supply the water
or retardant to the site of the fire.
[0015] Limitations in delivery of other matter to remote sites is
well understood.
OBJECTS OF THIS INVENTION
[0016] This invention aims to alleviate at least one or more of the
difficulties associated with presently available delivery or
placement methods.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0017] With the foregoing in view, this invention in one aspect
resides broadly in a method of seismic exploration including:
[0018] providing barrel assembly of the type described which is
capable of firing a plurality of seismic signal instigating
projectiles;
[0019] providing control means for controlling the rate of fire of
the projectiles, and
[0020] firing seismic signal instigating projectiles from said
barrel assembly to the ground/water at a selected rate and/or
direction to propagate the desired seismic signal.
[0021] The projectiles may be non-explosive projectiles which rely
on impact for instigation of the desired seismic signal or the
projectiles may contain explosives which detonate on impact with
the ground or when dispose or beneath the ground/water.
[0022] Suitably the seismic signal is created by firing a series of
projectiles into the ground or water. The barrel assembly may
include a stack of barrel assemblies and the series of projectile
firings to form the seismic signal may be formed by simultaneously
firing the outermost ones of the projectiles in the stack of barrel
assemblies.
[0023] The plurality of projectiles may be fired to enter the
ground simultaneously or at selected intervals. The intervals may
be achieved by controlling the firing rate, by axially staggering
the projectiles to be fired and then firing them simultaneously
either from a single barrel or from respective barrels or by
controlling the trajectory of firing and the speed of craft/vehicle
upon which the barrel assembly is mounted. If desired the
trajectory of firing may be arranged to compensate for the speed of
travel of the craft/vehicle, such as for vertical entry of the
earth.
[0024] Using a pod of ninety-eight 40 mm barrels as described above
and launching grenade-like explosives, the barrel assembly would
have the ability to produce discrete seismic signals instigated by
the firing of ninety-eight projectiles, or more or less,
simultaneously or in a short burst or a smaller number of longer or
more powerful signals each achieved by multiple simultaneous
explosions from a selected number of simultaneous firings.
[0025] During a firing sweep, the amplitude of the desired seismic
signal may then be varied as desired by firing the appropriate
strength projectile, and of course the amplitude may also be varied
by firing projectiles from a varying numbers of barrels
simultaneously. Combinations of amplitudes and frequencies may
therefore be generated that are difficult or impossible to achieve
with conventional hydraulic or electromagnetic vibration plates
utilised in a VIBROSEIS type method.
[0026] The pod may be fired from a marine platform into water, or
from a sled towed underwater and if desired adapted to closely
follow the contour of the underwater bed. It could be fired from a
vehicle platform into the ground. The pod may also be fired from an
aircraft, or from a number of aircraft flying in formation, with
the firing coordinated between the aircraft by a suitable
electronic link.
[0027] Such a method will provide for rapid exploration of large
areas, particularly when the detection and recording of the seismic
waves is achieved by suitable airborne laser or infra red means.
Over water a similar capability may be introduced by the use of
trailing hydrophones.
[0028] The above embodiments should enable sweep rates, amplitudes,
and frequencies to be optimally selected to suit the geologic
conditions in the area. This will enable seismic signals to be
propagated which have a greater range of frequencies and amplitudes
in a given sweep than conventional vibration methods.
[0029] This of the present invention should enable exploration of
otherwise remote, inaccessible or difficult terrain and should
provide a cost effective means of exploration.
[0030] According to a further aspect this invention resides in a
method of target specific fire fighting, including:
[0031] providing a barrel assembly of the type described which is
capable of firing a plurality of projectiles each having
containment for fire retardants, dousing or extinguishing
means;
[0032] providing control means for aiming and controlling the rate
of fire of projectiles and/or quantity of the projectiles fired,
and
[0033] firing the projectiles in a controlled manner from a remote
location toward the fire so as to douse the fire.
[0034] Suitably the barrel assembly is one of a plurality of barrel
assemblies supported on a vehicle. The vehicle may be provided with
aiming means such as a laser sight which provides a visual
indication of the aim. Alternatively in a city environment for
example the vehicle may be equipped or have instant access to
electronically stored topographical information of the built
landscape and be equipped with electronic navigation means or the
like such that, for example, a room on fire having an exterior
window in a certain floor of a multistorey building may be targeted
by parking the vehicle nearby, and suitably within line of sight of
the target, and entering in the stored reference for that
window.
[0035] The control means may permit a test firing of a non-active
projectile preliminary to firing a desired volley of active
projectiles for dousing the blaze. The control means may control
the rate of fire and/or direction of selected or each barrel
assembly. The vehicle may contain pods of barrels each loaded with
projectiles adapted for treating specific fire types, such as an
electrical fire or a chemical fire and the control means may permit
firing only the appropriate barrels or sequence of loaded barrel
types to achieve the desired result.
[0036] In yet a further aspect this invention resides broadly in a
method of rapidly delivering matter or objects to a remote site,
including:
[0037] providing a barrel assembly of the type described which is
capable of firing a plurality of projectiles each having a
containment for matter or objects to be delivered to the remote
site;
[0038] loading the containments with the matter or objects to be
delivered;
[0039] providing control means for aiming and controlling the rate
of fire of projectiles and/or quantity of the projectiles fired,
and
[0040] firing the projectiles in a controlled manner from the
barrel assembly to the remote location.
[0041] Each containment may contain matter to be dispersed
in-flight above the remote location, such as fire retardant or
insecticide or other treatment. In such applications the
containment may be opened explosively or the containment may
contain chemical or mechanical extrusion means for forcing the
matter through one or more rupturable openings formed in the wall
of the containment.
[0042] Alternatively the containment may be adapted to be recovered
intact to enable the contents to be recovered. For this purpose the
containment may include a cover which is latched or screw connected
to the main body of the projectile or otherwise adapted to be
opened for recovery of the contents therefrom. Further the
projectile may be adapted to deploy a parachute above the target
zone for delivery of shock sensitive material from the
containment.
[0043] The projectiles may be formed of biodegradable material to
prevent long term accumulation of refuse at sites to which material
is delivered by the method of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] In order that this invention may be more readily understood
and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the
accompanying drawings which illustrate typical embodiments of the
invention, wherein:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic cut-away view illustrating a
typical barrel assembly for launching load carrying
projectiles;
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a firing arrangement suitable for seismic
exploration.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a firefighting vehicle according to a
further aspect of this invention;
[0048] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating the barrel pods of
FIG. 3 in their inoperative travel mode, and
[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the arrangement
of the projectiles in a single pod of barrel assemblies.
[0050] The barrel assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 has multiple
load carrying projectiles 11 loaded in a rifled barrel 12 to impart
spin upon firing for activating the arming device. Arming of the
projectiles for discharge of their load from the containment 21 or
activating firing of the explosive material carried thereby can be
selected by a spin count method or others means, separately or in
combination for additional safety, and commonly used in 40 mm
grenades, including a flight-timing device.
[0051] In the above embodiment the propellant 13 in each high
pressure chamber 14 is adapted to be ignited by electronically
controlled ignition to expel high pressure gases through the
trailing ports into the low pressure chamber 15 by a detonator 16
triggered through an electrical circuit which uses the projectile
column as one part of the circuit, the barrel 12 being made of
insulating material or so lined and with the circuit completed by
an imbeded insulated wire 17 leading from the detonator 16 to a
contact 18 on the projectile surface which is aligned when loaded,
with a complementary contact 19 supported in the barrel 12.
[0052] Alignment of the contacts can be achieved in a barrel and
projectile located by rifling grooves during the loading process.
In a non rifled design, the use of a annular contact in the barrel
wall can achieve a similar result.
[0053] For the purposes of seismic exploration, a cluster-of barrel
assemblies 20 adapted to launch grenade like projectiles is
contained in a pod 23 such that a selected number of near
simultaneously exploding grenades, as illustrated at 22, may be
fired to the site to be explored to create the seismic signal.
[0054] Suitably 40 mm grenades are used as the projectiles because
of their ready availability. The grenades are fired selectively by
computer control from the pod 23 which is envisaged will contain
ninety-eight barrel assemblies each containing stacked grenades and
having selectively ignitable internal or external propellant
charges. The grenades may be selectively fired to form a controlled
impact array of exploding grenades on the zone to be
investigated.
[0055] By way of example, using such a barrel assembly in a pod of
ninety-eight 40 mm barrels that would measure approximately 350
mm.times.700 mm in cross section, with each barrel loaded with six
projectiles, and with each projectile similar in size to a
conventional 40 mm military grenade, a barrel length of 900 mm
would be required and the assembly would provide a projectile
capacity of five hundred and eighty-eight projectiles.
[0056] This configuration would be suitable for seismic
applications requiring a short range such as for delivering
projectiles from downwardly facing barrels. For longer range
delivery fewer projectiles would be accommodated in each of such
barrels or longer barrels would be used and more propellant would
be utilised to achieve higher muzzle exit velocities. Other
configuration may be used to suit the particular requirements.
[0057] The maximum rate of fire per barrel is expected to be as
high as 20,000 projectiles per minute. Therefore, the maximum rate
for the combined ninety-eight barrels would be 1,960,000
projectiles per minute, assuming that all barrels are fired
simultaneously at the maximum rate.
[0058] For a ninety-eight shot burst firing the leading round from
each of the ninety-eight barrels, the rate is infinitely variable
and which may be a ninety-eight shot burst fired at a rapid
frequency.
[0059] The above ninety-eight barrel pod is one example of a range
of performance specifications that could be available. Different
performance specifications can be generated by altering the
component parts of the pod. For example, a pod may be preloaded
such that the nature and weight of the explosive projectile may
vary between individual barrels in the pod.
[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the grenades are
fired downwardly from a pair of such pods 23, only one of which is
shown, carried by a helicopter 24. Alternatively the grenades 22
could be fired from ground based pod to impact a safe distance
away. The pod could be remotely operated for safety reasons if
desired. Conventional recording means would be activated to record
the resultant seismic signals for analysis of the strata by known
methods.
[0061] The fire fighting vehicle 30 illustrated in FIG. 3 has banks
of pods 31 mounted on turret mountings 32 whereby each pod 31 may
be selectively directed toward a desired target. As illustrated in
FIG. 5 each pod 31 may contain 100 barrel assemblies 33 of the type
described and such as is illustrated in FIG. 1 each loaded with six
projectiles 34 having fire retardant in their containment portion
21.
[0062] The barrel assemblies 33 are suitably contained within an
expandable housing 35 whereby their outer ends 36 may be opened to
accommodate the barrel assemblies 33 when disposed in a splayed
arrangement, as illustrated in FIG. 3. To achieve splaying a
camming plate (not illustrated) may be arranged for movement along
the outer end portions of the barrel assemblies 33 which have their
lower ends pivotally located in the base wall of the housing
35.
[0063] Firing the projectiles 34 from splayed barrel assemblies
would result in a more general distribution of the projectiles over
the target zone, such as may be required for extinguishing a fire
in a crashed jet liner. On the other hand if the target is a window
in a multistorey building the barrel assemblies 33 could be
retained in a parallel relationship, as illustrated in FIG. 4, or
in a slightly converging relationship and their projectiles 34
could be fired simultaneously in banks as desired for delivering
the required treatment directly to the site of the fire.
[0064] In the illustrated embodiment up to 7,200 projectiles could
be delivered from the vehicle 30 into a high rise building in as
little as 0.02 seconds. As the pods can be aimed the vehicle need
only be parked proximate the building for emergency delivery of its
fire fighting projectiles into the building. The vehicle 30
incorporates a laser aiming system 37 for accurate aiming of the
barrel assemblies.
[0065] The pods of barrel assemblies and their mountings as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 could also be utilised in the other
aspects of this invention, utilising the containment portion 21 of
each projectile 11 for delivering explosive material for seismic
exploration, fire retardant, pyrotechnics, herbicide, pesticide,
fertiliser or seed for example.
[0066] It will of course be realised that the above has been given
only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all
such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to
persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad
scope and ambit of the invention as is defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *