U.S. patent application number 14/693347 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-27 for apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael A. Daniels, Steven D. Hartenstein, Eric D. Steffler, Ronald S. Wallace.
Application Number | 20160313099 14/693347 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57147579 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160313099 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daniels; Michael A. ; et
al. |
October 27, 2016 |
APPARATUS FOR RENDERING AT LEAST A PORTION OF A DEVICE INOPERABLE
AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
Apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable may include a containment structure having a first
compartment that is configured to receive a device therein and a
movable member configured to receive a cartridge having reactant
material therein. The movable member is configured to be inserted
into the first compartment of the containment structure and to
ignite the reactant material within the cartridge. Methods of
rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable may include
disposing the device into the first compartment of the containment
structure, inserting the movable member into the first compartment
of the containment structure, igniting the reactant material in the
cartridge, and expelling molten metal onto the device.
Inventors: |
Daniels; Michael A.; (Idaho
Falls, ID) ; Steffler; Eric D.; (Idaho Falls, ID)
; Hartenstein; Steven D.; (Idaho Falls, ID) ;
Wallace; Ronald S.; (Ucon, ID) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC |
Idaho Falls |
ID |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57147579 |
Appl. No.: |
14/693347 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23G 5/245 20130101;
G11B 5/0245 20130101; F42B 5/18 20130101; F42B 12/46 20130101; G06F
21/88 20130101; F42B 12/44 20130101; F23G 5/085 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F42B 5/18 20060101
F42B005/18 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] This invention was made with government support under
Contract Number DE-AC07-05ID14517 awarded by the United States
Department of Energy. The government has certain rights in the
invention.
Claims
1. An apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable, the apparatus comprising: a containment structure
comprising a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall, the
containment structure having a first compartment proximate the top
wall and having a floor; structure vertically spaced from the top
wall; and a movable member coupled to the containment structure and
at least partially movable into the first compartment through a
guide hole in the top wall, the movable member configured receive
at least one discrete cartridge to be seated therein; at least one
discrete cartridge containing a reactant material comprising a
metal material seated in the movable member; and at least one
ignition mechanism carried by the movable member and selectively
actuable to ignite the reactant material of the at least one
discrete cartridge to liquefy the metal material to be expelled out
of the at least one discrete cartridge.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a handle operably
coupled to the movable member; a trigger mechanism attached to the
handle and configured to, upon actuation, cause the at least one
ignition mechanism to ignite the reactant material within the at
least one discrete cartridge.
3. An apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable, the apparatus comprising: a containment structure
having a first compartment configured to receive a device; and a
movable member coupled to the containment structure and configured
to have at least one cartridge containing a reactant material
comprising metal seated therein, wherein the movable member is
configured to move the at least one cartridge to a location
proximate the device and to ignite the reactant material to liquefy
the metal and cause molten metal to be expelled out of the
cartridge; wherein the movable member comprises: a storage chamber
containing a storage rack for storing cartridges; and an ignition
chamber having at least one ignition mechanism disposed therein for
cartridge ignition.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the containment structure
further comprises: a second compartment below the floor structure
of the first compartment; and wherein the floor structure is
selectively movable to allow a device supported on the floor
structure to fall from the first compartment to the second
compartment.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the containment structure
further comprises: a third compartment below the second
compartment, the third compartment comprising: a vent communicating
from an interior of the third compartment to an exterior of the
containment structure; and a motor driven fan positioned in
operable relationship to the vent.
6. (canceled)
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable member further
comprises an outer casing defining a cartridge storage chamber and
an ignition chamber therein, and wherein the at least one ignition
mechanism is disposed in the ignition chamber.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one discrete
cartridge comprises a plurality of discrete cartridges and the
ignition chamber of the movable member comprises a plurality of
ignition mechanisms located and configured to ignite respective
discrete cartridges of the plurality.
9. (canceled)
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nozzle end of the at
least one discrete cartridge includes a plurality of ejection
holes.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reactant material within
the at least one discrete cartridge comprises a metal powder, fuel,
and a metal oxide.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reactant material within
the at least one discrete cartridge comprises a thermite.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable member of the
containment structure is configured to orient the at least one
discrete cartridge proximate to a device supported on the floor
structure within the first compartment and to ignite the reactant
material of the at least one discrete cartridge with the ignition
mechanism.
14. A method of rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable, the method comprising: disposing a device on a floor
structure of in a first compartment of a containment structure
comprising a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall, the first
compartment proximate the top wall and the floor structure
vertically spaced from the top wall; seating at least one discrete
cartridge containing a reactant material comprising a metal
material in a movable member coupled to the containment structure
and at least partially movable into the first compartment through a
guide hole in the top wall; inserting the movable member at least
partially into the first compartment of the containment structure
through the guide hole until the at least one discrete cartridge is
located proximate the device; and igniting the reactant material in
the at least one discrete cartridge to liquefy the metal material
with a selectively actuable ignition mechanism carried by the
movable member and expel molten metal material onto the device.
15. The method of rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable of claim 14, wherein igniting a reactant material in the
cartridge comprises igniting a thermite in the at least one
discrete cartridge.
16. The method of rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable of claim 14, wherein disposing a device in a first
compartment comprises: disposing the device on the floor structure
of the first compartment; and mutually aligning a selected portion
of the device and the at least one discrete cartridge seated in the
movable member.
17. The method of rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable of claim 14, further comprising moving the floor
structure of the first compartment to allow the device to fall into
a second compartment of the containment structure below the first
compartment.
18. The method of rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable of claim 14, wherein inserting the movable member at
least partially into the first compartment of the containment
structure further comprises moving a handle assembly that is
operably coupled to the movable member.
19. The method of rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable of claim 14, wherein igniting the reactant material in
the cartridge further comprises actuating a trigger mechanism of a
handle assembly that is operably coupled to the movable member to
cause the ignition mechanism to produce a spark proximate an end of
the at least one discrete cartridge to ignite the reactant material
thereof.
20. The method of rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable of claim 14, wherein igniting the reactant material
within the cartridge further comprises actuating a trigger
mechanism of a handle assembly that is operably coupled to the
movable member to cause the ignition mechanism to contact a primer
disposed in an end of the at least one discrete cartridge with a
firing pin.
21. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising at least one
cartridge seated in the movable member.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one cartridge
comprises a nozzle end including a plurality of ejection holes.
23. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the reactant material within
the at least one cartridge comprises a metal powder, a fuel, and a
metal oxide.
24. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the reactant material within
the at least one cartridge comprises a thermite.
25. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the movable member of the
containment structure is configured to orient the at least one
cartridge proximate to a device supported on a floor structure of
the first compartment and to ignite the reactant material of the at
least one cartridge with the ignition mechanism.
26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable member further
comprises: a storage chamber containing a storage rack for storing
cartridges; and an ignition chamber having the at least one
ignition mechanism disposed therein for cartridge ignition.
Description
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to
apparatuses and methods for rendering at least a portion of one or
more devices inoperable.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic devices often have memory portions that can
contain data that is confidential or otherwise private.
Furthermore, such data often needs to be eliminated or rendered
inaccessible for safety or other reasons. Several methods exist for
rendering memory portions of electronic devices inoperable. Some
methods simply include writing new data over the original data.
However, the original data is often recoverable (e.g., accessible)
using proper equipment. Other methods include strictly physical
means such as the hard-drive shredding device of U.S. Pat. No.
8,851,404 to Clark et al. or the rotatable grind wheel of U.S. Pat.
No. 8,251,303 to Wozny. Other methods, as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
App. Pub. No 2014/0263216 A1, include using a mill, laser, or
chemical solvent to render the memory portions of electronic
devices inoperable. Such methods often require an electrical power
source sufficient to power the apparatus physically destroying the
memory portion of an electronic device and are nonfunctional in a
power outage situation. Furthermore, such methods often leave data
on portions of the memory that can still be accessed using proper
equipment. Moreover, the machines required are often large and
non-mobile.
[0004] Other methods include simply crushing the memory device such
as the memory destroying device described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,975,950 to Ebadian et al. or degaussing (changing magnetic
signatures of the platen of a memory device to random patterns).
However, again, such methods can leave portions of the electronic
device intact such as, for example, individual plates of a hard
drive. Furthermore, simply crushing or degaussing an electronic
device may not provide a visual confirmation that the memory
portion of the device has been rendered at least substantially
inoperable. Yet other methods include melting the entire memory
device, and although there is a visual confirmation that all the
data has been destroyed and is unrecoverable, the machines required
to melt entire memory devices are often large, non-portable, and
require a significant power source. Furthermore, the complete
process of melting an entire memory device may not be able to be
performed quickly without an electrical power source to provide
heat.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form. These concepts are described in
further detail in the detailed description of example embodiments
of the disclosure below. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include an
apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a device (e.g.,
electronic device) inoperable. The apparatus may include a
containment structure having a first compartment defined therein
that is configured to receive a device therein and a movable member
movably coupled to the containment structure. The movable member
may be configured to receive at least one cartridge containing a
reactant material therein. The movable member may further be
configured to move the at least one cartridge to a location
proximate the device and to ignite the reactant material within the
at least one cartridge.
[0007] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include an
apparatus comprising a containment structure for receiving a device
of which a portion is to be rendered inoperable. The containment
structure may include a top wall, a bottom wall, at least one side
wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, and a
guide hole extending through the top wall. The containment
structure may further include a first compartment adapted to
receive the device and defined within the containment structure
proximate the top wall of the containment structure. The apparatus
may further include a movable member movably coupled to the top
wall of the containment structure, wherein at least a portion of
the movable member is insertable through the guide hole into the
first compartment of the containment structure.
[0008] Some embodiments of the disclosure include methods of
rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable. In some
embodiments, a method of rendering at least a portion of a device
inoperable may include disposing a device in an first compartment
of a containment structure, seating a cartridge containing a
reactant material comprising a metal in a movable member coupled to
the containment structure, inserting the movable member into the
first compartment of the containment structure until the cartridge
is disposed proximate the device, igniting the reactant material
within the cartridge to liquefy the metal, and expelling molten
metal onto the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present disclosure may be understood more fully by
reference to the following detailed description of example
embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures, in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for rendering
at least a portion of a device inoperable according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a movable member of the
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a back side view of a handle assembly and movable
member of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 4A through 4C are cross-sectional views of cartridges
containing a reactant material according to embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0014] FIGS. 5A through 5C are perspective views of the apparatus
of FIG. 1 at different stages of a process of rendering at least a
portion of a device inoperable;
[0015] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a movable member of an
apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 6B is a bottom side view of a movable member of an
apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B are bottom side views of nozzle ends of
cartridges containing a reactant material according to embodiments
of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a front side view of an apparatus for rendering at
least a portion of a device inoperable according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an apparatus for rendering
at least a portion of a device inoperable according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be
actual views of any particular apparatus for rendering at least a
portion of a device unusable, or component thereof, but are merely
simplified schematic representations employed to describe
illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. The drawings are not
necessarily to scale.
[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include
apparatuses used to render at least a portion (e.g., a majority) of
data on a device (e.g., electronic device) unable to be deciphered
and/or accessed. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may
include apparatuses used to damage or render a device at least
partially (e.g., substantially) useless or inoperable, for example,
such that is cannot reasonably perform its intended function. Some
embodiments of the present disclosure may include apparatuses used
to render at least a portion of one or more devices inoperable by
melting at least a portion of the device (e.g., forming one or more
holes in the device). In some embodiments, the apparatus may melt
at least a portion of the device to form one or more depressions,
openings, or holes in a device by igniting a reactant material such
as a thermite proximate the device and expelling molten metal onto
and/or into the device. As used herein the term "melt" may refer to
liquefying, brazing, soldering, and/or welding a portion of a
device through heat and burning away a portion of the device
through heat. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may
include apparatuses used to render at least a portion of a device
inoperable, for example, such that the portion of the device cannot
reasonably operate properly.
[0022] As used herein, any relational term, such as "first,"
"second," "over," "beneath," "top," "bottom," "underlying," "up,"
"down," etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding
the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or
depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order, except
where the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, these
terms may refer to an orientation of elements of the apparatus
relative to a surface upon which the apparatus may be disposed and
operated (e.g., as illustrated in the figures).
[0023] As used herein, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" may
refer to a drawing figure as oriented on the drawing sheet, and in
no way are limiting of orientation of an apparatus for rendering at
least a portion of a device inoperable, or any portion thereof. For
example, when referring to elements illustrated in the figures, the
terms "vertical" or "horizontal" may refer to the orientation of
elements of the apparatus relative to a surface upon which the
apparatus may be disposed and operated.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus 100 for
rendering at least a portion of a device 101 inoperable according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As used herein the term
"inoperable" may mean that at least a portion of the device 101 at
least partially no longer works for its intended purpose. For
example, a portion of a device 101 may be rendered inoperable if
data stored on that portion of the device 101 is unable to be
deciphered or accessed. Furthermore, a portion of a device 101 may
be rendered inoperable if that portion of the device 101 is damaged
or destroyed. For example, a portion of a device 101 may be
destroyed if that portion of the device 101 has been at least
substantially ruined structurally by, for example, melting away
that portion of the device 101. In another non-limiting example, a
portion of a device may be destroyed if a material microstructure
of that portion of the device 101 has been changed.
[0025] In FIG. 1, a front portion of the apparatus 100 is removed
to further illustrate a structure and operation of the apparatus
100. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include a
containment structure 102, a movable member 104, and a handle
assembly 106. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further
include a central control computer 108. The apparatus 100 may also
include at least one cartridge 110, which may contain a reactant
material 112 (FIGS. 4A through 4C).
[0026] The containment structure 102 of the apparatus 100 may
include side walls 114, a top wall 116, a bottom wall 118, a guide
hole 122, a first compartment 134, a second compartment 136, and a
third compartment 138.
[0027] In some embodiments, the first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102 may include a first door 124 and a first
floor structure 140. The first door 124 may include a window 126
extending therethrough. The second compartment 136 of the
containment structure 102 may include a second door 130 and a
second floor structure 146. The third compartment 138 may include a
fan 152, a first motor 154, and a vent 156.
[0028] The side walls 114 of the containment structure 102 may
extend between the top wall 116 and the bottom wall 118 of the
containment structure 102. The first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102 may be proximate the top wall 116 of the
containment structure 102. The third compartment 138 of the
containment structure 102 may be proximate the bottom wall 118 of
the containment structure 102. The second compartment 136 of the
containment structure 102 may be between the first compartment 134
of the containment structure 102 and the third compartment 138 of
the containment structure 102.
[0029] The window 126 extending through the first door 124 of the
first compartment 134 of the containment structure 102 may give a
user a view inside of the first compartment 134 of the containment
structure 102 when the first door 124 is closed. As shown in FIG.
1, a user may place a device 101 of which at least a portion is to
be rendered inoperable in the first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102 of the apparatus 100.
[0030] The guide hole 122 may extend through the top wall 116 of
the containment structure 102 and into the first compartment 134 of
the containment structure 102. The first floor structure 140 of the
first compartment 134 of the containment structure 102 may be
coupled to one or more side walls 114 of the containment structure
102 proximate a bottom of the first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102 and a top of the second compartment 136
of the containment structure 102. In some embodiments, the first
floor structure 140 may be movably coupled to the one or more side
walls 114 of the containment structure 102. For example, the first
floor structure 140 may be configured to be able to be moved (e.g.,
swung, rotated, tilted, etc.), such that an object disposed on the
first floor structure 140 (e.g., device 101) of the first
compartment 134 will travel (e.g., fall) into the second
compartment 136 of the containment structure 102 upon movement of
the first floor structure 140 of the first compartment 134.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first floor structure 140 may
be movable vertically relative to the containment structure 102 in
order to accommodate larger devices 101.
[0031] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first floor
structure 140 of the first compartment 134 may include grating 158,
which may allow fluids, gases, and particles to move between the
first compartment 134 and the second compartment 136 of the
containment structure 102.
[0032] In some embodiments, the second compartment 136 of the
containment structure 102 may not include the second door 130. In
other words, the second compartment 136 of the containment
structure 102 may not include a respective door providing access to
an inside of the second compartment 136. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, the second and third compartments 136, 138 of the
containment structure 102 may comprise a sealed chamber. In some
embodiments, the second and third compartments 136, 138 of the
containment structure 102 may be sealable from the first
compartment 134 when the first floor structure 140 is in a closed
(e.g., not tilted) orientation.
[0033] The second floor structure 146 of the second compartment 136
of the containment structure 102 may be secured to the one or more
side walls 114 of the containment structure 102 proximate a bottom
of the second compartment 136 and a top of the third compartment
138 of the containment structure 102. In some embodiments, the
second floor structure 146 may be fixedly secured to the one or
more side walls 114 of the containment structure 102 such that the
second floor structure 146 does not substantially move. In other
embodiments, the second floor structure 146 may be movably coupled
to the one or more side walls 114 of the containment structure 102
in a manner similar to the first floor structure 140 of the first
compartment 134 of the containment structure 102.
[0034] In some embodiments, the second compartment 136 of the
containment structure 102 may include a first heat sensitive lock
180 that may prevent the second door 130 of the second compartment
136 from being opened when temperatures within the containment
structure 102 are above a certain temperature. In some embodiments,
the first compartment 134 may also include a second heat sensitive
lock that may prevent the first door 124 from being opened when
temperatures within the containment structure 102 are above a
certain temperature.
[0035] In some embodiments, the second compartment 136 of the
containment structure 102 may include a toxicity sensitive lock
that may prevent the second door 130 from being opened when, due to
gases released when igniting the reactant material 112 in the
cartridge 110, a toxicity level within the containment structure
102 is above a safe level. In some embodiments, the second
compartment 136 may include a timed lock that may prevent the
second door 130 of the second compartment 136 from being opened for
a certain amount of time after a cartridge 110 has been
ignited.
[0036] The fan 152 and first motor 154 may be disposed within the
third compartment 138 of the containment structure 102. The vent
156 of the third compartment 138 may extend through the side wall
114 of the containment structure 102. The first motor 154 may be
mechanically and operably coupled to the fan 152 such that the fan
152 may be operated by the first motor 154. The fan 152 may be
configured to expel gases out of the containment structure 102
through the vent 156. In some embodiments, one or more of the fan
152 and vent 156 may include one or more of a High Efficiency
Particulate Air ("HEPA") filter, an activated carbon filter, an
ionic filter, and an ultraviolet light air purifier. In some
embodiments, the first motor 154 may be powered by a battery power
source. In other embodiments, the first motor 154 may be powered by
a conventional external power source such as a wall outlet,
generator, etc. In some embodiments, the containment structure may
include a non-forced air filter.
[0037] In some embodiments, the third compartment 138 of the
containment structure 102 may include more than one motor, fan,
and/or vent. In some embodiments, the first compartment 134 and
second compartment 136 of the containment structure 102 may include
a respective motor, fan, and/or vent.
[0038] In some embodiments, the top wall 116, bottom wall 118, and
side walls 114 of the containment structure 102, the first floor
structure 140 of the first compartment 134, and second floor
structure 146 of the second compartment 136 may comprise a metal
and/or metal alloy. For example, in some embodiments, the top wall
116, bottom wall 118, side walls 114, of the containment structure
102, the first floor structure 140 of the first compartment 134,
and second floor structure 146 of the second compartment 136 may
comprise steel.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the movable member 104 of the apparatus
100 may be slidably coupled to the top wall 116 of the containment
structure 102 proximate the guide hole 122 of the containment
structure 102. As a result, the movable member 104 may be
configured to be inserted into the first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102 through the guide hole 122 and may be
withdrawn out of the first compartment 134 of the containment
structure 102 through the guide hole 122.
[0040] The handle assembly 106 of the apparatus 100 may be operably
coupled to the movable member 104 such that movement of the handle
assembly 106 may insert at least a portion of the movable member
104 into the first compartment 134 of the containment structure 102
and may withdraw the movable member 104 out of the first
compartment 134 of the containment structure 102.
[0041] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include a cooling
system in the second compartment 136 and/or third compartment 138.
In some embodiments, the cooling system may be capable of sensing a
temperature within a respective compartment. In some embodiments,
the apparatus 100 may include a fire extinguishing system in first
compartment 134, second compartment 136, and/or third compartment
138. In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system may be
capable of sensing a fire within a respective compartment.
[0042] During operation, a user may place a device 101, of which at
least a portion is to be rendered inoperable, on the first floor
structure 140 in the first compartment 134 of the containment
structure 102. The user may then insert the movable member 104 into
the first compartment 134 of the containment structure 102 toward
the device 101. Once the movable member 104 is at least partially
inserted into the first compartment 134 of the containment
structure 102, as discussed in further detail below, at least a
portion of the device 101 may be rendered inoperable by igniting a
cartridge 110 proximate the device 101 and melting a hole in the
device 101. The first floor structure 140 of the first compartment
134 of the containment structure 102 may then be moved, and the at
least partially inoperable device 101 may be moved into the second
compartment 136 of the containment structure 102. The operation and
interaction of the containment structure 102, movable member 104,
and handle assembly 106 are described in further detail below in
regard to FIGS. 5A through 5C.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the movable member 104 of
the apparatus 100 with the containment structure 102 and handle
assembly 106 of the apparatus 100 removed to further illustrate the
operation and structure of the movable member 104. The movable
member 104 may include an outer casing 202, a storage chamber 204,
a holding rack 208, a plurality of recesses 210, an ignition
chamber 212, an ignition mechanism 216, at least one support
structure 218, and an aperture 222. The movable member 104 may
further include at least one cartridge 110 (e.g., torch) disposed
therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the first compartment 134 (FIG. 1) of
the containment structure 102 (FIG. 1) may further include a guide
member 144.
[0044] The cartridge 110 may include a nozzle end 232, a back end
234, and a body 236 extending between the nozzle end 232 and the
back end 234. The nozzle end 232 may include an ejection hole 238.
The body 236 of the cartridge 110 may include a reactant material
112 disposed therein (as shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C). In some
embodiments, the reactant material 112 may include one or more
reactant materials. For example, the reactant material 112 may
include one or more of a thermite and a thermate. In some
embodiments, the back end 234 of the cartridge 110 may include a
fuse 240 for igniting the reactant material 112. In other
embodiments, the back end 234 of the cartridge 110 may not include
a fuse 240 but may include an access hole 242 (FIG. 4B) exposing at
least a portion of the reactant material 112. In other embodiments,
the back end 234 of the cartridge 110 may include a primer 244
(FIG. 4C) similar to primers used in ammunition. In operation, when
a cartridge 110 is ignited, the cartridge 110 may be configured to
expel molten metal out of the ejection hole 238 of the nozzle end
232 of the cartridge 110. The cartridges 110 and the reactant
material 112 disposed therein are described in further detail in
regard to FIGS. 5A through 4C.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, the guide member 144 of
the first compartment 134 may be mounted within the first
compartment 134 to the top wall 116 of the containment structure
102. The guide member 144 may have an opening 174 extending
therethrough. The guide member 144 may be mounted to the top wall
116 of the containment structure 102 such that the guide hole 122
in the top wall 116 of the containment structure 102 is at least
substantially aligned with the opening 174 extending through the
guide member 144. The movable member 104 of the apparatus 100 may
be sized and shaped to be able to moved through the guide hole 122
and opening 174 of the guide member 144 in order to be inserted
into and withdrawn from the first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102.
[0046] The outer casing 202 of the movable member 104 may include
an upper wall 246, an outer side wall 248, and a lower wall 250.
The upper wall 246 and lower wall 250 may be oriented at least
substantially parallel to each other with the outer side wall 248
extending therebetween. The aperture 222 may extend through the
lower wall 250 of the outer casing 202 of the movable member 104
and may be large enough to allow a cartridge 110 to extend
therethrough.
[0047] The storage chamber 204 may be disposed proximate the upper
wall 246 of the outer casing 202, and the ignition chamber 212 may
be disposed proximate the lower wall 250 of the outer casing 202.
During operation, the storage chamber 204 may be configured to
store at least one cartridge 110. For example, the storage chamber
204 may include the holding rack 208 proximate a bottom of the
storage chamber 204. In some embodiments, the holding rack 208 may
include the plurality of recesses 210, each of which may be
configured to hold a cartridge 110.
[0048] The ignition chamber 212 may be configured to facilitate
igniting a cartridge 110 used to render at least a portion of a
device 101 inoperable. For example, the ignition mechanism 216 may
be disposed in the ignition chamber 212 such that one end of the
ignition mechanism 216 is disposed proximate the aperture 222 in
the lower wall 250 of the outer casing 202 of the movable member
104. In embodiments where the cartridge 110 includes a fuse 240 or
an access hole 242 (FIG. 4B), the ignition mechanism 216 may be
configured to ignite (e.g., create a spark, a flame, heat, an
electric charge, etc., or drop a firing pin) the reactant material
112 (FIGS. 4A through 4C) within the body 236 of the cartridge 110.
In embodiments where the cartridge 110 includes a primer 244 (FIG.
4C), the ignition mechanism 216 may include a firing pin that can
be slammed against the primer 244 (FIG. 4C) to ignite the reactant
material 112 within the body 236 of the cartridge 110.
[0049] The at least one support structure 218 may be disposed in
the ignition chamber 212 of the movable member 104 and may assist
in holding a cartridge 110 within the ignition chamber 212 when the
cartridge 110 is ignited. For example, in some embodiments, during
operation, the at least one support structure 218 may maintain
pressure against the back end 234 of a cartridge 110 while the
cartridge 110 is ignited and as the cartridge 110 expels molten
metal out of the ejection hole 238 of the nozzle end 232 of the
cartridge 110.
[0050] In operation, a cartridge 110 may be withdrawn from the
storage chamber 204 and seated in the ignition chamber 212 such
that the cartridge 110 extends though the aperture 222 and the
nozzle end 232 is pointed downward toward the first compartment 134
of the containment structure 102. The cartridge 110 may be seated
such that the back end 234 of the cartridge 110 is proximate the
ignition mechanism 216 of the movable member 104 and such that the
at least one support structure 218 of the movable member 104 is
applying pressure against the back end 234 of the cartridge
110.
[0051] In some embodiments, the movable member 104 may have
multiple storage chambers 204. In some embodiments, the movable
member 104 may have multiple ignition chambers 212. In some
embodiments, the movable member 104 may have multiple ignition
mechanisms 216 within a single ignition chamber 212 such that
multiple cartridges 110 may be ignited simultaneously or in
succession. Some embodiments of the movable member 104 having
multiple ignition mechanisms 216 are described in further detail in
regard to FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a back side view of the handle assembly 106 and
movable member 104 of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) with the
containment structure 102 removed to further illustrate the
operation and structure of the handle assembly 106 and movable
member 104.
[0053] The handle assembly 106 may include a handle portion 302, a
trigger mechanism 306, and a first coupling member 308. The trigger
mechanism 306 may be disposed on a first end of the handle portion
302 of the handle assembly 106. The first coupling member 308 may
be disposed on a second end of the handle portion 302 of the handle
assembly 106. As shown in FIG. 3, the movable member 104 may
include a second coupling member 322 attached to the outer casing
202 of the movable member 104.
[0054] The first coupling member 308 of the handle portion 302 of
the handle assembly 106 may be operably coupled to the second
coupling member 322 of the movable member 104 such that movement of
the handle assembly 106 moves the movable member 104. For example,
in some embodiments, the first coupling member 308 of the handle
portion 302 of the handle assembly 106 may include a pinion gear,
and the second coupling member 322 of the movable member 104 may
include a pinion rack. In some embodiments, the handle portion 302
of the handle assembly 106 may extend out of the first compartment
134 of the containment structure 102 (FIG. 1) such that the first
end of the handle portion 302 and trigger mechanism 306 of the
handle assembly 106 are accessible to a user.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 together, the trigger mechanism
306 may cause the ignition mechanism 216 of the movable member 104
to ignite the reactant material 112 (FIGS. 4A through 4C) in a
cartridge 110 upon actuation of the trigger mechanism 306. In some
embodiments, ignition of the ignition mechanism 216 may be caused
by mechanical movement of the trigger mechanism 306 where no power
source is required. For example, the trigger mechanism 306 and the
ignition mechanism 216 may operate using a piezoelectric effect, as
described in further detail in regard to FIG. 5B. In other
embodiments, the trigger mechanism 306 may include a power source
to facilitate the ignition mechanism 216 igniting the cartridge
110. In some embodiments, the trigger mechanism 306 may comprise a
button, switch, trigger, lever, knob, etc. The operation of the
handle assembly 106 is described in further detail in regard to
FIGS. 5A through 5C.
[0056] FIGS. 4A through 4C are cross-sectional views of different
cartridges 110 according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cartridge 110 may include the
reactant material 112 disposed within the body 236 of the cartridge
110. In some embodiments, the reactant material 112 within the body
236 of the cartridge 110 may include one or more reactant
materials. For example, the reactant material 112 may include a
mixture of a metal powder, a fuel, and a metal oxide. As a
non-limiting example, the reactant material 112 may include one or
more of a thermite and a thermate. In embodiments including
thermite, the thermite may include one or more of an iron,
manganese, chromium, silicon, and copper thermite. In embodiments
including thermate, the thermate may include a thermite enriched
with a salt-based oxidizer. For example, the thermate may be
enriched with one or more of a nitrate and peroxide.
[0057] In operation, in some embodiments, when ignited, the
reactant material 112 disposed in the cartridge 110 may be
configured to react and produce a molten metal. In some
embodiments, the cartridge 110 may, when ignited, expel a burst of
molten metal through the ejection port of the cartridge 110.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cartridge 110 may be
customizable based on a type of device 101 to be rendered
inoperable.
[0058] For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, the
reactant material 112 disposed within the cartridge 110 may include
a first-type of staged-loading 402. The first-type of
staged-loading 402 may include a plurality of different reactant
materials stacked in segments 404 next to each other within the
body 236 of the cartridge 110. The different reactant material
segments 404 may burn at different rates and temperatures and may
provide different effects for rendering at least a portion of the
device 101 inoperable. In some embodiments, a first segment 404 of
the first-type of staged-loading 402 may include a first type of
thermite, and a second segment 404 of the first-type of
staged-loading 402 may include a second type of thermite. In some
embodiments, the first-type of staged-loading 402, when ignited,
may expel a single at least substantially continuous burst of a
plurality of consecutive different molten metals. In operation, the
first-type of staged-loading 402 may be used to at render multiple
portions of a device 101 inoperable. For example, the first segment
404 of the first-type of staged-loading 402 may be configured to
melt a hole through a casing of a device 101, and the second
segment 404 of the first-type of staged-loading 402 may be
configured to melt a hole through a memory portion of a device 101.
A third segment 404 of the first-type of staged-loading 402 may be
configured to spread molten metal throughout any remaining portions
of the device 101.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 4C, in some embodiments, the reactant
material 112 disposed within the cartridge 110 may include a
second-type of staged-loading 406. The second-type of
staged-loading 406 may include a plurality of segments 404 of
reactant materials spaced apart within the body 236 along a
longitudinal length of the body 236 of the cartridge 110. Adjacent
segments 404 of the plurality of segments 404 of reactant materials
may be connected with at least one segment fuse 408. In some
embodiments, each segment 404 of the plurality of segments 404 of
reactant materials may all include the same reactant material 112.
In other embodiments, the reactant material 112 of one or more of
the segments 404 of the plurality of segments 404 of reactant
materials may differ in comparison to a reactant material 112 of
another segment 404 of the plurality of segments 404 of reactant
materials. In operation, the second-type of staged-loading 406,
when ignited, may expel a plurality of bursts of molten metals in
succession.
[0060] As a non-limiting example, when ignited, a first segment 404
of reactant material 112 of the second-type of staged-loading 406
may react, produce a first molten metal, expel the first molten
metal through the ejection hole 238 of the cartridge 110, and at
least substantially render inoperable a first portion of a device
101. After the first segment 404 of reactant material 112 of the
second-type of staged-loading 406 has reacted, a first segment fuse
408 may be lit. While the first segment fuse 408 is lit, there may
not be any molten metal being expelled from the cartridge 110.
During this time, one or more of the cartridge 110 and device 101
may be moved relative to each other. The first segment fuse 408 may
then ignite a second segment 404 of reactant material 112, which
may react, produce a second molten metal, expel the second molten
metal through the ejection hole 238 of the cartridge 110, and at
least substantially render inoperable a second portion of the
device 101. The cartridge 110 may further include a second segment
fuse 408 and third segment 404 of reactant material 112, and the
process may repeat itself for each successive segment 404 of
reactive material contained in the cartridge 110.
[0061] The second-type of staged-loading 406 may be used when
multiple different portions of a device 101 need to be rendered at
least substantially inoperable without using multiple different
cartridges 110. For example, the second-type of staged-loading 406
may be used to render different portions of a laptop at least
substantially inoperable, for example, the hard drive, CPU, and RAM
in a single, in a multi-stage operation. Operations of the
apparatus 100 including movement of the cartridge 110 and/or device
101 are described in further detail with regard to FIGS. 8 and
9.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4C together, in operation,
when the reactant material 112 disposed in the cartridge 110 is
ignited and reacts, the reactant material 112 and resultant molten
metal may reach a temperature of at least 660.degree. C. In some
embodiments, reactant material 112 and resultant molten metal may
reach a temperature of at least 1000.degree. C. In some
embodiments, reactant material 112 and resultant molten metal may
reach a temperature of at least 2000.degree. C. In some
embodiments, reactant material 112 and resultant molten metal may
reach a temperature of at least 2700.degree. C. The operation of
the cartridges 110 are described in further detail in regard to
FIGS. 5A through 5C.
[0063] In some embodiments, the reactant material 112 disposed in
the cartridge 110 may include a portion that, when ignited, causes
the cartridge 110 to eject out of the ignition chamber 212 of the
movable member 104 and into the first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102.
[0064] FIGS. 5A through 5C are perspective views of the apparatus
100 of FIG. 1 at different stages of a process of rendering at
least a portion of a device 101 inoperable. FIG. 5A is a
perspective view of the apparatus 100 at an early stage of the
process of rendering at least a portion of the device 101
inoperable. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the apparatus 100 at
an intermediate stage of the process of rendering at least a
portion of the device 101 inoperable. FIG. 5C is a perspective view
of the apparatus 100 at a later stage of the process of rendering
at least a portion of the device 101 inoperable. In FIG. 5C, the
top wall 116, bottom wall 118, and the side walls 114 of the
containment structure 102 of the apparatus 100 are removed to
further illustrate the structure and operation of the apparatus
100. In order to more fully describe the operation and structure of
the apparatus 100, a process of rendering at least a portion of a
device 101 inoperable using the apparatus 100 is described herein.
Although the process of rendering at least a portion of a device
101 inoperable is described herein as including a number of
sequential actions, the disclosure is not so limited, and the
actions described herein may be performed in different orders.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 5A, at a commencement of the process of
rendering at least a portion of the device 101 inoperable, a user
or automated system may place a device 101 on the first floor
structure 140 of the first compartment 134 of the containment
structure 102. The user may place the device 101 on the first floor
structure 140 of the first compartment 134 of the containment
structure 102 such that the device 101 is at least generally
aligned with the movable member 104 of the apparatus 100. After
placing the device 101 on the first floor structure 140 of the
first compartment 134 of the containment structure 102, the user
may close the first door 124 of the first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5A together, the user or automated
system may then load the movable member 104 with a cartridge 110.
Loading the movable member 104 may include withdrawing a cartridge
110 from the holding rack 208 of the storage chamber 204 of the
movable member 104 and seating the cartridge 110 in the ignition
chamber 212 of the movable member 104 such that the cartridge 110
is extending through the aperture 222 with the at least one support
structure 218 supporting the cartridge 110. Seating the cartridge
110 in the ignition chamber 212 may further include orienting the
cartridge 110 such that the back end 234 of the cartridge 110 is
seated proximate the ignition mechanism 216. The cartridge 110 may
further be seated in the movable member 104 such that the nozzle
end 232 of the cartridge 110 is pointed downwards toward the device
101 disposed in the first compartment 134 of the containment
structure 102.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5B together, once the cartridge
110 is properly seated in the ignition chamber 212 of the movable
member 104, the movable member 104 may be inserted into the first
compartment 134 of the containment structure 102. In some
embodiments, the user may insert the movable member 104 by moving
the handle assembly 106 in direction 502. Moving the handle
assembly 106 in the direction 502 may rotate the first coupling
member 308 of the handle assembly 106. Rotating the first coupling
member 308 in the direction 502 may cause the second coupling
member 322 attached to the movable member 104 to move toward the
device 101 disposed in the first compartment 134 of the containment
structure 102. Moving the second coupling member 322 toward the
device 101 may cause the movable member 104 to move toward the
device 101, which may, in turn, cause at least a portion of the
movable member 104 to be inserted into the first compartment 134 of
the containment structure 102. In some embodiments, the movable
member 104 may be inserted into the first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102 by moving the handle assembly 106 in
direction 502 until the nozzle end 232 (FIG. 2) of the cartridge
110 seated in the movable member 104 comes into contact with the
device 101 of which a portion is to be rendered inoperable. In
other embodiments, the movable member 104 may be inserted into the
first compartment 134 by moving the handle assembly 106 until the
nozzle end 232 (FIG. 2) of the cartridge 110 seated in the movable
member 104 is proximate to the device 101 of which a portion is to
be rendered inoperable, but not in contact with device 101. Because
the movable member 104 is inserted into the first compartment 134
until it comes into contact with or is proximate to the device 101,
the apparatus 100 may be capable of accommodating and rendering
portions of devices 101 of different sizes and shapes inoperable.
For example, the apparatus 100 may be capable of accommodating and
rendering portions of many different form factors of hard drives
inoperable.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4C and 5B together, once the
nozzle end 232 of the cartridge 110 is proximate to or in contact
with the device 101 to be rendered at least partially inoperable, a
user may ignite the reactant material 112 within the seated
cartridge 110. In some embodiments, the user or automated system
may ignite the reactant material 112, for example, by actuating the
trigger mechanism 306 of the handle assembly 106. Actuating the
trigger mechanism 306 of the handle assembly 106 may cause the
ignition mechanism 216 (FIG. 2) to ignite the reactant material 112
disposed within the cartridge 110. In some embodiments, no external
power source is required to cause the ignition mechanism 216 (FIG.
2) to ignite the reactant material 112. For example, a physical
action required to actuate the trigger mechanism 306 may cause the
ignition mechanism 216 (FIG. 2) to ignite the reactant material
112. In some embodiments, one or more of the trigger mechanism 306
and the ignition mechanism 216 (FIG. 2) may include a piezoelectric
effect such that application of a mechanical force generates an
electrical charge. In other embodiments, one of the trigger
mechanism 306 and ignition mechanism 216 (FIG. 2) may include a
power source such as a battery that may be utilized to ignite the
cartridge 110.
[0069] In embodiments where the back end 234 (FIG. 2) of the
cartridge 110 includes a fuse 240 (FIG. 2) or an access hole 242
(FIG. 4B) exposing a portion of the reactant material 112, the
ignition mechanism 216 (FIG. 2) may ignite the reactant material
112 of the cartridge 110 by producing a spark or flame. In other
embodiments where the back end 234 (FIG. 2) of the cartridge 110
includes a primer 244 (FIG. 4C), actuating the trigger mechanism
306 of the handle assembly 106 may cause a firing pin to contact
the primer 244, which may ignite the reactant material 112 of the
cartridge 110.
[0070] Igniting the reactant material 112 disposed in the cartridge
110 may cause a reaction of the reactant material 112 in the
cartridge 110 that melts the metal powder, which is present in the
reactant material 112 in the cartridge 110. In some embodiments,
the reaction may cause the reactant material 112 to reach a
temperature of at least 660.degree. C. In other embodiments, the
reaction may cause the reactant material 112 to reach a temperature
of at least 1000.degree. C. In other embodiments, the reaction may
cause the reactant material 112 to reach a temperature of at least
2000.degree. C. In other embodiments, the reaction may cause the
reactant material 112 to reach a temperature of at least
2700.degree. C. Furthermore, the reaction may increase pressure
within the body 236 (FIG. 2) of the cartridge 110. The increased
pressure within the body 236 (FIG. 2) of the cartridge 110 may
cause the resulting molten metal from the reaction to be expelled
through the ejection hole 238 (FIG. 2) in the nozzle end 232 (FIG.
2) of the cartridge 110. The expelled molten metal may be expelled
onto the device 101 and may melt a hole in at least a portion of
the device 101, effectively rendering inoperable at least that
portion of the device 101. In some embodiments, the molten metal
may be expelled into the device 101 and spread throughout an
interior of the device 101, effectively rendering inoperable
additional portions of the device 101. For devices 101 that store
data on a platen using magnetic particles having specific magnetic
signatures, the molten metal may be dispersed onto the platen and
may change and/or at least substantially eliminate the magnetic
particles and, as a result, the magnetic signatures and data stored
on the device 101. In some embodiments, a hole may be melted
completely through a device 101 and the device 101 may be rendered
undecipherable and/or inaccessible. In other embodiments, a hole
may be melted completely through only a portion of a device 101
such as a memory portion. In yet other embodiments, a hole may be
melted only partially through a portion of the device 101. In some
embodiments, components of the device 101 may participate and/or
assist (e.g., react to the molten metal and create additional heat
and/or molten material) in rendering at least a portion of the
device 101 inoperable.
[0071] As a non-limiting example, the apparatus 100 may be used to
render at least a portion of a hard drive inoperable, and when the
molten metal is expelled from the cartridge 110, the molten metal
may melt a hole through a platen used to store data in the hard
drive. Melting a hole in the platen of the hard drive at least
substantially eliminates any data stored on the platen at the
location of the hole. Furthermore, melting a hole in the platen of
the hard drive may at least substantially render data that is
stored on the platen at locations proximate the hole undecipherable
and/or inaccessible. In other words, heat from the molten metal
used to melt the hole in the platen may at least substantially
render the data stored on the platen around the hole undecipherable
and/or inaccessible by changing and/or at least substantially
eliminating magnetic signatures that comprise the data. Moreover,
gases produced by the reaction of the reactant material 112, upon
ignition, and gases produced by melting the hole through the platen
may deposit particles of molten metal and other particles on and
throughout the platen that may render at least a substantial amount
of the data stored on the platen undecipherable and/or accessible.
For example, rendering at least a portion of the hard drive
inoperable by melting a hole in the hard drive using a cartridge
110, may render the platen, the reading head, the controller
electronics, and platen motor of the hard drive at least
substantially inoperable. Furthermore, the bearings of the hard
drive may be seized by melting a hole in the hard drive using a
cartridge 110. In some embodiments, substantially all the data
stored in the platen of the hard drive may be at least
substantially eliminated and/or rendered undecipherable. Again
referring to FIGS. 4A through 4C and 5B together, as the cartridge
110 is expelling the molten metal, a user may look through the
window 126 of the first door 124 of the first compartment 134 of
the containment structure 102 to observe the cartridge 110
expelling molten metal onto the device 101. As a result, the user
may receive a visual confirmation that a hole has been melted in
the device 101.
[0072] Is some embodiments, subsequent additional cartridges 110
may be seated in the movable member 104, inserted against the
device 101, and ignited to melt further holes in the device 101 and
further render portions of the device 101 inoperable. The
subsequent additional cartridges 110 may be seated, inserted, and
ignited in the same manner described above.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5A through 5C together, after
portions of the device 101 have been rendered sufficiently
inoperable to the satisfaction of a user, the user may move (e.g.,
tilt) the first floor structure 140 and cause the at least
partially inoperable device 101 to travel into the second
compartment 136. In some embodiments, spent cartridges 110 (i.e.,
cartridges 110 that have already been ignited and used to render at
least a portion of a device 101 inoperable) may be disposable and
may also be moved (e.g., dropped) into the second compartment 136
with the at least partially inoperable device 101. For example, the
at least one support structure 218 (FIG. 2) of the movable member
104 may be configured to release a spent cartridge 110 when the
first floor structure 140 of the first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102 is moved.
[0074] After the at least partially inoperable device 101 has
traveled into the second compartment 136 of the containment
structure 102, a user may repeat the above procedure and render at
least a portion of other devices 101 inoperable, as many times as
is needed.
[0075] In some embodiments, throughout at least a portion the above
described process, the fan 152 and first motor 154 of the third
compartment 138 may be functioning and pushing gases from within
the containment structure 102 through the vent 156 and out of the
containment structure 102. The fan 152, first motor 154, and vent
156 of the third compartment 138 may be configured to clean the air
within the containment structure 102 from potentially hazardous
materials produced by igniting the reactant material 112 (FIGS. 4A
through 4C) of the cartridges 110 and melting holes in devices 101.
For example, the fan 152 of the third compartment 138 may include a
HEPA filter and may collect effluent from the reaction of the
reactant material 112 (FIGS. 4A through 4C) of the cartridges 110.
However, in some embodiments, operating the fan 152 and first motor
154 of the third compartment 138 is not necessary to the procedure.
For example, devices 101 may still be rendered at least partially
inoperable using the apparatus 100 without operating the fan 152
and first motor 154 of the third compartment 138.
[0076] In some embodiments, the fan 152 and first motor 154 of the
third compartment 138 and may be configured to create a negative
pressure within the containment structure 102 prior to ignition of
the cartridge 110. Furthermore, the fan 152 and first motor 154 of
the third compartment 138 may be configured to operate upon
ignition of the cartridge 110 until the heat sensitive lock 180
(FIG. 1), toxicity sensitive lock, and/or timed lock unlocks the
second door 130.
[0077] Once a user has finished rendering portions of devices 101
inoperable, the user may remove the at least partially inoperable
devices 101 from the second compartment 136 of the containment
structure 102 by opening the second door 130 (FIG. 1) of the second
compartment 136 and retrieving the at least partially inoperable
devices 101. In embodiments that include one or more of the heat
sensitive lock 180 (FIG. 1), toxicity sensitive lock, and timed
lock, a user may have to wait at least some time before removing
the at least partially inoperable devices 101 until the one or more
locks allow the second door 130 (FIG. 1) of the second compartment
136 to be opened. In some embodiments, the heat sensitive lock 180,
toxicity sensitive lock, or timed lock may require a key to be
unlocked. In some embodiments, the second door 130 of the second
compartment 136 may require a key to be unlocked.
[0078] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of a movable member 104 according
to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A is a
perspective view of a movable member 104 with the containment
structure 102 and handle assembly 106 of the apparatus 100 removed
to further illustrate the structure and operation of the movable
member 104. FIG. 6B is a bottom side view of another movable member
104 with the containment structure 102 and handle assembly 106 of
the apparatus 100 removed to further illustrate the structure and
operation of the movable member 104.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B together, in some embodiments,
the movable member 104 may include a first rotating mechanism 602
and a plurality of ignition mechanisms 216. The first rotating
mechanism 602 may be disposed within the ignition chamber 212 of
the movable member 104. The plurality of ignition mechanisms 216
may be coupled to the first rotating mechanism 602 and may extend
from the first rotating mechanism 602. In some embodiments, the
plurality of ignition mechanisms 216 may be oriented next to each
other in a linear configuration. As shown in FIG. 6B, in some
embodiments, the ignition mechanisms 216 may be oriented in next to
each other in a circular configuration.
[0080] The movable member 104 may be configured to seat a plurality
of cartridges 110 simultaneously. In some embodiments, the movable
member 104 may include at least one support structure 218 that is
configured to support a plurality of cartridges 110. In other
embodiments, the movable member 104 may include a plurality of
support structures 218, wherein each cartridge 110 of the plurality
of cartridges 110 has a respective support structure 218.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 3, 6A, and 6B together, in operation, in
some embodiments, upon a single actuation of the trigger mechanism
306 of the handle assembly 106, each cartridge 110 of the plurality
of cartridges 110 seated in the movable member 104 may be ignited
simultaneously such that multiple holes may be melted in a device
101 simultaneously. In other embodiments, upon a single actuation
of the trigger mechanism 306 of the handle assembly 106, only one
cartridge 110 of the plurality of cartridges 110 seated in the
movable member 104 may be ignited, and subsequent actuations of the
trigger mechanism 306 may be necessary to ignite other cartridges
110 of the plurality of cartridges 110 seated in the movable member
104. The plurality of cartridges 110 may include any of the above
described reactant materials 112 (FIGS. 4A through 4C), such as,
for example, a single reactant material 112 (FIG. 4A), the
first-type staged-loading 402 (FIG. 4B), and the second-type
staged-loading 406 (FIG. 4C).
[0082] In operation, in some embodiments, the first rotating
mechanism 602 may be configured to rotate (e.g., spin) the
plurality of ignition mechanisms 216 and the plurality of
cartridges 110 when the plurality of cartridges 110 are ignited. In
some embodiments, the first rotating mechanism 602 may rotate the
plurality of ignition mechanisms 216 and the plurality of
cartridges 110 about a central axis 608 extending axially through a
center of the movable member 104. The first rotating mechanism 602
may rotate the plurality of ignition mechanisms 216 and the
plurality of cartridges 110 about the central axis 608 in order to
render additional portions of a device 101 (FIG. 1) inoperable. For
example, in some embodiments, if the plurality of ignition
mechanisms 216 and the plurality of cartridges 110 are rotated by
the first rotating mechanism 602 upon ignition of the plurality of
cartridges 110, molten metal expelled from the plurality of
cartridges 110 may melt a circular-shaped trench in the device 101
(FIG. 1). Melting a circular-shaped trench in the device 101 (FIG.
1) may result in additional portions of the device 101 (FIG. 1)
being rendered inoperable in comparison to a portion of a device
101 rendered inoperable by a single hole created by a single
cartridge 110. As a result, more data stored on the device 101
(FIG. 1) may be rendered undecipherable and/or inaccessible by
melting a circular-shaped trench in the device 101 (FIG. 1).
[0083] In some embodiments, the first rotating mechanism 602 may be
operated by the handle assembly 106. For example, the first
rotating mechanism 602 may be coupled to the handle assembly 106
such that when the handle assembly 106 is moved in a certain
direction, the first rotating mechanism 602 is caused to rotate
about the central axis 608 of the movable member 104. In other
embodiments, the first rotating mechanism 602 may be rotated
automatically by a second motor 606 coupled to the first rotating
mechanism 602. For example, in some embodiments, the central
control computer 108 (FIG. 1) may be in communication with the
trigger mechanism 306 of the handle assembly 106, and upon
actuation of the trigger mechanism 306 of the handle assembly 106,
the central control computer 108 (FIG. 1) may cause the second
motor 606 to rotate the first rotating mechanism 602 about the
central axis 608 of the movable member 104 as the plurality of
cartridges 110 are ignited and expel molten metal onto the device
101 (FIG. 1).
[0084] In some embodiments, the movable member 104 may not include
the first rotating mechanism 602 but may still include the
plurality of ignition mechanisms 216 and the plurality of
cartridges 110.
[0085] In some embodiments, the movable member 104 may include the
first rotating mechanism 602 and may include only a single ignition
mechanism 216 and cartridge 110. In such embodiments, the cartridge
110 may be seated in a position offset from a center of the
aperture 222 in the lower wall 250 of the outer casing 202 (FIG. 2)
of the movable member 104. Furthermore, in operation, in such
embodiments, upon actuation of the trigger mechanism 306 of the
handle assembly 106, the first rotating mechanism 602 may rotate
the single ignition mechanism 216 and cartridge 110 about the
central axis 608 of the movable member 104. As a result, the single
cartridge 110 may melt a circular-shaped trench in the device 101
(FIG. 1). It is contemplated that the movable member 104 of FIGS.
6A and 6B may be used in conjunction with the containment structure
102 of FIG. 1.
[0086] FIGS. 7A and 7B are bottom side views of nozzle ends 232a,
232b of cartridges 110 according to other embodiments of the
present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B together, in some
embodiments, the nozzle ends 232a, 232b of the cartridge 110 may
include a plurality of ejection holes 238. In some embodiments, the
plurality of ejection holes 238 may be oriented next to each other
in a linear configuration. In other embodiments, the plurality of
ejection holes 238 may be oriented next to each other in a circular
configuration. Furthermore, in operation, in some embodiments, the
nozzle ends 232a, 232b of the cartridges 110 of FIGS. 7A and 7B may
be used in conjunction with the first rotating mechanism 602 of the
movable member 104 of FIG. 6A.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 7B together, in such
embodiments, the cartridge 110 having a nozzle end 232a, 232b
having a plurality of ejection holes 238 may be seated in the
movable member 104 such that the central axis 608 of the movable
member 104 extends axially through a center of the cartridge 110.
Upon actuation of the trigger mechanism 306 (FIG. 3) of the handle
assembly 106 (FIG. 3), the cartridge 110 having a nozzle end 232a,
232b having a plurality of ejection holes 238 may be spun about the
central axis 608 of the movable member 104 and may expel molten
metal to an area of a device 101 larger than an area of a device
101 to which a cartridge 110 having a single ejection hole 238
expels molten metal. Cartridges 110 having nozzle ends 232a, 232b
having a plurality of ejection holes 238 may be used to increase an
area of a device 101 (FIG. 1) rendered inoperable using a single
cartridge 110.
[0088] FIG. 8 is a front side view of the first compartment 134 of
the containment structure 102 of the apparatus 100. In some
embodiments, the first floor structure 140 of the first compartment
134 of the containment structure 102 may include a second rotating
mechanism 802. The second rotating mechanism 802 may be disposed on
the first floor structure 140 of the first compartment 134 of the
containment structure 102. In some embodiments, the second rotating
mechanism 802 may be permanently attached to the first floor
structure 140 of the first compartment 134 of the containment
structure 102. In other embodiments, the second rotating mechanism
802 may be removably attached to the first floor structure 140 of
the first compartment 134 of the containment structure 102 such
that the apparatus 100 may be used with or without the second
rotating mechanism 802. The second rotating mechanism 802 may be
configured to rotate a device 101 about the central axis 608 of the
movable member 104 while a cartridge 110 is ignited proximate the
device 101. As a result, the cartridge 110 may melt a
circular-shaped trench in the device 101. The second rotating
mechanism 802 may be used in conjunction with any of the above
described embodiments.
[0089] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an apparatus 100 according
to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 100
depicted in FIG. 9, may be similar to the apparatus 100 depicted in
FIG. 1 except that the apparatus 100 of FIG. 9 may further include
a computer numerical control 900 ("CNC"). The CNC 900 may be
disposed above the first compartment 134 of the containment
structure 102. The CNC 900 may be coupled to the central control
computer 108 and may be controlled by the central control computer
108 to move the movable member 104 and cartridge 110 relative to
the device 101 in at least two axes of direction. For example, the
CNC 900 may include at least one x-axis movable member 902, at
least one y-axis movable member 904, and at least one z-axis
movable member 906. In embodiments including the CNC 900, the top
wall 116 of the containment structure 102 may be disposed above the
CNC 900 and the first compartment 134 of the containment structure
102 may not include the guide member 144. In such embodiments, the
apparatus 100 may not include the handle assembly 106. Instead, all
of the functions and operations performed by the handle assembly
106 in the other embodiments of the apparatus 100 may be performed
by the CNC 900.
[0090] The at least one x-axis movable member 902, at least one
y-axis movable member 904, and at least one z-axis movable member
906 of the CNC 900 may be coupled to the movable member 104 and may
be configured to move the movable member 104 in three
dimensions.
[0091] Is some embodiments, the ignition mechanism 216 (FIG. 2) of
the movable member 104 may be controlled and actuated by the
central control computer 108. As a result, the cartridges 110 may
be ignited responsive to commands by the central control computer
108.
[0092] In operation, the central control computer 108 may control
movement of the movable member 104 by moving the at least one
x-axis movable member 902, at least one y-axis movable member 904,
and at least one z-axis movable member 906. As a result, in
operation, the central control computer 108 may cause the movable
member 104 to be inserted into the first compartment 134 after a
device 101 has been placed on the first floor structure 140 of the
first compartment 134. In some embodiments, upon ignition of a
cartridge 110, the central control computer 108 may cause the
movable member 104 to move in at least one direction. For example,
the central control computer 108 may cause the movable member 104
to follow a predetermined pattern upon ignition of the cartridge
110. As a non-limiting example, when rendering a laptop computer at
least partially inoperable using the apparatus 100, the central
control computer 108 may be programmed to move the movable member
104 along a pattern such that the cartridge 110 is moved over the
hard drive, CPU, and RAM of the computer. Furthermore, it is
contemplated that the movable member 104 of FIGS. 6A and 6B and the
cartridges 110 of FIGS. 7A and 7B may be used in conjunction with
the CNC 900 of FIG. 9.
[0093] Referring again to FIG. 1, it is understood that, although
some of the embodiments described above are described as using
external electrical power sources and/or batteries, the apparatus
100 is not so limited and may be fully capable of rendering
portions of devices 101 inoperable without having any electrical
power sources. For example, with embodiments including a trigger
mechanism 306 (FIG. 3) and ignition mechanism 216 (FIG. 2) having a
piezoelectric effect or a primer 244 (FIG. 4C) and firing pin, the
apparatus 100 would be capable of rendering portions of devices 101
inoperable responsive to strictly manual inputs by a user. In other
words, functionality of the apparatus 100 that renders portions of
devices 101 inoperable will function without electricity. Thus, in
the case of an emergency, where electrical power sources are not
available, at least a portion of a device 101 having important data
thereon could be rendered inoperable quickly and without a power
source using the apparatus 100.
[0094] Furthermore, as discussed above, in some embodiments,
elements (e.g., trigger mechanism 306, ignition mechanism 216, fan
152, first motor 154, etc.) of the apparatus 100 may be powered by
a battery. In other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include an
uninterrupted power supply such that when elements of the apparatus
100 depend on electrical power, the elements may be fully
functional at least for some time when electrical power sources are
not available.
[0095] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be
portable. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may
include a plurality of wheels attached to the bottom wall 118 of
the containment structure 102. In some embodiments, a weight of the
apparatus 100 may be small enough that a user could move the
apparatus 100 without the assistance of wheels. Moreover, the
containment structure 102, movable member 104, and handle assembly
106 of the apparatus 100 may be configured for easy assembly and
disassembly such that the apparatus 100 can be easily disassembled
for easier transportation.
[0096] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may not include the
second and third compartments 136, 138 but may include the first
compartment 134 with the movable member 104 and handle assembly
106. By not including the second and third compartments 136, 138,
portability of the apparatus 100 may be improved, and the apparatus
100 may be smaller and more easily accommodated in smaller
areas.
[0097] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be
relatively small in size (e.g., a size of a desktop computer,
briefcase, or flashlight). For example, in some embodiments, the
apparatus 100 may comprise a hand-held device.
[0098] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include a
sighting mechanism for determining a position of the movable member
104 and cartridge 110 relative to the device 101 and for aligning
the movable member 104 and cartridge 110 with the device 101. For
example, in some embodiments, the sighting mechanism may include
one or more of the light-emitting diode (LED) sight or laser sight.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include video screen,
which may overlay a grid pattern over the device 101 and may assist
in moving the movable member 104 and cartridge 110 in a pattern
over the device 101.
[0099] The embodiments of the disclosure described above and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of
the invention, which is encompassed by the scope of the appended
claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are
within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications
of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein,
such as alternative useful combinations of the elements described,
will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
description. Such modifications and embodiments also fall within
the scope of the appended claims.
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