Abstract: A system for rendering safe unexploded military ordnance items found on land by use of a portable apparatus employing entrainment waterjet technology. The portable apparatus includes a tool package containing a plurality of tools designed for accessing the interior of a unexploded ordnance item. The interior of the ordnance item is accessed, and its internal contents, which it typically an energetic material, is washed-out and recovered.

Abstract: A system for rendering safe unexploded military ordnance items found underwater by use of immersible portable apparatus employing entrainment waterjet technology. The interior of the military ordnance item is accessed, and its internal contents are washed out and recovered. All services required to run the underwater apparatus are located above water.

Abstract: An apparatus for rendering safe unexploded military ordnance items found on land by use of a portable apparatus employing entrainment waterjet technology. The portable apparatus includes a tool package containing a plurality of tools designed for accessing the interior of a unexploded ordnance item. The interior of the ordnance item is accessed, and its internal contents, which it typically an energetic material is washed-out and recovered.

Abstract: The firearm cartridge extraction tool is used to open a jammed slide to extract a cartridge. The firearm cartridge extraction tool comprises a support frame, an arm, and a push rod. The support frame holds the arm above a work surface and provides a padded stop for the grip of the firearm. The arm may slide along a guide track to adjust for the size of the firearm. The arm holds the push rod in a position where it may align with the muzzle of the firearm. The pushrod comprises a main screw with a handle on one end and a swivel mounted male coupler on the other end. As the handle is turned, the main screw may push a socket located on the male coupler over the muzzle while the padded stop prevents movement of the firearm, thus forcing the slide to open.

Abstract: A blast treatment method whereby a smoke grenade is blast treated inside an explosion-proof container, said method comprising: a blast step in which the smoke grenade (20) is exploded inside the explosion-proof container (10); and a dissolving step in which gas or micro particles generated when the smoke grenade (20) was exploded are dissolved inside the explosion-proof container (10), in a liquid (W) including a greater volume of water than the volume of water generated by the explosion of the smoke grenade (20).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the delaboration of ammunition, in particular for dismantling shells having a housing with a tubular housing portion made of steel and open at one end, a cone made of ductile metal and fitted into the tubular housing portion, the cone having a base with a tubular rim, and an explosive charge contained between the housing and the cone. The apparatus comprises a deformation tool, means for inserting the deformation tool into the tubular housing portion, an alignment tool for aligning the tubular housing portion with respect to the deformation tool, wherein the alignment tool has a recess for receiving an upper end of the tubular housing portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the delaboration of ammunition, in particular shells having a housing with a tubular housing portion made of steel and open at one end, a cone made of ductile metal and fitted into the tubular housing portion, the cone having a base with a tubular rim, and an explosive charge contained between the housing and the cone. The method comprises a) inserting an extraction tool through the open end into the tubular housing portion for extracting the cone, b) axially compressing the tubular rim of the cone between the extraction tool and the explosive charge, c) deforming a portion of the tubular rim into a form fit with the extraction tool, d) withdrawing the extraction tool from the housing portion, and e) at least partially withdrawing the cone from the housing portion together with the extraction tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the delaboration of ammunition, in particular shells having a housing with a tubular housing portion made of steel and open at one end, a cone made of ductile metal and fitted into the tubular housing portion, the cone having a base with a tubular rim, and an explosive charge contained between the housing and the cone. The method comprises a) inserting an extraction tool through the open end into the tubular housing portion for extracting the cone, b) axially compressing the tubular rim of the cone between the extraction tool and the explosive charge, c) deforming a portion of the tubular rim into a form fit with the extraction tool, d) withdrawing the extraction tool from the housing portion, and e) at least partially withdrawing the cone from the housing portion together with the extraction tool.

Abstract: An ammunition projectile engagement apparatus and method for manufacturing and using the ammunition projectile engagement apparatus are described. A first arm, a second arm, and a head are disclosed. The first arm and second arm each contain a handle section and a projectile engagement section. The surface of each projectile engagement section includes at least one engagement feature opposite another engagement feature, which when compressed, together form a pair. Each pair, when compressed together, forms at least a partial circumference for engaging a projectile.

Abstract: An explosive assembly adapted to destruction of artillery and other large ordnance shells; said explosive assembly comprising a pair of hollow half shells; each of said half shells formed with an internal cavity conforming to at least a portion of external surfaces of an ordnance shell to be destroyed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed vessel arrangement (1) comprising a closed vessel (2) for safe destruction of a rocket motor (3) containing a solid propellant (4) by burning the rocket motor (3) inside the closed vessel (2), which closed vessel (2), is adjustable in size to a rocket motor (3). The invention is characterized in that the closed vessel (2) comprises two communicating chambers (7, 8) coaxially arranged to each other, one outer chamber (8) and one inner chamber (7), which chambers (7, 8) are divided into a plurality of connectable sections (13), which sections (13) are connectable in various numbers for adjusting the size of the vessel (2) to rocket motors (3) of various sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed vessel arrangement (1) comprising a closed vessel (2) for safe destruction of a rocket motor (3) containing a solid propellant (4) by burning the rocket motor (3) inside the closed vessel (2), which closed vessel (2), is adjustable in size to a rocket motor (3). The invention is characterized in that the closed vessel (2) comprises two communicating chambers (7, 8) coaxially arranged to each other, one outer chamber (8) and one inner chamber (7), which chambers (7, 8) are divided into a plurality of connectable sections (13), which sections (13) are connectable in various numbers for adjusting the size of the vessel (2) to rocket motors (3) of various sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field explosives technology and concerns a method and a device in which the explosive materials are removed from their casings. The object of the solution according to the invention is to disclose a method and a device with which explosives-containing bodies with non-uniform dimensions and also with internal attachments can be safely opened and dismantled. The object is attained through a method in which a strip of casing material is removed up to a residual wall thickness by means of machining tools, subsequently pressure is applied on the casing by means of a pressing tool and then the explosive material is removed from the casing by means of melting or by means of pressing. The object is further attained through a device comprising a device for removing a chip and a device for applying pressure on the explosives-containing bodies and devices for transporting the explosives-containing body.

Abstract: A device for use with an ammunition reloading press, the device uses a “C” shaped split ring that is captured within a chamber with a slightly tapered frustaconical wall into the smaller end of which the bullet portion of an ammunition round can be inserted to a point where the bullet enters the C ring with a friction fit and subsequent withdrawal of the ammunition cartridge by operation of the press draws the ring into the increasingly narrow wall, decreasing the diameter of the ring and forcing a tighter grip on the bullet, which is then separated from the cartridge by further withdrawal and is removable from the device through an opening at the larger end of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in the removal of toxic materials from toxic weapon projectiles has a base, a projectile retaining container and a ram. The projectile retaining container has a projectile retainer opening, a ram opening and a drain opening. The projectile retaining container is adapted to retain a toxic weapon projectile in the projectile retainer opening. The ram is adapted to extend into a toxic weapon projectile disposed within the projectile retaining container to crush the projectile's burster well and to thereby release toxic materials to the drain opening in the projectile retaining container. The ram alternatively includes high pressure water nozzles for breaking up any coagulant particles and for thoroughly rinsing the interior side walls of the toxic weapon projectile.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying the volatility of propellant and primers associated with small arms ammunition which become inadvertently commingled with a supply of spent casings prior to material deformation and reclamation. The apparatus preferably includes three major sections or components and they are: a material infeed section, a heating section, and a material extraction section. The preferred infeed section includes a hopper placed in conjunction with an incline conveyor and a distally positioned dump chute. The heating section has a material receptacle in the form of a material receiving chute, a heater disposed adjacent to the interior of a longitudinal spirally internally veined rotating drum which communicates with the third section, which is a material extraction or expulsion section also in the form of an incline conveyor and a chute.

Abstract: An extractor and method for safely releasing an explosive and liner from a munition is disclosed. An exemplary extractor includes a support device connected to the casing of the munition and adapted to stabilize the munition as the explosive is released from the dome end of the munition casing and a fluid port adjacent the dome end of the casing and adapted to introduce a high pressure fluid through the dome end to the explosive to separate and release the explosive from the dome end. An exemplary method for releasing an explosive and liner from a dome end of a munition casing includes inserting a fluid port into a dome end of the casing and introducing a fluid through the fluid port to the explosive to release and separate the explosive from the dome end and to shear the mechanical coupling between the liner and the casing.

Abstract: A method for replacing a fuse casing (4), which is riveted to the casing (2) of an active component (1) containing an explosive charge (3). The new fuse casing (4) laser-welded to the remaining rivet parts (5) of the active component casing (2). Welding filler materials are used to attach the new fuse casing (4) easily and securely to the active component casing (2), such that the connection can withstand even high firing accelerations, without this resulting in impermissibly high thermal stress to the explosive charge (3) in the active component. Welding powders (7) or welding pastes can be used as welding filler materials, which are inserted into gaps (8) remaining between the remaining rivet parts (5) and the bores (6) in the fuse casing (4) before the remaining rivet parts (5) are welded to the fuse casing (4). Also used are discs (9) that cover the bore holes (6) in the fuse casing (4). The disks are placed onto the frontal faces of the remaining rivet parts (5) and are welded to these.

Abstract: A disrupter has a plastic box 1 with three semi-cylindrical plastic formers 2 each with a bag 4 containing water. Sheet explosive 13 is applied to the back of the formers. Bags 4 may be filed with materials other than water, for example decontaminent e.g. sodium hypochlorite. The formers may be replaced by a single former with three recesses.

Abstract: A method for replacing a fuse casing (4), which is riveted to the casing (2) of an active component (1) containing an explosive charge (3). The new fuse casing (4) laser-welded to the remaining rivet parts (5) of the active component casing (2). Welding filler materials are used to attach the new fuse casing (4) easily and securely to the active component casing (2), such that the connection can withstand even high firing accelerations, without this resulting in impermissibly high thermal stress to the explosive charge (3) in the active component. Welding powders (7) or welding pastes can be used as welding filler materials, which are inserted into gaps (8) remaining between the remaining rivet parts (5) and the bores (6) in the fuse casing (4) before the remaining rivet parts (5) are welded to the fuse casing (4). Also used are discs (9) that cover the bore holes (6) in the fuse casing (4). The disks are placed onto the frontal faces of the remaining rivet parts (5) and are welded to these.

Abstract: Provided is an automated case cutting device that may be remotely controlled to rotate and cut an outer case of an object. It can be applied to the disassembly and disposal, testing, or inspection of munitions. In one application, the device cradles a generally cylindrical munition of a length much greater than its diameter on two rollers attached to a bed or plate comprising a support frame. One of the rollers is rotated by a transmission mechanism powered by an electrical motor, while the other roller may also be turned by the same transmission mechanism via a sprocket and chain set. The munition may be further held in place by one or a set of holding rollers attached to a frame hinged to the support frame, so that the holding roller(s) swing onto the top of the munition after the munition is placed on the cradling rollers. The holding roller(s) may also be turned via a second sprocket and chain set, driven off the same drive shaft as the first roller.

Abstract: A method for removing an explosive charge from a shaped charge munition is disclosed together with a system for carrying out the method. The preferred method for removing a charge from a stackable shaped charge munition, such as a M42 or M46 grenade, involves three punching stages using two hollow punch dies of different diameters and lengths to extract the metal cone-shaped liner and all of the explosive except a layer lining the inner side wall and dome end wall of the casing. The thin layer of explosive can be readily removed in an explosive waste incinerator. The system for carrying out the method includes a delivery conveyor, a rotatable indexing table having multiple gripping devices for holding grenades or other shaped charge munitions, multiple punching stations positioned in sequence around the perimeter of the indexing table, and a take-off conveyor for transporting processed grenades from the indexing table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for dismantling and reassembling projectiles which contain a plurality of safety-activatable bomblets in one or more cluster layers. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for disassembling bomblets from a projectile of a first caliber, and loading the bomblets into a projectile of a second caliber. In the first projectile having its casing and components disassembled uncovers an uppermost bomblet layer. The bomblet layer is seated against a first transport cover configured to correspond to a positional pattern for those bomblets of the projectile being disassembled. The bomblet layer is pneumatically held against the first transport cover. A bottom cover is detachably secured to the first transport cover under the bomblet layer, and the fuse of each bomblet is secured. This forms a safe container for moving the bomblets.

Abstract: Small caliber primed cartridge cases are demilitarized by removing explosive primer mix from the cases. The cases are flushed with a chemical solution, preferably a sulfuric acid solution, to dissolve the binder material which holds the components of the explosive primer mix together. Upon dissolution of the binder material, e.g. gum arabic, the primer mix breaks apart into particles which flow forward through the flash hole(s) in the case and exit the open end of the case. The solution is agitated into a turbulent state so as to enter the open end of the hollow case and sufficiently contact the primer mix through the flash hole(s). The treated cases are chemically deprimed in that the explosive primer mix has been removed therefrom; additionally, any primer mix which might remain in the case is rendered inert by the acid solution. The deprimed cases may then be rinsed and dried and used for reloading applications or scrap recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of disassembling large-caliber combat cartridges, particularly armor-piercing cartridges, including a combustible casing jacket that conically widens in the direction of the projectile, a casing bottom and a casing cover to which is fastened a sub-caliber projectile equipped with a propelling sabot.To be able, on the one hand, to reduce expenditures for the disassembly of such combat cartridges and, on the other hand, to reuse a major portion of the original combat cartridges for the production of corresponding training cartridges, it is proposed to separate the casing jacket as well as the casing cover starting at their outer circumference, in regions having approximately the same, predetermined diameter D1. This diameter D1 here corresponds to the maximum diameter of the component of the new cartridge to be produced later from the disassembled components.

Abstract: A bullet holder for extracting a bullet from the cartridge casing that includes an elongated body portion having arm members pivotally connected at one end and movable toward one another in a pincer-type movement. Intermediate the arm members is positioned a bullet retaining portion having a plurality of oppositely positioned recesses forming holes of selected diameter corresponding to selected bullet calibers. The assemblied cartridge casing and bullet is secured in the chuck of a loading press. The chuck is moved to an initial position for engaging the bullet by the holder in a selected one of the holes formed by the recesses. The arm members are squeezed to frictionally engage the bullet so upon downward movement of the cartridge casing, the bullet is retained stationarily positioned to separate the cartridge casing from the bullet.

Abstract: A device for extracting ammunition casings from linked tubes of a flexible ammunition carrier is described which in a preferred representative embodiment comprises a generally tubular chute having an upper wall and a lower wall and first and second side walls which are divergent from each other along the length of the chute thereby defining a passageway through the chute extending from an entrance end to an exit end thereof which substantially uniformly increases in width along the length thereof; first and second channels defined along respective first and second side walls of the chute and configured to diverge one from the other in correspondence with the divergence of the first and second side walls and sized to receive respective annular flanges on the casings and the tubes of the ammunition carrier; and a rotatable paddle wheel disposed near the entrance end of the chute and including a plurality of paddles sized and spaced to engage spaces between adjacent tubes of the ammunition carrier which provides

Abstract: A method and device (A) for cutting a shotgun shell (14) for shooting in a shotgun chambered for shorter shotgun shells includes a base (10) and shell receiving tube (12). A shell (14) is held in tube (12) above a knife (32) in such a manner that a circumferential slit is formed in shell casing (20) around the inside edge (24) of crimp (22). The knife is carried on a movable knife blade holder (40) which moves toward base (10) to engage the knife in the crimped edge as the shell is rotated. Upon shooting of shell (14), the crimp material separates from casing (20) leaving the shell of a shorter length. In this manner a two and one half inch (21/2") shell is obtained from a two and three-quarter inch (23/4") and three inch (3") shells which may be reloaded or disposed of.