Abstract: A method is described for safely opening the shell of a munition (10) having an inner chamber containing an explosive material. The method comprises the steps of machining a groove (20) into the shell along a parting line that encircles the outer surface of the munition and divides the shell into two parts. The groove (20) is of sufficient depth to weaken the shell but not to penetrate into the inner chamber of the munition. After machining the groove (20), the shell is cracked open by prising the two parts of the shell apart by inserting a suitable implement into the groove.

Abstract: A method is described for safely opening the shell of a munition (10) having an inner chamber containing an explosive material. The method comprises the steps of machining a groove (20) into the shell along a parting line that encircles the outer surface of the munition and divides the shell into two parts. The groove (20) is of sufficient depth to weaken the shell but not to penetrate into the inner chamber of the munition. After machining the groove (20), the shell is cracked open by prising the two parts of the shell apart by inserting a suitable implement into the groove.

Abstract: A sphincter valve has a membrane formed with at least one slit defined by petals, which membrane adopts a convex dished configuration when the valve is closed and inverts into a concave configuration when the valve is opened. In the invention, an abutment member is movable relative to the membrane for opening the valve by making direct contact with the petals to open the slit between the petals.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting into a cylindrical munition, comprising a cutting head and a mechanism for moving the cutting head relative to the surface of the munition. The mechanism for moving the cutting head constrains the cutting head to follow a linear path in one direction, to be positioned in use parallel to the axis of the munition, and an arcuate path in the plane normal to the first direction to follow the contour of the munition.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting into a cylindrical munition, comprising a cutting head (64) and means for moving the cutting head relative to the surface of the munition. The means for moving the cutting head constrain the cutting head to follow a linear path in one direction, to be positioned in use parallel to the axis of the munition, and in an arcuate path in the plane normal to the first direction to follow the contour of the munition.

Abstract: A dispensing machine for dispensing items of hot food comprises a freezer compartment for storing items to be dispensed, a heating compartment, a dispensing location, and a transport mechanism for conveying items form the freezer compartment, via the heating compartment, to the dispensing location. The transport mechanism has a flexible transport web to which the items to be dispensed are secured. Driving means advance the web from the freezer compartment to the dispensing location. The web has code markings on it indicating the positions of the food items on the web. A code reader reads the code markings to control the driving means for advancing the web.

Abstract: A dispensing machine for dispensing items of hot food comprises a freezer compartment for storing the items to be dispensed, a heating compartment, a dispensing location and a transport mechanism for receiving items from the freezer compartment, via the heating compartment, to the dispensing location. The transport mechanism has a flexible transport web to which the items to be dispensed are secured. Driving means advance the web from the freezer compartment to the dispensing location. The web has code markings on it indicating the positions of the food items on the web. A code reader reads the code markings, to control the driving means for advancing the web.