Automatic Deactivation Or Self-destruction Patents (Class 102/426)
  • Patent number: 8676197
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling wireless communications are provided. A method of controlling wireless communications includes acquiring base station data at a mobile base station mimicking system. The base station data is associated with a targeted base station of a wireless communication system. The method may include mimicking signals of a neighboring base station of the targeted base station based on the acquired base station data. Further, the method may include transmitting a ban signal associated with the targeted base station. The ban signal is based on the acquired base station data and may induce at least one communication device to stop communicating with the targeted base station. In addition, the method includes controlling communications associated with the at least one communication device via the mobile base station mimicking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lemko Corporation
    Inventors: Shaowei Pan, Nicholas Labun
  • Patent number: 8037826
    Abstract: An escapement fuze self-destruct mechanism for a projectile includes a drive weight that maintains a biasing member in a compressed state by centrifugal force when a projectile's RPM speed is above a preselected threshold. When the RPM speed falls below the preselected threshold, the biasing member exerts sufficient counter-rotational force to overcome the centrifugal force exerted by the drive weight. The biasing member expands to an uncompressed state and displaces the drive weight into position for mechanically implementing self-destruction of the projectile if a rotor is fully armed or for rendering the projectile “safe” if the rotor is in any position other then fully armed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: DSE, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7849799
    Abstract: The invention consists of initial part (2B), which at the lower side is made in pyramid form and is part of mine activating mechanism (1). At its screwing into mine body (3), ampoule (D2) containing the aggressive matter is broken by the sharp point, the matter spills and comes to initial part (2B) that gets immersed in it. The aggressive matter slowly corrodes the walls of initial part (2B) and, when it corrodes them through, it mixes with the initial explosive placed inside initial part (2B), soaks it and neutralizes it, in such a way the initial explosive looses its explosive properties, and the mine cannot be activated any more. Cylindrical housing (D) serves for placing ampoule (D2) and retaining the aggressive liquid after breaking ampoule (D2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Boris Pervan
  • Patent number: 7752952
    Abstract: A dynamic barrier system including a number of sensors that monitor a barrier area to determine specific types of objects approaching, within, or exiting the barrier area. Depending upon the type of object(s), the dynamic barrier system initiates an appropriate action, both lethal and non-lethal. The barrier system may advantageously deactivate after its intended period of operation eliminating difficult and/or dangerous removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Myron Hohil, Victor N. Kokodis, Mark Mellini, Brian Peltzer, Anthony Sebasto
  • Patent number: 7640859
    Abstract: A stacked ordnance device provides a disposable and non reusable projectile weapon for passive area defense or denial. A stacked ordnance device has multiple projectiles and charges positioned sequentially in a barrel. A sensing module triggers a control module to enter a firing sequence. The firing sequence is the order and timing by which an electronic ignition system ignites firing charges and thereby shoots the projectiles. A mount positions the stacked ordnance device. The controller can also trigger a disabler that renders the stacked ordnance device unfit for subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Steve Hines
  • Patent number: 7501551
    Abstract: A method for neutralization of the explosive content of mines and UXO by essentially completely consuming the explosive by combustion or decomposition before any explosion occurs. A charge of a compound that reacts with an extremely high heat-release rate is ignited on or near the casing of the device to be neutralized. The intense exothermic reaction generates high temperature combustion products that will disrupt the casing, thus leading to combustion or decomposition of the explosive. The holes melted in the mine casing enable ignition of a large area of the explosive charge and provide easy access for atmospheric air to support active burnout of the explosive. The apparatus comprises the compound that reacts with a high heat release rate, an ignition source, and a container for the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: Shmuel Eidelman, Samuel Goroshin
  • Patent number: 7213518
    Abstract: A modular fuze assembly is provided for use in multiple types of military ordnance. The fuze comprises a base unit having an initiator for arming the fuze; a timer assembly that includes a programmable clock package; a trigger assembly comprising a line monitoring circuit and a photo-capacitor; and a top cover unit. Each of the individual components are interconnected together to form a single, unitized system. Multiple initiation stages are provided to ensure payload activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Engel Ballistic Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Sutcliffe
  • Patent number: 7183673
    Abstract: A passive inductive switch for coupling a battery to a load in a remotely deployed battery-powered electronic device. The switch operates in response to a transmitted magnetic field at a particular frequency. The switch includes an antenna for transforming the magnetic field into an induced voltage and a voltage detector for sensing the induced voltage and triggering a switching element. The switch operates in a standby mode until a sufficient voltage is induced in the antenna which causes the switch to couple the battery to the load. In the standby mode the switch draws a negligible amount of power, which permits the device to be deployed in the field for long periods of time without expending significant battery power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Magneto-Inductive Systems Limited
    Inventors: Don Dinn, Paul Wrathall
  • Patent number: 6629499
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a mechanical timer that operates by using the ambient temperature differences during daytime and nighttime periods in order to count desired intervals of days, months, etc. Embodiments of the invention employ the timer to render safe land mines or other ordnance devices after a specified period of time. Because the present invention uses ambient temperature differences in order to operate, no outside power source is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael L. Greene, David R Keene
  • Patent number: 6363854
    Abstract: A mine has the ability to change from an armed state to a safe state without touching of the mine. The mine includes a case and an explosive charge in the case. Also included is a detonator located adjacent to the explosive charge. The firing of the detonator can set off an explosive chain for exploding the explosive charge. A movable firing pin in the case can strike and fire the detonator in response to pressure directed toward the case. The mine also includes a blocking member adapted to move from a retracted position to a blocking position between the detonator and the firing pin in order to prevent firing of the detonator by the firing pin. Also included is a driver for moving the blocking member from the retracted position to the blocking position without manual touching of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 6014932
    Abstract: A land mine arming/disarming system is provided in which a satellite or other airborne vehicle may remotely arm and/or disarm land mines via signals transmitted through atmospheric free space. In such a manner, land mines are less of a health hazard when conflict situations are not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Technology Patents, LLC
    Inventor: Aris Mardirossian
  • Patent number: 5955695
    Abstract: The non-lethal TASER.RTM. Area Denial Device (TADD) can be deployed to prevent enemy reconnaissance troops or small raiding parties from penetrating lines and for their capture. The inventive device comprises a non-lethal alternative to the anti-personnel landmine. The TASER.RTM. alternative uses electronic stun capability in combination with a landmine housing and deployment system. This invention comprises improvements which address the issue of deployment. Regardless of which of the two flat sides of the device is in the up position, it provides the ability to launch the proper set of wires at an upward angle to intercept the subject when the target subject is in the correct position. It also simultaneously establishes a ground wire connection and prevents the second (downward facing) unusable set of wires from loading or short circuiting. The possibility of the device landing on the radius edge is eliminated by shaping the housing to make it unstable on that plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Barnet Resnick
    Inventor: James F. McNulty, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5936183
    Abstract: A non-lethal alternative to the anti-personnel landmine. The TASER.RTM. alternative uses electronic stun capability in combination with a landmine housing and deployment system. The device can cover a radius of 15 feet (30 feet possible) and can be triggered by various sensors. Although the TASER.RTM. non-lethal area denial device would cause no deaths or injuries if accidentally triggered by friendly forces, it can also be permanently disabled when no longer needed, by remotely using a secure code to shut down the TASER.RTM. system. When triggered, the device launches darts in multiple directions at 10 or 20 degree intervals in a direction generally facing the enemy. The darts temporarily incapacitate any persons within an inch of the darts by causing uncontrollable spasms of the near surface motor control muscles causing temporary loss of the subject's motor control functions. The subject will fall and temporarily be completely incapacitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Barnet Resnick
    Inventor: James F. McNulty, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5511482
    Abstract: A munition which remains uninitiated after deployment undergoes a process of self-neutralization. This process is accomplished through the use of environmentally degradable materials in the construction of the ordnance items. The degradable components comprising the device fail in a predetermined manner and within a known time frame. The resultant neutralization may be manifested in a myriad of ways. The type of degradable material, its position within the munition, its mass, and many other factors, will all determine the ultimate characteristics of the device.The neutralization may be realized through detonation, burning and, disassociation of interactive components which will cause deactivation, reduced lethality or intensity of the device, dispersion of the main charge, or the dispersion of one or more of the initiation charges comprising the munition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Al DiPietropolo
  • Patent number: 4854239
    Abstract: A safety apparatus to safe or to arm and fire a munition, utilizes a rotor containing an aligned adjacent firing pin and detonator in holes extending completely through the rotor perpendicular to the axis. A first explosively powered piston actuator, when fired, will unlock the rotor and enable a second explosively powered piston actuator, when fired, to rotate the rotor to align the detonator with an explosive charge and to cause a firing pin to fire the detonator. The detonator will fire a transfer lead which, in turn, will fire the main charge. As assembled, a third explosively powered piston actuator is aligned with the detonator and, when fired, will cause the detonator to explode and translate the rotor with part of the axis extending out of the munition where it is held in this position to indicate a safe condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Peter H. Van Sloun
  • Patent number: 4711179
    Abstract: An arrangement in a mine which is capable of being neutralized, comprising detecting means (33) operative to detect a neutralization of the mine, and initiator means (3) adapted to initiate detonation of a spotter charge (5) incorporated in the mine in response to the detection of a neutralization, and a spotter (1) which is arranged to be propelled from the mine by said detonator charge to the surface of the ground, in order to disclose the location of the mine. A penetrator (4), which is intended to drive a pathway through the ground to facilitate passage of the spotter (1), is arranged forwardly of the spotter in the mine, as seen in its direction of travel. The spotter (1) is capable of forwardly driving the penetrator (4) during a first phase of the spotter firing sequence; and the arrangement further includes a separating device (9) which is intended to separate the spotter from the penetrator during a second phase of the firing sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Affarsverket FFV
    Inventors: Sten Sundberg, Stig Risberg, Ulf Eriksson
  • Patent number: 4696234
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for destroying sea mines, especially anchored cable mines, and to an improved mine-sweeping method. The apparatus consists of an active device and upthrust mechanisms which permit the active device to climb up the anchor chain to the mine, which, once encountered, is destroyed. In one preferred embodiment, the device comprises a hollow charge carrier with rocket propulsion which is temporarily secured to a towing device, such as a towing cable. The device is released when it encounters the anchor chain of a mine, it rises along the chain, and then destroys the mine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Kaltmann, Hermann Schaper
  • Patent number: 4493239
    Abstract: A method of clearing a target range or other area of buried unexploded ornce (UXO) by advancing natural galvanic electrochemical corrosion whereby ferrous parts of the UXO is simply rusted away at an accelerated rate and rendered harmless within 5 to 10 years in a safe manner and at substantially reduced cost. The electrolytic condition of the soil containing the UXO is preferably enriched. The soil may be saturated with a liberal amount of salt water or other electrolytic chemicals for establishing a corrosive bed several feet below the surface and a dc voltage applied across the soil to enhance stray current corrosion. The galvanic action of the soil electrolyte may be further enhance by elevating its temperature such as by selective covering with black plastic sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Marvin A. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 4478149
    Abstract: An underwater ignition device is provided comprising a rotor, a detonator disposed at the rotor, a locking pin secured in position by a safety pin, a release pin maintained in position by the locking pin, a first water pressure safety device normally engaging the rotor and preventing a rotating motion of the rotor into an ignition position and a second water pressure safety device actuable after the locking pin is removed and after the first water pressure safety device has been actuated and capable of actuating the release pin for rotating the rotor into an ignition position. An ignition circuit employed comprises a digital logic connected to an analog receiver, dual driver stages connected to the digital logic, parallel discharge circuits connected to the dual driver stages and to a detonator and the voltage supply and suitable for selectively igniting the detonator or for short circuiting the voltage supply. The digital logic actuates two discharge circuits in successive time intervals (t.sub.1, t.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH.
    Inventors: Gunter Backstein, Hans W. Unger, Michael Gunther, Dieter Kaltbeitzer, Hendrik Veldhoen