Abstract: An apparatus and method for the destruction of terrorist weapons, including explosives chemical and biological agents, by detonation in an enclosed double-walled steel explosion chamber having its walls, access door and floor filled with granular shock damping material. The chamber is vented through orifices into vent pipes which converge in a manifold which exhausts into an expansion tank or scrubber for cooling, testing, and environmental treatment of the explosion products. A weapon to be destroyed is placed into the chamber with a donor explosive charge and held in place by a disintegratable string hammock, along with one or more plastic polymer film bags containing water. After closing the access door, the donor charge is detonated by an electrical detonation means.

Abstract: A reusable small-scale explosive testing apparatus has a structural member with a curved internal chamber, a head piece that inserts into the chamber, a cap to hold the head piece, a pressure-time gage, water to fill the chamber and a pressure release mechanism. The apparatus is used to test small amounts of explosive.

Abstract: Ceramic liners for use with closed bomb devices are disclosed. The closed bomb devices measure performance properties of energetic materials, such as solid propellant, explosive, and pyrotechnic formulations. The closed bomb devices include a body and a ceramic liner. Alumina silicate and boron nitride are two currently preferred ceramic liner materials which have low compressibility, low thermal conductivity, and excellent durability.

Abstract: A technique for integrating detection and neutralization of land mines that can be used for both mine breaching and mine clearing. A land mine is sensed with multiple sensors to determine a mine signature with corresponding range and azimuth. Mine type and mine emplacement which correlates to the mine signature is determined, and a neutralizer type and configuration is determined which correlates to the mine type. A neutralizing magazine is selected for the neutralizer type and configuration. The selected neutralizer is configured, loaded, launched, and armed.

Abstract: An explosive device neutralization system includes a penetrating tip, a reaction stake, and a deployment mechanism. The reaction stake includes a reaction initiation material (R.I.M.) which is configured to burn, thereby dispersing burning R.I.M. beyond the reaction stake. The deployment mechanism and penetrating tip are configured to deliver a portion of the reaction stake adjacent to a bulk charge of the explosive device, such that the burning R.I.M. is dispersed to the bulk charge. The reaction stake includes a stake housing that encloses the R.I.M. proximate an egress hole in the stake housing. The reaction stake also includes an ignition system proximate the deployment mechanism. Upon activation of the deployment mechanism, the ignition system initiates burning of the R.I.M. The deployment mechanism can include a deployment charge that is connected to a detonator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disarming improvised bombs are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a fluid-filled bottle or container made of plastic or another soft material which contains a fixed or adjustable, preferably sheet explosive. The charge is fired centrally at its apex and can be adjusted to propel a fluid projectile that is broad or narrow, depending upon how it is set up. In one embodiment, the sheet explosive is adjustable so as to correlate the performance of the fluid projectile to the disarming needs for the improvised explosive device (IED). Common materials such as plastic water bottles or larger containers can be used, with the sheet explosive or other explosive material configured in a general chevron-shape to target the projectile toward the target. In another embodiment, a thin disk of metal is conformably mounted with the exterior of the container and radially aligned with the direction of fire of the fluid projectile.

Abstract: A structure for the destruction of dangerous materials is described which has a destruction location, which may be a pit below ground level. The destruction pit contains the dangerous materials. At least one durable, sealed membrane is present beneath at least a portion of the destruction pit. An overburden mound of soil is provided above the destruction pit; and at least one shaped explosive charge placed adjacent the dangerous materials capable of subjecting the dangerous materials to crushing detonation forces and high heat for a period of time. After detonation of the explosive charge to destroy the dangerous materials and their containers, such as by pyrolysis, the destruction pit is remediated by removal of the waste products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a containment structure for containing and mitigating explosions. The containment structure is installed in the wall of the building and has interior and exterior doors for placing suspicious packages into the containment structure and retrieving them from the exterior of the building. The containment structure has a blast deflection chute and a blowout panel to direct over pressure from explosions away from the building, surrounding structures and people.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for explosively penetrating hardened containers such as steel drums without producing metal fragmentation is disclosed. The apparatus can be used singularly or in combination with water disrupters and other disablement tools. The apparatus is mounted in close proximity to the target and features a main sheet explosive that is initiated at least three equidistant points along the sheet's periphery. A buffer material is placed between the sheet explosive and the target. As a result, the metallic fragments generated from the detonation of the detonator are attenuated so that no fragments from the detonator are transferred to the target. As a result, an opening can be created in containers such as steel drums through which access to the IED is obtained to defuse it with projectiles or fluids.

Abstract: The inventive device includes a box-shaped steel shell and rigid polyurethane foam which partially occupies the shell's interior so as to leave a compartment to be used for situation of a suspected explosive object. The compartment is accessed by a doored entrance which is provided in the shell. Some inventive embodiments include a polyethylene liner for foam wear protection, and/or a high-strength layer for attenuating explosive fragmentation. Foam bodies are carefully packed inside the compartment for separating the suspected explosive device from the doored entrance and for stabilizing the suspected explosive object during transit. Upon detonation, the foam pulverizes and the shell inelastically deforms into an ovaloid or cylindroid shape. The shell's edges and corners are convexly contoured for thwarting localized strain concentrations in the shell.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus, and method of operation, for controlling and suppressing the explosive destruction of munitions by detonation in an explosion chamber. The apparatus comprises a double-walled steel explosion chamber which is moved by wheeled carriage means to a desired location. Granular shock-damping silica sand is introduced into fillable cavities within the chamber walls, ceiling and floor prior to use. After use, the sand is removed to lighten the chamber prior to transport. The floor of the chamber is covered with granular shock-damping pea gravel which may be added before use and removed before further transport. A munition to be destroyed is placed within an open-topped steel fragmentation containment unit. Vaporizable plastic bags of energy-absorbing water are disposed about the munition in a spaced array. An array of vent pipes vents the chamber into manifolds leading to an expansion tank or scrubber for further cooling and environmental treatment of the explosion products.

Abstract: A blast suppression system is provided, with the system including a plurality of command-actuated units located in the immediate vicinity of a bomb, a reservoir of suppressant material, and transmission lines connecting the reservoir to the units. Each of the units provides for the transmission of a suppressant material, preferably water, therethrough. Each of the units has nozzles configured to disperse the suppressant material into the air surrounding the bomb. Preferably, the transmission occurs prior to the explosion of the bomb, and continues after the explosion as well. Each command-actuated unit preferably has associated therewith an adjustable flow rate, an adjustable flow pattern, and an adjustable droplet size. In one embodiment of the invention, the command-actuated units are stationary, while in another embodiment the units are mobile. A method for utilizing the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight aerosol dispenser enclosing a first component of an explosive nature is filled at a factory. A second component is supplied in a smaller container, separate from the dispenser, containing a predetermined amount of propellant. By providing separate containers for each of the explosive and propellant components, both components retain their classification as a flammable substance for transportation and storage purposes. However, in the field, the propellant is injected into the solution container immediately before use. Only after the two substance components have been mixed can an explosive composition be produced. If, for any reason, the explosive composition comprising a foam is not used, it can be washed away with water or will dissipate itself within a few hours.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the rapid, remote, forcible entry of the trunk lid or cargo area of a vehicle which includes one or more heads (12) engaged under the trunk lid or against the external wall of the vehicle to be breached, a piston rod (14) attached to one or more of the heads (12), a piston rod collar (16) through which the piston rod (14) slides, a piston (20) attached to the remaining end of the piston rod (14), a cylinder (22) within which the piston (20) is disposed and freely slides, a firing chamber (24) positioned on the external surface of the cylinder (22) enclosing an explosive means (24D) which provides the force with which the apparatus breaches the vehicle, a foot (28) attached to the cylinder (22) which serves as a tractional base for the apparatus (10), and a means for detonation connected to the explosive means (24D).

Abstract: A device for clearing land mines. In a first embodiment, a buoyant air frame (11)supports a rigid plate (13) therebelow, the plate having a side wall adapted to cover a suspected area. The plate includes a pressure catalyst in the form of a shaped charge (44) or compressed air container which, when activated, causes intense enclosed pressure which destabilizes a buried mine (50) sufficient to detonate it without actuating a tripping device. In a second embodiment, a ground based maneuverable vehicle (111) supports a frame (112) which, in turn, supports a plate (113), the frame (112) including shock absorbing components (142-143).

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 portable apparatus for mitigating the effects of chemical, biological aor radiological agent containing explosive devices within a defined area is disclosed. The apparatus is an inflatable, easily portable containment device and includes: explosive blast containment means for substantially containing explosive blast over-pressure and blast fragmentation particles caused by an explosive blast to a substantially defined area; chemical, biological and/or radiological agent mitigation means for substantially mitigating the effects of an explosively deployable chemical, biological and/or radiological agent within the substantially defined area; and an inflatable air-beam suspension support structure having a substantially open base portion, a plurality of lateral support members and a capping structure which, when inflated, establishes the substantially defined area and supports the blast containment and agent mitigation means.

Abstract: An explosive blast shield has two connected parts, a foraminous inner shield surrounded by an impervious outer shield. The inner shield has an open lower end to absorb an explosive blast of water and gas, as from an underwater explosion. The inner shield, whose area is about 20% holes, blocks most liquid from entering the space between the two shields, but gas passes readily through the holes to equalize the pressure across the inner shield. The shield may include a chimney at the upper end for release of gas and a hold-down to prevent the shield from being blown upward.

Abstract: A barge strike system for clearing an obstacle-filled region of water inces a floating barge having at least one hollow region defined therein. The barge is equipped to move under its own power to the obstacle-filled region at various speeds, including speeds in excess of minimum planing speed. Explosive material is contained in the barge's hollow region(s). A plurality of detonators are coupled to a top surface of the explosive material and are initiated to generate a coalesced planar wave downward through the explosive material.

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: A method of limiting an environmental disturbance caused by exploding explosive material, comprising spraying liquid to generate a liquid dispersion about the explosive material to be exploded and detonating the explosive material so that it explodes in the dispersion. The invention also relates to an installation for limiting the environmental disturbance of an explosion.

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: A land-mine search-and-removal device mounted on a vehicle, especially a military tank. A framework (1) can be attached to the front of the vehicle (KP) by a coupling (2 & 2.1). Several sensors (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, & 3.

Abstract: A filler combined with a quick-setting adhesive such as a cyanoacrylate asive, or an anaerobic adhesive forms an adhesive composite having high compressive strength suitable for immobilizing a mechanical fuze.

Abstract: A device for detecting and neutralizing an explosive device concealed in cargo by directing a plurality of energies or fields including electromagnetic, electrostatic, magnetic, or acoustic toward the cargo thereby externally inducing detonation. A blast containment enclosure is used to protect surroundings by containment and redirection of a resulting explosion. A method for the detection and neutralization of explosive devices is also provided.

Abstract: An armed-state detector for the testing of "live" antitank mines is discld. The invention allows a user to determine, from a safe distance, if a mine is in an "active" state. A pole mounted sensor array is placed over the mine to sample the weak repetitive magnetic field that emanates from "active" mines. A hand-held, battery powered, detector box provides an audible or visual indication of whether or not the mine is "active". In addition to indicating that the mine is "active", the armed-state detector allows the user to determine the angular orientation of the magnetometer common to all antitank mines. The detector also provides a means whereby limited diagnostics can be performed on an unexploded mine. With the armed-state detector the user can determine if the fuze of an unexploded mine has been "killed" outright, or has merely failed to respond to the test stimulus.

Abstract: A device for firing a projectile for de-arming purposes, comprises a barrel for housing a projectile and an explosive charge. A sleeve surrounds the barrel, so as to define an annular chamber accommodating solid or liquid recoil absorbing material. Radial ports interconnect the barrel and the annular chamber so that when the projectile is fired the annular chamber is pressurized and the recoil absorbing material is expelled rearwardly from the chamber, so as to counteract recoil.

Abstract: A projectile substance is pneumatically propelled. The projectile substance is inserted into a longitudinal bore (23) of a barrel (22) and a rupture disk (54) is attached to a first end of the barrel (22). Next, the first end of the barrel is coupled to a first end of a pneumatic reservoir (26) having a chamber (27) therein. The rupture disk (54), as attached, acts to form a seal between the longitudinal bore (23) and the chamber (27). Then, a gas is introduced into the chamber (27) until a sufficient pressure is attained within the chamber (27) to rupture the disk (54). When the disk (54) ruptures, the gas in the chamber (27) rushes into the longitudinal (23) bore with sufficient force to propel the projectile substance out of the barrel (22).

Abstract: An acoustic/shock wave attenuating assembly comprised of porous screens forms an enclosure filled with a suitable pressure wave attenuating medium or material having fluid characteristics. This basic configuration can be suspended or held in place by a rigid structure. When the pressure attenuating medium is a liquid, the attenuating assembly is provided with a lining for containment. Multiple attenuating assemblies can be employed, with adjacent attenuating assemblies separated by a small gap. The pressure attenuating medium may be a liquid, a gas emulsion, an aqueous foam, or a gel (with or without entrained gas). Alternatively, solid particulates having bulk mechanical properties of a fluid may be employed as the pressure wave attenuating medium and may have an adhesive or the like resisting relative movement between particulates to simulate viscous effects.

Abstract: An explosive and lightweight container comprising fire-extinguishing and rgy absorbing components. The fire-extinguishing component include an exterior vented plate; a honeycomb element filled with a fire-extinguishing agent; and separated from the vented plate by a membrane to prevent leakage and contamination. The energy absorbing component includes an energy absorbing material; pusher plate; and a honeycomb crush element. In operation, any blast and conflagration are mitigated by energy absorbing material and fire-extinguishing material, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disarming a pipe bomb wherein one of the end caps of the pipe bomb is knocked off with a sudden blow, such that the pipe bomb will be spun around somewhat in circles and the powder and/or contents employed in the bomb will be thrown out without detonation. The apparatus employs an explosively driven piston, acting like a hammer, with the explosive driving the piston, being detonated using a time delay fuse.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely disassembling a failed high explosive ype mine. The apparatus is mounted on a mobile chassis and has a remote operator shelter for control of the apparatus. The apparatus has a stripper assembly to remove appendages from the body of the mine. A chuck assembly moves the stripped body of the mine to a cutter assembly and rotates the body of the mine so that the electronics assembly is severed from the body of the mine. A puller assembly extracts the safe and arming device from the high explosive filler in the body of the mine. In an alternate embodiment, a rammer assembly has a pressing cylinder to push the electronics assembly and the safe and arming device from the center of the body of the mine as the outer portion of the body of the mine is firmly retained on the frame of the rammer assembly. Video cameras on the apparatus are provided to permit remote control of the disassembly.

Abstract: A survivability enhancement system includes first separable fastener structure fixed on the surface of the vehicle or system whose survivability is to be enhanced, and an array of armor tiles. The armor tiles provide a composite supplementary layer of armor that maintains attachment at effective levels even as armor tiles are subjected to large shear forces (for example, upon ballistic impact and shattering of an adjacent tile) and that has effective force dissipation characteristics. Each armor tile has opposed surfaces with second separable fastener structure complementary to the first separable fastener structure secured to one of its surfaces, one of the separable fastener structures having a multiplicity of projecting hooking elements and the cooperating fastener structure having complementary structure that is releasably interengageable with the hooking elements.

Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting penetration and mass transfer at a penetrable situs, comprising: (a) a penetration member constructed and arranged for movement between (i) a first position disengaged from the penetrable situs, and (ii) a second position engaged with the penetrable situs to form a penetration opening in the penetrable situs communicating with an interior region thereof; (b) a motive driver for selectively moving the penetration member between the first position and second position; and (c) a mass transfer assembly (i) selectively engageable with the penetration opening in the penetrable situs, after formation thereof by the penetration member in the second position and subsequent movement of the penetration member by the motive driver to the first position, and (ii) constructed and arranged to effect mass transfer through the penetration opening between the interior region of the penetrable situs and a locus exterior to the penetrable situs, when the mass transfer assembly is engaged with the penet

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the inspection of air cargo including passenger luggage for pressure sensitive bombs. In accordance with the method, the air cargo is placed in a pressure vessel, which is then pressure cycled between a super-ambient pressure and a sub-ambient pressure duplicating the pressure at a substantial altitude. Cycling in this manner will trigger pressure sensitive switches set to set off, or initiate a timing device to set off, a terrorist bomb. The apparatus includes a pressure vessel with large blowout ports for venting the same to the atmosphere upon an extraordinary pressure rise indicative of the detonation of an explosive charge within the chamber. Also preferably located within the chamber are sensors, typically electromagnetic noise sensors, for sensing electromagnetic radiation characteristic of a switch closure turning on current to a bomb timing device.

Abstract: A cover for use with a container (1) comprises one or more layers (11, 12, 15) of high tensile strength, high stretch resistance flexible material which are capable of resisting penetration by bomb blast and fragmentation and which are adapted so that the cover can expand and absorb and/or channel the blast from within the container (1). For this purpose, the layers of flexible material are interconnected by hook-and-eye type fabric fasteners, which can give or release under load to allow controlled expansion of the cover in the event of an explosion. The container may be the type used to carry cargo or luggage on an aircraft and placing the cover (11, 12, 15) about the container a bomb secreted in the luggage or cargo will be prevented from destroying the aircraft.

Abstract: An acoustic/shock wave attenuating assembly comprised of porous screens forms an enclosure filled with a suitable pressure wave attenuating medium or material having fluid characteristics. This basic configuration can be suspended or held in place by a rigid structure. When the pressure attenuating medium is a liquid, the attenuating assembly is provided with a lining for containment. Multiple attenuating assemblies can be employed, with adjacent attenuating assemblies separated by a small gap. The pressure attenuating medium may be a liquid, a gas emulsion, an aqueous foam, or a gel (with or without entrained gas). Alternatively, solid particulates having bulk mechanical properties of a fluid may be employed as the pressure wave attenuating medium and may have an adhesive or the like resisting relative movement between particulates to simulate viscous effects.

Abstract: An apparatus is arranged to permit remote detonation of bombs and testing of such devices to include a tripod structure rotatably mounting a barrel assembly at its lower distal end utilizing remote actuating switching to permit remote detonation of an explosive device or device to be so tested by projecting a trajectory at the device to be tested.

Abstract: A system and process for neutralizing unexploded ordinances and clearing explosive infested areas such that maneuvers can be both readily and confidently continued without significant delay is disclosed. The system clears such unexploded ordnances infested areas by initially spraying the explosive infested area with a cryogenic liquid to neutralize the unexploded ordinances and reduce an output voltage of a detonator of the unexploded ordinances thereby rendering the unexploded ordinances inert, gathering the now unexploded ordinances and submerging the inert unexploded ordinances in a tank containing the same or similar cryogenic liquid so that the unexploded ordinances are maintained in a neutralized and inert state to allow for disposal.

Abstract: A water cannon assembly is described which includes a stand used to support and air a water cannon, and a replaceable cartridge which may be placed in the cannon. When the cartridge is set off, the cannon shoots out a concentrated liquid jet which may be used to disable the detonator of an explosive device, such as a bomb. The stand may have a base suitable for a hard flat surface, or it may include a spike for positioning the cannon on soft ground.

Abstract: A water cannon assembly is described which includes a stand used to support and aim a water cannon, and a replaceable cartridge which may be placed in the cannon. When the cartridge is set off, the cannon shoots out a concentrated liquid jet which may be used to disable the detonator of an explosive device, such as a bomb. The stand may have a base suitable for a hard flat surface, or it may include a spike for positioning the cannon on soft ground.

Abstract: A safety enclosure providing quick and easy access to the processing area comprising a counter-weighted movable open ended cylinder capable of being raised and lowered and in this lowered position can be securely affixed by swing away clamps to a flanged pressure vessel head containing processing equipment for pyrotechnic materials whereby detonation of materials in the enclosure during processing contains and directs the blast upward through the blast venting protecting the workers and equipment external to said safety enclosure.

Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.

Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detetion of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.

Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.

Abstract: A device is provided which affords protection against explosive charges, which is foldable and portable, and which can be used in a planar configuration or folded to provide a protective rim around an inner area. The device is capable of absorbing part of the fragments and shock-waves of an exploding charge.

Abstract: Method for reducing the peak overpressure of an explosion by disposing in the path of the explosion a barrier of an aqueous foam containing dispersion particulates predominately smaller than 200 mesh.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a Pyronol torch and holder device for provid quick and efficient attachment of the torch to a barrier target (flat, curved, or irregular shape) that is made of steel or magnetic steel alloys. The device provides for attachment to the target and for holding a cutting torch containing pyrotechnic material at a predetermined standoff distance from the surface of the target for proper operation of the torch and for permitting escape of products of combustion to minimize liftoff forces on the holding device tending to lift it from the target to which it is attached.

Abstract: .[.A method and apparatus for enclosing, controlling and suppressing the detonation of explosives in an explosion chamber is disclosed. The device comprises an elongate double-walled steel explosion chamber anchored to a concrete foundation, and having a double-walled access door for charging new workpieces, and a double-walled vent door for discharging the products of the explosion. The double walls of the chamber, access door and vent door are filled with granular shock damping material such as silica sand, and the floor of the chamber is covered with granular shock-damping bed such as pea gravel. Along the outside of the chamber are steel manifolds from which a linear array of vent pipes penetrates the double walls of the chamber, with each pipe terminating in a hardened steel orifice through which the explosion combustion products pass. Within the chamber, plastic polymer film bags containing water are suspended from steel wires over the explosive material, and at each end of the chamber..]. .Iadd.