Abstract: Method and device for steering a convoy (1) having a follower vehicle (2) to be protected and a weight-based decoy system (4), this method and these device being relative to the following steps: steering a controller of yaw-wise direction of the weight-based decoy system (4) depending on a route to follow, the weight-based decoy system (4) defining a safe track that is made so by passage of at least one axle-and-wheels assembly (5) suitable for exerting pressure on the ground; steering the follower vehicle (2) so that its wheels follow a path that falls on the safe track defined by the weight-based decoy system (4).

Abstract: In some embodiments, a firearm action mechanism comprises a bolt assembly, a counterweight and a connector engaged with the bolt assembly and with the counterweight. The bolt assembly is arranged to move along a first axis. The counterweight is arranged to move along a second axis. A direction of movement of the bolt assembly is different from a direction of movement of the counterweight. In some embodiments, the movement of the counterweight is opposite the movement of the bolt assembly. In some embodiments, the connector comprises a roller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for aerially detecting and identifying explosives on the ground, and more specifically systems and methods for detecting and identifying landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) on the surface.

Abstract: A method for autonomous in-flight transfer of a load from a first Aerial Vehicle, AV, to a second AV is provided. Each of the first AV and the second AV includes a frame with a vertical opening for receiving the load. A plurality of rotors are attached to the frame. The method comprising autonomously performing the following in-flight: fastening means of the first AV hold the load in the vertical opening of the first AV such that a bottom end of the load is accessible by the second AV; the second AV approaches the first AV from below in order to couple a fastening means of the second AV to the bottom end of the load; the fastening means of the first AV releases the load after the fastening means of the second AV couples to the bottom end of the load; and the fastening means of the second AV lower the load with respect to the frame of the second AV in order to move the load into a flight position.

Abstract: A management system includes a position detection unit which obtains a position of a work machine, a posture detection unit which obtains a posture of the work machine, an object detection unit which obtains a three-dimensional shape of a buried object, a position calculation unit which obtains a position of the buried object by using the position of the work machine obtained by the position detection unit, the posture of the work machine obtained by the posture detection unit, and the three-dimensional shape of the buried object obtained by the object detection unit, and an information acquisition unit which acquires buried object information including at least the position of the buried object obtained by the position calculation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for attaching a device to an object, comprising: an attachment device for attaching the device to an object, the attachment device having a trigger for triggering activation of the attachment device; a releasable coupling device for releasably coupling the attachment device to a deployment system. The releasable coupling device comprising: a housing; a trigger system, configured to trigger the attachment device trigger; and a retaining system, configured to releasably retain the attachment device. The releasable coupling device is configured such that: in a first configuration, the trigger system is in a disarmed state; in a second configuration, the trigger system is in an armed state, such that movement of the attachment device relative to the housing of the releasable coupling device activates the trigger of the attachment device; and in a third configuration, the retaining system releases the attachment device.

Abstract: A management system includes a position detection unit which obtains a position of a work machine, a posture detection unit which obtains a posture of the work machine, an object detection unit which obtains a three-dimensional shape of a buried object, a position calculation unit which obtains a position of the buried object by using the position of the work machine obtained by the position detection unit, the posture of the work machine obtained by the posture detection unit, and the three-dimensional shape of the buried object obtained by the object detection unit, and an information acquisition unit which acquires buried object information including at least the position of the buried object obtained by the position calculation unit.

Abstract: A transducer assembly configured to convert a pyrotechnic initiation to an electrical signal may comprise a magnet, a hollow tube, and a conductive element. The hollow tube may be wrapped around the magnet in the shape of a coil. The hollow tube may be at least partially filled with a thermite. The conductive element may be coupled to an outlet of the hollow tube. The conductive element may seal the outlet of the hollow tube.

Abstract: A vehicle for detecting and neutralizing an incendiary object comprises a detecting device configured to mount at fore-end of the vehicle is disclosed. The detecting device comprises: one or more platforms configured to be mounted at the fore end of the vehicle. The one or more platforms are located proximal to the ground surface such that they hover over the ground surface at a predetermined distance. A plurality of sensors wherein each of the plurality of sensors mounted on the at least one of the one or more platforms for capturing information related to the incendiary object. A neutralizing device interfaced with the detecting device, wherein the neutralizing device comprises: a neutralizing arm member which actuates in one or more directions for handling and neutralizing the incendiary object based on the information related to the incendiary object. An annihilator device equipped with the neutralizing device to annihilate the incendiary object.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that includes an electric power source that powers a Marx generator that is electrically coupled to a cathode emitter that is configured to discharge electrical potential into the earth. The apparatus also includes a load resistor that is coupled between the output of the Marx generator and either a relative ground or the input to the Marx generator.

Abstract: A wireless remote control assembly which includes a wireless remote control in communication with an aerial vehicle. A radiometric camera can be mounted to the aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle can have a radiometric camera processor. A display can be in communication with an aerial vehicle processor. A remote control data storage can be in communication with a remote control processor. A power supply can be in further communication with the aerial vehicle processor. Computer instructions located in the remote control data storage can capture data from the remote control processor to the radiometric camera for a target. Furthermore, computer instructions in the remote control data storage can instruct the radiometric camera processor to perform aerial thermography to view different wavelengths simultaneously.

Abstract: A landmine-neutralization system has a vehicle including a water supply tank and an electrical power supply and an electro-discharge apparatus. The electro-discharge apparatus includes one or more electro-discharge nozzles each having a discharge chamber that has an inlet for receiving water from the water supply tank and an outlet, a first electrode extending into the discharge chamber and being electrically connected to one or more high-voltage capacitors that are connected to, and chargeable by, the electrical power supply, a second electrode proximate to the first electrode to define a gap between the first and second electrodes and a switch to cause the one or more capacitors to discharge across the gap between the electrodes to create a plasma bubble which expands to form a shockwave that escapes through one or more exit orifices of the one or more nozzles ahead of the plasma bubble to thereby neutralize a landmine.

Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus includes a transducer array and a controller that is operable to cause the transducer array to generate a signal having a frequency, and to direct the signal toward an object having a resonant frequency that is approximately equal to the frequency of the signal. For example, an embodiment of a mine-hunting-and-neutralizing apparatus may generate an acoustic wave with a transducer array, and may disable or destroy a mine by directing the wave toward the mine. The apparatus generates the acoustic wave having a frequency that is approximately equal to the natural frequency of a component of the mine such that the wave causes the component to resonate in a manner that is sufficient to disable the mine from detonating, or that is sufficient to cause the mine to detonate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that includes an electric power source that powers a Marx generator that is electrically coupled to a cathode emitter that is configured to discharge electrical potential into the earth. The apparatus also includes a load resistor that is coupled between the output of the Marx generator and either a relative ground or the input to the Marx generator.

Abstract: A base station for automated battery pack or payload exchange and methods for using the same. The base station provides a landing surface for receiving a mobile platform and includes a manipulator controlled by a manipulator compartment for accessing resource storage. The base station is operable to ascertain a location of the mobile platform on the landing surface and move the manipulator to the mobile platform. Thereby, the base station system advantageously accommodates low-accuracy landing of the mobile platform and further enables extended and autonomous operation of the mobile platform without the need for user intervention for exchanging battery packs and payloads.

Abstract: A mine neutralizing device that includes a buoy. The buoy includes a mine neutralizing device capable of swimming to an undersea mine to neutralize it. A method for neutralizing undersea mines includes locating an undersea mine, placing a buoy containing a mine neutralizer near the mine, and swimming the mine neutralizer to the undersea mine.

Abstract: A roller assembly for applying force to the ground is disclosed. The assembly includes a body adapted to be mounted to a vehicle for moving the assembly, and supports including a first support member supporting a plurality of rollers for applying force to the ground, and a respective piston connected to each roller, the rollers connected via a respective pressure chamber to the corresponding first support member to resist movement of the pistons towards the first support member. The first support member pivotably connected to the body via a first axis such that pivoting movement of the first support member about the first axis as a result of a first torque about an axis has a component about an axis transverse to the direction of travel such that engagement of the rollers with the ground causes a second torque on the first support member opposing the first torque.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for neutralizing explosive devices that includes an electrical power supply that provides an electrical potential sufficient to neutralize an explosive device, a cathode emitter and an anode emitter, and a vehicle that moves the cathode and anode emitters along the earth in close proximity to the earth, wherein the cathode and anode emitters are arranged parallel and spaced apart from each other. A method for using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for clearing weapons that have been sunk in waterways using a weapon clearance appliance. The weapon clearance appliance comprises means for detachable connection to an unmanned underwater vehicle, so that the underwater vehicle is a safe distance away when the weapon is detonated. The volume of the weapon clearance appliance is chosen such that the buoyancy force which acts on the weapon clearance appliance under water compensates for the force of gravity acting on the weapon clearance appliance. Therefore, the weapon clearance appliance has neutral buoyancy, as a result of which, after the weapon clearance appliance has been released from the underwater vehicle, there is no need to retrim the underwater vehicle. Therefore, there is no need for trimming devices on the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: An relatively small anti-personnel mine device having a housing about 2 to about 3 inches in diameter, by about 2 to about 4 inches in length, which device projects a dispersion pattern of ? to ? inch diameter hard fragments over at least a 3 to 4 inch radius circle to neutralize a typical, buried, anti-personnel mine. The device contains about 125 to 190 grams of plastic explosive, which when detonated impacts a gas push plate against which an array of the fragments are lodged—the gas push plate and the fragments being encased in a puck shaped matrix of plastic or resin. The effect of the device is such that in addition to neutralizing the mine, the overburden atop the buried mine is expelled exposing the mine, providing enhanced safety in removal and a warning if the mine is daisy-chained to other mines.

Abstract: A steerable mine detonation apparatus is adapted to be pushed by a steered vehicle. The apparatus comprises a frame and at least two spaced apart ground engaging members adapted to support the apparatus and adapted to exert a force on mines in the apparatus' path sufficient to cause detonation thereof. At least one ground engaging member is steerable, and at least one steerable ground engaging member is attached to the frame so as to pivot with respect thereto about a substantially vertical axis and is connected to a steering linkage, the apparatus further comprising a steering mechanism operatively connected to the steering linkage and, in use, to the pushing vehicle. An actuator is adapted to vary the configuration of the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A ground pressure detonation device includes a housing, a foot coupled to the housing, and an oscillation subsystem associated with the housing configured to oscillate the housing such that the foot impacts the ground with sufficient oscillating force to ensure detonation of one or more pressure sensitive explosive devices in and/or on the ground.

Abstract: A mine clearing system and method remotely deploys line hose from a remotely controlled two-wheeled vehicle. The wheels are connected together via a central hub shaft. Individual battery operated hub motors on each wheel communicate to a central controller inside the hub shaft. The power source for the motors is contained within the hub shaft, with battery recharge ports located on the hub shaft. The line hose is wrapped around the central hub shaft. An operator uses a remote control console in communication with the central controller to independently control each wheel of the vehicle. A camera can hang from a hub shaft bearing on the outside of one wheel so as to be gravitationally stabilized during vehicle movement. The camera can broadcast signals to a display at the remote control console. Explosive slurry is pumped into the line hose and detonated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for clearing weapons that have been sunk in waterways using a weapon clearance appliance. The weapon clearance appliance comprises means for detachable connection to an unmanned underwater vehicle, so that the underwater vehicle is a safe distance away when the weapon is detonated. The volume of the weapon clearance appliance is chosen such that the buoyancy force which acts on the weapon clearance appliance under water compensates for the force of gravity acting on the weapon clearance appliance. Therefore, the weapon clearance appliance has neutral buoyancy, as a result of which, after the weapon clearance appliance has been released from the underwater vehicle, there is no need to retrim the underwater vehicle. Therefore, there is no need for trimming devices on the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: An excavation system employing a high-pressure pulsed air jet that may optionally be used in combination with a low-pressure high velocity blower for excavating improvised explosive devices or other buried objects. The excavation system may also be employed to operate a pneumatic tool such as a cut-off tool or a chisel. The high velocity blower may incorporate a bifurcated fan duct having two air outlets. The system may include a pressure control module for regulating the from a high-pressure air source to an evacuation valve. The evacuation valve employs first and second valves where the second valve controls the operation of the first valve.

Abstract: A remote jettison system is provided to disconnect a mine roller from a tactical vehicle. The system enables personnel conducting mine roller operations to disengage the vehicle from the mine roller without leaving the vehicle. The remote jettison system has two assemblies: A mine roller assembly and a tactical vehicle assembly. The mine roller assembly, which is connected to the mine roller, can be remotely disconnected from the tactical vehicle assembly, which is mounted on the vehicle. The system utilizes one mechanized latch to release the mine roller assembly from the tactical vehicle assembly, allowing the force of gravity to cause them to separate.

Abstract: The subject munitions deployment platform for an Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System munitions set provides prepositioned compartments to receive the ALICE packs of the munitions set to ensure that they are positioned and aligned for proper deployment. The pre-positioned compartments ensure that when the APOBS is deployed, the front edge of the rear ALICE pack properly engages the rear edge of the front ALICE pack providing a fulcrum aiding rotation of the rear pack allowing it to clear the engaging elements to lift the rear pack off the platform and into the air where it further functions as a drogue to assist in extending the charge line over the chosen target line. Combining the subject platform with a vehicle, or with a towed wagon, allows a Soldier to remain in a safe location while remotely positioning the munitions set to clear a minefield or other anti-personnel obstacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for detonating a buried explosive device by discharging an electric discharge with at least five joules of energy to detonate the buried explosive device.

Abstract: Systems are described herein for remotely aligning and placing disruptive devices at or near suspicious targets such as suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In particular, tools connected to remotely controllable robots include disruptor guns for firing disruptive materials at the targets and disruptive devices filled with explosive materials, e.g., water, for controllably detonating or disrupting the detonation of the targets when placed in close proximity thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for detonating a buried explosive device by discharging an electric discharge with at least five joules of energy to detonate the buried explosive device.

Abstract: A set for and method of positioning and aligning a disruptor for the deactivation of a target and including a firing axis, a firing direction in terms of position and orientation relative to the target. The method including disposing a laser, adapted to emit beams along an aiming line, at a distance from the target such that the aiming line of the laser is coaxial with the firing direction. The disruptor is interposed between the laser and the target and positioned and oriented to make the firing axis thereof coaxial with the aiming line, by means of a flat mirror mounted at the rear of the disruptor and disposed perpendicularly to the axis of the disruptor. The mirror reflects a beam to the laser that is coaxial with the aiming line and emitted by the laser onto a mark on the mirror and centered on the firing axis.

Abstract: A method for generating a time-out signal for an unexploded munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration upon impact of the munition; and initiating detonation time-out circuitry to disable detonation of the munition after a predetermined time.

Abstract: Provided is a mine detector detachably attached to the combat boot, which includes a main body detachably attached to the combat boot, and provided with a power supply, a signal transmitting part and a signal receiving part, and a detection part detachably attached to the combat boot, and provided with an antenna connected to the main body.

Abstract: A method of neutralising ground ordnance, the method comprising: providing a missile device (10) comprising a longitudinally extending body (12) defining a fore and an aft region and a casing (18) which houses an explosive material; penetrating the ground with the missile device in the vicinity of the ground ordnance; and initiating the explosive material. The explosive material is such that initiation of the explosive material avoids sympathetic initiation of the ground ordnance.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a weapon clearance device for clearing weapons by detonating the weapon, a combined weapon clearance device comprising the weapon clearance device and an unmanned underwater vehicle, and a method associated therewith for clearing weapons. The weapon clearance device comprises a retaining device for fixing the weapon clearance device to the weapon or in the surrounding area of the weapon. The weapon clearance device is a driveless attachment for the unmanned underwater vehicle comprising a means for the releasable connection to the unmanned underwater vehicle. The mass of the weapon clearance device under water is invariably less or greater than the mass of the water displaced by the weapon clearance device under water. The weapon clearance device is thus not neutral in terms of buoyancy, which provides advantages when clearing sunk ground mines as well as floating mines by approaching the mine from above and/or from below.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weapon clearance appliance for clearing weapons, such as underwater mines or munitions which have been sunk in waterways, under water by detonation of the weapon. In this case, the weapon clearance appliance is provided with means for detachable connection to an unmanned underwater vehicle, so that the underwater vehicle is a safe distance away when the weapon is detonated. In order to allow the use of conventional small underwater vehicles, the volume of the weapon clearance appliance is chosen such that the buoyancy force which acts on the weapon clearance appliance under water compensates for the force of gravity acting on the weapon clearance appliance. Therefore, the weapon clearance appliance has neutral buoyancy, as a result of which, after the weapon clearance appliance has been released from the underwater vehicle, there is no need to retrim the underwater vehicle. There is therefore no need for trimming devices on the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: An excavation system employing a high-pressure pulsed air jet in combination with a low-pressure high velocity blower for excavating improvised explosive devices or other buried objects. The excavation system may also be employed to operate a pneumatic tool such as a cut-off tool or a chisel. The high velocity blower may incorporate a bifurcated fan duct having two air outlets. The system may include a pressure control module for regulating the from a high-pressure air source to an evacuation valve. The evacuation valve employs first and second valves where the second valve controls the operation of the first valve.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching, a configured bullet choice of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case having a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and a piston sleeve having a cavity to receive the configured bullet choice, the primary case coupled to the piston sleeve. The cartridge having a retracted pre-firing state and an expanded fired state whereby the piston sleeve and primary case telescope apart forcing, the firearm's slide or bolt to the rear, a mechanical operation opposed to a conventional cartridge with gas blow back operations.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid delivery system and method that can be used to interrogate objects, such as the interrogation and detonation of IEDs. The system and method entail pressurizing a liquid within a vessel with a compressed gas source so that the liquid within the vessel is at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The pressurized liquid, the compressed gas, or a mixture thereof is then selectively delivered to an outlet, and then discharged from the outlet to physically interrogate the object.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid delivery system and method that can be used to interrogate objects, such as the interrogation and detonation of IEDs. The system and method entail pressurizing a liquid within a vessel with a compressed gas source so that the liquid within the vessel is at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The pressurized liquid, the compressed gas, or a mixture thereof is then selectively delivered to an outlet, and then discharged from the outlet to physically interrogate the object.

Abstract: An excavation system employing a high-pressure pulsed air jet in combination with a low-pressure high velocity blower for excavating improvised explosive devices or other buried objects. The excavation system may also be employed to operate a pneumatic tool such as a cut-off tool or a chisel. The high velocity blower may incorporate a bifurcated fan duct having two air outlets. The system may include a pressure control module for regulating the from a high-pressure air source to an evacuation valve. The evacuation valve employs first and second valves where the second valve controls the operation of the first valve.

Abstract: A roller system including a frame, a plurality of arm assemblies configured to apply a force to a surface, each arm assembly including an arm pivotably connected to the frame and a roller assembly pivotably connected to the arm and having a plurality of rollers configured to engage with the surface, and a pressure distribution system configured to adjust the force applied to the surface by at least one of the plurality of arm assemblies.

Abstract: Techniques for determining whether a cellular device is suspect, i.e., perhaps serving as an activator for a device such as a bomb. One way of doing this with cellular telephones that are in the idle state is to use a baiting beacon to bait and automatically call all the cellular telephones in an area that are in the idle state. If the call to a given cellular telephone is not answered by a human voice, the cellular telephone is suspect. Another way of doing this with cellular telephones that are in the traffic state is to use surgical analysis to examine the DTX pattern for the telephone. If it indicates persistent silence, the cellular telephone is suspect. The surgical analysis may also be used to trace the DTX pattern back to another telephone that is controlling the suspect cellular device.

Abstract: A steerable mine detonation apparatus is adapted to be pushed by a steered vehicle. The apparatus comprises a frame and at least two spaced apart ground engaging members adapted to support the apparatus and adapted to exert a force on mines in the apparatus' path of sufficient to cause detonation thereof. At least one ground engaging member is steerable, and at least one steerable ground engaging member is attached to the frame so as to pivot with respect thereto about a substantially vertical axis and is connected to a steering linkage, the apparatus further comprising a steering mechanism operatively connected to the steering linkage and, in use, to the pushing vehicle. An actuator adapted to vary the configuration of the steering mechanism.

Abstract: Provided is a mine detector detachably attached to the combat boot, which includes a main body detachably attached to the combat boot, and provided with a power supply, a signal transmitting part and a signal receiving part, and a detection part detachably attached to the combat boot, and provided with an antenna connected to the main body.

Abstract: A mine clearing system and method remotely deploys line charge from a remotely controlled two-wheeled vehicle. The wheels are connected together via a central hub shaft. Individual battery operated hub motors on each wheel communicate with a central controller and receiver mounted inside the hub shaft. The power source for the motors is contained within the hub shaft, with a battery recharge port located on the hub shaft. The line charge is wrapped around the central hub shaft. An operator uses a remote control console in communication with the receiver and central controller in the hub shaft to independently control each wheel of the vehicle. A camera can hang from a hub shaft bearing on the outside of one wheel so as to be gravitationally stabilized during vehicle movement. The camera can broadcast signals to a display at the remote control console.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for discharging electrical potential into the earth to disable or destroy electronics and/or explosive devices. The disclosed system includes an electrical power supply providing a pulsed electrical potential exceeding 30,000 volts with at least 30 Joules of energy in each pulse. The system includes a cathode emitter and an anode emitter configured to be moved along the earth in close proximity to the earth. The electrical potential is discharged into the earth through the cathode emitter and/or the anode emitter.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for discharging electrical potential into the earth to disable or destroy electronics and/or explosive devices. The disclosed system includes an electrical power supply providing a pulsed electrical potential exceeding 30,000 volts with at least 30 Joules of energy in each pulse. The system includes a cathode emitter and an anode emitter configured to be moved along the earth in close proximity to the earth. The electrical potential is discharged into the earth through the cathode emitter and/or the anode emitter.

Abstract: A precision coaxial water jet disruption explosive device system that holds a blasting cap precisely to the surface of a cylindrically cut positioned plastic explosive that couples a detonation shock wave into water surrounding a hollow forming cavity. A pressure relief vent enables the water filled system to be assembled without deforming the thin walled hollow jet forming cavity, enabling forming repeatable supersonic jets on centerline axis. This system is positioned with two triangular pivot legs and aligned with two fan light beams or a line sight to define a projected jet route to deliver a water jet that can cut through over 1 inch of steel and disrupt target objects more than 9 feet away. This system is used to disable improvised explosive devices, and other dangerous objects, without detonating the targeted explosives and electronic devices such that the contents are destroyed without explosion sequences occurring.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a motor-driven unit for clearing mines from and securing a hazardous route. According to the present method, system and device, a marker apparatus for a secured route is a liquid material for marking on the ground, and comprising dispensing members for providing one axial marking and two side markings on either side of said axial marking, respectively, for said route.