Lane marker
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsWilliam R. Nevins, Neal M. Lundwall, Dale L. Walker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for marking safe areas in an explosive hazard environment such s a minefield. The marking apparatus is carried and deposited into a minefield with explosive cloud forming fuel. When the explosive cloud is set off, mines under the cloud are exploded by the overpressure which simultaneously activates a timer securing the apparatus lid. The lid is pushed away by the spring-like, coiled telescoping members which then fully extend beyond the apparatus housing. The tapered ends of each extended telescoping member bear an electroluminescent light stick for nighttime apparatus and location marking, and a member length flag for daytime marking.
Claims16
An apparatus for marking a safe zone in an explosive hazard area comprising:
- a housing having a substantially hollow upper compartment and an adjoining and substantially solid lower compartment containing a plurality of cavities opening into said upper compartment;
- a lid operatively secured to the upper compartment end of said housing;
- a plurality of means extending axially along and beyond the upper compartment end of said housing for securing said lid to said upper compartment;
- means affixed to the upper compartment--facing side of said lid for timed actuation of the release of said lid from said upper compartment;
- means movably affixed to and communicating through the side of said lid opposite that facing said upper compartment for sensing explosive overpressure and initiating said means for timed actuation of the release of said lid;
- means connected between said timed actuation means and securing means prior to lid release;
- and
- extensible means, disposed compressively within said cavities by said lid until release, for indicating the presence of said apparatus.
An apparatus deliverable by a carrier for marking a safe zone in an explosive hazard area, comprising:
- a housing having a substantially hollow upper compartment and an adjoining and substantially solid lower compartment containing a plurality of cavities opening into said upper compartment;
- a lid operatively secured to the upper compartment end of said housing;
- a plurality of means extending axially along and beyond the upper compartment end of said housing for securing said lid to said upper compartment;
- means affixed to the upper compartment--facing side of said lid for timed actuation of the release of said lid from said upper compartment;
- means movably affixed to and communicating through the side of said lid opposite that facing said upper compartment for sensing explosive overpressure and initiating said means for timed actuation of the release of said lid;
- and,
- a means for limiting the distance of travel between said apparatus and said carrier when said apparatus is deployed by said carrier.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.