US 5,511,482 A · Environmentally degradable munitions

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.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A munition device for release of an agent selected from the group consisting of an explosive compound, a chemical agent, and a biological agent, wherein the agent is released upon detonation, the device comprising:

(a) a container for housing the agent;
(b) a detonator;
and
(c) a biodegradable material comprising a biodegradable plastic, the material being integrated into at least one component of the device, wherein when the device is armed and located in an environment and the material is exposed to the environment, the material degrades over a predetermined period of time such that the component is substantially destroyed and the device is inoperative.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Environmentally degradable munitions

Life of this patent

Environmentally degradable munitions

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims7