Patent ID: 6055871
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: B26D,F02K,F05D,G01N,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A machine for cutting a cylindrical specimen of a propellant from a rocket motor wherein an undetached plug is formed by an annular opening cut through a casing of said rocket motor and into said propellant, said machine comprising:a rod positioned on a machine axis which extends into said annular opening;a resilient wire having first and second ends, the first and second ends of said resilient wire being secured to said rod to form a loop, said loop being disposed in a plane normal to said machine axis;an air motor coupled to said rod;said rod being inserted into said annular opening at one side of said undetached plug, said loop being positioned around said undetached plug;said air motor rotating said rod in a first direction to wind said wire onto said rod which contracts said loop severing said cylindrical specimen from said propellant; anda tray pivotally mounted on said rod, said tray being adapted for movement with said rod along said machine axis;said tray being inserted into said annular opening adjacent to said cylindrical specimen to receive said cylindrical specimen for movement away from said propellant when said cylindrical specimen is severed from said propellant.