Abstract:
Provided is an automated case cutting device that may be remotely controlled to rotate and cut an outer case of an object. It can be applied to the disassembly and disposal, testing, or inspection of munitions. In one application, the device cradles a generally cylindrical munition of a length much greater than its diameter on two rollers attached to a bed or plate comprising a support frame. One of the rollers is rotated by a transmission mechanism powered by an electrical motor, while the other roller may also be turned by the same transmission mechanism via a sprocket and chain set. The munition may be further held in place by one or a set of holding rollers attached to a frame hinged to the support frame, so that the holding roller(s) swing onto the top of the munition after the munition is placed on the cradling rollers. The holding roller(s) may also be turned via a second sprocket and chain set, driven off the same drive shaft as the first roller. This arrangement, together with end pads affixed between the support frame and each end of the munition, provides a secure fixture for holding the munition as it is rotated on the rollers. The rollers also have a covering that provides greater friction between the rollers and the munition, thus insuring a smooth rotation on the rollers. This covering can be applied to the roller to provide slots for fitting the device to any protuberances from the otherwise cylindrical case of the munition. A cutting fixture, attached to the side of the device&#39;s support frame, is moved inward toward the munition as it is turned in the fixture, cutting through the circumference of the munition&#39;s case in at least one location in one to two minutes. The whole procedure may be controlled remotely to insure safety of operating personnel. A method for disassembling the munition using the device is also disclosed.

Description:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a case cutting device. More particularly, the present invention is a cutting device for munitions. Most particularly, the cutting device remotely rotates and cuts munitions for disassembly. 
     2. Brief Description of the Related Art 
     Munitions handling is a tedious and hazardous endeavor. With current demilitarization, there has developed a need for disposing of munitions in an efficient way. However, handling and cutting munitions during disassembly generally require extended periods of time for personnel to perform the disassembly. Munitions generally possess three significant sections: the warhead and fuse, the control and guidance electronics, and the propellant. Disassembly and salvage of these munitions may require these sections to be separated. 
     In addition to demilitarization, munitions may be disassembled to discontinue weapon service due to aging, for training purposes, and/or for analysis. Several aging weapon systems are being placed out of service, including the Shillelagh anti-tank weapon system of 1960&#39;s vintage. Aging weapon systems may present problems of disassembly, as the components of the munitions may be slightly corrupted. Currently, hand tools are used to disassemble munitions, requiring on average approximately 15 to 30 minutes per missile. 
     Efficient devices and methods for the disassembly of munitions do not exist. There is a need in the art to provide a device and an improved method for disassembling munitions that allows the efficient and safe disassembly of the munitions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a device, with particular application to munition disassembly, comprising a case cutting first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame being fixed in a stationary position having the second frame member movably connected thereto sufficient to permit an open and closed position of the second frame member to the first frame member; a first and second horizontally level roller shafts, the first and second roller shafts rotationally attached to the first frame member and capable of a side-by-side configuration at a distance less than the width of the munition; at least a third roller shaft rotationally attached to the second frame member located above and optionally horizontally between the first and second roller shafts in the closed position, wherein the third roller shaft vertically secures the munition on top and between the first and second roller shafts; a plurality of roller coverings circumferentially attached to the first, second and third roller shafts and positioned in relation to each other capable of supporting and securing the munition on top of and between the first and second roller shafts, wherein the munition is capable of being rotated; a first end pad capable of engaging a first end of the munition and fixing the longitudinal positioning of the munition on the plurality of roller coverings, and a second end pad capable of engaging a second end of the munition and securing the munition in the fixed position; means for cutting the munition effective to sever sections of the munition; and, means for rotating the munition effective to circumferentially rotate the munition on top of and between the first and second roller shaft. 
     The present invention further comprises a method for cutting cases, with particular application to munition disassembly, comprising the steps of providing a case cutting device comprising a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame being fixed in a stationary position having the second frame member movably connected thereto sufficient to permit an open and closed position of the second frame member to the first frame member, a first and second horizontally level roller shafts, the first and second roller shafts rotationally attached to the first frame member and capable of a side-by-side configuration at a distance less than the width of the munition, at least a third roller shaft rotationally attached to the second frame member located above and optionally horizontally between the first and second roller shafts in the closed position, wherein the third roller shaft vertically secures the munition on top and between the first and second roller shafts, a plurality of roller coverings circumferentially attached to the first, second and third roller shafts and positioned in relation to each other capable of supporting and securing the munition on top of and between the first and second roller shafts, wherein the munition is capable of being rotated, a first end pad capable of engaging a first end of the munition and fixing the longitudinal positioning of the munition on the plurality of roller coverings, and a second end pad capable of engaging a second end of the munition and securing the munition in the fixed position, means for cutting the munition effective to sever sections of the munition, and, means for rotating the munition effective to circumferentially rotate the munition on top of and between the first and second roller shaft; placing munition on top and between the first and second roller shafts; securing the munition on top and between the first and second roller shafts with at least the third roller shaft; engaging the means for cutting with the munition; and, rotating the munition, wherein the munition is circumferentially rotated and severed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a prospective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a frame member in an open and closed position; 
     FIG. 1A is a side view of the end pads shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIGS. 2,  2 A and  2 B are side views of preferred cutting means for the present invention; and, 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic of a preferred embodiment of actuators, controls, connections, and the control panel of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the use of hydraulic and air motors in preferred alternatives. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention is a cutting device and method for the disassembly of munitions. The present invention provides for the safe, effective, and efficient cutting of the case of munitions, for destruction, training or analysis of the munitions. The device and method may be used in the disassembly of several sizes and weights of munitions. 
     FIG. 1 is a prospective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Typically, the case cutting device  10  may be used to separate the case of a fifty pound Shillelagh anti-tank weapon that is approximately six inches in diameter and four feet long. Additionally, the case cutting device  10  may be used to separate the case of significantly larger missiles, such as commercial propulsion systems that weigh several hundred tons. Different munitions have varying types of cases, ranging from a thin aluminum skin to a thick composite skin. Other munitions that may have their cases separated by the present invention include Sidewinder, HARM, Harpoon, 2.75″ rocket, and other like munitions. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the case cutting device  10  comprises a stationary first frame member  12  with a movable second frame member  22  attached thereto. The first  12  and second  22  frame members support, either directly or indirectly, functional component parts of the case cutting device  10 . The component parts include a first  14  and second  16  horizontally level roller shafts attached to the first frame member  12 . A third roller shaft  24 , preferably with a fourth roller shaft  26 , are attached to the second frame member  22 , and located, when in a closed position, above the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts. A plurality of roller coverings  20  are circumferentially attached to the roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 , and  26 . A first  30  and second  32  end pad are positioned on the first frame member  12  at opposite ends of the munition  33 . A means for cutting  40  the munition  33  mounted along each side of the munition  33 , and a means for rotating  50  the munition  33  is located at one of the ends on first frame member of the first frame member  12 . 
     As seen in FIG. 1, the first  12  and second  22  frame members provide support for the component parts of the case cutting device  10 , and allow the component parts to interact in a logical and precise manner. The first frame member  12  may be seen as “blocking” the munition, or containing the munition in a confined area, when seen in conjunction with the component parts of the case cutting device  10 . Although the first frame member  12  may be at any functional height, preferably the first frame member  12  raises the component parts of the case cutting device  10  to a convenient level for personnel to work on a munition  33  placed therein. A bed plate or table section  18  may be attached to the first frame member  12  as a structural part of the first frame member  12 , ensuring the geometry of the case cutting device  10 . The first frame member  12  may be of any structurally solid material, such as wood, aluminum, steel, structural plastics, and the like, that provides sufficient holding of the component parts in position. In addition to supporting the weight and size of the component parts, the first frame member  12  supports the munition  33  before, during and after placement within the first frame member  12 , in a manner facilitating the rotating and cutting of the munition  33 . Preferably the first frame member  12  comprises a composition of aluminum. 
     The first frame member  12  of the case cutting device  10  has the first roller shaft  14  and second roller shaft  16  rotationally attached thereto. The first roller shaft  14  and a second roller shaft  16  are horizontally level in relation to each other. The roller shafts  14 ,  16  may be longitudinally fixed, but are preferably laterally adjustable in relation to each other, being capable of side-by-side placement for placing munitions thereon. As either fixed or adjustable, the roller shafts  14 , 16  form a side-by-side configuration at a distance that is less than the width of the munition  33  to be rotated and cut. This allows the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts to cradle the munition  33  on top of and between the two roller shafts  14 ,  16 . The first  14  and second  16  roller shafts preferably are supported on vertical extensions  13  of the first frame member  12 . Preferably the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts are raised above the ground level for ease of loading the munition  33  thereon, preferable from about 15 inches to about 40 inches, more preferably from about 20 inches to about 35 inches, and most preferably from about 15 inches to about 20 inches above the ground or supporting table top (not separately shown). 
     The second frame member  22  is movably attached to the first frame member  12 , preferably in a hinge-like manner. Other types of movement non-exclusively include gear locking, sliding, clamping, and other like manners that permit the movement of the second frame member  22  in relation to the first frame member  12 . The second frame member  22  moves between an open  64  and closed  62  position or configuration. An open position  64  allows the loading of the munition onto the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts mounted on the first frame member  12 , or the unloading therefrom. A closed position  62  holds the munition  33  in position on the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts sufficiently to permit rotation and cutting of the munition  33 . 
     The third roller shaft  24  is rotationally fixed to the case cutting device  10 , and located above and optionally between the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts. The third roller shaft  24  is fixed to and supported by the second frame member  22  in a manner that permits the third roller shaft  24  to sufficiently move away from the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts when the second frame member  22  is moved to the open position  64 . The distance between the third roller shaft  24 , and the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts may primarily result from the movement of the second frame member  22  in relation to the first frame member  12 . The third roller shaft  24  is capable of some degree of vertical movement with respect to the first frame member  12 , allowing the third roller shaft  24  to be distanced from the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts in an open position  64  for loading a munition  33  onto the case cutting device  10 . After the munition  33  is loaded, the second frame member  22 , with the third roller shaft  24 , is lowered and placed on top of the munition  33  cradled on the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts. This vertically fixes and secures the munition  33  on top and between the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts and below the third roller shaft  24 . The case cutting device  10  may further comprises a fourth roller shaft  26 , and other additional roller shafts (not separately shown) that aid in securing the munition  33  in the case cutting device  10 . When the number of roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26  does not exceed three, the third roller shaft  24  is preferably placed on top of the munition  33  such that it is vertically above the mid-point between the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts. When the number of roller shafts is four, the third  24  and fourth  26  roller shafts are located above the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts, respectively, in order to fix and secure the munition  33  in a cradled position in the most effective manner. When more than four roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26  are present, the roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 , 26  are located about the munition  33  in a manner that best secures the munition  33  in a cradled position, with the location of the shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26  determinable by one skilled in the art. Preferably there are from three or more roller shafts, more preferably from four or more roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26 , and most preferably four roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26 . The roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 , and  26  may comprise any length that facilitates the cradling of a munition  33 , generally being of similar length to, or slightly shorter or longer than, the length of the munition  33  being disassembled. Preferably the length of the roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26  is from about two feet to about sixty feet, more preferably from about three feet to about twenty feet, still more preferably from about four feet to about ten feet, and most preferably from about four feet to about five feet. The diameter of the roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26  is determinable by those skilled in the art to functionally rotate the munition  33 , generally being about ½ the diameter of the munition  33  to be cut, and may be such diameter as from about 12 inch to about 30 inches, more preferably from about 1 inch to about 5 inches, and most preferably from about 2½ inches to about 3 inches. 
     A plurality of roller coverings  20  are circumferentially attached to the roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 , and  26 . These roller coverings  20  are used to cushion the munition  33 , when loaded within the first frame member  12 , and to frictionally engage with the munition  33  to rotate the munition  33 . Preferably, the plurality of roller coverings  20  are similarly distributed along the length of the different roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26 . The roller coverings  20  are positioned along the length of the roller shaft  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26  in relation to each other so that munition  33  is properly supported and secured while allowing areas of the munition  33 , when desired, to remain free of contact with the roller coverings  20  at gaps  21  between the roller coverings  20 . Munition  33  areas remaining free of contact with the roller coverings  20  may non-exclusively include cut areas, areas having external protrusions from the munition case, and other such like areas, with the determination of which areas remaining free of the roller coverings  20  being determinable by those skilled in the art. Although these gaps  21  generally exist between the roller coverings  20  on a given roller shaft  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26 , the roller coverings  20  may also comprise a continuous layer along any roller shaft  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26 , when desired. The roller coverings  20  may comprise any padding for this purpose that properly functions as a frictional area for contact with the munition  33  and that is usably placed on and along a rotating roller shaft. Preferably, the roller coverings  20  comprise a polymer composition, more preferably the polymer composition comprises polyurethane. The thickness of the roller coverings  20  preferably is from about ¼ inch to about 2 inches, more preferably from about ¼ inch to about ¼ inch, and most preferably from about ¼ inch to about ¾ inch. The diameter of the covered shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26  is from about ¾ inch to about 12 inches, more preferably from about 1½ inches to about 5 inches, and most preferably from about 2½ inches to about 3½ inches. Roller coverings  20  may be an integral part of the roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26  when the roller shaft  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26  provides a cushion support and frictional engagement of a munition  33 . Adapter rings may be used on the munition  33 . Adapter rings are hoops that are circumferentially attached to the munition  33  prior to loading the munition  33  onto the case cutting device  10 , and may be used in conjunction with roller coverings  20  to aid in frictional rotation of the munition  33 . Adapter rings may be used to increase the diameter of the munition  33  to a diameter that a particular case cutting device  10  was designed to operate. 
     As seen in FIGS. 1 and 1A, at the head of the munition  33 , when placed in the case cutting device  10 , a first end pad  30  is attached to the first frame member  12 . The first end pad  30  engages the top end of the munition  33 , thereby fixing at one end of munition disassembly device  10  the longitudinal positioning of the munition on the plurality of roller coverings  20 . A second end pad  32  that also is attached to the first frame member  12  engages the bottom end of the munition  33 , thereby securing the munition  33  in the fixed longitudinal position acquired by the first end pad  30 . The fixed longitudinal position precisely fixes the munition  33  relative to the cutting means  40 . The first  30  and second  32  end pads are connected to first frame member  12 , such as with threaded rods  31  that are longitudinally screwably adjustable and secured with locking nuts (not separately shown). As such, munitions  33  of various lengths may be accommodated by the case cutting device  10 . The first  30  and second  32  end pads are preferably capable of rotation with the rotational movement of the munition  33 , more preferably comprising rotation bearings (not separately shown) riding on the rods  30 . 
     As further seen in FIG.  1  and in greater detail in FIG. 2, the means for cutting  40  the munition  33  effective to cut or sever sections of the munition  33  may be attached to floating cutter support rods  48  which are positionally fixed along the sides of the first frame member  12 . The cutting means  40  may be adjustable for various types and sizes of munitions  33 . Preferably the means for cutting  40  includes a cutting blade  46  connected to a closing device  42 . More preferably, the closing device  42  is capable of adjusting the cutting blade  46  to various cutting depths on the munitions  33 , and most preferably the closing device has a depth sensitive cut capability, providing for a predetermined finite cutting depth. This minimizes damage to internal components of the munition  33  for later inspection and analysis. The closing device  42  may comprise a cylinder (not separately shown) and piston rod (not separately shown) for engaging or releasing the cutting blade  46  from a proximate position to the munition  33 . On the side opposite the cutting blade  46 , the closing device  42  may comprise a flat wheel  58 , or other similar device for bracing the munition  33  within the closing device  42 . The flat wheel  58  exerts enough horizontal resistance to the cutting blade  46  for the cutting blade  46  to engage and cut the munition  33 . The flat wheel  58  is preferably supported with a pin mechanism that allows free rotational movement of the flat wheel  58 . When desired for a particular application, the flat wheel  58  may comprise a second cutting blade (not separately shown), with the applicability of using a second cutting blade for a given purpose determinable by those skilled in the art. Activation of the cylinder and piston rod is preferably by remote automatic means (not separately shown), such as a hydraulic or pneumatic switch (not separately shown). Preferably, the cutting depth includes a distance of the sum of the thickness of the munitions skin, plus a depth of from about {fraction (1/32)} inch to about ½ inch, more preferably from about {fraction (1/20)} inch to about ½ inch, and most preferably from about {fraction (1/16)} inch to about ½ inch. 
     Types of cutting blades  46  that exemplify the present invention, non-exclusively include cutters such as saw blades  46 A powered by air motors  47 A, hydraulic motors  47 B, electric motors, cutting wheels  46 , straight knife-bladed assemblies  46 B, cutting edges incorporating diamond bits, tungsten carbide tips, and the like (not separately shown), and combinations thereof. When saw blades  46 A are used, air motors  47 A and/or hydraulic motors  47 B are preferred to reduce the explosion hazard. Particular types of cutting blades  46  may be used for different types of material to be cut, with the type of cutting blade  46  being determinable by those skilled in the art for a given material. Cutting blades  46  may be varied or interchanged to cut different thickness and case compositions, such as aluminum, steel, KEVLAR® and similar coverings thick. Thickness of the munition&#39;s skin typically may range from about one inch or less, about ¼ inch to about one-thirtysecond inch, or about three-thirtyseconds inch to about one-thirtysecond inch. A cutting wheel  46  is preferred for minimizing chips from cutting. 
     The means for cutting  40  may further comprise floating cutter support rods  48  that are transversely, slidably attached to the vertical support  13  of the first frame member  12 . Slots  15  within the vertical support  13  on the first frame member  12  allow self-alignment transversely with the width of the munitions  33 . The floating cutter support rods  48  allow the longitudinal position of the cutting means  40  to be changed along the length of the munition  33  to a desired position. Locking collars  56  are preferably used with the floating cutter support rods  48  to ensure the steady placement of the cutting blade  46  at a given location along the side of the munition  33 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may comprise a second means (not separately shown) for cutting, preferably with the second means being separately engagable from the first means  40 . This allows multiple cuts along the length of the munition  33  at one time while the munition  33  is being rotated. Preferably the case cutting device  10  comprises two or more means for cutting (not separately shown), with each means having two opposing cutting wheels (not separately shown) located at different locations along the length of the munition  33  that sever the outer skin of the rotating munition  33 . 
     FIG. 1 further shows the case cutting device  10  comprising a means for rotating  50  the munition  33 , with the munition  33  circumferentially rotated on top of and between the first  14  and second  16  roller shaft. The rotating means  50  rotates either the first  14  or second  16  roller shafts, or both. Preferably, the means for rotating  50  rotates the first roller shaft  14 , with the first roller shaft  14  connected to the second roller shaft  16  through a lower chain and sprocket drive set  80 . The lower chain and sprocket drive set  80  imparts rotational force from the first roller shaft  14  to the second roller shaft  16 , driving both shafts  14 ,  16  in the same direction and at the same speed. Additionally, an upper chain and sprocket drive set  82  connects the first roller shaft  14  with the third  24  and fourth  26  roller shafts, driving the third  24  and fourth  26  roller shafts in the same direction and at the same speed as the first roller shaft  14 . The means for rotating  50  preferably includes a motor  66  attached to a power supply (not separately shown) for rotationally powering at least the first roller shaft  14 , thereby rotating the munition  33  located in the munition disassembly device  10 . The means for rotating  50  further comprises a connection  67  between the motor  66  with the first roller shaft  14 . The rotating means  50  is sufficiently powered through the motor  66  to effectively rotate the munition  33  cradled on the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts while the cutting means  40  is engaged. The rotating means  50  preferably imparts a munition  33  rotation rate of from about 5 rpm (revolutions per minute) to about 40 rpm, more preferably from about 10 rpm to about 30 rpm, and most preferably from about 10 rpm to about 15 rpm. Rotation rates of greater than 40 rpm are possible, but the efficiency and safety of the operation significantly decrease. For example, the rotating means  50  may be a 208 Volts AC, 3 phase, ½ horsepower (HP) motor  66 , and an input to a 87.5:1 gear reducer (not separately shown) that drives a misalignment coupling  67  that is connected to the first roller shaft  14 . 
     FIG. 1 further shows the preferred mechanism for placing the first  12  and second  22  frame members in an open position  64  to receive and extract a munition  33 , and in a closed position  62  for cutting the received munition  33 . Preferably, the first  12  and second  22  frame members are connected in a hinge-like manner, with a roller clamping mechanism  70  comprising a powering mechanism, preferably having a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid system, such as a pneumatic clamping cylinder  72  having a piston rod  74  that is used for moving the movable second frame member  22  in relation to the stationary first frame member  12 . The pneumatic clamping cylinder  72  has a pinned connection  78  fixed to the first frame member  12  on the end of the pneumatic clamping cylinder  72  opposite the piston rod  74 . The piston rod  74  has a pinned connection  76  fixed to the second frame member  22  on the end opposite the pneumatic clamping cylinder  72 . As the pneumatic clamping cylinder  72  extends the piston rod  74 , the piston rod  74  imparts a force on the second frame member  22  at connection  76  that forces the second frame member  22  to swing onto the first frame member  12  to a closed position  62 . When this closing occurs after the munition  33  has been loaded within the first frame member  12 , the munition is encased between the roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 , and  26 . 
     Different types of munitions contain different types of fuses (not separately shown). Certain munitions possess fuses that arm the weapon with the longitudinal acceleration of the munition after it is fired from a weapon launcher. Other types of munitions arm the fuse with the rotational motion of the munition after firing. Accordingly, munitions that arm with rotational movement are not well suited for disassembly within the case cutting device  10 , as that type of munition could possibly become armed during rotation of the munition  33 . 
     FIG. 3 shows the preferred embodiment for an electrical mechanism for the present invention as shown in FIG. 1 to be automated. Control of the automatic sequence of the case cutting device  10  may be carried out through a control panel  90  preferably located away and compartmented from any area housing the case cutting device  10 . The control panel  90  is capable of actuation of the case cutting device  10  from this remote and safe location. In a preferred embodiment, the automated case cutting device  10  defaults in a retracted or open position  64 . In alternative embodiments, the control panel  90  may comprise pneumatic, hydraulic, or other like control mechanisms. 
     In operation of the preferred embodiment, munitions  33  are disassembled by loading an uncut munition  33  onto the case cutting device  10  while the second frame member  22  is in an open position  64 , guiding the munition  33  onto the first  14  and second  16  horizontally level roller shafts having a plurality of roller coverings  20 , cradling the munition  33  on the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts, fixing the munition  33  in a longitudinal position with the first end pad  30 , securing the munition  33  in the fixed longitudinal position with the second end pad  32  and vertically securing or clamping the munition  33  in the cradled position with the third  24  and fourth  26  roller shafts by placing the second frame member  22  into a closed position  62  in relation to the first frame member  12 . The securing of the munition  33  is accomplished by tripping a start switch  92  from a remote position. The tripped start switch  92  actuates a cutting time relay  96  which applies 110 volts AC to a clamping cylinder solenoid valve  94 . The clamping cylinder solenoid valve  94  applies air to the pneumatic clamping cylinder  72  to pneumatically force and extend the piston rod  74 . The extending piston rod  74  forces the second frame member  22  to the closed position  62 . The closing second frame member  22  clamps the munition firmly between the lower first  14  and second  16  roller shafts, and the upper third  24  and fourth  26  roller shafts. Setable stops (not separately shown) are used to limit and control the clamping force of the second frame member  22 . Electrical power is initiated with a rollers down switch  98  that actuates a motor contactor  88 . The motor contactor  88  actuates the motor  66  which drives a gear reducer input shaft (not separately shown) at 1750 rpm causing the gear reducer output shaft (not separately shown) to rotate at 20 rpm. A misalignment coupling  67  connecting the gear reducer to the first roller shaft  14  causes it to also rotate at 20 rpm. The lower chain and sprocket drive set  80 , connecting the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts, causes the second roller shaft  16  to rotate at 20 rpm. The upper chain and sprocket drive set  82 , connecting the first  14 , third  24  and fourth  26  roller shaft, causes the third  24  and fourth  26  roller shafts to rotate at 20 rpm. Roller coverings  20  frictionally contact with the munition  33  causing the munition  33  to rotate at 10 rpm, when the munition  33  diameter is twice that of the roller shafts  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26 . Generally, a munition  33  acquires full rotational speed within from about 0.5 seconds to 1 second. 
     Simultaneously, contactor  88  closure actuates a cutter cylinder solenoid valve  86 , which allows low pressure air from the pressure regulator  84  to pass through an open cutter cylinder solenoid valve  86  to the cut side of the cutter cylinders  42  causing the cutting wheel  46  and flat wheel  58  to be brought into contact with the munition  33  exterior. The opposing cutter wheel  46  and flat wheel  58  sever the munition&#39;s outer case as the munition is rotated, with the cutting time is controlled by the cutting time relay  96 . The relay  96  is set to a period of sufficient duration to assure completion of the cuts through the case of the munition  33 . When the means for cutting  40  is activated, the cutting wheel  46  engages the munition  33  typically within a time period of from about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes, more typically from about 45 seconds to about 1½ minutes, and most typically from about 10 seconds to about 15 seconds. The cutting process may take approximately from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, with times of from about 1 minute to about 3 minutes desirable, and times of from about 1 minute to about 2 minutes more desirable. 
     When the cutting time relay times out, it opens removing the 110 volt AC controlling voltage from the contactor  88 , allowing the contactor  88  to open. Contactor  88  opening removes the 208 volt AC power from the cutter cylinder solenoid valve  86 , returning it to the normally closed position. The 208 volt AC power also is removed from powering the motor  66 , stopping the rotation of the munition  33 . Additionally, when the cutting time relay  96  times out, power is removed from the clamping cylinder solenoid valve  94 , returning it to the normally closed position. Removal of power from the clamping solenoid valve  94  vents air from the system through cylinder extend ports (not separately shown) and applies pressure to all retract ports (not separately shown). This causes the pneumatic clamping cylinder  72  to pneumatically retract the piston rod  74 , causing the second frame member  22  to swing open. The third  24  and fourth  26  roller shafts are thereby removed from contact with the munition cradled between the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts. The cutter wheel  46  and flat wheel  58  have also been retracted away from the munition  33  by this time. Roller  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  26  and wheel  46 ,  58  retraction, in combination with the removal of rotational movement, provide access to the severed munition  33  for removal from the first frame member  12 . Once removed, another munition  33  is placed in the first frame member  12  and the cutting and rotating process is repeated. 
     Cutting or sectionalizing the munition  33  should occur in areas between the inherent munition  33  sections. Accordingly, the cuts should occur between the propellant section (not separately shown) and the control section (not separately shown) of the munition  33 , between the warhead section (not separately shown) and the control section, or between the propellant section and the warhead section, when applicable. As types of munitions are built the same, cutting the same location on each individual unit of a type of munition will similarly sectionalize all units. With the munition  33  being sectionalized, each section (not separately shown), during and after cutting, is independently supported in the cradle formed by the first  14  and second  16  roller shafts so that with the completion of cutting, none of the sections “fall”. After the munition  33  has been sectionalized, it may be disposed of properly. 
     As described above, the case cutting device  10  of the present invention may further contain components that aid in the cutting of the munition  33 , including optical sensors, hydraulic lifts, measuring devices, levers, and the like (not separately shown), particularly useful in fixing the munition  33  in the case cutting device  10 , securing the munition  33 , rotating the munition  33 , cutting the munition  33 , and/or removing the sectionalized munition (not separately shown) from the case cutting device  10 . A control box  90  for the present invention may contain such parts as a weather proof metal box  84 , pressure regulator, pneumatic clamping cylinder solenoid valve  94 , cutter cylinder solenoid valve  86 , cutting time relay  96 , electrical contactor  88 , momentary on switch (not separately shown), fuses and/or circuit breakers (not separately shown), and the required electrical/pneumatic connectors (not separately shown). Cutting means  40  may be physically set or programmed to perform the same cut on units of a given type of munition  33 . 
     With the case cutting device  10  of the present invention, faster disassembly of munitions can occur, with increased safety. The design of the case cutting device  10  minimizes the amount of operator training required. Efficiencies also occur in the analysis of munitions, such as evaluating a misfire. In addition, similar munitions will be cut uniformly aiding in proper disposal. 
     The foregoing summary, description and drawings of the invention are not intended to be limiting, but are only exemplary of the inventive features which are defined in the claims.