Patent Abstract:
An apparatus for collecting fragments from a substrate subjected to an exploded munition, including a predetection element for removing large fragments from a sheet of the substrate; a detection and removal element for locating fragments embedded within the sheet and for removing located fragments from the sheet; and a capture element for capturing removed fragments.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/632,704, filed Dec. 7, 2009 entitled “Automated Fragment Collection Apparatus”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for collecting fragments, the fragments being created from the detonation of munitions. In optional embodiments, the system may include a variety of options including the automated removal of captured fragments from sheets so as to provide for a greater ease in the analysis of collected fragments. 
         [0003]    A necessary procedure in evaluating the performance of an explosive device includes the characterization and analysis of fragments emitted during detonation of the explosive. One area in which this characterization has become important is in the development of military explosive devices. Typically, the devices are exploded whereby fragments are generated which are projected in a variety of patterns. Often times, such tests are conducted at various Department of Defense and commercial facilities where a series of insulating panels are organized in an arena type arrangement. The emitted fragments resulting from the explosion should be captured for an analysis which creates the complication of maintaining the fragments despite there high initial speed yet not breaking the fragments into smaller pieces as a result of being captured. 
         [0004]    The containment of the fragments must be soft enough to avoid creating additional fragments and thus changing the analysis resulting from the explosion. A technique customary in the industry involves the use of sheets of a building substrate, known as Celotex, as the material which is organized into stacks around the explosive device. Commonly commercial available sizes include about 4 ft. by 8 ft. sheets with each Celotex sheet having a thickness of about ½ inch. Generally more around 80 to 120 sheets are stacked together and secured and subsequently oriented with other stacks of Celotex to function as a capturing substrate in creating an arena around the munition to be detonated. Often times, the stacks of Celotex materials may be 2-3 stacks high forming a generally circular shape about the munition. 
         [0005]    The munition is then detonated with the stacks of material absorbing fragments from the exploded munition. The stacks of Celotex are then subsequently disassembled and individually inspected so that the location of fragments emitting from the explosion are determined. Typically, each stack is prescribed a specific number with the individual sheets having separate indications so that a user can specifically determine the depth to which a fragment has penetrated a stack and generally in what direction a blast caused the fragments to move. 
         [0006]    The analysis of the panels is quite laborious as an individual must measure and locate the mass of each fragment created from the explosion. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,423 issued to Ranis et al., a warhead fragmentometer is discussed where panels may be fed through a magnetometer for locating the ferrous materials of an explosion and thus allegedly provide general fragmentation characteristics of the panel. The alleged method includes counting each fragment maintained within a panel and measuring the location of each fragment within the panel so that fragmentation data can be produced for the exploded munition. 
         [0007]    In certain situations, probes may be utilized to determine the depth of fragments so that a user may track how far penetration occurred within a bulk of materials. One may also attempt to dig out the various fragments for further study via a manual extraction process. Generally, this may include the use of a tape measure and careful note taking to maintain the precise data necessary for recording the location of the fragments on or within a panel. 
         [0008]    What is desired is an automated fragment collection apparatus for reducing the amount of time required in collecting and analyzing fragments from an exploded munition. Indeed a combination of characteristics including a detection and removal element has been found to be advantageous in increasing the rate at which a panel may be analyzed further analysis subsequent detonation of an explosive device. It would be even further desirable to provide a system that automatically couples the location of a fragment from a munition explosion into a container with the fragment for subsequent analysis. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    An optional object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for the automated collection of fragments from a fragmenting munition which may be utilized with a substrate comprised of sheets having been subjected to a fragmenting explosion. Optionally, this system may address one or more disadvantages of the prior art. 
         [0010]    Another optional object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for the automated collection of fragments so that the cost associated with the labor required for manual fragment measurement is reduced. 
         [0011]    Yet another optional object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for the automated collection of fragments wherein the accuracy of the data collected may be improved over the manual collection process. 
         [0012]    In accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention includes an apparatus for the automated collection of fragments resulting from an explosion. This apparatus may include one or more elements for locating and collecting fragments embedded within sheets. The apparatus may further include a detection element which may optionally first detect whether or not there are any fragments within the sheet and secondly, may detect the location of fragments if there are fragments located within the sheet. The apparatus may further include a removal element which may optionally comprise a moving punch head to remove fragments from the sheet. In further optional embodiments, the system may include one or more conveyors for moving containers to coordinate with the punched fragments. 
         [0013]    As used herein, the term “munition” means any explosive device which may produce fragments. 
         [0014]    Further, as used herein, the term “engaged” means to interact with, interlock with, associate with, or communicate with. 
         [0015]    Yet further as used herein, the term “collect” and various forms thereof mean to acquire, gather, assemble, accumulate, or receive physical fragments or data about physical fragments. 
         [0016]    According to another optional aspect of the invention, an apparatus for the automatic collection of fragments may include a combination of a projector with a table so that large fragments may be easily mapped. The system may further include a grid, including an X-Y scale projection, as well as indices on the edges of a table for ease in tracking the location of large fragments which may be then be removed manually. Other optional aspects of the system may include various drives for advancing or reversing the sheet through a metal detection element as well as onto or off of the system. 
         [0017]    The apparatus may also include a control unit either integrated into the detection and removal element or situated separately for controlling the progression of each sheath through the apparatus as well as the movement of the punch head. 
         [0018]    The apparatus that has been described may be particularly useful for collecting fragments subsequent to an explosion conducted in an arena type arrangement. 
         [0019]    Aside from the structural and procedural arrangement set forth above, the invention could include a number of other arrangements, such as those explained hereinafter. It is to be understood, that both the foregoing description and the following description are exemplary. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings illustrate optional embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain some principles of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an optional embodiment of an apparatus for automated fragment collection. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a view of an optional embodiment of a predetection element of the apparatus for automated fragment collection. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a view of the detection and punching element of an optional embodiment of an apparatus for automated fragment collection. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a view of an optional embodiment of a capture element of an apparatus for automated fragment collection. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    Reference will now be made in detail to optional embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description refers to the same or like parts. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , an optional embodiment of the fragment collection apparatus  10  may comprise predetection element  12 , detection and removable element  14 , and capture element  16 . In further embodiments, each of these elements alone may function independently and may be considered optional embodiments of the present invention, and as such not all three elements have to be combined for practice of the present invention. For example, a user may only require predetection element  12  in certain embodiments, whereas in other embodiments, a detection and removable element  14  may only be needed depending on the considerations and requirements of the user. Furthermore, the design and orientation of the various elements in an embodiment of fragment collection apparatus  10  may be decided by the individual using the system, and furthermore necessary elements may be determined upon the size and type of specific substrate for which the system may be designed to function therewith. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an optional embodiment of predetection element  12  may comprise table  22  and projector  24  for use with substrate  18  formed of individual sheets  20 . Generally sheets  20  of substrate  18  may be placed upon table  22  of predetection element  12  for the manual removal of large fragments resulting from a munition explosion. Projector  24  may in optional embodiments project a grid onto sheet  20  for providing a method of measuring and recording the location of large fragments. In an optional embodiment, projector  24  may project an X and Y numerical axis with a grid so that sheet  24  can be measured regarding the location of large fragments. Further optional embodiments include table  22  having indices  26  that align with the grid and axis projected by projector  24  so that sheets  24  may be repetitively measured relative to the same orientation. For example, an individual sheet  24  may be placed upon the table aligning with first edge  28  and second edge  30  having indices  26  which would be the similar desired position for other sheets  20  of substrate  18  on table  22  for measuring and the optional removal of large fragments. 
         [0028]    In further optional embodiments, projector  24  and table  22  may be oriented and designed for different size sheets  20  and as such, provide different measurements and grid arrangements. In additional optional embodiments, projector  24  may be absent with the user either using inscriptions of first edge  28  and second edge  30  for a rough determination and measurement of the location of large fragments, or alternatively may use traditional methods of manual measurements for locating and tracking large fragments embedded on sheet  20 . 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is an optional embodiment of detection and removal element  14 . In optional embodiments, detection and removal element  14  may include a track  32  with drive  34  for advancing a sheet  20  through the element. Drive  34  may comprise a servo-powered drive which may push sheet  20  through detection component  36  and removal component  38 . In further optional embodiments not illustrated, track  32  and drive  34  may be absent which would require a user to push sheet  20  manually through detection component  36  and removal component  38 . In additional optional embodiments, drive  34  may comprise a variety of different drives known in the art to push sheets used with fragmenting munition. 
         [0030]    Detection component  36  may comprise one or more metal detector heads  40  for scanning sheet  20  to determine whether or not any fragments are contained within the sheet. In one optional embodiment, two metal detector heads  40  comprise detection component  36  in scanning and locating fragments within sheet  20 . In an optional embodiment, a first metal detector head  40  may scan the entire width of sheet  20  in determination of whether or not any fragments are in that area of sheet  20 . In the instance that a fragment is detected, a second metal detection head  40  may traverse the sheet to specifically locate the fragment. In further optional embodiments, one metal head detection  40  may be utilized for detection component  36  though may provide for slower analysis times as opposed to a two metal detection head  40  detection component  36 . 
         [0031]    The information from the one or more metal detection heads  40  is processed through a control unit either integrated into the detection and removal element  14  or provided separately. As used here, the term control unit may also include controller, unit, controller, control system, computer, or the like. The control unit receives information from the at least one metal detection head  40  and can transfer the location data to the removal component  38  and printer  42 . Furthermore, the control system may determine whether or not drive  34  activates and at what speed so as to align sheet  20  under removal component  38  for the removal of fragments. Additionally, the location information may be utilized to change the position of punching head  46  so that specific fragments can be removed at various locations on sheet  20 . 
         [0032]    Thus, through coordination of drive  34  and a location of one or more metal detection heads  40 , the location of the fragment can be located. In optional embodiments, both the heads of detection component  36  and drive  34  may be controlled by control unit embodied as a programmable logic controller (PLC not shown) with the location of the one or more metal detection heads  40  being monitored using feedback from servo resolvers. Detection component  36  may identify and record the location of embedded fragments within sheet  20  through a comparison of the signal strengths generated through scans by one or more metal detector heads  40 . 
         [0033]    Detection component  36  may in optional embodiments, include the capabilities of outputting the location of a fragment through printer  42 , which will be discussed subsequently in reference to capture element  16 . As such, a user, through use of detection and removal element  14  can map these specific locations fragments within substrate  18  through analysis of individual sheets  20 . 
         [0034]    Detection and removal element  14  also includes removal component  38  which can remove located fragments from sheet  20 . Generally, the calculated location determine through detection component  36  may be used to active removal component  38  for removing fragments from sheet  20  and thus creating remove fragments  44 . In optional embodiments, removal component  38  may comprise a moving pneumatic punch which removes a small section of sheet  20  where a fragment is located. Generally punching head  46  of removal component  38  removes from about 0.5 square inches to about 10 square inches. Further optional embodiments include punching head  46  removing about 1 square inch from sheet  20  for each fragment. 
         [0035]    Optional embodiments include punching head  46  being positioned within removal component  38  for removing fragments based upon the location recorded by detection component  36 . Punching head  46  may punch against a hardened steel component (not shown) beneath the sheet on detection and removal element  14 . 
         [0036]    In further optional embodiments, punching head  46  may be powered mechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically for creating holes within sheet  20 . As used herein, “punch” may be understood to mean remove, cutout, segregate or select. In additional optional embodiments, blades, reciprocating elements or other instruments may be used in cutting out fragments instead or, or in addition to, one or more punching heads. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is capture element  16  which may include cross conveyor  48  and collection conveyor  50 . Generally, cross conveyor  48  may be aligned with the location at which punching head  46  punches sheet  20  to create remove fragments  44  whereby removed fragments  44  land upon cross conveyor  48 . Otherwise stated, the removed fragments  44  created through punching may fall onto cross conveyor  48 . Cross conveyor  48  may then convey removed fragments  44  to collection conveyor  50  for the collection of removed fragments  44  within containers  52 . Cross conveyor  48  and collection containers  52  may be oriented so that removed fragments  44  fall into containers  52  set upon collection conveyor  50  for the collection of the fragments. In further optional embodiments, printer  42  may print the location of removed fragment  44  and deposited it into container  52  with removed fragment  44 . Detection component  36 , in optional embodiments with the control system provides the location to printer  42  which may print the location on a strip of paper which may be automatically deposited into container  52 , containing removed fragment  44 . Subsequently, collection conveyor  50  may then index to place the next empty container  52  under discharge end  54  of cross conveyor  48 . Further optional embodiments provide for printer  42  to generate both the sheet number and location of remove fragments  44  on the strip as well as optionally including a space for the manual entry of the mass of the fragment. 
         [0038]    Further optional embodiments may include using one or more metal detector heads to approximate the mass of the fragment based upon the strength of the signal emitted from a fragment embedded within a sheet  20 . Such computation may be conducted by the control system within or separate from detection component  36 , with the approximate mass also included on the output from printer  42 . This may optionally preclude the step of manually weighing each fragment subsequent to the collection within containers  52 . 
         [0039]    The automated fragment collection apparatus that has been described may be utilized to collect fragments resulting from an exploding munition. Generally the user may first remove and track large fragments through the use of predetection element  12  with projector  24  and table  22 . Subsequently, the subject sheet may be removed from table  22  and placed upon detection and removal element  14  wherein drive  34  may progress sheet  20  through both the detection component and the removal component of apparatus  10 . Detection component  36 , through one or more metal detector heads  40 , may locate fragments embedded within sheet  20 . The location information may be handled by a control unit and provided to removal component  38  so that punching head  46  may be positioned to remove embedded fragments from sheet  20  allowing such fragments to land upon cross conveyor  48 . Removed fragments  44 , created through punching, may be conveyed on cross conveyor  48  to discharge end  54  where collection conveyor can indexes container  52  for the capture of remove fragments  44 . Additionally, printer  42  uses the location information resulting from detection component  38  to print information for inclusion within container  52  pertaining to the specific removed fragment  44 . 
         [0040]    Generally, one may be able to utilize the information received from processing the sheets and generate a composite diagram illustrating the locations of all of the fragments in each stack of sheets. Otherwise stated, through the use of the location data, coupled with knowledge of the position of the individual sheets from which the fragments were removed, a method is provided where the information can be utilized to generate a composite diagram of where the fragments became fixed within the arena resulting from the explosion. 
         [0041]    In further optional embodiments, dedicated software may be included so as to facilitate the operation of the system. In optional embodiments the software may be utilized with the control system in coordinated the removal of fragments from the sheets. In additional optional embodiments, the software may generate an image or map of the relative locations of the fragments within the substrates forming the arena. A dedicated software system may optionally provide for remote capabilities as well as provide and assist a user in processing the sheets subsequent to an explosion. Additional optional embodiments may include further software features not include and in no way is any discussion of software within this paper preclusive of further optional embodiments. 
         [0042]    Sizes of various structure parts and materials used to make the above mentioned part are illustrative and exemplary only, and persons of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the sizes and materials can be changed as necessary to produce different effects or desired characteristics.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5