US 12,460,913 B2
Cut-and-capture systems for demilitarization of underwater munitions
John T. Thomalla, Elk River, MN (US); John E. Herbert, Virginia Beach, VA (US); Nathan F. Nodland, Maple Grove, MN (US); Drew A. Strombeck, Plymouth, MN (US); Ryan M. Smith, Minnetonka, MN (US); and Steve J. Schmit, Orono, MN (US)
Assigned to GRADIENT TECHNOLOGY, Elk River, MN (US)
Filed by GRADIENT TECHNOLOGY, Elk River, MN (US)
Filed on Nov. 15, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/949,191.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/600,079, filed on Nov. 17, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2025/0164225 A1, May 22, 2025
Int. Cl. F42D 5/04 (2006.01); F42B 33/06 (2006.01)
CPC F42D 5/04 (2013.01) [F42B 33/062 (2013.01)] 49 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A cut-and-capture system configured for demilitarization of an underwater munition, wherein said cut-and-capture system comprises:
(a) a docking platform that is sealably positionable onto an underwater munition;
(b) a first manipulator arm configured to manipulate said docking platform onto said underwater munition;
(c) a high-pressure entrainment-style waterjet cutting tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed into said docking platform when said docking platform is sealably positioned onto said underwater munition, wherein said high-pressure entrainment-style waterjet cutting tool is configured to apply high-pressure water and an abrasive to said underwater munition, to create a munition coupon and to provide a munition access hole;
(d) a second manipulator arm configured to manipulate said high-pressure entrainment-style waterjet cutting tool into said docking platform;
(e) an abrasive feed subsystem configured to controllably deliver said abrasive to said high-pressure entrainment-style waterjet cutting tool;
(f) a washout tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed in said docking platform when said docking platform is sealably positioned onto said underwater munition, wherein said second manipulator arm, or a third manipulator arm, is configured to manipulate said washout tool into said docking platform, and wherein said washout tool is configured to generate munition waste derived from said underwater munition;
(g) a munition-waste bladder configured to receive and store said munition waste when in flow connection, via a sealed bladder line, with said docking platform; and
(h) at least a first system control module configured with electrical control hardware, wherein said system control module is configured to control said docking platform, said high-pressure entrainment-style waterjet cutting tool, said abrasive feed subsystem, and said washout tool.