US4773298A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for neutralizing surface-laid or camouflaged land mines and mobile unit for performing the method
Assignee: JASTEM-WERKE KG A CORP OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY GmbH
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Filing: 1986-12-04
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Granted: 1988-09-27
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Expires: 2006-12-04
Abstract
Abstract The method makes it possible to neutralize surface-laid or camouflaged and in particular intelligent land mines, in that a focused beam of a powerful laser unit is automatically or manually systematically guided over the surface to be cleared of land mines in a grid pattern, the movement sequence of the laser beam being program controlled, so that the laser beam in computer-assisted manner locates the laid mines both systematically in the SCAN process and also in planned manner and neutralizes or detonates them by introducing energy.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz Tischer
- 👤 Norbert Hoogen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:26
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41H; F41H13/00; F41H13/0043; F41H13/005; F41H13/0062; B; B25; B25J; B25J11/00; B25J11/002; B25J11/0025; B25J11/005; B25J9/00; B25J9/0084; F41H11/00; F41H11/12; F41H11/16; F41H11/28; F41H11/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
45 words
A method of neutralizing surface-laid or camouflaged land mines within an area comprising: generating a focused beam of laser energy, guiding the focused beam over the area to neutralize or detonate any land mines therein with energy from the laser beam, providing a mine-free corridor.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
45 words
A method of neutralizing surface-laid or camouflaged land mines within an area comprising: generating a focused beam of laser energy, guiding the focused beam over the area to neutralize or detonate any land mines therein with energy from the laser beam, providing a mine-free corridor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the focused beam is guided over the area in a grid pattern.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the focused beam is guided by activating a program control unit to automatically scan the area.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the focused beam is generated by generating pulses of laser energy at given time intervals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the focused beam is guided by activating a computer-controlled manipulator/robot to steer the beam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising maintaining the focused beam in a detonation area for a period of time after a mine has been detonated in the detonation area.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising returning the focused beam to a detonation area for a period of time after a mine has been detonated in the detonation area.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the focused beam is generated by activating a carbon dioxide gas laser.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the focused beam is generated by activating a pulsed neodymium-YAG laser.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-09-27 | 1992-03-28 | 1992-09-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-09-27 | 1996-03-28 | 1996-09-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-09-27 | 2000-03-28 | 2000-09-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |