US3914732A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for remote control of underground device
Assignee: United States Department of Energy
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Filing: 1973-07-23
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Granted: 1975-10-21
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Expires: 1993-07-23
Abstract
Abstract A system for remote control of an underground device, particularly a nuclear explosive, which includes means at the surface of the ground for transmitting a seismic signal sequence through the earth having controlled and predetermined signal characteristics for initiating a selected action in the device, and apparatus located with or adjacent to the underground device which produces electrical signals in response to the seismic signals received at the device together with means for comparing these electrical signals with the predetermined signal characteristics and means for initiating a selected action.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas D Brumleve
- 👤 Mearle G Hicks
- 👤 Milton O Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:48
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/02; G01V1/04; G01V1/06; E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/25; E21B43/26; E21B43/263; E21B43/2635; E21B47/00; E21B47/12; E21B47/14; F; F42; F42D; F42D1/00; F42D1/04; F42D1/045; F42D1/05
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
A system for controlling an action of a nuclear device such as exploding, disabling or destroying a nuclear explosive, contained within a chamber at a remote underground location and isolated from the surface by a column of back filled earth, from different sequences of seismic signal pulses produced at the surface of the ground comprising a plurality of explosives emplaced in the earth near the surface of the ground and laterally displaced from said column of back filled earth; and means located at the surface for individually detonating said explosives for producing a seismic signal from each detonation in a seismic signal pulse sequence having predetermined pulse sequence characteristics determined by the desired action and for transmitting the same through the earth; and control means located adjacent said nuclear device sensitive to said seismic signal pulses, including means for producing a corresponding sequence of electrical pulses in response to said sequence of seismic signal pulses; further means for comparing the identity of said electrical pulse sequence with predetermined pulse sequence characteristics determined by the desired action and stored in said further means; and additional means for initiating the desired action of said device in response to receipt of the appropriate pulse sequence characteristics.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
203 words
A system for controlling an action of a nuclear device such as exploding, disabling or destroying a nuclear explosive, contained within a chamber at a remote underground location and isolated from the surface by a column of back filled earth, from different sequences of seismic signal pulses produced at the surface of the ground comprising a plurality of explosives emplaced in the earth near the surface of the ground and laterally displaced from said column of back filled earth; and means located at the surface for individually detonating said explosives for producing a seismic signal from each detonation in a seismic signal pulse sequence having predetermined pulse sequence characteristics determined by the desired action and for transmitting the same through the earth; and control means located adjacent said nuclear device sensitive to said seismic signal pulses, including means for producing a corresponding sequence of electrical pulses in response to said sequence of seismic signal pulses; further means for comparing the identity of said electrical pulse sequence with predetermined pulse sequence characteristics determined by the desired action and stored in said further means; and additional means for initiating the desired action of said device in response to receipt of the appropriate pulse sequence characteristics.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 1 including means located with said nuclear device for activating said apparatus after said device is emplaced in its underground location.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said electrical pulse sequence producing means includes a geophone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 including means for preventing said initiating in response to receipt of other than said predetermined pulse sequence characteristics.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-20 | 1979-04-21 | 1979-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-20 | 1983-04-21 | 1983-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-20 | 1987-04-21 | 1987-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |