Loading arrangement for a destruction system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a loading arrangement for a destruction system configured for destruction of ammunition, small arms and thereto related material, and provides the advantage of improved safety surrounding loading of munitions into a chamber of the destruction system. The loading arrangement comprises a transportation duct at an inclined angle. A cradle configured to receive the munitions is pivotably attached to the transportation duct and can be pivoted upwards into the transportation duct through a cradle opening. A closure plate mechanically linked to the cradle and adapted to close the cradle opening is automatically moved as the cradle pivots upwards so as to open the cradle opening. The transportation duct can be releasably connected to an input duct of the chamber of the destruction system.

Claims

1. A loading arrangement for a destruction system, the destruction system comprising at least one of a kiln or a detonation chamber configured for destruction of munitions, wherein the loading arrangement comprises: an elongated transportation duct at one end comprising an open engagement portion adapted to provide a connection to an input duct of the at least one of the kiln or the detonation chamber, a cradle being hinged to the transportation duct at a cradle opening of the elongated transportation duct, the cradle configured to allow for a transition from a first to a second position, and a fragment valve mechanically connected to the cradle by linking elements, wherein the elongated transportation duct is arranged at a positive angle in relation to a horizontal plane, the cradle in the first position is configured to receive the munitions, the linking elements closing the fragment valve, thereby closing the cradle opening of the elongated transportation duct, the cradle in the first position positioned outside of the elongated transportation duct, and the cradle in the second position is configured to be at least partly inserted into the elongated transportation duct through the cradle opening, the fragment valve pushed into the elongated transportation duct by the linking elements, allowing the munition to slide into the at least one of the kiln or the detonation chamber.

2. The loading arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the hinge of the cradle is arranged in the vicinity of the open engagement portion of the elongated transportation duct, thereby allowing the cradle to be tilted into the elongated transportation duct.

3. The loading arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the cradle is essentially horizontally arranged when in the first position.

4. The loading arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the open engagement portion of the elongated transportation duct is configured to be releasably connected to the input duct of the at least one of the kiln or the detonation chamber.

5. The loading arrangement according to claim 4, further comprising locking means for securely connecting the loading arrangement to the at least one of the kiln or the detonation chamber.

6. The loading arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the locking means comprises a releasable clamp, the clamp configured to engage with a flange provided at the input duct of the at least one of the kiln or the detonation chamber.

7. The loading arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising actuators arranged to transition the cradle from the first to the second position.

8. A destruction system, comprising: at least one of a kiln or a detonation chamber configured for destruction of munitions, said at least one of a kiln or a detonation chamber comprising an input duct, and a loading arrangement according to claim 1, the loading arrangement connected to the input duct of the at least one of a kiln or a detonation chamber.

9. The destruction system according to claim 8, wherein the kiln comprises an electrical heating element.

10. The destruction system according to claim 8, wherein the kiln is configured to be rotatable about a horizontal axis between a first loading and operating position and in a second emptying position, and the kiln when arranged in the first loading and operating position is configured to releasably connect to the loading arrangement.

11. The destruction system according to claim 8, wherein the kiln is rotated about the horizontal axis from the first position to the second position in a direction such that the input duct travels past a vertical axis of the kiln, a rotating angle being at least 120.

12. The destruction system according to claim 10, wherein the input duct is arranged at an upper portion of the kiln and the electrical heating element is arranged at a lower portion of the kiln when the kiln is arranged in the first loading and operating position.

13. The destruction system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one of a kiln or a detonation chamber is arranged in a static upright position, the at least one of a kiln or a detonation chamber having the input duct arranged at its upper portion and further comprising an output duct arranged at its lower portion.

14. The destruction system according to claim 8, further comprising at least one of: a camera for monitoring an amount of waste material in the kiln, the waste material relating to previously destructed munitions, and a control unit configured to controlling the transition of the cradle from the first to the second position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective partly cross section view of a destruction system arranged in a container;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a detailed cross section view of a loading arrangement according to a currently preferred embodiment of the invention;

(4) FIG. 3A-3D illustrates the loading arrangement of FIG. 2, where the cradle is transitioning from a first to a second position;

(5) FIG. 4A-4D sequentially illustrates the process of discharging waste material from a destruction system comprising a rotating kiln, and

(6) FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates a destruction system comprising a loading arrangement and a chamber arranged in a static upright position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled addressee. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.

(8) Referring now to the drawings and to FIG. 1 in particular, there is depicted a destruction system 100 arranged inside of a container 102, preferably of a standard size such as for example a 10 feet container. In FIG. 1 the container 102 is arranged in an elevated position in relation to a ground level by means of a plurality of adjustable pillars 104. A waste bin 106 is arranged below the elevated container 102, the waste bin 106 positioned to receive waste material resulting from munitions destructed by the destruction system 100.

(9) The destruction system 100 further comprises a loading arrangement 108 and a destruction chamber, in the illustrated embodiment being a rotating kiln 110. A stand 112 is further provided for supporting the loading arrangement 108 and the kiln 110. The stand 112 is in this embodiment configured for allowing rotation of the kiln 110.

(10) With reference to FIG. 2 there is provided a detailed cross section view of a loading arrangement 108. As may be seen from FIG. 2, the loading arrangement 108 comprises a cradle 202, an elongated transportation duct 204 and a fragment valve 206 connected to the cradle 202 by means mechanical linking elements 208. The loading arrangement further comprises a safety device in the form of a safety clamp 210, the clamp 210 being controlled by compressing/decompressing an actuator 212 at one end connecting to the clamp 210 and at the other end, for example, connected to the elongated transportation duct 204. The clamp 210 is configured to engage and securely lock to, for example, a flange of the above discussed rotatable kiln 110. The connection between the kiln 110 and the loading arrangement 108 which will be further discussed below in relation to FIGS. 4a-4d.

(11) The elongated transportation duct 204 is in one of its short ends provided with an open engagement portion 214 for the purpose of connecting with the kiln 110, typically to an input duct of the kiln 110. The opposite short side end 216 of the elongated transportation duct 204 is typically closed. At a lower long side 218 of the elongated transportation duct 204 there is provided a cradle opening 220 for allowing the introduction of the cradle 202. For allowing the cradle 202 to be introduced into the elongated transportation duct 204, the cradle 202 is provided with some type of hinge means 222 thereby making it possible for the cradle 202 to be tilted into the elongated transportation duct 204. The loading arrangement 108 may additionally, as is shown in FIG. 2, be provided with an exhaust pipe 224.

(12) The functionality and mechanical linkage of the loading arrangement 108 explained in more detail in relation to FIGS. 3A-3D. Specifically, in FIG. 3A the cradle 202 is positioned in a first position where the cradle 202 is configured to receive the munitions to be destroyed, hence the clamp 210 is in its closed position. The munitions may for example be provided in a feeding box (not specifically shown) having a size suitable for reception by the cradle 108.

(13) In the first position, the linking elements 208 connecting the cradle 202 to the fragment valve 206 forces the fragment valve 206 to securely lock against a flange of the cradle opening 220. Depending on the type of implementation, it may be possible to configure the lock between the flange of the cradle opening 220 and the fragment valve 206 to be gas tight, however not being a necessity.

(14) With further reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in transitioning the cradle 202 from its first position to its second position (the second position will be discussed below in relation to FIG. 3D), the linking elements 208 will be forced to change position, typically using one or a plurality of actuators, whereby the cradle 202 will start to tilt towards the inside of the elongated transportation duct 204, fixed at an axis defined by the hinge means 222. As the cradle 202 is moving inside of the elongated transportation duct 204, the linking elements 208 connecting the cradle 202 and the fragment valve 206 will also make the fragment valve 206 move inside of the elongated transportation duct 204, thereby shifting the fragment valve 206 in an essentially parallel path in relation to a direction of the elongated transportation duct 204.

(15) Once the cradle 202 has fully transition from the first to the second position, with further reference to FIG. 3D, the cradle 202 will be fully inserted inside of the elongated transportation duct 204, positively angled in essentially the same angle as the elongated transportation duct 204, whereby the munitions, possibly provided in the feeding box, will slide through the input duct and inside of the kiln. When the cradle 202 is arranged at its second position, the fragment valve 206 will be pushed towards the long side of the elongated transportation duct 204 facing the cradle opening 220.

(16) Referring now to FIG. 4A-4D, relating to the operation of the inventive destruction system, in the illustrated embodiment comprising a rotating kiln 110. The rotating kiln 110 comprises an input duct 402 having the above discussed flange 404, the input duct 402 extending from the outside to an inside of the kiln 110. A heating element 406 is located in an insulated section of the kiln 110 on a side essentially opposite from the input duct 402. The heating element 406 is used for providing sufficient heat to munitions or explosives placed in the compartment such that the munitions or explosives are thermally destructed.

(17) The process starts in FIG. 4A, shown with the clamp 210 in the disengaged position, thus making it possible for the kiln 110 to be released from the loading arrangement 108. The kiln 110 will be controlled, e.g. using the above discussed control motor, to rotate away from the loading arrangement 108, as sequentially illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C, eventually reaching an end position as illustrated in FIG. 4D, where the inlet duct 402 of the kiln will be positioned essentially above the waste bin 106. The kiln 110 may in the end position be shaken for facilitating emptying of any waste material inside of the kiln 110. The process of shaking the kiln 110 may be performed by small repetitive rotations about a horizontal axis of the kiln 110. After the kiln 110 is emptied, the kiln 110 may again be rotated back in the opposite direction for again connecting to the loading arrangement 108, including securely locking the clamp 210 to the flange 404. As understood from the above, the input duct 402 will accordingly also be used for emptying waste material out of the kiln 110.

(18) Several destruction processes may be performed before the kiln 110 needs to be unloaded. This is determined by an amount of waste material, such as e.g. metal pieces that is accumulated in the kiln 110. The amount of waste material may be determined by e.g. a camera suitably mounted allowing an operator to see the inside of the kiln 110 for determining the amount of waste material currently being present.

(19) Turning finally to FIG. 5, conceptually illustrates a destruction system comprising a loading arrangement 108 and a chamber 502 arranged in a static upright position. Accordingly, in FIG. 5 the chamber 502 differs from the rotatable kiln 108 as shown above in that the chamber 502 is non-rotatable; typically arranged in a stand still upright position. Such an implementation may be specifically usable in relation to an, in comparison to the above discussed kiln 108, larger chamber. Such a larger chamber 502 may be applicable in relation to a more permanent destruction site where the destruction system is provided.

(20) Similarly to the above discussion, the chamber 502 is provided with an input duct 504 connecting to the loading arrangement 108. The input duct 502 is typically provided with a similar flange as discussed above for secure connection to the loading arrangement, however as the chamber 502 is statically positioned, it may not be necessary to have a releasable connection to the loading arrangement 108 using the clamp 210. Instead, the connection may be of a more permanent type, for example connected by welding or using fasteners.

(21) In summary, the present invention relates to a loading arrangement for a destruction system, the destruction system comprising at least one of a kiln or a detonation chamber configured for destruction of munitions, wherein the loading arrangement comprises an elongated transportation duct at one end comprising an open engagement portion adapted to provide a connection to an input duct of the at least one of the kiln or the detonation chamber, a cradle being hinged to the transportation duct at a cradle opening of the elongated transportation duct, and a fragment valve connected to the cradle, wherein the elongated transportation duct is arranged at a positive angle in relation to a horizontal plane, the cradle in a first position is configured to receive the munitions, the cradle in a second position is at least partly inserted into the elongated transportation duct through the cradle opening allowing the munition to slide into the at least one of the kiln or the detonation chamber, and the cradle in the first position is configured to adjust a position of the fragment valve for closing the cradle opening of the transportation duct.

(22) Advantages with the invention include an improved safety situation surrounding loading of munitions into a chamber of the destruction system.

(23) The control functionality of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

(24) Although the figures may show a sequence the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps. Additionally, even though the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art.

(25) Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled addressee in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. For example, the kiln may have other shapes than illustrated in the drawings, it should also be understood that the word munitions includes any explosive or similar material appropriate for the destruction system. In the description a feeding box is mentioned to hold the munitions. The invention is equally applicable without the feeding box, in other words, the munitions may be loaded directly in the loading tray without the feeding box. That is, the word feeding box may be replaced by munitions. Furthermore, in the claims, the word comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article a or an does not exclude a plurality.