Aug 5, 2025

US12379192 - Flexible metal/metal oxide and/or intermetallic reactant ribbon cutting system

Provided is a blast-free alternative tool for breaching operations for the intended purpose of cutting metal, including rebar, steel cables, I-beams, thin walled containers, welding doors, and the like. The apparatus includes a flexible and cuttable tube containing metal oxide/metal (thermite) mixture, capable of being formed around a target material and of NONEL ignition. The apparatus can be used to cut, weld, or ignite target material. Protective caps are included with provisions to insert shock tube or time fuse to transmit ignition to first fire mix. A fire proof or flame retardant flexible outerwrap with adhesive (such as hydrogel) or malleable retention wires covers the cutting ribbon for heat and slag retention. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is issued/manufactured in rolls or precut lengths.

Inventors: Clayton A. Thompson, Paul D. Faucheux
Filing date: 2024-03-28

The patent describes a flexible pyrotechnic device designed for breaching operations, capable of cutting or welding various metals using a thermite mixture contained within a cuttable tube. It features protective caps for ignition via a shock tube or time fuse, and is designed for ease of use in the field.

Claim 1

A pyrotechnic device comprising: a flexible and cuttable outer tube; a first pyrotechnic composition contained within said flexible and cuttable outer tube; and one or more end caps comprising a first fire mixture and a port plug for insertion of a shock tube or a time fuse; wherein said shock tube or said time fuse transmits heat and shock to said first fire mixture, which in turn ignites said first pyrotechnic composition in an exothermic redox reaction. a flexible and cuttable outer tube; a first pyrotechnic composition contained within said flexible and cuttable outer tube; and one or more end caps comprising a first fire mixture and a port plug for insertion of a shock tube or a time fuse; wherein said shock tube or said time fuse transmits heat and shock to said first fire mixture, which in turn ignites said first pyrotechnic composition in an exothermic redox reaction.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12379192

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12379192