funny patent. covers detonation of hijacker bombs with RF!
from 1963
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LoginMethod and apparatus for detonating radio frequency sensitive blasting caps
A METHOD OF DETONATING ELECTRIC BLASTING CAPS CAPABLE OF HAVING CURRENT INDUCED THEREIN BY RADIO FREQUENCY ENERGY, SAID BLASTING CAPS BEING CONCEALED IN BAGGAGE AS AN ELEMENT OF A BOMB, COMPRISING THE STEPS OF ESTABLISHING AN EXPLOSION-PROOF LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING EXPOSURE CHAMBER; PROVIDING INSULATED RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSMITTING ANTENNAE WITHIN SAID CHAMBER ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF; GENERATING A RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL OF CYCLICALLY VARYING FREQUENCY; CYCLING SAID RADIO SIGNAL TO SAID TRANSMITTING ANTENNAE; PASSING BAGGAGE SUSPECTED OF CONTAINING A BLASTING CAP THROUGH SAID EXPOSURE CHAMBER ADJACENT SAID ANTENNAE AND INSULATED FROM GROUND, AT A FIXED RATE OF TRAVEL SUCH THAT A GIVEN PIECE OF BAGGAGE REMAINS WITHIN SAID CHAMBER FOR AT LEAST ONE FULL CYCLE OF FREQUENCY VARIATION, AND INDUCING WITHIN A BLASTING CAP IF PRESENT A CURRENT SUFFICIENT TO DETONATE IT.
In recent years the nation has been shocked by a series of heinous crimes involving the explosion of bombs aboard commercial airliners. In almost all instances, the perpetrators of these dastardly crimes relied upon electrical detonation devices such as, for instance, electric blasting caps and electric squibs. These devices may be used with simple electric firing systems such as a battery energized circuit including a time delayed switch. Consequently, they are favored as compared to fuses which have to be ignited and burn until the high explosive is reached and detonated.
Detection of a concealed time bomb in passenger luggage has posed an almost insurmountable problem for the air lines. Although it has been done on occasion, the expedient of opening and examining every piece of luggage going aboard airplane is time consuming, arouses passenger antagonisrns and is extremely expensive. Yet, no suitable alternate has been discovered or utilized. There is need for an economical, fool-proof and quick system of inspecting luggage for hidden explosives not only to assure passenger safety but also to engender that feeling of psychological security so important to ones traveling aboard an airplane. Obviously, the same system may be used with other common carriers on land, sea or air as well as in the handling of merchandise of all types `by postal authorities and express companies. The emphasis in this discussion has been placed upon airlines' only because, in the past, they have been a favorite target for these warped personalities.
Consequently, it is an object of this invention to provide a method for detecting the presence of electrically detonated bombs in luggage, said method not requiring that the luggage be opened or visually inspected.
It is also an object of this invention to provide an apparatus which will enable the detection of concealed bombs, of a type utilizing electric squibs or electric blasting caps, in luggage or packages.
Another object of the invention is `to provide a method for detonating bombs, of a type utilizing electric squibs or electric blasting caps, in a controlled environment whereby damage to property will be minimized and hazard to life and limb eliminate Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus whereby concealed bombs may be safely exploded without risking human life.
Other objects of the invention include providing quick automatic means for inspecting luggage to determine the presence of hidden bombs therein, said means simultaneously detonating any such devices.