The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 04, 2025
Filed:
Nov. 15, 2024
Gradient Technology, Elk River, MN (US);
John T. Thomalla, Elk River, MN (US);
John E. Herbert, Virginia Beach, VA (US);
Nathan F. Nodland, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Drew A. Strombeck, Plymouth, MN (US);
Ryan M. Smith, Minnetonka, MN (US);
Steve J. Schmit, Orono, MN (US);
GRADIENT TECHNOLOGY, Elk River, MN (US);
Abstract
Some variations provide a cut-and-capture system configured for demilitarization of an underwater munition, comprising: a docking platform that is sealably positionable onto an underwater munition; a first manipulator arm to manipulate the docking platform onto the munition; a high-pressure waterjet cutting tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed into the docking platform; a washout tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed in the docking platform, wherein the washout tool generates waste from the munition; a bladder that stores munition waste; a second manipulator arm to manipulate the cutting tool and the washout tool into the docking platform; an abrasive feed subsystem that delivers an abrasive to the cutting tool; and a system control module with electrical and hydraulic control hardware, to control the docking platform, cutting tool, abrasive feed subsystem, the washout tool. Other variations utilize a multifunctional device that contains the cutting tool, the washout tool, and other tools.