40 of the rings 30. In some embodiments, the first and second roller-support arms 24A, 24B have outer dimensions to completely cover the central apertures 40 of the outermost rings 30A, 30B. In some embodiments, a separate component, such as a plate, is included between the first and second roller-support arms 24A, 24B and each corresponding outermost ring 30A, 30B to provide a debris guard.

The frame 14 includes a frame foundation 50 adapted to couple to a front end of the vehicle platform 12, a plurality of roller-support arms 52 pivotally coupled to the frame foundation 50, and a blast shield 54 coupled to the frame foundation 50 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. The frame foundation 50 structurally supports the roller-support arms 52 and the shield 54 to relative to the vehicle platform 12. The roller-support arms 52 are configured to mount a corresponding roller 16 included in the plurality of rollers 16 to the frame foundation 50. The blast shield 54 is coupled to the frame foundation 50 and is arranged to lie between the plurality of rollers 16 and the vehicle 12 to block debris from reaching the vehicle 12 when the plurality of rollers 16 detonate an explosive.

The shield 54 spans an overall width of the rollers 16, collectively, and includes a plurality of frame members 56 coupled to the frame foundation 50, a barrier panel 58 coupled to a plurality of wall support members 59, and a barrier cage 60 coupled to the plurality of frame members 56, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The plurality of support members 59 form a shield frame to support the barrier panel 58 and the barrier cage 60 relative to the frame foundation 50. The barrier panel 58 is arranged along a lower end of the shield 54 and is formed without any openings except for fastener openings used to mount the barrier panel 58 to the frame foundation 50 and/or the plurality of frame members 56. The barrier cage 60 is coupled to an upper end of the barrier panel 58 at a height corresponding with a cabin of the vehicle 12 where an operator may be seated. The barrier cage 60 is a wire mesh or lattice network and is formed to include a plurality of openings configured to provide a viewport for the operator of the vehicle 12 to view past the shield 54 toward the path ahead.

The frame foundation 50 includes a vehicle mount 62 configured to allow mounting of the foundation frame 50 to the vehicle 12 and a foundation support beam 64 coupled to each of the roller-support arms 52 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The vehicle mount 62 includes any suitable structure that can be used to attach the explosives detonator 10 to the vehicle 12, such as one or more brackets, hitches, hooks, bars, latches, etc. The foundation support beam 64 is fixed to the vehicle mount 62. In the illustrative embodiment, the shield 54 is located between the vehicle mount 62 and the foundation support beam 64 and a plurality of fasteners tie each of the vehicle mount 62, the shield 54 and the foundation support beam 64 together to rigidify the frame 14. Fasteners also extend through the foundation support beam 64 and into the plurality of support posts 56 and the barrier panel 58 to further rigidify the frame 14.

The foundation support beam 64 includes a first plate 66 coupled with the vehicle mount 62, a second plate 68 spaced apart from the first plate 66, and a third plate 70 extending between the first and second plates 66, 68 as shown in FIG. 6. The roller-support arms 52 are pivotally coupled to the second plate 68 and the second plate is arranged parallel to the first plate 66. The third plate 70 extends between and interconnects a center of the first plate 66 and a center of the second plate 68 and is arranged perpendicular to both the first plate 66 and the second plate 68. The first plate 66, the second plate 68, and the third plate 70 form an I-beam mounted to the vehicle mount 62 and each of the roller-support arms 52 in an orientation that resists against moments caused by the weighted rollers 16. The I-beam structure of the foundation support beam 64 is more resistant to bending moments than other structures such as tubular structures or a single plate alone. The foundation support beam 64 may further include a plurality of braces 72 coupled between the first and second plates 66, 68 at attachment locations for each roller-support arm 52 to the second plate 68 to block bending of the first plate 66 relative to the second plate 68.

Each roller-support arm 52 includes a first link 74 pivotally coupled to the second plate 68 of the frame foundation 50 via a first hinge 82, a second link 76 pivotally coupled to the frame foundation 50 by a second hinge 82 and spaced apart from the first link 74, as shown in FIG. 8. The links 74, 76 of the support arm 52 are at an angle with respect to each other. Each roller support arm also includes a roller-mount hub 78 that is coupled to a distal end of the first link 74 and the second link 76 as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 8. The first link 74 and the second link 76 converge toward one another from the second plate 68 to their distal ends where they meet and are coupled to the roller-mount hub 78. The roller-mount hub 78 is configured to receive the roller-support pin 20 of the roller mount system 18 to mount a corresponding roller 16 to a corresponding roller-support arm 52.

In the illustrative embodiment, each roller-support arm 52 may further include a crossbar 80 extending between and interconnecting the first and second links 74, 76. The crossbar 80 is located between the second plate 68 and the roller-mount hub 78 and is configured to block bending of the first and second links 74, 76 inward or outward relative to one another to provide rigidity to the roller-support arm 52.

In illustrative embodiments, the first link 74 and the second link 76 are mounted to the frame foundation 50 by hinges 82 as shown in FIG. 8. The hinges 82 allow for pivotable movement of the roller-support arms 52 about a horizontal axis 52A perpendicular to the vertical pivot axis 16P. The roller-support arms 52 may pivot about the horizontal axis 52A as the explosives detonator 10 travels along uneven terrain to allow each roller 16 to move about each corresponding horizontal axis 52A independently of one another. The hinges 82 also allow for upward movement of the rollers 16 if a large explosive charge is encountered. First and second links 74, 76 include lift rings that allow roller-support arms 52 to be raised and lowered by use of a cable/winch or other lift mechanism.

The hinges 82 also allows the frame 14 to change configuration for storage and/or transportation. For example, the frame foundation 50 and the shield 54 can be pivoted about the horizontal axis 52A so that the shield 54 lies in confronting relation to the rollers 16 as shown in FIG. 10. The hinges 82 also allow the shield 54 to be rotated and folded onto roller-support arms 52 for transport. Additionally, the hinges 82 may allow for quick detachment of each roller 16 from the frame 14 for maintenance, repair or replacement. The roller-mount hub 78 may normally be held in engagement with the roller-support pin 20 by gravity. A user can lift the roller-support arms 52 upwardly away from the roller 16 about the horizontal axis 52A to separate the roller 16 and the roller mount system 18 from the frame 14 by withdrawing the roller-support pin 20 from the roller-support hub 78.

Given the weight of the rollers 16 of the mobile explosives detonator 10, it is designed to remain on the ground and not lifted by the vehicle 12 whether in use to detonate mines or being transported. In some embodiments, the rollers 16 and each corresponding roller-mount system 18 can be separated from the frame 14 so that each roller 18 and corresponding roller mount system 18 form a unit separate from the frame 14. Each unit, once separated from the frame 14, may be more easily transported and/or stored. The frame 14 is also more easily transported and/or stored when separated from each unit.

The roller-mount hub 78 includes a first hub link 84 coupled to the first link 74, a second hub link 86 coupled to the second link 76, and a pin sheath 88 configured to receive the roller-support pin 20 as shown in FIG. 8. The first hub link 84 and the second hub link 86 may be attached removably to the first and second links 74, 76, respectively, to allow separation therebetween for service, replacement, storage, or transportation. First and second hub links 78, 86 and coupled to first and second links 74, 76 by use of a shear point connection 100. Shear point connection 100 is designed to provide a relief point in the event of a detonation under the roller assembly 16. The shear point connection 100 shears the roller assembly away from the remaining frame work and protection plate, therefor isolating and limiting the damage to the roller assembly 16 only. The shear point connection 100 includes first and second flanges 102, 104 that are positioned on both sides of a center plate 106. Flanges 102, 104 and center plate 106 are formed to include apertures 108 that are designed to accept shear bolts 110. As shown, two ⅝″-11×3″ grade 8 bolts are used at each of the four shear point connections 100, located on roller-support arms 52.

The roller-support pin 20 is configured to provide a single point of contact between each roller 16 and the frame 14 to allow free rotation of the rollers 16 relative to the frame 14 about each respective vertical pivot axis 16P, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Each roller-support pin 20 is spaced a first distance from the frame foundation 50 and a second distance from each lateral side of the roller 16. The first distance is greater than the second distance so that the roller 16 can rotate about the vertical pivot axis 16P without engaging the frame 14. In some embodiments, the roller-support pin 20 and the roller-mount hub 78 are each formed to include a corresponding aperture. When the apertures are aligned, a second pin can be inserted therein to lock the roller 16 in place and block movement of the roller 16 about the vertical pivot axis 16P.

Each of the weighted rings 30 has a serrated outer surface 31 along its circumference as shown in FIG. 9. The serrated outer surface is configured to provide point loads at a tip of each serration 90 to detonate explosives as the rollers 16 travel along the ground and also provide traction to assist in the rotation of the rollers 16. Each of the rings 30 may further include a ring body 92 and a bearing plate 94 coupled to one or both sides of the ring body 92 to provide spacing between one or both roller-support arms 24 or between an adjacent ring 30. Spacing between the rings 30 is less than a width of each ring 30 to minimize gaps between the rings 30. The illustrative embodiment shows only two rollers 16, however, it should be appreciated that only a single roller 16 or more than two rollers 16 may be included in the explosives detonator 10.

A second embodiment of an explosives detonator 210 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The explosives detonator 210 is similar to explosives detonator 10 of FIGS. 1-10. Accordingly, similar reference numbers in the 200 series are used to describe common features between explosive detonator 210 and explosives detonator 10. The disclosure of explosives detonator 10 is hereby incorporated by reference herein for explosives detonator 210 and differences between explosives detonator 210 and explosives detonator 10 are described below.

The explosives detonator 210 is configured to be moved across the ground in front of a vehicle platform 212 that pushes the mobile explosives detonator 210. The mobile explosives detonator 210 is configured to detonate explosives positioned on or in the ground ahead of the vehicle to prevent or limit damage to the vehicle. The explosives detonator 210 includes a frame 214 and a plurality of rollers 216 coupled to the frame 214. The frame 214 is mounted to the vehicle 212. The plurality of rollers 216 are configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame 212 about respective roller axes 216A as the vehicle 212 travels along the ground with the frame 214. The rollers 216 are weighted so that when they roll over an explosive, the explosive is triggered to detonate and thereby intentionally eliminates the explosive. The width between rollers can be adjusted to match the width of the wheels or tracks of the vehicle so that the vehicle does not detonate the explosives.

In illustrative embodiments, the explosives detonator 210 further includes a roller mount system 218 configured to mount each of the rollers 216 to the frame 214 for pivotable movement of each roller 216 about a corresponding vertical pivot axis 216P. Each roller 216 is coupled to the frame 214 by the roller mount system 218 to pivot freely about the corresponding vertical pivot axis 216P as the vehicle 212 drives the explosives detonator 210 along the ground and makes turns with the explosives detonator 210. In the illustrative embodiment, the rollers 216 are free to pivot about the vertical pivot axes 216P unobstructed by any locks and without engaging any other structures included in the explosives detonator 210 or the vehicle 212. In some embodiments, the roller mount system 218 can include a lock to fix each roller 216 in place relative to the frame 214 so that pivoting about the vertical pivot axes 216P is blocked.

For each roller 216, the roller mount system 218 includes a roller-support pin 220 coupled to the frame 214, a roller-support beam 222 coupled to the roller-support pin 220, and a plurality of roller-support arms 224 coupled to the roller-support beam 222 and to a corresponding roller 216 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The roller-support pin 220 establishes the vertical pivot axis 216P to allow pivotable movement of each roller 216 relative to the frame 214. The roller-support beam 222 mounts the plurality of roller-support arms 224 to the roller-support pin 220 for movement with the roller 216 about the vertical roller axis 216P. The plurality of roller-support arms 224 are spaced apart from one another between a first end 226 of the roller-support beam 222 and a second end 228 of the roller-support beam 222 to support the roller 216.

Each of the rollers 216 includes a plurality of roller rings 230, an axel 232, and a plurality of bushings or bearings 234 as shown in FIG. 11. The plurality of roller rings 230 are arranged to lie side by side to one another between the first end 226 and the second end 228. The axle 232 extends through each ring 230 included in the plurality of roller rings 230. Each of the rings 230 is rotatable relative to the frame 214 and the roller mount system 218 with the axle 232 and relative to the axle 232. The plurality of bushings 234 are coupled to the axle 232 to allow rotation of the axle 232 relative to the frame 214 and the roller mount system 218.

In the illustrative embodiment, each of the rings 230 is weighted. Each ring 230 can weigh several hundred pounds each. In one example, each ring 230 weights more than 600 lbs. In the illustrative embodiment, each ring 230 weighs about 800 pounds. The weight of the rings 230 can impart relatively high forces and moments on the roller mount system 218 and the frame 214. Accordingly, the roller mount system 218 and the frame 214 are structured to support the relatively high weight of the rings 230 of each roller 216 for movement along the ground by the vehicle platform 212.

The plurality of roller-support arms 224 are interlaid with the plurality of rings 230 to provide multiple support points for the plurality of rings 230 and the axle 232 to block deformation of the axle 232 under the weight of the plurality of rings 230 as shown in FIG. 11. Each of the roller-support arms 224 extends from the roller support beam 222 to the axle 232 to locate each ring 230 between two neighboring roller-support arms 224. In this way, each ring 230 is simply supported by the axle 232 between two roller-support arms 224. This minimizes bending moments acting on the axle 232 by the plurality of rings 230. The roller-support arms 224 can be removably secured to the roller support beam 22 by a series of fasteners, such as bolts. This allows a user to replace roller-support arms 224 that have been damage from a mine explosion.

The frame 214 includes a frame foundation 250 adapted to couple to a front end of the vehicle platform 212, a plurality of roller-support arms 252 pivotally coupled to the frame foundation 250, and a blast shield 254 coupled to the frame foundation 250 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The frame foundation 250 structurally supports the roller-support arms 252 and the shield 254 to relative to the vehicle platform 212. The roller-support arms 252 are configured to mount a corresponding roller 216 included in the plurality of rollers 216 to the frame foundation 250. The blast shield 254 is coupled to the frame foundation 250 and is arranged to lie between the plurality of rollers 216 and the vehicle 212 to block debris from reaching the vehicle 212 when the plurality of rollers 216 detonate an explosive.

The shield 254 spans a width of the rollers 216, collectively, and includes a plurality of frame members 256 coupled to the frame foundation 250, a barrier panel 258 coupled to a plurality of wall support members 259, and a barrier cage 260 coupled to the plurality of frame members 256. The plurality of support members 259 form a shield frame to support the barrier panel 258 and the barrier cage 260 relative to the frame foundation 250. The barrier panel 258 is arranged along a lower end of the shield 254 and is formed without any openings except for fastener openings used to mount the barrier panel 258 to the frame foundation 250 and/or the plurality of frame members 256. The barrier cage 260 is coupled to an upper end of the barrier panel 258 at a height corresponding with a cabin of the vehicle 212 where an operator may be seated. The barrier cage 260 is a wire mesh or lattice network and is formed to include a plurality of openings configured to provide a viewport for the operator of the vehicle 212 to view past the shield 254 toward the plurality of rollers 16 and the pathway ahead.

The frame foundation 250 includes a vehicle mount 262 configured to allow mounting of the foundation frame 250 to the vehicle 212 and a foundation support beam 264 coupled to each of the roller-support arms 252 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The vehicle mount 262 includes any suitable structure that can be used to attach the explosives detonator 210 to the vehicle 212, such as one or more brackets, hitches, hooks, bars, latches, etc. The foundation support beam 264 is fixed to the vehicle mount 262. In the illustrative embodiment, the shield 254 is located between the vehicle mount 262 and the foundation support beam 264 and a plurality of fasteners tie each of the vehicle mount 262, the shield 254, and the foundation support beam 264 together to rigidify the frame 214. Fasteners also extend through the foundation support beam 264 and into the plurality of support posts 256 and the barrier panel 258 to further rigidify the frame 214.

The foundation support beam 264 includes a first plate 266 coupled with the vehicle mount 262, a second plate 268 spaced apart from the first plate 266, a third plate 270 extending between the first and second plates 266, 268, and a plurality of beam braces 272 as shown in FIG. 11. The roller-support arms 252 are pivotally coupled to the second plate 268 and the second plate is arranged parallel to the first plate 266. The third plate 270 extends between and interconnects a center of the first plate 66 and a center of the second plate 268 and is arranged perpendicular to both the first plate 266 and the second plate 268. The first plate 266, the second plate 268, and the third plate 270 form an I-beam mounted to the vehicle mount 262 and each of the roller-support arms 252 in an orientation that resists against moments caused by the weighted rollers 216. The I-beam structure of the foundation support beam 264 is more resistant to bending moments than other beam structures such as tubular structures or a single plate alone. The foundation support beam 264 may further include a plurality of braces 272 coupled between the first and second plates 266, 268 at attachment locations for each roller-support arm 252 to the second plate 268 to block bending of the first plate 266 relative to the second plate 268. The plurality of braces 272 have a height greater than the first and second plates 266, 268 such that the plurality of braces 272 project above and below the first and second plates 266, 268. The plurality of braces 272 may have a triangular or pyramidal shape with ends tapering toward the barrier panel 258.

Each roller-support arm 252 includes a first link 274 pivotally coupled to the second plate 268 of the frame foundation 250 via a first hinge, a second link 276 pivotally coupled to the frame foundation 250 by a second hinge and spaced apart from the first link 274. The links 274, 276 of the support arm 252 are at an angle with respect to each other. Each roller support arm also includes a roller-mount hub 278 that is coupled to a distal end of the first link 274 and the second link 276 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The first link 274 and the second link 276 converge toward one another from the second plate 268 to their distal ends where they meet and are coupled to the roller-mount hub 278. The roller-mount hub 278 is configured to receive the roller-support pin 220 of the roller mount system 218 to mount a corresponding roller 216 to a corresponding roller-support arm 252.

In the illustrative embodiment, each roller-support arm 252 may further include a crossbar 280 extending between and interconnecting the first and second links 274, 276. The crossbar 280 is located between the second plate 268 and the roller-mount hub 278 and is configured to block bending of the first and second links 274, 276 inward or outward relative to one another to provide rigidity to the roller-support arm 252.

In illustrative embodiments, the first link 274 and the second link 276 are mounted to the frame foundation 250 by hinges 282 as shown in FIG. 11. The hinges 282 allow for pivotable movement of the roller-support arms 252 about a horizontal axis 252A perpendicular to the vertical pivot axis 216P. The roller-support arms 252 may pivot about the horizontal axis 252A as the explosives detonator 210 travels along uneven ground to allow each roller 216 to move about each corresponding horizontal axis 252A independently of one another. The hinges 282 also allow for upward movement of the rollers 216 if a large explosive charge is encountered. First and second links 274, 276 include lift rings 275 that allow roller-support arms 252 to be raised and lowered by use of a chain/cable/winch 277 or other lift mechanism.

The hinges 282 also allows the frame 214 to change configuration for storage and/or transportation. For example, the frame foundation 250 and the shield 254 can be pivoted about the horizontal axis 252A so that the shield 254 lies in confronting relation to the rollers 16. The hinges 282 also allow the shield 254 to be rotated and folded onto roller-support arms 252 for transport. Additionally, the hinges 282 may allow for quick detachment of each roller 216 from the frame 214 for maintenance, repair or replacement. The roller-mount hub 278 may normally be held in engagement with the roller-support pin 220 by gravity. A user can lift the roller-support arms 252 upwardly away from the roller 216 about the horizontal axis 252A to separate the roller 216 and the roller mount system 218 from the frame 214 by withdrawing the roller-support pin 220 from the roller-support hub 278.

Given the weight of the rollers 216 of the mobile explosives detonator 210, it is designed to remain on the ground and not lifted by the vehicle 212 whether in use to detonate mines or being transported. In some embodiments, the rollers 216 and each corresponding roller-mount system 218 can be separated from the frame 214 so that each roller 18 and corresponding roller mount system 218 form a unit separate from the frame 214. Each unit, once separated from the frame 214, may be more easily transported and/or stored. The frame 214 is also more easily transported and/or stored when separated from each unit.

The roller-mount hub 278 includes a first hub link 284 coupled to the first link 274, a second hub link 286 coupled to the second link 276, and a pin sheath 288 configured to receive the roller-support pin 220 as shown in FIG. 13. The first hub link 284 and the second hub link 86 may be attached removably to the first and second links 274, 276, respectively, to allow separation therebetween for service, storage, or transportation. First and second hub links 278, 286 and coupled to first and second links 274, 276 by use of a shear point connection 300. Shear point connection 300 is designed to provide a relief point in the event of a detonation under the roller assembly 216. The shear point connection 300 shears the roller assembly away from the remaining frame work and protection plate, therefor isolating and limiting the damage to the roller assembly 216 only. The shear point connection 300 includes first and second flanges 302, 304 that are positioned on both sides of a center plate 306. Flanges 302, 304 and center plate 306 are formed to include apertures 308 that are designed to accept shear bolts 310. In some embodiments, two ⅝″-11×3″ grade 8 bolts are used at each of the four shear point connections 300, located on roller-support arms 252.

The roller-support pin 220 is configured to provide a single point of contact between each roller 216 and the frame 214 to allow free rotation of the rollers 216 relative to the frame 214 about each respective vertical pivot axis 216P. Each roller-support pin 220 is spaced a first distance from the frame foundation 250 and a second distance from each lateral side of the roller 216. The first distance is greater than the second distance so that the roller 216 can rotate about the vertical pivot axis 216P without engaging the frame 214. In some embodiments, the roller-support pin 220 and the roller-mount hub 278 are each formed to include a corresponding aperture. When the apertures are aligned, a second pin can be inserted therein to lock the roller 216 in place and block movement of the roller 216 about the vertical pivot axis 216P.

Each of the rings 230 is structured and proportioned similarly to the rings 30 of explosives detonator 10 in relation to the axle 232 and the support arms 224. Each of the weighted rings 230 has a serrated outer surface 231 along its circumference as shown in FIG. 11. Each of the serrations includes a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side. The serrated outer surface 231 is configured to provide point loads at a tip of each serration to detonate explosives as the rollers 216 travel along the ground and also provide traction to assist in the rotation of the rollers 216. Spacing between the rings 230 is less than a width of each ring 230 to minimize gaps between the rings 230. The illustrative embodiment shows only two rollers 216, however, it should be appreciated that only a single roller 216 or more than two rollers 216 may be included in the explosives detonator 210.

An explosives-detonation system or vehicle 400 is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The explosives-detonation system 400 is configured to travel over land and exert pressure or weight on the land to cause any pressure-sensitive explosives, such as a mine, entrained in the land to detonate. The explosives-detonation system 400 detonates any explosives within an overall detonation width 442 of the explosives-detonation system 400 intentionally before a person or other vehicle unintentionally detonates such explosives and may be harmed.

The explosives-detonation system 400 includes a prime mover 401, such as a tractor, truck or dozer, a front-end explosives detonator 402, and a rear-end explosives detonator 510 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The prime mover 401 is configured to move the explosives-detonation system 400 over the land. The front-end explosives detonator 402 is mounted to a front end of the prime mover 401 and is pushed by the prime mover 401 in a travel direction TD of the explosives-detonation system 400 to lead the explosives-detonation system 400. The rear-end explosives detonator 510 is mounted to a rear end of the prime mover 401 and is pulled by the prime mover 401 in the travel direction TD of the explosives-detonation system 400 to trail the explosives-detonation system 400.

In the illustrative embodiment, the prime mover 401 includes a vehicle suitable for traveling over rough, offroad terrain (including dirt, rocks, hills, etc.) and transporting high-weight loads (i.e. greater than 10,000 lbs), such as a tractor or a dozer for example. The prime mover 401 includes two tracks 420, 422 which engage the land and move relative to the rest of the vehicle to move the explosives-detonation system 400 over the land. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes wheels or other suitable means for moving the system 400 over the land.

The front-end detonator 402 includes a pair of weighted rollers 430, 432. The weighted rollers 430, 432 are positioned such that they overlap with a travel path 424 of each respective track 420, 422 of the prime mover 401 engaged with the land. In other words, each of the rollers 430, 432 has a width 434 that is greater than or equal to the travel path 424. The weighted rollers 430, 432 are configured to detonate any explosives within the travel path 424 of each respective track 420, 422 so that the prime mover 401 does not roll over any explosives and damage the prime mover 401. The front-end detonator 402 may be the explosives detonator 10, the explosives detonator 210, or another suitable explosives detonator including at least two weighted rollers. In some embodiments, the front-end detonator 402 may include more than two weighted rollers 430, 432 if the prime mover 401 includes more than two tracks, for example. The weighted rollers 430, 432 are configured to exert a pressure or weight on the land that is at least as great as the tracks 420, 422 of the prime mover 401. A total width 426 of the vehicle 401 is less than a width of a shield 436 included in the front-end detonator 402 and configured to protect the operator of the vehicle 402 during operation.

The rear-end detonator 510 includes a plurality of weighted rollers 516 pulled behind the prime mover 401. The plurality of weighted rollers 516 provide a cumulative detonation path 542 behind the prime mover 401. The cumulative detonation path 542 has a width greater than an outer extent of the weighted rollers 430, 432. In some embodiments, each of the weighted rollers 516 exerts a greater pressure and/or has a greater weight than the weighted rollers 430, 432 of the front-end detonator 402.

As shown in FIGS. 16-20, the rear-end explosives detonator 510 is configured to be moved across the ground by use of a vehicle platform 512 that pulls or pushes the mobile explosives detonator 510. The mobile explosives detonator 510 is configured to detonate explosives positioned in the ground. The explosives detonator 510 includes a frame 514 and a plurality of rollers 516 coupled to the frame 514. The frame 514 is mounted to or included in the vehicle 512. The plurality of rollers 516 are configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame 512 about respective roller axes 516A as the vehicle 512 travels along the ground with the frame 514. The rollers 516 are weighted so that when they roll over an explosive, the explosive is triggered to detonate and thereby intentionally eliminates the explosive in the ground. Given the weight of the mobile explosives detonator 510, it is designed to remain on the ground and not lifted by the vehicle 512 whether in use to detonate mines or being transported.

In illustrative embodiments, the explosives detonator 510 further includes a roller mount system 518 configured to mount each of the rollers to the frame. The roller mount system allows movement of each of the rollers 516 relative to the frame 514 between a use configuration (field position) for use in detonating explosives and a transportation position for transportation the detonator 510 to various locations, such as along a roadway between fields with explosives to be detonated. In the use configuration, each of the roller axes 516A extend perpendicularly to a front-to-back centerline 600 of the frame 514. In the transportation configuration, each of the roller axes 516A extend parallel to the front-to-back centerline 5100 of the frame 514.

In the use configuration, the rollers 516, collectively, have span a relatively large width, such as 20 feet or more, as the frame 514 moves the rollers 516 along the land to detonate explosives in a first travel direction of the rollers 516. In the transportation configuration, the rollers 16 assume a relatively smaller second width, such as 7 to 11 feet, to fit within a standard lane width of a roadway in a second travel direction of the rollers 16. In one example, the explosives detonator 510 has a first width 520 greater than 20 feet in the use configuration and a second width 522 less than or equal to 12 feet in the transportation configuration. In the illustrative embodiment, the overlapping rollers 516 establish the first and second widths 520, 522.

The roller mount system 518 includes a plurality of roller frames 524 and a plurality of roller orientation locks 526. Each roller frame 524 is coupled to a respective roller 516 and to a respective roller orientation lock 526. Each roller orientation lock 526 is coupled to the frame 514 and to a respective roller frame 524 to control movement of each roller 516 and roller frame 524 relative to the frame 514 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration.

Each roller orientation lock 526 includes a roller mount 528 coupled to a respective roller frame 524, a lock pin assembly 530 configured to engage selectively with the roller mount 524, and a lock guide plate 532 fixed to the frame 514 for movement therewith. The roller mount 528 is coupled to a respective roller 516 form movement with the roller 516 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The lock pin assembly 530 is configured to block movement of each respective roller 516 and roller mount 528 relative to the frame 512 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The lock guide plate 532 is configured to control engagement between the lock pin assembly 530 and roller mount 528.

The lock pin assembly 530 includes a lock pin 534, an orientation-selector pin 536 spaced apart from the lock pin 534, and a pin link 538 interconnecting the lock pin 534 and the orientation-selector pin 536 as shown in FIGS. 19-31. The lock pin 534 and the orientation-selector pin 536 are each configured to move between a locked position engaged with the roller mount 528 to block movement of the roller 516 relative to the frame 514 and an unlocked position withdrawn from the roller mount 528 to free the roller mount 528 and the roller 516 for movement between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The pin link 538 controls movement of the lock pin 534 and the orientation-selector pin 536 in unison with one another between the locked position and the unlocked position. The orientation-selection pin 36 cooperates with the roller mount 528 and the lock guide plate 532 to automatically move the lock pin assembly 530 to the locked position when the rollers 516 reach the use configuration or the transportation configuration depending on a position of the orientation-selection pin 536 relative to the lock guide plate 532.

Once the lock pin assembly 530 is in the unlocked position, the orientation-selector pin 536 and the pin link 538 are pivotable about a lock pin axis 534A established by the lock pin 534 between a use-selection position, as shown in FIG. 20, and a transportation-selection position, as shown in FIG. 19. In the use-selection position, the orientation-selector pin 536 is received in a first selector aperture 540 formed in the lock guide plate 532. In the transportation-selection position, the orientation-selector pin 536 is received in a second selector aperture 542 formed in the lock guide plate 532 spaced circumferentially from the first selector aperture 540 about the lock pin axis 534A. The lock pin 528 extends into a third aperture 543 formed in the lock guide plate 532 in both the use configuration and the transportation configuration. When each respective roller 516 is in the use configuration and the orientation-selector pin 536 is in the transportation-selection position, the lock pin 534 is blocked from moving to the locked position. When each respective roller 516 is in the transportation configuration and the orientation-selector pin 536 is in the use-selection position, the lock pin 534 is blocked from moving to the locked position.

The roller mount 528 is formed to include a plurality of apertures that receive the lock pin 534 and the orientation-selector pin 536 in the locked position to block movement of the roller 516 and the roller mount 528 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The lock pin 534 is configured to extend into a first roller-mount aperture 544 formed in the roller mount 528 in the use configuration and a second roller-mount aperture 546 formed in the roller mount 528 in the transportation configuration. The orientation-selector pin 536 is configured to extend into the first selector aperture 540 formed in the lock guide plate 532 and a third roller-mount aperture 548 formed in the roller mount 528 in the use configuration and is configured to extend into the second selector aperture 542 formed in the lock guide plate 532 and a fourth roller-mount aperture 550 formed in the roller mount 28 in the transportation configuration.

The first selector aperture 540 is aligned with the third roller mount aperture 548 in the use configuration to allow the orientation-selector pin 536 to extend into the third roller-mount aperture 548 in the use-selection position and the lock pin 534 to extend into the first roller-mount aperture 544. The second selector aperture 542 is offset from all other apertures formed in the roller mount 28 when the roller is in the use configuration so that the orientation-selector pin engages a surface 552 of the roller mount 528 in the transportation-selection position. This blocks the lock pin 534 from moving into the first roller-mount slot 544. Movement of the roller 516 and roller mount 528 to the transportation configuration brings the second selector aperture 542 into alignment with the fourth roller-mount aperture 550 to allow the orientation-selector pin 536 to move into the fourth roller-mount aperture 550 and the lock pin 534 to move into the second roller mount slot 546 and lock the roller 516 in place in the transportation configuration.

The second selector aperture 542 is aligned with the fourth roller-mount aperture 550 in the transportation configuration to allow the orientation-selector pin 536 to extend into the fourth roller-mount aperture 548 in the transportation-selection position and the lock pin 534 to extend into the second roller-mount slot 546. The first selector aperture 540 is offset from all other apertures formed in the roller mount 528 when the roller is in the transportation configuration so that the orientation-selector pin 536 engages the surface 552 of the roller mount 528 in the transportation-selection position. This blocks the lock pin 534 from moving into the second roller-mount slot 546. Movement of the roller 516 and roller mount 528 to the use configuration brings the first selector aperture 540 into alignment with the third roller-mount aperture 548 to allow the orientation-selector pin 536 to move into the third roller-mount aperture 548 and the lock pin 534 to move into the second roller mount aperture 544 and lock the roller 516 in place in the use configuration.

The first selector aperture 540 and third roller-mount aperture 548 are spaced a first distance or radius 541 from a pivot axis 516P of each respective roller 516 relative to the frame 514. The second selector aperture 542 and the fourth roller-mount aperture 550 are spaced a second distance or radius 43 from the pivot axis 516P. The first distance 541 is less than the second distance 543.

In the illustrative embodiment, the lock pin assembly 530 further includes a pin-retainer unit 554 configured to block the lock pin 534 and the orientation-selector pin 536 from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position. The pin-retainer unit 554 includes a retainer plate 556, a retainer pin 558, and a retainer-lock pin 560 as shown in FIG. 21. The retainer plate 556 is coupled to at least one of the lock pin 534, the orientation-selector pin 536, and the pin link 538 and is formed to include a first retainer aperture 562 and a second retainer aperture 564. The retainer pin 558 is fixed to the lock guide plate 532. The retainer pin 558 is configured to extend into the first retainer aperture 562 when the lock pin 534 is in the locked position and the roller 516 is in the use configuration. The retainer pin 558 is configured to extend in the second retainer aperture 564 when the lock pin 534 is in the locked position and the roller 516 is in the transportation configuration. The retainer-lock pin 560 is coupled removably with the retainer pin 558 and is configured to block withdrawal of the retainer pin 558 from the first and second retainer apertures 562, 564 when the lock pin 534 is in the locked position.

The frame 514 includes a frame foundation 566 coupled to each of the plurality of rollers 516, a frame arm 568 configured to couple to the vehicle 512 and coupled to the frame foundation 566, and an arm lock 570 as shown in FIG. 22. The frame arm 568 is configured to pivot about an arm axis 568A relative to the frame foundation 566 between the use configuration, in which the frame arm 68 extends parallel to the front-to-back centerline 600 of the frame 514, and the transportation configuration, in which the frame arm 568 extends perpendicular to the front-to-back centerline 600 of the frame 514. The arm lock 570 is configured to block movement of the frame arm 568 relative to the frame foundation 566 in both the use configuration and the transportation configuration.

The arm lock 570 includes a support bracket 572 fixed to the frame arm 568, an arm latch 574 coupled to the support bracket 572, and a plurality of arm catches 576 coupled to the frame foundation 566 as shown in FIG. 22. The arm latch 574 selectively interconnects the support bracket 572 with one of the catches 576 to block movement of the frame arm 568 relative to the frame foundation 566. Foundation frame 566 includes trapezoidal wedges secured to the top of the frame 566 and fit under frame arm 568 to stabilize foundation frame 566 when in the transport position. There is also a third wedge that is used to stabilize the frame 566 beneath the frame arm 568 when in the field use position.

The plurality of catches 576 includes a first catch 576A, a second catch 576B, and a third catch 576C. The first catch 576A is configured to engage with the arm latch 574 in the use configuration. The second catch 576B is configured to engage with the arm latch 574 in the transportation configuration when the frame arm 568 extends toward a first lateral side of the frame foundation 566. The third catch 576C is configured to engage with the arm latch 574 in the transportation configuration when the frame arm 568 extends toward an opposite second lateral side of the frame foundation 566.

The arm latch 574 includes a latch sheath 578 coupled to a distal end of the support bracket 572 and spaced apart from the frame arm 568, a latch pin 580 received in the latch sheath 578, and a handle 582 as shown in FIG. 23. The latch pin 580 is configured to engage selectively with a respective arm catch 576A, 576B, 576C included in the plurality of arm catches in the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The handle 582 is coupled to the latch pin 580 and is configured to be grasped by a user to move the latch pin 580 from a locked position engaged with the respective arm catch 576A, 576B, 576C and an unlocked position withdrawn from the respective arm catch 576A, 576B, 576C.

The frame foundation 566 includes a foundation base 584 and an arm mount 586 fixed to the foundation base 584 as shown in FIG. 22. The arm mount 586 is configured to support the frame arm 568 for pivotable movement relative to the frame foundation 566 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The frame arm 568 includes an arm body 588 coupled to the arm mount 586 and an arm rotation stop 590 coupled to the arm body 588. The arm rotation stop 590 is configured to engage the arm mount 586 in the transportation configuration to block further rotation of the frame arm 568 relative to the frame foundation 566.

Each of the rollers 516 includes a plurality of roller rings 592 arranged to lie side by side to one another, an axle 594 extending through each ring 592, and a pair of bushings 596 coupled to each respective end of the axle 594 to allow rotation of the axle 594 relative to the frame 514 as shown in FIGS. 24-27. Each ring 592 has a central aperture 598 having a first diameter 102 configured to receive the axle 594. The axle 594 has a second diameter 604 less than the first diameter 602 so that each ring has only a tangential point of contact 606 with the axle 594. In some embodiments, the first diameter 602 is at least twice that of second diameter 604. This allows each ring 592 to drop to a lower elevation than the other rings 592 as the rollers 516 travel along land and encounter divots or holes in the land.

Each of the rollers 516 further includes a debris guard 608 mounted at each end of the axle 594 between the plurality of roller rings 592 and each respective bushing 96 as shown in FIGS. 24-27. Each debris guard 608 has a central aperture 610 with an inner diameter about equal to the second diameter 604 of the axle 594 and an outer radius 612 greater than the first diameter 602 of the central aperture 598 of each ring 592 and less than an outer radius 614 of each ring 592 included in the plurality of rollers 516. These dimensions allow the debris guard 608 to cover the central aperture 598 of the rings 592 and block debris from entering the aperture 598.

Alternatively, each roller 516 may include a plurality of support arms 620 that are positioned between each of the roller rings 592, as shown, for example, in FIG. 32. Each support arm 620 includes a bushing that is configured to accept the axle 594. The support arms 620 at one end are all secured to a header 622 by welding or other attachment means. This arrangement helps maintain the orientation of the roller rings 592 so that they maintain position when in use. The perimeter of the roller rings 592 may also include knurling, segmenting, or other surface finish to allow the roller rings 592 to maintain contact with and roll along the ground when in use.

Given that the overall weight of device 510 is over fifty thousand pounds, and each roller 516 weighs roughly eight thousand pounds, device 510 is designed to remain on the ground when in the field use mode, the transport mode, or when transitioned between modes. There is no need to lift the device 510 off of the ground to switch modes and there are no hydraulics or electric motors used with the device 510 to switch between modes. When a user wants to switch the device 510 from the transport mode shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 to the field use mode shown in FIGS. 16 and 22, a user grabs and pulls up on the five-pin links 538 located at each of the five orientation locks 526. Raising the links 538 causes the lock pins 534 and the orientation-selector pins 536 to be raised and released from the orientation lock simultaneously. Raising links 538 pulls lock pin 534 out of roller selector slot 544 and orientation-selector pin 536 out of the third roller-mount aperture 548 at the same time. The user needs to raise the pin links 538 high enough so that the aperture 562 in retainer plate 556 clears retainer pin 558 to allow the pin links 538 to be pivoted about the lock pin 534.

Once raised, the user next rotates the pin links 538 about lock pins 534 and positions orientation-selector pins 536 into second selector aperture 542. Because orientation-selector pins 536 of each orientation lock 526 are not yet aligned with fourth roller-mount aperture 550, the rollers 516 and roller mounts 528 are free to pivot about axes 516P until orientation-selector pins 536 align with fourth roller-mount apertures 550 and drop into place. During the transition between modes, the orientation-selector pins 536 slide along the surface 552 of the roller mounts 528. When orientation-selector pins 536 are aligned with fourth roller-mount apertures 550 lock pins 534 are also now aligned with roller selector slot 546 and the pins drop into place. In addition to a user lifting up on the five-pin links 538 and moving the orientation-selector pins 536 into the field use apertures 542, a user can also raise latch pin 580 by handle 582 that couples the frame foundation 566 to the support bracket 572 so that the frame foundation 566 can pivot from the transport to the field mode. Rotation of the rollers 516 and roller mounts 528 and frame foundation 566, once unlocked, occurs automatically by movement of the tractor pulling the mobile explosives detonator 510 in either a forward or rearward direction along the ground. This arrangement eliminates the need for the user to lift the frame off of the ground and manually rotate the roller mounts 528 or frame foundation 566 or the need to use motors, hydraulics or by other apparatuses to cause rotation between modes.

Once the frame foundation 566 and roller mounts 528 rotate from the transport position to the field use position, the orientation-selector pins 536 and lock pins 534 automatically drop in their respective apertures and slots to lock the orientation of the roller mounts 528. The user also puts latch pin 580 into the field use aperture on the frame to lock the frame foundation 566. Now the device 510 is ready to be used in the field. If the user wants to switch back to the transportation mode, the user pulls up on the five-pin links 538 and pivots the orientation-selector pins 536 over to the transportation position and pulls the latch pin 580. The user then uses the tractor or bulldozer to move the device 510 and the roller mounts 528 and frame foundation 566 to cause them to pivot to the transportation position. Once in the transportation position the pins 534, 536 will lock into place and the user re-engages the latch pin 580.

A third embodiment of an explosives detonator 710 is shown in FIGS. 33-35. The explosives detonator 710 is similar to explosives detonator 510 of FIGS. 16-32. Accordingly, similar reference numbers in the 700 series are used to describe common features between explosive detonator 710 and explosives detonator 510. The disclosure of explosives detonator 510 is hereby incorporated by reference herein for explosives detonator 710 and differences between explosives detonator 710 and explosives detonator 510 are described below.

The explosives detonator 710 is configured to be moved across the ground by use of a vehicle platform 712 that pulls or pushes the mobile explosives detonator 710. The mobile explosives detonator 710 is configured to detonate explosives positioned in the ground. The explosives detonator 710 includes a frame 714 and a plurality of rollers 716 coupled to the frame 714. The frame 714 is mounted to or included in the vehicle 712. The plurality of rollers 716 are configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame 712 about respective roller axes 716A as the vehicle 712 travels along the ground with the frame 714. The rollers 716 are weighted so that when they roll over an explosive, the explosive is triggered to detonate and thereby intentionally eliminates the explosive in the ground. Given the weight of the mobile explosives detonator 710, it is designed to remain on the ground and not lifted by the vehicle 712 whether in use to detonate mines or being transported.

In illustrative embodiments, the explosives detonator 710 further includes a roller mount system 718 configured to mount each of the rollers to the frame. The roller mount system 718 allows movement of each of the rollers 716 relative to the frame 714 between a use configuration (field position) for use in detonating explosives and a transportation position for transportation the detonator 710 to various locations, such as along a roadway between fields with explosives to be detonated. In the use configuration, each of the roller axes 716A extend perpendicularly to a front-to-back centerline 800 of the frame 714. In the transportation configuration, each of the roller axes 716A extend parallel to the front-to-back centerline 700 of the frame 714.

The roller mount system 718 includes a plurality of roller frames 724 and a plurality of roller orientation locks 726. Each roller frame 724 is coupled to a respective roller 716 and to a respective roller orientation lock 726. Each roller orientation lock 726 is coupled to the frame 714 and to a respective roller frame 724 to control movement of each roller 716 and roller frame 724 relative to the frame 714 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The plurality of roller frames 724 and the plurality of roller orientation locks 726 are identical in structure and function to the roller frames 24 and orientations locks 526 of explosives detonator 510.

The frame 714 includes a frame foundation 766 coupled to each of the plurality of rollers 716, a frame arm 768 configured to couple to the vehicle 712 and coupled to the frame foundation 766, an arm lock 770, and an arm actuator 771 as shown in FIG. 33. The frame arm 768 is configured to pivot about an arm axis 768A relative to the frame foundation 766 between the use configuration, in which the frame arm 768 extends parallel to the front-to-back centerline 800 of the frame 714, and the transportation configuration, in which the frame arm 768 extends perpendicular to the front-to-back centerline 800 of the frame 714. The arm lock 770 is configured to block movement of the frame arm 768 relative to the frame foundation 766 in both the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The arm actuator 771 is configured to move the frame arm 768 relative to the frame foundation 766 about the arm axis 768A between the use configuration and the transportation configuration when the arm lock 770 is unlocked.

The arm lock 770 includes a support bracket 772 fixed to the frame arm 768, an arm latch 774 coupled to the support bracket 772, and a plurality of arm catches 776 coupled to the frame foundation 766 as shown in FIG. 33. The arm latch 774 selectively interconnects the support bracket 772 with one of the catches 776 to block movement of the frame arm 768 relative to the frame foundation 766. Foundation frame 766 includes trapezoidal wedges secured to the top of the frame 766 and fit under frame arm 768 to stabilize foundation frame 766 when in the transport position. There is also a third wedge that is used to stabilize the frame 766 beneath the frame arm 768 when in the field use position.

The plurality of catches 776 includes a first catch 776A, a second catch 776B, and a third catch 776C. The first catch 776A is configured to engage with the arm latch 774 in the use configuration. The second catch 776B is configured to engage with the arm latch 774 in the transportation configuration when the frame arm 768 extends toward a first lateral side of the frame foundation 766. The third catch 776C is configured to engage with the arm latch 774 in the transportation configuration when the frame arm 768 extends toward an opposite second lateral side of the frame foundation 766.

The arm latch 774 includes a latch sheath 778 coupled to a distal end of the support bracket 772 and spaced apart from the frame arm 768, a latch pin 780 received in the latch sheath 778, and a handle 782 as shown in FIG. 34. The latch pin 780 is configured to engage selectively with a respective arm catch 776A, 776B, 776C included in the plurality of arm catches in the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The handle 782 is coupled to the latch pin 780 and is configured to be grasped by a user to move the latch pin 780 from a locked position engaged with the respective arm catch 776A, 776B, 776C and an unlocked position withdrawn from the respective arm catch 776A, 776B, 776C.

The frame foundation 766 includes a foundation base 784 and an arm mount 786 fixed to the foundation base 784 as shown in FIG. 34. The arm mount 786 is configured to support the frame arm 768 for pivotable movement relative to the frame foundation 766 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The frame arm 768 includes an arm body 788 coupled to the arm mount 786 and an actuator mount 790 coupled to the arm body 788.

The arm actuator 771 includes an arm mover 702 coupled to the actuator mount 786, a first arm lever 804 coupled to the frame arm 768 and to the arm mover 702, and a second arm lever 806 coupled to the first arm lever 704 and to the arm mount 286 as shown in FIG. 34. The arm mover 802 includes a hydraulic actuator having a sheath 808 and a piston 810 received in the sheath 808 and configured to translate relative to the sheath 808 in response to hydraulic pressure within the sheath 808. The first arm lever 804 has a first end coupled to the second arm lever 806, a second end coupled to the frame arm 768, and is coupled to the piston 810 between the first end and the second end. The second arm lever 806 has a first end coupled to the first end of the first arm lever 804 and a second end coupled to the arm mount 786.

The first and second arm levers 804, 806 each have a curvilinear shape and are concave relative to the arm axis 768A. Each end of the first arm lever 804 and the second arm lever 806 pivots relative to one another and to the arm mount 786 in response to actuation of the piston 810 to cause the frame arm 768 to pivot about the arm pivot axis 768A. Retraction of the piston 810 into the sheath 808 causes the frame arm 768 to pivot from the use configuration to the transportation configuration.

As the piston 810 retracts, the first arm lever 804 and the second arm lever 806 buckle or fold inward toward one another about the first end of the first arm lever 804 and the first end of the second arm lever 806 and the second end of the first arm lever 804 moves closer to the second end of the second arm lever 806. This causes the frame arm 768 to pivot about the pivot axis 768A from the use configuration to the transportation configuration in a first or clockwise direction when the detonator 710 is viewed from above. As the piston 810 extends, the frame arm 768 is pushed from the transportation configuration to the use configuration. This causes the first arm lever 804 and the second arm lever 806 to fold outward about the first end of the first arm lever 804 and the first end of the second arm lever 806 such that the second end of the first arm lever 804 moves away from to the second end of the second arm lever 806. The arm levers 804, 806 provide increased mechanical advantage and range of motion for the actuator 771 to move the frame arm 768 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration.

The first lever arm 804 includes a stopper plate/surface 814 that is configured to engage the frame arm 768 in the transportation configuration to stop movement of the frame arm 768 once the transportation configuration is reached. In some embodiments, the piston 810 or the sheath 808 can be disengaged and the frame arm 768 may rotate about the pivot axis 768A in a second or counterclockwise direction to the transportation configuration. The stopper plate 814 is configured to engage the arm mount 786 to block further pivoting of the frame arm 768 in the second direction.

Each of the rollers 716 includes a plurality of roller rings 792 arranged to lie side by side to one another, an axle 794 extending through each ring 792, and a pair of bushings 796 coupled to each respective end of the axle 794 to allow rotation of the axle 794 relative to the frame 714 as shown in FIG. 35. Each of the roller rings 792 includes a plurality of projections or serrations 795. Each of the serrations 795 includes a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side. The serrations 795 are configured to provide point loads at a tip of each serration to detonate explosives as the rollers 716 travel along the ground and also provide traction to assist in the rotation of the rollers 716. Spacing between the rings 792 is less than a width of each ring 792 to minimize gaps between the rings 792. The illustrative embodiment shows five rollers 716, however, it should be appreciated that only a single roller 716 or more than five rollers 716 may be included in the explosives detonator 710.

The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting:

- Clause 1. An explosives detonator configured to be moved across land by a vehicle platform to detonate explosives positioned on or in the land, the explosives detonator including a frame.
- Clause 2. The explosives detonator of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a plurality of rollers coupled to the frame and configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame about respective roller axes as the vehicle travels along the land.
- Clause 3. The explosives detonator of clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a roller mount system configured to mount each of the rollers to the frame.
- Clause 4. The explosives detonator of clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the roller mount system including a roller-support pin coupled to the frame to allow pivotable movement of each roller relative to the frame about a vertical roller axis, a roller-support beam coupled to the roller-support pin for movement with the roller about the vertical roller axis, and a plurality of roller-support arms coupled to the roller-support beam and spaced apart from one another between a first end of the roller-support beam and a second end of the roller-support beam.
- Clause 5. The explosives detonator of clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each of the rollers includes a plurality of roller rings arranged to lie side by side to one another, an axle extending through each ring included in the plurality of roller rings, and a plurality of bushings coupled to the axle to allow rotation of the axle relative to the frame and the roller mount system.
- Clause 6. The explosives detonator of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the plurality of roller-support arms includes a first support arm coupled to a first bushing included in the plurality of bushings at a first end of the axle, a second support arm coupled to a second bushing included in the plurality of bushings at a second end of the axle, and a third support arm extending between the axle and the roller-support beam and arranged to lie between the first end of the axle and the second end of the axle.
- Clause 7. The explosives detonator of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each roller ring included in the plurality of roller rings is located between two neighboring roller-support arms included in the plurality of roller-support arms.
- Clause 8. The explosives detonator of clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the frame includes a frame foundation adapted to couple to a front end of the vehicle platform, a roller-support arm configured to mount a corresponding roller included in the plurality of rollers to the frame foundation, and a shield coupled to the frame foundation and arranged to lie between the plurality of rollers and the vehicle to block debris from reaching the vehicle when the plurality of rollers detonate an explosive.
- Clause 9. The explosives detonator of clause 8, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the shield includes a plurality of support posts coupled to the frame foundation, a barrier panel coupled to the plurality of wall support posts and arranged along a lower end of the shield, and a barrier cage coupled to the plurality of wall support posts and to an upper end of the barrier panel, the barrier cage formed to include at least one opening configured to provide a viewport for an operator of the vehicle to view past the frame wall toward the plurality of rollers.
- Clause 10. The explosives detonator of clause 8, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the frame foundation includes a vehicle mount configured to mount to the vehicle and a foundation support beam coupled to each of the roller-support arms.
- Clause 11. The explosives detonator of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the foundation support beam includes a first plate coupled with the vehicle mount, a second plate coupled with each of the roller-support arms and arranged parallel to the first plate, and a third plate extending between and interconnecting a center of the first plate and a center of the second plate and arranged perpendicular to both the first plate and the second plate.
- Clause 12. The explosives detonator of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the shield is positioned between the vehicle mount and the foundation support beam.
- Clause 13. The explosives detonator of clause 8, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each roller-support arm includes a first link coupled to the frame foundation, a second link coupled to the frame foundation and spaced apart from the first link, and a roller-mount hub coupled to a distal end of the first link and the second link and configured to receive the roller-support pin to mount a corresponding roller to a corresponding roller-support arm.
- Clause 14. The explosives detonator of clause 13, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first link and the second link converge toward one another at the distal ends thereof.
- Clause 15. The explosives detonator of clause 13, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first link and the second link are mounted to the frame foundation for pivotable movement about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the vertical axis.
- Clause 16. The explosives detonator of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each ring has a central aperture having a first diameter configured to receive the axle and the axle has a second diameter less than the first diameter so that each ring has only a tangential point of contact with the axle.
- Clause 17. The explosives detonator of clause 16, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first diameter is at least twice that of second diameter.
- Clause 18. The explosives detonator of clause 16, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the plurality of roller-support arms includes a first roller-support arm arranged to lie at a first lateral end of the plurality of rings to at least partially cover the central aperture of a first outermost ring included in the plurality of rings to provide a first debris guard mounted at the first lateral end and a second roller-support arm arranged to lie at an opposite, second lateral end of the plurality of rings to at least partially cover the central aperture of a second outermost ring, opposite the first outermost ring, included in the plurality of rings to provide a second debris guard mounted at the second lateral end.
- Clause 19. The explosives detonator of clause 18, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each debris guard has a central aperture with an inner diameter about equal to the second diameter of the axle.
- Clause 20. The explosives detonator of clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the roller-support pin provides a single point of contact between each roller and the frame to allow free rotation of the rollers relative to the frame about each respective vertical pivot axis.
- Clause 21. The explosives detonator of clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the frame includes a frame foundation adapted to couple the vehicle platform and a roller-support arm configured to mount a corresponding roller included in the plurality of rollers to the frame foundation, and wherein each roller-support pin is spaced a first distance from the frame foundation and a second distance from each lateral side of the roller, the first distance being greater than the second distance.
- Clause 22. The explosives detonator of clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each roller-support arm includes a first link coupled to the frame foundation, a second link coupled to the frame foundation and spaced apart from the first link, a pin hub coupled to the roller-support pin and to a distal end of the first link and the second link, and a crossbar extending between the first link and the second link and spaced apart from the frame foundation and the pin hub.
- Clause 23. An explosives-detonation system includes a prime mover.
- Clause 24. The system of clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the prime mover including a first contact point with land and a second contact point with the land, the prime mover configured to move over the land by exerting force by the first contact point and the second contact point.
- Clause 25. The system of clause 24, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, a front-end detonator mounted to a front end of the prime mover and configured to detonate explosives entrained in the land in front of the prime mover.
- Clause 26. The system of clause 25, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the front-end detonator including a first weighted roller having a first travel path including a first width greater than or equal to the first contact point and a second weighted roller having a second travel path including a second width greater than or equal to the first contact point.
- Clause 27. The system of clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a rear-end detonator mounted to a rear end of the prime mover and configured to detonate explosives entrained in the land behind the prime mover.
- Clause 28. The system of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the rear-end explosives detonator including a frame.
- Clause 29. The system of clause 28, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the rear-end explosives detonator including a plurality of rollers coupled to the frame and configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame about respective roller axes as the vehicle travels along the land.
- Clause 30. The system of clause 29, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the rear-end explosives detonator including a roller mount system configured to mount each of the rollers to the frame for movement relative to the frame between a use configuration, in which each of the roller axes extend perpendicularly to a front-to-back centerline of the frame, and a transportation configuration, in which each of the roller axes extend parallel to the front-to-back centerline of the frame.
- Clause 31. The system of clause 30, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein, collectively, the plurality of rollers have a first width in the use configuration and a second width less than the first width in the transportation configuration.
- Clause 32. The system of clause 31, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first width is greater than 12 feet and the second width is less than or equal to 12 feet.
- Clause 33. The system of clause 30, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the roller mount system includes a plurality of roller orientation locks, each roller orientation lock included in the plurality of roller orientation locks being coupled to a respective roller included in the plurality of rollers and including a roller mount fixed to each respective roller for movement with the respective roller between the use configuration and the transportation configuration, a lock pin assembly configured to engage selectively with the roller mount to block movement of each respective roller and roller mount relative to the frame between the use configuration and the transportation configuration, and a lock guide plate fixed to the frame for movement therewith and configured to control engagement between the lock pin assembly and roller mount.
- Clause 34. The system of clause 33, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock pin assembly includes a lock pin, an orientation-selector pin spaced apart from the lock pin, and a pin link interconnecting the lock pin and the orientation-selector pin to control movement of the lock pin and the orientation-selector pin in unison with one another between a locked position engaged with the roller mount and an unlocked position withdrawn from the roller mount so that each respective roller is free to pivot between the use configuration and the transportation configuration.