Abstract
The present invention provides for cutting operations using linear thermite charges; the charges cut one dimensional or two dimensional geometric shapes; the invention is useful for structure entry or demolition.
________________________________________
Inventors: Givens; Richard W.; (Columbus, OH) ; Klein; Jerome A.; (Raymond, OH) ; Burky; Thomas E.; (Monroe Township, OH) ; Reuther; James J.; (Worthington, OH)
Correspondence Name and Address: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
505 KING AVENUE
COLUMBUS
OH
43201-2693
US
Serial No.: 371541
Series Code: 11
Filed: March 8, 2006
U.S. Current Class: 89/1.14; 102/293; 102/332
U.S. Class at Publication: 089/001.14; 102/293; 102/332
Intern'l Class: F42B 15/34 20060101 F42B015/34; F41F 5/00 20060101 F41F005/00

[0006] This thermite-based method will allow operators to penetrate a material in timeframes similar to explosive shape charges without the safety concerns and security risks associated with explosives. In addition, the sustained duration of a thermite jet will more effectively handle discontinuities and interfaces that normally disrupt and dissipate explosively driven shape charge jets. When a linear shaped charge is used for cutting steel on a steel bridge demolition project, a large degree of preparation work must be undertaken to ensure a successful cut or penetration. A "preconditioning" process involves removing overlapped plates and areas of reinforcement with a conventional cutting torch. This process is time consuming, expensive, and dangerous. Conversely, the sustained jet of a thermite charge offers improved performance over multi-plate materials with limited or substantially no preconditioning. The thermite charge's sustained jet also affords a greater assurance in cutting plates of varying thickness, layered plate configurations, and any supporting or reinforcing members that may exist in the middle or on the backside of a material. While the projected thermite charge particle stream is a slower reaction than that of an explosively driven jet, it is very fast from the perspective of the operator. The anticipated timing for material penetration is typically on the order of hundreds of milliseconds.

After reading this, I sent Battelle the following letter, never received a reply:

John Parulis
Bright Path Film and Video
info@brightpathvideo.com

December 28, 2007

BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
505 KING AVENUE
COLUMBUS
OH 43201-2693 US

Attention: Inventors: Givens; Richard W.; (Columbus, OH) ; Klein; Jerome A.; (Raymond, OH) ; Burky; Thomas E.; (Monroe Township, OH) ; Reuther; James J.; (Worthington, OH)

Dear Sirs

I am a filmmaker working on a documentary about the possible use of thermate or thermite cutter charges being used in the controlled demolition of World Trade Center building 7 on September 11, 2001
I came across your patent application while doing an internet search: U.S. Current Class: 89/1.14; 102/293; 102/332
U.S. Class at Publication: 089/001.14; 102/293; 102/332
Intern'l Class: F42B 15/34 20060101 F42B015/34; F41F 5/00 20060101 F41F005/00
Claims
1. A linear thermite charge apparatus comprising: a. an elongated casing; b. an elongated volume within the casing, wherein a thermite material can be disposed within the volume; and d. one or more linear nozzles in communication with the volume.
Is it possible to interview the inventors and film a test of the device being used to demolish buildings? In making this request, I am not suggesting nor do I believe that you or your company have had any hand in the destruction of the World Trade Center buildings. Recent scientific findings point to the evidence of thermate residues in dust samples taken from various locations around the World Trade Centers in the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Thanks for your consideration.

John Parulis, brightpathvideo.com