WO2012057780A1

WO2012057780A1 - Explosion resistant mine detonation reel and self-steering device for same

Info

Publication number: WO2012057780A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/054663
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leo P. Oriet
Original assignee: Navistar Canada, Inc.
Priority date: 2010-10-29
Filing date: 2010-10-29
Publication date: 2012-05-03

Abstract

A vehicle-mounted demining system including a frame configured to attach to a vehicle, an axle secured within the frame, a first wheel secured at a first end of the axle, a second wheel secured at a second end of the axle, and a plurality of rods detachably secured between and within the wheels, is disclosed. The system is weighted to apply a force through the rods to the ground over a desired path within the range of from about 50 lbs/in2 to about 200 lbs/in2 in order to detonate particular pressure-sensitive land mines. The system may also include at least one intermediate wheel secured to the axle between the first wheel and the second wheel, and a mechanical vibratory counter-mine device attached to at least one of either the first or the second wheel. A self-steering device for the vehicle-mounted demining system is also disclosed.

Description

EXPLOSION RESISTANT MINE DETONATION REEL AND SELF-STEERING

DEVICE FOR SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present device relates to apparatus and method for neutralizing and detonating buried explosive devices. Specifically, the device relates to front-mounted equipment for mine-sweeping processes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There are literally over 300 different kinds of land mines, with some costing as little as a few (U.S.) dollars to produce. Many of these mines are relatively easy to bury along roads and trails in a war zone, requiring a direct compressive pressure of 100 lbs. or less to detonate. These type of mines are typically designed to both inflict high-casualties to foot soldiers and damage to military vehicles.

[0003] More elaborate, though less common mines include improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which require a small electric impulse from, e.g., a cell phone to detonate, and vibration detonated mines, which are typically buried between vehicle wheel paths in a roadway to be detonated directly under a traveling vehicle as it passes over the mine. These type of mines are designed to inflict high-casualties to both foot soldiers and vehicle personnel and do maximum damage to vehicles.

[0004] Currently, the military employs a variety of mine detection, neutralizing and detonation equipment. The Husky mine detection vehicle is one example of such equipment. Non-metallic land mines which are unable to be detected using pulse-induction mine detectors on the Husky, are exploded using a three trailer system pulled behind the Husky. The three weighted-trailers have different wheel tracks which, when towed in series, offset from one another to cover an approximate ten foot wide track. When one of the trailers trips and detonates a mine, the destroyed trailer is removed and replaced in the sequence. It can take a considerable amount of time to transport an appropriate replacement trailer to site of the system.

[0005] Further, as the trailers are towed behind the Husky tractor (with driver), the Husky tractor is placed in a high-degree of danger for triggering a land mine. As a countermeasure, the tractor weight is minimized and explosion resistance is maximized as much as possible. Occasionally, such measures are ineffective.

[0006] The present device is designed to solve these and other issues. SUMMARY

[0007] A vehicle-mounted demining system is disclosed. Generally speaking, the system includes a frame configured to attach to a vehicle, an axle secured within the frame, a first wheel secured at a first end of the axle, a second wheel secured at a second end of the axle, and a plurality of rods detachably secured between and within the wheels. The rods may be held in place by aligned apertures within the wheels and lock nuts. Round ballistic rods allow the explosion detonation energy pulse to expand in all direction - a half sphere with the energy moving away from the center of the detonation - without resistance from the system. The system would be useful to detonate all types of mines in front of the vehicle - mines that use vibration, direct load, and electric signals as triggers with this reel and suffer no damage. The system accomplishes this by detonating the mine avoiding the majority of the energy impulse - that is the energy impulse expansion goes through the rods and the wheels with minimal resistance. In addition, the present system allows for simple replacement and storage of the rods that may be bent during a detonation.

[0008] In an embodiment of the system, the vehicle-mounted demining system comprises a frame configured to attach to a vehicle, an axle secured within the frame and having a length sufficient for extending across a desired path, a first wheel secured proximate a first end of the axle and having a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the first wheel, a second wheel secured proximate a second end of the axle and having a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the second wheel aligned with the plurality of apertures of the first wheel and a plurality of rods, each rod detachably secured within a pair of aligned apertures of the first and second wheels, wherein the wheels have an outer surface, a portion of which maintains contact with the ground during use.

[0009] In an embodiment of the system, the frame is configured to attach to and travel in front of the vehicle. The axle secured within the frame has a length sufficient for extending across a desired path, preferably about 10 feet or so. The wheels have a V-shaped outer surface, to deflect mine detonation energy impulse and secure the plurality of rods to maintain contact with the ground during use. The wheels are vented, comprising a plurality of holes therein to expel an explosion pressure wave. Further, the device is weighted to apply a force through the rods to the ground over the desired path within the range of from about 50 lbs/in² to about 200 lbs/in² in order to detonate particular pressure-sensitive land mines. [0010] In other embodiments, the system includes at least one intermediate wheel secured to the axle between the first wheel and the second wheel and has a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the intermediate wheel aligned with the plurality of apertures of the first wheel and the second wheel. Further, a mechanical vibratory counter-mine device attached to at least one of either the first or the second wheel may be included in an embodiment of the system. The counter-mine device comprises a housing having a multi-chambered cavity, at least one weighted member, such as a solid steel ball, free to travel within the cavity, and end plates affixed to the housing to enclose the cavity. For added effectiveness, the plurality of rods may be capable of conducting high-voltage electrical energy impulses into the ground to detonate buried improvised explosive devices.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a self-steering device for a vehicle-mounted demining system is disclosed. Generally speaking, the device includes a first coupler configured to attach to a vehicle, a second coupler configured to attach to the demining system, a center rod having a first end for connecting with the first coupler and a second end for connecting with the second coupler, the center rod having an adjustable length for adjusting the distance between the vehicle and the demining system, at least a first steering cable and a second steering cable, wherein the steering cables are connected to the first coupler and the second coupler for self-steering of the demining system. The center rod may be constructed of a tubular ballistic metal to reduce resistance to the detonation energy impulse.

[0012] In other embodiments, the self-steering device includes the first coupler having a first cable attachment and an opposing second cable attachment, and the second coupler having a third cable attachment and a fourth opposing cable attachment. A first end of the first steering cable is connected to the first cable attachment, while a first end of the second steering cable is connected to the second cable attachment, and a second end of the first steering cable is connected to the fourth cable attachment, while the second end of the second steering cable is connected to the third cable attachment.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, a method for self-steering a vehicle-mounted demining system, is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of attaching a first steering coupler having a first steering hitch to a vehicle, attaching a second steering coupler having a second steering hitch to the demining system, providing an adjustable center rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end pivotally connects with the first steering coupler through the first steering hitch and the second end pivotally connects with the second steering coupler through the second steering hitch, and transferring a steering input from the vehicle to the demining system by connecting a first cable and a second cable to each of the first steering coupler and the second steering coupler.

[0014] In another embodiment, the method comprises changing the distance between the vehicle and the demining system by adjusting the length of the center rod. In yet another embodiment, the method comprises pushing the demining system in front of the vehicle. The center rod may have a round shape to deflect the energy impulse from land mine detonation to increase the survivability of the self-steering device and demining system.

[0015] These and other features of the present demining system and the self-steering device can be more readily understood from the following detailed discussion with reference to the appended drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the present explosion resistant mine detonation system;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the present explosion resistant mine detonation reel;

[0018] FIG. 3 is side view of an embodiment of a wheel of the system;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a vibratory counter-mine device;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a multi-chambered housing and weighted spheres of the vibratory counter- mine device;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of a push/tow hub for the present system;

[0022] FIG. 7 is an illustration comparing the contact widths of prior art vehicle tires and the supporting rods of an embodiment of the present system;

[0023] FIG.8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a self-steering device for a vehicle mounted explosion resistant mine detonation system; and,

[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the self-steering device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, there is illustrated an embodiment of an explosion resistant mine detonation reel, generally designated by the numeral 10, as well as the various components thereof. FIGS. 8-9 illustrate an embodiment of a self-steering device for a vehicle mounted explosion resistant mine detonation reel. The device 10 is designed for use in combination with a military vehicle, particularly a vehicle which is used in war-zones to sweep for land mines ahead on and alongside roadways and the like. However, other military vehicles may also be retro-fitted with embodiments of the present device to protect both civilian and military personnel and equipment (e.g., cars, trucks, etc.). While preferably attached to precede a vehicle, the device 10 may be pushed or pulled to provide effective modes of mine detection and detonation.

[0026] Generally speaking, the device 10 is a vehicle-mounted demining system comprising a frame 12 configured to attach to a vehicle 14. An axle 16 is secured within the frame 12 and is manufactured to have a length (L) sufficient for extending across a desired path, such as a road, trail or the like. A first wheel 20 is secured proximate a first end of the axle 16 with a second wheel 22 secured proximate the opposite end of the axle 16. Preferably, at least one third or intermediate wheel 24 is also secured to the axle 16 between the first and second wheels, 20 and 22, respectively. Each wheel, 20, 22 and 24, has a plurality of apertures 30 arranged about a periphery of the wheel. The apertures 30 in the set of wheels, whether two or more, are aligned such that each of a plurality of rods 26 can be detachably secured within the aligned apertures. The weight of the device 10 is supported by both the wheels 20, 22 and the rods 26.

[0027] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, there are three wheels 20, 22, 24 secured to the axle 16. The wheels 20-24 are identical vented, armor-plated, high-strength steel wheels attached to the axle 16 by a military-grade weld along an inside attachment edge 32. The intermediate wheel 24 may be welded on both sides, as shown. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of apertures 30 are drilled in each wheel 20-24 about the periphery for the rods 26, while a large center hole 34 accommodates the axle 16. Venting holes 36 are also engineered into the wheels 20-24 to allow expulsion of pressure waves imparted to the wheels in an explosive blast event. The outer surface of each wheel is preferably V-shaped, a portion of which maintains contact with the ground during use, as will be further explained below.

[0028] The axle 16 is made of solid, ballistic steel to provide strength and is of sufficient weight to apply an adequate downward force at the ground contact of the supporting wheels 20-24 and rods 26 to detonate a land mine. Typically, the amount of force needed to detonate a pressure sensitive mine is about 100 lbs/in². The prior art Husky trailer system previously discussed uses large tires to cover a 10 foot path, but the trailers must be heavily weighted to provide the necessary force for the large contact area of the tires. For example, with reference to FIG. 7, if each of four tires on a detonation trailer has a four inch by four inch contact surface with the ground (i.e., 16 in²), then the detonation trailer must weigh about 6,400 lbs (16 in² (contact area/tire) x 4 (no. of tires) x 100 lbs/in² (detonation force required)) to achieve the required detonation force at each tire.

[0029] In the present device 10, the high-strength, ballistic steel rods 26 which travel between the first wheel 20 and the second wheel 22, passing through any intermediate wheels 24, only have a 1/4 in x 120 in (30 in²) contact area, less than half the contact surface area of 64 in² for the four tires of the previous device. Accordingly, the weight needed to achieve 100 lbs/in² is far less than the 6,400 lbs. required by the previous device. The weight savings allows for a greater mitigation of blast energy during an explosion event. Ballistic rods 26 having a rounded shape allow the explosion detonation energy pulse to expand in all direction (a half sphere with the energy moving away from the center of the detonation) without resistance by the device 10. Ultimately, it is desirable to detonate all types of mines in front of the vehicle - mines that use vibration, direct load, and electric signals as triggers with this device 10 and suffer no damage. The present device 10 accomplishes this by detonating the mine and avoiding the majority of the energy impulse - that is the energy impulse expansion goes through the rods 26 and the three wheels 20, 22, 24 with minimal resistance.

[0030] The number of rods 26 used can vary widely, depending upon the spacing and circumference of the wheels. Between 4 and 80 rods, preferably between 20 and 60 rods are sufficient for most applications. End caps or lock nuts 40 attach to the threaded ends 42 of the rods 26 to secure to the first and second wheels, 20 and 22. This arrangement allows for simple replacement of the steel rods 26 that may be bent during a detonation by simply removing the lock nuts 40 and sliding a new rod 26 in place. The replacement rods and lock nuts require little storage space and may be easily stored on board.

[0031] In addition to providing ground contact to detonate land mines, a high-energy electrical source (not shown), in the range of from about 50 KW or less depending on the resistance of the soil, is connected to the rods 26 to conduct impulses into the ground from the rods. The high-voltage energy pulses serve to detonate IEDs several yards ahead of the device 10. By way of example, electrical energy is directed into the ground at a distance in front of the vehicle - one lead of the circuit is grounded by the reel at a distance in front of the vehicle. The second lead of the circuit is grounded at the front of the vehicle completing the circuit. As the mine sweeping vehicle approaches a buried IED, the electricity flowing from the generator, into the reel which is a conduit reaching yards in front of the reel, is allowed to flow into the ground in yards in front of the vehicle. The electricity will explode the explosive device before the reel reaches it. [0032] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an embodiment of a vibratory counter-mine percussion (VCP) device 38 is illustrated. The VCP device 38 is a disk-shaped component comprising a multi-chambered cavity 44, at least one heavy, solid weight 46, such as a metal sphere, and two high-strength end plates 48. As shown, the cavity 44 has three equally spaced chambers 50 used with two metal spheres 46 riding freely therein to produce three impulse shocks per revolution. Using two of the illustrated VCP devices 38— one attached to each end of the axle 16— produces six impulse shocks per revolution. Certainly, more chambers 50 and more weighted spheres 46 may be used to increase the number of impulse shocks per device per revolution. Further, two or more VCP devices 38 may be attached on each end of the axle 16 with a degree offset to produce an even greater number of impulse shocks per revolution on the device 10.

[0033] A hub 37 (FIG. 6) is used to secure the VCP device 38 to the axle 16 by attaching to the axle 16 using the threaded holes 35.

[0034] In addition to the blast mitigation benefits provided by the lowered weight requirements, the open design of the present device 10 can also minimize damage sustained in an explosion. The profile of the wheel 20-24 and the solid-steel axle 16 have outstanding blast energy mitigation abilities as well. Most of the blast energy from a buried land mine is going to pass upward through the device 10 unimpeded. Further, even if a rod 26 becomes damaged, it can easily be removed by removing the end cap 40 at an end of the damaged rod and pulling it out through the opposite wheel apertures. Alternatively, the damaged rod may just be cut, pulled out of the wheel apertures and replaced. The rods 26 are small enough to be stored on board the military vehicle for quick replacement.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an embodiment of a self-steering cart device 100 for use with an explosion resistant mine detonation reel 10 is illustrated, as well as, the various components thereof. As with the explosion resistant mine detonation reel 10, the self- steering cart device 100 is designed for use in combination with a military vehicle, particularly a vehicle which is used in war-zones to sweep for land mines ahead on and alongside roadways and the like. However, other military vehicles may also be retro-fitted with embodiments of the present device to protect both civilian and military personnel and equipment (e.g., cars, trucks, etc.). While preferably attached to precede a vehicle, the self- steering cart device 100 may be pushed or pulled to provide effective modes of mine detection and detonation. While not shown in FIGs. 8 and 9, the self-steering cart device 100 can be attached to the vehicle 14 previously discussed. [0036] As shown in FIG. 8, generally speaking, the self-steering device 100 is configured to be attached to the front floating bumper (not shown) of the vehicle. Optionally, the device 100 may be attached to a rear bumper (not shown) of the vehicle. The self-steering device 100 comprises a first coupler or first steering coupler 102 configured to attach to the floating bumper of the vehicle, a second coupler or second steering coupler 104 configured to attach to the mine detonation reel 10, a center rod 106 connecting the first coupler to the second coupler, and a first cable 108 and a second cable 110, each of which are attached to the first coupler and the second coupler. The first coupler 102 and second coupler 104 are made from ballistics grade steel and have generally rounded exterior surfaces to provide blast energy mitigation protection by minimizing the pressure wave imparted during a blast event.

[0037] With regard to attaching the first coupler 102 to the front of the vehicle, front bumper hitch points 101 located on the bumper slide into separate bumper attachments 124, 126, each positioned on opposite ends of the first coupler. The bumper attachments 124, 126 have a generally U-shape, and when the hitch points 101 are inserted, they are secured to the attachments though the use of any suitable fastener, including quick disconnect pins, 124a, 126a. Quick disconnect pins are designed for durability and tool-free installation and removal, which would be useful in the field. In this manner, the first coupler 102 is secured to the front floating bumper of the vehicle. In addition, the bumper attachments 124, 126 function as a pivot point allowing the device 100 and mine detonation reel 10 to move up and down inclines with respect to the vehicle. The first coupler 102 also functions as the vehicle steering input to the self-steering device 100, pulling on the cables 108, 1 10 when the vehicle turns, wherein the floating front bumper allows for limited rotation to occur in the field about a center line of the center rod 106, which is useful over rolling terrain.

[0038] The first coupler 102 is connected through the center rod 106 to the second coupler 104 of the self-steering device 100. The second coupler 104, having a one piece U- shape with a first arm 104a and a second arm 104b, is connected directly to the mine detonation reel 10, and specifically to hubs 37 at each end of the mine detonation reel 10. The hubs may also secure the VCP device 38 to the axle 16 of the mine detonation reel 10, as previously described. A clamp 128 is used to secure the hub 37 to the second coupler 104, and specifically to either arm 104a, 104b, of the second coupler, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0039] The first coupler 102 connected to the vehicle 14, and the second coupler 104 connected to the mine detonation reel 10, are joined together through a center rod 106. Specifically, both the first coupler 102 and the second coupler 104 include a first hitch 1 12 and a second hitch 114, respectively. Each hitch 1 12, 114 is positioned in the center of its respective coupler, and is engineered to be attached to opposing ends 106a, 106b of the center rod 106. As shown in FIG. 9, in one embodiment, each hitch 1 12, 1 14 is inserted into the respective ends 106a, 106b of the center rod 106, and secured by any suitable fasteners, including quick release or disconnect pins 130. As mentioned, quick release pins are designed for durability and tool-free installation and removal. The first hitch 112 functions as a pivot point or axis of rotation at the vehicle end of the self-steering device 100, while the second hitch 1 14 functions as a pivot point or axis of rotation at the mine detonation reel 10 end of the self-steering device 100. In addition, when connected to the respective hitches, the center rod 106 has the ability to move in relation to the first coupler 102 and the vehicle, as described above.

[0040] The center rod 106, constructed from ballistics grade steel, may have any suitable shape, including rounded exterior surfaces to provide blast energy mitigation protection by minimizing the pressure wave imparted during a blast event. The round shape of the center rod 106 deflects the energy impulse from land mine detonation to increase the survivability of the mine detonation reel 10 and self-steering device 100. In addition, the center rod 106 can be constructed to any variety of lengths, thereby changing the distance between the vehicle and the mine detonation reel 10. In one embodiment, the length of the center rod is adjustable during use in the field. For example, the center rod may be constructed of two separate parts that are inserted together and include a plurality of adjustment holes (not shown) and pins (not shown) to vary the length of the center rod. Adjusting the length of the center rod 106, whether at the time of manufacture or in the field, increases or decreases the distance between the vehicle and the mine detonation reel 10. Providing a greater distance, or mine detonation safety gap (G), between the actual operating vehicle and the mine detonation reel 10, increases the zone of safety to personnel operating the vehicle in the event of a blast.

[0041] In addition to the center rod 106, cables or steering cables 108, 110 are provided to connect the first coupler 102 to the second coupler 104. The cables 108, 1 10, made from ballistics grade steel, include couplers or clevis on the ends of each of the cables to connect to multiple cable attachments on each of the first coupler and the second coupler. For example, the first coupler 102 includes a first cable attachment 116 for receiving clevis 1 16a and a second cable attachment 1 18 for receiving clevis 1 18a, while the second coupler 104 includes a third cable attachment 120 for receiving clevis 120a and a fourth cable attachment 122 for receiving clevis 122a. It should be understood that while this particular embodiment shows crossing or intersecting of each cable 108, 1 10 when attached to the first and second couplers 102, 104, the cables may also be arranged in a parallel fashion to the center rod 106. The cables 108, 1 10 transfer the steering input from the vehicle 14 to the mine detonation reel 10. Because the cables are attached to the cable attachments using quick disconnect pins, should the cables be damaged when in use, they can be easily replaced. In addition, as the length of the center rod 106 is changed, the lengths of the cables 108, 110 are appropriately modified to correspond with the length of the center rod.

[0042] In use, the self-steering cart device 100 can be attached to the front bumper (not shown) of the vehicle where it is pushed in front of the vehicle. Alternatively, the self- steering device 100 may be attached to a rear bumper (not shown) and pulled by the vehicle. Either way, the first steering coupler 102 having the first steering hitch 1 12 is attached to the floating bumper of the operating vehicle. The second steering coupler 104 having the second steering hitch 1 14 is attached to the mine detonation reel 10. The center rod 106 connects with the first steering coupler 102 through the first steering hitch 1 12 and the second steering coupler 104 through the second steering hitch 1 14, thereby connecting the vehicle to the mine detonation reel 10. The first cable 108 and the second cable 1 10 connect to each of the first steering coupler and the second steering coupler. The center rod 106 can constructed to have a specific length, or adjustable to a variety of lengths, sometimes depending on the terrain, which then determines the distance between the vehicle pushing or pulling the device 100 and the mine detonation reel 10. Obviously, the greater distance or mine detonation safety gap (G) between the vehicle and any blast set off by the mine detonation device 10 proceeding in front of it provides a higher level of safety to the vehicle and its personnel. When in motion, the components of the self-steering device 100, including the first and second couplers, first and second cables and the center rod all work together to transmit the steering input from the vehicle to the mine detonation reel 10, as well, as permit the necessary up and down movement and rotational ability of the components, so the device can be used on all types of terrain. Turning the self steering device 100 works in the same manner as an all-wheel drive system, wherein the front of the device having the mine detonation reel 10 turns independent from the vehicle end of the device, which results in a very small turning radius.

[0043] The self-steering cart device 100 when used with the explosion resistance mine detonation reel 10 offers the following benefits: explosion resistance through the engineering and design of a blast mitigation structure, utilizing ballistic grade steel robotically welded and generally rounded shapes required by the explosion pressure wave evasion; mechanical self- steering to guide the detonation reel through winding pathways without an externally powered motor; delivery of electrical impulse energy to the detonation reel through the conductive material composition of the device; and the ability to adjust the distance between the detonation reel and the operating vehicle, to provide a greater degree of safety to the vehicle and its personnel. In addition, the cables 108, 110 and the center rod 106 may be easily replaced if damaged.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle-mounted demining system comprising: a frame configured to attach to a vehicle; an axle secured within the frame and having a length sufficient for extending across a desired path; a first wheel secured proximate a first end of the axle and having a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the first wheel; a second wheel secured proximate a second end of the axle and having a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the second wheel aligned with the plurality of apertures of the first wheel; and a plurality of rods, each rod detachably secured within a pair of aligned apertures of the first and second wheels; wherein the wheels have an outer surface, a portion of which maintains contact with the ground during use.

2. The demining system of Claim 1, further comprising a mechanical vibratory countermine device attached to at least one of either the first or second wheel.

3. The demining system of Claim 2, wherein the mechanical vibratory counter-mine device comprises a housing having a multi-chambered cavity, at least one weighted member free to travel within the cavity, and end plates affixed to the housing to enclose the cavity.

4. The demining system of Claim 1, wherein the first and second wheels are vented, comprising a plurality of holes therein to expel an explosion pressure wave.

5. The demining system of Claim 1, wherein the plurality of rods impact the ground as the wheels rotate.

6. The demining system of Claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rods conducts high-voltage electrical energy impulses into the ground to detonate buried improvised explosive devices.

7. The demining system of Claim 6, wherein the high-voltage electrical energy is within the range of from about 50 KW or less.

8. The demining system of Claim 1, further comprising a third wheel secured on the axle between the first and second wheels and having a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the third wheel aligned with the plurality of apertures of the first wheel and of the second wheel.

9. The demining system of Claim 5, wherein the plurality of rods applies a force to the ground at least equivalent to the force required to detonate a particular land mine.

10. The demining system of Claim 9, wherein the plurality of rods apply a force within the range of from about 50 lbs/in² to about 200 lbs/in².

1 1. The demining system of Claim 10, wherein the plurality or rods apply a force within the range of from about 80 lbs/in² to about 120 lbs/in².

12. The demining system of Claim 1, wherein the outer surfaces of the first and second wheels are V-shaped.

13. The demining system of Claim 1, further comprising additional wheels secured on the axle between the first and second wheels and each wheel having a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the wheel aligned with the plurality of apertures of the first and second wheels.

14. The demining system of Claim 13, wherein an outer surface of the additional wheels are V-shaped.

15. The demining system of Claim 1, wherein the frame is configured to be attached to travel in front of the vehicle.

16. The demining system of Claim 1, wherein the system is configured to be pushed.

17. A vehicle-mounted demining system comprising: a frame configured to attach to a vehicle such that it travels in front of the vehicle; an axle secured within the frame and having a length sufficient for extending across a desired path; a first wheel secured proximate a first end of the axle and having a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the first wheel; a second wheel secured proximate a second end of the axle and having a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the second wheel aligned with the plurality of apertures of the first wheel; at least one intermediate wheel secured to the axle between the first wheel and the second wheel and having a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the intermediate wheel aligned with the plurality of apertures of the first wheel and the second wheel; a mechanical vibratory counter-mine device attached to at least one of either the first or second wheel, the counter-mine device comprising a housing having a multi-chambered cavity, at least one weighted member free to travel within the cavity, and end plates affixed to the housing to enclose the cavity; and a plurality of rods, each rod detachably secured within a set of aligned apertures of the first, second and intermediate wheels and capable of impacting the ground with a force and conducting high-voltage electrical energy impulses into the ground to detonate buried improvised explosive devices; wherein the wheels have a V-shaped outer surface and the wheels and axle are weighted to apply a force to the ground via the plurality of rods within the range of from about 50 lbs/in² to about 200 lbs/in².

18. The demining system of Claim 17, wherein the high-voltage electrical energy is within the range of from about 50 KW or less.

19. The demining system of Claim 18, wherein the plurality or rods apply a force within the range of from about 80 lbs/in² to about 120 lbs/in².

20. The demining system of Claim 17, further comprising additional wheels secured on the axle between the first and second wheels and each wheel having a plurality of apertures about a periphery of the wheel aligned with the plurality of apertures of the first and second wheels.

21. The demining system of Claim 17, wherein the frame is configured to be attach to travel in front of the vehicle.

22. The demining system of Claim 17, wherein the system is configured to be pushed.

23. A self-steering device for a vehicle-mounted demining system, the device comprising: a first coupler configured to attach to a vehicle; a second coupler configured to attach to the demining system; a center rod having a first end for connecting with the first coupler and a second end for connecting with the second coupler, the center rod having an adjustable length for adjusting the distance between the vehicle and the demining system; and a first steering cable and a second steering cable, wherein the steering cables are connected to the first coupler and the second coupler for self-steering of the demining system.

24. The self-steering device of claim 23, wherein the first coupler includes a first hitch connected to the first end of the center rod, and the first hitch provides a center pivot point for assisting in the self-steering of the device from the vehicle.

25. The self-steering device of claim 23, wherein the second coupler includes a second hitch connected to the second end of the center rod, and the second hitch provides a center pivot point for assisting in the self-steering of the demining system.

26. The self-steering device of claim 23, wherein the first coupler includes a first cable attachment and a second cable attachment.

27. The self-steering device of claim 26, wherein the second coupler includes a third cable attachment and a fourth opposing cable attachment.

28. The self-steering device of claim 26, wherein a first end of the first steering cable is connected to the first cable attachment, while a first end of the second steering cable is connected to the second cable attachment.

29. The self-steering device of claim 27, wherein a second end of the first steering cable is connected to the fourth cable attachment, while the second end of the second steering cable is connected to the third cable attachment.

30. The self-steering device of claim 29, wherein the first steering cable and the second steering cable cross one another when attached to the first coupler and the second coupler.

31. The self-steering device of claim 23, wherein the second coupler has a U-shaped configuration for attachment to the demining system.

32. The self-steering device of claim 23, wherein the center rod has a round tubular shape to resist an explosion pressure wave.

33. The self-steering device of claim 23, wherein the device is configured to be attached to travel at the front of the vehicle.

34. A self-steering cart for a vehicle-mounted demining system, the cart comprising: a first steering coupler configured to attach to a front of a vehicle; a second steering coupler configured to attach to the demining system; an adjustable center rod having a first end for connecting with the first coupler and a second end for connecting with the second coupler, wherein a distance between the vehicle and the demining system can be changed by adjusting the center rod to a desired length; and a first cable and a second cable, wherein the cables connect to opposing ends of the first steering coupler and the second steering coupler for self-steering of the demining system.

35. The self-steering cart of claim 34, wherein the first coupler includes a first centered hitch inserted into the first end of the center rod and provides a rotational axis at the vehicle for self-steering of the device from the vehicle.

36. The self-steering cart of claim 34, wherein the second coupler includes a second centered hitch inserted into the second end of the center rod and provides a rotational axis for self-steering of the demining system.

37. The self-steering cart of claim 34, wherein the first coupler includes a first cable attachment and a second opposing cable attachment, while the second coupler includes a third cable attachment and a fourth opposing cable attachment.

38. The self-steering cart of claim 37, wherein a first end of the first steering cable connects to the first cable attachment of the first coupler and a second end of the first steering cable connects to the fourth opposing cable attachment of the second coupler, while a first end of the second steering cable connects to the second cable attachment of the first coupler and a second end of the second steering cable connects to the fourth cable attachment of the second coupler.

39. A method for self-steering a vehicle- mounted demining system, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a first steering coupler having a first steering hitch to a vehicle; attaching a second steering coupler having a second steering hitch to the demining system; providing an adjustable center rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end pivotally connects with the first steering coupler through the first steering hitch and the second end pivotally connects with the second steering coupler through the second steering hitch; and, transferring a steering input from the vehicle to the demining system by connecting a first cable and a second cable to each of the first steering coupler and the second steering coupler.

40. The method for self-steering the vehicle-mounted demining system of claim 39, wherein the method comprises changing the distance between the vehicle and the demining system by adjusting the length of the center rod.

41. The method for self-steering the vehicle-mounted demining system of claim 39, wherein the method comprises pushing the demining system in front of the vehicle.