They Invented What? (No. 1)

U.S. Pat. No. 3,963,275:  Method of breaking free-standing rock boulders

 

What is claimed is:

1.)  The method of fragmenting a free-standing boulder comprising

determining the average diameter of said boulder to determine the time required for sound to traverse said average diameter,

determining the compressive strength of said boulder,

selecting a projectile having a mass which will establish an impact stress within said boulder greater than the compressive strength of the boulder, when impacted upon said boulder with a velocity which causes an energy transfer to said boulder within a time less than said determined time,

loading said cannon with said selected projectile,

loading said cannon with a charge which when detonated will cause said projectile to impact upon said boulder with said velocity,

aiming said cannon at said boulder, and

detonating said charge.