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.

“They Invented What?” Who? When? Where?

I hereby proclaim every Wednesday on ANTICIPATETHIS.com as "They Invented What?" (TIW?) Day.  Every Wednesday I plan to post patents or other printed publications, sans extensive comment, that I find amusing, hilarious, and/or downright odd.  I have at least a few in mind already, but I am also willing to take suggestions.  Enjoy!