The present invention relates to a method of destroying objects, in accordance with the preamble of Claim l. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Security containers for the transportation of valuables, such as banknotes for instance, will normally contain a destructive device in the form of dye releasing cassettes or ampoules that are activated to release a dye when the security container is manipulated unlawfully, therewith colouring or otherwise destroying the contents of the container.

When the security container is filled with sealed, plastic envelopes for instance, it is very difficult to achieve satisfactory colouring of the contents of the envelopes, for instance banknotes.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device which will cause destruction of the objects or articles in the security container in a particularly effective manner. This object is achieved with a method and a device having the characteristic features set forth in respective Claims.

Some of the advantages afforded by the present invention are listed below.

The inventive method and device cause the generation of an impact wave which splits open the envelopes/wrappings and/or

the bundles of banknotes or other articles, such as to expose a very large surface area to the destructive agen .

The destructive agent is also distributed highly effectively.

The inventive device may, for instance, accommodate both single-component and multi-component destructive agents of mutually different types. Agents that will destroy or render useless magnetic tapes, diskettes and other information media may, of course, be used in the inventive device.

The inventive device is not limited to any particular size or dimensions and is adapted to the specifications required.

The inventive device also has technical and economical advantages.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof and also with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a first embodiment of an inventive destructive device,- Fig. 2 is a schematic cross- sectional view of the device shown in Fig. l; Fig. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of a second embodiment of an inventive destructive device; and Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 3.

It will be apparent from Figs, l and 2 that the inventive, destructive device 1 includes a channel 2 which, when in use, faces towards the object 100 which the device is intended to destroy in the event of unlawful manipulation. The channel 2 will preferably have a generally U-shaped cross-section,

including a bottom 3, two side-parts 4,5 and two end-walls

6,7. The channel 2 may be made of fibreglasε reinforced plastic or of aluminium, for instance.

Disposed within the channel 2 is a casing which contains a destructive agent 50 and which has the form of an end-sealed hose 10. The hose 10 may be comprised of plastic foil and the destructive agent may be a single-component liquid or a dye of pronounced colour. The hose 10 filled with said destructive agent is held in position by a grid or grating 11, which is either glued or screwed firmly to the channel 2, for instance. Disposed between the hose 10 and the grating 11 is a string of explosive agent 60. The string of explosive agent 60 is accommodated in an outwardly bulged part 12 of the grating 11. The length and breadth dimensions of the casing 10 coincide generally with the inner dimensions of the channel 2, so as to enable the channel 2 to be filled effectively. The grating 11 will conveniently cover the whole of the channel 2, and the string of explosive agent 60 will conveniently extend along the full length of said channel 2.

The explosive agent 60 may have the form of an elongated, optionally plastic-encapsulated, pentyl fuse, although other explosive agents are, of course, conceivable.

When wishing to use a two-component destructive agent, the end-sealed tube 10 is divided into two parts, and so on. The hose 10 may, at times, be omitted, when electing to provide the channel 2 with a thin cover or lid, for instance a foil lid, so as to enclose the destructive agent in the channel 2.

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a destructive device 1', in which two channels 2' are juxtaposed and covered with a common grating 11' . Each of the channels 2' contains a respective hose 10' filled with destructive agent. A string 60 of explosive agent is disposed between the hoses 10' and the common grating 11', as evident from Figs. 3 and 4. The channels 2' have a generally U-shaped cross-section and are relatively deep. Each of the channels 2' has a bottom 3', two side-parts 4',5' and two end-walls 6' ,7' .

The function and use of the inventive destructive device will now be described in more detail, with a starting point from the stage in which the destructive device 1 is placed in an alarm-protected security container and the explosive agent 60 is connected to the alarm device mounted in the container. The length of the destructive device 1 will preferably be the maximum length permitted by the security container, and the destructive device will be placed as close to the objects 100 as is possible to ensure necessary destruction of the objects, wherewith the channel opening faces towards the objects 100, which may comprise stacks or bundles of sealed plastic envelopes containing banknotes.

The following events take place when the destructive device l is activated/triggered by the alarm device.

The explosive agent 60 acts in two ways. The explosive agent 60 acts directly on the objects 100 and will open any seals present and physically deform, e.g., banknotes or documents. The explosive agent 60 punctures the hose or casing 10 of the destructive agent 50 and propels the agent into contact with

the objects 100. The cross-sectional shape of the channel 2 contributes towards effectively guiding the destructive agent

50 towards the objects 100.

The embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 also functions in the aforedescribed manner and is used in the same way.

The components of a multi-component destructive agent will be mixed very effectively by the explosive force generated, prior to said components reaching the objects 100.

The configuration of the channel 2 is very significant to the distribution of the destructive agent.

Thus, the inventive channel presents an opening which functions to control distribution of the destructive agent. The width of the channel opening and the configuration of the channel, and the position of the explosive agent relative to said channel, all have an effect on the pattern of distribution of the destructive agent.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cross- sectional shape of the channel will correspond to that of a conventional vehicle headlamp, such that the channel will, in principle, function analogously with a headlamp reflector. In this respect, the explosive agent may be placed in what can be called the focal point of the channel, therewith achieving extraordinarily effective spreading of the destructive agent through the medium of said channel.

It will be understood that the structural components of the inventive device 1 can be modified and varied in several respects.

For instance, the hose or casing 10 may be divided into a plurality of sub-casings along the channel 2.

The grating 11 may be replaced with plastic or metal foil for instance, in which case the string of explosive agent may be glued to the foil. If desired, the aforesaid foil can be used to encapsulate the destructive agent in the channel.

It will be observed that the placement of the string of explosive agent between the channel filling material, e.g. encapsulated filling material (destructive agent) and the object 100 enables the object/articles 100 to be burst apart prior to expulsion of the channel or bowl of said reflector¬ like construction.

It will therefore be understood that the invention is not restricted to the illustrated and described embodiment thereof and that modifications can be made within the scope of the following Claims.