NELSON EDWARD FUNSTON
Pilots in Mercer Island, WA
License number
Washington A0639861
Category
Airmen
Type
Authorized Aircraft Instructor
Address
Address
PO Box 979, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Professional information
Quick Egress From Deep Underground
US Patent:
3981152, Sep 21, 1976
Filed:
Feb 28, 1975
Appl. No.:
5/554283
Inventors:
Nelson Edward Funston - Mercer Island WA
Assignee:
The Boeing Company - Seattle WA
International Classification:
B65G 500, B65G 5300
US Classification:
61 5
Abstract:
A method of storage deep underground in a protected environment capable of withstanding nuclear blasts while allowing access for maintenance and rapid egress when necessary -- even after exposure to severe environments due to an explosion at or near the surface of the earth. To accomplish these ends, the object or objects to be stored are contained in a closed container of positive buoyancy in quicksand. A shaft is excavated in the earth and filled with sand. The water content of the sand backfill is controlled and maintained at that percentage of saturation which will provide the best compromise between rapidity and ease of container egress on one hand and resistance to hostile surface environments on the other. Means for the introduction of additional water at the bottom of the sand-filled shaft are provided. When the sand column is fluidized by the injection of water at the bottom thereof, quicksand is formed in the shaft and the container can be drawn to the bottom by a tether line.