APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

The present invention provides apparatus for applying additional momentum to the movement of a body (1) adapted to reciprocate or flex through a substantially linear or arcuate path, notably for increasing the impact velocity of a linearly travelling weight upon an object (3), which apparatus comprises means (4) for retracting the body from its rest position, notably for retracting a weight from the point of impact between the weight and an object located at the rest position of the weight, means (5) for biassing the body towards its rest position, notably for urging the weight towards the object so as to impart additional impact velocity to the weight as it travels towards the object, characterised in that: a) the means for biassing the body towards its rest position is an elastic polymeric material which is retained under tension or compression when the body is in its rest position; and b) the biassing means is one which undergoes strain crystallisation. The invention also provides a method for breaking or penetrating a surface using the apparatus of the invention.