Abstract: A non-electrically initiated blasting cap containing a porous ignition charge which is permeable for flow of a gas stream therethrough and initiatable in response to explosive energy of an explosive gas mixture, including conduit means for emplacing a confined stream of the explosive gas in position within the blasting cap for the responsive initiation.Also provided is a system, including a plurality of the above blasting caps spaced apart for detonation of one or more main charges, together with additional conduit means for conveying the explosive gas to the plurality of blasting caps for the emplacement, and means for ignition of the thus emplaced explosive gas.Method is provided for making a blasting cap containing a porous ignition charge, making a porous ignition charge and initiating a non-electric blasting cap for the initiation of a main explosive charge.

Abstract: A closed initiator system for explosives containing one or more non-electrically initiated blasting caps containing an ignition charge ignitable by action of explosive energy of an explosive gas mixture, including means for removal of resident non-explosive gases from the blasting cap(s) to provide space for the explosive gas mixture and subsequent emplacement of the explosive gas in the blasting cap(s) for explosion and responsive ignition of the ignition charge. Means for removal of the resident non-explosive gases include evacuation means and gas displacement means. Method involving initiation of one or more of the blasting caps disposed in gas-tight relationship is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and initiating percussion-initiatable delay type explosive charges for excavating earth formations, comprising a tubular loading member longitudinally movable into and from explosives loading position, and means for ingress of the explosive charges successively into the tubular loading member for loading; a charge displacement member forwardly movable within the tubular loading member for forwardly displacing each charge through the tubular loading member when the latter is advanced for said loading; a pin member movable from within the charge displacement member into percussion initiating impact with the forwardly displaced charge; said tubular loading member retractable from its advanced position for said loading during the delay period of the explosive charge, and the displacement member together with the firing pin carried therein being retractable from the initiation zone in response to and concurrently with retraction of the tubular loading member.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading an upwardly extending borehole with a fluent explosive, including a tubular member extending along a portion of its length into the borehole, a conduit axially extending into the external open end section of the tubular member to a point short of the borehole face, and means for collapsing the tubular member intermediate the end of the conduit therein and the borehole face.The tubular member is outwardly expanded along at least a portion of its periphery and length in the borehole into impact engagement with the borehole wall by force of detonation generated within said length portion, for support in the borehole and for closing the borehole sufficiently to preclude gravitation of fluent explosive through the annulus formed by the tubular member and the borehole wall when the explosive is conveyed into the borehole through the tubular member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fertilizer stick composed of water soluble thermoplastic material and dispersed therein about 10 to about 80% of fertilizer material. The fertilizer stick gradually dissolves when placed in a potting medium or soil to supply plant growth nutrients to the roots of a plant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a golf tee composed of water-soluble thermoplastic material and dispersed therein from about 1 to about 30% by weight, based on the weight of the golf tee, of a fertilizer and to a method of producing said golf tee by injection molding.