Abstract: A solid explosive composition is made by curing a mixture of a 20-50% by weight of a liquid matrix, 50-80% by weight of an essentially anhydrous inorganic chlorate or perchlorate salt, and 0-15% of a nitrate salt after transferring said mixture to a mold. The matrix can include 50-84% by weight of a non-explosive liquid fuel selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, lower aliphatic alcohols, ketones, and hydrocarbons; 0-15% by weight of a nitrate oxidizer salt; 0-15% by weight water; 0-15% by weight of a thickener; and 0-5% by weight of an acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of reducing the formation of toxic nitrogen oxides in after-blast fumes by using an emulsion blasting agent that has an appreciable amount of urea in its discontinuous oxidizer salt phase.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a watergel explosive composition, and method of manufacturing the same, that has a density of less than 0.8 g/cc. The composition has good water resistance and is especially useful in blasting applications calling for lower energy explosives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for feeding a hose having a corrugated exterior surface into a mining borehole and the like. The apparatus includes a support frame and a rotatable drive wheel having an annular groove for receiving the hose and ridges extending therefrom for meshing with the corrugated surface of the hose. An idler wheel having an annular groove for receiving the hose is disposed on the support frame to bias the hose against the drive wheel. A reversible, variable speed motor coupled to the drive wheel is provided for causing the drive wheel to rotate in a selectable direction and at a selectable speed. The apparatus is mountable on an implement used in a mining operation. The hose is couplable to a source of liquid explosive and to an inflatable wand for charging boreholes with explosive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing an energetic mixture of trimethylolethane trinitrate and triethylene glycol dinitrate by forming a polyol mixture of trimethylolethane, triethylene glycol and water and then nitrating the polyol mixture with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method for forming paper-wrapped cartridges of gassed emulsion explosive comprising the steps of (a) forming a water-in-oil emulsion at an elevated temperature, (b) chemically gassing the emulsion to form a sensitizing, uniform distribution of gas bubbles throughout the emulsion, (c) shaping the chemically gassed emulsion into a continuous rod of emulsion, (d) continuously wrapping the rod of emulsion with a paper packaging material that is shaped circumferentially around the rod and sealed longitudinally with an adhesive that can withstand the elevated temperature of the emulsion and is water-resistant, (e) cutting the paper-wrapped emulsion rod into individual cartridges, and (f) cooling the cartridges by contacting them with a liquid, preferably water, at a temperature below the elevated temperature of the emulsion.

Abstract: A detonator-to-shock tube ignition transfer connector for bi-directional explosive transfer from a detonator to one or more shock tubes is disclosed wherein the connector has a housing defining a barrel portion for enclosing a detonator assembly, the barrel portion having an opening at both ends, and a coupling attached to one end of the barrel portion. The coupling and the barrel portion form a coupling channel for holding shock tubes within the path of an explosive force created when a detonator assembly positioned in the barrel portion is ignited, thereby initiating the shock tubes. The invention also includes a collar lock for holding the detonator assembly within the barrel portion and preventing the detonator assembly from being accidentally removed.