Abstract: A detonation system especially useful for initiating a plurality of substantially simultaneous seismic detonations includes an electric trunkline circuit disposed on the surface of a firing site containing boreholes, within which booster charges having respective top and base portions are disposed. The booster charges are connected without intervening detonators to the downhole ends of equal-sized lengths of low-energy detonating cord, the surface ends of which are connected to semiconductor bridge-initiated electric detonators connected in series in the firing circuit. The resulting system, because of the small deviation in function time of the semiconductor bridge detonators, has greatly reduced scatter time as compared to prior art systems utilizing conventional downhole electric detonators, and has a safety advantage in that the boreholes are free of detonators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring non-electric blasting initiation signals from detonating cord signal donor lines to signal transmission tube acceptor lines involves disposing the acceptor line in enhanced signal transfer configuration with the donor line. The acceptor line (30) may constitute the input lead (29a) of a detonator (10a). Enhanced signal transfer configuration between the input lead (29a) and the detonating cord (60) can be established by disposing input line (30) in at least partial wrap-around contact with the detonating cord (60) or in multiple abutting contact with the detonating cord (60). Enhanced signal transfer configuration can also be achieved for a detonator having at least two input lines in abutting contact with the detonating cord. A slider (44) is designed to extend contact between a detonator input lead and a detonating cord.

Abstract: A connector device (10, 214) for transferring a nonelectric blast initiation signal from a donor line (26, 224) to an acceptor line, e.g., an input stub (24, 217) has donor line retaining means (20a, 20b, 229) for disposing a donor line (26, 224) in signal transfer relation to the input stub (24, 217). An anvil member (27, 130, 226) is provided to support input stub (24, 217) at the point where it is in signal transfer relation with the donor line (26), preferably in conforming contact with the donor line (26). In a particular embodiment, the connector device has a body portion (10a) on which is retained a detonator cap (22). Cap (22) detonates upon receipt of a detonation signal from an input stub (24), optionally after a delay period if delay elements are incorporated into the cap 22. The connector device (10) has retainer spring clips (20a, 20b) for retaining the donor line (26) in signal transfer relation to the input stub (24).

Abstract: A connector block (10) includes a clip member (30) which cooperates with the signal transmission end (12a) of body member (12) to define therebetween an arcuate line-retaining slot (32) within which one or more signal transmission lines (40) are received in explosive signal communication with the output end (16a) of a detonator (16). Clip member (30) is of decreasing thickness as sensed moving from the proximal end (30b) thereof towards at least its mid-point and is preferably of undiminished width from the proximal end (30b) thereof to the open end (32b) of the line-retaining slot (32). These features and the configuration of the entryway (34) cooperate to facilitate lateral insertion of signal transmission lines (40) into the line-retaining slot (32) and their retention therein over a broad temperature range of use, and provide excellent shrapnel shielding.

Abstract: An initiation fitting (10) includes a sleeve member (12) having a first end to which a fuse (18) or other initiator is connected and a second end to which an initiating charge (38) is connected for initiating a connected device such as a rocket motor and to hinder the venting of gases from the device through the fitting (10). The sleeve member (10) includes an internal passage (14) extending therethrough and a malleable internal flange (48) which protrudes into the internal passage (14). The internal flange (48) is dimensioned and configured so that when the initiating charge (38) detonates, the internal flange (48) collapses into the internal passage (14) to hinder the flow therethrough of explosive gases from the second end of the fitting.

Abstract: A slider (36) has a base fixture (40) and a shielding tube (42). The slider (36) is used to operably couple a detonator (44) to a detonating cord (62) that passes through a booster device (10), i.e., to prevent the detonating cord (62) from directly initiating or fracturing the booster (10). The base fixture (40) includes input lead-retaining means for disposing the input lead (47) of a detonator (44) in signal transfer relation to the detonating cord (62). Optionally, the slider (36) has a detonator retainer (38) for carrying the detonator (44) on the slider (36). Preferably, the detonator retainer (38) is able to hold detonators of various lengths in proper position to initiate the booster device (10). By disposing the shielding tube (42) on the slider (36) a booster device (10) can be used with various detonating cords (62) and a slider (36) having a shielding tube (42) suitable for the chosen detonating cord (62) can be inserted into the booster device (10).

Abstract: A connector device (10) for disposing a detonator (12) in signal transfer relation with a signal-receiving line (30) receives the detonator (12) in a sleeve member (14). A line-engaging member (24) is connected to the sleeve member (14) and cooperates with sleeve member (14) to define a slot (26) therebetween within which the signal-receiving line (30) is disposed. The slot (26) is dimensioned and configured to dispose the signal-receiving line (30) therein in an undulate configuration. The device (10) may be used alone or in conjunction with a tail connector (56) to secure a donor line (74) in signal transfer relation with the input lead (13) of the detonator (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operably connecting electronic devices through a closed container is achieved by securing one end of a laminate connector (28) to a first electronic device, e.g., a fireset circuit (22). Device (22) is placed in a housing (12) which defines a housing closure surface (16). A cover (14a), which defines a cover closure surface (18) dimensioned and configured to engage the housing closure surface (16), is placed on the housing (12) to define a housing-cover joint (20a), and the laminate connector (28) is disposed within the housing-cover joint (20a). The housing-cover joint (20a) is sealed with an adhesive and the second end of the laminate connector (28) is connected to a second electronic device. The thinness of the laminate connector allows it to pass through the housing-cover joint (20a) without significant adverse affect on the seal therein or on the pressure-bearing ability of the housing (12) or the cover (14a).

Abstract: An isolation member (34) for use in a non-electric detonator cap (10) has an interior passageway (40) extending therethrough and defining a positioning region (44) and a discharge port (56). Positioning region (44) provides a series of interior shoulders (46), (48) and an entry shoulder (52) respectively sized to receive and seat therein signal transmission lines of different outside diameters, thereby longitudinally orienting and spacing the signal-emitting end (30a) from the receptor charge (14). The isolation member (34) is preferably made of a semi-conductive material to bleed off to the shell (12) any static electricity charges transmitted through the signal transmission line (shock tube 30) so as to prevent static discharge initiation of the receptor charge (14).

Abstract: A programmable timer circuit (18) includes a counter (22) that contains a plurality of sequentially arranged counter stages (22a, 22b). A toggle logic gate (25) is disposed between each sequential pair of counter stages to accept the output signal from the preceding stage and to issue an input signal to the succeeding counter stage. The logic state of the input signal is determined by the logic state of the preceding output signal and the logic state of a program stage signal from an associated program stage. The logic state of the program signal is determined by the state of a fuse (F) associated with the program stage. Selected fuses can be blown by a programming routine to adjust the time delay between the initiation signal and issuance of the output signal. This sets the counter stages at power-up to a predetermined logic state in which the output signal will be produced with a predetermined time delay when the initiation signal is applied to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: An accessory charge (20) for mounting on a booster explosive device (10) is preferably of toroidal configuration including a hub opening (29) dimensioned and configured to engage the accessory charge (20) with the booster device (10). The booster device (10) may have exterior threads (32) which are engaged by the interior threads (34) of the accessory charge (20). The outer peripheral surface (26) of the accessory charge (20) may be concave in cross section so that the accessory charge (20) comprises a shaped charge facing radially outwardly thereof. The accessory charge (20) may be combined with the booster device (10) to provide a charge assembly (30).

Abstract: A signal transmission fuse (10, 20) such as shock tube has an outside diameter (OD) not greater than about 2.380 mm (0.0937 inch), for example, a tube outside diameter (OD) of from about 0.397 to 2.380 mm (about 0.0156 to 0.0937 inch), and the ratio of the inside diameter (ID) of the tube to the radial thickness of the tube wall (T) is from about 0.18 to 2.5. The inside diameter (ID) of the tube may be from about 0.198 to 1.321 mm (about 0.0078 to 0.0520 inch). The powder surface density of the reactive material contained within the bore (16, 30) of the fuse (10, 20) may, but need not, be significantly less than that which the prior art considers to be a minimum acceptable powder surface density.

Abstract: An improved detonator includes a housing having an open end and an opposite, closed end and defining an axially-extending channel of the housing. A cushion element containing at least one aperture is disposed within the channel and is provided with a resilient, pliable and shock absorbent surface for contacting and retaining explosive material at the closed end of the detonator housing. The cushion element has a signal communicating membrane covering its at least one aperture for passage therethrough of an initiating signal to the explosive material. A method for assembling the detonator includes inserting explosive material into the axially extending channel of the detonator housing, inserting a cushion element having a signal communicating membrane into the channel, and pressing the cushion element towards the closed end of the housing for compacting the explosive material between the cushion element and the closed end of the housing.

Abstract: Signal transmission devices contain within a housing (12) at least a pair of signal transmission lines, e.g., signal transmission tubes (16, 18) having respective tube ends (16a, 18a) disposed within the housing to provide at least one input tube and at least one output tube. Delay train means (22) are interposed between at least one of the tubes and a detonator charge (20) contained at the closed or active end (12a) of the housing. Alternatively, both the input and output tubes may have a delay train (22', 22'') interposed between it and the detonator charge. In another embodiment, a signal transfer charge (28) may connect the input and output tubes (16'', 18'') in signal transfer relation to each other. In operation, selected delays may be attained between initiation of the detonator charge and one or both of ignition of the delay train means and generation of an output relay signal in the output tube.

Abstract: A liner (30) for a shaped charge (10) has a hemispherical apex and a skirt portion (38) which terminates in a circular skirt edge (40) having a skirt edge diameter (D). The apex (36) has a radius of curvature which is less than the skirt edge diameter (D) and the thickness (Tac) of the liner at the center of the apex (36) is greater than the thickness (Ts) of the liner at the skirt edge (40), with the thickness tapering between the apex and the skirt edge in a smooth, curvilinear transition. The liner (30) may be employed in a shaped charge (10) which includes a shaped explosive (26) which has been compressed to at least 95% of its theoretical maximum density and is contained in a housing (12) and cover (20) made of a pulverable material such as a ceramic.

Abstract: A pulverable casing (10) includes a housing (12) which is made from a ceramic material and which defines a circular housing closure surface (18). There is a cover (14) on the housing (12). The cover (14) is also made from a ceramic material and defines a circular cover closure surface (20). Cover (14) has a rounded conical exterior surface (24) that defines a skirt angle S of about 120.degree.. The cover closure surface (20) is dimensioned and configured to engage the housing closure surface (18) to define a housing-cover joint (22) which defines a joint angle .alpha. of about 130.degree.. In a particular embodiment, the exterior surface (24) of the cover (14) is rounded to a radius of about 1.8 inches and has a diameter D of about 3.28 inches.

Abstract: An isolation member (34) for use in a non-electric detonator cap (10) is of substantially cylindrical shape and has an interior passageway (40) extending therethrough and defining a positioning region (44) and a discharge port (56). Positioning region (44) is dimensioned and configured to snugly receive and seat therein a signal transmission line (30) and to orient the signal-emitting end (30a) thereof to aim along the longitudinal axis of cap (10) through a diaphragm (42) at the target provided by receptor charge (14). The isolation member is positioned between, and spaces the signal-emitting end (30a) of the signal transmission line (30) from, the receptor charge (14) contained in the detonator cap. The isolation member comprises grooves (58, 58a, 58b) to provide an alternate flow path through which a signal emitted by the discharge end (30a) of a signal transmission line (30) can reach the receptor charge (14) should the signal fail to burst the diaphragm (42 ).

Abstract: A molded plastic article such as a connector block for connecting signal transmission lines in a blasting system, includes a body member having a channel formed therein for receiving and retaining a mountable member, such as a detonator, and a displaceable locking member connected to the body member by one or more frangible webs which retain the displaceable locking member in a first position aligned with, but displaced from, its locking position. The mountable member, e.g., a detonator, is inserted into the channel of the connector block and a force is applied to the displaceable member to rupture the frangible web or webs and move the locking member through a passageway in the block for locking engagement with the detonator to retain the detonator therein. Flexible, cantilevered line retaining means may be disposed on the body member to receive one or a plurality of outgoing signal transmission lines. A method of assembling a mountable member within the article, is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging system for storing and transporting detonating devices includes a plurality of subpack containers (12) disposed in an overpack container (24), the subpack containers being dimensioned and configured to contain therein a plurality of unsegregated detonating devices, and an overpack pad (26a) disposed in the overpack container between adjacent subpack containers. Alternatively, the system comprises at least one subpack assembly (10) including a subpack container having disposed therein a divider (14,16) defining a plurality of compartments in the subpack container, each compartment being sized to contain a plurality of unsegregated detonating devices. There is a subpack pad (18) disposed between adjacent compartments in each subpack container to limit the propagation of the detonation of one or more detonating devices and an overpack container (24) within which is disposed at least one subpack container.

Abstract: A well pipe perforating gun (10) is improved by the utilization of a pulverable support structure (14) to hold the explosive shaped charges (18a, 18b, etc.) and the fireset (20). When the gun (10) is fired, the support structure (14) disintegrates substantially into fragments too small to obstruct the flow of oil or natural gas from a surrounding earth formation into or through the well pipe (12) within which the gun is disposed. Optionally, the support structure (14) is assembled from a number of segments (14a, 14b, etc.) linked together in sequential fashion.