Abstract: A shaped charge for use in a well perforating tool includes a jet blocker disposed in an apex of a parabolic or cone-shaped liner. The jet blocker limits the velocity and/or length of a jet that forms upon discharging an explosive in the shaped charge. The jet blocker may include an inert cast-cure type of material such as an epoxy or a flowable plastic that can be readily inserted into an existing shaped charge to fill an external concavity in the liner to any desired height. The height and material selected for the jet blocker determines the degree to which the penetration achieved by the shaped charge is limited, and thus, determines which targeted annulus in the wellbore may be penetrated in operation.

Abstract: A system for initiating a charge downhole in a wellbore includes a first donor charge detonable to produce a first detonation wave, a second donor charge detonable to produce a second detonation wave, and an acceptor charge detonable by either the first detonation wave or the second detonation wave. The system also includes a donor charge barrier separating the first donor charge from the second donor charge. The donor charge barrier includes heat dissipative and conduction characteristics for preventing deflagration from spreading between the first donor charge and the second donor charge. The system also includes an acceptor charge barrier separating the acceptor charge from the first donor charge and the second donor charge. The acceptor charge barrier includes Shockwave impedance characteristics for conveying the first detonation wave or the second detonation wave to the acceptor charge to detonate the acceptor charge.

Abstract: A shaped charge for use in a well perforating tool includes a jet blocker disposed in an apex of a parabolic or cone-shaped liner. The jet blocker limits the velocity and/or length of a jet that forms upon discharging an explosive in the shaped charge. The jet blocker may include an inert cast-cure type of material such as an epoxy or a flowable plastic that can be readily inserted into an existing shaped charge to fill an external concavity in the liner to any desired height. The height and material selected for the jet blocker determines the degree to which the penetration achieved by the shaped charge is limited, and thus, determines which targeted annulus in the wellbore may be penetrated in operation.

Abstract: A system for initiating a charge downhole in a wellbore includes a first donor charge detonable to produce a first detonation wave, a second donor charge detonable to produce a second detonation wave, and an acceptor charge detonable by either the first detonation wave or the second detonation wave. The system also includes a donor charge barrier separating the first donor charge from the second donor charge. The donor charge barrier includes heat dissipative and conduction characteristics for preventing deflagration from spreading between the first donor charge and the second donor charge. The system also includes an acceptor charge barrier separating the acceptor charge from the first donor charge and the second donor charge. The acceptor charge barrier includes Shockwave impedance characteristics for conveying the first detonation wave or the second detonation wave to the acceptor charge to detonate the acceptor charge.

Abstract: A method of establishing fluid communication between wellbores can include forming a flow path from one wellbore to another wellbore, a flow area of the flow path increasing in a direction from the first wellbore toward the second wellbore. An explosive assembly for use in a well can include an explosive device having multiple explosive charges, the explosive charges producing longitudinal shock waves that collide with each other and result in a laterally directed shock wave, and a shield that focuses the laterally directed shock wave into a predetermined angular range of less than 360 degrees. A method of establishing fluid communication between wellbores can include forming a flow path from one wellbore to another wellbore, the flow path intersecting an uncased portion of the second wellbore.

Abstract: A method of establishing fluid communication between wellbores can include forming a flow path from one wellbore to another wellbore, a flow area of the flow path increasing in a direction from the first wellbore toward the second wellbore. An explosive assembly for use in a well can include an explosive device having multiple explosive charges, the explosive charges producing longitudinal shock waves that collide with each other and result in a laterally directed shock wave, and a shield that focuses the laterally directed shock wave into a predetermined angular range of less than 360 degrees. A method of establishing fluid communication between wellbores can include forming a flow path from one wellbore to another wellbore, the flow path intersecting an uncased portion of the second wellbore.

Abstract: A method of establishing fluid communication between wellbores can include forming a flow path from one wellbore to another wellbore, a flow area of the flow path increasing in a direction from the first wellbore toward the second wellbore. An explosive assembly for use in a well can include an explosive device having multiple explosive charges, the explosive charges producing longitudinal shock waves that collide with each other and result in a laterally directed shock wave, and a shield that focuses the laterally directed shock wave into a predetermined angular range of less than 360 degrees. A method of establishing fluid communication between wellbores can include forming a flow path from one wellbore to another wellbore, the flow path intersecting an uncased portion of the second wellbore.

Abstract: A device comprises a reactive semiconductor bridge including a conductive metal, a reactive material, and an overcoat. When a high current passes through the reactive semiconductor bridge, the conductive metal vaporizes into a high temperature plasma. The reactive material is coupled to the conductive metal such that the conductive metal experiences an exothermic reaction to the plasma. When the conductive metal turns to plasma, the overcoat material absorbs at least a part of the exothermic reaction of the reactive material and breaks into a plurality of particles that are propelled away from the bridge. A gap is disposed between the overcoat and a membrane, and an explosive material couples to the membrane. The plurality of particles crosses the gap and penetrates the membrane to ignite the explosive material in response to being propelled away from the bridge.

Abstract: A device comprises a reactive semiconductor bridge including a conductive metal, a reactive material, and an overcoat. When a high current passes through the reactive semiconductor bridge, the conductive metal vaporizes into a high temperature plasma. The reactive material is coupled to the conductive metal such that the conductive metal experiences an exothermic reaction to the plasma. When the conductive metal turns to plasma, the overcoat material absorbs at least a part of the exothermic reaction of the reactive material and breaks into a plurality of particles that are propelled away from the bridge. A gap is disposed between the overcoat and a membrane, and an explosive material couples to the membrane. The plurality of particles crosses the gap and penetrates the membrane to ignite the explosive material in response to being propelled away from the bridge.

Abstract: A series of small explosive charges are used to preferentially crack the casing of a warhead to provide for a controlled fragmentation of the warhead. During detonation of the warhead's explosive fill, the casing will break early in the process along predetermined lines resulting in very large fragments that are projected toward the ground and away from innocent civilians. A fragmentation control collar which contacts these charges can be fitted on the outside of existing warheads. An annular liner within the warhead aids in the controlled fragmentation.

Abstract: A method of establishing fluid communication between wellbores can include forming a flow path from one wellbore to another wellbore, a flow area of the flow path increasing in a direction from the first wellbore toward the second wellbore. An explosive assembly for use in a well can include an explosive device having multiple explosive charges, the explosive charges producing longitudinal shock waves that collide with each other and result in a laterally directed shock wave, and a shield that focuses the laterally directed shock wave into a predetermined angular range of less than 360 degrees. A method of establishing fluid communication between wellbores can include forming a flow path from one wellbore to another wellbore, the flow path intersecting an uncased portion of the second wellbore.

Abstract: A series of small explosive charges are used to preferentially crack the casing of a warhead to provide for a controlled fragmentation of the warhead. During detonation of the warhead's explosive fill, the casing will break early in the process along predetermined lines resulting in very large fragments that are projected toward the ground and away from innocent civilians. A fragmentation control collar which contacts these charges can be fitted on the outside of existing warheads. An annular liner within the warhead aids in the controlled fragmentation.

Abstract: A series of small explosive charges are used to preferentially crack the casing of a warhead to provide for a controlled fragmentation of the warhead. During detonation of the warhead's explosive fill, the casing will break early in the process along pre-determined lines resulting in very large fragments that are projected towards the ground and away from innocent civilians. A fragmentation control collar which contacts these charges can be fitted on the outside of existing warheads. An annular liner within the warhead aids in the controlled fragmentation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for cutting operations using linear thermite charges; the charges cut one dimensional or two dimensional geometric shapes; the invention is useful for structure entry or demolition.

Abstract: A blast suppression system is provided, with the system including a plurality of command-actuated units located in the immediate vicinity of a bomb, a reservoir of suppressant material, and transmission lines connecting the reservoir to the units. Each of the units provides for the transmission of a suppressant material, preferably water, therethrough. Each of the units has nozzles configured to disperse the suppressant material into the air surrounding the bomb. Preferably, the transmission occurs prior to the explosion of the bomb, and continues after the explosion as well. Each command-actuated unit preferably has associated therewith an adjustable flow rate, an adjustable flow pattern, and an adjustable droplet size. In one embodiment of the invention, the command-actuated units are stationary, while in another embodiment the units are mobile. A method for utilizing the system is also disclosed.