Abstract: A chisel point striker is retained by a shear pin on the center line of a warhead above an open-ended flash tube packed with a percussion sensitive priming mixture. Impact of the warhead with a resistant target causes the shear pin to shear and the striker to impact the target violently thereby to set off the priming mixture. The resulting blast wave is communicated via two paths in opposite directions to two separate detonation wave acceptors or boosters. Each booster accepts the detonation wave and communicates a detonation reaction to a main explosive charge of the warhead.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed in the method of initiating an explosive charge arried to a target site by a rocket launched toward a target whereupon striking a soft target the performance functioning of a percussion primer to a spotting charge is improved by an impactor-cap device in communication with the percussion primer whereby the impactor will indent the primer with sufficient energy and depth to cause functioning. The impactor-cap device is comprised of a cap portion and an impactor portion. The cap portion is in the form of a thin plastic cup of a material selected from polyethylene, nylon, mylar, or cellulose acetate. The impactor portion is in the form of a ball or spike of hard material such as a steel ball, glass ball, or high impact strength plastic such as polycarbonate, methyl methacrylate (Plexiglas), or nylon.

Abstract: A detonator is formed with a housing having an insert therein. The insert has an axial bore therethrough containing a primer charge, a donor charge and an output charge. The primer charge is carried in a cup like holder disposed in the insert bore and having flash holes therein providing continuity between the primer charge and the donor charge. The donor charge is separated from the output charge by a flyer plate and a barrel through which the flyer plate is propelled into the output charge upon detonation of the donor charge. An output disc at the end of the insert confines the output charge until it is detonated. The insert has spaced and radially displaced openings in the sidewall thereof in communication with the output charge and the donor charge to permit gas to escape from these charges when the detonator is subjected to elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A propellant charge igniter is equipped with an igniter tube having bores for connecting with a pressure chamber with a propellant charge, and with a column of annular tablets in the igniter tube serving as the igniter charge. The annular tablets consist, in this arrangement, of an annular base member carrying on at least one end face a shoulder of a smaller wall thickness than the base member wherein the outer diameter of the shoulder is at most as large as the outer diameter of the base member. The shoulders comprise recesses connecting a bore defined by the column of annular tablets and an outer chamber formed by the shoulders and the igniter tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of priming a blank or bulleted rimfire cartridge comprising the steps of (a) dosing into the rimfire case a quantity of a substantially dry, powdery, relatively insensitive premix comprising, in predetermined proportions, at least two materials that will, in the presence of a liquid reaction medium, react together forming a primary explosive compound, (b) compacting the premix so as substantially to fill the rim of the case therewith, (c) dosing a quantity of the liquid reaction medium into the case so as to cause said materials to react together forming the primary explosive compound and (d) drying the primer. By compacting the premix into the rim before the addition of the liquid reaction medium, the conventional spinning step may be dispensed with, thereby making the priming process safer and more economic.

Abstract: An adaptation cartridge comprises a firing pin casing which is screwed into a cartridge chamber or cartridge chamber tube and is secured against rotation by a radially displaceable slide. The cartridge is used for training on a gun having a subcaliber barrel adapter.

Abstract: A multi-path impact type, inertia class, igniter for use with both rotating and non-rotating projectiles or warheads includes two or more stab type "firing pins" that are arranged in a plane which is at 90.degree. to the center-line of the projectile. The firing pins are equally spaced apart on the plane and each bears directly upon a safety rupture-disc. The rupture-discs bear directly upon stab type primers, there being one primer per disc. Each firing pin has a sloped "conic" surface forming a cam which is in direct contact with a conic body-of-rotation inertia mass which lies on the projectile center-line. Upon impact, the conic shaped mass moves forward at a high rate forcing the firing pins outward at a much reduced velocity relative to that of impact. The moving firing pins pierce the rupture-discs and enter the stab primers, thereby causing the actuation of the latter.

Abstract: A hot ballistic gas fired explosive transfer device embodying an explosive train sealed against environmental effects and placed in the line of delivery of hot ballistic gas which ruptures the seal and initiates the action of the explosive train. The explosive transfer device is arranged for applications with escape systems having shielded mild detonating cords, or having primers for activating rocket motors.

Abstract: A conducting composition suitable for use in a firing cap is disclosed. The conducting composition comprises normal lead styphnate which has a mean particle size not less than 55 microns, in admixture with carbon black which has a mean aggregate size between 5 microns and about 15 microns. The conducting composition has less sensitivity than known conducting compositions and therefore when used in a conducting cap renders the cap less likely to unintential ignition by induced e.m.f. such as from radio transmitters or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for covering flash holes in a primer battery cup where the anvil is formed integrally with the battery cup. A tooling apparatus including a tubular foiling pin, and a cutting die plate which, in cooperation with the outside rim of the primer battery cup, blanks out an imperforate, covering-medium disk. As the tubular foiling pin continues to descend into the battery cup, the paper is pierced and slit by the anvil point of the battery cup. The blanked and now perforated disk is inserted further into the battery cup by the foiling pin and seated over the flash holes at the bottom of the cup around the anvil.

Abstract: In order to initiate a low explosive (pyrotechnic) mixture with a high explosive detonator, a metal diaphragm preferably of aluminium alloy is interposed between the detonator and the mixture. The diaphragm interacts with the detonation wave so that it initiates the composition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a percussion primer for ammunition without case or ammunition with combustible case of the type comprising a sensitive composition 6 placed against an anvil 7.The anvil is developed in a combustible block 4 provided with a vent 5 arranged at a conical end of the combustible block 4 and coaxial with a firing pin 3 with flat end firmly connected with the weapon; the anvil is formed of the sharp edge of the conical end of the block defining the vent and fits the shape of the cross section of the firing pin, in order to permit the shearing of the sensitive composition.The primer in accordance with the invention is of great selectivity and is practically insensitive to accidental percussion.

Abstract: An impact sensitive high temperature detonator is disclosed. The detonator comprises an initiator charge of lead azide next to a thin casing wall at the input end, and a mass of finely divided refractory material adjacent to the initiator charge. The detonator can be initiated by a rounded firing pin, which indents the casing wall without puncturing it. In the event of misfire, the casing will remain intact, which facilitates safe removal of the detonator.

Abstract: A primer mix which contains from 26 to 66 weight percent titanium and from 74 to 44 weight percent potassium perchlorate having a density of from 68 to 81 percent of crystal density such that the mix is stable at high temperature up to 525.degree. F. for more than 100 hours without degradation and requires a relatively high amount of impact energy greater than 4 ft.-lbs. in order to ignite it. Alternatively, the primer mix contains from 40 to 74 weight percent zirconium and from 60 to 26 weight percent potassium perchlorate having the above density. The primer mix is used in a percussion primer for initiating combustion or in a percussion initiator for detonating a high-order explosive, as used for example within wellbores in the oil and gas industry.

Abstract: A partially combustible propellant charge igniter in which combustible ignition-conducting tubes can be more advantageously separated. The igniter includes a metallic bottom piece accommodating an igniter charge therein, a centrally arranged ignition gas guide chamber in communication with the igniter charge for guiding ignition gas therefrom and a combustible ignition-conducting tube accommodating a propagation charge. The ignition-conducting tube is inserted into the bottom piece and extends outwardly therefrom with the propagation charge being arranged in the region of the ignition-conducting tube which extends outwardly from the bottom piece.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for completing subsurface formations traversed by a borehole. A perforating gun and a firing head assembly are run into the borehole on the end of a tubing string. A percussion firing assembly subsequently is lowered through the tubing string and latches into the firing head assembly. To initiate the firing system an impact member is dropped through the tubing string. Should ignition fail to occur the percussion firing assembly and a portion of the firing head assembly can be detached and removed from the borehole. An electrical firing assembly can be lowered through the tubing string into engagement with the remaining portion of the firing head assembly and an electrical control signal used to detonate the perforating gun. Should ignition again fail the electrical firing assembly is removed leaving a perforating system having no primary explosives therein, which can be removed from the borehole by pulling the tubing string.

Abstract: In combination: an explosive propulsion member having an axial percussion primer; an electric primer mounted to discharge toward the percussion primer along the axis; and apparatus between the primers hydrodynamically responsive to discharge of the electric primer to percussively engage the percussion primer.

Abstract: A precussion initiated spotting charge in which the spotting charge is caed by the front end of a solid propellant rocket and has a priming charge which is specifically mounted in a forward section of the housing for the spotting charge in a lead support structure with a strengthening outer structure for supporting the lead structure relative to the spotting charge body structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for completing sursurface formations traversed by a borehole. A perforating gun and a firing head assembly are run into the borehole on the end of a tubing string. A percussion firing assembly subsequently is lowered through the tubing string and latches into the firing head assembly. To initiate the firing system an impact member is dropped through the tubing string. Should ignition fail to occur the percussion firing assembly can be detached and removed from the borehole. Additional percussion firing assemblies can be lowered into engagement with and removed from the firing head assembly as desired. Further, an electrical firing assembly can be lowered through the tubing string into engagement with the firing head assembly and an electrical control signal used to detonate the perforating gun.

Abstract: A device for igniting an article, such as safety fuse is disclosed having a body portion, (14) a chamber block (43) received in said body portion, said chamber block being movable relative to said body portion, said chamber block having a chamber (48) for receiving an igniter, and said device having an aperture (72) for receiving the article therein or adjacent to which the article can be located, said chamber block being movable from one position in which the igniter can be loaded into the chamber to a second position in which the igniter can be fired, the chamber and aperture being in communication at least when the chamber block is in the second position, a spring biased striker (26, 28) for firing said igniter to thereby ignite said article. The device also has a jaw (70) leading to the aperture to hold the article and a cleaning and ejector tool in said device which may be removed to clean the chamber block and eject spent igniters from the block.

Abstract: An impact sensitive ignition device with an amplifier charge including a housing having a bottom and side wall, the side wall having a shoulder. An igniter is disposed in the housing at the bottom thereof with an anvil positioned in the housing for cooperation with the igniter. The anvil has at least one aperture therethrough and is supported on the shoulder of the housing. A sleeve member is disposed above the anvil and has an open end with a flange thereat, the sleeve member being coupled to the housing at the flange thereof, and the amplifier charge is disposed in the sleeve member.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the invention provide a visually inspectable primer and detonating charge cannister for a fuse for hand grenades and other munitions and explosives. The delay charge, moreover, is effectively symmetrical to permit reliable fuze operation in spite of incorrect assembly. The primer is sealed in its bore in the fuse body by means of a crimped ring which leaves the primer exposed to visual inspection to insure its correct orientation within the fuse. The delay charge is made symmetrical by removing the initiator charge from its usual location in the delay charge housing and placing the initiator in a detonating charge cannister. By placing the initiator next to the crimped end of a detonating charge cannister, the detonating charge also becomes not only amenable to visual inspection, but also less subject to deterioration through moisture attack.

Abstract: A T-joint having a two-part housing applicable to a pipe contains a member adapted to cut a hole in the pipe when acted upon by an explosive charge to provide a branch conduit from the pipe. The explosive charge is contained in a nut attachable to the housing and is ignited by a percussion cap. The bottom portion of the nut is provided with three concentric recesses, each one smaller than the preceding one. The first recess holds the charge, the second recess holds a breech member for the percussion cap, and the third recess holds an anvil for firing the cap.

Abstract: An improved electrically actuated detonator for use in oil well perforation guns is described wherein a hermetically sealed donor explosive propels a plate through a barrel cavity into a vented open space to initiate an acceptor explosive. If the open space fills with liquid the detonator fails to operate. The detonator is also resistant to actuation by radio-frequency and electrostatic energy.

Abstract: A priming composition for an explosive device using a double salt of hypophosphite, especially lead nitrato-hypophosphite.

Abstract: Improved uniformity of timing, and particularly reduced sensitivity of timing to minor variations in delay charge size, are achieved in delay detonators by placing a loose load of a flame-sensitive ignition composition between a pressed delay charge and an ignition assembly, e.g., a percussion primer, at the actuation end of the detonator. The loose ignition charge has a free surface and is adapted to be ignited in response to direct contact with flame emitted from the ignition of a charge in the ignition assembly. Preferably, the delay charge is pressed into a plastic carrier which, in a non-electric detonator, has an open end terminating between the walls of the detonator shell and a primer shell that closes the actuation end of the detonator, and the ignition charge is loosely loaded into a metal capsule seated against the delay charge.

Abstract: An electronic safe and arm device for generating a trigger signal for initiating detonation of a flying plate detonator. A toroidal trigger capacitor surrounds the electronics of the device and will be shorted to disable the safe and arm device if damage occurs thereto. First and second sensor switches responsive to selected flight parameters control the charging of the trigger capacitor. A normally closed arm enable switch prevents the charging of the trigger capacitor until after break-wire launch has occurred.

Abstract: A method of producing explosive for priming explosive devices by reacting components in situ in a device.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic delay system wherein temperature compensation means re utilized to minimize or eliminate ambient temperature affects upon the burning rate and variability of the delay. Apparatus and method are provided to increase the accuracy of cartridges employing pyrotechnic delay compositions by decreasing differences in composition burning time between extreme ambient temperatures. In the apparatus and method a flash chamber is programmed to increase in volume during initiation of the delay column at elevated temperatures to increase the accuracy of cartridges employing pyrotechnic delay compositions.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of detonator assembly comprising a pair of face to face opposed, longitudinally aligned and spaced apart detonators, and an initiator disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A combination percussion-electric primer operable in a percussion mode or an electric mode, which includes the elements of a primer cup, in which an electrically-conducting contact button is disposed at one end thereof, and a booster charge supporting cup is disposed within the other end of the primer cup. A space between the contact button and supporting cup is adapted to receive a supply of priming composition.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for covering the flash holes in a primer battery cup, particularly where the anvil is formed integrally with the battery cup. Tooling apparatus is provided which includes a spring-loaded punch positioned and slideable axially within an outer punch. A covering medium such as paper is delivered to the tooling station as a strip where it is pierced and slit by the spring-loaded inner punch and blanked by the outer punch. The blanked portion is inserted into the battery cup and seated over the flash holes at the bottom of the cup around the anvil.

Abstract: A firing mechanism for detonating a plurality of percussion primers is prnted. An explodable means and at least one percussion primer are disposed at opposite ends of a housing defining a cavity for transmitting explosive energy from the detonated explodable means to each of the percussion primers for firing the percussion primers. An orifice plate, secured within the cavity between the explodable means and the percussion primers is provided with plurality of apertures for providing passageways for transmitting the explosive energy from the explodable means to the percussion primers. The apertures are calibrated for metering the quantity of the explosive energy transmitted to the percussion primers and for providing substantially simultaneous initiation of the plurality of percussion primers. The apertures are off-set for substantially avoiding the striking of the percussion primers by fragments from the explodable means.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic cap which includes a plastic container having a quantity of pyrotechnic composition hermetically sealed therein. The cap is capable of being ignited by the radiant energy from an adjacent flashlamp to provide an audible signal of high intensity (e.g. 158 to 164 decibels at 25 centimeters). The improvement constitutes providing the composition with a quantity of desensitizing material (e.g. powdered polyethylene) which significantly decreases the cap's sensitivity to ignition by mechanical impact or crushing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a priming device for explosive projectiles and explosive chains, comprising a casing (10), provided with a through hole (11) in which a percussion pin (12) is slidably positioned, and a die member (22), removably mounted to the casing, in which an explosion chamber (21) of frusto-conical shape and with blind bottom is provided, longitudinal slots (25) and other ducts (27, 28) permitting the explosion gases, as generated by a caseless explosive pill (20), to be conveyed to a main explosive charge.

Abstract: A propellant charge igniter includes a casing that contains a central contact member, an igniter element, a sealing element associated with the igniter element, and a powder charge. The sealing element has on a side facing the powder charge, an annular collar in sealing contact with an inner wall of the casing.

Abstract: An explosive projectile comprising a body having a flight end and defining an internal chamber having a main high explosive charge therein. The body has at least one passage therein which communicates with the internal chamber and intersects the exterior surface of the flight end. a detonation initiator material is disposed within the passageway and enables safe handling and high velocity projection of the projectile without ignition but is capable of detonation to effect detonation of the main explosive charge upon predetermined high velocity impact of the flight end with a target surface. A thin cover is preferably provided over the exposed end of the initiator passage. The detonator initiator material typically reaches high order detonation within a distance of one to one and one-half diameters from the impact end. The impact velocity on a metal target must, typically, be 0.5 kilometers per second or greater to effect detonation.

Abstract: Self-supporting water-bearing explosive products, e.g., for use as primers and in blasting and seismic charges, contain discrete cells of an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizing salt and/or of an amine salt encapsulated by a crosslinked (thermoset) resin matrix. The products are sensitized by a dispersed solid high explosive and/or gas bubbles or voids. Preferred primers are sensitized by PETN and are rigid. The products are made by crosslinking a liquid polymer in the continuous phase of an emulsion which contains the aqueous solution as a discontinuous phase.

Abstract: A primer assembly for a shot gun shell, comprises,(a) a one-piece unitary plastic outer cup defining an axis and having a cylindrical side wall and a bottom wall,(b) and a plastic anvil plate extending in an axial radial plane transversely within and crosswise of the cup interior, the plate having an anvil tip facing toward the mouth of the cup,(c) the anvil plate being integral with the cup side wall and bottom wall so that the plate and cup have one-piece unitary construction.

Abstract: A device actuated electrically for triggering a mechanical percussion detonator, comprising a tubular container wherein is housed a striker with a percussion pin, an explosive cap actuated electrically and held secure by a cover and a detonator holder containing a mechanical percussion detonator that can be installed or moved afterwards opposite the striker in order to avoid any untimely explosion of the detonator.

Abstract: Production of styphnate and azide explosives in situ in explosive devices including both ammunition and detonators particularly, though not exclusively, involving formation of premixes of relatively insensitive materials.

Abstract: A propellent charge igniter for caseless cartridges of separately loaded ammunition. The igniter has an ignition chain which includes a secondary charge adjoining a main charge made up of powder pipes or tubes. The secondary charge is disposed in pierceable bag material. A booster charge is disposed in a cartridge case which is mounted in the movable breech block. A combustible projectile is mounted in the cartridge case, and is adapted to be ejected from the cartridge case by the gases generated by the booster charge to pierce the bag material and ignite the secondary charge.

Abstract: A priming system for propellants having thermal decomposition points above 180.degree. C. comprising:A. an ignition charge; andB. a booster charge of solid explosive compound containing one or more --NO.sub.2 groups and/or --N.dbd.N end groups and having a deflagration point above 200.degree. C., said booster charge containing an initiating explosive in an amount between 10% and 60% by weight;The amount of the ignition charge A being between 2 and 20 weight % of the booster charge B.

Abstract: An ignition device for igniting a rocket motor comprising a striker adapted or displacement by pressure generated by an auxiliary charge, a percussion-operated priming device for impact by the striker, and an ignition charge for ignition by the priming device and for igniting the rocket motor. The striker, in its inoperative position, is mechanically keyed within a hollow container body having an axial bore therethrough by a pair of diametrically opposed circumferential grooves within which an O-ring is retained. For operation, a fluid generates pressure on the striker, thereby dislodging it from its mechanical keying and driving it to impact the percussion-operated priming device.