Holders For Fuse Or Fuse Cord To Blasting Cartridge, Igniting Device, Or Detonator Patents (Class 102/275.12)
  • Patent number: 11709037
    Abstract: A detonation wire has a firing module connector at one end and a firework connection assembly at another end. The firework connection assembly has a connector housing having a plurality of sections at least partially surrounding and defining an ignition chamber. The firework connection assembly also has one or more firework igniters positioned at least partially within the ignition chamber. A firework igniter is operable to activate an ignition element of a respective firework placed into engagement therewith. Other examples also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Pyromart Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Wu
  • Patent number: 11450500
    Abstract: Shock resistant mounting structures for fuze systems. The shock resistant mounting structures may comprise: a shock resistant fuze cap and a shock resistant collar. The shock resistant fuze cap may comprise a circular cap housing and a plurality of cripple studs disposed within the circular cap housing. The circular cap housing may be adapted to engage an upper portion of a fuze and may be adapted to snugly fit within a fuze well. The shock resistant collar may comprise a ring-shaped housing and one or more cripple studs radially disposed within the ring-shaped housing. The ring-shaped housing may have a center opening adapted to engage a fuze body. When installed, the shock resistant fuze cap and shock resistant collar may be disposed within the fuze well and may minimize, prevent, or divert shock loading energy from entering a fuze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Nicholas H. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 11268793
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a detonation connector having an exposure part for tagging, the detonation connector includes: an electrically conductive wire-connecting bracket member having a plurality of electric wire mounting grooves to which a leg line or a leading line is mounted; a lower casing member at which the wire-connecting bracket member is positioned; and an upper casing member covering the lower casing member, wherein the upper casing member or the lower casing member is provided with a tagging exposure part that exposes a part of the wire-connecting bracket member wire-connecting the leg line and the leading line, so that the tagging work of charging initialization time to a detonator can be performed without opening the upper casing member, and the convenience and the efficiency of the tagging work can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: HANWHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Doo Hyun Lee, Ki Chul Park
  • Patent number: 11209250
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, a system and a method for retaining detonators in an explosive booster, particularly a retention device for retaining a detonator in the blind hole of a booster which allows the safe extraction thereof from the booster. The retention device comprises a flexible holding means that is movable between a blocking position retaining the detonator inside the blind hole and an open position which allows extracting the detonator from the blind hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: MAXAMCORP HOLDING, S.L.
    Inventors: José Zuriaga Gascón, José Luis de Miguel Fuentes
  • Patent number: 10480920
    Abstract: Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc
    Inventors: James D. Lucas, Denny L. Kurschner, Thomas E. MacPherson
  • Patent number: 10401137
    Abstract: A perforating gun includes a charge tube having shaped charges affixed thereto. Each shaped charge includes a radially outward pointing post adapted to receive a detonator cord. A retention member installed on the post provides a compressive force that energetically couples the detonator cord to the post. The radially outermost portion of the retention member is radially flush with or radially recessed relative to the radially outermost portion of each post. In one embodiment, the retention member has a rounded medial portion, a central opening and a pair of locking tabs that point radially inward to the central opening. Each post may include a slot for receiving the detonator cord and a circumferential groove that is adapted to receive the locking tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: OWEN OIL TOOLS LP
    Inventors: Timothy E. LaGrange, Lyle W. Andrich, Cory D. Day, Dan W. Pratt
  • Patent number: 9598941
    Abstract: A perforating gun that has a detonator section in which a window is formed is assembled by: disposing a detonating cord in an inner bore of the perforating gun; fixing a clip to a detonator; gripping the clip with an installation tool; inserting the clip laterally through the window of the detonator section using the installation tool; and attaching the clip to the detonator cord by pressing the clip against the detonator cord using the installation tool. The clip has a planar base, an opening formed in the base for receiving the detonator, and a pair of prongs extending from the base, wherein each prong of the pair of prongs extends from an edge of the base and has a gripping end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: OWEN OIL TOOLS LP
    Inventors: David E. Upchurch, Paul E. Noe, Benjamin O. Potter, Matthew C. Clay, Dan W. Pratt
  • Patent number: 8973502
    Abstract: A priming assembly and a method are provided for coupling a plurality of detonators to at least one explosive through a plurality of transmission lines. The priming assembly may include a housing that receives the plurality of detonators and the plurality of transmission lines. In use, the plurality of transmission lines may communicate with the plurality of detonators within the housing to transmit explosive charges from the plurality of detonators to the at least one explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric Scheid, Brad Moan, Thomas Gailey
  • Patent number: 8776689
    Abstract: A detonator formed entirely from a plurality of discrete segments of an insensitive energetic composition, each of the segments employed in the detonator being compacted at different pressures from powder and/or granules of insensitive energetic composition so as to form an energetic train which sequences detonation of the individual segments. Initiation of a main charge can only be effected when a last segment in the detonation train is initiated. Detonation starts with a first segment in the detonation train which is produced under the lowest compaction pressure, and then detonation progresses to a last segment compacted under a higher compaction pressure. The first segment can be detonated by a safety fuse or detonating cord, and the last segment can only be detonated by the next to the last segment in the detonation train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Vincent Gonsalves, Bekim Isovski, Larry Sotsky, Stojan Kotefski, Lidija Kotevska
  • Patent number: 8408132
    Abstract: Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Lucas, Denny L. Kurschner, Thomas E. MacPherson
  • Patent number: 8402892
    Abstract: A priming assembly and a method are provided for coupling a plurality of detonators to at least one explosive through a plurality of transmission lines. The priming assembly may include a housing that receives the plurality of detonators and the plurality of transmission lines. In use, the plurality of transmission lines may communicate with the plurality of detonators within the housing to transmit explosive charges from the plurality of detonators to the at least one explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric Scheid, Brad Moan, Thomas Gailey
  • Patent number: 8069789
    Abstract: Fire, arm, and disarm signals are typically transmitted to electronic detonators via signal transmission lines. Traditionally, such signal transmission lines include wires wherein one end of each wire is soldered directly to printed circuit boards and/or other signal processing components retained within the shell of a detonator. Other ‘modular’ blasting apparatuses of the prior art provide means to connect signal transmission lines to detonators in the field. Signal transmission line/detonator contacts are susceptible to disruption, particularly when the signal transmission lines are subject to inadvertent tugging or tensile forces at the blast site. The present application discloses an electrical connector that enables secure connection between a signal transmission line and any detonator adapted to receive and optionally process electrical signals from the signal transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Thomas Boos
  • Patent number: 8033222
    Abstract: A connector clip (10, 10?) defines a line-retaining slot (34) and is configured to receive a detonator (16) therein. The connector clip (10, 10?) comprises a body member (12, 12?) and a closure member (14, 14?) which are mounted, one on the other, for movement relative to each other along a travel path between an open position in which the line-retaining slot (34) is accessible to lateral insertion therein of one or more signal transmission lines (68), and a closed position in which the line-retaining slot (34) is closed to secure such signal transmission lines (68) therein. One of the body member (12, 12?) and the closure member (14, 14?) defines a cavity within which at least part of the other of the body member (12, 12?) and the closure member (14, 14?) is encased during travel between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Sutula, Jr., Mark T. Andersen, Basilio J. Carneiro, Lawrence J. Shank, III, John Childs
  • Patent number: 7992495
    Abstract: A chemical detonator includes a housing, having an open end and a closed end; and a detonation element located in the housing, into which a shock tube for initiating the detonation element intrudes, wherein the housing and the shock tube are of plastics construction and the housing is substantially cylindrical cup shape, and wherein the shock tube intrudes into, and is welded to, the open end to hold the shock tube at a desired spacing from the detonation element. The detonator includes a detonation element that includes a series of charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: African Explosives Limited
    Inventors: Anthony John Rowe, Cornelius du Plooy Conradie, Daniel Gerhardus Kolver, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7971533
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a weapon according to various aspects of the present invention comprise and/or operate in conjunction with a warhead case and a fuze system. The fuze system may comprise a fuze housing including a flange configured to be secured to the weapon. In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus operate in conjunction with a fuze well rigidly attached to the warhead case. In addition, the methods and apparatus may include a sensor mounted on the flange, and a booster attached to the fuze well adjacent the fuze housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bryan Berlin, Bradley Biggs, Travis Walter
  • Patent number: 7891296
    Abstract: A method of producing an assembly of a connector block (1, 21, 40) and a detonator (5, 25, 41) suitable for retaining at least one shock tube (4, 24) adjacent to a percussion-actuation end (15, 26) of the detonator, and to an assembly thus produced and a connector block therefor. The method comprising inserting a detonator into a connector block having a housing (2, 22, 40) provided with a bore (13, 31, 44), positioning the detonator in the bore of the housing so that the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is positioned adjacent to a slot (14, 35) for receiving the shock tubes; and fixing the detonator in the housing. The detonator is fixed in the housing by causing a body of material (10) to flow plastically into the recess in the detonator and to harden therein to form a locking element fixed to the housing, thereby preventing accidental movement of the detonator within the connector block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Thomas Husk, Ross Ian Gourlay
  • Patent number: 7823508
    Abstract: Mining operations frequently involve the use of electric or electronic delay detonators in operative association with an explosive charge contained in a booster. Disclosed herein are connectors for connecting a signal transmission line to a detonator associated with a booster. In this way, the connectors, at least in preferred embodiments, allow the production of a substantially sealed booster assembly having a secure electrical connection to a signal transmission line. Also disclosed are methods of producing substantially sealed booster assemblies, and methods for their use in mining operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David Geoffrey Anderson, Jan Mark Brochocki, Peter Thomas Husk, Christine Geneviève Pierrette Quesnel
  • Publication number: 20100263523
    Abstract: A perforating gun includes a charge tube having shaped charges affixed thereto. Each shaped charge includes a radially outward pointing post adapted to receive a detonator cord. A retention member installed on the post provides a compressive force that energetically couples the detonator cord to the post. The radially outermost portion of the retention member is radially flush with or radially recessed relative to the radially outermost portion of each post. In one embodiment, the retention member has a rounded medial portion, a central opening and a pair of locking tabs that point radially inward to the central opening. Each post may include a slot for receiving the detonator cord and a circumferential groove that is adapted to receive the locking tabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: OWEN OIL TOOLS LP
    Inventors: Timothy Edward LaGrange, Lyle W. Andrich, Cory D. Day, Dan W. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7798065
    Abstract: A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator. The connector block comprises a housing (2, 21) having a bore (4, 23) formed therein for receiving a detonator (6, 36) provided with a percussion-actuation end (7, 25), a shock tube retention means (8, 28) defining with the housing a slot (9, 29) for receiving therein at least one shock tube (10, 30) and holding the at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator present in the bore, the slot having an entrance (12, 32) for allowing insertion of the at least one shock tube into the slot, and a flexible and resilient closure member (11, 31) or an inflexible closure member (50) pivotable on a sprung hinge (51) extending partially or fully into the entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Sek Kwan Chan, George Gary Kelly, Joseph Georges Mario Lecompte
  • Patent number: 7699004
    Abstract: The connector block allows the transmission of the shock wave that travels along the donor tube (1) to several receiver tubes (4), setting between them a delay device (6) with its corresponding pyrotechnic delay formula (8), and an explosive charge (9), all these components being integrated within the body (4) of the connector block in such a way that the explosive charge (9) is parallel and adjacent to the receiver tubes (10), which are on a parallel plane to said explosive charge and are positioned at right angles to it, inside which a detonator is housed. The explosive charge (9) is positioned so that all the tubes (10) held in the slot (11) are initiated in similar conditions, without suffering the effects of structural differences, thus achieving a homogeneous and safe initiation that does not produce metal shrapnel that could damage the receiver tubes (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Maxamcorp, S.A.U.
    Inventor: Jose Maria Ayensa Muro
  • Patent number: 7661365
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. The connector blocks of the present invention comprise a slot (7, 26, 46, 64, 87) for the retention of shock tubes therein, wherein the slot is configured to induce a bend (8a, 27a, 47a, 91a) in the shock tube(s). In this way, the position of the shock tube(s) relative to the detonator is significantly improved. Air gaps between the shock tubes and the detonator, resulting from manufacturing tolerances, can be substantially eliminated. Moreover, the connector blocks of the present invention provide an increased security of shock tube retention, thereby reducing the risk of accidental shock tube removal or displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Sek Kwan Chan
  • Publication number: 20090211481
    Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Stanley N. Schwantes, Bradley M. Biggs, Michael A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090090263
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a heat insulating container having an inner space and having a structure defining a hollow containing a vacuum. The apparatus further comprises a reflective layer arranged on a surface of the heat insulating container to reflect heat for reducing radiated heat originated in the wellbore from reaching the inner space. Also, a signal-activated detonator is provided in the inner space of the heat insulating container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chenghua Han, Mark C. Duhon
  • Patent number: 7490554
    Abstract: An initiator assembly (38) is factory-pre-assembled and comprises an initiation fixture (10) secured to a triggering device (40). The initiation fixture (10) comprises a unitary body, i.e., one without moving parts, and includes a bushing groove (18) to receive as an accessory an O-ring (64) to seal the device within the barrel (42) of the triggering device (40). A fuse/fixture sub-assembly (34) includes an initiation charge (30) disposed at the firing face (13a) and a signal-transmission fuse (22). The initiation fixture (110) may be a “universal” fixture having thereon optional external threads (36) and being otherwise dimensioned and configured to be received within either an internally threaded barrel (42) of a triggering device (40) or the barrel (42) of a triggering device which utilizes a fuse-holder cap (56). The initiator assembly (38) may include a spool (66) on which the signal-transmission tube (22) is wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defence Company
    Inventors: David C. Lynch, Ronald M. Dufrane, Jeffrey M. Kezerian, Jack C. Cotner
  • Publication number: 20080245253
    Abstract: An initiator assembly (38) is factory-pre-assembled and comprises an initiation fixture (10) secured to a triggering device (40). The initiation fixture (10) comprises a unitary body, i.e., one without moving parts, and includes a bushing groove (18) to receive as an accessory an O-ring (64) to seal the device within the barrel (42) of the triggering device (40). A fuse/fixture sub-assembly (34) includes an initiation charge (30) disposed at the firing face (13a) and a signal-transmission fuse (22). The initiation fixture (110) may be a “universal” fixture having thereon optional external threads (36) and being otherwise dimensioned and configured to be received within either an internally threaded barrel (42) of a triggering device (40) or the barrel (42) of a triggering device which utilizes a fuse-holder cap (56). The initiator assembly (38) may include a spool (66) on which the signal-transmission tube (22) is wound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: ENSIGN-BICKFORD AEROSPACE & DEFENSE COMPANY
    Inventors: David C. Lynch, Ronald M. Dufrane, Jeffrey M. Kezerian, Jack C. Cotner
  • Publication number: 20080210118
    Abstract: A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator. The connector block comprises a housing (2, 21) having a bore (4, 23) formed therein for receiving a detonator (6, 36) provided with a percussion-actuation end (7, 25), a shock tube retention means (8, 28) defining with the housing a slot (9, 29) for receiving therein at least one shock tube (10, 30) and holding the at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator present in the bore, the slot having an entrance (12, 32) for allowing insertion of the at least one shock tube into the slot, and a flexible and resilient closure member (11, 31) or an inflexible closure member (50) pivotable on a sprung hinge (51) extending partially or fully into the entrance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Sek Kwan CHAN, George Gary Kelly, Joseph Georges Mario Lecompte
  • Patent number: 7410049
    Abstract: A block molded from a polymeric material has a through passageway to contain a percussive shock wave. Angularly related channels communicate with the containment passageway for receiving arcuate segments of detonation cord. Alignment of a plurality of blocks provides a convenient packaging setup for the cord. A percussive signal traveling along the cord can be short-circuited in the packaging setup. A diode version of the block can react to the signal in a given direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Detotec North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. O'Brien, Timothy J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7367738
    Abstract: The apparatus and method for releasably joining first and second elements according to the present invention include a retaining member mounted to one of the elements and a reshapeable tube near the retaining member. The reshapeable tube has at least two states, an at least partially collapsed state and an at least partially expanded state. As such, the retaining member joins the elements while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially collapsed state. Furthermore, the retaining member releases the other element while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially expanded state, which deflects the retaining member. Thus, because components of the apparatus are not broken during the release of the elements, the amount of constrained or potential energy that is released when the retaining member releases the elements is substantially reduced or eliminated, which protects the elements from being damaged during the release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark Allen Cleveland
  • Publication number: 20080100047
    Abstract: A complex blasting cap apparatus of an airbag for a vehicle includes: a detector detecting impact acting on a vehicle body during a vehicle accident; a controller receiving a signal detected by the detector, computing the received signal, and applying different voltages so as to operate an inflator depending on a pre-input impact force; and a complex blasting cap formed as integration of a first blasting cap which is operated by a control signal of the controller and is exploded by a first voltage signal applied from the controller and a second blasting cap which is connected to a circuit to which the first blasting cap is connected and is exploded by a second voltage signal applied from the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Kee Hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 7360487
    Abstract: A perforating gun connector comprising a first and second section connected together on one end. The two sections of the perforating gun connector that couple together are correspondingly tapered so that one end of one connector is tapered and fits into the corresponding tapered hollowed section of one end of the other section. The present invention also provides for the inclusion of shaped charges and booster charges within. Adjacent the charges are sealing bulkheads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William D. Myers, Jr., Edgar W. Van Sickle, Kristian Vargervik
  • Patent number: 7134375
    Abstract: A visual assistance guide system for placement of a disrupter device for explosive ordinance disposal includes a checkerboard base and adhesive containing areas on the base. One of the adhesive containing areas is used to secure a disrupter device on the base. The checkerboard pattern helps position of the disrupter device (preferably done with a robot) at the proper standoff distance from the package targeted for disposal. Other adhesive areas are located so that a detonation line or shock tube emanating from the disrupter device can be secured to the base in the proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: James A. Fish, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7100512
    Abstract: A timed pyric chain apparatus, particularly for the ignition of pyrotechnical fireworks includes a main conduit (2) for a retard fuse (16) the main conduit (2) having lateral branch conduits (5). The apparatus consists of coupled modular elements, each modular element having a fuse holder (1) including a main conduit (2) in which a retard fuse (16) is to be placed. The main conduit is divided into a first portion (4), the cross section of the first portion (3) being smaller than the cross section of the second portion (4), the fuse holder further including a lateral branch conduit (5) for receiving a wick (17) retainer (11) for a part of its length. The wick is provided with a fire passing sheath (18), the coupling of a first fuse holder (1) to a second fuse holder (1?) resulting from the introduction of the first portion (3) of the first fuse holder (1) in a second portion (4?) of the second fuse holder (1?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Carlo Monetti, Luigi Leone Paolo Monetti
  • Patent number: 7000545
    Abstract: Breaching apparatus including a housing constructed of a material that disintegrates upon explosion without significant amounts of fragments being given off, and an explosive element disposed in the housing capable of producing an explosive force sufficient for breaching a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Arie Sansolo
  • Patent number: 6966260
    Abstract: There is provided a molded polymeric coupling device incorporating integral hinges, latches and strain-relief features adapted to receive an electric match having a protective chamber, and a quickmatch fuse of a pyrotechnic device. After the quickmatch fuse is suitably placed in the coupling device, it is latched in a closed position around the quickmatch fuse. A piercing structure such as a cone forms an opening in the outer layer of the quickmatch fuse so that, upon ignition of the electric match, flame therefrom is directed into and ignites the central blackmatch core of the quickmatch fuse. The coupling device allows rapid and accurate attachment of an electric match to a quickmatch fuse at the fireworks display site by persons of limited skill and/or experience. The electric matches are protected by the coupling device, preventing unexpected ignition from impact, friction, ESD, or other similar ignition sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Phillip M. Martinez
  • Patent number: 6892645
    Abstract: Multiple independent penetrating electrode non-electric tips in which the electrodes are separated in a non-coaxial arrangement so as to generate a spark gap internal to the non-electric shock tube, with the electrodes being brought together inside of the shock tube at a very precise distance, improving longevity by eliminating ablation of the insulating material between the inner and outer electrodes, reducing electrical shorting of the electrodes, and providing more consistent and reliable ignition of shock tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: John P. Nodine
  • Patent number: 6880465
    Abstract: An initiator (14c) for a secondary explosive receptor charge is provided by forming a length of detonating cord (14) into a helical coil containing a plurality of windings with a cut-off barrier provided by, e.g., a separating rib (46) between adjacent windings. The adjacent windings may be not more than about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) apart. The detonating cord (14) may be wound about a spindle (16) which may optionally provide the separating rib (46). The coil may be a tapered coil which may define a taper angle of e.g., from about 2 to 4 degrees. Alternatively, the coil may be a cylindrical coil, or the cord may be configured in a planar spiral. Optionally, the detonating cord in the helical coil may have a core of explosive material with a loading of less than 15 grains per foot of the cord, e.g., less than 12 grains per foot of the cord, or a loading in the range of from 8 to 12 grains per foot of the cord. The coil may consume about six inches of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Robert A. Lee, Lyman G. Bahr, Daniel P. Sutula, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6868789
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-part adapter for more securely holding a blasting cap initiator in place in a demolition or munitions device. This adaptor is an insert component, generally cylindrical in shape and having an inner diameter capable of surrounding a blasting cap initiator, and a locking component. The insert component has a first threaded portion to mate with threaded cap wells of demolition and munitions devices, and a second portion with a plurality of flexible prongs arranged circumferentially around its inner diameter. The locking component is also generally cylindrical in shape and has a threaded inner surface to engage the insert component. The locking component also has a portion of decreasing inner diameter to approximately the inner radius of the insert component, and an outer surface with means to permit application of a turning torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Mihir K. Basu
  • Publication number: 20040216632
    Abstract: A detonating cord interrupt device (140) is positionable between two segments of detonating cord (126, 134). The detonating cord interrupt device (140) includes a housing (130), a first booster (128) at least partially disposed within the housing (130) and a second booster (132) at least partially disposed within the housing (130) and having a spaced apart relationship with the first booster (128). A detonation transfer interrupt member (138) is removably positionable within the housing (130) in the space between the first and second boosters (128, 132) such that the transfer of a detonation from one of the first and the second boosters (128, 132) to the other of the first and the second boosters (128, 132) is prevented when the detonation transfer interrupt member (138) is positioned within the housing (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Mark A. Finsterwald
  • Patent number: 6739265
    Abstract: A segmented explosive device capable of producing a shock wave front upon being exploded by a detonation impulse generated by a selectively operable control device and communicated to the explosive device by a transmission line coupled between the control device and the explosive device. The explosive device has a first charge segment and a second charge segment disposed in an assembled relationship. The first charge segment has a first abutment surface formed on a portion of the exterior thereof and a cavity recessed in the first abutment surface. An output end of the transmission line is received by the cavity and contacts the first charge segment. The cavity of the first charge segment can be configured to dispose explosive material in the path of a plasma zone propagating through voids internal of the explosive device to facilitate advance detonation of the explosive material before a shock wave front trailing the plasma zone reaches the explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Lyman G. Bahr, Roger B. Clement
  • Publication number: 20040055494
    Abstract: A detonator junction for use in a blasting network is disclosed. A body of the detonator junction includes a chamber for receiving a detonator. A retaining member, attached to the body, creates a slot for retaining one or more transmission lines proximate an explosive output region of a detonator disposed in the chamber. A limiting member, attached to the retaining member, traverses an imaginary longitudinal extension of the slot and limits inadvertent removal of transmission lines from the slot. A clip may interlock with the detonator, which in turn may be locked into the chamber to ensure secure and proper placement of the detonator in the chamber. When the detonator is activated a transmission signal is initiated in transmission lines disposed within the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: John P. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6691621
    Abstract: A propellant charge ignition device having one or more ignition means and incorporating one or more diffuser tube(s) extending through a part of the propellant charge. The structure permits a flame generated by the ignition means to be guided up to a propellant charge receiver zone. There is also disclosed a propellant charge incorporating one or more block(s) of agglomerated propellant powder, the block having at least one closed-ended ignition channel for receiving a diffuser tube of the propellant charge ignition device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Pierrot, Jean-Luc Taillandier
  • Patent number: 6655289
    Abstract: The invention relates to trigger units for initiating pyrotechnic elements which usually consist of a switch and control unit, ignition means and an ignition charge body. Said switch and control element is triggered by way of an electric coupling via a line in order to initiate ignition. The line for the electric coupling and the dimensions of the switch and control element which are usually accommodated in an IC housing complicate the design and the automatic assembly of the trigger units. According to the invention, the switch and control element (1) is surrounded by a first shell (2). Said first shell (2) is connected to a second shell (1) which contains the ignition charge body (23). The invention is further characterized in that the ignition means (19) dip into said second shell (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology PTY Limited
    Inventors: Wilhelm Bornheim, Friedrich Heinemeyer, Jan Petzold, Heinz Schäfer, Jürgen Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6644203
    Abstract: An explosive device (10) comprising: and explosive charge body (12) including an explosive charge and detonator (21); a housing (22) attached to the explosive charge body (12); and a length of electrical or non-electrical non-pyrotechnic firing line (26) having a first (28) and second end (32) the majority of which is stored within the housing so as to permit progressive removal from the housing on pulling the first end (28) thereof, and which is attached at the second end (32) to the detonator (21). The explosive device (10) can be used in a versatile manner for avalanche control, can allow a degree of positioning after initial deployment and provide safe operation yet is easily handleable, readily deployed and compact, and negates the hazards associated with the use of pyrotechnic delay fuze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Mark Powell
  • Patent number: 6584905
    Abstract: In a system for igniting detonation cord or shock tube, a plated through-hole in printed circuit board is coupled to a circuit to have high voltage and high current applied to the plated through-hole. The end of the detonation cord or shock tube is passed through the plated through-hole and formed into a knot to secure the detonation cord or shock tube in the plated through-hole. The voltage and current applied to the plated through-hole are of sufficient magnitude to explode the plated through-hole and ignite the detonation cord or shock tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Richard N. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6561101
    Abstract: An explosive delay assembly including a housing, the housing includes a continuous elongated sidewall surrounding a region bounded at one end by a top surface, the top surface including an aperture configured for accepting an end booster where the end booster is attached to a ferrule assembly, the end booster and ferrule assembly connected to form a mild detonating fuze including an explosive charge. The elongated sidewalls include a groove emanating from the aperture and threading around the continuous elongated sidewall to a bottom surface and connected to a channel running from the bottom surface to the top surface. The ferrule assembly is wound around the housing within the groove and inserted into the channel to terminate at a top surface region counterbore. The counterbore is filled with an explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6508176
    Abstract: An initiator (14c) for a secondary explosive receptor charge is provided by forming a length of detonating cord (14) into a helical coil containing a plurality of windings with a cutoff barrier provided by, e.g., a separating rib (46) between adjacent windings. The adjacent windings may be not more than about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) apart. The detonating cord (14) may be wound about a spindle (16) which may optionally provide the separating rib (46). The coil may be a tapered coil which may define a taper angle of e.g., from about 2 to 4 degrees. Alternatively, the coil may be a cylindrical coil, or the cord may be configured in a planar spiral. Optionally, the detonating cord in the helical coil may have a core of explosive material with a loading of less than 15 grains per foot of the cord, e.g., less than 12 grains per foot of the cord, or a loading in the range of from 8 to 12 grains per foot of the cord. The coil may consume about six inches of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Robert A. Lee, Lyman G. Bahr, Daniel P. Sutula, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6439121
    Abstract: A tubular charge holder assembly for a perforating gun made of a tube having a plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed openings. The pairs of openings are formed over a length of the tube, wherein the each pair has a larger and a smaller opening. A shaped charge is located within the pairs of openings in the tubular charge holder so that at least a portion of the rim of a front face of the shaped charge extends out of the larger opening and at least a portion of a rear face of the shaped charge extends out from the smaller opening of the tube. A detonating cord is helically wrapped around the outside surface of the tube such that the detonating cord is positioned so that the cord is proximate to the rear surface of each of the shaped charges installed within the tube. A substantially semi-circular clip is positioned on the outside surface of the tube proximate each of the shaped charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Alan Gillingham
  • Patent number: 6439099
    Abstract: A line explosive charge attaching system connects individual explosive charges in line with a yarn structure having yarns interlocked in a braided structure to cover and position several individual explosive charges together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Victor J. Carlson, Ferrell Windsor Furr, Robert Grande, John R. Luense
  • Patent number: 6425332
    Abstract: A shock tube connector system comprises a substantially cylindrical detonator having a longitudinal axis a block body receiving the detonator therein, and an end cap. The detonator includes an axisymmetric exterior shell including a cylindrical main section, a cylindrical explosive end portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the main section, and a transition portion connecting the main section and the explosive end portion of the shell. An explosive charge is contained within the explosive end portion of the shell and is distributed along the longitudinal length of the explosive end portion. The explosive charge preferable comprises two portions of lead azide or a first charge portion of lead azide and PETN and a second charge portion of PETN. An initiating shock tube is operatively connected to the explosive charge via a delay element. The block body includes a housing within which the main section of the detonator is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Austin Powder Company
    Inventors: John Capers, Goran Jidestig
  • Patent number: 6397752
    Abstract: A gun system in one arrangement includes a first carrier including a detonating cord and a second carrier including a detonating cord. An adapter couples the first and second carriers, with the adapter including an explosive coupled to the detonating cord of one of the first and second carriers. The explosive is positioned in a reduced housing portion of the adapter. The reduced housing portion of the adapter has a first outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the first carrier to provide a predetermined annular space between the reduced adapter portion and the inner diameter of the first carrier. At least one of the detonating cords in the first and second carriers is attached to a retainer element, and the retainer element is placed in close proximity to the explosive to maintain an axial position of the detonating cord to reduce separation between the detonating cord and the explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, Robert A. Parrott