Abstract: A hollow charge for piercing armor built up of several layers of differing densities, the metallic lining of which has three-dimensional isotropy and the density of which corresponds at least approximately to the crystal density of the metal, and, upon detonation, produces an incoherent, pulverulent hollow-charge jet. The associated method of manufacturing the metallic lining comprises atomization of the metal; the mixing of the resulting metal powder in a broad particle-size distribution; the filling of the metal powder into a uniform thickness, double-walled, ductile container; hydrogen flushing of the filled-in metal powder, the closure and gas-tight sealing-off of the double-walled container; hot isostatic pressing of the container; and the removal of the sealed-off container from the pressure-molded component.

Abstract: A munition and method for making a borehole in a target and for placement an explosive unit in the borehole. The munition includes an outer body having a chamber, an inner body disposed in the chamber and having a cavity, a piston disposed in the cavity forming a rear space, the outer body having a front shaped charge wall, the chamber having a first explosive and detonator, a penetrator partly disposed in the cavity and extending through a front wall of the inner body, and a second detonator and explosive disposed in a penetrator compartment.

Abstract: A through-tubing perforating gun includes an angularly shaped base strip having first and second surfaces and including a plurality of recesses in the first surface and a plurality of recesses in the second surface. A plurality of capsule charges are mounted in the plurality of recesses in the first and second surfaces of the base strip and are held in place within the recesses by a plurality of support rings connected to the base strip. The base strip is made of a material which will allow the base strip to withstand detonation of the capsule charges and will not shatter when the charges detonate; however, the support rings are made of a material which will allow the support rings to shatter when the capsule charges detonate.

Abstract: A cutting tool to cut a tubular element in a well is constructed of pellets of less sensitive explosive material detonated by a pellet of a more sensitive explosive material. All the explosive material is packaged in individual packages which qualify for a lower cost, faster, safer transportation classification, but which explosive material is consolidated and assembled at a field location into a cutting tool capable of generating a sufficient force to cut the tubular element. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high explosive assembly and a method are disclosed for projecting a long od at high velocity with enhanced penetrating energy. The high explosive assembly has an elongated core of a first high explosive having a first Chapman-Jouguet detonation velocity, an elongated liner positioned substantially along the longitudinal axis of the core, and an elongated jacket of a second high explosive encasing the core and having a second Chapman-Jouguet detonation velocity greater than the core Chapman-Jouguet detonation velocity. The jacket high explosive, upon detonation, continuously initiates detonation of the core high explosive by an imposed oblique detonation front which converges toward the center of the detonating core with time, until a trailing mach stem emerges therefrom as detonation progresses.

Abstract: A method of blasting cap-sensitive, non-nitroglycerine-sensitized explosives and an initiating assembly for use in the method are provided. The method comprises initiating a column of the explosives by directing two radial/forward shock forces from an initiator assembly substantially simultaneously along the column of the explosives towards each end of the column. The initiating assembly of the invention comprises at least two initiators assembled side-by-side so that their explosive ends are opposite. A moulded plastics holder (6) for holding two blasting caps (1, 8) in the required spatial relationship is also described.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly and universal perforating charge clip apparatus in which a universal design of the charge and the charge clip include trapping of the detonating or firing cord, a lock-in position of the charge in both the raidal and transverse directions and vertical support of the shaped charge in the gun assembly.

Abstract: An improved liner for a warhead having a shaped explosive charge for the production of a projectile by explosive reshaping of the liner includes a liner body having a central region which has a radius of curvature which is smaller than that of a surrounding liner portion. The central region of the liner is indented relative to the surrounding liner portion along a central axis of the liner body toward the side of the liner adjacent the shaped explosive charge. Upon explosive reshaping of the liner, a projectile having an ogival shape is produced.

Abstract: A blasting system wherein the actuation of detonators at a plurality of blast holes is controlled by firing one or more test blasts and, at each blast hole, monitoring the resulting shock wave to derive data which is used to determine time delay criteria for the blast holes.Each detonator includes a shock sensitive device which detects the shock wave. Each detonator has on-board signal processing capability and optionally is connected to a central control computer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-fragmenting explosive device for perforating a target injecting a material through the perforation to disrupt structure behind the target. The device is particularly adapted to safely disarm unexploded explosive devices such as bombs without detonation of the bomb. The device includes an outer covering of explosive material for explosively confining the disruptive material to a well defined shape for total injection into the target.

Abstract: An improved well perforating device comprising a body member in the form of a cylindrical pressure vessel containing shaped explosive charges positioned normal to the longitudinal axis of the body member. The perforating device body is systematically shaped externally at the foci of the hollow cones so that both focused and wall expansion energy of the explosive energy of detonation is sufficiently controlled to prevent excessive deformation of the outer diameter of the body member.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly includes a thin wall carrier having a charge opening disposed therethrough for freely receiving a shaped charge therein. A deformable retaining device is integrally formed with the thin wall carrier adjacent a periphery of the charge opening. The deformable retaining device allows the shaped charge to initially be freely received in the charge opening, but subsequently retains the shaped charge in the charge opening upon deformation of the deformable retaining device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an explosive-containing device for cutting dense material, the device being particularly useful in forced entry situations, e.g. in law enforcement situations or where an immediate entry into a burning building through its wall is required.

Abstract: In the inventive shaped charge, the main charge and the propagating charge are held together solely by the barrier. This union is possible (and is distinguished by pronounced freedom from flaws) because the barrier is produced directly in the cavity in which it is to remain and is able to conform with the utmost accuracy to the surfaces of the charges. The barrier is advantageously formed under vacuum. Factors to be considered in the selection of the barrier material are its fluidifiability, its solidification and shrinkage behavior, and its compatibility with the explosive. Suitable barrier materials include single- or two-component foams, casting compounds, resins and adhesives.

Abstract: An explosive planar shock wave generator produces a planar wave that trav down a shape charge cone to give amplified force on the jet. In all embodiments radial waves are converted to planar waves which react with an explosive shape charge. A planar wave shaper is comprised of a conically shaped planar charge having a predetermined diameter at the base and slant heights terminating at an apex. A cylindrically shaped fast detonating charge which is positioned above the cone shaped planar charge is detonated by a detonator positioned on the surface of the cylindrically shaped fast detonating charge. A sloweer cone shaped detonating shape charge intersecting along the base of the conically shaped planar charge receive the planar shock wave as transformed by the conically shaped planar charge.

Abstract: The invention provides a perforating assembly and a method and apparatus for retaining shaped charges in a charge carrier. A shaped charge body has two clips associated with it: a band clip having a plurality of radially extending tabs oppositely oriented for mounting the shaped charge body in the charge carrier, and for securing the shaped charge body in place; and a wire clip mounted on the shaped charge body and adapted to hold a detonating cord in contact with the shaped charge.

Abstract: A hypervelocity kinetic energy projectile has multiple penetrator stages gitudinally stacked one onto the other which separate and fly independently of one another during the projectile's flight. Connecting rods passing through and interconnecting each penetrator stage have notches positioned and sized so that aerodynamic forces acting upon flare tails of the penetrator stages will sever the connecting rods in such a way that causes the penetrator stages to separate from one another in a rearward to forward sequence. Alternatively, time delay fuzes, small explosive charges or other electrical and mechanical systems may be used to control the penetrator stage separation.

Abstract: An implosion shaped charge device for jet perforating. In its overall concept, the implosion shaped charge perforator comprises a liner of implosive geometry, a primary explosive contiguous to the liner for providing implosion impulse to such and means for detonating the primary explosive. In a first embodiment the detonating means is an explosively actuated impact detonator. In a second embodiment the detonating means is a laser initiated explosive detonator. Both embodiments may be utilized in a perforating gun for perforating subsurface earth formations. In the operation of the embodiments the primary explosive is detonated with the resulting detonation wave approximately constantly accelerating the liner to radially converge to a small volume, from which a jet is propagated in the direction of the maximum pressure gradient.

Abstract: An implosion shaped charge device for jet perforating. In its overall concept, the implosion shaped charge perforator comprises a liner of implosive geometry, a primary explosive contiguous to the liner for providing implosion impulse to such and means for detonating the primary explosive. In a first embodiment the detonating means is an explosively actuated impact detonator. In a second embodiment the detonating means is a laser initiated explosive detonator. Both embodiments may be utilized in a perforating gun for perforating subsurface earth formations. In the operation of the embodiments the primary explosive is detonated with the resulting detonation wave approximately constantly accelerating the liner to radially converge to a small volume, from which a jet is propagated in the direction of the maximum pressure gradient.

Abstract: A modular perforating gun employing only secondary explosives therein, of a design permitting guns to be made up in tandem like drill pipe. The tandem guns have no physically connected shaped charge initiating devices therebetween, each gun being actuated by an acceptor booster charge which is initiated by a shaped donor charge at the bottom of the next higher gun.

Abstract: An active munition element for combatting a target provided with a jamming device, the element including: a front charge; a rear charge mounted behind the front charge and having a hollow charge element; components connected for actuating each charge, the front charge being operative for developing kinetic energy in the target so as to neutralize the jamming device and the rear charge being actuated after the front charge to be effective against the target without interference; and a tube defining a narrow longitudinal channel having a smaller diameter than, and coaxial with, the rear charge, the channel extending forwardly from the rear charge and having a front end region housing the front charge.

Abstract: A through-tubing perforating apparatus for use in improving wellbore production. A plurality of shaped charges are interconnected by rigid links that each have eyelets to receive the suspension wire. These links, in conjunction with a guide which initially engages and slides along the suspension wire, keep the shaped charges in a substantially uniform orientation generally perpendicular to the sides of the wellbore. Once the apparatus emerges from the production tubing, a releasable latch interconnecting an upper terminal connector to the supporting wire is actuated permitting the charges, under the influence of the rigid links, to slump under their own weight into contact with the casing walls. This provides maximum penetration into the formation upon actuation of the charges. The expended apparatus can be dropped into the bottom of the wellbore with the aid of a sinker bar.

Abstract: A housing for joinable or interconnectable cutting charges, which is constituted of a casing, two end surfaces or plates, two spacer flaps, and of the insert. The frontal surfaces of the inserts are at least flush with the surfaces of the end plates or project therebeyond by only a slight distance. The end plates are provided with bent or angled portions facing towards the explosive, wherein the angled portions are in surface contact with the inserts and are fixedly connected with the latter. Through the end surface which is bent over towards the explosive and the insert, the separating location between two neighboring cutting charges is relatively well sealed with respect to the exiting gases of the explosive.

Abstract: A perforating gun is designed to have explosive charges spirally disposed around its circumference in accordance with a displacement angle defined as (m/p) (360.degree.), where p is a whole number greater than 4 and m is a whole number greater than 1 but less than (p-1) and where m/p is an irreducible fraction. A U, or horseshoe, shaped retainer clip holds individual charges in respective holes and cavities of an outer carrier tube and an inner carrier tube to prevent horizontal or transverse movement of each charge and thereby hold it in contact with an axially extending detonator cord.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly is provided for use in a perforating gun of the type used to perforate oil or gas wells. The assembly includes at least one shaped charge including an outer case having an outer surface and a first shoulder extending radially outward from the outer surface. The assembly also includes a carrier having an opening therethrough large enough to receive the outer surface of the case, and having a resilient tab extending into the opening for frictionally engaging at least a first portion of the outer surface of the case, and for thereby holding the shaped charge in place relative to the carrier with the shoulder of the shaped charge abutting the carrier.

Abstract: An explosive plane-wave air lens which enables a spherical wave form to be converted to a planar wave without the need to specially machine or shape explosive materials is described. A disc-shaped impactor having a greater thickness at its center than around its periphery is used to convert the spherical wave into a plane wave. When the wave reaches the impactor, the center of the impactor moves first because the spherical wave reaches the center of the impactor first. The wave strikes the impactor later in time as one moves radially along the impactor. Because the impactor is thinner as one moves radially outward, the velocity of the impactor is greater at the periphery than at the center. An acceptor explosive is positioned so that the impactor strikes the acceptor simultaneously. Consequently, a plane detonation wave is propagated through the acceptor explosive.

Abstract: A perforating gun is designed to have explosive charges spirally disposed around its circumference in accordance with a displacement angle defined as (m/p)(360.degree.), where p is a whole number greater than 4 and m is a whole number greater than 1 but less than (p-1) and where m/p is an irreducible fraction. A U, or horseshoe, shaped retainer clip holds individual charges in respective holes and cavities of an outer carrier tube and an inner carrier tube to prevent horizontal or transverse movement of each charge and thereby hold it in contact with an axially extending detonator cord.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved annular shaped charge of a type to be used in the shaped charge carrier of pipe cutting or severing apparatus. The improved annular shaped charge is made up of eight or more shaped charge segments disposed in side to side abutting relation. Each shaped charge segment has a die formed metal band and charge load. The invention also pertains to methods of making said annular shaped charge and the shaped charge segments, which methods are described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an explosive charge intended for the explosive jointing of, primarily, large-diameter pipes, such as pipeline pipes. The charge according to the invention is intended to be delivered as a unit ready to be applied immediately on site in the pipe. The only item which is not intended to be included is the detonator which is mounted in place immediately prior to blowing the charge. The charge includes, apart from explosive, also a polymer binder of a more closely defined type and gas blisters preferably in the form of microspheres of glass or plastic and metal or metal oxide powder. The scope of the invention embraces the general configuration of the charge and all components included therein.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly includes a strip type carrier having openings therein for receiving shaped charges. Each of the openings includes first and second diagonally opposed pairs of resilient tabs for snugly engaging an outer case of the shaped charge. In a preferred embodiment, every second one of the openings includes first and second elongated cord receiving slots communicated therewith, so that the assembly can be put together without threading a free end of a firing cord through openings in the carrier. Integral intermediate portions of the firing cord can be placed through the alternate openings in the elongated cord receiving slots associated therewith without threading the free ends of the firing cord therethrough.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for destroying sea mines, especially anchored cable mines, and to an improved mine-sweeping method. The apparatus consists of an active device and upthrust mechanisms which permit the active device to climb up the anchor chain to the mine, which, once encountered, is destroyed. In one preferred embodiment, the device comprises a hollow charge carrier with rocket propulsion which is temporarily secured to a towing device, such as a towing cable. The device is released when it encounters the anchor chain of a mine, it rises along the chain, and then destroys the mine.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly apparatus includes a carrier having a plurality of carrier segments integrally formed from a single substantially flat elongated sheet of structural material. An interconnecting portion is located between each two adjacent segments and is integrally connected therewith. The interconnecting portion provides a rigid and precise angular offset between adjacent segments through a permanent deformation of the interconnecting portion. Each carrier segment has a charge receiving opening therein and includes a pair of diametrically opposed wedges for snugly enaging a pair of elastomeric lugs of a shaped charge.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly includes a strip type carrier having openings therein for receiving shaped charges. Each of the openings includes first and second diagonally opposed pairs of resilient tabs for snugly engaging an outer case of the shaped charge. In a preferred embodiment, every second one of the openings includes first and second elongated cord receiving slots communicated therewith, so that the assembly can be put together without threading a free end of a firing cord through openings in the carrier. Integral intermediate portions of the firing cord can be placed through the alternate openings in the elongated cord receiving slots associated therewith without threading the free ends of the firing cord therethrough.

Abstract: A shaped charge perforating unit includes a housing having a cavity formed therein. An explosive charge of high explosive material is retained within the cavity by a liner of non-explosive material. The explosive charge consists of quantities of two explosive materials having different detonation sensitivities.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly is provided for use in a perforating gun of the type used to perforate oil or gas wells. The assembly includes at least one shaped charge including an outer case having an outer surface and a first shoulder extending radially outward from the outer surface. The assembly also includes a carrier having an opening therethrough large enough to receive the outer surface of the case, and having a resilient tab extending into the opening for frictionally engaging at least a first portion of the outer surface of the case, and for thereby holding the shaped charge in place relative to the carrier with the shoulder of the shaped charge abutting the carrier.

Abstract: An explosive separation system for making a clean cut in composite laminate aterials in which a flexible linear shaped charge is maintained in a molded holder of a low-density, energy-absorbing material. The flexible linear shaped charge is molded in the holder when the holder itself is molded to ensure correct alignment of the charge and a correct standoff distance from the surface to be cut. The holder has sufficient volume to dissipate reflected explosive forces to reduce secondary damage to the cut edges and to areas adjacent to target area.

Abstract: An explosive device is disclosed, which is particularly suitable for high energy applications, e.g., priming blasting explosives, cutting cables and for secondary blasting. The device comprises an explosive material having an indentation upon a surface thereof. The indentation which has a mouth, is substantially symmetrical about an axis perpendicular to the mouth. The cross-sectional area of the mouth is at least as great as any other cross-sectional area, normal to the axis, within the indentation. The thickness of explosive surrounding the mouth is greater than the critical diameter of the explosive.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the firing of a multisection perforating gun having a plurality of vertically spaced shaped charges wherein the firing is accomplished from the lowermost shaped charge to the uppermost shaped charge. The detonation of the shaped charges is accomplished by a primer cord which is detonated only by a booster charge located in the bottom portion of the assembled perforating gun housing. Hollow nipples are utilized to effect the assembly of the plurality of tubular gun sections in axially stacked relationship and a fusible tubular guide element is provided between each adjacent pair of nipples so as to permit a continuous primer cord, as well as a fusible cord, to be concurrently inserted throughout the length of the gun.

Abstract: A shaped charge with plane side surfaces, in which a booster charge is arranged above a main explosive charge, and which extends in a longitudinal direction intermediate the side surfaces. A detonation transmitter is arranged at one end or both ends of the booster charge, of which the direction of effect of which is oriented as an extension of the longitudinal direction of the booster charge. Upon the detonation of the booster charge, the detonation transmitter becomes operative and transmits the detonation to the booster charge of an adjacent positioned shaped charge. Smaller spaces or gaps between the booster charges are thereby bridged over.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier for a perforating gun includes a generally cylindrical thin wall carrier tube, a plurality of flat areas formed on the carrier tube, and an opening through each of the flat areas for receiving a shaped charge therein.

Abstract: The technical area of this invention is initiation delay mechanisms for warheads carrying two tandem-mounted shaped charges.With this invention the initiation delay mechanism consists of using the movement of a screen placed between the forward charge 1 and the rear charge 2. According to a specific characteristic, as it moves, the screen can close an electric circuit by means of contactors placed in a given position. According to other variants, the screen can impact piezoelectric components generating energy or, in the case of a magnetic screen, can cross an induction coil.Application in the field of projectiles and, particularly, of rockets and missiles.

Abstract: A perforating gun has a charge carrier assembly housed therein comprised of a plurality of charge holders connected together in tandem. Shaped charges are supported within each of the charge holders, such that the corresponding charges of each holder are circumferentially and vertically spaced apart from one another to forn a predetermined pattern. The individual charge holders describe a polyhedron whose bases or ends describe equal polygons, and whose lateral faces are rectangular and include a centrally located aperture which is adapted to receive a shaped charge in supported relationship therewithin.

Abstract: A shaped charge having plane sides surfaces, in which a booster charge is arranged above a main or primary explosive charge, and wherein the booster charge extends from one of the side surfaces to the oppositely located surface. The booster charge is constituted of an explosive whose detonation velocity is higher than that of the explosive material of the main explosive charge. Thus, when the booster charge is detonated from one side surface thereof, then the booster charge has detonated across the entire length which is present between the two side surfaces, prior to the detonation wave within the main explosive charge having traveled across the entire length thereof.

Abstract: A perforating gun having a plurality of shaped charges to be detonated by a primacord positioned adjacent thereto, which primacord is to be actuated by a detonator positioned in detonating proximity to the primacord. The gun of the present invention mounts the primacord and/or detonator within the gun in a manner affording the relative movement therebetween to a position where the primacord and the detonator are non-aligned so as to safe-arm the gun. The relative movement between the primacord and the detonator can be accomplished through the gun carrier so as to simplify the detonation system and minimize any lengthening of the gun required to accomplish the safe-arming.

Abstract: A method and apparatus effecting the perforating of a well casing and the gravel packing of the perforated areas of the well casing of a combined perforating and gravel packing apparatus. This desirable objective is accomplished by a perforating gun construction permitting complete flexiblility to adjust in the field the number of horizontally and veritcally spaced shaped charges through the provision of a polygonal carrier having vertically spaced holes provided in each of its planar sides to accommodate vertically spaced horizontal groups of shaped charges with the charges in one horizontal group being angularly displaced relative to the charges in a vertically adjacent horizontal group. Additionally, the crossover mandrel employed in the gravel packing operation provides, in its run-in position, a continuous axial passage through its entire length, permitting a detonating device to be placed therethrough to actuate the perforating gun.

Abstract: An explosive safe/arm system for use in a perforating gun includes a selectively rotatable member mounted intermediate a detonator and a length of detonator cord. The rotatable member includes a transversely oriented bore which is selectively rotatable into and out of axial alignment with the detonator and the detonator cord. Mounted within the bore is an explosive element for transferring an explosive detonation wave from the detonator to the detonator cord when the bore is in axial alignment.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a high-density perforating gun in which the shaped charges carried thereby are oriented so that the jets emanating therefrom substantially intersect the axis of the gun. The shaped charges may be vertically spaced by a distance less than the diameter of the charges, but sufficient for each charge jet to pass unobstructed by other jets emanating from the charges immediately above and below.

Abstract: A through the tubing perforating gun assembly having means for separating the upper head from the gun carrier upon firing. This allows the gun carrier to fall to the bottom of the well and eliminates the need to retrieve the carrier. Special charges are used to separate the carrier from the head with the charges being fired simultaneously with the gun charges.

Abstract: Two sections of explosives are utilized in a shaped charged device to first accelerate liner material to high velocity and secondly to collapse the moving liner on a projectile's longitudinal axis to produce a high velocity jet and slug. The apparatus utilizes the principle of superposition of velocity generated by sequentially activated explosives to attain jet and slug velocities having greater ability to defeat armored targets.

Abstract: A hollow charge includes a covering having multiple sloped portions having pical angles which increase from back to front and create a multiple-stage effect or cascade effect.