Abstract: A linear shaped charge has a v-shaped indentation cladded with e.g. lead. The explosive body is formed of discrete explosive elements, such as detonator cords, at least one of which is positioned along the apex of the indentation so that detonation can be initiated in that region.

Abstract: In a perforating apparatus which has a plurality of explosive charges contained in an elongated tubular perforating gun body and supported on a carrier an energy absorber and explosive charge holder are provided by the present invention. The carrier extends longitudinally in the gun body and has the cases of the explosive charges mounted therethrough with a detonating cord or prima cord positioned at the detonating end portion of the several explosives charges. The energy absorber and explosive charge holder comprises a shaped metallic shield that grasps sides of an explosive charges case to secure it in a rigid fixed position on the carrier. An aperture in this shield permits passage of the detonating cord over the detonating end portion of the charge case and retention of it at that location.

Abstract: An explosive blasting method and apparatus for producing rock fragmentation and substantially reducing the amplitude of seismic effects (ground vibration) in the vicinity of the blast. An embodiment of the invention utilizes an air gap method and apparatus for superheating the air surrounding the charge in a borehole thereby significantly raising the pressure therein coupled with the use of multiple detonation points along the borehole for the reduction of burn time thereby substantially reducing the quantity of explosives used along with a marked reduction of seismic shock, sound and dust effects to the surrounding area.

Abstract: An improved warhead of the type having at least one shaped charge is formed by the shaped charge or charges being positioned within the warhead so that the longitudinal axis of the charge forms an angle of 15 to 50 degrees with respect to the axis of the warhead in its stabilized in-flight attitude.

Abstract: A perforating unit for high density, multiphase well perforating operations having a plurality of elongate cylindrical perforating gun barrels whose firing axes are at predetermined angles one relative to the other. A multiport top sub secures the upper ends of the barrels with the barrels parallel to each other. A cablehead on the top sub provides for support. A multiport bottom sub secures the lower ends of the barrels. A circuit in the cablehead extends through the cablehead and into the unit for use in detonation of explosive charges to be received therein.

Abstract: A device for destroying structures such as concrete walls comprises first and second plates each including at least a portion of explosive material which are mounted on respective sides of the structure to be exploded, preferably in alignment. Each pair of explosive plates is exploded substantially simultaneously or in short succession in order to destroy the wall portion therebetween. Because of the detonation of both of the explosive plates, the structure therebetween will be disintegrated without fragments being catapulted away in a hazardous manner. With the inventive method, the plates are positioned on respective opposite sides of the structure in opposing relationship and the plates are exploded so as to generate shock waves which extend inwardly toward the structure therebetween.

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: A device for destroying structures such as concrete walls comprises first and second plates each including at least a portion of explosive material which are mounted on respective sides of the structure to be exploded, preferably in alignment. Each pair of explosive plates is exploded substantially simultaneously or in short succession in order to destroy the wall portion therebetween. Because of the detonation of both of the explosive plates, the structure therebetween will be disintegrated without fragments being catapulted away in a hazardous manner. With the inventive method, the plates are positioned on respective opposite sides of the structure in opposing relationship and the plates are exploded so as to generate shock waves which extend inwardly toward the structure therebetween.

Abstract: An improvement in an apparatus for fracturing subterranean formation by explosive fracture wherein opposed end charges are detonated to enhance the explosive capability of a central charge, the improvement comprising intermediate driver charges intermediate the central charge in each of the respective end charges; the driver charges being detonated by the end charges to provide a sustained pressure wave for enhancing the rubblizing and fracturing of the subterranean formation and extend the fracture more deeply into the subterranean formation. Also disclosed are improved apparatus enabling carrying out the split second detonating of the respective explosive charges, containing the explosive charges without entangling cable and the like downhole and preventing misfiring.

Abstract: A shaped charge retention and barrier clip according to the invention includes a barrier ring means for preventing damage to the interior of a perforating gun, and retention means for securing the barrier ring means and the shaped charge to a carrier strip disposed in the perforating gun.

Abstract: An explosive safe-arming system for use in a perforating gun for oil and gas well wireline operation is disclosed, wherein a donor detonating explosive is used which includes two encased elements. The first element is fixedly secured within the perforating gun, and the second element is removably mounted within the perforating gun.

Abstract: A mounting system for shaped charge explosive perforation of an oil well casing (24) includes an elongated support panel (28) having spaced apertures (44, 46) receiving cylindrical-conical shaped charges (26) retained by spring wire clips (30). The shaped charge (26) has an open mouth cylindrical portion (36) with a shoulder (52) at a reduction to the diameter of the apertures (44, 46), and a circumferential groove (54) spaced from the shoulder (52) a distance about equal to the thickness of the panel (28). The spring wire clip (30) has a semicircular portion (78) mating in the circumferential groove (54) for about 180.degree., and has oppositely directed radical extensions (70, 72) terminating in hooks (74, 76) which extend above the panel (28) to receive and position primer cord (32) seated in a transverse groove (62) in the apex (64) of the conical portion (34) of the shaped charge (26).

Abstract: Disclosed is a binary electroexplosive device including an explosive lead and a pyrotechnic explosive which may be selectively positioned to initiate the explosive lead upon combustion of the pyrotechnic material. The pyrotechnic material is contained in an initiator assembly which may be inserted within a combination socket and housing which also holds the explosive lead facing the pyrotechnic material but spaced therefrom. Insertion of the initiator assembly within the socket completes electrical connections between a power source and a bridgewire within the initiator assembly embedded in the pyrotechnic material. In a particular embodiment shown, the electroexplosive device is utilized as a blasting cap for a well jet perforating gun wherein the gun may be completely assembled with the exception of the insertion of the initiator assembly in the socket.

Abstract: An explosive-containing casing is provided with a cap to which a nipple is secured. The nipple supports a rigid rod which extends the length of the casing and which in turn supports a detonation train for the explosives within the casing. An electrical connector arrangement is joined to the nipple to permit a conductive path to be established to a detonator which forms part of the detonation train. The nipple is secured to the cap in a manner which prevents the entry of water or other undesirable substances into the casing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for attaching shaped charge units into a well perforating gun. The shaped charge unit has an ear shaped extension having a cavity for receiving a wire in the perforating assembly. A second extension is positioned on the perforating charge unit having a threaded hole for containing a screw which may be advanced into tight engagement with the wire in the cavity of the first extension. This arrangement allows perforating units to be quickly added or taken out of a perforating gun assembly by adjustment of the screws through the threaded assemblies of the perforating charges.

Abstract: An apparatus for the simultaneous placement of a plurality of objects on a substantially horizontal surface is disclosed, said apparatus comprising a platform to position the objects, release mechanisms to releasably attach the objects to the platform and a system for simultaneous release of the objects.