Abstract: A perforating gun system includes an outer housing, a charge carrier assembly slidably receivable in the outer housing, wherein the charge carrier assembly includes a charge carrier having a central axis, a first endplate coupled to a first end of the charge carrier, and a second endplate coupled to a second end of the charge carrier, and an initiator assembly including an electrical switch, wherein the electrical switch has a maximum length extending in a direction parallel the central axis that is less than a maximum width of the electrical switch extending in an orthogonal direction relative to the central axis; wherein the electrical switch is configured to detonate a detonator of the perforating gun system in response to receiving a firing signal.

Abstract: Described is a vehicle configured for the deposition of explosives in holes of open-pit exploration mines, wherein the vehicle is able to perform all seven steps carried out in the manual explosive deposition process, automatically, completely free of human intervention. Also described is a method of use of the aforementioned vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blasting system. The blasting system includes: detonators disposed in blasting holes perforated in a blasting target, and provided to detonate explosives; and a worker terminal configured to be connected to any one of the detonators by a worker. Wherein the worker terminal includes: a storage part configured to store a blasting map; a terminal position generation part configured to generate a terminal position indicating a position of the worker terminal; and a determination part configured to receive the logging signal, and match the terminal position at the time when the worker terminal receives the logging signal with the blasting map to identify a detonator connected to the worker terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting up a network comprising a plurality of electronic detonators and a control unit, which are in connection with each other via a bus system, wherein each of the detonators comprises a communication module which is in connection with the bus system, for a communication between the detonator and the control unit via the bus system and wherein, as a part of the setting up of the network, the detonators are identified by the control unit.

Abstract: A method for constructing networked preferential gas migration pathways and diverting and extracting gas. The method proposes that a fracture generation hole, a fracture guidance and development hole, a lateral rupture hole, and a fracture connection hole are respectively constructed in a roof in roadways on two sides of a working face in advance of an advance stress change area. Artificial guided fractures are actively constructed and formed inside the hard roof. Under a mining-induced stress effect, the artificial guided fractures and mining-induced fractures intersect with and are connected to each other to form networked preferential gas migration pathways. Meanwhile, boreholes for artificial guided fractures accelerate roof fracturing to form a rupture bed separation fracture area in a roof. Gas flows and migrates in a timely and efficient manner along networked fracture pathways and concentrates in the rupture bed separation fracture area in the roof.

Abstract: A blasting system including a plurality of detonators located in respective boreholes, which is implemented through the use of a remotely controlled vehicle used for survey purposes and for locating geographical positions of the boreholes.

Abstract: A method of implementing a blasting system wherein positional information relating to a blast site is generated by a device which inputs the information to a processor which generates information pertaining to the location of each potential borehole at the site and that information is used by the device to indicate the location of each borehole to an operator.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a blasting system which includes a plurality of detonators (12) which are loaded into respective boreholes (18) and a control device (20) for initiating the detonators (12). The method including the steps of measuring the position of each detonator (12), measuring the position of the control device (20), from these measurements, in respect of each detonator (12), calculating the distance between the control device (20) and the detonator (12), comparing the calculated distance to a minimum distance requirement and of allowing the control device (20) to initiate the detonators (12) only if the respective calculated distance between each detonator (12) and the control device (20) exceeds a minimum distance requirement.

Abstract: A method includes enabling a power supply of a ground sensor device to provide power to one or more components of the ground sensor device based on one or more rotations of a rotor of the ground sensor device.

Abstract: A system for programming and lighting electronic detonators (1) each having an identifier (IDdet) associated therewith, includes: a programming unit (20) arranged to determine the identifiers of the detonators (1) and to associate the detonators individually, in memory, with a lighting time delay (Tdet) in order to form a blasting pattern (PT); a blasting unit (10) arranged to recover the blasting pattern (PT) from the memory (280) of the programming unit (20), and to control a blasting sequence of the detonators according to the recovered blasting pattern; and the programming unit (20) includes: a passive RFID tag (28) provided with a chip (280) acting as a memory for storing the blasting pattern (PT), and a radiofrequency reader (27) arranged such as to read/write passive tags. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: For use in a blasting system (10), a visible, throw-away, safety lockout device (30) which operates automatically, to interrupt power to the blasting system (10), upon the occurrence of one or more defined fault conditions.

Abstract: A breaching device for non-explosively cutting through a substrate, such as the leg of an offshore oil platform or other large cylinder from within the leg or large cylinder. The device includes a ring and a plurality of Reactive Material (RM) feed assemblies. Each RM feed assembly is arranged around the ring and includes an extendible nozzle. Each RM feed assembly includes a cavity that may contain RM that when ignited exits the nozzle. The nozzles are spring loaded and arranged to extend toward the inner surface of the substrate to be cut when the ring is rotated and/or oscillated. This arrangement results in a substantially uniform cut of the substrate from within with much less danger, material, equipment and cost than is currently required to remove large water-based structures.

Abstract: A method of blasting rock, in mining for recoverable material, comprising drilling blastholes in a blast zone loading the blastholes with explosives and then firing the explosives in the blastholes in a single cycle of drilling, loading and blasting. The blast zone comprises a high energy blast zone in which blastholes are partially loaded with a first explosive to provide a high energy layer of the high energy blast zone having a powder factor of at least 1.75 kg of explosive per cubic meter of unblasted rock in the high energy layer and in which at least some of those blastholes are also loaded with a second explosive to provide a low energy layer of the high energy blast zone between the high energy layer and the adjacent end of those blastholes, said low energy layer having a powder factor that is at least a factor of two lower than the powder factor of said high energy layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the oil and gas industry and to exploration and production of water resources, in particularly, for stimulation of fluid flow to the well, e.g., for higher oil production, productivity index, and recovery factor. The disclosed device and method can be used for higher permeability of the pay zone due to creation of a network of microcracks in the bottomhole formation zone and facilitates to increase the flow of oil, or other fluids, from the reservoir to the well. Generation of cyclic pressure pulses with varied amplitude and time parameters and proper localization of pulses in space through mechanism of convective combustion provides a “soft” impact upon the wellbore without risk of damage or formation consolidation; the said impact is achieved by using a device which is a downhole cyclic pressure generator operating by a consecutive combustion of layers of compositions having different combustion rates.

Abstract: A detonator includes a high voltage switch, an initiator and an initiating pellet. The detonator also includes a low voltage to high voltage firing set coupled to the switch and initiator such that the detonator includes a high voltage power source and initiator in an integrated package. The detonator may also include inductive powering and communications, a microprocessor, tracking and/or locating technologies, such as RFID, GPS, etc., and either a single or combination explosive output pellet. The combination explosive pellet has a first explosive having a first shock energy and a high brisance secondary explosive in the output pellet having a second shock energy greater than the shock energy of the first explosive. Systems are also provided for facilitating fast and easy deployment of one or more detonators in the field.

Abstract: A blasting method for beneficiating minerals comprising mining of a geological body (10) including a value portion (20) having at least a threshold content of a mineral to be extracted and a waste portion (30) relatively lean in content of a mineral to be extracted wherein mining comprises controlled blasting of the geological body (10) such that the value portion (20) fragments differently than the waste portion (30), the difference in fragmentation between the value portion (20) and the waste portion (30) enabling separation of a mineral stream concentrated in the mineral to be extracted from the waste portion (30).

Abstract: A connector (30) which connects a detonator to a two-wire harness (14) from a control unit (12) and which includes a timer which, after a timing interval, enables the connection of a following detonator in a sequence to the harness (12).

Abstract: A method of blasting plural layers of material (38, 40, 42, 44) in a blastfield (16) that reduces the amount of mechanical excavation required to expose a lower layer of material. The method includes using rows of equally spaced blastholes (18, 20, 22, 24) that pass through all of the layers and additional intermediate rows of blastholes (26, 28) that pass down only through top layer (40). Each blasthole is capped with stemming material and includes one or more decks of explosives material (46) and detonators (48), with air decks or inert stemming (45) separating adjacent explosives decks (46). The detonators in layer (40) are detonated first in order from row (18) rearwards to throw a substantial amount of the blast material from layer (40) forwardly of free face (12) onto floor (34).

Abstract: A remote firing system for remotely detonating explosive charges includes features that provide safety and efficiency improvements. These features include safety communication among multiple remote devices and multiple controller devices, a polling functionality permitting rapid deployment of system devices, electronic key systems, programmable remote devices for easy replacement of failing remote devices, and an event history log for the remote devices for efficient diagnostic evaluation.

Abstract: A detonator includes a high voltage switch, an initiator and an initiating pellet. The detonator also includes a low voltage to high voltage firing set coupled to the switch and initiator such that the detonator includes a high voltage power source and initiator in an integrated package. The detonator may also include inductive powering and communications, a microprocessor, tracking and/or locating technologies, such as RFID, GPS, etc., and either a single or combination explosive output pellet. The combination explosive pellet has a first explosive having a first shock energy and a high brisance secondary explosive in the output pellet having a second shock energy greater than the shock energy of the first explosive. Systems are also provided for facilitating fast and easy deployment of one or more detonators in the field.

Abstract: A breaching device that may be used to create a linear and, if desired, continuous, cut or breach in a metal structure. The cut or breach created may be non-linear in shape and not deviate from the functionality of the device. The device includes a plurality of containers joined together, such as by a metal wire or the like to form a series of cutting charges. One or more of the containers includes Reactive Material (RM) that may be ignited electronically or some other activation mechanism. The containers that do contain RM are sealed with the RM therein and preferably fabricated to be sufficiently heat resistant so that the RM is only ignited intentionally. The RM that is contained in the containers may be fired simultaneously, sequentially or in a programmed pattern, depending on the requirements of the application.

Abstract: A detonator includes a high voltage switch, an initiator and an initiating pellet. The detonator also includes a low voltage to high voltage firing set coupled to the switch and initiator such that the detonator includes a high voltage power source and initiator in an integrated package. The detonator may also include inductive powering and communications, a microprocessor, tracking and/or locating technologies, such as RFID, GPS, etc., and either a single or combination explosive output pellet. The combination explosive pellet has a first explosive having a first shock energy and a high brisance secondary explosive in the output pellet having a second shock energy greater than the shock energy of the first explosive. Systems are also provided for facilitating fast and easy deployment of one or more detonators in the field.

Abstract: A system (10) for loading a flowable explosive into blast holes includes a mobile explosives supply unit (12) having at least one explosives feed line for feeding a flowable explosive from the supply unit (12) into a blast hole, a global positioning system (GPS) unit (14) operable to determine the position of a blast hole, and a blast hole identification processor (16) in communication with the GPS unit (14) operable to receive from the GPS unit (14) a blast hole co-ordinate position. The processor (16) is configured or programmed uniquely to identify the blast hole based on the co-ordinate position of the blast hole.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a firing sequence including a master device and a plurality of electronic pyrotechnic devices, wherein the master device broadcasts, multiple times, a fire command to the plurality of electronic pyrotechnic devices, the electronic pyrotechnic devices commence a pre-fire countdown in response to each fire command received without error, and each electronic pyrotechnic device conducts a pre-fire countdown to expiration and thereupon commences a final fire countdown that concludes with firing.

Abstract: A matrix of explosive cells can include plural explosive cells formed in an array in a common substrate. Each cell can be formed as a recess filled with explosive material. An ignition device has an addressable ignition source for each cell. This matrix can be used in combination with a projectile guidance system. The projectile guidance system includes an antenna, a transceiver and a control processor. A method of guiding a projectile can include firing a projectile at a target, tracking the projectile and the target, determining a desired change in a flight path of the projectile, transmitting guidance commands to effect the desired change in the projectile's flight path to the projectile, receiving the guidance commands onboard the projectile and selectively igniting an explosive cell in a matrix of addressable explosive cells contained in a common substrate using the guidance commands.

Abstract: A system (10) for loading a flowable explosive into blast holes includes a mobile explosives supply unit (12) having at least one explosives feed line for feeding a flowable explosive from the supply unit (12) into a blast hole, a global positioning system (GPS) unit (14) operable to determine the position of a blast hole, and a blast hole identification processor (16) in communication with the GPS unit (14) operable to receive from the GPS unit (14) a blast hole co-ordinate position. The processor (16) is configured or programmed uniquely to identify the blast hole based on the co-ordinate position of the blast hole.

Abstract: A system, for example an electronic blasting system, in which a detection command is issued by a master device to all slave devices connected to the system, causing all slave devices that have not been identified to the master device to respond.

Abstract: A synchronously timed fused is installed into ordnance the ordnance is delivered to a target area, in a shaped charge formation and a simultaneous explosion event occurs.

Abstract: For use in a system having a master device and slave devices (e.g., an electronic blasting system) and utilizing an automatic detection process that causes any slave devices that have not previously been identified to the master device to identify themselves to the master device, an enhancement to the detection process employs at least a second discriminator to detect superimposed responses from simultaneously responding slave devices, and a “deconvolution” algorithm in order to ascertain their identities.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying any one or more of a plurality of blast holes in a drill pattern. The method involves providing each blast hole in a drill pattern with an individually identifiable first identifier and a GPS device capable of relaying identification and location data for the respective blast hole. A data reception system is provided to receive the data and store it in a database for processing purposes. The information may be later used to correlate any one or more of the blast holes with a corresponding detonator.

Abstract: A marker for use in a blasting system which includes a harness, the marker including a control unit, a memory in which information is stored and a connector for connection to a selected location on the harness whereby, upon receipt of an enabling signal via the harness, the information is made available by the control unit.

Abstract: A method for logging a plurality of slave devices is suggested, comprising the following steps: a) connecting a plurality of slave devices each having an identity and a pyrotechnic charge to an electrical conduit; b) after step a), connecting a logging device comprising a power supply, an electrical interface, and a memory and c)causing the logging device to communicate with each of the plurality of slave devices while the plurality of slave devices is simultaneously connected to the electrical conduit.

Abstract: A blasting system facilitates the actuation of a plurality of programmable detonators according to a desired blasting pattern, to cause the discharge of a plurality of associated charges, by downloading to the detonators blasting information that can be automatically determined by a portable handheld unit that incorporates a positional detecting device, such as a GPS device. The blasting information for any given detonator can be determined by the handheld unit as a function of the distance and the direction of the movement of the unit to the detonator, and/or by the actual GPS location while at the site of the detonator. This automatic determination of blasting information, and particularly the delay times, based on the movement of the unit to the detonator, eliminates error prone human calculations of the delay times needed for multiple detonators at a blasting site. This simplifies the operations and procedures needed for achieving a desired blasting pattern, without sacrificing safety or quality.

Abstract: An explosive matrix assembly is provided in which a single detonating cord is configured into a first set of at least five parallel sets of paired portions lying in the same plane, with adjacent parallel pairs being spaced about two inches apart. The detonating cord is further configured so that there is a second set of at least five more parallel portions that are substantially orthogonal to the first set and that lie on top of the first set. Finally, the detonating cord is further configured so that there is a pair of portions that operably secure the matrix to an appropriate explosive initiator.

Abstract: A multiple slave logging device, or “logger” for use in a system such as an electronic blasting system. The logger is able to communicate with multiple slave devices connected to it, and preferably also is able to communicate with a slave device connected individually. The logger preferably utilizes current modulation-based talkback from the slave devices, and optionally may also be adapted to detect the presence of inappropriate slave devices connected to the system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the initiation of an electronic detonator when located in surrounding ground, the method comprising the steps of: measuring the actual spatial position of the said detonator in relation to one or more adjacent detonators; and calculating the time of initiation of the said detonator based upon its actual spatial position.

Abstract: Electronic blasting systems typically permit blasting with detonator delay times having millisecond accuracy. Disclosed herein are blasting apparatuses and methods of blasting that are capable of even higher degrees of delay time accuracy, for example involving programmable delay times selectable to an accuracy of about 0.25 ms, 0.1 ms, or better. Such methods and apparatuses present unprecedented and unexpected advantages for both mining applications, civil engineering uses, and in seismic prospecting.

Abstract: Rapid coil deployment apparatus including a case that includes a first compartment in which are disposed a plurality of rapid coil assemblies and a second compartment in which are disposed a plurality of detonator canisters, each of the detonator canisters including an antistatic lining with a detonator housed therein, wherein each of the rapid coil assemblies includes an actuator including an at least partially hollow housing, a cap element removably mountable on the actuator, and a coil of electrical wire disposed inside the housing, a first portion of the coil being arranged for electrical connection with an electrical connector separate from the actuator and a second portion of the coil being arranged for electrical connection with the cap element, the coil being unwindable outwards from the at least partially hollow housing, and wherein each of the rapid coil assemblies is maintained operationally ready in the first compartment for rapid laying and is electrically connected to at least one of the detonat

Abstract: A self-supporting air tube for blasting and method of blasting rock using the air tube. The air tube includes an air bladder, a pair of support wings and an inlet. The air bladder has a diameter smaller than that of a blasting hole and extends longitudinally. The support wings extend from the outside of the air bladder to the wall of the blasting hole symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the air bladder so as to surround the air bladder and have certain widths. The inlet is attached to the upper fusion-welded portion of the air bladder to inject air into the air bladder. The total diameter of the air tube is smaller than the diameter of the blasting hole, and the air tube is inserted into the blasting hole and self-supported on a wall of the blasting hole.

Abstract: A synchronous or synergeticly timed fuse is installed into ordnance (bombs, artillery shells, depth charges etc.), the ordnance is delivered to a target area and a simultaneous (synchronous), or a synergetic (not neccessarily synchronous yet the energies add together to be greater than their individual parts), explosion event occurs. This explosion event can be enhanced by the shape the ordnance is configured in (a shaped charge on the order of meters or kilometers).

Abstract: A method of logging use of a non-electric detonator, which comprises recording identity data associated with the detonator at the time the detonator is being loaded in a blasthole, recording consumption of the detonator, and relating the identity data associated with the detonator to an inventory of non-electric detonators thereby allowing the inventory to be updated, wherein the identity data associated with the non-electric detonator are recorded using an electronic device.

Abstract: Errors may occur in a detonating system that consists of several detonating circuits when the connection—the logging-on—of detonators is effected to the buses of a logger which in turn is connected to a blaster. Connecting is effected, particularly in opencast-mining operations, under conditions that may lead to damage, not visible at first, in particular to the insulation of the detonators and also of the detonating lines. Errors may occur in the transmission of data, for example as a result of loss or falsification of the signals to be transmitted or as a result of intrusion of signals from an extraneous detonator. In accordance with the invention it is therefore proposed that a log-on manager is installed which is in bidirectional contact with the loggers, with the blaster and with the log-data communicators of the loggers which signal the data pertaining to the detonators to the logger.

Abstract: A blasting system facilitates the actuation of a plurality of programmable detonators according to a desired blasting pattern, to cause the discharge of a plurality of associated charges, by downloading to the detonators blasting information that can be automatically determined by a portable handheld unit that incorporates a positional detecting device, such as a GPS device. The blasting information for any given detonator can be determined by the handheld unit as a function of the distance and the direction of the movement of the unit to the detonator, and/or by the actual GPS location while at the site of the detonator. This automatic determination of blasting information, and particularly the delay times, based on the movement of the unit to the detonator, eliminates error prone human calculations of the delay times needed for multiple detonators at a blasting site. This simplifies the operations and procedures needed for achieving a desired blasting pattern, without sacrificing safety or quality.

Abstract: A method of blasting in which rock pile profile associated with a blast field is controlled by precise control of the detonation delay times between and/or within individual blastholes in the blast field, in combination with the control of one or more other blast parameters.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating drill pattern parameters such as burden, spacing, borehole diameter, etc., at a blast site are disclosed. One method involves accumulating the burden contributed by successive layers of rock and matching the accumulated rock burden to a target value for a borehole having a length related to the average height of the layers. Another method relates to varying drill pattern parameters and characteristics to match blast design constraints, including the substitution of one explosive material for another by the proper balance of materials and/or output energies to the associated rock burden. Analysis of deviations from target rock burdens and corrective measures are disclosed, as well as cost optimization methods. The various methods can be practiced using an appropriately programmed general purpose computer.

Abstract: The various embodiments provide an incendiary device utilizing a multiple hollow core-burner technique that facilitates producing large diameter cuts through steel targets. To facilitate this result, the various embodiments incorporate a multiple-core burning design with multiple orifices at the base for directing multiple jets of molten reaction product at the target. The various embodiments further incorporate an optional holding device as a means for locking the device onto a target. Devices in accordance with the invention having a base diameter of 2.312″ have been shown to be capable of producing an approximately 2″ diameter hole through ¼ inch thick steel plate using a 275 g thermite charge within a container three-quarters the size of a standard AN-M14 Thermite Grenade package.

Abstract: The invention provides aerodynamic projectiles that include a projectile shell having an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity, which exhibit improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy, and which are suitable for non-lethal uses. Methods of making such aerodynamic projectiles also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blasting method of rock, by which blasting nuisances can be reduced and blasting efficiency increased. The method utilizes a blasting mechanism comprising the steps of: successively drilling a plurality of blasting holes on a upper free surface of a bench of rock with two free surface consisting of the upper free surface and a slant free surface extended from the upper free surface or on a free surface of rock with one free surface, in which the blasting holes are arranged in straight line and consist of a first group of first-order blasting holes, a second-order blasting hole and a second group of first-order blasting holes; charging the blast holes with an explosive; blasting the first-order blasting holes so as to form four free surfaces around the second-order blasting hole; and blasting the second-order blasting holes in a state where the four free surfaces were formed.

Abstract: A method for excavating a tunnel rock face by drilling a pattern of lifter holes and line holes. The line holes ensure the grade or slope of the excavation meets specification while reducing the need for cleaning out the face. A longitudinal band of lifter holes is drilled into the tunnel face at an acute angle in relation to the substantially perpendicular reference axis emerging from the tunnel face. A series of line holes, disposed opposedly adjacent to the lifter holes, are drilled at a smaller acute angle. The lifter holes are drilled deeper than the line holes and they do not intersect. Explosives are loaded into the lifter holes. The line holes are expendable and encourage fracturing of the rock.

Abstract: A technique includes arranging perforating charges of a perforating gun into groups of adjacent perforating charges. Each perforating charge of each group is aligned in a direction associated with the group. The groups are oriented to form a phasing for the perforating gun.