Abstract: A shaped charge assembly includes at least one shaped charge having an outer case. The case has a forward end and a rearward end, and has a flange defined thereon. A retaining clip is operably associated with the flange and spans the rearward end of the case for retaining a detonating cord. In an alternative embodiment, the retaining clip also serves to hold the shaped charge in place within a shaped charge carrier.

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 blast focusing technique for producing high pressure on a ground plane, in which a right circular cylinder of explosive material is positioned adjacent the ground plane with the cylinder axis orthogonal to the ground plane. The cylinder is simultaneously detonated at both ends by detonators disposed on the cylinder axis at each end of the cylinder.

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: 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 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: Methods and apparatus are provided for detonating high explosive devices downhole in a well. A high explosive device includes a detonating cord having a first end and a second end. A first device is provided for initiating a detonation of a detonating cord at its first end and a second device is provided for initiating a detonation of the detonating cord at its second end.

Abstract: Steep dip strong-coal deposits can be broken in an explosive mine environment utilizing a succession of explosive units each of which comprises a core tube surrounded by a body of explosive material which, in turn, is surrounded by an arc-suppressing heat-dissipating fluid. Igniters in the explosive charges have conductors which are lead back out of the bore hole through the tubes of the explosive units which are anchored at spaced locations along the bore hole.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for remotely positioning individual explosive charges at preselected locations in substantially horizontal voids created by mining hard material such as coal are disclosed. The method includes the steps of positioning at least one charge proximate the entry of a void. The charge is then armed as by connecting a detonator cord thereto and inserted into a void to a preselected depth from a remote location. An apparatus is provided for positioning the charges at preselected locations in the voids and includes insert means having a body member for releasably engaging the charges during the positioning operation. The insert means is driven until the body member and charge propelled thereby is moved to a preselected location within the void where the charge is deposited.

Abstract: A non-electric delay blasting method is provided which comprises the use of single trunk line of detonating cord having a series of detonating relays, all of the same delay period, connected at spaced intervals along its length. Branch lines of detonating cord are connected in groups to the trunk line in the intervals between the relays and each branch line has a delay detonator of the same delay period attached thereto. The delay period of the relays is shorter than that of the delay detonators. The detonators within the groups detonate in a random manner. The method eliminates the need to use large numbers of different delay period detonators in a multi-charge blast thus simplifying preparation of the charge and reducing inventories.

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: 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: In a blow-molded, cylindrical plastic container for explosives adapted for end-to-end coupling with like containers, an improvement is provided in the sealing of the container at the exposed explosives end. The improvement comprises a section of reduced diameter in the portion of the container immediately beyond the point of connection of a like container. The section of reduced diameter is adapted to receive therein a resilient plastic, disc-like sealing member in fluid-tight engagement. The seal prevents contamination of the explosive yet yields upon the pressure exerted by an adjacent, connected container.

Abstract: An explosive plug for blocking tubes comprises a tubular metal body closed at one end by a solid head and having at the other end a surface-contact region containing at least two spaced apart charges actuable by a detonator. The metal body when placed in a tube to be blocked is so arranged that the surface-contact region is coaxial with but at a distance from the tube so that successive explosion of the charges causes the surface-contact region to be radially spattered against the interior of the tube thus producing a reliable metal weld or welds extending along a substantial part of the end region of the tube.

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 improved safe-arm method and apparatus is provided for preventing unwanted detonation of shaped charge perforating guns while in storage and in transport, yet providing quick and easy arming at the well site. An interrupter member is inserted within an air gap between an ignitor section and an explosive charge section. To ready the perforating gun for use, a lanyard connected to the interrupter and extending externally from the perforating gun housing is pulled, removing the interrupter from the gap and arming the perforating gun section.

Abstract: A distributed charge for use in producing a very sharp impulse for seismic prospecting comprises a series of lump explosive charges placed preferably of the order of at least 20 feet apart in a fluid in a well, connected with novel timed fuses. These fuses are each made of a short top section of a small diameter detonating linear explosive and a considerably longer, lower section which is a non-detonating linear deflagrator, terminating in a blasting cap inserted in the next lower lump explosive charge. The lower section is in the form of a thin-walled plastic tube lined with the active chemical agent. It may be crumpled or bent into various shapes including crossovers without serious problems of disconnection or premature initiation. Accordingly, axial length of each such fuse may be considerably more than the physical distance between the lump explosive charges.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing a conduit along a plane extending transversely through the conduit which includes an elongated housing forming a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart fuel chambers communicated by an impingement passage extending longitudinally between the fuel chambers. A plurality of fuel reaction products discharge nozzles are disposed transversely through the sides of the housing and means are attached to the housing for simultaneously igniting fuel contained in the fuel chambers whereby reaction products formed therefrom travel in opposite directions through the impingement passage and exit the housing by way of the discharge nozzles. Methods of severing conduits using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A container for containing a thermosetting explosive charge and delay detonator element is provided. The lower portion of the container has an open bottom and contains the cast explosive charge. A projection and recess are located in that portion of the container which contains the cast explosive charge for retaining the explosive charge within the container and for preventing movement of the charge relative to the container once the charge has solidified. A tubular conduit is longitudinally disposed on the exterior of the container and dimensioned to receive a detonating cord. The container includes an integral alignment structure and housing for the insertion of a delay detonator unit having an initiating element and a delay detonator element adapted so that the initiating element can be positioned adjacent the tubular conduit with the delay detonator element positioned adjacent the cast explosive charge.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing a conduit along a plane generally transverse to the axis of the conduit which includes two confined explosive charges aligned axially with the conduit and terminating at opposed proximal convexly shaped ends facing each other across a space disposed in such transverse plane. A liner formed of high density ductile material having radially increasing thickness is attached to each of the proximal ends of the charges and detonation devices are disposed at the distal ends of the charges for originating simultaneous detonation of the charges. Methods of severing conduits using the apparatus are also provided.

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: A chub cartridge has a tubular chamber containing a water-bearing blasting agent, and a longitudinal tunnel adjacent to the tubular chamber and integral therewith. Preferably, the tunnel is full-length and continuous and has holes for threading a detonating cord therethrough and for holding a cord firmly against the tubular chamber for the cord-priming of the cartridges. In primer assemblies, the tunnel also can be used to hold a cap/booster in place, and for lacing cap wires or a low-energy detonating cord. A preferred cartridge is made continuously in a series by wrapping a web of film having a row of holes along one edge so as to form a tube and an outer flap containing the holes, and sealing the tube and the flap so as to form a tunnel containing the holes in its outer portion, the wrapping being performed so that either the inner or outer portion of the tunnel is circumferentially longer than the other.

Abstract: An explosive package is provided which is particularly adapted to be placed against and around the inside and outside curvature of a metal pipe for explosive welding purposes. The package is a substantially flat trapezoidal-shaped container, the shorter, non-parallel ends of which can be adjustably abutted against the non-parallel ends of a similar package in order to provide a continuous ring or band of explosives inside or outside the circumference of a pipe.