Abstract: Composite carboxy terminated polybutadiene (CTPB) rubber base propellants, in which the CTPB inherently contains 2,2'-methylene-bis(4-methyl-6-tert-butyl)phenol (A0-2246) added during CTPB manufacture and antagonistic toward conventional antioxidants added to the CTPB propellant, are provided, which contain a synergistic (see Markush definition) antioxidant mixture highly compatible with the inherently present AO-2246. Invention also provides the antioxidant mixture per se.

Abstract: The invention provides epoxy cured rubber based propellants containing one or more N,N'-dialkyl- and/or diarylphenylenediamines chemically locked in the polymeric network to impart improved resistance to oxidative hardening of the propellant surface and inner structure.

Abstract: An explosive assembly comprising, as an intact unit in a water distended bore hole, a loading tube and an explosive loaded therein, the loading tube being formed from a water-soluble plastic material; and means for detonating said explosive.Method for loading the explosive, comprising drilling the bore hole using a Kelly Bar type drill; retaining the Kelly Bar in the resulting bore hole and longitudinally emplacing the above loading tube therein; loading the explosive in the emplaced tube; and, either prior, or subsequent, to said loading, raising the Kelly Bar from around the tube to provide the above explosive assembly. The loading tube is capable of retaining its tubular identity in its surrounding water environment for a period sufficient to permit loading the explosive for the shot.

Abstract: A nonelectric blasting cap initiated by thermal detonation energy from an explosive gas mixture, in which the required open space for charging and detonating the explosive gas mixture is contained, together with the conduit means, in an end closure member; and the open space is shaped to provide a shell to end closure crimp without impairing flow of explosive gas through the conduits.A blasting system including a plurality of the above blasting caps is also provided.

Abstract: A firing device is provided for initiation of delay type seismic charge assemblies, which comprises means for conveying and guiding the charge assemblies, in the seismic test zone, into electrical initiation contact with one of any number of available pairs of electrical conductor surfaces, insulated from the other and adapted to connect with opposite poles of an external firing current source; and means for directing the thus initiated assemblies from the initiation zone, during the delay period, for subsequent detonation.Also provided are elongated end-recessed seismic charge assemblies initiated in the above device; and seismic exploration system, and method, utilizing said device.