Abstract: A pulverable casing (10) includes a housing (12) which is made from a ceramic material and which defines a circular housing closure surface (18). There is a cover (14) on the housing (12). The cover (14) is also made from a ceramic material and defines a circular cover closure surface (20). Cover (14) has a rounded conical exterior surface (24) that defines a skirt angle S of about 120.degree.. The cover closure surface (20) is dimensioned and configured to engage the housing closure surface (18) to define a housing-cover joint (22) which defines a joint angle .alpha. of about 130.degree.. In a particular embodiment, the exterior surface (24) of the cover (14) is rounded to a radius of about 1.8 inches and has a diameter D of about 3.28 inches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing and reducing or increasing the dissonance of an electronic audio input signal are realized by identifying the partials of the audio input signal by frequency and amplitude. The dissonance of the input partials is calculated with respect to a set of reference partials according to a procedure disclosed herein. One or more of the input partials is then shifted, and the dissonance re-calculated. If the dissonance changes in the desired manner, the shifted partial may replace the input partial from which it was derived. An output signal is produced comprising the shifted input partials, so that the output signal is more or less dissonant that the input signal, as desired. The method may be used with computerized sound processing equipment, e.g., MIDI-based equipment. The input signal and reference partials may come from different sources, e.g.

Abstract: An isolation member (34) for use in a non-electric detonator cap (10) is of substantially cylindrical shape and has an interior passageway (40) extending therethrough and defining a positioning region (44) and a discharge port (56). Positioning region (44) is dimensioned and configured to snugly receive and seat therein a signal transmission line (30) and to orient the signal-emitting end (30a) thereof to aim along the longitudinal axis of cap (10) through a diaphragm (42) at the target provided by receptor charge (14). The isolation member is positioned between, and spaces the signal-emitting end (30a) of the signal transmission line (30) from, the receptor charge (14) contained in the detonator cap. The isolation member comprises grooves (58, 58a, 58b) to provide an alternate flow path through which a signal emitted by the discharge end (30a) of a signal transmission line (30) can reach the receptor charge (14) should the signal fail to burst the diaphragm (42 ).

Abstract: A molded plastic article such as a connector block for connecting signal transmission lines in a blasting system, includes a body member having a channel formed therein for receiving and retaining a mountable member, such as a detonator, and a displaceable locking member connected to the body member by one or more frangible webs which retain the displaceable locking member in a first position aligned with, but displaced from, its locking position. The mountable member, e.g., a detonator, is inserted into the channel of the connector block and a force is applied to the displaceable member to rupture the frangible web or webs and move the locking member through a passageway in the block for locking engagement with the detonator to retain the detonator therein. Flexible, cantilevered line retaining means may be disposed on the body member to receive one or a plurality of outgoing signal transmission lines. A method of assembling a mountable member within the article, is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging system for storing and transporting detonating devices includes a plurality of subpack containers (12) disposed in an overpack container (24), the subpack containers being dimensioned and configured to contain therein a plurality of unsegregated detonating devices, and an overpack pad (26a) disposed in the overpack container between adjacent subpack containers. Alternatively, the system comprises at least one subpack assembly (10) including a subpack container having disposed therein a divider (14,16) defining a plurality of compartments in the subpack container, each compartment being sized to contain a plurality of unsegregated detonating devices. There is a subpack pad (18) disposed between adjacent compartments in each subpack container to limit the propagation of the detonation of one or more detonating devices and an overpack container (24) within which is disposed at least one subpack container.

Abstract: A well pipe perforating gun (10) is improved by the utilization of a pulverable support structure (14) to hold the explosive shaped charges (18a, 18b, etc.) and the fireset (20). When the gun (10) is fired, the support structure (14) disintegrates substantially into fragments too small to obstruct the flow of oil or natural gas from a surrounding earth formation into or through the well pipe (12) within which the gun is disposed. Optionally, the support structure (14) is assembled from a number of segments (14a, 14b, etc.) linked together in sequential fashion.

Abstract: An electronic safe/arm device is powered internally by a low-voltage, periodic power source that has insufficient voltage by itself to fire the detonator. The circuit therefore includes a step-up transformer from which sufficient voltage to fire the detonator is obtained. The step-up transformer charges an arming circuit which stores high-voltage power to fire the detonator and also powers the firing circuit which discharges the stored high-voltage energy through the detonator at the appropriate time, to fire the device. The low-voltage, periodic power source may include a low-voltage battery and a dynamic switch for providing periodic pulses of low-voltage energy to the primary winding of the transformer, and the dynamic switch may be powered from the output of the transformer, so that the low-voltage battery has insufficient voltage to power the dynamic switch.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for carrying out chemical reactions of the type in which a fluidized particulate solid is contacted with reactants in a reaction vessel or conduit and then separated from the reactant products and regenerated in a regeneration process, such as combusting the carbonaceous deposit which accretes on fluid catalytic cracking catalyst particles. The regeneration reaction may change the temperature of the regenerated catalyst particles and in such case it is often required to subject the particles to heat exchange to provide them at a temperature suitable for recirculation to the reaction zone. The processes and apparatus of the invention essentially provide for dividing the fluidized solids regeneration bed into an uppermost bed zone and at least one lower bed zone by a horizontal occlusion zone disposed at a vertically intermediate portion of the bed.

Abstract: A PIBSA based emulsion explosive including an ester of orthophosphoric acid, preferably made from long chain alcohols having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms. The explosive may be gassed chemically or mechanically and can be used in the manufacture of heavy ANFO.

Abstract: An extended delay detonator (blasting cap) provides a preselected, electronically controlled delay between an incoming non-electric impulse input signal from, e.g., a shock tube or other input transmission line, and detonation of the output charge of the detonator. The delay detonator has a housing closed at one end and open at the other end for coupling to the input transmission line, the signal from which may be amplified by a booster charge mounted within the housing. A piezoelectric generator converts the optionally amplified impulse input signal to electrical output energy. A battery-powered programmable electric delay circuit is activated by the electrical output from the transducer, counts the preselected delay period, and at the end thereof ignites an electrically operable output charge. A method for interposing a preselected delay between the application of a non-electric impulse input signal and the detonation of the output charge is also provided.

Abstract: A foodstuffs parting composition for coating cooking surfaces composed of a water-in-oil emulsion prepared from lecithin, an edible oil component, an emulsifying agent selected from the group consisting of one or more of monocalcium phosphate, calcium chloride dihydrate, dibasic magnesium phosphate trihydrate and potassium chloride, and water. The lecithin is preferably acetylated lecithin, and the preferred emulsifying agent is monocalcium phosphate and is present in an amount of at least about 1 percent by weight of the composition. In alternative embodiments, mono- and diglycerides, including, e.g., phosphated mono- and diglycerides, are used as substitutes for the lecithin. Medium chain triglycerides are sometimes used with or in place of the edible oil as part of the edible oil component.

Abstract: A nozzle (10) which is mountable on conventional aerosol dispensing valves comprises an electrically conductive extension tube (18) situated to receive discharge from the outlet of an aerosol product dispenser. The nozzle also includes an actuation member (28) which is electrically connected to the extension tube (18) and which is dimensioned and configured so that the user can dispense aerosol product by depressing the actuation member (28). Optionally, the extension tube (18) comprises a detachable discharge region (24) to allow the use of a variety of differently configured tube outlets.

Abstract: A coupling device (10) for coupling a detonator cap (20) with an unfixtured detonating cord (80, FIG. 3 ) after removing a shipping plug (41, FIG. 2 ), features a sleeve member (12) having a longitudinal sleeve bore (18) extending therethrough for receiving a detonator cap (20) therein. The detonator cap (20) extends to the transition end (22) of the sleeve member (12) so that the detonating cord (80) does not enter the sleeve bore (18). A nut member (14) has an aperture (24) for receiving the cord (80) and is secured to the sleeve member (12) with its aperture (24) aligned with the bore (18). A ferrule (16) is seated on the sleeve member (12) and grips the detonating cord (80) when the nut member (14) is secured onto the sleeve member (12).

Abstract: A signal transmission tube assembly includes a signal transmission tube, such as a coil of shock tube on a spool, having opposite terminal ends and containing a reactive material. The open terminal ends of the shock tube provide the sole exits for the signal generated therein and the sole entry points for contaminants. Sealing means seal both terminal ends of the signal transmission tube against escape from the assembly of the signal engendered by initiated reaction of the reactive material, and protects the interior of the signal transmission tube from contamination. The sealing means may be a releasable sealing means which can be actuated to release the transmission tube from it, thereby facilitating re-use of the sealing means. Further, the sealing means may comprise a surge chamber to relieve pressure engendered by reaction of the reactive material and thereby militate against rupture of the signal transmission tube and consequent release from the assembly of a signal.

Abstract: A low-energy blasting initiation system, method and surface connection is disclosed for low-noise, time controlled transmission of an initiation signal from a signal initiation source to a plurality of remote blasting elements. A connector block of the system comprises a housing having a channel formed therein for receiving a low energy detonator. A tube engaging member is formed on an end of the housing for holding transmission tubes adjacent an end of the channel. Tabs are formed in the channel for snap-fit retention of the detonator, and positioning cleats are formed in the channel for positioning of the detonator with an explosive end of the detonator in juxtaposed energy communicating relationship with a side of the transmission tubes. Non-direction signal transmission is initiated in the transmission tubes in response to activation of the detonator for time-controlled transmission of the initiation signal to the remote blasting system elements.

Abstract: A separation device (23a-23d) comprises a frangible joint (24a-24d) comprising joinder flanges (27a, 27b) interconnected by walls (126a, 126b, 226a, 226b, 326a, 326b, 426a, 426b) having fracture grooves (28a, 28b) and defining a channel (36a-36c) therein. Within the channel (36a-36c) is disposed an expansion member (10, 10a, 10b) containing a detonation charge (16) and having expansion regions (34a-34c, 134a, 134b) that expand upon detonation of the charge (16). The expansion region bears against walls at the junctions (32a, 32b, 32b', 132a, 132b, 232a, 232b) thereof with joinder flanges (27a, 27b) to provide separation thrust as well as causing frangible joint (24a-24d) to fracture at fracture grooves (28a, 28b).

Abstract: A digital delay unit for use in blasting operations and the like provides a selected delay between an input impulse signal and an output impulse signal. The delay unit may have a fixed, preset electronically controlled delay period or, optionally, is programmable to enable user-selected changes in an electronically controlled delay lay period. The delay unit has a housing which serves to connect the input and output transmission lines and house the other components, which includes a piezoelectric transducer which converts the input impulse energy, or the energy released by detonation of a booster charge by the input impulse energy, to electrical energy which is used to generate a first electric signal and a second electric signal. An electronic circuit is responsive to the first electric signal to start counting a preprogrammed delay period, after which a second electric signal is emitted to detonate an output charge which ignites one or more output transmission lines, e.g., shock tubes.

Abstract: A control system to control the operation of a furnace (10) having a fuel control unit (26) to supply fuel to a burner (24) includes a limit switch (48) within furnace (10) to detect an overheated condition. The limit switch (48) opens when a reference temperature is reached, shutting down the furnace (10). A logic unit (40) senses the state of the limit switch (48) and measures the shutdown period, and notes whether the shutdown period exceeds a predetermined interval. The logic unit (40) opens a lockout switch (38') that controls the fuel control unit (26) if the furnace is subject to a number of consecutive prolonged shutdowns that exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A parting composition for facilitating the release of foodstuffs from cooking utensils contains an edible oil, lecithin and water and, optionally, a humectant such as glycerol. The water is present in an amount sufficient to partially, but not fully, hydrate the lecithin so as to render the parially hydrated lecithin insoluble in the edible oil. The composition, which may further include a suitable normally gaseous propellant to discharge the composition from a conventional aerosol spray can, provides a substantially clear and smooth spray coating on cooking utensils at ambient temperatures, without the need for ethyl alcohol in the composition. The composition may optionally include conventional modifying agents such as suspending agents, antioxidants, preservatives, flavorants, etc.

Abstract: A single forced air furnace (10) may be installed in any of an upflow, downflow, or horizontal airflow orientation, with discharge of flue gases either opposite to or concurrent with the primary airflow path. The combination of design features which provides this versatility includes the following features: an inducer assembly (24) for withdrawing flue gas from the furnace heat exchanger (20), which inducer assembly (24) may be positioned to direct the discharge of flue gas in a selected one of a plurality of directions; an optional internal flue duct (64) for directing the flue gas through the furnace vestibule chamber then through the furnace housing (12); and the fact that the furnace housing (12) is dimensioned and configured so that the furnace may be supported on any one of four different sides (O, I, S.sub.1, S.sub.2) of the furnace housing (12).