Abstract: The invention relates to a device and process which utilize the Doppler effect for measurement of the performance of blasting operations, in particular to the measurement of face velocity. The measuring device comprises radiation generating and receiving means and a signal analyzing means.

Abstract: An abrasion- and termite-resistant cable comprises at least one elongate functional element coated with at least two concentric layers of polymeric material, the exterior layer being a polyamide and the layer adjacent thereto being an essentially olefin polymer which comprises from 0.001 to 30% by weight of polar monomer selected from unsaturated acids and acid anhydrides. Other monomers and properly-modifying polymers may also be present in the olefin polymer. These layers are applied in a single operation wherein at least one of the polymeric materials is in a fluid state when the materials are contacted.The invention permits the construction of a cable with an unusally thin polyamide layer. It also permits the extrusion of the layers on an aluminium-sheathed functional element without the need for an adhesion-promoting layer on the aluminium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cap-sensitive explosive compositions, in particular to emulsion explosives doped with solid particulate ammonium nitrate which retain stability and cap-sensitivity despite containing relatively high levels of dopant.

Abstract: A primer is provided for use in detonating an explosive charge. The primer includes a rigid explosive-filled container which is fitted with an elongated neck. A bore in the neck extends into the explosive of the primer and provides accommodation for a firing device such as a detonator or fusecord. The primer is attached to a shock tube/wiring of a detonator or a fusecord with a fastener which is located at the end of the neck remote from the container and which is capable of supporting the entire weight of the primer. The container is preferably spherical and the neck is preferably formed from a plastics material which is molded with protrusions around which the fusecord/shock tube/wiring can be looped and with a griping device to hold them in place. The primers of the invention are particularly safe and efficacious in use.

Abstract: This invention provides an explosive composition comprising a blend of a melt-in-fuel emulsion and solid particulate oxygen-releasing salt. Said melt-in-fuel emulsion comprises a discontinuous oxygen-releasing salt phase, a continuous water-immiscible organic fuel phase and an emulsifier component. The oxygen-releasing salt is preferably selected such that the water content is minimized. The explosive composition may additionally comprise a discontinuous gaseous component. The compositions are stable against crystallization and segregation and are blowloadable without significant blowback. The compositions have an added advantage of a propensity to be loaded into upholes without the need for stemming or other plugging arrangements.

Abstract: Controlled release microspheres of hydroxybutyrate polymer comprise active ingredient and hydroxybutyrate/hydrovalerate copolymer. The microspheres comprise a skin which is distinct from the general bulk of the microspheres, and this skin may have a porosity covering from 0-50% of the total surface area of the microsphere, this porosity being largely controlled by varying the hydroxyvalerate content of the polymer. The porosity of the interior of the microspheres can also be regulated. Control of the two porosities permits the attainment of a wide range of release rates for a wide range of active ingredients. The microspheres can be used in a wide variety of pharmaceutical, veterinary and agricultural applications.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous phase comprising an oxygen-releasing salt, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase and an emulsifier component comprising a condensation product of a primary amine and a poly[alk(en)yl]succinic acid or anhydride and wherein the condensation product comprises at least 70% by weight succinimide product.

Abstract: A primer for an explosive charge which is to be initiated by a fuse cord is sensitized by a loose charge of a high explosive, this high explosive being contained in a rigid, impermeable container which is so shaped that at least partially surrounds the fuse cord. The container is of plastics or metal and preferably comprises at least one elongated concave surface which mates with and is supported by at least one metal rod which protrudes from the base of a mold in which the primer will be cast and which establishes a channel for a fusecord.The primers of this invention have more sensitivity and robustness than known primers, and wire fusecords of lower charge weight.

Abstract: A process for preparing a gas bubble sensitized explosive composition. The present process comprises preparing an explosive composition comprising a water-in-oil emulsion and mechanically entraining gas bubbles into the explosive composition. Low viscosity emulsion explosives are able to be sensitized by this process. There is a preference for wax free emulsions to be used. The process is applicable to emulsion explosives comprising ammonium nitrate particles. By providing a process for the mechanical entrainment of stable gas bubbles we allow explosive compositions to be sensitized on-site by readily available mixing means.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## and salts thereof, W and W, being independently O and S, A being a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring system, E being O, S(O)m or NR.sub.3 where m is 0-2, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkenyl or alkynyl and E.sub.1 being hydrogen, halogen or one of a variety of organic substituents.The compounds are effective herbicides.

Abstract: An apparatus for blasting comprises a series of electronically programmable detonators and an exploder, connected in series. The exploder communicates to the detonators at least programming and firing signals. The detonators are connected in such a way that programming signals will be received by a given detonator only when the adjacent detonator nearer to the signal output of the exploder has been programmed. This is preferably achieved by use of a connector associated with each detonator, the connector comprising a switching device which is operated by a logic element such that the logic element will operate on the switching device and allow signals to pass only when the detonator associated with that connector has been programmed.The apparatus permits the versatile and precise use of explosives, especially where large numbers of charges are involved.