Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided including electrically fired detonator are provided using, e.g., secondary explosives (SE), that have increased safety and reliability relative to primary explosives (PE). PEs require a lower amount of energy or shock to detonate than SEs thus are more difficult to initiate than PEs; SEs are less sensitive to shock or energy than PEs. SEs increase safety but suffer design difficulties in using such SEs in place of PEs that are more susceptible to undesired detonation. Various embodiments are provided including a metalized barrel with a specific thickness that is filled with a SE having a required diameter that has structures that provide efficient transfer/conversion of electrical energy into a detonation of the SE by, among other things, reducing electrical and mechanical/chemical losses. Embodiments of the invention also include various methods of design, use, and manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of use for detecting the explosive detonation. The apparatus has a plurality of sensors consecutively arranged and spaced apart wherein each pair of consecutive light sensors defines a sensor pair. The sensors are sequentially activated by light produced by the detonation of explosive detonation and are inactivated by the absence of light. The sensors provide data that represents the amount of time that elapses between activation of a first light sensor in a sensor pair and activation of a second light sensor in the sensor pair and the length of time in which each sensor is activated. The data is processed to determine detonation velocity values and chemical reaction time values associated with material detonation and to provide an output signal that indicates whether the determined detonation velocity values and chemical reaction time values are valid.

Abstract: A non-invasive piston-cylinder measurement system of a cylinder and a piston mounted for axial movement within the cylinder. The cylinder comprises a non-magnetic cylinder wall. A magnet is mounted within the piston. A plurality of magnetically activated switches, such as read switches, is mounted outside of the non-magnetic cylinder wall so as to be activated by piston movement. The measurement system provides a non-invasive means for measuring fluid extruded from a piston-cylinder extruder.