Patents by Inventor J. Donaldson Thomas

J. Donaldson Thomas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10942016
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a container (34) within which are disposed first detonator devices (10) having reactive coils (16), e.g., coils of shock tube leads, and second detonator devices (20) having inert coils (26), e.g., coils of insulated electric leg wires. The inert coils (26) are interposed between the reactive coils (16) and are approximately co-extensive with the reactive coils (16), so that the inert coils (26) form a barrier to propagation of an accidental initiation from one reactive coil (16) to another. Reactive coils (16) and inert coils (26) are fastened to each other to form mixed coil pairs (30) which are nested to interpose a pair of the inert coils (26) between at least some of the reactive coils (16). A method of packing the first and second detonator devices calls for placing them in a container (34) in the described arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: DYNO NOBEL INC.
    Inventors: Cesar A. Olivares, Leonardo G. Rivera, J. Donaldson Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180080750
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a container (34) within which are disposed first detonator devices (10) having reactive coils (16), e.g., coils of shock tube leads, and second detonator devices (20) having inert coils (26), e.g., coils of insulated electric leg wires. The inert coils (26) are interposed between the reactive coils (16) and are approximately co-extensive with the reactive coils (16), so that the inert coils (26) form a barrier to propagation of an accidental initiation from one reactive coil (16) to another. Reactive coils (16) and inert coils (26) are fastened to each other to form mixed coil pairs (30) which are nested to interpose a pair of the inert coils (26) between at least some of the reactive coils (16). A method of packing the first and second detonator devices calls for placing them in a container (34) in the described arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Cesar A. Olivares, Leonardo G. Rivera, J. Donaldson Thomas
  • Patent number: 5494152
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Brian R. Sobczak, J. Donaldson Thomas
  • Patent number: 5413046
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Brian R. Sobczak, Frank J. Lucca, J. Donaldson Thomas, Craig F. Adams, Ernest L. Gladden
  • Patent number: 5398611
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Michna, Anthony Sendek, J. Donaldson Thomas
  • Patent number: 5192828
    Abstract: An elongated connector block for mounting a blasting cap and detonating cord in side-by-side association for side initiation, the body having a generally U-shaped transverse cross-section with a slot extending the full length thereof, the opposed sides of said slot being contoured to receive the detonating cord and the body providing an enlarged, elongated cavity for receiving the blasting cap, there being an upward integral extension of at least one side of the body forming a pinch cleat for securing a flexible detonating cord in position by winding it about the pinch cleat, the space between the one pinch cleat extension and the body being provided with a flexible retainer clip extending from the body toward the pinch cleat underside, the leg of the clip having a rest position substantially closing the space between the body and the pinch cleat to retain the free end of the detonating cord after winding about the cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Dennis K. Austin, J. Donaldson Thomas
  • Patent number: 5171935
    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-directional 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Michna, Anthony Sendek, J. Donaldson Thomas