Abstract: The gas detonator is especially adapted for shallow, seismographic, land prospecting. It comprises a circular bottom plate having an inwardly-directed sloping side wall. An annular top plate is mounted over the bottom plate. Means, including a plurality of springs, interconnect and resiliently maintain the plates in touching relation with each other. A housing is mounted over the top plate and forms therewith a detonation chamber. The bore of the top plate serves as the vent port for the detonation chamber. The vent port is normally closed by the bottom plate. Following the detonation of a combustible gas mixture in the chamber, the plates momentarily separate and form therebetween a cylindrical cavity which opens the vent port. A container upwardly extends from and forms with the bottom plate a reservoir which, in use, is filled with water. The spent gases of combustion escape into this water, thereby muffling the sound of the detonator.

Abstract: A high-frequency, high-repetition gas detonator is provided which is adapted for shallow seismographic work. The detonator comprises a detonation chamber, a rigid bottom plate adapted to be coupled to the earth, and a top plate positioned over the bottom plate. A plurality of springs resiliently hold the plates together whereby the bottom plate covers a bottom vent port in the chamber when the plates engage. The bottom plate opens the chamber to the surrounding medium when the plates disengage. Fluid conduit means communicate with the interior of the chamber for supplying thereto a pressurized detonating fluid. Means are provided for detonating the fluid thereby causing the bottom plate to move downward and separate from the top plate. The compressive force of the bottom plate sends a downward seismic pulse into the underlying layers of the earth. The products of detonation from the detonation chamber are vented outside through the cavity formed between the top and bottom plates when the plates are separted.