Abstract: A thermal battery including: a battery core; and a load-bearing structure at least partially surrounding the battery core. The load-bearing structure including: a plurality of tubes arranged adjacent to one another and connected to at least one adjacent tube of the plurality of tubes; and an exothermic material disposed in the plurality of tubes. The load-bearing structure can include one or more initiation devices for initiating the exothermic material. The plurality of tubes can be compressed in a cross-section to compact the exothermic material disposed on the plurality of tubes. A thermal isolation material can also be disposed at one or more ends of the plurality of tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a conveyance device and a first shearable deployment bar connected to the conveyance device at a first distal end of the first shearable deployment bar, where the first shearable deployment bar has a deployment bar section and a shearable section. The shearable deployment bar is configured to carry a ballistic signal from an initiating charge, through the shearable deployment bar, and to a donor charge. The apparatus further includes a first set of perforating guns connected to the first shearable deployment bar at a second distal end thereof, and the first set of perforating guns are configured to receive the ballistic signal from the donor charge to ultimately fire the perforating guns at a targeted location in a wellbore. A second shearable deployment bar may be connected to the first set of perforating guns, and a second set of perforating guns connected to the second shearable deployment bar.

Abstract: A spool for use in a blasting system which includes a coiled signal transmitting conductor connected at one end to a detonator and at a second end to a connector, wherein the detonator and the connector are engaged with retentive formations on a face of a flange of the spool.

Abstract: A system with a spool base frame having an initiator, an interrupter, control electronics, and a proximity sensor connected thereto, wherein the spool base frame is configured to hold a shock tube spooling mechanism, the interrupter is configured to allow installation and spooling of a spool of shock tube disposed on the shock tube spooling mechanism, the interrupter is configured to cut spooled shock tube from the spool of shock tube, the control electronics are configured to send a signal directing the interrupter to cut the spooled shock tube from the spool, the interrupter is configured to physically redirect and splice the cut shock tube to a second shock tube connected to the initiator, and the interrupter is configured to discharge the cut shock tube after the shock tube is fired and spent.

Abstract: A central initiating charge according to embodiments of the invention includes a pellet. The pellet has a proximal end and a distal end. A central longitudinal axis spans from the proximal end to the distal end. A void spans longitudinally in said pellet. The void spans parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Stun grenades may include a fuze configured to ignite a delay material secured to a housing including a delay chamber in which the delay material is located. A handle of the fuze may be located over a final payload chamber of the series of payload chambers, payload material in the final payload chamber being configured to ignite after ignition of payload material in each other payload chamber of a series of payload chambers. Methods of assembling stun grenades may involve positioning an obstruction in a port extending between a delay chamber and a payload chamber of a series of payload chambers surrounding the delay chamber in a housing. A delay material may be packed in the delay chamber. The obstruction may be removed, and a payload material may be positioned in the payload chamber and the port.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-way tubular connector block including a body having a primary tubular channel of a first diameter, one or more resiliently deformable plug portions having secondary tubular channels of a secondary diameter there through, and a securing mechanism for securing the plug portions to the body, wherein the body has at least two openings or ports in communication with the primary tubular channel, and wherein the secondary diameters of the secondary channels are sized and dimensioned to permit snug fitting of a shock tube therein so that, in use, a plurality of shock tubes are secured in the plug portions so that at least some open ends of the shock tubes are in communication with the primary tubular channel. The invention extends to a multi-way composite connector block having a plurality of multi-way tubular connector block portions substantially as described above.

Abstract: A multi-mode fuse system for use in a warhead for combating a target. At least one target sensor is electrically connected to a signal processing block and an I/O-block. The I/O-block is configured to be set by the operator of the warhead. The target sensor is adapted to generate an electrical output in response to the rate of deceleration of the warhead. The fuse system is adapted to discriminate the hardness of the target based upon the electrical output of the target sensor and to select the mode of operation depending upon the target discrimination. The fuse system is adapted to discriminate at least one type of target depending upon the electrical output of the target sensors. The fuse system selects one of at least three modes of operation of the warhead. Also a method for classifying the target hardness and selection of the operational mode of a warhead.

Abstract: A central initiating charge according to embodiments of the invention includes a pellet. The pellet has a proximal end and a distal end. A central longitudinal axis spans from the proximal end to the distal end. A void spans longitudinally in said pellet. The void spans parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A non-electric detonator connected to similar detonators with capsule 2 with having charge 8 and delay train 9. A tube 3 for transmitting a shock wave having an internal surface with a predetermined amount of a propagating explosive has one end mounted within capsule 2 adjacent to delay train 9. A seal 12 formed by collapsing a portion of tube 3 at a distance from its end prevents a shock wave accidentally created at capsule 2 from propagating to the rest of tube 3. Yet, the propagation of the wave is not prevented when it comes from the other end of tube 3. The distance from end 13a where seal 12 is formed needs to be selected for a predetermined explosive amount not sufficient to propagate the wave from capsule 2 but enough to propagate it when the wave comes from the other end.

Abstract: A fuze includes a housing having a first end and an opposing second end and defining an elongate channel extending between the first and second ends; and a mechanically activated reactive material comprising at least first and second elements disposed within the channel.

Abstract: A gas-impermeable sealer element (24, 124) for a detonator or other explosive initiation device includes a non-reactive sleeve (26, 126) having a channel (28, 128) formed therein. A reactive material strip (30, 130) is sealed within the channel for transmission of an explosive's initiation signal through the sealer element (24, 124), either alone or in cooperation with transfer charges located at the input and/or output end of the non-reactive sleeve (26, 126). The reactive material strip (30, 130) comprises a reactive metal wire or other substrate (34) having on one or both sides thereof a layer of reactive material (30, 130, 36), either reactive metal foils which react exothermically when ignited, or a deposited fuel-oxidizer reactive material. The reactive materials, upon being energized, react exothermically in the absence of atmospheric oxygen or other extraneous oxidizer and so may be encapsulated, sealed or otherwise isolated from the atmosphere in use.

Abstract: A delay unit (10) comprises a timing strip (14) and, optionally, a calibration strip (20) deposited on a substrate (12). The timing and calibration strips comprise energetic materials which optionally may comprise particles of nanosize materials, e.g., a fuel and an oxidizer, optionally applied as separate layers. A method of making the delay units comprises depositing onto a substrate (12) a timing strip (14) having a starting point (14d) and a discharge point (14e) and depositing onto the same or another substrate a calibration strip (20). Timing strip (14) and calibration strip (20) are of identical composition and are otherwise configured, e.g., thickness of the strips, to have identical burn rates. The calibration strip (20) is ignited and its burn rate is ascertained.

Abstract: A target discrimination system monitors an acceleration switch signal to determine an impact of a projectile on a target. During a sample period of approximately 1.0 milliseconds, the system repeatedly samples the acceleration switch signal, compares the sampled acceleration sensor signal with a reference voltage, and sets a comparator data output to logic one if the sampled signal exceeds the reference voltage. Otherwise, the comparator data output is set to logic zero. The system counts the instances that comparator data output equals logic one during the sample period and executes a selected delay. The selected delay is approximately 50 milliseconds if the counted number of instances exceeds a predetermined threshold of approximately two-thirds of the samples and, otherwise, the selected delay is approximately 10 milliseconds. The selective delay enables target discrimination and selective detonation of a projectile.

Abstract: A chemical detonator includes a housing, having an open end and a closed end; and a detonation element located in the housing, into which a shock tube for initiating the detonation element intrudes, wherein the housing and the shock tube are of plastics construction and the housing is substantially cylindrical cup shape, and wherein the shock tube intrudes into, and is welded to, the open end to hold the shock tube at a desired spacing from the detonation element. The detonator includes a detonation element that includes a series of charges.

Abstract: A chemical detonator includes a housing, having an open end and a closed end; and a detonation element located in the housing, into which a shock tube for initiating the detonation element intrudes, wherein the housing and the shock tube are of plastics construction and the housing is substantially cylindrical cup shape, and wherein the shock tube intrudes into, and is welded to, the open end to hold the shock tube at a desired spacing from the detonation element. The detonator includes a detonation element that includes a series of charges.

Abstract: A delay unit (10) comprises a timing strip (14) and, optionally, a calibration strip (20) deposited on a substrate (12). The timing and calibration strips comprise energetic materials which optionally may comprise particles of nanosize materials, e.g., a fuel and an oxidizer, optionally applied as separate layers. A method of making the delay units comprises depositing onto a substrate (12) a timing strip (14) having a starting point (14d) and a discharge point (14e) and depositing onto the same or another substrate a calibration strip (20). Timing strip (14) and calibration strip (20) are of identical composition and are otherwise configured, e.g., thickness of the strips, to have identical burn rates. The calibration strip (20) is ignited and its burn rate is ascertained.

Abstract: A segmented explosive device capable of producing a shock wave front upon being exploded by a detonation impulse generated by a selectively operable control device and communicated to the explosive device by a transmission line coupled between the control device and the explosive device. The explosive device has a first charge segment and a second charge segment disposed in an assembled relationship. The first charge segment has a first abutment surface formed on a portion of the exterior thereof and a cavity recessed in the first abutment surface. An output end of the transmission line is received by the cavity and contacts the first charge segment. The cavity of the first charge segment can be configured to dispose explosive material in the path of a plasma zone propagating through voids internal of the explosive device to facilitate advance detonation of the explosive material before a shock wave front trailing the plasma zone reaches the explosive material.

Abstract: An explosive delay assembly including a housing, the housing includes a continuous elongated sidewall surrounding a region bounded at one end by a top surface, the top surface including an aperture configured for accepting an end booster where the end booster is attached to a ferrule assembly, the end booster and ferrule assembly connected to form a mild detonating fuze including an explosive charge. The elongated sidewalls include a groove emanating from the aperture and threading around the continuous elongated sidewall to a bottom surface and connected to a channel running from the bottom surface to the top surface. The ferrule assembly is wound around the housing within the groove and inserted into the channel to terminate at a top surface region counterbore. The counterbore is filled with an explosive charge.

Abstract: A non-detonating heat transfer initiator. A representative heat transfer initiator is in the form of a heat transfer control medium, having a heat input portion and a heat output portion, and a non-detonating autoignition material, having an autoignition temperature, in thermal contact with the heat output portion. When heat is applied to the heat input portion, a transfer of heat through the heat transfer control medium to the heat output portion results, heating the heat output portion, such that, upon application of a sufficient amount of heat to the heat input portion, the heat output portion is heated to the autoignition temperature of the non-detonating autoignition material, igniting the non-detonating autoignition material ignites, thus producing a non-detonating thermal output.

Abstract: A breaching device for controlled blasting of an object at short range includes a blasting element including an explosive charge contained within a housing, the blasting element being configured to blast the object from a preset distance. Connected to, and extending from, the housing is a stand-off rod having a length equal to the preset distance. A pyrotechnic lead pellet is associated with the blasting element and with the stand-off rod so as to detonate the explosive charge upon impact of the stand-off rod with the object. A tail is provided for stabilizing the device during its flight to the object. The tail is connected to the blasting element through a “safe and arm” device and a safety connector configured to reduce shock forces acting on the tail resulting from detonation of the explosive charge.

Abstract: A first stage of a shock-detonation transition type two-stage optical detonator contains a pyrotechnic substance and an optical fiber, one end of which is connected to a source of laser radiation. The first stage pyrotechnic substance is separated from a pyrotechnic substance of the second stage by a metal plate, one face of which is in contact with the first stage pyrotechnic substance and whose other face is adjacent a cavity which separates it from the second stage pyrotechnic substance and whose edge portion bears against the end of a confinement member confining the second stage pyrotechnic substance.

Abstract: A non-detonating heat transfer initiator. A representative heat transfer initiator is in the form of a heat transfer control medium, having a heat input portion and a heat output portion, and a non-detonating autoignition material, having an autoignition temperature, in thermal contact with the heat output portion. When heat is applied to the heat input portion, a transfer of heat through the heat transfer control medium to the heat output portion results, heating the heat output portion, such that, upon application of a sufficient amount of heat to the heat input portion, the heat output portion is heated to the autoignition temperature of the non-detonating autoignition material, igniting the non-detonating autoignition material ignites, thus producing a non-detonating thermal output.

Abstract: A shock tube connector system comprises a substantially cylindrical detonator having a longitudinal axis a block body receiving the detonator therein, and an end cap. The detonator includes an axisymmetric exterior shell including a cylindrical main section, a cylindrical explosive end portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the main section, and a transition portion connecting the main section and the explosive end portion of the shell. An explosive charge is contained within the explosive end portion of the shell and is distributed along the longitudinal length of the explosive end portion. The explosive charge preferable comprises two portions of lead azide or a first charge portion of lead azide and PETN and a second charge portion of PETN. An initiating shock tube is operatively connected to the explosive charge via a delay element. The block body includes a housing within which the main section of the detonator is received.

Abstract: A heat transfer delay for providing a delay time in propellant, pyrotechnic, and explosive devices, and a method of delaying production of a non-detonating thermal output with the heat transfer delay. A representative delay is in the form of a housing having a first heat source cavity, a second heat source cavity, and a heat transfer cavity connecting the first and second heat source cavities. A pyrotechnic heat source is placed in thermal contact with the first heat source cavity, and a non-detonating autoignition material is placed in thermal contact with the second heat source cavity.

Abstract: A skyrocket is provided which provides a first fireworks effect prior to launch as well as a second effect after launching. The skyrocket includes a body which houses or is coupled to a rocket motor, a first effect and a second effect. A transparent or translucent nose cone is placed on the top end of the body which provides both the ability to view one of the effects placed therein but also maintains the aerodynamic properties of the skyrocket. The first effect may be a strobing effecting which during burning provides a pulsating intensity of light visible through the nose cone prior to lift-off of the skyrocket, and the second effect may be a bursting charge which explodes after the rocket is in flight. An ignition fuse leads to the first effect and a second fuse leads to the rocket motor so that by lighting the first fuse, no further fuses need be lit and a delay is provided before the rocket motor ignites.

Abstract: A detonator comprising a shell with a secondary explosive base charge, igniting means and an intermediate pyrotechnical train, said train comprising a novel ignition composition with a specific redox-pair of a metal fuel and a metal oxide oxidant, said fuel being present in excess to the amount of stoichiometrically being required to reduce the metal oxide, the ignition composition being able to ignite said secondary explosive into a convective deflagrating state to reliably detonate the same. Use of said novel ignition composition for the ignition of secondary explosives in general.