Abstract: Provided is a blast-free alternative tool for breaching operations for the intended purpose of cutting metal, including rebar, steel cables, I-beams, thin walled containers, welding doors, and the like. The apparatus includes a flexible and cuttable tube containing metal oxide/metal (thermite) mixture, capable of being formed around a target material and of NONEL ignition. The apparatus can be used to cut, weld, or ignite target material. Protective caps are included with provisions to insert shock tube or time fuse to transmit ignition to first fire mix. A fire proof or flame retardant flexible outerwrap with adhesive (such as hydrogel) or malleable retention wires covers the cutting ribbon for heat and slag retention. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is issued/manufactured in rolls or precut lengths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a release tool used to separate portions of a tool string. One release tool includes a main body, a collet retainer coupled to the main body and having a collet assembly arranged therein, the collet assembly being operatively coupled to a lower sub, a support piston releasably coupled to a separation nut and engaging the collet assembly such that the lower sub is prevented from removal from the collet assembly, and a trigger mechanism configured to send a command signal to the separation nut whereupon the separation nut releases the support piston such that it is able to be moved and the lower sub is thereby able to be removed from the collet assembly.

Abstract: A detonator assembly (10) which includes a housing (16), an explosive (20) in the housing (16), an initiating element (32) exposed to the explosive (20), a circuit for controlling operation of the initiating element (32), and a communication arrangement which can establish communication between the circuit and an external controller (60) at least at one optical frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a wellbore comprises a housing, at least one perforating charge disposed within the housing, a detonation cord coupled to the at least one perforating charge, and a booster coupled to an end of the detonation cord. The booster comprises a booster body having a first end and a second end, a cavity defined within the booster body between the first end and the second end, an explosive material disposed within the cavity adjacent the first end, and a locking feature disposed adjacent the second end, where the locking feature is configured to allow the booster to engage the end of the detonation cord in a first direction and resist movement in a second direction.

Abstract: A priming assembly and a method are provided for coupling a plurality of detonators to at least one explosive through a plurality of transmission lines. The priming assembly may include a housing that receives the plurality of detonators and the plurality of transmission lines. In use, the plurality of transmission lines may communicate with the plurality of detonators within the housing to transmit explosive charges from the plurality of detonators to the at least one explosive.

Abstract: A line charge system includes a sock with a series of explosive sections and a detonation cord attached to each explosive section. A pair of spaced tubes made of explosive material are disposed about the line and secured to the explosive material of each section resulting in a hinged connection between each explosive section and the detonation cord.

Abstract: An ordnance firing system is disclosed that includes a reusable electronics module and an ordnance module, each enclosed in a separate, sealed housing. The electronics module housing encloses firing electronics for electrically triggering initiation of a detonator in the ordnance module. The electronics module detachably connects to the ordnance modules via a connector which extends away from the electronics module housing. The housing of the ordnance module is constructed to be blast-resistant to prevent detonation of the detonator from rendering the electronics module inoperable.

Abstract: A priming assembly and a method are provided for coupling a plurality of detonators to at least one explosive through a plurality of transmission lines. The priming assembly may include a housing that receives the plurality of detonators and the plurality of transmission lines. In use, the plurality of transmission lines may communicate with the plurality of detonators within the housing to transmit explosive charges from the plurality of detonators to the at least one explosive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic device for the destruction of munitions by an explosive at least partially surrounding the munitions having walls for confining the active products. The device includes an igniter for the controlled ignition of the explosive, the igniter configured to couple explosive detonation waves into the walls of the munitions along at least two opening lines of said walls of the munitions. Application of embodiments of the invention includes controlled destruction of munitions or objects containing pyrotechnic and/or chemical substances.

Abstract: A detonating fuse includes at least one CNT wire shaped structure. The at least one CNT wire shaped structure includes a plurality of CNTs and an oxidizing material. The oxidizing material is coated on an outer surface of each of the CNTs.

Abstract: An electrical delay detonator for use in blasting initiation systems energized by a non-electric impulse signal transmitted through a non-electrical conduit, such as a shock tube, with one end inserted inside a detonator housing having redundant sensors for detecting the presence of a non-electric impulse signal and a computerized control circuit for actuating the firing circuit. An elevated voltage is generated, stored in a capacitor assembly, and discharged when fired to an electrically operable igniter. The igniter, when activated, detonates an explosive mass. A battery is also contained within the detonator housing for powering the control circuit and one sensor, in low consumption mode, for several days. Upon detecting the presence of a signal the rest of the circuits are powered up. Periodic time windows generated by the control assembly provide corresponding enabled time periods for the sensors to become operational.

Abstract: A detonating device includes a high explosive portion comprising high explosive; a low explosive portion comprising low explosive; and a transition portion between the high explosive portion and the low explosive portion, wherein the transition portion comprises a mixture of high explosive and low explosive.

Abstract: A warhead including a case, a main explosive being received within the case, an initiator having at least a portion embedded within a main explosive charge, and a releasable coupling intermediate the main explosive charge and the initiator.

Abstract: A detonating fuse includes at least one CNT wire shaped structure. The at least one CNT wire shaped structure includes a plurality of CNTs and an oxidizing material. The oxidizing material is coated on an outer surface of each of the CNTs.

Abstract: A shipping cap is provided for use with a shielded mild detonating cord (SMDC) having an explosive tip that contains a volume of explosive material. The shipping cap is coupled to a portion of the SMDC to define a sealed free volume region about the SMDC's explosive tip. The size of the free volume region is a function of the volume of explosive material contained in the explosive tip. The shipping cap's wall strength in the free volume region is defined by a factor of safety that is a function of the yield strength of the material used to construct the cap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a detonating cord (10) having a core (12) of reactive material and a composite jacket around the core, and the method of its manufacture. The composite jacket includes an interior jacket (14) in contact with the core and a sacrificial jacket (20) disposed over the interior jacket. The sacrificial jacket prevents the cord from being cut off by the detonation of another detonating cord of like core load disposed adjacent thereto. The sacrificial jacket is separable from the interior jacket beneath it under the force of the adjacent detonating cord, thus absorbing energy and allowing the first detonating cord to remain intact. The detonating cord may have a core load of not more than 3.2 grams/meter (15 grains/ft) or, optionally, less than 1.25 g/m (6 grains/ft). The interior jacket may be free of metal jacket layers. Optionally, the outer cross-sectional diameter of the cord may be not more than about 3.8 mm (0.15 inch) so that it can be inserted into a standard detonator.

Abstract: A propellant assembly for fracturing a formation around a well includes a propellant and a detonating cord wrapped around the propellant, the detonating cord to ignite the propellant upon detonation of the detonating cord. Alternatively, the propellant can include a substantially central axial bore, with the propellant having a plurality of axial slots extending radially outwardly from the axial bore toward the outer surface of the propellant. A detonating cord is arranged within the axial bore of the propellant.

Abstract: A novel transfer ordnance line and novel end fittings for the transfer line for use in space vehicles, aircraft, missile systems and other military applications. The transfer line is a Rapid Deflagrating Cord (RDC) hermetically encapsulated in a metal tubing. The metal tubing terminates at end fittings such as a loaded high energy (HE) end fitting which detonates, a low energy (LE) end fitting which burns, and a percussion primer used to start burning of the RDC in the transfer line. The transfer line is constructed so that gases produced during the burning of the RDC do not escape and pose a threat to the surroundings during functioning and so moisture does not enter the system during shelf life, transportation, or at any other time prior to functioning. With minor adjustments to the transfer tube and the end fittings, the transfer tubing can be made flexible by forming a coil.

Abstract: A perforating gun connector comprising a first and second section connected together on one end. The two sections of the perforating gun connector that couple together are correspondingly tapered so that one end of one connector is tapered and fits into the corresponding tapered hollowed section of one end of the other section. The present invention also provides for the inclusion of shaped charges and booster charges within. Adjacent the charges are sealing bulkheads.

Abstract: A novel transfer ordnance line and novel end fittings for the transfer line for use in space vehicles, aircraft, missile systems and other military applications. The transfer line is a Rapid Deflagration Cord (RDC) hermetically encapsulated in a metal tubing. The metal tubing terminates at end fittings such as a loaded high energy (HE) end fitting which detonates, a low energy (LE) end fitting which burns, and a percussion primer used to start burning of the RDC in the transfer line. The transfer line is constructed so that gases produced during the burning of the RDC do not escape and pose a threat to the surroundings during functioning and so moisture does not enter the system during shelflife, transportation, or at any other time prior to functioning. With minor adjustments to the transfer tube and the end fittings, the transfer tubing can be made flexible by forming a coil.

Abstract: A plasma antenna generator includes an ionizable material, an explosive charge capable of projecting the ionizable material upon detonation, and a detonator coupled with the explosive charge. An electromagnetic pulse transmitting system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator and a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator. A method includes providing an explosive device comprising an ionizable material, detonating the explosive device to propel the ionizable material, and ionizing the ionizable material to form at least one plasma trail. A sensing system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator, a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator, and a sensing system capable of receiving and analyzing at least a portion of the electromagnetic pulse after being reflected from an interface.

Abstract: A booster to relay a detonation train from a detonating cord to another booster includes an explosive and a shell. The shell has an open end to receive an end of the detonating cord and an indented closed end that is adapted to form a projectile to strike the other booster when the explosive detonates. The explosive may include at least fifty percent by weight of NONA, and in some embodiments, the explosive may be primarily NONA.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic detonator delay assembly, having an associated detonator, that can be pre-programmed on site with a time delay and installed in a borehole to carryout a blast operation. The assembly is first coupled to a programming unit to program the desired time delay, and then to a blasting unit, by means of a magnetic coupling device in the electronic delay assembly and to a single pass of a conductive wire through the magnetic coupling device. The programmed time delay in the electronic delay assembly can be double checked through a wireless communication link between the electronic delay assembly and the programming unit.

Abstract: A detonator device and assembly for the initiating a plurality of signal transmission lines with a pressure impulse. The detonator device comprising a detonator casing having a signal receiving end and a firing end. The firing end of the detonator device being substantially shaped to conform with the pressure impulse initiation therein. The firing end having a contact wall of substantially uniform thickness for contacting a plurality of signal transmission lines in a compatible connector element and transmitting a pressure impulse thereto.

Abstract: An initiator (100) assembled from a housing (112), an output charge (144) and an initiation means (110, 120, 58, 54) includes a pulverulent ignition charge (46a) disposed in direct initiation relation to the initiation means, and an output charge (144) that may contain a pulverulent deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) charge (144a) and an explosive base charge (144b). The ignition charge (46a) has an average particle size of less than 10 microns, or even less than 5 microns, e.g., 1 to 2 microns. The initiation means may include a semiconductor bridge (18) and the ignition charge (46a) may be compacted with a force of less than about 5880 psi, e.g., with a force of 1000 psi. In another embodiment, an initiator (210) includes a low-energy electrical initiator (234), a loosely packed BNCP ignition charge (218) and a pyrotechnical output charge (214).

Abstract: A heat-responsive fuse cord is positioned in the proximity of a pressure vessel and is thermally coupled to a thermal-pressure relief device which is in communication with the pressurized contents of the vessel. When ignited the fuse cord burns to a thermal coupler, transferring the heat to the thermal actuator of the TPRD. In a kit form, fuse cord and a thermal coupler provide an economical remote and retrofit triggering system for TPRD's having an otherwise limited environment of influence.

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.