Abstract: A downhole explosive detonation comprises a high voltage electro-explosive initiator comprising an input high voltage power supply with a low impedance shunting fuse, a flexible electrical link and a capacitor discharge unit. Explosive is initiated in a direction approximately parallel, or in another version perpendicular to the capacitor discharge unit. A unique configuration and construction of the assembly allows installation through a small service port in the gun housing structure for more efficient gun arming. A real time downhole voltage monitoring is described that transmits voltage readings to the surface during a firing sequence.

Abstract: A surface blasting product which includes a container, a receptacle which contains adhesive which is displaceable to adhere the container to a rock, and an explosive charge, inside the container, which can be ignited to fragment or displace the rock.

Abstract: Tactical utility pole and door mount system for use by law enforcement are described. Embodiments of the systems are user configurable depending on a particular tactical need. Variations are described for breaching a locked door, breaching a closed window, and delivering and nearly instantaneously detonating a distraction within the associated structure, breaching a closed window and delivering a stream of OC or other chemical spray within the associated structure, and breaching a closed window and delivering a chemical grenade within the structure. Remote breaching of a door can also achieved using a tactical door mount system and detonation device having a receiver. Other variations are also contemplated.

Abstract: A breaching device for positioning explosives on a structure for rapid entry constructed of soft, plastic material formed into elongated inflatable chambers allowing the breaching device to be positioned by secondary attachment means to a target surface. A sleeve is formed on the chamber for insertion of an explosive material thereby reducing the need for supplemental construction materials for the device. The rigidity of the inflated device is achieved by inflation so as to hold its shape and be semi self-supporting and to increase the ease to which the device can be deployed. By utilizing a device which will hold its specific shape and precise positioning of explosives therewithin will insure that the explosive force of detonation will be applied directly to the structure and the desired shape, size and amount for breaching a structure for entry.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus (100) includes a plurality of shaped charges (102) each having an initiation end and a discharge end. A detonating cord (116) is operably coupled to the initiation ends of the shaped charges (102). A carrier (106) contains the shaped charges (102). The carrier (106) includes at least one discharge location corresponding to the discharge ends of the shaped charges (102) when the perforating apparatus (100) is in its operable position. The discharge location has first and second material layers (122, 124) wherein the second material layer (124) exhibits resilient recovery such that an opening created by a jet formed from detonating one of the shaped charges (102) in the second material layer (124) is smaller than an opening created by the jet in the first material layer (122), thereby retaining debris in the perforating apparatus (100) with the second material layer (124).

Abstract: A perforating apparatus (100) includes a plurality of shaped charges (102) each having an initiation end and a discharge end. A detonating cord (116) is operably coupled to the initiation ends of the shaped charges (102). A carrier (106) contains the shaped charges (102). The carrier (106) includes at least one discharge location corresponding to the discharge ends of the shaped charges (102) when the perforating apparatus (100) is in its operable position. The discharge location has first and second material layers (122, 124) wherein the second material layer (124) exhibits resilient recovery such that an opening created by a jet formed from detonating one of the shaped charges (102) in the second material layer (124) is smaller than an opening created by the jet in the first material layer (122), thereby retaining debris in the perforating apparatus (100) with the second material layer (124).

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for externally perforating a well-bore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing itself and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the well bore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges which are contained in protective pressure chambers which are arranged radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs which conveniently serve to center the casing within the well bore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.

Abstract: A modular explosives cartridge comprises a tubular body having lockable coupling members secured on opposite ends thereof to form a bayonet coupling between opposite ends of respective cartridges to form an elongate tubular explosives cartridge. The lockable coupling members each include a sealing membrane to form a sealed closure at opposite ends of the tubular body, the sealing membranes being pierced during coupling to form a continuous column of explosive composition within said elongate tubular cartridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving at least one explosive driven projectile into an open hole or well bore of a subterranean formation for the purpose of stimulating productive formation. The apparatus is capable of pivoting within the open hole or well bore for desired firing at an angle and is also capable of deep penetration into a subterranean formation. The apparatus may also be conveyed by a tubing in horizontal drilling applications.

Abstract: Primer casing (1) comprising sleeve portion (5) and leading portion (5a), wherein sleeve portion (5) includes tabs (6) to retain primer (11) and blasthole engagement means (2), and wherein leading portion (5a) comprises nose cone (8). Engagement means (2) comprises an array of rigid, multiple projections that are hinged and movable between a retracted position and a blasthole engagement position. Explosive loading hose (13) locales within hose receiving sleeve (7) and can be used to push primer casing (1) into the desired location within the blasthole prior to filling the blasthole with bulk explosive. Methods of loading a blasthole comprising inserting primer (11) into primer casing (1) and positioning primer casing (1) at a desired location in a blasthole are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for imaging and clearing an ore pass hang-up. The apparatus includes: a platform that is movable along generally a longitudinal direction of an ore pass; a controllable propulsion unit capable of propelling the platform within the ore pass and to the location of the hang-up; an imaging unit capable of generating an image of the ore pass as the apparatus is moved trough the ore pass, wherein the image is transmittable to a remove viewer; extensible, remotely controllable immobilizing units affixed to the platform; and a remotely controllable unit for clearing the ore pass hang-up. Once in place the apparatus is used to break up or clear the hang-up by, for example, directing blows to the hang-up, directing high pressure fluids to the hang-up, and using an explosive charge.

Abstract: A cartridge containing an explosive charge is inserted at the bottom of a short hole drilled in the rock. The cartridge is held in place or stemmed by a massive stemming bar of high-strength material such as steel. The cartridge incorporates additional internal volume designed to control the application of pressure in the bottom hole volume by the detonating explosive. The primary method by which the high-pressure gases are contained in the hole bottom until relieved by the opening up of controlled fractures, is by the massive inertial stemming bar which blocks the flow of gas up the drill hole except for a small leak path between the stemming bar and the drill hole walls. The stemming bar is preferably connected to a boom mounted on a carrier. A preferred embodiment incorporates an indexing mechanism to allow both a drill and a small-charge blasting apparatus to be used on the same boom for drilling and subsequent charge insertion and firing operations.

Abstract: A smoke-generating projectile has a decomposable effective mass, the mass including a quick-burning deception component for generating spontaneous smoke, and a slow-burning concealment component for generating persistent smoke. The projectile includes an igniter, an ejection charge and/or ignition decomposition charge and at least one ignition delay device. The projectile is constructed so that the energy of decomposition of at least one of the effective mass components is constrained in a radial direction. The ejection charge and/or the ignition decomposition charge, as well as at least one ignition delay device, is installed in the effective mass.

Abstract: A device for unblocking mine raises which has multiple flexible arms attached to a top hollow tube which carries the explosive material. Flexible extension poles are attached to a top hollow tube section and hollow tube sections. The flexible arms allow for easy, precise and safe positioning of the explosive material.

Abstract: A tubing conveyed perforating apparatus is shown which includes a tubular assembly made up of a plurality of tubular sections. One or more elongate charge holders are located within the interior bore of the tubular assembly and carry explosive charges thereon. A firing head is carried on the tubular assembly for detonating the explosive charges to perforate a surrounding well bore. The charge holders and explosive charges are comprised of materials which disintegrate upon detonation of the explosive charges, whereby the interior bore of the tubular assembly is fully open after detonation.

Abstract: A perforating gun having a base structure made of a deformable material. The base structure includes support rings integrally attached to one another by connector portions. The capsule charges are mounted in corresponding support rings, and each support ring is adjustable by selective deformation of the base structure to face in one of a plurality of directions to provide a plurality of combinations of phasing patterns.

Abstract: A through-tubing perforating gun and method is provided. The assembly comprises an elongated carrier strip, a plurality of perforating charges, and means for connecting the plurality of charges to the carrier strip. Each of the charges has a focal axis along which a shaped charge explosion occurs in a firing direction when the charge is actuated for use in perforating the casing wall, a cross-section that fits within a circle defined by the smallest inner diameter of the well tubing through which the assembly is intended to pass, and a detonating cord receiving means.

Abstract: The invention provides a new strip carrier assembly for carrying shaped charges, such as is particularly useful in perforating guns as are utilized to perforate oil and gas wells. The strip carrier includes a coupling member which couples adjacent strip carrier members together to form a contiguous assembly, and which further provides mounting system for a shaped charge so as to maintain uniform spacing even across the coupling junction. Additionally, the carrier assembly includes a novel tab assembly which cooperates with a charge carrier housing configuration to provide a single assemblage of parts which is capable of orienting shaped charges in any one of a plurality of desired orientations relative to the carrier strip.

Abstract: A longitudinally slotted carrier having one end adapted for mounting on a tubing string, the carrier being nonplanar, with a slotted configuration and interior dimensions to enable capsule charge orientation at selected phases between 0 and 360 degrees. The carrier has a frangible seam that fractures upon detonation to form two retrievable strips, each supported by the tubing string for retrieval. The seam is a narrow bridge, formed by slotting the carrier, with a cross sectional area that shatters upon detonation of the shaped charges. The remaining cross sectional area of each strip is sufficient to assure retrieval after detonation. The strips are nonplanar, arcuate or a segment of a circle in cross section. When the capsule charges are arrayed around many phases, by attaching both from and rear portions of the capsule charges to the unslotted regions of the carrier, plural primer cords are used for detonation.

Abstract: A wet/dry explosive assembly for use with small diameter bore holes is disclosed. The device utilizes a small diameter watertight inner containment vessel to house a predetermined amount of blasting agent, such as ammonium nitrate with fuel oil (AN/FO). A rigid stiffener material surrounds the inner containment vessel and extends the length of an outer containment vessel. The outer containment vessel is of sufficient length and diameter to accommodate the inner containment vessel, the stiffener material and the blast detonation components necessary for proper detonation. The device is designed to accommodate bore holes of one inch (1") to three inches and one half (3.5") in diameter and up to one hundred feet (100') in length.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a perforating gun apparatus for forming holes in a well casing through which cement can be circulated includes a mandrel, four arm-mounted, shaped charge carriers on the body, and bow springs on the body in the plane of each carrier for biasing the carriers outward into sliding contact with the well casing. The charges form evenly distributed series of vertically arranged holes the casing, without damage to an outer casing string, so that cement can be circulated through the holes and into the annulus without channeling.

Abstract: A through-tubing perforating gun includes an angularly shaped base strip having first and second surfaces and including a plurality of recesses in the first surface and a plurality of recesses in the second surface. A plurality of capsule charges are mounted in the plurality of recesses in the first and second surfaces of the base strip and are held in place within the recesses by a plurality of support rings connected to the base strip. The base strip is made of a material which will allow the base strip to withstand detonation of the capsule charges and will not shatter when the charges detonate; however, the support rings are made of a material which will allow the support rings to shatter when the capsule charges detonate.

Abstract: An explosive sheet which is formed by a layer of explosive material, a layer of foil, and an inert space forming material. These three layers are repeated to number, n, times to form a composite plane-wave forming explosive sheet.

Abstract: A method of blasting cap-sensitive, non-nitroglycerine-sensitized explosives and an initiating assembly for use in the method are provided. The method comprises initiating a column of the explosives by directing two radial/forward shock forces from an initiator assembly substantially simultaneously along the column of the explosives towards each end of the column. The initiating assembly of the invention comprises at least two initiators assembled side-by-side so that their explosive ends are opposite. A moulded plastics holder (6) for holding two blasting caps (1, 8) in the required spatial relationship is also described.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining a body loading assembly of a U.S. Army M42 or M46 eneral purpose grenade in firm intimate contact with at least one detonating cord, or an electric or non-electric blasting cap for use in explosive demolition of unexploded ordnance designated for disposal. The inner diameter of the retainer is nominally the same as the outer diameter of the body loading assembly with retention achieved by friction after insertion of a grenade body into the retainer. Holes in the wall of the retainer allow insertion and retention of one or two segments of detonating cord, or of an electric or non-electric blasting cap against the primer lead cup of the grenade body loading assembly for reliable initiation.

Abstract: A perforating gun includes a base strip having an angular cross section, the base strip being a single unitary structure and essentially comprising at least two longitudinally disposed surfaces, a first surface and a second surface, a first plurality of capsule charges being connected to the first surface and a second plurality of capsule charges being connected to the second surface and interleaved with the first plurality of capsule charges, thereby phasing the capsule charges in the perforating gun. Since the gun utilizes capsule charges, good penetration into the formation is achieved. Due to the cross sectional configuration of the base strip, the phased capsule charges, when mounted on the strip, will easily fit within a tubing string previously used by non-phased capsule charge perforating guns.

Abstract: A through-tubing perforating apparatus for use in improving wellbore production. A plurality of shaped charges are interconnected by rigid links that each have eyelets to receive the suspension wire. These links, in conjunction with a guide which initially engages and slides along the suspension wire, keep the shaped charges in a substantially uniform orientation generally perpendicular to the sides of the wellbore. Once the apparatus emerges from the production tubing, a releasable latch interconnecting an upper terminal connector to the supporting wire is actuated permitting the charges, under the influence of the rigid links, to slump under their own weight into contact with the casing walls. This provides maximum penetration into the formation upon actuation of the charges. The expended apparatus can be dropped into the bottom of the wellbore with the aid of a sinker bar.

Abstract: A housing for joinable or interconnectable cutting charges, which is constituted of a casing, two end surfaces or plates, two spacer flaps, and of the insert. The frontal surfaces of the inserts are at least flush with the surfaces of the end plates or project therebeyond by only a slight distance. The end plates are provided with bent or angled portions facing towards the explosive, wherein the angled portions are in surface contact with the inserts and are fixedly connected with the latter. Through the end surface which is bent over towards the explosive and the insert, the separating location between two neighboring cutting charges is relatively well sealed with respect to the exiting gases of the explosive.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly includes a thin wall carrier having a charge opening disposed therethrough for freely receiving a shaped charge therein. A deformable retaining device is integrally formed with the thin wall carrier adjacent a periphery of the charge opening. The deformable retaining device allows the shaped charge to initially be freely received in the charge opening, but subsequently retains the shaped charge in the charge opening upon deformation of the deformable retaining device.

Abstract: Objects may be bonded to target surfaces of a variety of materials, including rough surfaces, surfaces at temperatures down to -40.degree. F. and surfaces submerged under water, by securing a sheet of compliant material to the object, applying cyanoacylate to the exposed surface of compliant material and pressing the object against the target surface for a time sufficient to establish a cure of the cyanoacrylate adequate to support the object from the target surface.

Abstract: Surface-conforming materials, such as sheets, ribbons, tapes or moldable material may be adhered to a wide variety of underwater target surfaces with a cyanoacrylate adhesive. The cyanoacrylate adhesive is evacuated from it container under water, applied to a surface of the surface-conforming material, and then the surface-conforming material is pressed against the target surface for a relatively short period of time. The method provides a method, for example, of attaching a plastic explosive to the hull of a ship entirely under water.

Abstract: A detonating energy transmittal device is provided which, when combined with even relatively low-power blasting caps, is capable of promoting and initiating the explosive detonation of liquid nitromethane, which device comprises a plurality of layers of foam material, an effective amount of frangible articles carried on at least one surface of the foam material layers and forming thereon a substantially continuous layer intermediate the adjacent foam material layer, and a cavity capable of accommodating a blasting cap and of placing said blasting cap in intimate contact with said plurality of foam material layers. Methods for detonating fluid explosives also are provided.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly is provided for use in a perforating gun of the type used to perforate oil or gas wells. The assembly includes at least one shaped charge including an outer case having an outer surface and a first shoulder extending radially outward from the outer surface. The assembly also includes a carrier having an opening therethrough large enough to receive the outer surface of the case, and having a resilient tab extending into the opening for frictionally engaging at least a first portion of the outer surface of the case, and for thereby holding the shaped charge in place relative to the carrier with the shoulder of the shaped charge abutting the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing intermittent explosion of a plurality of explosive charges initially attached to an explosive capsule support belt. The belt is indexed so that a plurality of spaced capsules on the belt can be separated from the belt by generally vertical movement of an explosive capsule holding rod and then detonated within a shock wave generating chamber which has at least part of its interior surface area which in the shape of a pseudo-ellipsoid. The belt comprises two spaced members which are attached to each other by a plurality of reinforcing rods, with a plurality of capsules being positioned between the base members in a first direction and between the reinforcing rods in a second direction; the capsules are held to the base members by attaching rods which extend from opposed base members.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an explosive charge intended for the explosive jointing of, primarily, large-diameter pipes, such as pipeline pipes. The charge according to the invention is intended to be delivered as a unit ready to be applied immediately on site in the pipe. The only item which is not intended to be included is the detonator which is mounted in place immediately prior to blowing the charge. The charge includes, apart from explosive, also a polymer binder of a more closely defined type and gas blisters preferably in the form of microspheres of glass or plastic and metal or metal oxide powder. The scope of the invention embraces the general configuration of the charge and all components included therein.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly includes a strip type carrier having openings therein for receiving shaped charges. Each of the openings includes first and second diagonally opposed pairs of resilient tabs for snugly engaging an outer case of the shaped charge. In a preferred embodiment, every second one of the openings includes first and second elongated cord receiving slots communicated therewith, so that the assembly can be put together without threading a free end of a firing cord through openings in the carrier. Integral intermediate portions of the firing cord can be placed through the alternate openings in the elongated cord receiving slots associated therewith without threading the free ends of the firing cord therethrough.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing charges for explosive jointing of large-diameter pipes such as pipelines. According to the invention, such charges are formed in that a strip-shaped flat explosive is wound and joined together to form a circular ring of even thickness consisting of a plurality of closely abutting layers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sidewall core gun attached to the lower end of a drill string, enabling the taking of core samples from within a deviated borehole. The gun also includes an improved charge assembly, including a detonatable core and one or more deflagratable cartridge assemblies for propelling a coring bullet from the gun to the sidewall of the borehole. Coring bullets imbedded in the sidewall remain connected to the gun via steel cables, whereby the bullets may be retrieved by raising the drill string.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly apparatus includes a carrier having a plurality of carrier segments integrally formed from a single substantially flat elongated sheet of structural material. An interconnecting portion is located between each two adjacent segments and is integrally connected therewith. The interconnecting portion provides a rigid and precise angular offset between adjacent segments through a permanent deformation of the interconnecting portion. Each carrier segment has a charge receiving opening therein and includes a pair of diametrically opposed wedges for snugly enaging a pair of elastomeric lugs of a shaped charge.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly includes a strip type carrier having openings therein for receiving shaped charges. Each of the openings includes first and second diagonally opposed pairs of resilient tabs for snugly engaging an outer case of the shaped charge. In a preferred embodiment, every second one of the openings includes first and second elongated cord receiving slots communicated therewith, so that the assembly can be put together without threading a free end of a firing cord through openings in the carrier. Integral intermediate portions of the firing cord can be placed through the alternate openings in the elongated cord receiving slots associated therewith without threading the free ends of the firing cord therethrough.

Abstract: An explosive separation system for making a clean cut in composite laminate aterials in which a flexible linear shaped charge is maintained in a molded holder of a low-density, energy-absorbing material. The flexible linear shaped charge is molded in the holder when the holder itself is molded to ensure correct alignment of the charge and a correct standoff distance from the surface to be cut. The holder has sufficient volume to dissipate reflected explosive forces to reduce secondary damage to the cut edges and to areas adjacent to target area.

Abstract: A perforating gun has a charge carrier assembly housed therein comprised of a plurality of charge holders connected together in tandem. Shaped charges are supported within each of the charge holders, such that the corresponding charges of each holder are circumferentially and vertically spaced apart from one another to forn a predetermined pattern. The individual charge holders describe a polyhedron whose bases or ends describe equal polygons, and whose lateral faces are rectangular and include a centrally located aperture which is adapted to receive a shaped charge in supported relationship therewithin.

Abstract: Non-incendive explosive charge for use in flammable atmospheres includes a layer of damp salt as quenching material surrounding a charge enclosed in an inner housing. An outer housing is strong and pliable, being formed of reinforced rubbery material, to resist rough handling yet to be sufficiently pliable to conform to irregular boulder surfaces. The outer housing is pancake-shaped to provide increased contact area and stability. The relatively flat shape further permits insertion of the charge in crevices between boulders.

Abstract: A method for loading explosive charges into blastholes in a subterranean formation for forming a fragmented permeable mass of formation particles in an underground cavity in the formation is provided. Upper and lower voids spaced apart vertically from each other by unfragmented formation are excavated into the subterranean formation. A generally vertical blasthole is formed in the unfragmented formation between the voids. Upper and lower explosive charges, separated from one another by stemming, are formed in the blasthole. Each such explosive charge includes at least one primer operationally connected to an explosive initiating lead that extends from the charge. The explosive initiating lead of the upper explosive charge extends from the top of the blasthole into the upper void and the explosive initiating lead of the lower explosive charge extends from the bottom of the blasthole into the lower void.

Abstract: A method of reducing the velocity gradient of a shaped charge liner is diosed. A particular construction for the liner is also disclosed which has the same effect. The velocity gradient and jet-tip velocity are both reduced by forming a plurality of relatively small diameter holes in the charge liner before the liner is assembled with the remaining components of an explosive device.

Abstract: An explosive charging apparatus for charging controlled amount of explosives sequentially to bores drilled in a rock surface. The charging apparatus includes an explosive charging pipe, a boom mechanism carrying the explosive charging pipe, boom actuators for actuating the boom mechanism so that the explosive charging pipe is moved to a desired position, a control circuit for controlling the boom actuators and the explosive charging pipe.

Abstract: A barrier breaching device that is designed primarily for opening holes in interior walls of buildings uses detonating fuse for explosive force. The fuse acts as the ribs or spokes of an umbrella-like device that may be opened up to form a cone. The cone is placed against the wall so that detonating fuse that rings the base of the device and which is ignited by the spoke-like fuses serves to cut a circular hole in the wall.

Abstract: A booster container is used to hold a primary charge useful for detonating cap insensitive explosives, such as ammonium nitrate. The container includes a pair of cord tunnels which may be used in various combinations to detonate the primary charge with either an electric blasting cap or a detonating cord. The container is also useful for holding non-electric blasting caps and transfer tubes in place as the booster container is lowered into the bore hole.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an elongated support (22) having a series of flat-faced sections and explosive charges (23) mounted perpendicular to the flat faces. Detonating cords are connected to the charges to fire them.Each section of the support has two closely spaced attachment holes adapted to receive respectively the rear parts of the two charges mounted in opposite directions on each face of this section. The support is made up of a tube flattened transversely so as to form the flat-faced sections. Spacers are disposed between the charges and the support for casings of large diameter. The cases of the charges comprise a cover made of ceramic material and an extruded steel body which tends to flare out when the explosive is detonated rather than being broken into pieces.

Abstract: An explosive blasting method and apparatus for producing rock fragmentation and substantially reducing the amplitude of seismic effects (ground vibration) in the vicinity of the blast. An embodiment of the invention utilizes an air gap method and apparatus for superheating the air surrounding the charge in a borehole thereby significantly raising the pressure therein coupled with the use of multiple detonation points along the borehole for the reduction of burn time thereby substantially reducing the quantity of explosives used along with a marked reduction of seismic shock, sound and dust effects to the surrounding area.