Abstract: This description relates to a tamp for an explosive. The tamp is formed from heat-shrink material having its ends heat-shrunk closed holding a tamp substance therein. A length of heat-shrink material is provided. A first end of the heat-shrink material is heated-shrunk closed to create a bag shape. A tamp substance is inserted into the bag via a second end of the heat-shrink material. The second end of the heat-shrink material is heat-shrunk closed to create a tamp. The tamp is placed adjacent to an explosive. This description also relates to a sleeve for an explosive. The sleeve is formed from heat-shrink material. An explosive is placed in the sleeve. One or both ends of the sleeve may be heat-shrunk closed.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products are configured to package products using automated movement of components that fill, then clip bags in a manner that is particularly suitable for packaging blasting powder and/or explosives in shot bags.

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 explosives container comprising a flexible inner bag within a flexible outer bag, the outer bag comprising a first end and a second end and a booster compartment located on an external surface of the outer bag, adjacent the second end. An explosive composition can be located within the inner bag and, in use, the booster compartment contains an explosive booster and serves to maintain the explosive booster in close contact with the explosives composition. The explosives container further comprises an elongate sheath extending substantially between the first end and the second end of the outer bag and serving to house and protect a detonator cord from damage or dislodgement.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a method, device and/or system of deploying a payload. In some demonstrative embodiments, the system may include an invertible sleeve capable of being expanded in an inside-out manner, wherein first and second surfaces of the sleeve, which face outward and inward, respectively, when the sleeve is at an unexpanded state, face inward and outward, respectively, when the sleeve is at an expanded state; a payload conveyer to convey the payload, wherein the payload conveyer is detachably connectable to a first end of the sleeve; and a pressurizer to expand the sleeve by applying a pressure through a second end of the sleeve. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An explosives deployment bag includes a main body portion having a chamber for containing and carrying at least one flexible material. The bag further includes a hole disposed through the main body portion through which a flexible elongate material can be controllably pushed or pulled into or out of and attached to one or more initiator(s). The bag also includes enclosing means disposed at the top of the main body portion for selectively covering the top of the main body portion through which another end of the flexible elongate material can be attached to a blasting material. A cap covers the blasting material and the top of the main body portion. Protective siding selectively covers the initiator(s). A handle and label means are also provided with the bag.

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: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a method, device and/or system of deploying a payload. In some demonstrative embodiments, the system may include an invertible sleeve capable of being expanded in an inside-out manner, wherein first and second surfaces of the sleeve, which face outward and inward, respectively, when the sleeve is at an unexpanded state, face inward and outward, respectively, when the sleeve is at an expanded state; a payload conveyer to convey the payload, wherein the payload conveyer is detachably connectable to a first end of the sleeve; and a pressurizer to expand the sleeve by applying a pressure through a second end of the sleeve. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An explosive cartridge for generating an explosion in a blast hole, the explosive cartridge comprising a flexible casing for containing an explosive and a mechanism for expanding the casing in a first direction and for simultaneously contracting the casing in a second direction which differs from the first direction.

Abstract: An inflatable air tube includes a sleeve member arranged concentrically about the upper end portion of the air tube to define a receptacle chamber for receiving a quantity of bulk explosive blasting powder, thereby to add weight to the air tube for positioning and stabilizing the same in the bulk explosive powder during the depositing of the powder into a blasting hole drilled into the ground. According to the method of the present invention, a plurality of accurate blasting patterns may be provided in the blasting powder column by timing the manual or mechanical insertion of the air tubes into the bulk blasting powder relative to the rate of supply of the powder from a source thereof.

Abstract: A novel method and device for sealing a borehole that is filled either partially or completely with water. A water-permeable sleeve is capable of expanding to the diameter of the borehole, and is constructed of a material that will allow the passage of water in and out throughout its length, with a series of apertures, but will prevent an explosive charge from escaping. Once the sleeve is in place, a hose, to introduce the explosive charge, is lowered through the sleeve to bottom of the borehole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rock blasting method using air bladders embedded in explosives. The rock blasting method includes the step of drilling a plurality of loading holes into a rock to predetermined depths in a predetermined arrangement. Thereafter, the loading holes are loaded with a plurality of initial explosives, a plurality of primers and a plurality of explosives in such a way that one or more air bladders are inserted into each of the loading holes and surrounded by the explosives. Thereafter, the loading holes are stemmed with stemming materials in the portions of the loading holes situated over the explosives. The primers are detonated so that the initial explosives and explosives are blown up. Hence, the loading lengths of the explosives are increased in proportion to the lengths of the air bladders so that a projection area formed on the free face of the rock is increased.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a casing with an opened end for receiving a liquid and a holding end where the liquid is stored. Between the open end and the holding end there narrow neck. A ball is placed into the opened end of the casing, so that lodging the ball into the neck will seal the neck area so that the liquid contained within the holding area will remain in the holding area until the ball is dislodged upon impact. Attached to the opened end of the casing is a nozzle. The nozzle serves two purposes, first it assures that the liquid contained within the casing does not quickly run out of the device upon impact minimizing the spray area covered by the liquid. Additionally the nozzle contains a number of holes distributed throughout the surface of said nozzle, so that the passage of liquid through the nozzle will cause the device to flail erratically, further maximizing the area sprayed by the device.

Abstract: A method for setting and igniting a charge of explosives for geological investigations, comprising the following steps: a hole (14) is drilled in the ground (12) which is to be investigated; an explosion chamber (22) is hollowed out, whereby said explosion chamber has an expanded form in relation to the bore hole (14) at the end of said bore hole (14); an ignition element (34) and an explosive container (36) containing an explosive in a protective blister (54) surrounding the ignition element are lowered down into the explosion chamber (22); the explosive (42) is pressed out of the explosive container (36) into the explosive chamber (22) and the ignition element (34) is ignited In comparison with conventional methods, the inventive method provides for a considerably smaller diameter of bore hole, whereby said bore hole is substantially easier to drill.

Abstract: The invention of the present application provides a method of controlled blasting comprising dispersing an explosive (9) within a blasthole (1) to form a dispersed explosive having a lower average bulk density than said explosive (9) prior to dispersion and detonating said dispersed explosive. Typically the explosive (9) is dispersed in air, however the explosive (9) may be dispersed in other matrices such as other gases or liquids or in gases comprising particulate matter. The explosive (9) may be dispersed using a number of different techniques such as, using a discharge of pressurised fluid or by detonation of a small propellant charge or by falling under gravity in the blasthole. The invention of the present application is particularly useful where a reduced concentration of explosive energy is required such as in perimeter control, presplitting or soft rock conditions, can be controlled by a method which involves dispersion the explosives composition (9) within a blasthole prior to initiating the blast.

Abstract: A water-based apparatus for mitigating the gas pressure loading and associated damage and injuries from a fully or partially confined explosion. The water-based apparatus comprises a water-blanket which rests on each pallet of ordnance to mitigate the gas pressure loading from an inadvertent explosion of the ordnance. The water-blanket includes a pair of storage modules, each module comprising a plurality of water storage compartments that store a predetermined quantity of water which is dependent upon the type and quantity of explosive in the ordnance on the pallet. The storage modules are joined by a zipper which allows the modules to be separated for ease in transport.

Abstract: A rock blasting method is provided in which a series of aligned boreholes are charged with explosives and air tubes in a predetermined pattern. The air tube is a cylindrical flexible tube having a predetermined width and length to be fitted with the borehole. In one preferred form, each borehole is charged with the explosives and detonator with one air tube installed above the explosives. Stemming materials are installed above the air tube. For example, in a 45-millimeter diameter and 2.5-meter long borehole, the length of explosive charging is 0.8 meters, the co-operating charge weight was 0.648 Kg, the total amount of explosive 3.24 Kg, the length of the air tube 1.0 meter, the diameter of air tube 40 millimeters, and the length of stemming 0.7 meters. The explosives and air tube may be alternately charged along the borehole. The use of air tubes, charged above at least one explosive layer allows a quantitative air decking in every blasthole.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for artificially triggering an avalanche. The invention process includes a first step of filling at least one flexible envelope with an explosive fluid and a second step of triggering an explosion of the aforesaid fluid within each envelope, each envelope being destroyed by the explosion of the fluid. The destruction of the envelope allows for propagation of an aerial spherical overpressure wave which will affect an optimal area of the blanket of snow to be removed and will shake the aforesaid area and trigger an avalanche. The invention also involves a device for applying this process, the aforesaid device including at least one envelope to contain the explosive fluid, and means to trigger the explosion of this fluid within each envelope.

Abstract: A packaged product has an explosive article packaged in a film. Although the film can comprise any one or more of a wide variety of polymers, the film is non-crosslaminated and is sealed to itself, and has a total free shrink at 185° F. of less than about 5 percent. The explosive article preferably comprises a flowable explosive composition. Preferably the film is lap-sealed along its length and clipped at the ends, with the package being in the form of a chub. The relatively low total free shrink at 185° F. enables the film to be used in a vertical-form-fill-and-seal packaging process in which a lap-seal is formed using a hot-melt adhesive composition. The relatively low free shrink of the film allows the film to be sealed using a hot melt type adhesive, without the film shrinking back to such an extent that the resulting seal is defective.

Abstract: An explosion-suppressing structure comprises an explosion-suppressing barrier, such as a wall of liquid-filled tanks or blocks, and rupturable explosion-suppressing roof members 23 such as hollow rigid bodies containing liquid-filled bags 24 and supporting further bags 25. In an alternative embodiment, the roof member comprises a net stretched over the barrier.

Abstract: A water-based apparatus for mitigating the gas pressure loading and associated damage and injuries from a fully or partially confined explosion. The water-based apparatus comprises a water-blanket which rests on each pallet of ordnance to mitigate the gas pressure loading from an inadvertent explosion of the ordnance. The water-blanket includes a pair of storage modules, each module comprising a plurality of water storage compartments that store a predetermined quantity of water which is dependent upon the type and quantity of explosive in the ordnance on the pallet. The storage modules are joined by a zipper which allows the modules to be separated for ease in transport.

Abstract: A spontaneous firing explosive composition for use in a gas generator for an airbag containing a fuel, an oxidizer, a combustion modifier, and a binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: The present invention includes a small diameter explosive cartridge and a two-stage large diameter explosive cartridge apparatus for presplitting rock can be axially detonated by detonating cord through a central detonation passageway in the explosive cartridge while keeping the detonating cord and the explosive material in the explosive cartridge physically separate. The explosive cartridge includes an outer tube and an inner tube inside of the outer tube. The explosive cartridge includes two or more continuous webs extending radially between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube. For the small diameter explosive cartridge, the space between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube is filled with high explosive material such as water gel or emulsion explosive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment. The autoignition compositions of the invention include a mixture of an oxidizer composition and a powdered metal, wherein the oxidizer composition includes at least one of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal nitrate, a complex salt nitrate, such as Ce(NH.sub.4).sub.2 (NO.sub.3).sub.6 or ZrO(NO.sub.3).sub.2, a dried, hydrated nitrate, such as Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2 .multidot.4H.sub.2 O or Cu(NO.sub.3).sub.2 .multidot.2.5H.sub.2 O, silver nitrate, an alkali or alkaline earth chlorate, an alkali or alkaline earth metal perchlorate, ammonium perchlorate, a nitrite of sodium, potassium, or silver, or a solid organic nitrate, nitrite, or amine, such as guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine and 5-aminotetrazole, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to oil resistant signal tube, in particular, to initiating explosives or explosives accessories which comprise signal tube. The signal tube of the invention has a sub-tube comprising polyethylene and an outer jacket comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane resin of the polyester type.

Abstract: A stemming agent is provided comprising: A) a neutralized acrylic acid polymer; B) a neutralized mixture of sodium silicate and a silicon oxide-containing material such as sand, clay, stones, volcanic ash, or the like; or C) a mixture of materials A) and B). The stemming agents produced are low cost, easily made, and preferably are free of nitrate salts. Accordingly, the use of these preferred stemming agents eliminates the contamination of ground water by nitrate salts. The stemming agents of the invention may be used in either bulk-delivered or packaged applications.

Abstract: A gas-generating module for an airbag utilized in motor vehicles, which includes a gas-generating composition and an igniting composition arranged within a container. The gas-generating composition is presently in the shape of a foil-like layer or coating, or alternatively consists of a granulate, and is constituted from components which are a mixture of a composition which is based on a metal azide and an oxidizing agent; a first binder for the granulation of the composition; a second elastic binder and a rapidly combusting igniting mixture whereby the elastic foil layer is arranged in a casing which is pressure-resistant up to a specified degree and which consists of a relatively gas-tight fabric.

Abstract: A light weight explosive mass for a spherical charge of high explosives used to simulate nuclear bursts at ground or above ground level or underwater wherein the sphericity of the loaded explosive mass must be maintained within tight tolerance, exemplary of which are particulate ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) explosive and liquid nitromethane explosive, contained in a flexible fabric shell that becomes spheroidal by reason of being filled with the explosive, is disclosed.

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: There is disclosed, according to the present invention, an apparatus and method for loading explosives exhibiting little water resistance into water filled blast holes without contamination of the explosives by water. A pressure charger vessel, capable of being filled with bulk explosives of low density and low water resistance, such as ammonium nitrate fuel oil, is connected to a flexible plastic sleeve. A pneumatic plug fixedly connects the lower portion of the pressure charger vessel to the plastic sleeve. The plastic sleeve is lowered into a blast hole by means of a weight. Compressed air is then introduced into the pressure charge vessel and a valve means located between the sleeve and the pressure charger vessel is opened, permitting pressurized ammonium nitrate fuel oil to be pushed downwardly into the flexible plastic sleeve. Projections and recesses on the outer surface of the plastic sleeve facilitate the expulsion of water from the blast hole.

Abstract: An explosive stemming device for dispensing granular material into a boree containing an explosive charge therein is disclosed as including a cylindrical member having a flexible sleeve-like liner adapted to conform to the interior thereof when filled with granular material. One end of the liner is turned around an end of the cylindrical member and secured thereto while the other end of the liner is fixed to a centrally positioned pipe whereby extracting of the member containing granular material from the borehole causes everting or turning inside out of the liner and dispensing of the material in the borehole.

Abstract: A rapid burning propellant charge for applications including igniters, launch eject motor, and gas generators for automobile air bags. The propellant charge comprises a reticulated substrate having a quantity of interconnected ligaments and a coating of solid propellant material on the ligaments. In order to provide a large amount of surface area for a fast burn time, interstices are between coated ligaments to define propellant surface area for combustion. In applications where minimum smoke is desired, the reticulated substrate is preferably composed of carbon, graphite, or a non-combustible material, and the solid propellant material is preferably a minimum smoke type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for forming an explosive and more particularly to a system that is portable, self-contained and is capable of mixing essentially non-explosive ingredients from separate containers or separate compartments within a container to form an explosive. The system is particularly adaptable for military or tactical applications.

Abstract: An improved plastic film cartridge for flowable explosives is provided. The cartridge comprises a recessed or indented end configuration which recess can be enlarged to provide a locating and retaining pocket for a blasting cap without any penetration of the cartridge film wall. The recess is maintained by means of an internal, elastic cord or strip attached between the sealed ends of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method for producing a high yield explosion without radioactive fallout comprising filling an expendible structure with an explosive mixture of a combustible gas (e.g. methane) and an oxidizer gas (e.g. oxygen) and then detonating said mixture.

Abstract: An improved plastic film cartridge for flowable explosives is provided. The cartridge comprises a recessed or indented end configuration which recess can be enlarged to provide a locating and retaining pocket for a blasting cap without any penetration of the cartridge film wall. The recess is maintained by means of an internal, elastic cord or strip attached between the sealed ends of the cartridge.

Abstract: An inflatable wand for positioning within an upward oriented, mining borehole and near a lower collar opening thereof wherein the wand provides a conduit for introducing and retaining liquid explosive materials within the borehole. The wand includes a flexible tube with longitudinally oriented reinforcing fibers embedded in an elastic composition such as rubber. The tube is constructed to permit radial elongation in response to a force arising within the tube and directed radially outward, but to restrain against axial elongation during use. Such radial elongation arises because of back pressure developed by the flowing explosive as it is impeded at a valve outlet at the distal end of the wand. Enlargement of the wand seals the opening of the borehole without destruction of the elastic material on sharp points and edges of the borehole collar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packaged explosives and methods of manufacture thereof and more particularly to packaged emulsion explosives. The term "emulsion" as hereafter used shall mean an oil-continuous emulsion having a continuous organic fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidizer solution phase dispersed as fine droplets throughout the fuel phase. The term "explosive" shall mean a detonable composition which can be either cap-sensitive or noncap-sensitive, as desired. The term "packaged" shall refer to cylindrical tubes or sticks of emulsion explosive of any desired length and having a diameter of generally four (4) inches or less, although larger diameter products also can be made by the methods described herein.

Abstract: A package for blasting agents including an outer bag of a first diameter formed of a multilayer rupturable paper material and an inner waterproof bag of a second diameter larger than the diameter of the outer bag such that, upon being dropped into a blast hole, the outer bag ruptures allowing the inner bag to expand to the full cross section of the hole without tamping while maintaining the blasting agent in a waterproof condition.

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 method and apparatus for delivering an explosive to the bottom of a borehole containing water without allowing a detrimental amount of mixing between the explosive and the water. More particularly, the present invention allows an ammonium nitrate rich bulk explosive to be placed in a borehole without allowing the explosive composition to change significantly through dissolution of its constituents. The apparatus of the present invention includes a length of collapsible tubing having a plurality of apertures near its base and a weight attached to its base. The tubing is then lowered into a borehole. The weight causes the tubing to extend through any water layer within the borehole and the collapsible nature of the tubing serves to keep any significant amount of water from entering the tube. An explosive can then be flowed into the mouth of the tubing and down through the length of the tubing to the bottom of the borehole.

Abstract: A method of charging upwardly extending, large diameter boreholes with cylindrical explosive cartridges is provided employing a longitudinally inflating flexible tube as the pushing mechanism. A fluid-impervious flexible tube is turned over or everted at one end and secured. A fluid, preferably air, at about 3 psi is passed into the tube causing the tube to elongate and the everted tube face to travel along the length of a borehole. An explosive cartridge mounted against the tube face is carried to a desired location in the borehole after which the tube is partly deflated and withdrawn from the borehole.

Abstract: A method of reducing a highwall or sharp cliff like exposure at a mining site to gradable rubble for the purpose of reclamation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing a series of non-directional explosive charges at specific preselected locations on the floor of cavities created by mining, such cavities being auger holes, longwall mine areas or the like. The charges are then detonated within the cavities to create rubble. Preferably, each cavity is sealed proximate its opening on the highwall with stemming to maintain pressure within the associated cavity during the blast and to alternate the expulsion of air blast emissions. The charges are detonated to attenuate the horizontal force vectors, and to enhance the vertical force vectors such that the major effect of the blasts is exerted on the overburden to assure breakage. An improved charge for carrying out the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An impact resistant bag structure is made of a continuously woven fabric wherein the circumferential yarns and longitudinal yarns have a toughness ratio of between about 4.0/1.0 and 1.67/1.0. The bag structure is particularly useful in explosive bag applications.

Abstract: An explosive or stemming package is provided which is self-retaining in vertical or inclined up-holes in stable rock. The package containing a flowable material, for example, slurry explosives, consists of a thin-walled cylindrical bag having at least one longitudinal, external pleat held closed by means of an adhered overcovering or tape. With the package held in position in the up-hole by a push rod, the tape is severed by means of a rip cord allowing the pleat to open. The slumping contents press the package closely against the borehole wall for secure retention without additional support. Improved coupling of the explosive charge to the rock is also provided giving enhanced blasting efficiency.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film package containing a blasting explosive is provided having utility in secondary blasting operations. The package comprises superimposed film panels joined along their periphery to form a bag and having closeable neck-like openings at opposite ends of the bag. The package lends itself to fabrication from flat film or sheet by heat-sealing techniques and may be filled with explosives on continuous packaging apparatus.

Abstract: A bag for explosives is provided that includes an inner liner of plastic material that has a quantity of granular explosive material therein, and wherein a woven outer member has the liner arranged therein, girdle sleeve portions on the lower end of the bag, and wherein the upper and lower end(s) of the bag are closed.

Abstract: A chub cartridge has a tubular chamber containing a water-bearing blasting agent, and a longitudinal tunnel adjacent to the tubular chamber and integral therewith. Preferably, the tunnel is full-length and continuous and has holes for threading a detonating cord therethrough and for holding a cord firmly against the tubular chamber for the cord-priming of the cartridges. In primer assemblies, the tunnel also can be used to hold a cap/booster in place, and for lacing cap wires or a low-energy detonating cord. A preferred cartridge is made continuously in a series by wrapping a web of film having a row of holes along one edge so as to form a tube and an outer flap containing the holes, and sealing the tube and the flap so as to form a tunnel containing the holes in its outer portion, the wrapping being performed so that either the inner or outer portion of the tunnel is circumferentially longer than the other.

Abstract: A fuel-air explosive apparatus comprising a standard plastic beverage bot, a plastic burster tube, a conventional detonator, a detonating cord, Teflon.RTM. tape and a liquid fuel. All of the components of the fuel-air explosive apparatus are readily available, standard materials.