Terrain Clearance Patents (Class 102/302)
  • Patent number: 11752377
    Abstract: A fire suppression device may be launched from a hand-held, stand alone, or object- or vehicle-mounted device. The fire suppression device may be propelled by a first accelerant ejected out of a proximal end of the fire suppression device. The fire suppression device may be ruptured by a second accelerant after a predetermined amount of time. A fire suppressant may be dispersed on a fire when the fire suppression device is ruptured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventor: Syler A. Colaco
  • Patent number: 11719516
    Abstract: Liners (150), fittings (11-22), and spacers (23-25) are provided to assemble the jet (170) units, which work as explosives (110) and detonators (120) to form stand-off distance and air-deck (140) space. The liners (150) release jets (170) and the fittings (11-22) and spacers (23-25) are designed to attach the liner (150) firmly to the explosives (110), inducing the cavity effect. The objective of the present invention is to provide a blasting method using a jet (170) unit to overcome the limits of sympathetic detonation, applying a mechanism that is ideal according to the analysis of observations in blast-hole (100) blasting. The application of jet (170) units for jet (170) detonation in blast-hole (100) blasting overcomes the performance limits of explosives (110) manufacturing and the conceptual limits of detonators (120) functionalities and improves the channel effect, dead pressing, loss of power, and stopping of detonation etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventor: Moon-Jong Kwon
  • Patent number: 11493937
    Abstract: A takeoff and landing control method of a multimodal air-ground amphibious vehicle includes: receiving dynamic parameters of the multimodal air-ground amphibious vehicle; processing the dynamic parameters by a coupled dynamic model of the multimodal air-ground amphibious vehicle to obtain dynamic control parameters of the multimodal air-ground amphibious vehicle, wherein the coupled dynamic model of the multimodal air-ground amphibious vehicle comprises a motion equation of the multimodal air-ground amphibious vehicle in a touchdown state; and the motion equation of the multimodal air-ground amphibious vehicle in a touchdown state is determined by a two-degree-of-freedom suspension dynamic equation and a six-degree-of-freedom motion equation of the multimodal air-ground amphibious vehicle in the touchdown state; and controlling takeoff and landing of the multimodal air-ground amphibious vehicle according to the dynamic control parameters of the multimodal air-ground amphibious vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xinyu Zhang, Jun Li, Qifan Tan, Jianxi Luo, Huaping Liu, Kangyao Huang, Xingang Wu
  • Patent number: 11231254
    Abstract: A system for defeating a threat unmanned aerial vehicle. The system includes a friendly unmanned aerial vehicle, a capturing device configured to be suspended from the friendly unmanned aerial vehicle for arresting a threat unmanned aerial vehicle, and one or more load-limited release mechanisms for removably suspending a releasable portion of the capturing device from the friendly unmanned aerial vehicle. In certain embodiments, the load-limited release mechanisms are configured to release the entirety of the capturing device from the friendly unmanned aerial vehicle upon capture of the threat unmanned aerial vehicle. In other embodiments, the load limited release mechanisms are configured to release only a peripheral portion of the capturing device to reposition a captured unmanned aerial vehicle to a central portion of the capturing device for carrying the captured vehicle to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Hunter I. Stephens, Stephen M. Cunningham, Andrew J. Lichtsinn, Travis M. Edwards, Michael L. Anderson, Cory A. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11033766
    Abstract: A fire suppression device may be launched from a hand-held, stand alone, or object- or vehicle-mounted device. The fire suppression device may be propelled by a first accelerant ejected out of a proximal end of the fire suppression device. The fire suppression device may be ruptured by a second accelerant after a predetermined amount of time. A fire suppressant may be dispersed on a fire when the fire suppression device is ruptured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Syler A. Colaco
  • Patent number: 10858923
    Abstract: The embodiments herein relate generally to subterranean formation operations and, more particularly, to enhancing complex fracture networks in subterranean formations by maximizing the exposed surface area to enable increased production rates. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to increasing fracture network complexity and thus enhancing production within a subterranean formation using a plurality of fluid stages and a combination with liquid or solid electrically controlled propellants (ECPs), various electroconductive particulate sizes (EPs), and a source of electrical voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10259705
    Abstract: A packaged fuel unit and a refillable hydrogen generator that uses the fuel unit to produce hydrogen gas are disclosed. The fuel unit includes a reactant that can undergo a thermal decomposition reaction that produces hydrogen gas when heated to at least a minimum initiation temperature. The reactant is contained within a package that includes a poor thermal conductor with one or more thermal conductor sections for conducting heat from outside the package to the reactant. The hydrogen generator includes a holder with a cavity in which the fuel unit can be removably disposed and a heating system for heating the fuel unit when disposed therein. The hydrogen generator can be part of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell battery that is provided with hydrogen gas from the hydrogen generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Langan, Chad E. Law, Jason L. Stimits, Mark D. Vandayburg, Gerald A. Zsigo, Thomas J. Kmetich, Craig R. Huddleston, Paul D. Griffith, Jr., Andrew Jasin
  • Patent number: 10213813
    Abstract: A method and cleaning device for removing deposits from interiors of receptacles and installations by way of explosion technology. The cleaning device includes a cleaning apparatus with a receiving space, and at least one pressure container that is connected via at least one metering fitting to the cleaning apparatus. The controlled introduction of the at least one gaseous component into the cleaning apparatus is effected according to the principle of the differential pressure between a maximal pressure at the beginning of the introduction and a nominal residual pressure after completion of the introduction. For this, based on a maximal pressure, the nominal residual pressure in the pressure container is ascertained on the basis of the quantity of gaseous component to be introduced, and the introduction of the at least one gaseous component is stopped on reaching the nominal residual pressure, which thereby lies in the overpressure range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: BANG & CLEAN GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Bürgin, Rainer Flury
  • Patent number: 10145699
    Abstract: A forest fire real-time escape route planning system may include a processor that receives real-time Geographical Information System data. The system may include a firefighter endurance and route-planning model for determining, based on data received by the processor, one or more firefighter evacuation routes to one or more safe areas. The model may determine a rating for each evacuation route based on a degree of risk. The model may predict a rate of fire progression based on fire fuel proximate the fire. They system may include a transmitting device for communicating the one or more firefighter evacuation routes along with the rating for each evacuation route to a mobile device. The mobile device may be configured to display the one or more firefighter evacuation routes overlaid on a map depicting a current location of a firefighter relative to the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charles Briggs Spinelli, Alan Eugene Bruce, Daniel Dale Fuller, Michael Vincent Sahag
  • Patent number: 9751090
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a precipitator having a hopper defining an interior space and a drain valve is provided. The method includes inserting an explosive device into the interior space defined within the hopper via the drain valve, while the precipitator remains on-line. The method also includes detonating the explosive device to cause particulate matter contained therein to loosen for removal through the drain valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventors: Brian P. Warren, Philip F. Warren, Larry R. Massie
  • Patent number: 9636717
    Abstract: A cleaning device for removing deposits in receptacles by way of blasting technology includes a cleaning lance with a grip-side and with a cleaning-side end section, on which a flexible container envelope forming a receiving space can be attached. The cleaning lance includes a feed tube with a container connection device that is arranged on the cleaning-side end section and is for feeding the explosive mixture or its starting components, to the container envelope, as well as a protective tube with a receiving space for a container envelope for the propose of shielding the container envelope to the outside. The protective tube is displaceably arranged along the longitudinal axis of the cleaning lance relative to the feed tube from a first position, in which the container envelope is shielded by the protective tube, into a second position in which the container envelope projects out through the protective tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: BANG & CLEAN GMBH
    Inventors: Rainer Flury, Markus Bürgin
  • Patent number: 9243879
    Abstract: A method of blasting rock at an underground blast site in which boreholes (11a, b, c) are drilled in a rock mass (10) from a drive defining face (12), each borehole is loaded with at least one charge of explosive material (13a-c, 14a-c, 15a-c), at least one detonator is placed in operative association with each charge, and a sequence of at least two initiation events is conducted to blast the rock mass, in each of which only some of the charges are initiated, by sending firing signals to only the detonators associated with said charges and in which each initiation event is a discrete user-controlled initiation event. In one of the at least two initiation events a stranded portion of the rock mass such as a pillar is created that has already been drilled and charged, and the stranded portion of the rock mass is blasted in a subsequent one or more of the at least two initiation events without personnel accessing said stranded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD
    Inventors: Stuart Patrick Thomson, Sean Michael Freeman
  • Patent number: 8960092
    Abstract: Device for setting off an avalanche, comprising a support intended to be fixed to the mounting side, for example on a concrete slab, and an enclosure one end of which is open, this enclosure being mounted on the support, said open end of the enclosure being intended to face towards the snow cap. The device further comprises means of filling the enclosure with an explosive gaseous mixture, firing means designed to set off the explosion of the said mixture and a remote-communication system. The enclosure is mounted removably on the support, by fitting its lower face, intended to receive the gaseous mixture, onto a bearing piece of the support, and the enclosure is autonomous in terms of energy supply and carries means of storing the gases that are intended to form the gaseous mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Technologie Alpine de Securite-TAS
    Inventors: Bruno Farizy, Jean-Marc Neuville, Philippe Berthet-Rambaud, Pascal Roux
  • Patent number: 8904939
    Abstract: Said device comprises a tube (1), one closed end of which is mounted onto a holder (5), for example a concrete mass (6), that is itself attached to a mountainside (7). The other open end (2) of said tube is rotated toward the snow cover (3). The device also comprises a means (8) for filling the tube (1) with an explosive gas mixture and moreover comprises a priming means that induces the explosion of said mixture. Said device is characterized in that it comprises at least two beams (9) that, each being attached by one of the ends thereof to the holder (5), extends along the tube (1) parallel thereto so as to ensure the holding thereof while forming a means for absorbing the movement of the tube (1) following the gas mixture explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Technologie Alpine de Securite—TAS
    Inventors: Stephane Constant, Philippe Berthet-Rambaud, Pascal Roux
  • Patent number: 8538698
    Abstract: Methods for evaluating drill pattern parameters such as burden, spacing, borehole diameter, etc., at a blast site are disclosed. One method involves accumulating the burden contributed by successive layers of rock and matching the accumulated rock burden to a target value for a borehole having a length related to the average height of the layers. Another method relates to varying drill pattern parameters and characteristics to match blast design constraints, including the substitution of one explosive material for another by the proper balance of materials and/or output energies to the associated rock burden. Analysis of deviations from target rock burdens and corrective measures are disclosed, as well as cost optimization methods. The various methods can be practiced using an appropriately programmed general purpose computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Live Oak Ministries
    Inventor: Jay Howard Heck, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20130133543
    Abstract: Device for setting off an avalanche, comprising a support intended to be fixed to the mounting side, for example on a concrete slab, and an enclosure one end of which is open, this enclosure being mounted on the support, said open end of the enclosure being intended to face towards the snow cap. The device further comprises means of filling the enclosure with an explosive gaseous mixture, firing means designed to set off the explosion of the said mixture and a remote-communication system. The enclosure is mounted removably on the support, by fitting its lower face, intended to receive the gaseous mixture, onto a bearing piece of the support, and the enclosure is autonomous in terms of energy supply and carries means of storing the gases that are intended to form the gaseous mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGIE ALPINE DE SECURITE -TAS
    Inventors: Bruno Farizy, Jean-Marc Neuville, Philippe Berthet-Rambaud, Pascal Roux
  • Patent number: 8430032
    Abstract: The invention relates to an avalanche triggering device comprising at least one enclosure (4) for confining an explosive gas mixture, having a downward-facing opening and being equipped with gas supply means (15, 16) designed to at least partly fill the volume defined by the enclosure (4) with the explosive gas mixture at a density less than that of the air, the device also comprising means (14) for igniting this mixture; which device is characterized in that the enclosure (4) is in the general shape of a bell or frustoconical shape with an approximately vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Technologie Alpine de Securite-Tas
    Inventors: Bruno Farizy, Louis Noel, Stephane Constant, Jean-Marc Neuville, Pascal Roux, Philippe Berthet-Rambaud
  • Patent number: 8393393
    Abstract: A method of mitigating perforating effects produced by well perforating can include causing a shock model to predict perforating effects for a proposed perforating string, optimizing a compliance curve of at least one proposed coupler, thereby mitigating the perforating effects for the proposed perforating string, and providing at least one actual coupler having substantially the same compliance curve as the proposed coupler. A well system can comprise a perforating string including at least one perforating gun and multiple couplers, each of the couplers having a compliance curve, and at least two of the compliance curves being different from each other. A method of mitigating perforating effects produced by well perforating can include interconnecting multiple couplers spaced apart in a perforating string, each of the couplers having a compliance curve, and selecting the compliance curves based on predictions by a shock model of shock generated by the perforating string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Rodgers, Marco Serra, Timothy S. Glenn, John D. Burleson
  • Patent number: 8342096
    Abstract: The invention relates to an avalanche triggering system comprising a frame (4) fitted with means of attachment (5) for transporting the system, especially by helicopter with the aid of a cable (3), the frame (4) comprising, at the top, a storage area (6) for at least one gas container (7) designed to form an explosive mixture and, at the bottom, a holding system (8) for holding a plurality of balloons (9), each having an inflation sleeve and each being separated from the others, means (7, 13, 14) for conveying the explosive mixture to the inflation sleeve of a balloon (9), an injection nozzle (12), and means for igniting the explosive mixture, the balloon holding system (8) being mounted movably on the frame (4) to bring the inflation sleeve of each balloon (9) in succession up to the injection nozzle (12) and to the ignition means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Technologie Alpine de Securite-Tas
    Inventor: Werner Greipl
  • Publication number: 20120318159
    Abstract: Said device comprises a tube (1), one closed end of which is mounted onto a holder (5), for example a concrete mass (6), that is itself attached to a mountainside (7). The other open end (2) of said tube is rotated toward the snow cover (3). The device also comprises a means (8) for filling the tube (1) with an explosive gas mixture and moreover comprises a priming means that induces the explosion of said mixture. Said device is characterized in that it comprises at least two beams (9) that, each being attached by one of the ends thereof to the holder (5), extends along the tube (1) parallel thereto so as to ensure the holding thereof while forming a means for absorbing the movement of the tube (1) following the gas mixture explosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGIE ALPINE DE SECURITE-TAS
    Inventors: Stephane Constant, Philippe Berthet-Rambaud, Pascal Roux
  • Patent number: 8316768
    Abstract: An elongate, flexible, incendiary device for producing a nearly instantaneous source of flaming combustion along a linear pathway of indeterminate length. The incendiary device is provided in the form of a solid, continuous strand, such as, for example, a ribbon, tape, cord, filament, rope or tube. The device is comprised of means for rapid ignition along the longitudinal axis of the strand in co-linear arrangement with a solid or semi-solid combustible fuel composition. Upon ignition, the device produces flames from its exterior surface for a duration of time suitable for igniting nearby combustible matter. The incendiary device provides a nearly instantaneous line of fire for igniting prescribed fires, controlled burns, and backfires. A method for igniting vegetative matter over an area of land using one or more indeterminate lengths of a rapidly igniting linear incendiary strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Reistroffer
  • Patent number: 8230789
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating nanophase elemental materials and metastable interstitial composite materials into projectiles, projectile fragments, ordnance casings, warheads and structural components. The projectile, fragments and casings include an elemental material capable of oxidizing. A coating material that is capable of preventing oxidation of the elemental material and an oxidizing agent may be present and be capable of reacting with the elemental material so that a self-propagating high temperature synthesis reaction from a stabilized solid material is yielded for the purpose of rendering terminal effects or thermal impact to a target at impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nowtec Services Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Williams, Michael Joseph Maston
  • Patent number: 8099240
    Abstract: Methods for evaluating drill pattern parameters such as burden, spacing, borehole diameter, etc., at a blast site are disclosed. One method involves accumulating the burden contributed by successive layers of rock and matching the accumulated rock burden to a target value for a borehole having a length related to the average height of the layers. Another method relates to varying drill pattern parameters and characteristics to match blast design constraints, including the substitution of one explosive material for another by the proper balance of materials and/or output energies to the associated rock burden. Analysis of deviations from target rock burdens and corrective measures are disclosed, as well as cost optimization methods. The various methods can be practiced using an appropriately programmed general purpose computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Live Oak Ministries
    Inventor: Jay Howard Heck, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8001879
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating nanophase elemental materials and metastable interstitial composite materials into projectiles, projectile fragments, ordnance casings, warheads and structural components. The projectile, fragments and casings include an elemental material capable of oxidizing. A coating material that is capable of preventing oxidation of the elemental material and an oxidizing agent may be present and be capable of reacting with the elemental material so that a self-propagating high temperature synthesis reaction from a stabilized solid material is yielded for the purpose of rendering terminal effects or thermal impact to a target at impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Newtec Services Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Williams, Michael Joseph Maston
  • Patent number: 7886666
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating nanophase elemental materials and metastable interstitial composite materials into projectiles, projectile fragments, ordnance casings, warheads and structural components. The projectile, fragments and casings include an elemental material capable of oxidizing. A coating material that is capable of preventing oxidation of the elemental material and an oxidizing agent may be present and be capable of reacting with the elemental material so that a self-propagating high temperature synthesis reaction from a stabilized solid material is yielded for the purpose of rendering terminal effects or thermal impact to a target at impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Newtec Services Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Williams, Michael Joseph Maston
  • Patent number: 7886647
    Abstract: A synchronously timed fused is installed into ordnance the ordnance is delivered to a target area, in a shaped charge formation and a simultaneous explosion event occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Craig L Holloway
  • Patent number: 7707938
    Abstract: At least two gases combine to form a detonable mixture that is detonated near an avalanche start zone. Each gas is separately supplied at a pressure above ambient pressure so that the pressure differential drives the gases through a mixer and to deploy as a detonable cloud in open air near the start zone. An igniter is located in communication with the detonable cloud near its discharge point from the mixer so that the igniter will be in communication with the cloud near the end of a predictable time interval. A controller releases the gases to initiate the mixing and deployment of the gas cloud and measures the interval. At the end of the predictable time interval, the controller fires the igniter to detonate the explosive gas mixture in open air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Stanley D. Hisel
  • Publication number: 20090241794
    Abstract: A noise generating device (1) for scaring away animals such as birds over a large area or initiating avalanches. The device includes an enclosed combustion chamber (2) having a single exit opening (3) and two inlet valves (9), an element for introducing a combustible material such as acetylene gas, an ignition element, an inner barrel (6) extending away from the exit opening (3) and an outer barrel (8) extending away the exit opening (3) and surrounding the inner barrel (6). The outer barrel (8) extends beyond the inner barrel (6) and extends outwards to form an inverted cone. Once combustion has started, rapidly expanding gases are forced through the exit (3) and as the gases move between the inner barrel and the outer barrel an audible noise/shock wave is generated. The device can be used by orchardist, market gardeners, grape growers, and in the fishing and aeronautics industries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Eggers
  • Patent number: 7395760
    Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility (31) such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives (101) to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: NorthAmerican Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Zilka, Timothy Zilka, Kurt Prouty, Donald Howard
  • Publication number: 20080148926
    Abstract: A payload is housed in a deliverable body of a device, such as in a projectile, and this device is delivered as close as possible to a target. At the landing point, a drive system of the body is activated to take the payload directly to the target. The target is described by target coordinates, for example, which are programmed into the device before it is launched. The device itself can be steered or unsteered. The drive system installed on the body or formed by the body is variable and should occupy a minimum of space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Hermann Grosch, Lutz Broll
  • Patent number: 7210537
    Abstract: A forest fire is brought under control and extinguished through the use of ordnance to create a fire break. The fire break location is chosen along a front in the direction of travel of the fire. Ordnance is used to quickly knock down trees and other potential fuel for the fire. The fuel is then removed from the fire break. A back burn is optionally used to further create a fire break. The back burn is ignited using ordnance. Mop-up operations make use of ordnance to expose and disperse smoldering fuels by exploding hot spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Steven D. McNeil
  • Patent number: 6755156
    Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility (31) such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives (101) to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: NorthAmerican Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Zilka, Timothy Zilka, Kurt Prouty, Donald Howard, Christopher Scaringe, William Youngs
  • Publication number: 20040107858
    Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility (31) such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives (101) to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: NORTHAMERICAN INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Francis Zilka, Timothy Zilka, Kurt Prouty, Donald Howard
  • Patent number: 6679175
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge that includes a number of advantageous features. For example, the cartridge can include a bulk energetic material, an igniter located in a central portion of the cartridge body, and a low void space in the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Rocktek Limited
    Inventor: Mihailo Gavrilovic
  • Patent number: 6655290
    Abstract: A blasting mat assembly comprising a steel plate member having thickness capable of bearing a blasting pressure of explosives inputted to blasting hole; an elastic member which is fixedly attached along a bottom edge of the steel plate member for isolating blasting noise, blasting gas and flying material. Explosives inputted into each blasting hole of blasting region are discharged; and a weight reinforcing member which is welded to a top surface of the steel plate member in a structure of a grid frame made of steel beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Yong-So Cho
  • Patent number: 6644201
    Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: NorthAmerican Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Zilka, Timothy Zilka, Kurt Prouty, Donald Howard, Christopher Scaringe, William Youngs
  • Patent number: 6622631
    Abstract: A blasting mat assembly comprising a steel plate member having thickness capable of bearing a blasting pressure of explosives inputted to blasting hole; an elastic member which is fixedly attached along a bottom edge of the steel plate member for isolating blasting noise, blasting gas and flying material. Explosives inputted into each blasting hole of blasting region are discharged; and a weight reinforcing member which is welded to a top surface of the steel plate member in a structure of a grid frame made of steel beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Yong-So Cho
  • Patent number: 6623212
    Abstract: A cut-off element for concrete structures is formed by a plastic material flask having a flat-closed base and a tapering side envelope forming an acute angle with the base, said angle being between 25° and 60° for generating expansion forces so as to provoke a fracture of the concrete part along the cut-off zone defined by the base, and a lifting movement with slight amplitude of the concrete block after cut-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventors: Dominique Fonfrede, Edmond Compassi
  • Patent number: 6604468
    Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility (31) such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives (101) to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: North American Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Zilka, Timothy Zilka, Kurt Prouty, Donald Howard
  • Patent number: 6584908
    Abstract: A disrupter has a plastic box 1 with three semi-cylindrical plastic formers 2 each with a bag 4 containing water. Sheet explosive 13 is applied to the back of the formers. Bags 4 may be filed with materials other than water, for example decontaminent e.g. sodium hypochlorite. The formers may be replaced by a single former with three recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Sidney Christopher Alford
  • Publication number: 20030116100
    Abstract: A shotgun sound simulating device comprises an elongate tube having a hollow interior, an open end at one end of the tube, an ignitable mixture arranged to be injected into the tube, a baffle within the tube and an ignition device arranged to ignite the ignitable mixture. Ignition of the ignitable mixture with the tube creates a sound effect to simulate a sound created by the firing of a shotgun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Bernard TedFord Cullen
  • Patent number: 6530325
    Abstract: A method of breaking up a structure for the recovery of steel as scrap. The structure has steel plates forming a compartment secured to framing in the compartment. The method includes at least partially filling the compartment with a substantially incompressible substance and placing explosive in the substance in the compartment. The explosive is sufficient and adapted on detonation thereof to pressurize the compartment to the extent of causing separation of the plates from the framing. The method further includes detonating the explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Shapiro Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Shapiro, Paul Worsey
  • Publication number: 20020178957
    Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility (31) such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives (101) to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: NorthAmerican Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Zilka, Timothy Zilka, Kurt Prouty, Donald Howard
  • Patent number: 6460462
    Abstract: A method of blasting rock or similar materials in surface and underground mining operations is described in which neighboring bore holes are charged with explosives and primed with detonators. The detonators are programmed with respective delay intervals according to the firing pattern and the mineralogical/geological environment and the resulting seismic velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Roboth Vertriebsgesellshaft mbH
    Inventor: Jochen Rosenstock
  • Patent number: 6438191
    Abstract: A new approach to scabbling of surfaces of structural materials is disclosed. A layer of mildly energetic explosive composition is applied to the surface to be scabbled. The explosive composition is then detonated, rubbleizing the surface. Explosive compositions used must sustain a detonation front along the surface to which it is applied and conform closely to the surface being scabbled. Suitable explosive compositions exist which are stable under handling, easy to apply, easy to transport, have limited toxicity, and can be reliably detonated using conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Bickes, Jr., Lloyd L. Bonzon
  • Patent number: 6431075
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a center-cut blasting method for tunnel excavation. The center-cut blasting method includes the step of drilling a single central center-cut hole at the center of a center-cut region, drilling a plurality of auxiliary center-cut holes comprised of large unloaded auxiliary holes and loaded auxiliary holes that are alternately arranged around the central center-cut hole to be situated in a circle having a predetermined diameter, and drilling a plurality of spreader center-cut holes outside the auxiliary center-cut holes to be situated in concentric circles centered by the central center-cut hole. Thereafter, the center-cut holes are loaded with delay detonators and explosives and the center-cut holes are stemmed with stemming material at their entrances. The loaded auxiliary holes of the auxiliary center-cut holes are blasted so as to create a circular pre-split. After that, the central center-cut hole is blasted so as to create initial dual free surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignees: Moojin NeoTech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Soo Shim, Han Uk Lim, Young Dong Cho
  • Patent number: 6431074
    Abstract: Supplying a predetermined amount of electric energy to a fine metal wire 4 in a short time causes the fine metal wire 4 to melt and evaporate. Following this phenomenon, a blasting substance 10 expands in volume, so that the evaporative expansion force resulting from the melting evaporation of the fine metal wire 4 is transmitted to and blasts a to-be-blasted object 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Arai, Hidehiko Maehata, Tetsuya Inoue, Daisuke Tamakoshi, Tsuyoshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6431073
    Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility (31) such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives (101) to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: North American Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Zilka, Timothy Zilka, Kurt Prouty, Donald Howard
  • Patent number: 6415717
    Abstract: A line charge assembly and system are provided for use in a shallow-water obstruction clearing operation. Each assembly has a propulsion unit capable of flight through the air, a line charge array, an air-safed water-armed fuze, a first interrupter disposed between the line charge array and the fuze, and a second interrupter disposed in the line charge array. The line charge array is defined by a plurality of line charges successively coupled to one another by a detonation line capable of transferring detonation energy therealong successively to each line charge. The line charge array has a first end coupled to the propulsion unit and has a second end coupled to the first interrupter. The fuze generates the detonation energy at the expiration of a first time period provided the fuse is in water. The first interrupter permits the detonation energy to be transferred from the fuze to the second end of the line charge array until the expiration of a second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Matthew J. Sanford, Keith B. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6415716
    Abstract: A line charge assembly and system are provided for use in a shallow-water obstruction clearing operation. Each assembly has a propulsion unit capable of flight through the air, a line charge array, an air-safed water-armed fuze, and at least one explosive diode. The line charge array is defined by a plurality of line charges successively coupled to one another by a line capable of transferring detonation energy therealong successively to each of the line charges. One end of the line charge array is coupled to the propulsion unit and the other end is coupled to the fuze. The fuze is capable of generating the detonation energy only when in water. The explosive diode is positioned in the line charge array to limit transfer of the detonation energy in a direction of propagation running from the fuze to the propulsion unit. The system utilizes a plurality of the line charge assemblies deployed over an area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Matthew J. Sanford, Keith B. Lewis