Implosion shield apparatus and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an implosion cover surrounding an implosion sleeve on a powerline. The implosion cover may be wrapped or coiled around the implosion sleeve. Alternatively, the implosion cover may be one piece and folded around the implosion sleeve and secured with fasteners, or it may be multiple pieces and joined together to surround the implosion sleeve. Rivets, bolts or stitching may be used to join the implosion cover pieces around the implosion sleeve. A method of installing the implosion cover may entail installing an implosion sleeve on a powerline, and then installing the implosion cover around the implosion sleeve, by wrapping the implosion cover around the implosion sleeve, or by securing the implosion cover using fasteners such as rivets, bolts, or stitching, then detonating the implosion sleeve, and thereby attenuating shock waves and sound waves with the implosion cover.

Description

IMPLOSION SHIELD APPARATUS AND METHOD CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] None. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to an apparatus for shielding an implosion device used on a powerline, a method of installing an apparatus for shielding an implosion device on a powerline, and a method and apparatus for protecting adjacent apparatus such as insulators, tools, hoists, grips and slings. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In the process of electrically joining two free ends of separate electrical powerline conductors to create a single, continuous electrically conductive joint, a mechanical connection is typically used to join the two free ends and maintain electrical integrity and requisite ampacity in the conductor. To achieve the requisite mechanical connection to provide an electrically sufficient electrical connection, an implosion device may be used to form the joint and mechanical connection with the two free ends of the separate conductors. While implosion devices have typically been adequate in achieving the desired mechanical connection properties to safely join the two free ends of two conductors, while achieving the desired electrical connection of the two free ends, such implosion devices are not without limitations, and room for improvement exists. What is desired is an apparatus and method of using an apparatus to reduce audible implosion noise and contain blast debris while maintaining the desired mechanical and electrical connection of two free ends of two separate electrical conductors. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The disclosure may include an implosion device such as an implosion sleeve or implosion dead-end sleeve and a protective implosion cover or shield surrounding the CA implosion device. An implosion device, an implosion protective cover or shield that at least partially surrounds the implosion sleeve, and a frame that supports the implosion cover. The frame may be located at least partially above and below or around the implosion device. Also, at least a part of the frame may be approximately perpendicular to the implosion device. The implosion protective cover or shield may act as a blast, shock wave and sound attenuating protective barrier. The disclosure may include a method of installing an implosion device on a powerline (e.g. two separate loose ends of different abutting conductors or terminating a conductor end to hold tension), and installing an implosion protective cover or shield around the implosion device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and benefits thereof may be acquired by referring to the follow description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a powerline with an implosion cover placed over and around an implosion sleeve, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 2 is a side view of an implosion sleeve in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an implosion cover enveloping an implosion sleeve in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an implosion cover enveloping an implosion sleeve in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an implosion cover surrounding an implosion sleeve in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 6 is an end view of an implosion cover rolled or wrapped around an implosion sleeve in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 7 is a top view of Figure 6 of an implosion cover rolled or wrapped around an implosion sleeve in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 8 is a top view of material of an implosion cover in accordance with the present disclosure; CA

[0014] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an implosion sleeve with an implosion cover draped over the implosion sleeve;

[0015] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an implosion sleeve with an implosion cover surrounding an exterior of the implosion sleeve;

[0016] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an implosion sleeve with an implosion cover surrounding an exterior of the implosion sleeve;

[0017] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an implosion dead-end sleeve joining an electrical conductor to a dead-end tower;

[0018] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the implosion dead-end sleeve joining an electrical conductor to a dead-end tower depicted in Figure 12; and Figure 14 is a schematic view showing an implosion cover / shield installed around an implosion sleeve mounted on an energized electrical conductor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Turning now to a detailed description of the present teachings with reference to Figures 1-8, features and concepts also may be manifested in other arrangements and so the scope of the teachings is not limited to the embodiments described or depicted in Figures 1-8. The following examples of certain embodiments of the teachings are provided. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the teachings, one of many examples of the teachings, and the following examples should not be read to limit, or define, the scope of the teachings.

[0020] Figure 1 depicts an example of an outdoor electrical powerline 10 with an electrical conductor 16 attached to electrical powerline towers 12, 14. Electrical conductor 16 is attached to powerline tower 12 using an insulator 18, and to powerline tower 14 using an insulator 20. Due to extreme lengths of electrical conductors used in delivering electricity, electrical conductor 16 may be separate pieces joined together to form electrical conductor 16. As an example, electrical conductor 16 may be an electrical conductor 22 and electrical conductor 24 joined together by an implosion sleeve 26. Implosion sleeve 26 may be used to join conductor 22 and conductor 24 when a lineman or person residing within bucket 13 of bucket truck 11 installs implosion sleeve 26 into place over each loose end of conductor 22 and conductor 24. Figure 1 also depicts an implosion cover 34 in place over and around implosion sleeve 26, in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. Implosion cover 34 may be manufactured from an explosion or blast reduction type of material, as will be explained herein.

[0021] Figure 2 depicts a larger view of implosion sleeve 26 whose subcomponents may be an aluminum tube 28 that is surrounded or wrapped by an explosive product 30. Explosive wrap product 30 may be detonation cord that is wrapped for approximately the entire length of aluminum tube 28. An additional layer of explosive wrap product 32 (also detonation cord) may be wrapped around layer of explosive product 30 in a centralized fashion as depicted in Figure 2 to ensure an effective implosion to join electrical conductor 22, electrical conductor 24 and implosion sleeve 26 to form a properly welded, melted and compressed joint between electrical conductor 22, electrical conductor 24 and aluminum tube 28 of implosion sleeve 26. Alternatively, explosive wrap product 32 may additionally act as a protective wrap to keep explosive product 30 in place in the central position of implosion sleeve 26. 100221 Figure 3 depicts implosion sleeve 26 within an implosion cover 34. Implosion cover 34 may be made of a ballistic fabric. Ballistic fabric is a fabric that is capable of absorbing and deflecting explosions and fragmentation depending upon its arrangement relative to an explosion. Energy of any projectile that reaches the ballistic fabric is absorbed by the ballistic fabric upon impact with the ballistic fabric. To be effective, ballistic fabric is woven of yarn that stretches at relatively low strain rates before reaching its yield stress. An explosion causes a longitudinal stress to be transmitted through a yarn pair, which allows the whole or entire yarn in a ballistic fabric to absorb the loading caused by an explosion. In other words, stress and strain loading at one location in the fabric is absorbed by the entire fabric structure, or at least more of the fabric structure than the local impact point. Relative to other fabrics, ballistic fabric absorbs greater energy as work is performed on more of the fabric surrounding the impact zone. The ballistic fabric of the present disclosure and teachings may be an auxetic structure or material. An auxetic structure or material is one that has a negative Poisson's ratio, which means that it is a structure or material that increases in dimension (e.g. becomes thicker) when a tensile force is applied perpendicular to that increase in dimension. The internal structure of the material is designed or exists in such a way that deformation increases perpendicular to a uniaxial load. A ballistic fabric in accordance CA with the present teachings and disclosure may be constructed of parallel yarns with independent wrap fibers weaved around the yarn. In one example, when a projectile from an explosion or from an imploding device, strikes the ballistic fabric, the yarns are loaded by stretching and absorb any stress in the yarns. The wrap fibers woven around the yarn under strain also absorb some of the strain energy, as the yarn is in tension and expands or grows into the wrap fibers. Thus, strain energy transferred into the wrap fiber weaves is enhanced, and thus strain energy transferred into the entirety of a piece of ballistic fiber is enhanced. Although a ballistic fabric has been described that can be used in accordance with the present teachings, a ballistic fabric that may be purchased and used as any of the implosion covers depicted and discussed in accordance with the present teachings may be sourced from Meridian.us in Mobile, Alabama, USA.

[0023] Continuing with Figure 3, implosion cover 34 may be a single rectangular piece of ballistic fabric that is folded once around implosion sleeve 26. Thus, edge or fold 36 is where implosion cover 34 would double-back or change direction so that edge 38 could exist to be the mating location of loose ends of implosion cover 34. Thus, to transform edge 38 from an open end with two, unconnected pieces, to a closed end, a fastener 40, or series of fasteners, could be used along edge 38 to secure implosion cover 34 over implosion sleeve 26. Thus, as depicted in Figure 3, implosion cover 36 has a first side 42 and a second side 44 that are on opposite sides of implosion sleeve 26. Fastener 40 may be a rivet, screw with nut, stitching, or other fastener to secure edge 38 of implosion cover 34. While edge 36 and edge 38 are closed edges, adjacent sides of implosion cover 36 are open as exhibited by opening 46 and opening 48, such that the area and volume between opening 46 and opening 48 is a pass-through to permit air to freely pass, such as in the event of activation of implosion sleeve 26, which will be explained later.

[0024] Figure 4 depicts an embodiment similar to Figure 3 except that instead of a single piece of an implosion cover with a fold at edge 36 (Figure 3), Figure 4 depicts two pieces of ballistic fabric joined together to form a cover. First ballistic cover 50 and second ballistic cover 52 may be located on opposite sides of implosion sleeve 26 with a select fastener 54 used to join First ballistic cover 50 and second ballistic cover 52 at edge 56 and edge 58. Fastener 54 may be a rivet, bolt and nut, stitching or other secure CA fastener. Similar to the construction of Figure 3, edges or sides adjacent to edge 56 and edge 58 may be open to permit the free flow of gases during implosion of implosion sleeve 26. Air and pressure waves may escape through open end 60 and open end 62 at the same time any debris, pressure and shock waves are contained along edge 56 and edge 58.

[0025] Figure 5 depicts another embodiment in which two separate pieces of ballistic fabric, each acting as an implosion cover, such as implosion cover 64 and implosion cover 66, which are located on opposite sides of implosion sleeve 26. To securely place implosion cover 64 and implosion cover 66 around implosion sleeve 26, multiple installations of a fastener 68 may be used around the entire edge or periphery of implosion cover 64 and implosion cover 66. Fastener 68 may be a rivet, bolt and nut, stitching, or other suitable fastener able to withstand activation of implosion sleeve 26 without failing. When implosion sleeve 26 is activated, implosion cover 64 and implosion cover 66 prevent debris from passing beyond implosion cover 64 and implosion cover 66. Implosion cover 64 and implosion cover 66 also lessen any sound waves and pressure shock waves caused by activation of implosion sleeve 26. Thus, the measured air pressure on a side of implosion cover 64 or implosion cover 66 that is opposite to the side next to implosion sleeve 26, will be less than the measured air pressure next to implosion sleeve 26 during activation of implosion sleeve 26. Thus, implosion cover 64 and implosion cover 66 effectively reduce air pressure during implosion of implosion sleeve 26. Regardless of configuration, when an implosion cover of the present teachings is located between a person and a detonating implosion sleeve 26, the sound, pressure shock wave, and air pressure experienced by a bystander are all less than if no implosion cover were in place between implosion sleeve 26 and the bystander. Sound and shock waves are an annoyance to people and animals in proximity to detonation of implosion sleeve 26. Although implosion cover 64 and implosion cover 66 lessen any sound waves and pressure shock waves caused by activation of implosion sleeve 26, increased air pressure between implosion cover 64 and implosion cover 66 due to detonation can escape between any two fasteners 68 about the periphery or edges of implosion cover 64 and implosion cover 66 via paths 70. CA

[0026] Figure 6 depicts another embodiment of the disclosure in which a single piece of ballistic fabric, which may be rectangular, can be secured, fixed or otherwise placed around implosion sleeve 26 by wrapping or rolling ballistic fabric as an implosion cover 72. Figure 6 is an end view (along a powerline) of implosion sleeve 26 depicting implosion cover 72 in its wrapped-around or rolled installation position around implosion sleeve 26, which offers at least one advantage in that multiple layers can provide additional blast, debris, sound wave, and shock wave protection to the area outside or beyond the implosion cover 72, during an implosion of implosion sleeve 26. Implosion cover 72 has an end 74.

[0027] Figure 7 is a side view of Figure 6. Figure 7 depicts implosion sleeve 26 with a single piece of ballistic fabric, which may be rectangular, and secured or otherwise placed around implosion sleeve 26 by wrapping or rolling the ballistic fabric to become an implosion cover 72. Explosion debris, accelerated air, shock waves, and sound waves may travel, as a result of detonating and therefore imploding implosion sleeve 26, in accordance with paths 76 which have an exist out of implosion cover 72 at ends 78 of implosion cover 72. Thus, debris falling to the ground may be lessened, sound may be attenuated, and shock waves reduced when employing any implosion cover in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 8 depicts how the material of implosion cover 34 could be woven or configured if an implosion cover material for implosion cover 34 is not sourced commercially. Core fibers 80 and wrap fibers 82 may be configured as depicted in Figure 8. That is, a single wrap fiber 82 may simply wrap or wind around a single core fiber 80. Parallel core fibers 80 may be joined or woven together with connecting fibers 84, which as depicted, alternate in crossing above two core fibers 80, and then crossing under the next two core fibers 80 and may continue in that fashion for the entire size of implosion cover 34. The material used as an implosion cover may meet the latest revision, or any revision, of U.S. military specification MIL-STD-2105.

[0029] A method of utilizing an implosion cover 34 on a powerline 10 may include installing an implosion sleeve 26 on an electrical conductor 22 and an electrical conductor 24 (i.e. a powerline), such as by using a bucket truck 11 as depicted in Figure 1, and then wrapping implosion cover 72 around implosion sleeve 26 as depicted in CA Figure 6. The method of wrapping or coiling implosion cover 72 around implosion sleeve 26 may further include forming multiple layers of implosion cover 72 around implosion sleeve 26. The method may include using multiple, completely separate pieces of implosion material that each are, and act as, an implosion cover. Such separate pieces may be square or rectangular sections that form an implosion cover when joined or fastened together, such as implosion cover 34 explained in connection with Figures 3, 4 and 5. The method may include securing the implosion cover 72 using fasteners such as rivets, bolts, or stitching using plastic, nylon, or other natural or synthetic materials, including KEVLAR brand material. The method of utilizing an implosion cover may further include detonating the implosion sleeve, and attenuating shock waves and sound waves with the implosion cover.

[0030] Figure 9 depicts a perspective view of an implosion sleeve 26 with an implosion cover 86 draped over and draped around implosion sleeve 26. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 9, implosion cover 86 is not supported by any type of frame, but is merely draped or placed around implosion sleeve 26 such that an inside surface 88 of implosion cover 86 contacts a portion of implosion sleeve 26. More specifically, as an example, when implosion cover 86 is placed around implosion sleeve 26, a top inside fold edge 90 may contact an outside surface of implosion sleeve 26. With this arrangement, shock waves, noise waves, and any debris from detonating implosion sleeve 26 may be attenuated, lessened, or contained due to placement of implosion cover 86.

[0031] Figure 10 depicts a perspective view of an implosion sleeve 26 with an implosion cover 92 surrounding an exterior of the implosion sleeve 26. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 10, implosion cover 92 may be supported by a frame, which may employ a top bar 94, and a first lower bar 96, and a second lower bar 98. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 10, implosion cover 100 and implosion cover 102, may be two separate pieces of auxetic ballistic blast material, the same or similar to that explained in this disclosure, or the implosion cover instead may be a single piece of a auxetic ballistic blast material. Top bar 94 may support implosion cover 100 and implosion cover 102 if it is two pieces, or if it is one piece. In either configuration, a first top clamp 104 and a second top clamp 106 may affix implosion cover 100 and implosion CA cover 102 to hold them in place at and to top bar 94. First lower bar 96 and second lower bar 98 may respectively secure implosion cover 100 and implosion cover 102 at their ends opposite to top bar 94. Top bar 94 may be supported using a first top bar support 108 and a second top bar support 110, which each may span between top bar 94 and conductor 22 and conductor 24, respectively. First adjustment device 112 may be used to extend and retract first top bar support, and second adjustment device 114 may be used to extend and retract second top bar support 110. As examples, first top bar support 108 may secure to conductor 22 with clamp 124, and second top bar support 110 may secure to conductor 24 with clamp 126. First lower bar 96 and second lower bar 98 may be spaced apart and held in place using a first lower spacer bar 116 and a second lower spacer bar 118. First lower spacer bar 116 and second lower space bar 118 each may be adjusted to increase or decrease the space between first lower bar 96 and second lower bar 98 using adjustment device 120 and adjustment device 122, respectively, which may permit first lower spacer bar 116 and second lower space bar 118 telescope, or otherwise account for spacing changes. With this arrangement, shock waves, noise waves, and any debris from detonating implosion sleeve 26 may be attenuated, lessened, or contained due to placement of implosion cover 100 and implosion cover 102, if two covers are utilized, or alternatively if one continuous cover is utilized.

[0032] Figure 11 depicts another embodiment in a perspective view of an implosion sleeve 26 with an implosion cover 100 and implosion cover 102 surrounding an exterior of implosion sleeve 26. In the embodiment of Figure 11, an alternative frame arrangement is depicted when compared to Figure 10. More specifically, top bar 94 and its connection and spacing from conductor 22 and conductor 24, are secured using first top bar support 108 and second top bar support 110, with each being adjustable using first adjustment device 112 and second adjustment device 114, respectively. As examples, first top bar support 108 may secure to conductor 22 with clamp 124, and second top bar support 110 may secure to conductor 24 with clamp 126. First top clamp 104 and second top clamp 106 may be used to secure implosion cover 100 and implosion cover 102 to top bar 94. Implosion cover 100 may be supported by a frame, which may be a first bar 128 and a second bar 130, while implosion cover 102 may be supported by a frame, which may be a third bar 132 and a fourth bar 134. With such a structure, an A-frame structure may be configured around implosion sleeve 26. To better stabilize the implosion cover 100 and implosion cover 102, a first cross bar 136 and a second cross bar 138 may be employed. A first cross bar adjustment device 140 and a second cross bar adjustment device 142 may be used to adjust the spacing between the ends of first bar 128 and third bar 132, and the ends of second bar 130 and fourth bar 134, respectively. Figure 12 is a perspective view of an implosion dead-end sleeve 144 joining and connecting an electrical conductor 146 to a dead-end tower 148 using electrical insulator 150. More specifically, electrical conductor 146 is mechanically connected to implosion dead-end sleeve 144 using implosion techniques. Implosion dead-end sleeve 144 is mechanically connected to an electrical insulator 150, which is mechanically connected to dead-end tower 148, such as to a cross arm or other structural part of dead-end tower 148. Implosion dead-end sleeve 144 is used to terminate electrical conductor 146 and maintain tension in and of electrical conductor 146. Implosion cover 152 is depicted in phantom and may be used to completely cover and surround an exterior of implosion dead-end sleeve 144. By completely covering and surrounding an exterior of implosion dead-end sleeve 144, when it is imploded to secure a mechanical connection between electrical conductor 146 and electrical insulator 150, with implosion cover 152, any surrounding structures, tooling and equipment may be protected. For example, implosion cover 152 may be used as a barrier to protect insulator 150, which in Figure 12, is a dead-end insulator because insulator 150 is installed on dead-end tower 148. Because implosion cover 152 is a physical barrier, it protects any adjacent structures and tooling, such as dead-end insulators, grips, hoists and slings used to support the electrical conductor 146 or tension in electrical conductor 146. Implosion cover 152 may also protect bypass jumpers (also known as bypass circuits) and permanent jumpers installed and used to carry line current and voltage, be it a dead-end sleeve or a midspan sleeve. Thus, any time an implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve is installed, the conductor tension has to be supported (i.e. maintained), such as by using grips, hoists and slings. If an implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve is installed during an energized project, in which the electricity continues to pass through the electrical conductor, a conductive jumper has to be run alongside to carry the load. This equipment is installed in parallel (electrically CA parallel, and physically parallel) to the conductor, and either the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve, as the case may be.

[0033] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the implosion dead-end sleeve 144 joining electrical conductor 146 and electrical insulator 150, which is mechanically connected to dead-end tower 148. More specifically, implosion dead-end sleeve 144 may be equipped with a ring to facilitate a mechanical connection between implosion dead-end sleeve 144 and electrical insulator 150. Implosion dead-end sleeve 144 may also be equipped with a connector pad 156, which may facilitate electrical connection to an electrical jumper to transfer electricity to another electrical conductor (not shown). Figure 13 depicts how implosion cover 152 may be folded over implosion dead-end sleeve 144 to prevent debris from implosion of implosion dead-end sleeve 144 from escaping outside of implosion cover 152 and striking anything. Implosion cover 152 may also attenuate noise or sound during imploding of implosion dead-end sleeve 144. In addition to being folded over and / or around implosion dead-end sleeve 144, because implosion cover 152 is flexible and pliable it may be wrapped completely around implosion dead-end sleeve 144 in the same or similar manner as depicted in Figure 6.

[0034] Figure 14 depicts an energized electrical conductor 158 into which an implosion sleeve 160 has been installed and around which an implosion cover 162 resides. Implosion cover 162 may be folded over implosion sleeve 160, or wrapped around implosion sleeve 160. Also used during an energized installation of implosion sleeve 160 is a bypass circuit 164, also known as a bypass jumper, that is clamped onto energized electrical conductor 158 using clamp 166 and clamp 168. To establish slack in energized electrical conductor 158 to permit a non-tension installation of implosion sleeve 160 in energized electrical conductor 158, a hoist 170 is used to impart tension in a temporary tension line 172 that is clamped onto energized electrical conductor 158 using clamp 174 and clamp 176. Temporary tension line 172 maintains tension in energized electrical conductor 158 during installation of implosion sleeve 160. Similar to depictions in Figures 10 and 11, implosion cover 152 may be held in place or otherwise supported with a frame that surrounds implosion sleeve 160 to prevent debris from striking grips / clamps 174, 176, hoist 170 and any slings, which are used during CA installation of implosion sleeve 160, or similarly, installation of a dead-end implosion sleeve 144 as depicted in Figures 12 and 13.

[0035] The teachings of the present disclosure may be employed on non- energized power lines or energized power lines. Energized power lines have electricity flowing through them. Thus, efficiencies may be increased while joining conductor 22 and conductor 24 when compared to splicing in a non-energized state insofar as at least the process of de-energizing conductor 22 and, or conductor 24 may not have to be undertaken to splice or join together conductor 22 and conductor 24. If an implosion cover is utilized in an electrically energized environment that employs an electrically conductive frame, such as a metal frame, such as in the case of the structures depicted and explained in connection with Figures 10 and 11, then during an implosion of implosion sleeve 26, metal frame parts will be at the same voltage as conductor 22 and conductor 24, and may be bonded-on to achieve such.

[0036] In closing, it should be noted that the discussion of any reference is not an admission that it is prior art to the present invention, especially any reference that may have a publication date after the priority date of this application.

[0037] Although the systems and processes described herein have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Those skilled in the art may be able to study the preferred embodiments and identify other ways to practice the invention that are not exactly as described herein. It is the intent of the inventors that variations and equivalents of the invention are within the scope of the claims while the description, abstract and drawings are not to be used to limit the scope of the invention. The invention is specifically intended to be as broad as the claims below and their equivalents.

Claims

<pat:Claims com:id="claims"> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00001"> <pat:ClaimNumber>1< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>1. An implosion shield for mounting over an implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve having at least horizontally exposed sides, the implosion shield comprising: a flexible shield made of ballistic fabric and adapted to be mounted over so as to surround the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve during detonation of the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve, wherein the flexible shield is formed by coiling the ballistic fabric around and along a length of the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve so as to form a plurality of layers of the ballistic fabric around and along the length of the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00002"> <pat:ClaimNumber>2< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>2. The implosion shield of claim 1, wherein the ballistic fabric is auxetic ballistic fabric. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00003"> <pat:ClaimNumber>3< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>3. The implosion shield of claim 2, wherein the auxetic ballistic fabric is made of core fibres wrapped in wrap fibres, and wherein the longitudinal lengths of the core fibres in the auxetic ballistic fabric are arranged so that detonation of the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve, when the flexible shield is mounted over the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve, tensions the core fibres along their lengths so as to cause auxetic expansion of the auxetic ballistic fabric to thereby temporarily open gas venting apertures in the auxetic ballistic fabric to at least partially vent explosion gases from the detonation. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00004"> <pat:ClaimNumber>4< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>4. A method of using the shield of claim 1, the method comprising: installing the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve on an electrical conductor; and forming the flexible shield over and around the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve so as to cover the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve by coiling the ballistic fabric around and along the length of the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00005"> <pat:ClaimNumber>5< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>5. The method of claim 4 further comprising coiling the ballistic fabric around and along the length of the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve so as to form an approximately cylindrical flexible shield around the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00006"> <pat:ClaimNumber>6< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>6. The method of claim 4 further comprising forming the flexible shield from auxetic ballistic fabric. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00007"> <pat:ClaimNumber>7< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>7. The method of claim 6, wherein longitudinal lengths of core fibres in the auxetic ballistic fabric are arranged so that detonation of the implosion sleeve (26) or dead-end sleeve, when the flexible shield is mounted over the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve, tensions the core fibres along their lengths so as to cause auxetic expansion of the auxetic ballistic fabric to thereby temporarily open gas venting apertures in the auxetic ballistic fabric to at least partially vent explosion gases from the detonation. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00008"> <pat:ClaimNumber>8< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>8. The method of claim 4 further comprising: directing a shock wave from the detonation of the implosion sleeve or dead-end sleeve parallel to the electrical conductor. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> < / pat:Claims>