1180 results about "Explosive device" patented technology

A detonator assembly is provided for use in oilfield operations to detonate an explosive downhole including a capacitor discharge unit and initiator electrically connected together to form a single unit. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

A remotely-controlled robotic apparatus for deactivating explosive ordinance, such as IEDs. The remotely-controlled robotic apparatus is provided with a robotic portion that provides mobility, and a laser portion configured to be aimed at an object of interest (for example an object believed to comprise an IED) and to deactivate the object by destroying, damaging or disconnecting at least one of a control apparatus and a power supply from the object of interest. The remotely-controlled robotic apparatus provides the capability to dispose of IEDs without having an explosion. The remote-controlled robotic apparatus can include a camera and an illumination source for examining objects of interest. A remote control console is provided for the use of an operator in controlling the robotic apparatus.

A chemical reaction between molten aluminum and an oxygen carrier such as water to do useful work is disclosed, and in particular two chemical methods to obtain aluminum in its molten state. One is to detonate a HE / Al mixture with surplus Al in stoichiometry, and the other is to use an oxidizer / Al mixture with surplus Al in stoichiometry. Additionally, there is a physical method of shocking and heating Al using high temperature reaction products. The produced Al in its liquid form is forced to react with an oxygen carrying liquid (e.g. water), giving off heat and releasing hydrogen gas or other gaseous material. A water solution of some oxygen-rich chemicals (e.g. ammonium nitrate) can be advantageously used in place of water. A shaped charge is also disclosed having a liner that contains aluminum, propelled by a high explosive such as RDX or its mixture with aluminum powder. Some aluminum in its molten state is projected into the perforation and forced to react with water that also enters the perforation, creating another explosion, fracturing the crushed zone of the perforation and initializing cracks. Another shaped charge is shown having a liner of energetic material such as a mixture of aluminum powder and a metal oxide. Upon detonation, the collapsed liner carries kinetic and thermal energy. Also shown are methods to build and to detonate or fire explosive devices in an oxygen carrying liquid (e.g. water) to perforate and stimulate a hydrocarbon-bearing formation.

A system (100) for selective activation of explosive devices (126, 128, 130, 132) includes a surface controller (102), a downhole controller (106) operable to communicate bidirectionally with the surface controller over a first communication link (108) and a plurality of downhole remote units (114, 116, 118, 120) operable to communicate bidirectionally with the downhole controller (106) over a second communication link (112). One or more sensors (162) are operably associated with the downhole controller (106) and one of the explosive devices (126, 128, 130, 132) is operably associated with each of the downhole remote units (114, 116, 118, 120) such that, responsive to a detonation event, the sensors (162) detect the intensity level of the detonation which is communicated from the downhole controller (106) to the surface control (102) over the first communication link (108).

This invention relates generally to the field of aircraft technology and systems utilized for protection of aircraft, occupants, and operators thereof from hijackers, terrorists, and other anomalous problems while in flight. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device used in conjunction with walls, floor, and ceiling of a cockpit's entry / exit passageway for protecting the cockpit crew from weapons, hostility, decompression, and / or physical intrusions. A light weight protective shield for the cockpit of an aircraft (i.e. bullet-proof door) along with a internal locking and release device, none of which is provided by prior art. The protective shield can absorb repeated blows, provide pressure relief in the event of aircraft decompression, resist penetration of firearms, knives, and explosive devices, and is compliant with FAA regulations. The protective shield provides a new level of protection for the crew of a passenger or cargo airplane and protects the cockpit of an aircraft from hijacking attempts as well as other anomalous events and is comprised of a light weight weapon-proof protective shield that when closed fits snugly with the flight deck's adjoining floor, walls, and ceiling. This protective shield system is intended to readily install inside existing aircraft (e.g. over-night retrofit installation) or be installed into new aircraft as they are assembled.

A method and apparatus is described for detecting and recognizing an object within a generated image regardless of the aspect view angle of the object within the image. An object may be recognized by comparing descriptor values determined for the detected object with descriptor values and / or value ranges stored in an information base for different aspect view angles of a plurality of objects. A novel desurfacing approach may be use to remove image surface distortions unrelated to objects within the image. A novel graphical user interface may be used to improve user interaction and control of the object recognition process. The method and apparatus described may be used to detect objects within images generated by a wide variety of imaging systems. For example, concealed explosive devices may be detected by configuring the apparatus to recognize views of a conventional blasting cap's dense explosive filler within x-ray generated images.

The present invention is a system and method for detecting devices with receivers, such as explosive devices with receivers used to remotely detonate the explosive devices. The system for detecting devices may include a transmitter which transmits a signal causing saturation of a device whereby harmonic content is emitted by the device. Receipt of an emitted harmonic signal which is coherent to the transmitted signal may indicate the presence of a device. A distance between the system and the detected device may be determined by modulating a frequency of the transmitted signal and measuring the time period between transmission of the signal and receipt of a harmonic signal. Additionally, direction information may be determined which may allow identification of a location of the device based upon the distance information and direction information.

A system and method for making and using a multi-point initiation explosive device that produces an enhanced pressure wave for severing tubing, pipe or casing in an oil or gas well. At least two opposed initiators initiate a column of explosive material from opposite ends, thereby generating opposing pressure waves propagating toward a midpoint between the initial initiators. A shaped-charge assembly with a liner located at the midpoint initiates immediately prior to the arrival of the opposing pressure waves and forms a fast moving jet to pre-score the target pipe prior to the arrival of the pressure pulse propagating from the initial detonations.

An explosive device includes a housing, and at least one of an initiator and an explosive in the housing. The at least one of the initiator and explosive are activatable in response to stimulus from a control line. A monitor in the housing monitors a state of the stimulus to enable determination of a status of the explosive device.

A method and apparatus is disclosed for an electron beam directed energy device. The device consists of an electron gun with one or more electron beams. The device includes one or more accelerating plates with holes aligned for beam passage. The plates may be flat or preferably shaped to direct each electron beam to exit the electron gun at a predetermined orientation. In one preferred application, the device is located in outer space with individual beams that are directed to focus at a distant target to be used to impact and destroy missiles. The aimings of the separate beams are designed to overcome Coulomb repulsion. A method is also presented for directing the beams to a target considering the variable terrestrial magnetic field. In another preferred application, the electron beam is directed into the ground to produce a subsurface x-ray source to locate and / or destroy buried or otherwise hidden objects including explosive devices.

An explosive device includes a housing, and at least one of an initiator and an explosive in the housing. The at least one of the initiator and explosive are activatable in response to stimulus from a control line. A monitor in the housing monitors a state of the stimulus to enable determination of a status of the explosive device.

Initiator systems for warheads include a first initiation device configured to detonate at least a portion of an explosive material contained in an explosive device and a second initiation device configured to deflagrate at least a portion of an explosive material of a warhead. Scalable output explosive devices include an explosive material at least partially disposed within a housing and an initiator system including a first initiation device configured to detonate at least a portion of the explosive material and a second initiation device configured to deflagrate at least another portion of the explosive material. Methods of igniting warheads include deflagrating a portion of an explosive material disposed within the warhead and detonating at least another portion of the explosive material disposed within the warhead.

The invention relates to a flying mesh catapulting device for acquiring a discarded spacecraft and particularly relates to a flying mesh catapulting device for on-track acquisition of a discarded spacecraft and track resetting, belonging to the field of space mechanism designs. The flying mesh catapulting device concretely comprises a flying mesh, a flying mesh catapulting device and a rope release and control mechanism. An initiating explosive device is catapulted in the acquisition device, and the flying mesh can automatically unfold and realize retention of configuration in the process of flying towards a target; and after the flying mesh finishes the envelopment for the target, a mass block for guiding the flying mesh to unfold can automatically tighten the opening of the mesh and lock the target by means of self residual kinetic energy, and meanwhile, a safety design and a reliability redundancy design are realized, so that the safety of the acquisition device is ensured. The flying mesh catapulting device has the advantages of light weight and small size so as to be convenient for realizing modular design; and the flying mesh catapulting device can be used as an on-track target acquisition executing mechanism of a space robot system and particularly suitable for an on-track acquisition and clearing tasks for the discarded spacecraft.

The invention discloses a testing system for a gas explosion characteristic size effect and relates to a testing system which studies on the gas explosion characteristic size effect. The device comprises a gas distribution device, an ignition device, an explosion device, a data collecting and processing device and a high-speed digital camera, wherein the gas distribution device comprises a combustible gas source, a distribution gas source and a gas distribution tank; the ignition device comprises a igniter, and the igniter is installed on the explosion device; the data collecting and processing device comprises a pressure sensor, a flame propagation rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a signal amplification circuit, a data collecting circuit and a computer, and the pressure sensor, the flame propagation rate sensor and the temperature sensor are installed on a spherical container, a cylindrical container and a pipeline; the explosion device is installed between the gas distribution device and the data collecting and processing device, and the explosion device comprises the spherical container, the cylindrical container and the pipeline; and the high-speed digital camera is used for shooting flames during explosion of the combustible gas inside the containers and the pipeline, and an output end of the high-speed digital camera is connected with the computer.

Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Also provided are apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more perforating guns, release devices, and explosive devices in a string to be lowered into a wellbore. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. Control and power functions are accomplished with voltage of different polarities for safety.

A detector for detecting telephone-activated devices, such as cellular telephones used for remotely triggering explosive devices, includes a transmitter for generating and transmitting a pseudo base station signal corresponding to a base station for a telephone-activated device, and a receiver for receiving and detecting a response signal transmitted by the telephone-activated device. At least part of the transmitter and at least of the receiver may be located within a shield of conductive material, such as a cone-shaped metal shield, that aids in localizing and directing the transmitting of the pseudo base station signal toward an object to be interrogated (with regard to whether or not it contains a telephone-activated device in an idle state). The detector has a response unit for providing a response when a telephone-activated device is detected, such as providing an alarm to an operator or interdicting operation of the telephone-activated device.

A panel apparatus for positioning between a human body and a region of body armor absorbs impact energy associated with a projectile or other object impacting the body armor. The panel is also operable to absorb overpressure energy associated with a blast wave from an explosive device such as an improvised explosive device or a bomb. The panel may be secured to an interior of conventional tactical body armor, body armor carriers, or the like. The panel includes a multilayer construction and includes an inflatable primary gas chamber and a separate non-inflatable secondary gas chamber in some embodiments. The primary and secondary gas chambers are stacked in substantially parallel planes and are oriented substantially parallel to the body armor.

A system for multiple subsurface operations which are carried out in a well bore by means of two or more well tools having explosive or gas generating charges which are electronically initiated for accomplishing any number of other downhole well activities. Two or more well service tools are simultaneously run into a well on a single wire-line and are located at predetermined positions. An electronic blast control system having safety parameters, including time, movement, pressure and the like to ensure safe running and independent firing of the tools. The blast control system permits controlled energization of the explosive charges only when all of the programmed parameters have been met and causes sequential or serial electronic firing of the explosive devices independently of one another by positive and negative voltages.

A container for containing an explosive device, including a mitigating layer defining an enclosure openable to insert the explosive device therein and closable to surround the explosive device, the mitigating layer reducing a force of a blast caused by an explosion of the explosive device, and a fragment-retaining layer substantially surrounding the mitigating layer, the fragment-retaining layer being resistant to a remainder of the force of the blast passing through the mitigating layer and retaining fragments propagated by the explosion of the explosive device, such as to reduce potential injury to a person in proximity of the container.

The present invention is concerned with severing tubing, pipe or casing in an oil or gas well, and more particularly with a system and method for making and using a multi-point initiation explosive device that produces an enhanced pressure wave for severing tubing, pipe or casing in an oil or gas well. One embodiment uses at least two opposed initiators to initiate a column of explosive material from opposite ends, thereby generating opposing pressure waves propagating toward a midpoint between the initial initiators and a shaped-charge assembly with a liner located at the midpoint that initiates immediately prior to the arrival of the opposing pressure waves and that is intended to form an initial, fast moving jet to pre-score the target pipe prior to the arrival of the pressure pulse propagating from the initial detonations.

Vehicle-mounted UWB systems and / or methods for detecting mines and other explosive devices are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, a system for detecting non-buried mines and / or improvised explosive devices is provided. Distance measuring equipment may be configured to track movement of the system. Substantially forward-looking bistatic antenna transceivers may be capable of collecting range-magnitude radar data over two channels. A first transceiver may capture radar data for a first area, and a second transceiver may capture radar data for a second area. A processor may be configured to: derive range resolution data and cross-range resolution data from the range-magnitude radar data; focus the range resolution data and the cross-range resolution data, based at least on the distance data and an antenna beamwidth pattern associated with the antenna transceivers; and, “and” data for portions of the first area and the second area that overlap.

Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Also provided are apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more perforating guns, release devices, and explosive devices in a string to be lowered into a wellbore. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, “each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. Control and power functions are accomplished with voltage of different polarities for safety.

When a bomb that might be triggered by a ringing mobile terminal is suspected of being located within a target zone, the base stations whose coverage areas include a critical area that surrounds and encompasses that target zone are switched into a one-way calling mode that prevents the mobile terminals within that critical area from receiving incoming calls, but still allows users of those mobile terminals to place to place outgoing calls. The one-way calling mode is effected in response to a signal received by a base station from its associated MSC that instructs it to disable its paging function, thereby preventing the mobile terminal from receiving and responding to a signal that indicates that an incoming call is present, and thus prevents the base station from sending a signal to the mobile terminal that activates its ringing circuitry.

A buffering device for use in conjunction with a downhole tool string, wherein the tool string includes a ballistics device. The buffering device includes a mandrel attached within a tool string and proximate to the ballistics device. An anchor is disposed on the mandrel and a disk plate is coaxially placed on the mandrel that is slideable thereon. The disk plate is proximate to the ballistic device. A resilient member, such as a spring, is coaxially placed on the mandrel between the disk plate and the anchor. The pressure wave produced by activation of the ballistic device pushes the disk plate toward the anchor and compresses the spring there between. Since the disk plate extends outward into sealing contact with casing lining the wellbore, compression of the spring dissipates energy waves produced by activation of the ballistic device.

A technique and apparatus for generating high voltage (100s-1000s kV) and supplying high current (fractional to many tens of kilo-amperes), projecting a parallel, two wire electrical transmission line over a large distance (10s-100s m), or a single conductor in which the return path is the earth, which is capable of sustaining high voltages and conducting high currents, and landing the terminating terminals of the transmission line across a pre-defined target zone resulting in a low impedance closure of the electrical circuit causing high electrical current to flow. The applications for the present invention, which falls into a class of directed energy and / or non-lethal device, include: suppression of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and landmines; halting motorized platforms, including two and four wheeled motor vehicles and boats; damage and destruction of electronic systems; and destruction or incapacitation of electronic systems at substantial distances from a high voltage device.

An assembly for protecting against explosions and explosive devices is formed with aerogels and frangible components. The basic configuration forms a space between an object to be protected by an aerogel having a frangible backing layer. Such assemblies may be mounted on vehicles and structures, and alternatively used as barriers without attachment to other objects. Different geometries for the rear surface of the assemblies enhance the ability of deflecting gas produced by explosions away from objects to be protected. Flowable attenuating media may be introduced into the space behind the aerogel and in gratings placed in the front of assemblies in order to increase blast energy dissipation in intense blast conditions. Armor components may be added to the rear surface to protect against fragments and projectiles. Aerogels, metal foams, and dense ceramic beads may be incorporated to enhance protection against explosively-formed penetrators and other projectiles.

The invention relates to a rocket control technology, in particular to time sequence control of a rocket. A rocket time sequence controller is characterized by comprising a power supply / distribution circuit, a time sequence control circuit and an ignition circuit; the controller adopts multiple safety protection measures; on hardware, the controller mainly depends on an initiating explosive device protection circuit to guarantee the safety of initiating explosive devices in the rocket storage, transportation and test process; the reliability of time sequence control output is improved by parallel connection of dual backups; on software, an even triggering mechanism is adopted, that is, when the time sequence controller receives a corresponding control instruction, the hardware can perform a corresponding action; after the performed action is correct, a state signal of finishing the action is returned; when a FPGA controls a flow, a corresponding state feedback signal is detected; and after the action is performed, a next action is performed. The rocket time sequence controller satisfies the resistance value testing and time sequence testing requirements of the initiating explosive devices before the rocket is launched, and guarantees the safety of the initiating explosive devices in the testing process.

A collapsible remote mechanical grasping apparatus that can be used to grasp explosive devices is provided. The collapsible remote mechanical grasping apparatus comprises a first rod and a second rod which are connected by a joint assembly. The collapsible remote mechanical grasping apparatus further includes a claw assembly pivotably connected to the second rod, a cable assembly mounted to the first rod, and a slidable locking sleeve assembly positioned around the first rod, the joint assembly, and the second rod. The cable assembly comprises a claw control lever and an actuation cable that is mechanically connected to the claw control lever and the claw assembly. Actuation of the claw control lever causes the actuation of the claw assembly. Additionally, the joint assembly allows the second rod to pivot towards the first rod when the slidable locking sleeve is retracted from the second rod and the joint assembly.