(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`22 December 2011 (22.12.2011)
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`i
`i
`2011/160099 Al
`
`(51)
`
`(21)
`
`International Patent Classification:
`F42B 3/12 (2006.01)
`F42B 3/182 (2006.01)
`
`International Application Number:
`PCT/US20 11/041003
`
`(22)
`
`International Filing Date:
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`17 June 201 1 (17.06.201 1)
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`61/356,424
`
`18 June 2010 (18.06.2010)
`
`US
`
`(for all designated States except US): BAT-
`(71) Applicant
`TELLE MEMORIAL INSTIUTE [US/US]; 505 King
`Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201 (US).
`
`(72)
`(75)
`
`Inventors; and
`Inventors/ Applicants (for US only): BACKHUS, Roger,
`F. [US/US]; 8565 Smith-Calhoun Rd. #197, Plain City,
`OH 43064 (US). GIVENS, Richard, W. [US/US]; 980
`Norway Drive, Columbus, OH 4322 1 (US). KLEIN,
`
`Jerome, A. [US/US]; 22933 Raymond Road, Raymond,
`OH 43067 (US). LOESER, Ronald, L. [US/US]; 2450
`Dale Avenue, Bexley, OH 43209 (US). PAUGH, Jason,
`E.
`[US/US]; 2014 Atterbury Avenue, Columbus, OH
`43229 (US). VANCLEAVE, Walter, G., Ill
`[US/US];
`126 Alyssa Drive, Pickerington, OH 43 147 (US). ZIM-
`MER, Isaac, Thomas [US/US]; 4427 Bon Air Drive, Ga-
`hanna, OH 43230 (US).
`
`(74) Agent: LEES, Thomas, E.; 70 Rhoads Center Drive,
`Suite B., Dayton, OH 45458 (US).
`
`(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ,
`CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO,
`DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT,
`HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP,
`KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD,
`ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI,
`NO, NZ, OM, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD,
`SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR,
`TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(54) Title: NON-ENERGETICS BASED DETONATOR
`
`(57) Abstract: A detonator system (10) is provided for use with explosives that
`utilizes two subsystems. A first subsystem (10A) functions as a non - explosives
`based detonator, which does not contain any explosives. The second subsystem
`(10B) is an initiating subsystem, which includes an initiating pellet (16). To set off
`an explosive event, the non - energetics based detonator is coupled to the initiating
`subsystem and the non - energetics based detonator is commanded to provide a
`suitable signal to the initiating subsystem that is sufficient to function the initiat
`ing pellet (16). Further, the initiating subsystem can be integrated directly into an
`associated explosive such as a booster (90) that has been configured to receive the
`initiator subsystem without changing the hazard class of the booster (90).
`
`FIG. 4B
`
`©o
`
`o
`
`I
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`wo 2011/160099 Ai II II III III
`
`I1 1 I III
`
`II I I I I III II III
`
`II
`
`(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, ML, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG,
`Published:
`ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ,
`TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, — with international search report (Art. 21(3))
`EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU,
`LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK,
`
`SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ,
`GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
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`NON-ENERGETICS BASED DETONATOR
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present
`
`invention relates to detonators, and more particularly,
`
`to non-
`
`energetics-based detonators, detonator systems using non-energetics based detonators and
`
`methods of detonating explosives.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`In various industries, such as mining, construction and other earth moving
`
`operations, it is common practice to utilize detonators to initiate explosives loaded into
`
`drilled blast holes for the purpose of breaking rock. For instance, commercial electric and
`
`electronic detonators are conventionally implemented as hot wire igniters that include a
`
`fuse head as the initiating mechanism to initiate a corresponding explosive. Such hot wire
`
`igniters operate by delivering a low voltage electrical pulse to the fuse head, causing the
`
`fuse head to heat up. Heat from the fuse head, generated in response to the low voltage
`
`electrical pulse, initiates a primary explosive, e.g., lead azide, which, in turn, initiates a
`
`secondary explosive output pellet, such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) at an output
`
`end of the detonator. However, conventional hot wire igniters must rely on an extremely
`
`sensitive primary explosive to transition the detonation process from the fuse head to the
`
`corresponding explosive output pellet. Moreover, it is possible that the voltage and power
`
`requirements to function this type of conventional hot wire igniter may be encountered
`
`from inadvertent sources like static, stray currents and radio frequency (RF) energy.
`
`Another exemplary detonator type is referred to as an exploding bridgewire
`
`detonator (EBW). The EBW includes a short length of small diameter wire that functions
`
`as a bridge.
`
`In use, explosive material beginning at a contact interface with the bridge
`
`wire transitions from a low density secondary explosive pellet to a high density secondary
`
`explosive pellet at the output end of the detonator. To initiate a detonation event, a high
`
`voltage pulse is applied in an extremely short duration across the bridge wire causing the
`
`small diameter wire to explode. The Shockwave created from the bridge wire's fast
`
`vaporization initiates the low density secondary explosive pellet, such as PETN, which in
`
`turn initiates the high density secondary explosive pellet such as cyclotrimethylene
`
`trinitramine (RDX), at the output end of the EBW.
`
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`Yet another exemplary detonator type is referred to as an exploding foil initiator
`
`(EFI). A conventional EFI includes a thin metal foil having a defined narrow section. A
`
`polymer film layer is provided over the metal foil. To initiate a detonation event, a high
`
`voltage, very short pulse of energy is applied across the metal foil to cause the narrow
`
`section of the metal foil to vaporize. As the narrow section of the metal foil vaporizes,
`
`plasma is formed as the vaporized metal cannot expand beyond the polymer film layer.
`
`The pressure created as a result of this vaporization action builds until the polymer film
`
`layer is compromised,
`
`thus triggering a shock wave that
`
`initiates the detonation a
`
`connected explosive device.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to various aspects of the present invention, a detonator for initiating a
`
`detonation event comprises a non-energetics based subsystem that is free of explosive
`
`material, and an initiating subsystem. The non-energetics based subsystem is selectively
`
`mated together with the initiating subsystem to form a detonator. There are several
`
`exemplary configurations to implement the above, two-subsystem detonator device.
`
`According to aspects of the present invention, the non-energetics based subsystem
`
`comprises a controller, a low voltage to high voltage converter controlled by the
`
`controller, a primary energy source coupled to the low voltage to high voltage converter, a
`
`secondary energy source controlled by the controller and a first interface. The first
`
`interface includes a first pair of conductive contacts spaced by an insulator, where each of
`
`the conductive contacts of the first pair is electrically coupled to a circuit path associated
`
`with the primary energy source.
`
`The initiating subsystem comprises a high voltage switch, an initiator electrically
`
`coupled in series with the high voltage switch, an initiating pellet positioned in
`
`cooperation with the initiator, and a second interface. The initiating pellet has explosive
`
`material comprising at least one insensitive secondary explosive material. However, the
`
`explosive material is free of sensitive primary explosive material. Moreover, the initiating
`
`pellet is positioned such that functioning the initiator detonates the explosive material of
`
`the initiating pellet. The second interface mates with the first interface to electrically
`
`connect a first conductive path from the primary energy source to the circuit of the high
`
`voltage switch and initiator. The second interface including a first pair of interface legs
`
`positioned so that each interface leg of the first pair mates with a corresponding one of the
`
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`first pair of conductive contacts of the first interface when the initiating subsystem is
`
`suitably mated with the non-energetics based subsystem.
`
`The interface legs of the second interface are self-shunting and thus short to one
`
`another when the initiating subsystem is removed from the non-energetics based
`
`subsystem. Further, the insulator of the first interface is arranged so as to separate the
`
`self-shunting legs and guide each leg to a corresponding one of the conductive contacts
`
`when the non-energetics based subsystem is suitably assembled with the initiating
`
`subsystem by mating the first interface with the second interface.
`
`Moreover, in a further embodiment, the first interface of the non-energetics based
`
`subsystem further comprises a second pair of conductive contacts spaced by the insulator,
`
`where each of the conductive contacts of the second pair is electrically coupled to a circuit
`
`path associated with the secondary energy source. Correspondingly, the second interface
`
`of the initiating subsystem comprises a second pair of interface legs positioned so that
`
`each interface leg of the second pair mates with a corresponding one of the second pair of
`
`conductive contacts of the first interface when the initiating subsystem is suitably mated
`
`with the non-energetics based subsystem and the second interface couples to a control
`
`element of the switch.
`
`According to further aspects of the present invention, a detonator for initiating a
`
`detonation event comprises a non-energetics based subsystem that is free of explosive
`
`material, having a controller, a low voltage to high voltage converter controlled by the
`
`controller, a primary energy source coupled to the low voltage to high voltage converter,
`
`and a secondary energy source controlled by the controller. An initiating subsystem that is
`
`selectively coupled or uncoupled from the non-energetics based detonator, comprises an
`
`initiating pellet having explosive material comprising at least one insensitive secondary
`
`explosive material, wherein the explosive material is free of sensitive primary explosive
`
`material, a high voltage switch having a control element and an initiator electrically
`
`coupled with the high voltage switch, wherein the high voltage switch and initiator are
`
`coupled to a select one of the non-energetics based subsystem and the initiating subsystem
`
`and a booster of explosive material having a detonation well, wherein the initiating
`
`subsystem is positioned within the detonation well such that the non-energetics based
`
`subsystem mates with the initiating subsystem by inserting the non-energetics based
`
`subsystem into the detonation well.
`
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`According to still further aspects of the present invention, a detonator for initiating
`
`a detonation event when utilized with a booster that provides an initiating subsystem
`
`having an initiating pellet
`
`installed in a detonation well
`
`thereof, comprises a non-
`
`energetics based subsystem that is free of explosive material, having a housing having a
`
`cross-section that generally corresponds the cross section of the associated booster, the
`
`housing having at least one through passageway that passes through the housing, and
`
`which aligns substantially in register with a corresponding through tunnel of the booster.
`
`The detonator further comprises an extension extending from the housing having a
`
`dimension and position along the housing that aligns substantially in register with the
`
`detonation well of the booster, a controller contained within the housing, a low voltage to
`
`high voltage converter coupled the controller, a primary energy source coupled to the low
`
`voltage to high voltage converter, a secondary energy source, a first interface electrically
`
`coupled to the primary energy source and an initiator positioned at the distal end of the
`
`extension that is coupled to the primary energy source via a high voltage switch. The non-
`
`energetics based subsystem mates with the booster such that the extension extends into the
`
`detonator well of the booster so as to bring the initiator in register with the initiating pellet
`
`pre-installed in the detonator well.
`
`According to yet further aspects of the present invention, a computer network box
`
`for commanding a blasting operation, comprises a network box having a first side, a
`
`second side, a third side and a fourth side, the network box for positioning at a hole of a
`
`plurality of holes in an associated blast pattern. The first side has at least one connector,
`
`each first side connector for linking an associated downhole detonator downline to connect
`
`a corresponding detonator to the network box, and at least one additional connector for
`
`coupling out to another network box positioned in a next row of holes if a next row of
`
`holes is in the blast pattern. The second side has a connector for linking in from another
`
`network box associated with an adjacent row of holes if an adjacent row of holes is
`
`included in the blast pattern. The third side comprises at least one connector for linking in
`
`from yet another network box associated with a previous sequential hole in a row of holes
`
`if a previous sequential hole is in the blast pattern. Moreover, the fourth side comprises at
`
`least one connector for linking out to a next network box associated with a next sequential
`
`hole in a row of holes if a next sequential hole is in the blast pattern.
`
`According to yet further aspects of the present invention, a computer network
`
`system for commanding a blasting operation, comprises a plurality of network boxes, each
`
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`box for positioning at a corresponding hole in a blast operation, each network box
`
`comprising a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side, that is positioned at a
`
`hole of a plurality of holes in an associated blast pattern. The first side has at least one
`
`connector, each first side connector
`
`for
`
`linking an associated downhole detonator
`
`downline to connect a corresponding detonator to the network box, and at least one
`
`additional connector for coupling out to another network box positioned in next row of
`
`holes if a next row of holes is in the blast pattern. The second side has a connector for
`
`linking in from a another network box associated with an adjacent row of holes if an
`
`adjacent row of holes is included in the blast pattern. The third side comprises at least one
`
`connector for linking in from yet another network box associated with a previous
`
`sequential hole in a row of holes if a previous sequential hole is in the blast pattern.
`
`Moreover, the fourth side comprises at least one connector for linking out to a next
`
`network box associated with a next sequential hole in a row of holes if a next sequential
`
`hole is in the blast pattern.
`
`The computer network system further comprises a blasting computer
`
`for
`
`connection to a select one of the network boxes, the blasting computer configured to
`
`execute a software positioning algorithm that identifies a detonator attached to each first
`
`side connector of each network box, compute a detonator firing time for each detonator
`
`attached to each first side connector of each network box, transmit the fire time to each
`
`detonator attached to each first side connector of each network box
`
`and initiate a
`
`detonation event to detonate each detonator according to its preprogrammed fire time.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a two-component detonator system
`
`according to various aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of select components of a two-component
`
`detonator system where the two components are connected together, according to various
`
`aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of an initiator and a switch for a two-component
`
`detonator system according to various aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 4A is a schematic illustration of a two-component detonator system according
`
`to various aspects of the present invention;
`
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`Fig. 4B is a schematic illustration of an alternative two-component detonator
`
`system according to further aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 4C is a schematic illustration of a mounting body utilized to support an
`
`initiating subsystem for use with a two-component detonator system, according to various
`
`aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 4D is a schematic illustration of yet a further alternative two-component
`
`detonator system according to further aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a cast booster that integrates with a two-
`
`component detonator system according to various aspects of the present
`
`invention
`
`according;
`
`Fig. 6 is a top view of the cast booster of Fig. 5;
`
`Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a non-energetics based detonator component of
`
`a two-component detonator system, for interfacing with a booster according to various
`
`aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 8A is a schematic illustration of a two-component detonator system interfaced
`
`with a booster according to various aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 8B is a schematic illustration of an alternative two-component detonator
`
`system interfaced with a booster according to further aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a two-component detonator system according to
`
`further aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 10A is a schematic illustration of a puck shaped two-component detonator
`
`system according to still further aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 10B is a schematic illustration of an alternative puck shaped two-component
`
`detonator system according to yet further aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of a booster interfaced with a puck shaped two-
`
`component detonator system according to various aspects of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a two-component detonator system interfacing
`
`with a small booster sleeve and a detonating cord according to various aspects of the
`
`present invention;
`
`Fig. 13 is an illustration of a two-component detonator system interfacing with a
`
`blasting agent according to various aspects of the present invention;
`
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`Figs. 14A-14C are schematic illustrations of a basic two-component detonator
`
`system illustrating the utilization of adapters, according to various aspects of the present
`
`invention;
`
`Fig. 15A-15E are schematic illustrations of a basic two-component detonator
`
`system illustrating the utilization of adapters, according to various aspects of the present
`
`invention;
`
`Fig. 16A is an illustration of a male half of a coupler for coupling a non-energetics
`
`based detonator to a detonation well of a booster or a sleeve, according to various aspects
`
`of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 16B is an illustration of a female half of the coupler for coupling with the male
`
`half of Fig. 16A;
`
`Fig. 16C is an illustration of the male and female halves of Fig. 16A and 16B
`
`coupled together;
`
`Fig. 17A is an illustration of a male half of a coupler for coupling a non-energetics
`
`based detonator to a detonation well of a booster or a sleeve, according to various aspects
`
`of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 17B is an illustration of a female half of the coupler for coupling with the male
`
`half of Fig. 17A;
`
`Fig. 17C is an illustration of the male and female halves of Fig. 17A and 17B
`
`coupled together;
`
`Fig. 18 is a view of a detonator computer box according to various aspects of the
`
`present invention;
`
`Fig. 19 is an illustration of the computer box of Fig. 18 connected to boosters
`
`and corresponding two component detonator systems according to various aspects of the
`
`present invention;
`
`Fig. 20 is an illustration of an exemplary blasting site with an illustrative timing
`
`solution, according to various aspects of the present invention; and
`
`Fig. 2 1 is an illustration of another exemplary blasting site with an illustrative
`
`timing solution, according to various aspects of the present invention.
`
`MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
`
`According to various aspects of the present invention, a two-component detonator
`
`device for use with explosives comprises two subsystems. A first subsystem functions as
`
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`a fireset and does not contain any explosives. The second subsystem includes an initiating
`
`pellet
`
`that
`
`is capable of directly firing an insensitive secondary explosive material.
`
`Moreover, the two subsystem detonator device may be implemented in "basic" detonator
`
`configurations or in "enhanced" detonator configurations, according to various aspects of
`
`the present
`
`invention, as described more fully herein.
`
`The discussion herein with
`
`reference to Figs. 1 through 3 is applicable to both basic and enhanced detonator
`
`implementations .
`
`Two-Component Detonator Overview
`
`Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Fig. 1, a detonator device 10
`
`according to various aspects of the present invention includes two subsystems, including a
`
`non-energetics based subsystem 10A (also referred to herein as a non-energetics based
`
`detonator or "NEBD 10A") and an initiating subsystem 10B. The NEBD 10A includes
`
`controls and/or electronics, including a high power conversion unit (HPCU) capable of
`
`locally generating the power required to function an initiation event. However, the NEBD
`
`10A itself does not contain explosives.
`
`In this regard, the NEBD 10A functions as a
`
`fireset. The initiating subsystem 10B includes an explosive, e.g., an insensitive secondary
`
`explosive that is capable of initiating a detonation event with a corresponding explosive
`
`device. An initiator may be integrated with either the NEBD 10A or the initiating
`
`subsystem 10B, as will be described in greater detail herein.
`
`In operation, when the NEBD 10A is properly coupled to the initiating subsystem
`
`10B and an appropriate command is given to the NEBD 10A, the HPCU of the NEBD
`
`10A generates the power required to function the initiator, which in turn, initiates the
`
`initiating pellet of the initiating subsystem 10B.
`
`The Detonator Device
`
`Referring to Fig. 2, select components of a detonator device 10 are illustrated
`
`according to various aspects of the present
`
`invention. As schematically illustrated, a
`
`NEBD 10A is mated with a corresponding initiating subsystem 10B (depicted in a solid
`
`box to distinguish from components of the NEBD 10A). Referring initially to the
`
`initiating subsystem 10B, a high voltage switch 1 is electrically connected in series with
`
`an initiator 14 and an initiating pellet 16 is positioned in cooperation with the initiator 14.
`
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`The High Voltage Switch
`
`The high voltage switch 1 is designed to hold off stray signals from triggering the
`
`initiator 14, e.g., signals that are not valid actuation signals, even if the stray signals are
`
`themselves, relatively high voltage signals.
`
`In this regard, the high voltage switch 12 is
`
`preferably triggered by an actuation signal comprising a voltage that
`
`is significantly
`
`greater than the voltage associated with common electronic components that may be
`
`proximate to the initiating subsystem 10B, thus providing a level of redundancy to the
`
`detonator device 10.
`
`As illustrated, the high voltage switch 12 includes a first contact 12A and a second
`
`contact 12B that define the switch contacts, which are separated from each other by a gap
`
`12C. Additionally, a trigger element 12D is disposed within the gap 12C between and
`
`electrically isolated from the first contact 12A and the second contact 12B.
`
`In its default
`
`state, the trigger element 12D is electrically isolated from the first contact 12A and the
`
`second contact 12B. Moreover,
`
`in its default state, the first contact 12A and second
`
`contact 12B are electrically isolated from one another, forming an open circuit there
`
`between.
`
`The Initiator
`
`According to aspects of the present invention, the initiator 14 is coupled in series to
`
`the high voltage switch 12. By way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, the
`
`initiator 14 may comprise a fusehead, an exploding bridgewire device (EBW) or an
`
`exploding foil
`
`initiator
`
`(EFI).
`
`In the illustrative implementation,
`
`the initiator 14 is
`
`implemented as an EFI that is functioned to initiate a corresponding initiating pellet 16 as
`
`will be described in greater detail herein. The high voltage switch 12 and the initiator 14
`
`may be co-located, e.g., provided on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip, such as where
`
`the initiator is implemented as one or more EFIs. Alternatively, the high voltage switch 12
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`and the initiator 14 may be provided separately, e.g., on separate IC chips or other suitable
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`substrates that are electrically interconnected together. Still further, the switch 12 and
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`initiator 14 may be split across components of the detonator device 10, e.g., such that the
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`switch 12 is provided with the NEBD 10A, and the initiator 14 is provided with the
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`initiating subsystem 10B.
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`The Initiating Pellet
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`According to aspects of the present invention, the initiating pellet 16 is comprised
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`of at
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`least one high density insensitive secondary explosive material. However,
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`the
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`initiating pellet 16 does not include a sensitive primary explosive.
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`In an illustrative
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`example, the initiating pellet 16 is implemented as a single pellet of Hexanitrostilbene
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`(HNS-IV). As another illustrative example, the initiating pellet 16 is implemented as a
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`combination pellet that includes a first insensitive secondary explosive such as HNS-IV, at
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`least in an area of anticipated impact from an EFI-based initiator 14, and a second (output)
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`insensitive secondary explosive such as a high brisance, insensitive secondary explosive
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`that possesses considerably more shock energy than HNS-IV alone, in the remainder of
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`the pellet.
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`Exemplary high brisance insensitive
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`secondary explosives comprise
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`Composition A5, PBXN-5, etc.
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`The combination of HNS-IV and a high brisance secondary provides combined
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`insensitive explosives that are much less sensitive than those found in conventional
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`commercial detonators, which typically require a sensitive primary explosive to initiate a
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`sensitive secondary explosive such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). Such primary
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`explosives required by conventional detonators are extremely sensitive to shock, friction,
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`and/or static electricity. However, the initiating pellet 16 described herein, acts as a built
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`in booster for the detonator device 10, allowing direct
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`initiation of very insensitive
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`explosive devices and blasting agents.
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`Micro-Fabricated Switch and Initiator
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`In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, micro-fabrication techniques,
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`e.g., Metallic Vacuum Vapor Deposition (MVVD), are utilized to integrate the high
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`voltage switch 12 with the initiator 14 onto a ceramic or silicon substrate. In an exemplary
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`implementation,
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`the high voltage switch 12 and/or the initiator 14 are manufactured
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`utilizing a Metallic Vacuum Vapor Deposition (MVVD) process.
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`In an illustrative implementation, the high voltage switch 12 is implemented as a
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`planar switch connected to the initiator 14. The initiator 14 is separated from the high
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`voltage switch 12 by a board trace or wire 24 such that the high voltage switch 12 and the
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`initiator 14 are two separate components on the same board or chip 26. An insulating
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`material 28, e.g., a polyimide film such as Kapton, is optionally provided over the high
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`voltage switch 12, the initiator 14, the trigger wire 24, or portions thereof (as shown as the
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`dashed boxes). Kapton is a trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. The
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`insulating material 28 allows the high voltage switch 12 to hold off a high voltage and
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`improves reliability of the high voltage switch 12 by providing a tighter tolerance to the
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`hold off voltage and/or by providing a tighter tolerance to the voltage required to close the
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`switch contacts relative to a conventional gap, e.g., found in a conventional spark gap
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`device.
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`To trigger the initiating pellet 16,
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`the high voltage switch 12, which is in a
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`normally open state, is actuated to transition the high voltage switch 12 from the normally
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`open state to a closed state. For example, to actuate the switch 12, a voltage is applied to
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`the trigger element 12D that is sufficient to cause the first contact 12A and the second
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`contact 12B to short together. Additionally, a suitable voltage is applied across the series
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`circuit of the high voltage switch 12 and the initiator 14. In this regard, the initiating pellet
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`16 is positioned relative to the initiator 14 such that functioning the initiator 14 detonates
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`the explosive material of the initiating pellet 16 to produce a primary explosion. This
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`primary explosion is typically utilized to detonate another explosive device or product that
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`is positioned proximate to the detonator device 10, e.g., a commercial booster as will be
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`explained in greater detail herein.
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`High Power Conversion Unit
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`The NEBD 10A utilizes an integral high power conversion unit (HPCU) 17 to
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`generate the high voltage required to function the initiator 14, which in turn, initiates the
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`initiating pellet 16 provided with the initiating subsystem 10B.
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`In an exemplary
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`implementation, the HPCU 17 converts a low voltage, e.g., 12V, into a high voltage, e.g.,
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`in excess of 1,000V, capable of producing megawatts of power. Moreover, because the
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`HPCU 17 of the NEBD 10A delivers the high power to the initiator 10B, a requirement of
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`conventional detonators to transmit high power across long distances is eliminated.
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`In the illustrative example, the HPCU 17 is implemented in general, by a circuit
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`that includes a controller 18, at least one low voltage to high voltage converter 20, a
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`primary energy source 22A and a secondary energy source 22B. The low voltage to high
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`voltage converter 20 is coupled between the controller 18 and the primary energy source
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`22A. The primary energy source 22A further forms a circuit with the high voltage switch
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`12 and the initiator 14. The low voltage to high voltage converter 20 is also coupled to the
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`secondary energy source 22B as illustrated. The secondary energy source 22B forms a
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`circuit with the trigger element 12D of the switch 12.
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`The controller 18 selectively controls the low voltage to high voltage converter 20
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`at an appropriate time to charge the primary energy source 22A to a voltage suitable for
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`functioning the initiator 14. Correspondingly, the controller 18 selectively controls when
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`the secondary energy source 22B is charged to a voltage sufficient to operate the switch
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`12.
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`An actuation signal, e.g., initiated by the controller 18 triggers the low voltage to
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`high voltage DC-DC converter 20 to charge the seconda