Sequential initiation of explosions

Claim 2

An activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, including a series of activating modules arranged in first and second sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and third connecting means for connecting the activating modules to a power supply means and including separate power supply cables for supplying power independently to either the first or the second set of activating modules thereby to energize either the first or the second set of activating modules.

Claim 3

An activating means as claimed in claim 1, in which the first activating module of the series and every successive alternate activating module comprises the first set and the second activating module of the series and every successive alternate activating module comprises the second set.

Claim 4

An activating means as claimed in claim 1, in which the switch means are electronic solid state devices.

Claim 5

An activating means as claimed in claim 1, in which the first connecting means connect each initiator electrically in series with the switch means of its associated activating module.

Claim 6

An activating means as claimed in claim 4, in which the second connecting means connect the junctions between the first connecting means and the switch means of each activating module with the switch means of each succeeding activating module.

Claim 7

An activating means as claimed in claim 4, which includes a fusible link electrically in parallel with each first connecting means.

Claim 8

An activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, a power supply means which includes an oscillator and a switch-over relay for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating modules, and a pair of supply cables connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means.

Claim 9

An activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, a power supply means which includes an oscillator and a switch-over relay for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating modules, and a pair of supply cables connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means.

Claim 10

An activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, a power supply means which includes reversal means for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating means and counting means for counting the number of times the polarity is reversed and for disabling the power supply means after the polarity has been reversed a predetermined number of times, and a pair of supply cables connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means.

Claim 11

An activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, a power supply means which includes reversal means for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating means and counting means for counting the number of times the polarity is reversed and for disabling the power supply means after the polarity has been reversed a predetermined number of times, and a pair of supply cables connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means.

Claim 12

An activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch-means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and a power supply means which includes reversal means for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating means and variable timing means for automatically actuating the reversal means after a predetermined period of time, and a pair of supply cables connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means.

Claim 13

An activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch-means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and a power supply means which includes reversal means for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating means and variable timing means for automatically actuating the reversal means after a predetermined period of time, and a pair of supply cables connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means.

Claim 14

An activating means as claimed in claim 9, in which the reversal means is variable to vary the rate of reversal of polarity.

Claim 15

An activating means as claimed in claim 9, which includes a key operated switch.

Claim 16

An activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, including a series of activating modules arranged in first and second sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, a power supply means having two output terminals and switching means for supplying power alternately and repeatedly to the output terminals, and power supply cables connecting the activating modules to the output terminals of the power supply means, for supplying power independently to either the first or the second set of activating modules thereby to energize either the first or the second set of activating modules.

Claim 17

An activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, including a series of activating modules arranged in first and second sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, a power supply means having two output terminals and switching means for supplying power alternately and repeatedly to the output terminals, and power supply cables connecting the activating modules to the output terminals of the power supply means, for supplying power independently to either the first or the second set of activating modules thereby to energize either the first or the second set of activating modules.

Claim 18

A power supply means suitable for supplying power to an activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, the activating means including a series of activating modules arranged in first and second sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and third connecting means for connecting the activating modules to the power supply means and including separate power supply cables for supplying power independently to either the first or the second set of activating modules thereby to energize either the first or the second set of activating modules, the power supply means including two output terminals; and switching means for supplying power alternately and repeatedly to the output terminals.

Claim 19

A power supply means suitable for supplying power to an activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, the activating means including a series of activating modules arranged in first and second sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and third connecting means for connecting the activating modules to the power supply means and including separate power supply cables for supplying power independently to either the first or the second set of activating modules thereby to energize either the first or the second set of activating modules, the power supply means including two output terminals; and switching means for supplying power alternately and repeatedly to the output terminals.

Claim 20

A power supply means as claimed in claim 13, in which the switching means is variable to vary the rate at which power is supplied to the output terminals.

Claim 21

A power supply means as claimed in claim 13, in which the switching means comprises an astable multi-vibrator and a relay.

Claim 22

A power supply means as claimed in claim 13, which includes counting means for counting the number of times power is switched between the output terminals and for disabling the power supply means when the power has been switched a predetermined number of times.

Claim 23

A power supply means as claimed in claim 13, which includes a key operated switch.

Claim 24

A power supply means as claimed in claim 13, which includes variable timing means for automatically actuating the switching means after a predetermined interval of time.

Claim 25

A power supply means suitable for supplying power to an activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, the activating means including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and a pair of supply cables for connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means, the power supply means including an oscillator and a switch-over relay for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating modules.

Claim 26

A power supply means suitable for supplying power to an activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, the activating means including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and a pair of supply cables for connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means, the power supply means including an oscillator and a switch-over relay for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating modules.

Claim 27

A power supply means suitable for use with an activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, the activating means including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and a pair of supply cables for connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means, the power supply means including reversal means for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating means and counting means for counting the number of times the polarity is reversed and for disabling the power supply means after the polarity has been reversed a predetermined number of times.

Claim 28

A power supply means suitable for use with an activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, the activating means including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and a pair of supply cables for connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means, the power supply means including reversal means for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating means and counting means for counting the number of times the polarity is reversed and for disabling the power supply means after the polarity has been reversed a predetermined number of times.

Claim 29

A power supply means for supplying power to an activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, the activating means including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and a pair of supply cables for connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means, the power supply means including reversal means for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating means and variable timing means for automatically actuating the reversal means after a predetermined period of time.

Claim 30

A power supply means for supplying power to an activating means for sequentially activating a plurality of electrically actuable initiators, the activating means including a series of activating modules arranged in two sets, first connecting means for connecting each of the activating modules to a different one of the initiators, each activating module having a controllable, electrically operable, uni-directional switch means and disabling means for disabling the switch means of the immediately succeeding activating module, each disabling means being such that it disables the switch means of the succeeding activating module until the initiator associated with its own activating module has been activated, second connecting means for connecting the disabling means of each activating module to the switch means of the succeeding activating module, and a pair of supply cables for connecting the activating modules to the power supply means, with the switch means being connected between the supply cables, and the switch means of the first set of activating modules being connected with opposite polarity to the switch means of the second set of activating modules, such that the two sets of activating modules may be alternately and repeatedly energized by reversal of the polarity of the power supplied from the power supply means, the power supply means including reversal means for cyclically reversing the polarity of electric power supplied to the activating means and variable timing means for automatically actuating the reversal means after a predetermined period of time.

Claim 33

A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the activating modules are disabled by means of an element which has a low resistance value before the initiator has been activated and a high resistance value afterwards.