US2140214A

US2140214A - Explosively actuated tool

Info

Publication number: US2140214A
Application number: US141935A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Robert Temple
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1937-05-11
Filing date: 1937-05-11
Publication date: 1938-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 1955-12-13

Description

I5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 13, 1938. R. TEMPLE, JR

EXPLOSIVELY AGTUATED TOOL Filed May 1l, 1957 Vv///w 27 QMM ai w n 6 w m im 1. m .E w z 5 7 m f||l|||x|| e w a 1 Dec. 13, 1938. R TEMPLE; JR 2,140,214

EXPLOSIVELY ACTUATED T001.

Filed May l1, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 WITNESSES.- INVENrox Dec. 13, 1938. R TEMPLE, JR 2,140,214

EXPLOSIVELY ACTUATED TOOL Filed May 1l, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 WTNESSES: INVENTOR. v

BY www" Qa ATTORNEYS.

patented Dec.' 13, 1938` 2,140,214

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,140,214 ExPLoslvELY ACTUATED 'rooL Robert Temple, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Application May 11, 1937, Serial No. 141,935

17 Claims. (Cl. 164-56) This invention relates to tools actuated by exordinarily made round. The upper end of the plosive means and more particularly to apparatus die I6 and the corresponding side portions of the of this character particularly adapted for use unleg I6 are cut away to form a curved cradle or der water, as, for example, in cutting cables. shoulders 22 so that a strand material to be sev- It is the general object of my invention to proered, such as the cable C, can be moved between 5 vide an improved explosively actuated tool which the legs I2 and I4 and down against the shoulis particularly adapted for under-water operaders 22 so that a short length of the cable is tions and for cutting strand material, such as cabridged across the bore 20 while supported by bles, rods, pipes and the like the cradle or shoulders 22 at the sides of the bore. l Another object of my invention is the provision The leg I4 of the frame I0 is formed with a 10 of a tool operated by the force of a detonated exlongitudinal bere 30 Which Sldably receives e plosive charge, such as a blank cartridge, and unit. indicated generally at 32. Which unit inwherein the tool can be readily reloaded .under cludes a barrel 34 slidably receiving a piston 33 in water. turn slidably mounted upon a breech 38. The l Another object of my invention is to provide a barrel 34 is formed with a reduced threaded porl5 relatively small and light weight apparatus which tiOn 40 at One end upon Which a ccrnplementerily is readily portable but strong and sturdy, which threaded cap 42 is removably received. A sealis adapted to cut strand materials, such as cables, ing diSc 45, Ordinarily. 0f copper, -iS clamped bewires, rods, tubes, pipes or other similar members. tWeen the end 0f the barrel end the Cap 42, aS Another object of my invention is the provision illustrated. The cap 42 is formed with a central 20 of a sealed unit for explosively actuated tools, aperture eS iS the leg I4 S0 aS t0 permit a male which unit is readily replaceable and includes an cutting die 43 carried by the PiStOn 35 t0 rncve explosive charge. breech and piston. inte the bore 20 of the female die.

For a better understanding of my invention, 'I'he breech 38 of the unit 32 removably receives reference should be had to the accompanying an explosive charge which is ordinarily in the 25 drawings wherein Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one form Of a blank cartridge 52. The other end of form of apparatus constructed in accordance the barrel 34 is threaded as at 54, and removably with the principles of my invention; Fig, 2 is e, receives an internally threaded cap 56. A sealvertical cross-sectional view taken on une II-II ing disc 58.1151111115' formed 0f copper. is clamped an of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of another embetween the cap 56 and the end of the barrel 34. 80 bodiment of my invention; Fig, 4 is a, vertical The unit 32 is removably held in the bore 3l) of cross-sectional view of the apparatus illustrated the leg I4 by a breech block 60 which is adjustin Fig. 3; Fig, 5 is o, bottom plan view of still enably and removably secured in the end of the other embodiment of my invention; and Fig, 6 bore 30 which, in the embodiment of the invenis a vertical cross-sectional view taken on line tiOn illustrated. iS accomplished by forming com- 35 VI-VI of Fig. 5. plementary threads 62 on the breech block and While the principles of my invention, as herein the end of the bore 3|). The breech block 60 is inafter particularly disclosed, are broadly apformed With a longitudinal aperture 64 which plicable to explosive tools of various kinds, such slidably receives a firing 4pin 66 normally urged in as employed to drive pins, dies, shears or other tcWard the cartridge 52 by a cOrnDreSSiOn Spring 40 working tools, they are particularly beneficial 68, but adapted to be held in a retracted, cocked in the provision of apparatus for cutting strand position by a pin 10 extending through the tiring material, such as cables, rods, wires, pipes, tubes pin and engaging With the end 0f the `breech and like members, and hence have been speciiiblock 60. Handles 12 upon the breech block fa- -I' cally illustrated and will be so described. cilitete removing 01' entering it in the bore 30 of 45 In the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. the leg I4. 1 and 2, the numeral I0 indicates generally a In the operation of the form of my invention C-shaped frame having opposed leg portions I2 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and just described, a and I4. The leg portion I2 is formed with a lonunit 32 containing a blank cartridge 52 is posigitudinally extending bore which removably retioned in the bore 30 of the leg I4 and the breech 50 ceives a female cutting die I6. The die I6 is held block 60 is screwed tightly into place behind the in operating position, as illustrated, by an apunit. The iring pin 66 of the breech block is proprlately shaped nut I8. Both the nut and die held in a retracted cocked position by the pin 10, are formed with a longitudinal bore 2D which as will be understood. 'Iihe cable C to be cut 66 may be of any desired cross section but which is is now placed in the female die I6 so that it rests 55 upon the cradle or shoulders 22 with a short portion of its length bridged across the bore 20. In firing the apparatus the pin I0 is removed which allows the firing pin 88 to be driven forcibly down towards the unit 82 by the compression spring 88. The end of the firing pin 88 engages with the sealing disc 58 and detonates the cartrldge 52 without piercing or breaking the sealing disc. The detonation of the cartridge 82 tends to drive the piston 88 and the male cuting die 48 with high force andA velocity towards the female cutting die.

However, initially the movement of the piston 88 and the male cutting die 48 is prevented by the engagement of the end of the male cutting die with the sealing disc 48. Only after the detonated cartridge 52 has built up a predetermined pressure, dependent upon the thickness of the sealing disc 48, is the sealing disc sheared at which time the piston 88 and male cutting die 48 are moved with the full force of the exploded cartridge down into engagement with the cable supported upon the female cutting die. The force behind the male cutting die and the momentum of the piston and die causes the male cutting die to shear a short length out of the cable placed on the female cutting die, The short plug so sheared falls down through the bore 20, as will be understood.

Once the apparatus has been operated, as just described, it is a relatively simple matter to pull back the firing pin 88, insert the pin 10, unscrew the breech block 80 and replace the unit 82 with another unit which has an unexploded cartridge 52 therein. This operation is readily accomplished by a diver when'working with the apparatus under water, and since the unit 32 is completely self-contained and sealed, the apparatus can be repeatedly operated by a diver with any desired number of reloadings under water. It should be understood that if the apparatus is used in air, instead of providing a plurality of units 82, after each operation of the apparatus the particular unit containing the detonated cartridge can be disassembled by removing the caps 42 and 58and replacing the sheared disc 46 and the detonated cartridge 52 with new ones, after which the caps can be again screwed in place and the unit is ready for installation in the apparatus.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the numeral 80 indicates generally a U-shaped frame having a longitudinal bore 82 which slidably receives a unit 84 which comprises a barrel 88, a piston 88, a male cutting die 88, and a breech 80 removably receiving an explosive charge, usually in the form of a blank cartridge 82. The barrel 88 is threaded at its upper end and receives an internally threaded cap 84 which functions to clamp a sealing disc 88, generally of copper, against the end of the barrel. The lower end of the barrel 88 is internally threaded and receives an externally threaded ring 88 which clamps a sealing disc |00 of copper against the other end of the barrel. 'Ihe bore 82 of the frame 80 terminates in a shoulder |04 so that a female cutting die |08 is removably received at the lower end of the bore 82. The lower end of the frame 80 and the female cutting die |08 are formed with a longitudinally extending bore |08.

In order to receive a cable, rod, or other strand element to be cut, the frame 80 is formed with diametrically opposed longitudinally extending slots I 2 which extend from the upper end thereof to a position laterally opposed to the female cutuns die m. 'me remue die In u :orma van recesses at its side which provide shoulder portions v H4 at the opposite sides of the bore |88 so that a cable received on the shoulder portions is carried in bridged relation across thebore |88.

In order'to hold a cable on the shoulders ||4, suitable means are provided which may'take the form of a ring ||8 which is rotatably mounted between an integral ilange |28 formed on frame 80 and a ring |22 fixed to the lower end of the frame. The ring ||8 is formed with diametrically opposed bayonet slots |24 which. as best seen in Fig. 3, can be turned. into alignment with the slots I |2 so that a cable can be introduced therethrough and positioned on the shoulders ||4 and held in this position by turning the ring I8 slightly.

The unit 84 is removably held in the frame 88 by a cap |80 which is mounted in a quickly releasable manner uponthe upper end of the frame. This is preferably accomplished, as illustrated, by the provision of a breech block Joint indicated at |82 between the cap and the upper end of the frame. The cap |80 is provided with an internally threaded longitudinally extending aperture which receives the threaded end of a breech block |88 having handles |88 whereby the breech block can be screwed into and out of the cap 88. The breech block |88 is formed with a longitudinal bore slidably receiving a firing pin |42 normally held in a retracted position by a releasable pin |44 but urged toward the unit 84 by a compression spring |48.

In the operatiton of the apparatus illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 with the parts in the pomtion illustrated and a cable received in the female cutting die |08, the pin |44 is removed, whereupon the compression spring |48 drives the firing pin |42 against the sealing disc 88 so that without rupturing the disc the firing p in detonates the cartridge 82. The detonation of the cartridge tends to drive the piston 88 and the male cutting die 88 towards the female cutting die |08. The end of the male cutting die 88, however, is in engagement with the disc |00 and is held against movement until the force of the detonated blank cartridge reaches a predetermined value at which time the disc |00 is sheared to allow the piston 88 and the male cutting die 88 to be driven with high force and momentum against the cable carried in the female cutting die. 'I'he male cutting die shears a relatively short length of plug from the cable which is forced out of the bore |88. A collar |0| of soft metal positioned between the disc |00 and the female die |08 cushions the stopping of the piston 88 and prevents breakage of any of the apparatus parts.

'I'he breech block |88 is now loosened in the cap |80 and the cap is turned through a small arc relative to the frame 80 and then lifted of! to expose the unit 84. The unit can be lifted out and replaced by another unit containing an unflred cartridge 82 and a solid sealing disc |08 and the cap |80 and breech block |88 replaced by reversal of the operations justdescribed to reassemble the apparatus in ilring position. It will be understood that the unit 84 can be readily replaced under water so that the apparatus is adapted for continuous under waterA operation. When used above water and in air the unit 84 can be taken apart by removing the collar 88 and the cap 84 and providing a new disc |00 and cartridge 82, as will be understood.

In the form of my invention illustrated in Figs.

'I'he ends of the unit |54 are sealed by discs |68 and |10 of copper which are held against the ends of the tube as by a collar '|12 and a cap |14, respectively. The lower end of the unit |54 engages with the bottom of the recess in which the barrel |50 is threaded and the other end of the unit |54 engages with a breech block |18 which is formed with an external thread received'in a suitably threaded end of the barrel. The breech block |18 is formed with handles |80 which facilitate screwing it into or out of the end of the barrel |50. The breech block |18 is formed with a longitudinal bore which slidably receives a iiring pin |82 which is normally held in a retrated cocked position by a pin |84 but which is urged toward the unit |50 by a compression spring |86.

In the operation of the embodiment of the invention just described and shown in Figs. and 6, the cap screws |90 are loosened and the plate |92 is swung laterally about one of the cap screws which is permitted by the slot 19|, and the female cutting die |94 is removed from between the plates |52 and |92. The strand material marked R, such as a rod, cable, tube, pipe, or the like, is then placed in the end of the female cutting die so that the member R rests on the shoulders |98 and has'a portion bridged across the bore |98. The female cutting die carrying the member R is then placed back between the plates |52 and |92. The plate |92 is swung back in its original position and the cap screws |90 are tightened to secure the female cuting die and the member R rmly between the plates.

Assuming that the barrel |50 has a unit |54 therein in the position illustrated, then the apparatus is fired by merely removing the pin |84 which allows the ring pin |82 to be driven forcibly down against the disc to detonate the cartridge |82. The piston |58 and male cutting die |84 are held against movement until a predetermined pressure has been reached by the detonated cartridge. The predetermined pressure is adJustable by varying the thickness of the sealing disc |68 which holds the male cutting die and piston against movement. Once the desired pressure has been built up the male cutting die |64 shears through the sealing disc |68 and is driven with high force and momentum against the member R carried by the female cutting die I 94. The male cutting die |64 shears a short plug or section from the member R, which plug falls through the bore |96. A collar or ring |1| of relatively soft metal, such as copper, brass, or the like, positioned between the upper end of the female die and the end of the piston |58, acts as a cushion at Y the end of the travel of the piston so that possible described, it is a relatively simple matter to re- :nove the breech block |18 and then remove the unit |54 so that a new unit can be positioned in thc barrel |50. Screwing the breech block back in position after cooking the firing pin |02 reestablishes the apparatus in the operating position illustrated in Fig. 6. This reloading operation as just described is readily acomplished under water as will be recognized, and it is also possible to reload above water, as for example in air,by a similar replacement of the unit 54. It may be found advisable, however, in certain instances, to merely take the unit |54 apart by removing the cap |14 and ring |12 and replacing the cartridge |62 and sealing disc |68.

It should be understood that in any of the forms of my invention illustrated the exact shape of the female and male cutting dies can be varied within wide limits so as to adapt the apparatus for cutting, punching or shearing operations of various kinds. Likewise, I contemplate employing the units as above described in conjunction with tools for performing other than cutting or punching operations as,for example, the driving of dies, piercing pins or rivets and the like, and that moreover the exact type of frame unit holding means, breech block, firing pin, die mountings. and the like can be varied within wide limits.

From the foregoing description it must be recognized that the objects of my invention have been achieved by the provision of explosively actuated apparatus for performing work, which apparatus is particularly adapted to under water operation, and in which loading and repeated use under water can be readily accomplished. The principles of my invention are broadly applicable to the operation of tools of various kinds but are particularly beneficial in cutting and punching operations. The apparatus is relatively light anu portable and yet is strong and rugged and is adapted to be operated over long periods without maintenance or repair and can be operated by the ordinary workman without prolonged instructions or technical training.

While in accordance with the patent statutes at least one particular embodiment of the invention has been specifically illustrated and de.- scribed, it should be apreciated that my invention is not limited thereto or thereby but is deilned in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An explosively actuated apparatus including a barrel, means spaced from but in alignment with the barrel and integral therewith and adapted to receive the material worked, a unit slidably received completely in the barrel, said unit comprising a tube, a breech within the tube adapted to removably receive a blank cartridge, a piston slidably mounted in the tube, a tool carried by the piston, sealing discs of relatively thin metal removably clamped at the ends of the tube, the tool being in shearable engagement with the disc at the work-receiving end of the tube and held against movement thereby, a breech block removably positioned over the end of the barrel opposite the work-receivingv means and holding the unit against movement in the barrel, and means associated with the breech block fordetenating a blank cartridge carried by the unit.

2. An explosively actuated apparatus including a barreLmeans spaced from but in alignment with the barrel and integral therewith and adapted to receive the material worked, a unit slidably received in and completely surrounded and supported by the barrel, said unit comprising a tube, a breech associated with the tube adapted to removably receive a blank cartridge, a piston slidably mounted in the tube, a tool carried'by the piston, sealing discs removably clamped at the ends of the tube, a breech block removably positioned over the end of the barrel opposite the work-receiving means and holding the unit against movement in the barrel, and means associated with the breech block for detonating a blank cartridge carried by the unit.

3. An explosively actuated apparatus comprising a barrel, means spaced from but in fixed alignment with the barrel and adapted to receive'the material worked, a unit slidably received in the barrel, said unit including a breech adapted to removably receive a blank cartridge. a piston slidably associated with the breech, a tool carried by the piston, sealing discs removably clamped at the ends oi' the unit, the tool being in shearable engagement with the disc at the work-receiving end of the unit and held against movement thereby until a predetermined force on the disc has been exceeded, a breech block removably positioned over the end of the barrel opposite the work-receiving means and holding the unit against movement in the barrel,

and means associated with the breech block for detonating a blank cartridge carried by the unit.

4. An explosively actuated apparatus comprising a barrel, means spaced from but in alignment with the barrel and integral therewith and adapted to receive the material worked, a unit slidably received in the barrel, said unit including a breech adapted to removably receive a blank cartridge, a piston slidably associated with the breech, sealing discs removably clamped at the ends of the unit, a breech block removably positioned over the end of the barrel opposite the work-receiving means and holding the unit in fixed relation in the barrel, and means associated with the breech block for detonating a blank cartridge carried by the unit.

5. An explosively actuated apparatus including a barrel, integral means spaced from but in alignment with the barrel and adapted to receive the material worked, a unit slidably received in the barrel and completely surrounded and supported thereby, means sealing the ends of the unit against fluid leakage, a breech block removably positioned over the end of the barrel opposite the work-receiving means and holding the unit in i'ixed position in the barrel, and means associated with the breech block for detonating a blank cartridge carried by the unit.

6. In combination, a C-shaped frame having opposed legs in alignment, one of said legs having a bore therethrough terminating in a reduced shoulder adjacent the other leg. a unit removably received in the bore, a breech block removably holding the unit in fixed relation in the bore,a female cutting die removably carried on the other leg in alignment with the unit, said unit including a breech adapted to receive an explosive charge, a piston slidably mounted in the unit for movement longitudinally thereof upon the detonation of the explosive means, a male,

means carried by the breech block for detonating an explosive charge carried by the unit.

7. In combination, a frame having opposed legs in alignment, one of said legs having a bore therethrough terminating in a reduced shoulder adjacent the other leg, a unit removably received completely in the bore and supported thereby against fracture. a breech block removably holding the unit in the bore and xedly against the shoulders, work-receiving means removably carried on the other leg in alignment with the unit, said unit including a breech adapted to receive an explosive charge, a piston slidably mounted in the unit for movement longitudinally thereof upon the detonation of the explosive means, a material working tool carried by the piston for movement into working relation with the material positioned on the work-receiving means upon movement of the piston, means sealing the unit against fluid leakage therein and at least part of the sealing means holding the piston against movement until a predetermined force has been exceeded by the detonated explosive charge, and means carried by the breech block ndetonating an explosive charge carried by the 8. In combination, a frame having opposed legs in alignment, one of said legs having a bore therethrough terminating in a reduced shoulder adjacent the other leg, a unit removably received in the bore and completely surrounded and supported thereby, a breech block removably holding the unit flxedly in the bore, work positioning means carried on the other leg in alignment with the unit. said unit including a breech adapted to receive an explosive charge, a piston slidably mounted in the unit for movement longitudinally thereof upon the detonation of the explosive means, a working tool carried by the piston for movement into working relation with the work positioning means upon movement of the piston, means sealing the unit against fluid leakage therein and at least part of the sealing means holding the piston against movement until a predetermined force has been exceeded by the detonated explosive charge, and means carried by the breech block for detonating an explosive charge carried by the unit.

9. In combination, a frame having opposed legs in alignment, one o1' said legs having a bore therethrough terminating in a reduced shoulder adjacent the other leg, a unit removably received in the bore against the shoulder, a breech block removably holding the unit ixedly in the bore. work positioning means carried on the other leg in alignment with the unit, said unit including a breech adapted to receive an explosive charge. a piston slidably mounted in the unit for movement longitudinaly thereof upon the detonation of the explosive means, ay working tool carried by the piston for movement into working relation with the work positioning means upon movement of the piston, means sealing the unit against fluid leakage, means holding the piston against movement until a predetermined force has been exceeded by the detonated explosive charge, and means carried by the breech block for detonating an explosive charge carried by the unit.

10. In combination, a frame having opposed legs in alignment, one of said legs having a bore therethrough terminating in a reduced shoulder adjacent the other leg, a unit removably received in the bore against the shoulder,abreech block removably holding the unit in the bore in fixed relation against the shoulder, work positioning means carried on the other leg in alignment with the unit, said unit including a breech adapted to receive an explosive charge, a piston slidably mounted in the unit for movement longitudinally thereof upon the detonation of the explosive means, a working toolcarried by the piston for movement into working relation with the work positioning means upon movement of the piston, and means carried by the breech block for detonating an explosive charge carried by the unit.

11. In combination, a frame having opposed legs in alignment, one of said legs having a bore therethrough terminating in a reduced shoulder adjacent the other leg, a unit removably received in the bore, a breech block removably holding the unit in the bore in xed relation against the shoulder, work positioning means removably carried on the other leg in alignment with the unit, means sealing the unit against entrance of fluid, and means carried by the breech block for detonating an explosive charge carried by the unit.

12. In combination, a U-shaped frame having a longitudinal bore terminating in a shoulder, a female cutting die removably positioned on the shoulder, means for clamping Work on the female cutting die, a unit slidably received in the bore and positioned in engagement with the die, a breech block removably mounted on the end of the frame opposite the die, means associated with the breech block for detonating an explosive charge carried by the unit, said unit including a breech adapted to removably receive an explosive charge, a piston mounted for movement to and from the breech, a male cutting die carried by the piston, and means sealing the ends of the unit and normally holding the piston against movement but shearable when the expanding force of the detonated explosive charge reaches a desired maximum.

13. In combination, a frame having a longitudinal bore terminating in a shoulder, work receiving means positioned on the shoulder, means for clamping work on the Work receiving means, a unit slidably received in the bore and positioned in engagement with the work receiving means, a breech block removably mounted on the end of the frame opposite the work receiving means, means associated with the breech block for detonating an explosive charge carried by the unit, said unit including a breech adapted to removably receive an explosive charge, a piston mounted for movement to and from the breech, a working tool carried by the piston, and means sealing the ends of the unit and normally holding the piston against movement but shearable when the expanding force of the detonated explosive charge reaches a desired maximum.

14. In combination, a barrel, a plate secured in transverse perpendicular relation to the barrel, a second plate, a female cutting die, cap screws for removably holding the plates in spaced parallel relation with the female die therebetween in alignment with the barrel, a unit removably positioned in the barrel, a breech block releasably holding the unit in the barrel, and means associated with the breech block for detonating an explosive charge carried by the unit. said unit including a tube, sealing discs removably clamped at the ends of the tube, a breech in the tube adapted to receive an explosive charge, a piston slidably mounted in the' tube, and a male cutting die carried by the piston for movement into working relation with the female die, one of the sealing discs being positioned to hold the male cutting die against such movement until a desired force is created by the expanding gases of a detonated explosive charge.

15. In combination, a barrel, a plate secured in transverse perpendicular relation to the barrel, a second plate, work receiving means, cap screws for removably holding the plates in spaced parallel relation with the work receiving means therebetween in alignment with the barrel, a unit removably positioned in the barrel, a breech block releasably holding the unit in the barrel, and means associated with the breech block for detonating an explosive charge carried by the unit, said unit including a tube, means removably sealing the tube, a breech in the tube adapted to receive an explosive charge, a piston slidably mounted in the tube, and a working tool carried by the piston for movement intol Working relation with the work receiving means.

16. In combination, a barrel, a plate secured in transverse perpendioular relation to the barrel, a second plate, work receiving means, cap screws for removably holding the plates in spaced parallel relation with the work receiving means therebetween in alignment with the barrel, a unit removably positioned in the barrel, a. breech block releasably holding the unit in the barrel, and means associated with the breech block for detonating an explosive charge carried by the unit.

17. A unit for use in explosively actuated apparatus comprising in combination a tube, sealing discs removably clamped at theends of the tube, a breech in the tube adapted to receive an explosive charge, said tube being of insuicient strength to withstand thel discharge of the explosive means without support, a piston slidably mounted in the tube, and a working tool carried by the piston for movement therewith, one of the sealing discs being positioned to hold the Working tool and piston against movement until a desired force is created by the expanding gases of the detonated explosive charge received by the breech.

ROBERT TELDPLE, Jn.