US3487161A - Clamp type explosion connector - Google Patents

Clamp type explosion connector Download PDF

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Publication number
US3487161A
US3487161A US682164A US3487161DA US3487161A US 3487161 A US3487161 A US 3487161A US 682164 A US682164 A US 682164A US 3487161D A US3487161D A US 3487161DA US 3487161 A US3487161 A US 3487161A
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United States
Prior art keywords
connector
envelope
wires
opening
side walls
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Expired - Lifetime
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US682164A
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David T James
Donald E Krup
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Ideal Industries Inc
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Ideal Industries Inc
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21F—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF METAL WIRE
    • B21F15/00—Connecting wire to wire or other metallic material or objects; Connecting parts by means of wire
    • B21F15/02—Connecting wire to wire or other metallic material or objects; Connecting parts by means of wire wire with wire
    • B21F15/06—Connecting wire to wire or other metallic material or objects; Connecting parts by means of wire wire with wire with additional connecting elements or material
    • B21F15/08—Connecting wire to wire or other metallic material or objects; Connecting parts by means of wire wire with wire with additional connecting elements or material making use of soldering or welding
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42D—BLASTING
    • F42D1/00—Blasting methods or apparatus, e.g. loading or tamping
    • F42D1/04—Arrangements for ignition
    • F42D1/043—Connectors for detonating cords and ignition tubes, e.g. Nonel tubes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/08—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected by an explosion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/22—End caps, i.e. of insulating or conductive material for covering or maintaining connections between wires entering the cap from the same end
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/04—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for forming connections by deformation, e.g. crimping tool
    • H01R43/042—Hand tools for crimping
    • H01R43/0422—Hand tools for crimping operated by an explosive force
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2200/00—Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
    • F16B2200/63—Frangible connections
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49805—Shaping by direct application of fluent pressure
    • Y10T29/49806—Explosively shaping
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/49—Member deformed in situ
    • Y10T403/4991—Both members deformed
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/71—Rod side to plate or side
    • Y10T403/7129—Laterally spaced rods
    • Y10T403/7141—Plural channels in connector
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/71—Rod side to plate or side
    • Y10T403/7171—Two rods encompassed by single connector

Definitions

  • a connector for attachment to at least one wire or cable or the like including a generally non deformable elongated member having a passage extending at least part way therethrough and adapted to receive at least one wire or cable and an expandable envelope adapted to fit into said passageway and containing an explosive which will, upon ignition, expand said envelope into locking engagement with said wire and said generally nondeformable member.
  • This invention relates to an explosive actuated connector for attachment to one or more wires and in particular to such a connector for joining two or more Wires which does not require threading of the wires through the connector.
  • An object of this invention is a connector assembly which uses an expandable envelope to secure a generally non-deformable member to the wires to be joined together.
  • Another object is a non-deformable member for connecting wires together having a generally longitudinal opening to receive the wires and an explosive actuated expandable member to close the opening and secure the wires to the non-deformable member and to one another.
  • Another object is a non-deformable member for connecting wires having a longitudinally extending opening to receive the wires and a closure member insertable in the opening and lockable therein by the expansion of an expandable member actuated by an explosive.
  • FIGURE 1 is an end elevational view of a connector of this invention containing the wires to be connected;
  • FIGURE 2 is an end elevational view of a connector and wires of the type shown in FIGURE 1 after actuation of the explosive charge;
  • FIGURE 3 is a view of the enclosure member taken along line 33 of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of a portion of the connector of FIGURE 1 with parts broken away for clarity;
  • FIGURE 5 is an end elevational view of a modified form of connector
  • FIGURE 6 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector
  • FIGURE 7 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector
  • FIGURE 8 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector
  • FIGURE 9 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector
  • FIGURE 10 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector
  • FIGURE 11 is an end elevational View of yet another modified form of connector
  • FIGURE 12 is a side elevational view of a completed connection for use in wet locations
  • FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of an end-type connector
  • FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of a modified end connector
  • FIGURE 15 is an end elevational view of a modified form of a connector similar to that shown in FIGURE 8;
  • FIGURE 16 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector.
  • FIGURE 17 is a top plan view of the connector of FIGURE 16.
  • the connector of this invention includes a body or enclosure member to receive the wires, cables or rods to be connected, a bridge member, where necessary to cover the opening in the body through which the wires, cables or rods are received, an envelope containing an explosive which is positioned in the body and an ignitor for the explosive.
  • FIGURES 1 to 4 show one embodiment of the invention wherein the body is a non-deformable member 21 of generally U-shaped cross-section having a base portion 23 and side walls 25. The tops of the side walls have downturned portions 27 which define a longitudinal opening 29 into the member.
  • the bridging member 31 is a flat generally rectangular piece of material, preferably metal, having folded over opposite ends 33. Parallel slots 35 are formed in one surface of this member and are adapted to receive projections 37 formed on the turned down portions 27 of the side walls of the non-deformable body member 21.
  • An envelope 39 containing an explosive 41 is designed to fit .into and be supported by the folded under ends 33 of the bridging member 31.
  • the envelope is in the form of a flattened metallic tube having ends 43 folded over to provide a seal at each end thereof.
  • the explosive 41 is preferably a deflagrating type of single or double base nitrocellulose in the form of a tape. However, some detonating types of explosives and mixed types may also be used and may be in the form of powders or plastics.
  • the ignitor 45 may be formed of powdered metals and powdered metal oxides or other easily ignitable materials that will give off considerable heat upon being set off.
  • the ignitors may be also of the percussion or electrically actuated types. In any event, the ignitor will fit in an opening 47 in the bridging member 31 which opening is located between the slots and extends through the bridging member so that the heat from the ignitor will impinge upon the envelope 39 for setting oif the explosive 41 contained in this envelope.
  • Laterally extending ridges 49 may be formed in the base portion 23 of the non-deformable member 21 to provide gripping surfaces to prevent longitudinal movement of the wires positioned in the non-deformable member.
  • An ignitor is sealed in place by a ring 51 which may be a piece of paper cemented to the bridging member 31.
  • the ring and ignitor are protected by a sealing element 53 which may be a tough protective piece of paper cemented in place.
  • the connector is used by placing the wires 55 to be connected into the non-deformable member 21 through the longitudinal opening 29.
  • the bridging member 31, in which 'the envelope 39 is supported by the turned under ends 43, is positioned in the member 21 with the slots 35 receiving the projections 37 of the down turned portions 27 of the side walls 25.
  • the bridging member may be held in position by an adhesive or by a press fit connection between the projections 37 and the slots 35.
  • the protective covering 53 is then removed from the ignitor 45 and the ignitor is set ofl by appropriate means.
  • the heat produced by the operation of the ignitor heats the explosive 41 in the envelope 39 to its ignition temperature.
  • the pressure in the envelope 39 increases rapidly in the case of a deflagrant and expands the envelope against the bridging member 31, the non-deformable member 21 and the wires 55 to form a connection between the. body and the wires.
  • the envelope 39 also expands into the opening 47 to lock itself in place and prevent longitudinal shifting thereof relative to the body.
  • the wires 55 are forced to deform between the ridges 49 to lock these wires against longitudinal move.- ment relative to the member 21.
  • the gas pressure and the shock of detonation expand the envelope against the bridging member, the non-deformable member and the. wires.
  • FIGURE 5 A modified embodiment of the connector of this invention is shown in FIGURE 5.
  • the body is a non-deformable member 61 of generally U-shaped cross-section having a base portion 63 and side walls 65 with opposed longitudinally extending slots 67 formed in the side walls.
  • the slots receive a bridging member 69 and an explosive containing envelope 71.
  • the base portion 63 of the member has a longitudinally extending ridge 73 formed in the center thereof. Keying slots 75 are formed in the side walls 65 facing the longitudinal opening 77 defined by the side walls 65.
  • the bridging member 69 is provided with an ignitor opening 79 adapted to receive an ignitor (not shown).
  • Wires 83 and 85 which are to be connected to each other, are inserted into the body 61 through the longitudinally extending opening 77 and are positioned on oppo-site sides of the longitudinally extending ridge 73. It should be noted that this connector is primarily intended for mechanical applications where it is not necessary or desirable for the wires 83 and 85 to be held in contact with one another, hence the provision of the ridge 73.
  • the bridging member 69 and envelope 71 are slid into position in the longitudinally extending slots 67 and the ignitor is set off to ignite the explosive in the envelope and to expand the envelope into crimping engagement with the wires.
  • the envelope 71 will swell into the keying slots 75 in the side walls 65 to prevent longitudinal movement of the envelope or bridging member 69 relative to the U-shaped member 6-1.
  • a connector 87 similar to the connector of FIGURE is shown in FIGURE 6 and differs essentially therefrom in that the ridge in the base of the U-shaped non-deformable member has been eliminated so that the wires inserted in this member will contact one another.
  • a connector of this type may be used where it is desirable that the wires contact one another for electrical continuity, etc.
  • FIGURE 7 A connector similar to the connector shown in FIGURE 5 is depicted in FIGURE 7.
  • the generally non-deformable member 89 is formed having a width between its side walls sufiicient for only one wire so that the wires will be placed therein on top of and in contact with one another.
  • This form of connector may be particularly useful when a good electrical connection between the wires is needed, as it will assure that the wires contact each other.
  • FIGURE 8 A form of clamp-type connector which eliminates a bridging member is shown in FIGURE 8.
  • the non-deformable member 101 has a ring-shaped cross-section that is almost annular.
  • the side Walls 103 of this member have converging portions 105 which are spaced apart to define a longitudinal passage 106 large enough to permit the insertion of only a single wire at a time into the space 107 between the. side walls 103.
  • Slots 109 are formed in the side walls 103 to receive the envelope 111 which is slid therein.
  • An opening 113 extends through one of the converging portions 105 of the side walls 103 to receive. an ignitor 115. The expansion of the envelope 111 is resisted by the converging portions of the side walls and only a small portion of the envelope will extend into the passage 106 upon expansion of the envelope.
  • FIGURE 9 shows a connector for wires having at least one free end.
  • the non-deformable member 121 is ring-shaped in cross-section so that the wires to be connected must be inserted into the opening or bore 123 from the ends of the non-deformable member.
  • slots 125 which extend longitudinally of the member, are provided in the walls 127 thereof to receive and hold an envelope 129.
  • An opening 131 extends through the wall of this ring-shaped member adjacent the envelope to receive an ignitor 133.
  • the non-deformable member 121 is made of an electrically non-conductive material or of a material having relatively poor conductive characteristics, it may be desirable to provide a conductive liner 135 to engage the wires to be inserted in the bore 123. In this emobdieither before or after the wires are inserted in the bore since the wires are inserted from the ends of the bore rather than through a logitudinal opening in the non-deformable member as in the previously illustrated connectors.
  • FIGURE 10 A form of connector in which the bridging member is positioned separate and apart from the envelope containing the explosive is shown in FIGURE 10.
  • the non-deformable member 141 is of generally U-shape having a base 143 and side walls 145 with a. longitudinally extending opening 147 defined by the side walls.
  • Longitudinally extending slots 149 are provided in the side walls adjacent the base 143 to receive an envelope 151 containing explosive and another set of similar slots 153 are provided in the side walls adjacent the opening 147 to receive a bridging member 155.
  • the bridging member 155 may be humped in the manner shown in the drawing to provide more space between the side walls 145 for wires.
  • An opening 157 is provided in the base 143 for an ignitor 159.
  • the envelope 151 may be prepositioned in the slot 149, the wires may be placed between the side walls through the opening 147 and the bridging member 155 may be slid into place.
  • FIGURES 11 and 12 show a connector for use in wet locations and by what is known as the hot stick method.
  • the connector is similar to that shown in FIGURE 10 in that a non-deformable body member 141 utilizes a bridging member 155 adjacent an opening 147 into the member with an envelope 151 positioned adjoining the base 143 of the member.
  • An insulating plastic covering material 171 is provided for the member 141 and an interlocking insulating plastic covering material 173 is provided for the bridging member. These covering materials may dove tail together as shown in the drawing.
  • the ends of the plastic covering may be taped at 175 to close the ends after actuation.
  • the explosive envelope may be ignited by an ignitor 177 which is actuated by an abrasive tape 179.
  • the ignitor is actuated by pulling the tape which-slides the tape across the ignitor member.
  • the tape may be pulled by an element of the hot stick designed for this specific purpose.
  • FIGURE 13 shows a connector assembly intended for use as an end connector.
  • the nondeformable body 181 has a fiat, longitudinally extending portion 183 formed integrally with the base 185 of the member and in which an opening 187 is formed. The opening may be attached to a supporting structure by suitable fastening means.
  • the walls 189 of the nondeformable member are provided with longitudinally extending slots 191 to receive a bridging member and an explosive containing envelope.
  • FIGURE 14 shows a nondeformable member 201 of generally U-shaped crosssection has a threaded opening 203 in one end of the base portion 205 thereof.
  • a threaded fastener 207 or a fastener 209 with a ball 211 may be threaded in this opening to attach the end connector to a suitable structure.
  • FIGURE 15 Another form of clamp-type connector not requiring a bridging member is shown in FIGURE 15.
  • the non-deformable member 221 has a ring-shaped crosssection tthat is almost annular.
  • the side walls 223 have converging portions 225 which are spaced apart to define a longitudinal passage 227 wide enough to permit the insertion of only a single wire at a time into the space 229 between the side walls 223.
  • Slots 231 are formed in the side walls 223 to receive an envelope 233 which may be slid therein.
  • the envelope 233 has its ends folded on its side away from the side facing the wire containing space 229.
  • the edges of the folded over ends of the envelope 223 contact the converging portions 225 of the side walls of the non-deformable member 221 when the envelope is positioned in the slots 23].
  • the tensile strength of the envelope 233 is added to the beam strength of the converging portions 225 of the nondeformable member 221.
  • An ignitor 235 is provided in an opening (not shown) which extends through one converging portion 225 of the side walls.
  • the connector shown in FIGURES 16 and 17 utilizes a wedging or clamping block 241 between the explosive containing envelope 243 and the wires to be joined together (which are not shown).
  • This connector includes a generally U-shaped non-deformable member 245 having a base portion 247 and side walls 249 with opposed longitudinally extending slots 251 formed in the side walls. The slots receive the bridging member 253 which holds and supports the explosive containing envelope 243. Keying slots 255 are formed in the side walls 249 facing the longitudinal opening 257.
  • the wedging or clamping member 241 fits inside the non-deformable member 245 and has an arcuate portion 259 which is adapted to engage the wires inserted into the non-deformable member.
  • the clamping member also has tab portions 261 which are positioned outwardly of and engage the ends of the side walls 249 of the non-deformable member to hold the wedging member in relation to the non-deformable member.
  • An ignitor 263 fits into the bridging member 235.
  • the wires (not shown) are first inserted in the body 245 through the opening 257. Then, the Wedging member 241 is inserted in the body above the wires and the bridging member 253 containing the explosive envelope 243 is slid into position in the longitudinally extending slots 251. Upon setting off of the explosive, the envelope 243 will swell into the keying slots 255 and will move the wedging member 241, forcing it into engagement with the wires.
  • a connector for attachment to at least one wire or the like including:
  • an elongated closure member defining a chamber for receiving at least one wire or the like
  • an expandable envelope positioned in said chamber with said envelope containing an explosive adapted, upon ignition, to expand said envelope in the chamber so as to lock the enclosure member to a wire or the like positioned in the chamber.
  • the strucutre of claim 1 further characterized in that said envelope is positioned across said longitudinally extending opening to said chamber.
  • a primer for said explosive containing envelope is located in said bridging member and in contact with said envelope.
  • a connector for attachment to at least one wire or the like including:
  • an elongated enclosure member of generally annular shape defining a chamber for receiving at least one wire or the like
  • a primer for said explosive extending through said annular closure member and into contact with said envelope.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Description

Dec. 30, 1969 D. T. JAMES E CLAMP TYPE EXPLOSION CONNECTOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 13, 1967 r j I, P/ W5 W [PQW #40 k4 [N a /7 4 Z WM flflW Dec. 30. 1969 D. T. JAMES ET AL CLAMP TYPE EXPLOSION CONNECTOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 15, 1967 r 5 4: F5 i mm a I #AM M r W Z a v M W v MMM wwp W flV a w Dec. 30, 1969 -r JAMES ET AL 3,487,161
CLAMP TYPE EXPLOSION CONNECTOR Filed Nov. 13, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent 3,487,161 CLAMP TYPE EXPLOSION CONNECTOR David T. James, De Kalb, and Donald E. Krup, Elgin,
Ill., 'assignors to Ideal Industries, Inc., Sycamore, 11].,
a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 13, 1967, Ser. No. 682,164 Int. Cl. H02g 15/08 U.S. Cl. 174-94 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A connector for attachment to at least one wire or cable or the like including a generally non deformable elongated member having a passage extending at least part way therethrough and adapted to receive at least one wire or cable and an expandable envelope adapted to fit into said passageway and containing an explosive which will, upon ignition, expand said envelope into locking engagement with said wire and said generally nondeformable member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an explosive actuated connector for attachment to one or more wires and in particular to such a connector for joining two or more Wires which does not require threading of the wires through the connector.
An object of this invention is a connector assembly which uses an expandable envelope to secure a generally non-deformable member to the wires to be joined together.
Another object is a non-deformable member for connecting wires together having a generally longitudinal opening to receive the wires and an explosive actuated expandable member to close the opening and secure the wires to the non-deformable member and to one another.
Another object is a non-deformable member for connecting wires having a longitudinally extending opening to receive the wires and a closure member insertable in the opening and lockable therein by the expansion of an expandable member actuated by an explosive.
Other objects will be found in the following specification, laims and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the following drawings wherein:
FIGURE 1 is an end elevational view of a connector of this invention containing the wires to be connected;
FIGURE 2 is an end elevational view of a connector and wires of the type shown in FIGURE 1 after actuation of the explosive charge;
FIGURE 3 is a view of the enclosure member taken along line 33 of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of a portion of the connector of FIGURE 1 with parts broken away for clarity;
FIGURE 5 is an end elevational view of a modified form of connector;
FIGURE 6 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector;
FIGURE 7 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector;
FIGURE 8 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector;
FIGURE 9 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector;
FIGURE 10 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector;
FIGURE 11 is an end elevational View of yet another modified form of connector;
FIGURE 12 is a side elevational view of a completed connection for use in wet locations;
3,48 7,161 Patented Dec. 30, 1969 FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of an end-type connector;
FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of a modified end connector;
FIGURE 15 is an end elevational view of a modified form of a connector similar to that shown in FIGURE 8;
FIGURE 16 is an end elevational view of yet another modified form of connector; and
FIGURE 17 is a top plan view of the connector of FIGURE 16.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The connector of this invention includes a body or enclosure member to receive the wires, cables or rods to be connected, a bridge member, where necessary to cover the opening in the body through which the wires, cables or rods are received, an envelope containing an explosive which is positioned in the body and an ignitor for the explosive. FIGURES 1 to 4 show one embodiment of the invention wherein the body is a non-deformable member 21 of generally U-shaped cross-section having a base portion 23 and side walls 25. The tops of the side walls have downturned portions 27 which define a longitudinal opening 29 into the member. The bridging member 31 is a flat generally rectangular piece of material, preferably metal, having folded over opposite ends 33. Parallel slots 35 are formed in one surface of this member and are adapted to receive projections 37 formed on the turned down portions 27 of the side walls of the non-deformable body member 21.
An envelope 39 containing an explosive 41 is designed to fit .into and be supported by the folded under ends 33 of the bridging member 31. The envelope is in the form of a flattened metallic tube having ends 43 folded over to provide a seal at each end thereof. The explosive 41 is preferably a deflagrating type of single or double base nitrocellulose in the form of a tape. However, some detonating types of explosives and mixed types may also be used and may be in the form of powders or plastics.
The ignitor 45 may be formed of powdered metals and powdered metal oxides or other easily ignitable materials that will give off considerable heat upon being set off. The ignitors may be also of the percussion or electrically actuated types. In any event, the ignitor will fit in an opening 47 in the bridging member 31 which opening is located between the slots and extends through the bridging member so that the heat from the ignitor will impinge upon the envelope 39 for setting oif the explosive 41 contained in this envelope.
Laterally extending ridges 49 may be formed in the base portion 23 of the non-deformable member 21 to provide gripping surfaces to prevent longitudinal movement of the wires positioned in the non-deformable member. An ignitor is sealed in place by a ring 51 which may be a piece of paper cemented to the bridging member 31. The ring and ignitor are protected by a sealing element 53 which may be a tough protective piece of paper cemented in place.
The connector is used by placing the wires 55 to be connected into the non-deformable member 21 through the longitudinal opening 29. The bridging member 31, in which 'the envelope 39 is supported by the turned under ends 43, is positioned in the member 21 with the slots 35 receiving the projections 37 of the down turned portions 27 of the side walls 25. The bridging member may be held in position by an adhesive or by a press fit connection between the projections 37 and the slots 35. The protective covering 53 is then removed from the ignitor 45 and the ignitor is set ofl by appropriate means.
The heat produced by the operation of the ignitor heats the explosive 41 in the envelope 39 to its ignition temperature. Upon ignition of the explosive, the pressure in the envelope 39 increases rapidly in the case of a deflagrant and expands the envelope against the bridging member 31, the non-deformable member 21 and the wires 55 to form a connection between the. body and the wires. The envelope 39 also expands into the opening 47 to lock itself in place and prevent longitudinal shifting thereof relative to the body. The wires 55 are forced to deform between the ridges 49 to lock these wires against longitudinal move.- ment relative to the member 21. When a detonating explosive is utilized, the gas pressure and the shock of detonation expand the envelope against the bridging member, the non-deformable member and the. wires.
A modified embodiment of the connector of this invention is shown in FIGURE 5. In this emobdiment, the body is a non-deformable member 61 of generally U-shaped cross-section having a base portion 63 and side walls 65 with opposed longitudinally extending slots 67 formed in the side walls. The slots receive a bridging member 69 and an explosive containing envelope 71. The base portion 63 of the member has a longitudinally extending ridge 73 formed in the center thereof. Keying slots 75 are formed in the side walls 65 facing the longitudinal opening 77 defined by the side walls 65. As in the previously described embodiment, the bridging member 69 is provided with an ignitor opening 79 adapted to receive an ignitor (not shown).
Wires 83 and 85, which are to be connected to each other, are inserted into the body 61 through the longitudinally extending opening 77 and are positioned on oppo-site sides of the longitudinally extending ridge 73. It should be noted that this connector is primarily intended for mechanical applications where it is not necessary or desirable for the wires 83 and 85 to be held in contact with one another, hence the provision of the ridge 73. After the wires are inserted in the non-deformable member 61, the bridging member 69 and envelope 71 are slid into position in the longitudinally extending slots 67 and the ignitor is set off to ignite the explosive in the envelope and to expand the envelope into crimping engagement with the wires. Upon expansion, the envelope 71 will swell into the keying slots 75 in the side walls 65 to prevent longitudinal movement of the envelope or bridging member 69 relative to the U-shaped member 6-1.
A connector 87 similar to the connector of FIGURE is shown in FIGURE 6 and differs essentially therefrom in that the ridge in the base of the U-shaped non-deformable member has been eliminated so that the wires inserted in this member will contact one another. A connector of this type may be used where it is desirable that the wires contact one another for electrical continuity, etc.
A connector similar to the connector shown in FIGURE 5 is depicted in FIGURE 7. In this connector, the generally non-deformable member 89 is formed having a width between its side walls sufiicient for only one wire so that the wires will be placed therein on top of and in contact with one another. This form of connector may be particularly useful when a good electrical connection between the wires is needed, as it will assure that the wires contact each other.
A form of clamp-type connector which eliminates a bridging member is shown in FIGURE 8. In this embodiment, the non-deformable member 101 has a ring-shaped cross-section that is almost annular. The side Walls 103 of this member have converging portions 105 which are spaced apart to define a longitudinal passage 106 large enough to permit the insertion of only a single wire at a time into the space 107 between the. side walls 103. Slots 109 are formed in the side walls 103 to receive the envelope 111 which is slid therein. An opening 113 extends through one of the converging portions 105 of the side walls 103 to receive. an ignitor 115. The expansion of the envelope 111 is resisted by the converging portions of the side walls and only a small portion of the envelope will extend into the passage 106 upon expansion of the envelope.
FIGURE 9 shows a connector for wires having at least one free end. In this connector, the non-deformable member 121 is ring-shaped in cross-section so that the wires to be connected must be inserted into the opening or bore 123 from the ends of the non-deformable member. As in the connector of FIGURE 8, slots 125, which extend longitudinally of the member, are provided in the walls 127 thereof to receive and hold an envelope 129. An opening 131 extends through the wall of this ring-shaped member adjacent the envelope to receive an ignitor 133. In the event that the non-deformable member 121 is made of an electrically non-conductive material or of a material having relatively poor conductive characteristics, it may be desirable to provide a conductive liner 135 to engage the wires to be inserted in the bore 123. In this emobdieither before or after the wires are inserted in the bore since the wires are inserted from the ends of the bore rather than through a logitudinal opening in the non-deformable member as in the previously illustrated connectors.
A form of connector in which the bridging member is positioned separate and apart from the envelope containing the explosive is shown in FIGURE 10. In this connector, the non-deformable member 141 is of generally U-shape having a base 143 and side walls 145 with a. longitudinally extending opening 147 defined by the side walls. Longitudinally extending slots 149 are provided in the side walls adjacent the base 143 to receive an envelope 151 containing explosive and another set of similar slots 153 are provided in the side walls adjacent the opening 147 to receive a bridging member 155. The bridging member 155 may be humped in the manner shown in the drawing to provide more space between the side walls 145 for wires. An opening 157 is provided in the base 143 for an ignitor 159. In this connector, the envelope 151 may be prepositioned in the slot 149, the wires may be placed between the side walls through the opening 147 and the bridging member 155 may be slid into place.
FIGURES 11 and 12 show a connector for use in wet locations and by what is known as the hot stick method. The connector is similar to that shown in FIGURE 10 in that a non-deformable body member 141 utilizes a bridging member 155 adjacent an opening 147 into the member with an envelope 151 positioned adjoining the base 143 of the member. An insulating plastic covering material 171 is provided for the member 141 and an interlocking insulating plastic covering material 173 is provided for the bridging member. These covering materials may dove tail together as shown in the drawing. As is seen in FIGURE 12, the ends of the plastic covering may be taped at 175 to close the ends after actuation. The explosive envelope may be ignited by an ignitor 177 which is actuated by an abrasive tape 179. The ignitor is actuated by pulling the tape which-slides the tape across the ignitor member. The tape may be pulled by an element of the hot stick designed for this specific purpose.
FIGURE 13 shows a connector assembly intended for use as an end connector. In this connector, the nondeformable body 181 has a fiat, longitudinally extending portion 183 formed integrally with the base 185 of the member and in which an opening 187 is formed. The opening may be attached to a supporting structure by suitable fastening means. The walls 189 of the nondeformable member are provided with longitudinally extending slots 191 to receive a bridging member and an explosive containing envelope. Another form of end connector is shown in FIGURE 14. In this form, a nondeformable member 201 of generally U-shaped crosssection has a threaded opening 203 in one end of the base portion 205 thereof. A threaded fastener 207 or a fastener 209 with a ball 211 may be threaded in this opening to attach the end connector to a suitable structure.
Another form of clamp-type connector not requiring a bridging member is shown in FIGURE 15. In this form, the non-deformable member 221 has a ring-shaped crosssection tthat is almost annular. The side walls 223 have converging portions 225 which are spaced apart to define a longitudinal passage 227 wide enough to permit the insertion of only a single wire at a time into the space 229 between the side walls 223. Slots 231 are formed in the side walls 223 to receive an envelope 233 which may be slid therein. The envelope 233 has its ends folded on its side away from the side facing the wire containing space 229. The edges of the folded over ends of the envelope 223 contact the converging portions 225 of the side walls of the non-deformable member 221 when the envelope is positioned in the slots 23]. Thus, the tensile strength of the envelope 233 is added to the beam strength of the converging portions 225 of the nondeformable member 221. An ignitor 235 is provided in an opening (not shown) which extends through one converging portion 225 of the side walls.
The connector shown in FIGURES 16 and 17 utilizes a wedging or clamping block 241 between the explosive containing envelope 243 and the wires to be joined together (which are not shown). This connector includes a generally U-shaped non-deformable member 245 having a base portion 247 and side walls 249 with opposed longitudinally extending slots 251 formed in the side walls. The slots receive the bridging member 253 which holds and supports the explosive containing envelope 243. Keying slots 255 are formed in the side walls 249 facing the longitudinal opening 257. The wedging or clamping member 241 fits inside the non-deformable member 245 and has an arcuate portion 259 which is adapted to engage the wires inserted into the non-deformable member. The clamping member also has tab portions 261 which are positioned outwardly of and engage the ends of the side walls 249 of the non-deformable member to hold the wedging member in relation to the non-deformable member. An ignitor 263 fits into the bridging member 235.
The wires (not shown) are first inserted in the body 245 through the opening 257. Then, the Wedging member 241 is inserted in the body above the wires and the bridging member 253 containing the explosive envelope 243 is slid into position in the longitudinally extending slots 251. Upon setting off of the explosive, the envelope 243 will swell into the keying slots 255 and will move the wedging member 241, forcing it into engagement with the wires.
Whereas several embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that there are many modifications, substitutions and alterations thereto which may be made by one skilled in the art.
What is claimed is:
1. A connector for attachment to at least one wire or the like including:
an elongated closure member defining a chamber for receiving at least one wire or the like,
a longitudinally extending opening into said chamber formed in said enclosure member with said opening having a width sufficient to permit the insertion of at least one wire at a time therethrough and into the chamber,
an expandable envelope positioned in said chamber with said envelope containing an explosive adapted, upon ignition, to expand said envelope in the chamber so as to lock the enclosure member to a wire or the like positioned in the chamber.
2. The strucutre of claim 1 further characterized in that said envelope is positioned across said longitudinally extending opening to said chamber.
3. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that a movable wedging member is positioned adjacent said envelope and inwardly thereof.
4. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that notches are formed in said enclosure member adjacent said longitudinally extending opening and said envelope is supported in said notches.
5. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that a generally non-deformable bridging member is positioned across said longitudinally extending opening to said chamber.
6. The structure of claim 5 further characterized in that said envelope is positioned adjacent to said bridging member and inwardly thereof.
7. The structure of claim 5 further characterized in that notches are formed in said enclosure member adjacent said longitudinally extending opening and said bridging member and said envelope are supported in said notches.
8. The structure of claim 5 further characterized in that said notches are formed in said closure member adjacent said opening and said bridging member is supported in said notches and said envelope is supported by said bridging member.
9. The structure of claim 5 further characterized in that a primer for said explosive containing envelope is located in said bridging member and in contact with said envelope.
10. A connector for attachment to at least one wire or the like including:
an elongated enclosure member of generally annular shape defining a chamber for receiving at least one wire or the like,
an expandable envelope positioned in said chamber against the annular closure member with said envelope containing an explosive adapted, upon ignition, to expand said envelope in said chamber so as to lock the enclosure member to a wire or the like positioned in said chamber, and
a primer for said explosive extending through said annular closure member and into contact with said envelope.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1959 Modrey 174-94 XR 7/1963 Modrey 174-94 DARRELL L. CLAY, Primary *Examiner
US682164A 1967-11-13 1967-11-13 Clamp type explosion connector Expired - Lifetime US3487161A (en)

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US68216467A 1967-11-13 1967-11-13

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4087889A (en) * 1975-07-18 1978-05-09 Kabushiki Kaisha Saneisha Seisakusho Wire connecting sleeve
US4741513A (en) * 1985-12-17 1988-05-03 Smith Colin M Strainer post and fitting therefor
CN102221314A (en) * 2011-05-06 2011-10-19 余德运 Detonating tube cascade connector
US20160097264A1 (en) * 2014-10-01 2016-04-07 Owen Oil Tools Lp Detonating cord clip
US9446279B1 (en) * 2013-07-22 2016-09-20 Christopher Joseph Yelvington Resistance-applying garment and connectors used in forming garment
US20220275706A1 (en) * 2019-09-02 2022-09-01 ISOL8 (Holdings) Limited Downhole retainer

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2909758A (en) * 1953-09-24 1959-10-20 Henry J Modrey Explosive terminal and method of firing
US3097258A (en) * 1957-05-03 1963-07-09 Henry J Modrey Electric wiring terminal

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2909758A (en) * 1953-09-24 1959-10-20 Henry J Modrey Explosive terminal and method of firing
US3097258A (en) * 1957-05-03 1963-07-09 Henry J Modrey Electric wiring terminal

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4087889A (en) * 1975-07-18 1978-05-09 Kabushiki Kaisha Saneisha Seisakusho Wire connecting sleeve
US4741513A (en) * 1985-12-17 1988-05-03 Smith Colin M Strainer post and fitting therefor
CN102221314A (en) * 2011-05-06 2011-10-19 余德运 Detonating tube cascade connector
US9446279B1 (en) * 2013-07-22 2016-09-20 Christopher Joseph Yelvington Resistance-applying garment and connectors used in forming garment
US20160097264A1 (en) * 2014-10-01 2016-04-07 Owen Oil Tools Lp Detonating cord clip
US9523265B2 (en) * 2014-10-01 2016-12-20 Owen Oil Tools Lp Detonating cord clip
US20220275706A1 (en) * 2019-09-02 2022-09-01 ISOL8 (Holdings) Limited Downhole retainer
US12116866B2 (en) * 2019-09-02 2024-10-15 ISOL8 (Holdings) Limited Downhole retainer

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