A device and a method for blasting avalanches. The device comprises a drone, and an explosive charge attached to the drone in a freely suspended manner by means of a cord. An ignition mechanism is provided for igniting the explosive charge. The ignition mechanism can be triggered by remote control or automatically. Any desired destinations can be approached using this device in order to trigger avalanches. In this manner, the explosive charge can be positioned above the snow cover to be blasted.

A method, a device, and a system using the device, for avalanche control using an unmanned aerial vehicle to transport an explosive charge to a snow surface or snowpack. A holder of the device holds the explosive charge in a container. A receiver of the device receives a release signal. The holder releases the explosive charge in response to the release signal. A coupler couples the holder to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The explosive charge is fuzed to detonate after release from the holder to trigger an avalanche.

A method, a device, and a system using the device, for avalanche control using an unmanned aerial vehicle to transport an explosive charge to a snow surface or snowpack. A holder of the device holds the explosive charge in a container. A receiver of the device receives a release signal. The holder releases the explosive charge in response to the release signal. A coupler couples the holder to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The explosive charge is fuzed to detonate after release from the holder to trigger an avalanche.

A fast utility access device (FUAD) is provided that includes one or more casings, each of the one or more casings collectively defining a bore, and a core of a highly exothermic composition contained in the bore and surrounded by a thermally insulating inner liner, the highly exothermic composition ignitable to create a post-ignition temperature of between 500° C. and 4000° C. A method is also provided for breaching a target and includes contacting the inventive access device with a breaching target substrate, thermally coupling at least one reaction initiator to the highly exothermic composition, triggering the at least one reaction initiator thereby igniting the highly exothermic composition, and allowing the highly exothermic composition to achieve a post-ignition temperature sufficient to melt the breaching target substrate, forming a hole therethrough.

A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a borehole, a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises water. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast.

A perforating gun including a carrier having a longitudinal length, one or more energetic devices received within the carrier configured to produce one or more mechanical waves, and one or more wave manipulators disposed along the longitudinal length of the carrier. The one or more wave manipulators generate an altered wave in an opposite travel direction of one or more mechanical waves traveling along the longitudinal length of the carrier.

A switch assembly adapted for electrically coupling perforating guns and providing improved safety.

A compact energetic-breaching apparatus is provided. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus is configured to receive energetic materials for use in energetic breaching. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may comprise a housing body with a receptacle to receive energetic materials. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may further comprise a tamping material. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may further comprise a metal liner which collapses upon detonation to form a cutting jet.

A compact energetic-breaching apparatus is provided. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus is configured to receive energetic materials for use in energetic breaching. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may comprise a housing body with a receptacle to receive energetic materials. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may further comprise a tamping material. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may further comprise a metal liner which collapses upon detonation to form a cutting jet.

A method, a device, and a system using the device, for avalanche control using an unmanned aerial vehicle to transport an explosive charge to a snow surface or snowpack. A holder of the device holds the explosive charge in a container. A receiver of the device receives a release signal. The holder releases the explosive charge in response to the release signal. A coupler couples the holder to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The explosive charge is fuzed to detonate after release from the holder to trigger an avalanche.