The present invention provides an ammunition disabling system for selectively disabling ammunition that is operatively coupled to a selectively changeable material. In the operative state the material permits transmission of a percussive impact through the material for enabling firing of the ammunition; and in the deactivated state the material inhibits transmission of the percussion wave through the material for preventing firing of the ammunition. The ammunition disabling system includes an energy wave generator with an energy wave source that emits an energy wave at a frequency resonant a natural frequency of the material. When the ammunition with the material are exposed to the energy wave, the energy wave induces a response (physical and/or chemical) in the material that results in a mechanical change in the material from the operative state to the deactivated state by degrading the mechanical structure of the material.

Examples of safety devices for use with a munition are provided, the munition including a munition explosive and a safe and arm (S&A) device for activation of the munition explosive. In some examples the safety device includes a switch member and an actuation mechanism. The switch member is configured for being disposed between the munition explosive and the S&A device, the switch member being movable between at least two switch positions. In a first switch position (an arming prevention position (APP)), arming communication between the munition explosive and the S&A device is prevented. In a second switch position (an arming enabling position (AEP)), arming communication between the munition explosive and the S&A device is allowed. The actuation mechanism is configured for selectively moving the switch member at least from the APP to the AEP to thereby enable the S&A device, when armed, to detonate the munition explosive via the switch member.

Examples of safety devices for use with a munition are provided, the munition including a munition explosive and a safe and arm (S&A) device for activation of the munition explosive. In some examples the safety device includes a switch member and an actuation mechanism. The switch member is configured for being disposed between the munition explosive and the S&A device, the switch member being movable between at least two switch positions. In a first switch position (an arming prevention position (APP)), arming communication between the munition explosive and the S&A device is prevented. In a second switch position (an arming enabling position (AEP)), arming communication between the munition explosive and the S&A device is allowed. The actuation mechanism is configured for selectively moving the switch member at least from the APP to the AEP to thereby enable the S&A device, when armed, to detonate the munition explosive via the switch member.

A detonator to activate energetic materials in downhole well environments that can be transported and operated safely. The detonator comprises a switch coupled to a power source and the energetic materials. The power source may or may not be a part of the detonator. The switch creates a default closed switch between the power source and the energetic material. The switch can communicate with an actuator in response to engaging a gun assembly. The switch can create an open switch in response to communicating with the actuator. The switch forms a short circuit when configured to the default closed switch and forms an open circuit when configured to the open switch. The energetic material is activated in response to the mechanical switch forming an open switch and power is provided by the power source.

The present invention relates to a safety and arming unit for initiation of underwater charges, comprising: a housing; a detonator; an interrupter slidable within the housing from a first position in which a firing chain from the detonator to a charge is interrupted, to a second position, in which the firing chain is complete; a first member configured to cooperate with the housing and the interrupter to form a first interlock, wherein, upon the first member being in a first position, said interlock locks said interrupter in said first position, and upon the first member being in a second position, said interrupter is free to slide relative to said first member; a second member configured to cooperate with the housing and the interrupter to form a second interlock, mechanically independent of said first interlock, wherein, upon the second member being in a first position, the interlock locks said interrupter in said first position, and upon the second member being in a second position, said interrupter is free to slide relative to said second member; and a plurality of electrical switches arranged in series, switchable from a first configuration in which the detonator is electrically isolated from a remote initiation firing system, to a second configuration in which the detonator is in electrical communication with a remote initiation firing system; wherein, upon the first member being in the second position, and the second member being in the second position, the interrupter is slidable from the first position to the second position upon being subjected to an external water pressure of at least a predefined threshold value. Upon the interrupter being in the second position, the interrupter acts on the plurality of electrical switches to switch said plurality of switches to said second configuration.

The present invention relates to a safety and arming unit for initiation of underwater charges, comprising: a housing; a detonator; an interrupter slidable within the housing from a first position in which a firing chain from the detonator to a charge is interrupted, to a second position, in which the firing chain is complete; a first member configured to cooperate with the housing and the interrupter to form a first interlock, wherein, upon the first member being in a first position, said interlock locks said interrupter in said first position, and upon the first member being in a second position, said interrupter is free to slide relative to said first member; a second member configured to cooperate with the housing and the interrupter to form a second interlock, mechanically independent of said first interlock, wherein, upon the second member being in a first position, the interlock locks said interrupter in said first position, and upon the second member being in a second position, said interrupter is free to slide relative to said second member; and a plurality of electrical switches arranged in series, switchable from a first configuration in which the detonator is electrically isolated from a remote initiation firing system, to a second configuration in which the detonator is in electrical communication with a remote initiation firing system; wherein, upon the first member being in the second position, and the second member being in the second position, the interrupter is slidable from the first position to the second position upon being subjected to an external water pressure of at least a predefined threshold value. Upon the interrupter being in the second position, the interrupter acts on the plurality of electrical switches to switch said plurality of switches to said second configuration.

A detonator block for housing a detonator has a body configured to host the detonator; the body having a first end that is configured to be attached to a sub; the body having a second end, opposite to the first end, and configured to connect to a gun; and a printed circuit board located inside the body, the printed circuit board being electrically connected to the detonator. The body has a holder that is configured to hold the detonator inside the body.

A detonator to activate energetic materials in downhole well environments that can be transported and operated safely. The detonator comprises a switch coupled to a power source and the energetic materials. The power source may or may not be a part of the detonator. The switch creates a default closed switch between the power source and the energetic material. The switch can communicate with an actuator in response to engaging a gun assembly. The switch can create an open switch in response to communicating with the actuator. The switch forms a short circuit when configured to the default closed switch and forms an open circuit when configured to the open switch. The energetic material is activated in response to the mechanical switch forming an open switch and power is provided by the power source.

A detonator to activate energetic materials in downhole well environments that can be transported and operated safely. The detonator comprises a switch coupled to a power source and the energetic materials. The power source may or may not be a part of the detonator. The switch creates a default closed switch between the power source and the energetic material. The switch can communicate with an actuator in response to engaging a gun assembly. The switch can create an open switch in response to communicating with the actuator. The switch forms a short circuit when configured to the default closed switch and forms an open circuit when configured to the open switch. The energetic material is activated in response to the mechanical switch forming an open switch and power is provided by the power source.

A firing head for selectively activating an initiator of a downhole tool may include a housing, a pin, and a moveable stopper. The housing may have a bore and a radially enlarged chamber formed along the bore. The pin is disposed in the bore and has a circumferential groove formed on an outer surface of the shank. The moveable stopper is disposed in the radially enlarged chamber. The stopper is only partially disposed in the groove when the housing is in a vertical position. The stopper moves out of the groove when the housing has a predetermined minimum angular deviation from the vertical position.