AU757394B2 - Winding and packaging of flexible initiating cord - Google Patents
Winding and packaging of flexible initiating cord Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU757394B2 AU757394B2 AU17614/00A AU1761400A AU757394B2 AU 757394 B2 AU757394 B2 AU 757394B2 AU 17614/00 A AU17614/00 A AU 17614/00A AU 1761400 A AU1761400 A AU 1761400A AU 757394 B2 AU757394 B2 AU 757394B2
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- flexible
- cord
- initiating
- initiating cord
- coiled
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Ceased
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B39/00—Packaging or storage of ammunition or explosive charges; Safety features thereof; Cartridge belts or bags
- F42B39/30—Containers for detonators or fuzes
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Storing, Repeated Paying-Out, And Re-Storing Of Elongated Articles (AREA)
Description
WO 00/32506 PCT/AU99/01072 -1- WINDING AND PACKAGING OF FLEXIBLE INITIATING CORD The present invention relates to winding and packaging flexible initiating cord for the detonation of explosive charges. In particular, the present invention relates to a flexible initiating cord wound in a comparatively tangle free configuration as well as to a process and an apparatus for winding a flexible initiating cord such that the flexible cord is in a condition for ready deployment.
In blasting operations, initiation systems rely on an interconnected network of detonators, timing elements and the like. These elements are generally interconnected by flexible cords for transmitting signals between the various elements.
In order to facilitate deployment of these flexible cords a variety of packaging systems have been used. For example, the so called "Figure of 8" winding has been employed in the packaging of initiation cords. Such winding configurations seek to provide tangle-free deployment of the flexible cord. A variety of variations on this configuration, such as have been described in Australian Patent Application No.
15097/92 (the so called "Figure 80" configuration), have been proposed. Generally these tangle-free winding configurations are produced by winding the flexible cord around two offset winding supports. The wound configuration of the flexible cord is then held in place by one or more frangible paper binders. The winding of cords about off-set winding supports generally requires the use of winding equipment which can perform complex movement in order to achieve an automated process. We have now found a process for winding a flexible cord in a comparatively tangle-free configuration on a drum or spool thereby providing improved efficiency in the cord winding process.
The present invention also provides a number of novel configurations of flexible initiating cord which are comparatively tangle-free.
According to the present invention these provided a coiled flexible initiating cord comprising a leading end and a coiled portion formed by a plurality of successive coils of the flexible initiating cord, wherein two or more of the successive coils are located on opposite sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord, and wherein said P\OER\PHH\241457RESPONSE 322 DOC 18/11/02 -2coiled cord further comprises a coil retainer for holding the plurality of successive coils in a coiled configuration.
In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a process for producing a coiled flexible initiating cord, said process comprising the steps of: a) releasably engaging a leading end of the flexible initiating cord with a central portion of a winding support; b) winding a plurality of successive coils of the flexible initiating cord onto the winding support wherein two or more successive coils of the flexible initiating cord are wound on opposite sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord; and c) applying a coil retainer means to the coiled flexible initiating cord for holding the plurality of successive coils in a coiled configuration.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for producing a coiled flexible initiating cord, said apparatus comprising a winding support having means located in a central portion thereof for releasably engaging a leading end of the flexible initiating cord, said apparatus further comprising a means for winding a plurality of successive coils of the flexible initiating cord relatively around the winding support such that two or more of the successive coils of the flexible initiating cord are wound on opposite sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord, and said winding apparatus further comprising means for applying a coil retainer means for holding the plurality of successive coils in coiled configuration.
A wide variety of flexible initiating cords for use in the initiation of explosives may be wound in accordance with the present invention. For example, the present invention may be used to wind electrical initiating cord, detonating cord, igniter cord, non-electric shock tube, hybrid cords and the like. The present invention is particularly suited to the winding of the non-electric shock tube.
WO 00/32506 PCT/AU99/01072 -3- Explosive initiation systems incorporate a plurality of detonators interconnected via a network of flexible initiation cords. The initiation cords may be interconnected by a variety of connector means. Generally the flexible initiation cords are provided with connectors and/or detonators affixed thereto. Flexible initiation cords generally are provided in three configurations. The first configuration comprises a detonator affixed to one end and a connector, of the "J-hook" type at the other. A second configuration comprises a detonator at both ends, with one of these detonators located within a connector block. The third configuration comprises a connector, such as of the "Jhook" type at one end and a detonator encased in a connector block at the other.
In the present invention two or more successive coils of the flexible initiating cord are located on the opposite sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord. It is preferred that 3 or more successive coils are located on alternating sides of the leading end, more preferably 4 or more successive coils are located on alternating sides of the leading end. In the most preferred winding configuration all of the plurality of successive coils are located on the alternating sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord. However, it is not essential to the present invention that every successive coil is located on the alternating sides of the leading end and it is possible that the coil of flexible initiating cord comprises two successive coils on one side of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord followed by a further two successive coils on the other side. Various modifications and variations of the winding scheme will be acceptable. For example, we have found that six successive coils on one side of the leading end prior to alternating to the other side will still give acceptable, tangle free deployment.
It is preferred that in the coil of flexible initiating cord there be an equal number of coils located on respective sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord.
The coil of flexible initiating cord may be packaged by a coil retainer such as generic taping (paper taping) of the type currently used for retaining coiled non-electric shock tube. Alternatively the coil of flexible initiating cord may be packaged using shrink- P \OPER\PHH\2 44507RESPONSE.322.DOC 18/11/02 -4wrap packaging or a band covering the central portion of the coil.
A wide variety of winding supports may be used in the present invention. Winding supports may be in the form of winding frames comprising 2 or more members, although it is preferred that the winding support for use in the present invention is in the form of a spool, reel, spindle or the like. For convenience such winding supports will be referred to herein generically by the term "spool".
The winding support must be constructed such that the wound cord may be removed from the winding support, such as for packaging and/or distribution. In one embodiment, the 0:0 winding support may be provided with a removable flange such that the coiled cord may be 000: disengaged from the winding support in a coiled configuration. Preferably the winding support comprises a fastening means for holding the leading end of the flexible initiating cord. The fastening means is located such that windings of the flexible initiating cord may be accommodated on either side of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord. The preferred fastening means is a channel provided with overhanging tabs to releasably engage the flexible initiating cord.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the winding support is a bifurcated spool.
S"Preferably the central portion of the bifurcated spool is divided to form two parts of the S bifurcated spool and the leading end of the flexible initiating cord is releasably engageable :with the winding support by moving said two parts of the bifurcated spool relatively towards each other.
The flexible initiating cord may be wound around the spool by either rotating the spool or by circulating a reel of flexible initiating cord about the spool.
The coil of flexible initiating cord may be removed from the spool for packaging by any convenient means. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the winding support is provided with a longitudinal channel such that a tape or gripping means may be passed therethrough and under the coiled cord whereby the cord may be taped in situ or gripped for removal from the spool.
WO 00/32506 PCT/AU99/01072 Coiled non-electric shock tube produced according to the present invention may be affixed to detonators, connector blocks and/or connectors such as J-hooks and the like.
P \OPER'PI{)IZ41457ORESIONSE 322 DOC 1/ 1U02 -6- The flexible initiating cord may be deployed in a comparatively tangle free manner by uncoiling the coil of flexible cord from the leading end of flexible initiating cord. By withdrawing the leading end of the flexible initiating cord, the successive coils adjacent to, and alternating on either side of, the leading end may be successively deployed.
The present invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a preferred winding arrangement according to the present invention.
Figure 6 is a cross-section of a spool wound in accordance with the present invention.
o Figure 7 is a perspective diagram of a spool wound in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective diagram of one segment of a bifurcated spool for use in winding apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
a.
Figure 1 shows a portion of a flexible initiating cord which is about to be wound and which has a leading end Figure 2 shows the winding advanced approximately one Srevolution. The initiating cord can be seen to pass over the leading end at .intersection The winding passes underneath the leading end at intersection Figure 3 shows the winding advanced a further revolution. The flexible initiating cord (1) passes under the leading end at intersection and over the leading end at intersection Figure 4 shows the winding advanced a further revolution. The flexible initiating cord passes over the leading end at intersection and under the leading end at intersection Figure shows the winding advanced a further revolution. The flexible initiating cord passes under the leading end at intersection and over the leading end of the flexible cord at intersection The preferred embodiment of the present invention represented in figures 1 to 5 may be continued with subsequent revolutions alternating to either side of the leading end of the flexible cord Figure 6 shows a winding spool (11) having a channel (12) through which the leading end bof the flexible initiating cord is passed. The windings (13) are wound in an P \OPER\PlIflO2414SO7RESPONSE.322.DOC 8/11102 -7alternating manner on either side of the leading end The windings are wound about the drum portion (19) of the spool A flange (18) retains the windings (13).
Figure 7 shows the spool (11) having the flexible initiating cord wound thereon. The flexible initiating cord is wound alternately about the leading end of the flexible initiating cord The flanges of the spool (18) have a channel (14) therein. The channel (14) extends below the surface of the drum portion (not shown) and extends longitudinally along the drum portion to provide a channel (15) below the windings The channel allows the windings (13) to be conveniently gripped and/or taped for packaging.
Figure 8 shows one section of a bifurcated spool The second element (not shown) may be a mirror image of the first element (16) or may be any other convenient configuration. The first element of the bifurcated spool has a flange (18) for retaining the S" windings (not shown) on the surface of the drum The inner end (20) of the first element (16) has a channel (17) for receiving the flexible cord (not shown). The second element of the bi-partite spool may engage the first to provide an interference fit for the flexible cord (not shown) in the channel (17) with an opposing channel in the second element (not shown).
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described.
The reference of any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.
P OPER P111124145' 7-pon ;22 d- I I IAI -8- This page has been intentionally left blank.
S
S.
S*
*S
S
*S.S
S
S
*5S5
SS
*5 S
.SS..S
S S
Claims (25)
1. -A coiled flexible initiating cord comprising a leading end and a coiled portion formed by a plurality of successive coils of the flexible initiating cord, wherein two or more of the successive coils are located on opposite sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord, and wherein said coiled cord further comprises a coil retainer for holding the plurality of successive coils in a coiled configuration.
2. A coiled flexible initiating cord according to claim 1 wherein the flexible initiating cord is non-electric shock tube.
3. A coiled flexible initiating cord according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein 3 or more successive coils are located on alternating sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord.
4. A coiled flexible initiating cord according to claim 3 wherein 4 or more successive coils are located on alternating sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord.
A coiled flexible initiating cord according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein all of the plurality of successive coils are located on alternating sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord.
6. A coiled flexible initiating cord according to any one of claims 1 to wherein equal numbers of coils of the flexible initiating cord are located on respective sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord.
7. A coiled flexible initiating cord according to any of one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the coil retainer is a paper tape. PI'."l'PK\Y I IIwI9901072.clm.dAt
8. A coiled flexible initiating cord according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the coil retainer is shrink-wrap packaging.
9. A process for producing a coiled flexible initiating cord, said process comprising the steps of: a) releasably engaging a leading end of the flexible initiating cord with a central portion of a winding support; b) winding a plurality of successive coils of the flexible initiating cord onto the winding support wherein two or more successive coils of the flexible initiating cord are wound on opposite sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord; and c) applying a coil retainer to the coiled flexible initiating cord for holding the plurality of successive coils-in a coiled-configuration.
A process according to claim 9 wherein the flexible initiating cord is a non-electric shock tube.
11. A process according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the winding support comprises a removable flange such that the coiled flexible initiating cord may be disengaged from the winding support in a coiled configuration.
12. A process according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the winding support comprises fastening means for holding the leading end of the flexible initiating cord.
13. A process according to claim 12 wherein the fastening means comprises a channel provided with overhanging tabs to releasably engage the flexible initiating cord.
14. A process according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein the winding support is a bifurcated spool.
I1AUoPKNItlI! I\99t I 072.clm.doc -11 A process according to claim 14 wherein the leading end of the flexible initiating cord is releasably engaged with the winding support by moving two parts of the bifurcated spool relatively towards each other.
16. An apparatus for producing a coiled flexible initiating cord, said apparatus comprising a winding support having means located in a central portion thereof for releasably engaging a leading end of the flexible initiating cord, said apparatus further comprising means for winding a plurality of successive coils of the flexible initiating cord relatively around the winding support such that two or more of the successive coils of the flexible initiating cord are wound on opposite sides of the leading end of the flexible initiating cord, and said winding apparatus further comprising means for applying a coil retainer for holding the plurality of successive coils in coiled configuration.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the flexible initiating cord is a non-electric shock tube.
18. An apparatus according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the winding support has a removable flange such that the wound initiating cord may be disengaged from the winding support in a coiled configuration.
19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the winding support comprises fastening means for holding the leading end of the flexible initiating cord.
An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the fastening means comprises a channel provided with overhanging tabs to releasably engage the flexible initiating cord.
21. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 20 wherein the winding support is a bifurcated spool. P OPERTPrnI I 7 pon-322 do-I1I IA12 12-
22. An apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the central portion of the bifurcated spool is divided to form two parts of the bifurcated spool and the leading end of the flexible initiating cord is releasably engageable with the winding support by moving said two parts of the bifucated spool relatively towards each other.
23. A coiled flexible initiating cord substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. S 10
24. A process for producing a coiled flexible initiating cord, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
25. Apparatus for producing a coiled flexible initiating cord according to claim 16, in which the winding support is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 0* o 000* DATED this 18th day of November 2002. 0 00 20 INITIATING EXPLOSIVES SYSTEMS PROPRIETARY LIMITED '000,0 0 by their Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU17614/00A AU757394B2 (en) | 1998-12-03 | 1999-12-03 | Winding and packaging of flexible initiating cord |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPP7480A AUPP748098A0 (en) | 1998-12-03 | 1998-12-03 | Winding and packaging of flexible cord |
| AUPP7480 | 1998-12-03 | ||
| AU17614/00A AU757394B2 (en) | 1998-12-03 | 1999-12-03 | Winding and packaging of flexible initiating cord |
| PCT/AU1999/001072 WO2000032506A1 (en) | 1998-12-03 | 1999-12-03 | Winding and packaging of flexible initiating cord |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU1761400A AU1761400A (en) | 2000-06-19 |
| AU757394B2 true AU757394B2 (en) | 2003-02-20 |
Family
ID=25616860
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU17614/00A Ceased AU757394B2 (en) | 1998-12-03 | 1999-12-03 | Winding and packaging of flexible initiating cord |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU757394B2 (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4455961A (en) * | 1982-06-25 | 1984-06-26 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Overboarding fixture |
| US5129514A (en) * | 1991-08-12 | 1992-07-14 | The Ensign-Bickford Company | Flexible cord winding and packaging configuration and method for making such package |
| US5238200A (en) * | 1991-07-18 | 1993-08-24 | Robert Ritzenthaler | Power driven winding device with spool axially movable to engage a clutch |
-
1999
- 1999-12-03 AU AU17614/00A patent/AU757394B2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4455961A (en) * | 1982-06-25 | 1984-06-26 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Overboarding fixture |
| US5238200A (en) * | 1991-07-18 | 1993-08-24 | Robert Ritzenthaler | Power driven winding device with spool axially movable to engage a clutch |
| US5129514A (en) * | 1991-08-12 | 1992-07-14 | The Ensign-Bickford Company | Flexible cord winding and packaging configuration and method for making such package |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU1761400A (en) | 2000-06-19 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4804020A (en) | Conduit liner assembly and method for installation | |
| US3855777A (en) | Reel of alternately rotated parallel-wire strand and method of making | |
| EP1398859B1 (en) | Flexible harness wrap | |
| AU757394B2 (en) | Winding and packaging of flexible initiating cord | |
| US7650993B2 (en) | Coreless-coil shock tube package system | |
| WO2000032506A1 (en) | Winding and packaging of flexible initiating cord | |
| US4024486A (en) | Outer locking turn for precut core | |
| KR940001956A (en) | Spools wound with metal strings, method and apparatus for winding metal strings to spools | |
| AU2017248851B2 (en) | Spool | |
| US4067441A (en) | Coil of flexible material with inserts in outer wall | |
| JPS5952608B2 (en) | Long-distance electric wire extension method | |
| US5309412A (en) | Element releasing system | |
| JP2631784B2 (en) | Cable winding accommodation method | |
| JPS61284712A (en) | Method of manufacturing optical fiber cable | |
| US2123996A (en) | Electric blasting cap | |
| US3530564A (en) | Method of removing looseness in wires of flexible pipe | |
| JPH07130235A (en) | Binding fixture for wire harness and its binding method | |
| US5020576A (en) | Wire twisting machine for electrical harnesses | |
| JPH0532900Y2 (en) | ||
| WO1999000636B1 (en) | Signal line coiling method and mine-clearing apparatus using same | |
| JPH07130234A (en) | Binding fixture for wire harness | |
| SU960081A1 (en) | Method of packaging flexible material | |
| JPS608336Y2 (en) | Wire harness branch | |
| CA1071171A (en) | Coil of flexible material with inserts in outer wall | |
| SU1682288A1 (en) | Reel for coiling elongated workpiece |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK6 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(f)/reg. 8.3(3) - pct applic. not entering national phase | ||
| TH | Corrigenda |
Free format text: IN VOL 14, NO 38, PAGE(S) 6824-6827 UNDER THE HEADING APPLICATIONS LAPSED, REFUSED OR WITHDRAWN PLEASE DELETE ALL REFERENCE TO APPLICATION NO. 17614/00 |
|
| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) | ||
| MK14 | Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired |