Patent ID: 6324980
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: F42D

Abstract:
A conical plug for sealing a blast hole comprising:a cone further comprising a sheet of an elastic material, the sheet having a circular sector shape, the sheet being formed into a conical shape having a base and an apex, the conical shape being maintained smaller than the diameter of the hole by a trigger tenon arrangement while being lowered into the blast hole;a stabilizer extending from the base of the cone; andthe trigger positioned upon said cone to secure the conical shape when engaged, wherein release of the trigger increases the diameter of the base of the cone while continuing to maintain its conical shape, so that, when released, the base of the cone strikes the walls of the blast hole, the conical plug thereby receiving debris stemming at the apex of the cone, wherein the cone increases in diameter and wedges into the walls of the blast hole.