Improvements in and Connected with Explosive Cartridges for Blasting Purposes.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 7th May, 1886.
Complete Left, 7th Mar., 1887.
Complete Accepted, 7th May, 1887.
Improvements in and Connected with Explosive Cartridges for
Blasting Purposes.
I, JAMES MAONAB, of 39 Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the manufacture of blasting cartridges, and to the
employment thereof for mining, quarrying and other industrial and military purposes.
The invention consists in part in the combination of and improvements upon certain
features of the inventions described in the Specification to Letters Patent granted to
me 9th August, 1876, No. 3150, and in the Specification to Letters Patent granted to
George Gatton Melhuish Hardingham 25th January, 1884, No. 2113 (a Communication
from Thomas Woolhouse, Paris). In the former of these Specifications was described
the use of water or other liquid in conjunction with gunpowder or other explosive
agent; whilst in the latter Specification was described the us in a different manner
and with a different effect of liquid ammonia or certain other liquids in conjunction
with gunpowder or other explosive agent.
According to my present invention, I combine what, for brevity's sake, may be
termed the water cartridge with what I will call the ammonia cartridge. By means
of this combination in conjunction with certain improvements in detail, economy in
construction is effected, manipulation simplified, and the action improved both in
efficiency and certainty.
6.
One form of combination cartridge comprised an outer case, which may be formed
of cloth or of the material known 17 Willesden paper." At the far end of the case-
hat is to say, the extremity which is to occupy the bottom of the bore-hole-is place]
charge of tonite or other suitable explosive agent. Imbed herein may be a close
essel or vessels containing liquid enimonia or liquific earl on acid as; the tonite
eing also furnished with a primer or detonator cap secured as hereinafter described,
.

page_text: or otherwise, and with appliances for firing the same by means of a time fuse,
percussion cap or electrically heated wire. The remainder of the case is filled with
water, or is occupied by a tube of flexible material charged with water. The two ends
of the cartridge case are closed and rendered water-tight; the wire, or other means
for firing the charge, projecting from the near end of the cartridge case. The cartridge
is then inserted in the bore-hole, the diameter of which corresponds with that of the
case, and is tamped in the usual manner.
When percussive means for firing the charge are employed, I surround that part of
the wire, or other connection, which passes through the tamping to the detonator with
a tube of small diameter, so as to prevent the tamping interfering with the operation
of the connection. This tube may or may not be withdrawn before the charge is
fired. The firing appliance consists of a tube containing a plunger or striker
connected by means of a thin wire or cord to the main wire which leads to a safe
distance. One end of the tube is arranged about the percussion cap of the detonator
whilst the other end is closed. A spiral spring is located between the closed end of
the tube and the plunger. To fire the charge, the plunger is drawn back against the
resistance of the spring, the thin wire or cord is fractured by the tension applied
thereto, and the plunger, becoming released, strikes the percussion cap and fires it.
The firing device may be supported in the bore-hole by means of inclined spring
struts which project outwards and backwards from the solid end of the tube containing
the plunger and spiral spring; these struts serving to resist the pull of the main wire
during the operation of firing.
For facilitating the introduction to the bore-hole of a water cartridge having a
flexible envelope, I provide the leading end thereof with similar backwardly inclining
spring struts which may be mounted upon a corrugated tubular socket secured in the
neck of the cartridge. Instead of attempting to push such a water cartridge into the
bore-hole, I employ a rod which engages with the socket provided in the leading end
of the cartridge, and whereby the cartridge, in a partially collapsed condition, may be
pulled into position. The rod may then be disengaged and withdrawn, and the spring
struts before referred to serve to maintain the water cartridge in position and to resist
the pull of the firing wire. Under such circumstances, it will be understood that the
combination cartridge is introduced into the bore-hole in two parts; the spring struts
being attached to the leading end of the water cartridge instead of to the detonator.
In some instances, I furnish one or both ends of the compound cartridge with a cap
formed of compressed paper, or other strong but slightly clastic material. Upon the
charge being fired, the sides of the cap or caps expand and completely fit and grip the
sides of the bore-hole; the latter being thus rendered gas-tight in a longitudinal
direction.
When dynamite or other nitroglycerine compound is employed as the explosive
agent, the cap is made sufficiently deep to envelope the explosive charge laterally, and
is composed of compressed paper or other imperfect conductor of heat. The charge
may be sealed in such a cap with plaister of Paris or cork, and thus protected against
the dangerous influence of sudden change of temperature.
An alternative method of combining the water chamber with the cartridge containing
the explosive consists in forming the case of the latter with a neck to which one end
of a flexible tube is firmly secured. The opposite end of the tube is folded back upon
itself and secured upon the outside of the case containing the explosive; the water
having been introduced between the two folds of the flexible tube. In this instance,
the connection to the detonator or firing device passes to the neck of the case
containing the explosive along the passage formed by the inner fold of the flexible
tube.
For securing the extremity of the flexible water tube upon the neck of the cartridge
case or for securing the latter upon the firing tube, fuse or electric wire, a metallic
collar is applied, which may Le compressed or corrugated about the joint with the aid
of nippers or other suitable instrument.
In instances where it is not of importance to quench the flame arising from the
explosion, a semi-liquid may be substituted for the water, and a similar result obtained

page_text: as regards the distribution of the pressure generated by the ignition of the charge
over a considerable length of the bore-hole. In such cases, the semi-fluid may or may
not be enclosed in a casing, according to whether the material operated in is porous
or comparatively non-absorbent.
Various combinations of tonite, "E.S.M." (extra strong mining) powder and
other powerful explosives, or blasting agents possessing milder action, may be effected
with vessels containing liquid ammonia or the like, and with water or semi-liquid
cartridges or charges; the several elements being proportioned to one another and
disposed in the compound cartridge or in the bore-hole according to the nature of the
work to be performed and the character of the material operated in.
3
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.

page_text: I, JAMES MAONAB, of 39, Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to the manufacture of blasting cartridges, and to the
employment thereof for mining quarrying and other industrial and military
purposes.
The invention consists in part in the combination of and improvements upon
certain features of the inventions described in the Specification to Letters l'afent
granted to me, dated 9th August 1876, No. 3150, and in the Specification to Letters
Patent granted to George Gatton Melhuish Hardingham, dated 25th January 1884
No. 2143 (a communication from Thomas Woolhouse, Paris).
In the former of these Specifications was described the use of water or other liquid
in conjunction with gunpowder or other explosive agent; whilst in the latter
Specification was described the use in a different manner and with a different effect of
liquid ammonia or certain other liquids in conjunction with gunpowder or other
explosive agent.
According to my present invention, I combine what, for brevity's sake, may be
termed the water cartridge, with what I will call the ammonia cartridge.' By
means of this combination in conjunction with certain improvements in detail,
economy in construction is effected, manipulation simplified and the action improved
in efficiency and certainty.
One form of combination cartridge comprises an outer case which may be formed
of cloth, or of the material known as Willesden paper,' or other suitable flexible
material. At the far end of the case-tha is to say, the extremity which is to occupy
the bottom of the borehole-is placed a large of tonite or other suitable explosive
agent. Embedded herein may be a closed vessel or vessels containing liquid ammonia,
liquefied carbonic acid gas, or other similar acting fluid, the tonite being also
furnished with an efficient primer or detonator cap secured as hereinafter described
or otherwise and with appliances for firing the same by means of a time or
instantaneous fuse, percussion cap, or by an electrically heated wire, i.e. electric fuse.
The remainder of the case is filled with water, or is occupied by a tube of flexible
material charged with water, or other liquid adapted for extinguishing the flame
resulting from explosion. The two ends of the cartridge case are closed and rendered
water-tight the extremity of the wire or other means for firing the charge being

page_text: left projecting from the near end of the cartridge case. The cartridge is then
inserted in the borehole, the diameter of which corresponds with that of the case, and
is there tamped in the usual manner. Such a combination cartridge is represented in
Figure 1, where A is the water cartridge casing, B the charge of water, the
explosive agent, D the vessel of liquid ammonia, E the detonator cap fixed upon the
end of the firing appliance F, the latter being connected to the actuating wire G
which works through a cork stopper H. The stopper is kept in position and made
watertight with the aid of a tubular collar 1 about which the neck of the case A may
be tied. Between the body of explosive material and the water chamber B, the
cartridge case is contracted and securely tied about the tube wherein the firing
appliance is mounted. About the same part are also fixed the inclined spring wire
struts K which project outwards and backwards; these engaging with the sides of
the borehole and serving to resist the pull of the firing wire G. The flexible casc A
is also tied at the leading or far end Ĺ over the head of the explosive charge, this
extremity being provided with a socket M with which a wire rod may be engaged
for pulling or drawing the combined cartridge in a partially collapsed state into
position in the boro-hole, the said rod being subsequently disengaged and withdrawn.
N is a tube through which the actuating wire G of the firing appliance F works,
and which is tamped in to protect the said wire G. The tube N may remain in the
tamping or may be withdrawn before the cartridge is fired. O is ordinary hard
tamping.
In lieu of the arrangement above described for firing the explosive charge by
means of the wire G, electricity or Bickford instantaneous or slow burning fuse may
he employed. When either of the last named is used and traverses the water to the
explosive, provision is made for rendering the same waterproof, and the detonator is
fixed on the inner end of the fuse the outer end thereof being fixed in the muzzle of
the firing appliance, which latter is rammed tight and secured in the far end of the
tamping, the wire struts K being under such circumstances dispensed with. The
firing of a cartridge so arranged may be effected in a similar manner by means of
a wire such as G. Or as an alternative method the firing tube is lashed alongside
the exterior of the explosive and tightly wedged in position; a short length of
instantaneous or other fuse being employed to connect the firing tube with the
projecting neck of the explosive case, which, under these circumstances, is arranged
end for end, the water case being tied round the explosive case or attached to the
neck of the latter as previously described. The actuating wire will then run freely
along the top of the water-case and through the tube or channel made in the tamping.
When means for firing by electricity are substituted, the insulated wires may be
similarly placed and securely tamped in.
When percussive means for firing the charge are employed, the firing appliance
consists of a tube containing a plunger or striker connected by means of a thin wire
or cord to the actuating main wire which leads to a safe distance. One end of the
tube is arranged about the percussion cap of the detonator whilst the other end is
closed with a stopper. A spiral spring is located between the closed end of the tube
and the plunger. To fire the charge, the plunger is drawn back against the
resistance of the spring, the thin wire or cord is fractured or unfastened by the
tension applied thereto and the plunger, becoming released, strikes the percussion
cap and fires it. The firing device may be supported in the bore-hole by means of
inclined spring wire struts which project outwards and backwards from the solid or
bearing end of the tube containing the plunger and spiral spring; or the struts may
be fixed at the fore end of the water-case, or at the after end or to the sides of the
explosive cartridge case these struts serving to resist the pull of the main wire
during the operation of firing.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of a safety firing appliance such as above referred
to. A is a tab which encloss the mechanism and which may be enlarge or bell-
mouthed atch extremity B, B', as shown at B. The extremity containing the
percussion cap and anvil receives the detonator cap C, which fits firmly and is secured
watertight or as an alternative serves to enclose the Bickford fuse end or other

page_text: medium for conveying fire to the explosive charge when such means are substituted.
When the firing wire works through water, the opposite extremity of the tube B is
closed with a cork stopper D about which the tube may be corrugated or otherwise
contracted with a view to securing the same in position; ensuring a watertight joint,
and at the same time affording a bearing for the spiral spring E to act against. A
socket F is also formed in the after extremity of the tube A for the reception of the
tamping tube G when the latter is employed for pushing the firing tube A into
position and for enclosing the hand wire O whereby the plunger or striker I is
withdrawn against the resistance of the spiral spring E. Upon the wire O being
suddenly released or the thin wire H fractured, the plunger or striker 1 delivers its
blow on the percussion cap J resting on the anvil K, the latter being supported by
the tube L, the cap, detonator and explosive charge being thereby fired. Instead of
enlarging or bell-mouthing the extremity of the tube for the reception of the detonator
cap or Bickford fuse, the enlarged part may, if desired, be made entirely separately
and attached to the end of the tube A. By the improved construction described, the
firing mechanism is protected from moisture; danger whilst forcing the detonator
into the mouth of the tube, or whilst placing it in the explosive, being at the same
time guarded against. The employment of a shorter detonator case is also secured,
and the external escape of sparks from the detonator prevented. M are inclined
spring wire bearing struts twisted, or otherwise firmly secured, round the groove N
of the tube A; the same projecting outwards and backwards from the firing
tube A and serving to resist the pull of the main wire O during the operation of
firing.
In Figure 3 is represented an alternative arrangement of the firing appliance,
above described; but in this modification, the spiral spring A and the striking
hammer, B provided with a handle C and working in a box H, are kept entirely
separato from the striker D. The latter is enclosed in a tube E and is provided with
a continuation F, the outer extremity G whereof receives the blow delivered by the
hammer B mounted in the detached box H and actuated by the spiral spring A. In
this example, the firing mechanism is intended for repeated use. When arranged in
the firing position, the hammer B is withdrawn by means of the knob C, the eyed
bolt I is inserted in the transverse hole J and the hammer head B rests against the
side of the bolt I. The anvil M on which the percussion cap K rests, has two
projecting shoulders which take their bearing on the contracted part N of the tube E,
the anvil M being at the same time firmly held in the tube. The extremity of the
tube E is also contracted at O for the purpose of holding the instantaneous fuse L
which extends through the tamping Q to the explosive. The box H has a circular
opening P to receive the projecting extremity of the firing tube E, the latter being
rammed firmly in the tamping Q at the mouth of the bore-hole. The box H is held
in position upon the extremity of the tube E by means of a short length of wire S
fastened in the groove T; the free end of the wire being formed with a loop U
through which a spike may be passed and driven into the coal face. Other means may
however be employed for securing the box H to the tube E; as, for example, a
locking pin R may be passed through the box H and engage with the groove formed
near the outer extremity of the tube E. The action of the apparatus is as follows:-
The operator, having retired to a safe distance, pulls the main wire W and withdraws
the bolt I; the hammer B, being thereupon released, strikes the rod F and impels
the striker against the percussion cap K, thereby igniting the fuse L. The box H
and mechanism appertaining thereto is subsequently recovered for further use.
For facilitating the introduction to and retention in a bore-hole of a water-
cartridge having a flexible envelope, I provide the leading end thereof with
backwardly inclining spring wire struts of the kind hereinbefore described, and
which may be mounted upon a tubular socket of metal or wood secured at the neck
of the cartridge case. Instead of attempting to push such a water-cartridge into the
bore-hole, I employ a rod which engages with the socket provided on the leading end
of the cartridge and whereby the cartridge in a partially collapsed condition may be
pulled or drawn into position. The rod may then be disengaged and withdrawn,

page_text: and the spring wire struts before referred to serve to maritan the water-cartridge m
position and to resist the pull of the firing wire or other disturbing influence.
Under such circumstances, it will be understood that the combination cartridge
is introduced into the bore-hole in two parts; the spring wire struts being attached to
the leading end of the water-cartridge instead of to the detonator or firing appliance.
Such a mode of arranging a flexible water-cartridge case for use separately from the
explosive charge is illustrated in Figure 4. The case A is charged with water B
and tied or closed at both ends and C. D is the firing wire traversing the
water-chamber and working through the cork stoppers or stuffing boxes E and E'.
These are mounted in the tubular necks CC wherewith the extremities of the case A
are respectively provided. To the neck C is attached a hollow tubular socket H,
formed of metal, wood or other suitable material, and upon the same neck are
mounted the spring struts II for retaining the case A in position after having been
inserted in the bore hole. For performing this operation, the point of a wire rod is
engaged with the socket H, by which means the case A, in a partially collapsed
condition, may be pulled or drawn along the bore-hole; after which the wire rod is
disengaged and withdrawn and the tamping is thereupon proceeded with.
According to an alternative arrangement of means for facilitating the introduction
to the bore-hole of a water-cartridge the case whereof is composed of flexible
material, I enclose a light spiral spring as shewn in Figure 4; the same extending
between the two extremities of the case. A flexible and partially collapsed case so
provided may be pushed instead of being pulled into position in the bore-hole. Upon
the leading end reaching the cartridge, its motion is arrested. The spiral spring
permits the opposite end, however, to yield to the pressure of the tamping, the water-
cartridge case being thereby compressed longitudinally and expanded laterally to fill
the bore-hole.
When electricity or Bickford waterproof instantaneous fuse is employed instead of
the wire line, similar means for introducing the water-cartridge may be employed.
Instead of working the wire line D through the centre of the water-case A and
water B, it may be run along the outside of the water-case A. Under such
circumstances, I profer to apply the spring wire struts I to the neck of the explosive
cartridge case, instead of placing them on the water-case as described. Or tho
explosive, if rigid or enclosed in a rigid case, may have the firing tube lashed to it,
and may then he wedged in the bore-hole; in which case the spring wire struts may
be dispensed with. When it is desired to use miner's fuse in conjunction with the
firing appliance, the lattor may be fixed in the tamping and firmly rammed, when the
fuse can be led from its muzzle to the charge, either along the outside of the water
case, or through its interior, as already described.
In some instances, particularly when using gunpowder, with a view to securing
greater safety, I furnish one or both ends of the compound cartridge with a cap or
casing formed of thick compressed paper, or other strong but slightly elastic material.
Upon the charge being fired, such a cap acts as an obturator, the sides thereof
expanding, fitting and gripping the sides of the bore-hole; the latter being thus
rendered gas-tight in a longitudinal direction. In Figure 5 such a method of con-
struction is represented, A A¹ being caps for confining the gases generated by the
explosion as also the water in a longitudinal direction, thus preventing the flame from
penetrating beyond the far end of the bore-hole, and also making a tight joint between
the water-cartridge case B and the tamping C. When dynamite or other nitro-
glycerine compound is employed as the explosive agent, particularly when operating
in friable material, the cap A is made sufficiently deep to envelop the explosive
charge D and vessel of liquid ammonia E; the same boing composed of strong com-
pressol paper F, or other imperfect conductor of heat. The charges D and E may be
scaled in such a cap or holder with plaster of Paris or cork or by a plug of wood G
formed with a neck II which is perforated for the reception of the electric or other
fuse and detonator cap I. The orifice in the neck H may ordinarily be closed with a
plug or stopper of wood or cork, the same being removed when the firing action K is
about to be inserted. The explosive charge D is thus protected against dangerous

page_text: influences due to sudden change of temperature or exudation. The water-cartridge
case B is placed in front of the case A, and the open end of the case B is tied water-
tight about the body of the cap A at L. The cap A' has a hole M in its centre for
the actuating wire N to work through; the said cap being filled with plastic clay O,
which also surrounds the neck R of the water-cartridge case 13. The neck R is pro-
vided with a ferrule which is closed with a cork. In this illustration, the opposite
extremities of the water-cartridge case B are extended or held apart by means of the
wire stay or strut Q; the latter being looped at each extremity to engage with the
ferrule wherewith the neck R of the water-cartridge is furnished and with the neck H
of the plug G respectively. The strut Q also serves to resist the pull of the wire
line N. A cap such as A may also be advantageously employed when gunpowder or
other explosive agent is used instead of dynamite.
Figure 6 represents another modification of compound cartridge constructed or
arranged according to my improved method. The water-case A is securely tied at C
around the high explosive case of tonite or "carbonite "B. The case A is in this
instance tied or closed at both ends D and D'. An obturator or cap E of the kind
above described contains gunpowder F (which may be compressed
"E.S.M." or
patent gunpowder ") in which is embedded a vessel or tube of liquid ammonia G ;
these being closed in with a layer of plaster of Paris or with a disc of cardboard H
cemented down, a small hole or opening I being provided in the latter. The detonator
cap J and firing tube K are placed in the high explosive B, L being the firing wire
which works through the cork stopper M and collar N, and also through the stay or
strut O, as before described. The complete cartridge may be pushed into position in
the bore-hole, the strut O serving to keep the extremities of the water-chamber or
flexible portion of the cartridge extended. A spiral wire strust arranged and operating
as hereinbefore described may however be substituted for the strut O.
According to an alternative method of combining the water-chamber with the cart-
ridge containing the explosive, the case of the latter is formed with a neck to which
one end of a flexible tube or case is firmly secured. The opposite end of the tube is
folded back upon itself and secured upon the outside of the case containing the
explosive, the water having been introduced between the two folds of the flexible tube.
In this instance, the connection to the detonator or firing device passes to the neck of the
case containing the explosive along the passage formed by the inner fold of the flexible
tube. This method dispenses with working the wire-tube through the interior of the
water-case, or even along the outside of that case. For securing the extremity of
the flexible water-tube upon the neck of the explosive cartridge case, or for securing the
latter upon the firing tube, fuse or electric wires, a metallic collar is applied, which
may be compressed or corrugated about the joint with the aid of nippers or other
suitable instrument, as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1.
In instances where it is not of vital importance to quench the flame arising from
the explosion, a semi-liquid may be substituted for the water, and a similar result
obtained as regards the distribution or transmission of the pressure, generated by the
ignition of the charge, over a considerable length of the hore-hole. Under such
circumstances, the semi-fluid may or may not be enclosed in a casing, according to
whether the material operated in is fissured, porous, or comparatively non-obsorbent.
The materials 1 employ for the purpose of making this semi-fluid or thick liquid
consist of plastic clay, slate dust, or other suitable absorbing substance; the same
being thoroughly saturated with water or other liquid. For certain descriptions of
work, such as "pillaring" slate rock, the semi-fluid referred to my be of the con-
sistency of liquid asphalte or glue, and for other work of the consistency of thin putty
or dough; the object being to prevent it, when not enclosed in a case, from running
out of the bore-hole previous to tamping, and at the same time to ensure its liquid
character being so far preserved that the pressure, generated by the explosion, is
transmitted throughout the length of the space occupied by such semi-fluid.
Figure 7 represents a compound cartridge embodying the features above alluded to,
and wherein a semi-fluid is employed instead of water as the agent for transmitting
the pressure developed by the explosive when ignited. Such a compound cartridge

page_text: may also be employed with safety in a fiery coal mine, provided that the explosive B
(tonite or carbonite) be followed by an adequate charge of liquid ammonia A. A
supplementary charge of liquid ammonia C may also with advantage be placed beyond
the explosive, to intercept flame tending to penetrate in that direction.
The entire charge is confined in a case D, and is embedded in a semi-fluid E com-
posed of plastic clay well saturated with water for the purpose of enabling the
cartridge to accomodate itself to any irregularities of the bore-hole. F is a strong
cap, of a similar character to that described with reference to Figure 5, and has a
hole in its centre for the actuating wire G of the firing tube H; the said wire also
traversing the cork stopper I, about which the end of the case D is wrapped and
firmly tied. A few inches of hard clay tamping J are applied on the top of the cap F
and cartridge case D; the tube K protecting the actuating wire line G is then tamped
in with about twelve inches of very soft plastic clay, or equivalent substance, and the
tamping is then completed with hard clay or other suitable material. The above soft
plastic clay or semi-liquid tamping, if desired, may be confined in a miner's ordinary
paper case and placed at one operation in the hore-hole.
Figure 8 is a transverse section on the line X-X (Figure 7), shewing the mode in
which I prefer to arrange the liquid ammonia tubes A (or C) in the cartridge case;
the said tubes or vessels being tied together and embedded in or surrounded by the
semi-fluid E contained in the case D. Air spaces are thereby filled up, and a flexible
cartridge produced which adapts itself to and fits the bore-hole. This compound
cartridge may also be introduced into the bore-hole without the case; the semi-fluid E
being placed in the bore-hole with the liquid ammonia vessels and the explosive,
which are thus embedded in the semi-fluid. The supply of the latter material is con-
tinued until the length of bore-hole over which the pressure is to be distributed is
occupied; the operation being then completed with hard tamping in the usual
manner.
On the explosion of a compound cartridge or charge of this description, the semi-
fluid composed of very plastic clay or saturated slate dust, transmits the pressure
generated by the explosion over the entire length of the bore-hole occupied by it in a
similar manner to water; whilst the liquid ammonia extinguishes the flame, absorbs
the deleterious fumes and smoke, and largely increases the pressure generated by the
combustion of the explosive. The quantities of explosive and liquid ammonia are
proportioned in such a manner as to effect the complete decomposition of the latter.
About 25 to 30 per cent. of liquid ammonia will be found appropriate under ordinary
circumstances; but the best proportion will necessarily depend to some extent upon
the kind of explosive employed.
Various combinations of tonite, "E.S.M." (extra strong mining) powder, and
other powerful high explosives, or blasting agents possessing milder or slower burning
qualities, may be effected with vessels containing liquid ammonia and with semi-fluid
filling material enclosed in cases or otherwise; the several elements being proportioned
to one another and disposed in the compound cartridge or in the bore-hole according
to the nature of the work to be performed and the character of the material
operated in.
Instead of employing the liquid ammonia hermetically sealed in a tube or tubes, the
same may be used with uncompressed gun-cotton wool or fibre, the material being
well saturated with the liquid ammonia or other suitable liquid when it is about to be
placed in the bore-hole, a powerful detonator cap being employed to explode the
charge. This method may also be employed with benzoline, ether, or other suitable
inflammable fluid, in conjunction with a water-cartridge when used in a fiery or dusty
mine; or with the semi-fluid when no dangerous gas is present.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
First-The improved compound cartridge for blasting purposes, substantially as
herein described and comprising a charge of tonite or other explosive agent, a charge
or charges of liquid ammonia or equivalent therefor, whether non-inflammable or
B

page_text: inflammable, in conjunction with water or semi-fluid, the whole arranged in one case
or inserted separately in the bore-hole.
Secondly The use in combination with a blasting cartridge, of a waterproof
flexible case or tube of cloth, paper or other suitable material adapted for containing
water or other liquid, or semi-fluid, and provided with means whereby the cartridge
may be drawn into position in the bore hole; substantially as herein described.
Thirdly-For igniting a blasting cartridge, the improved firing appliance consist-
ing of a tube closed at one end with a stopper or stuffing box through which the
firing wire passes, adapted at the opposite end for the insertion of a detonator or fuse,
and containing a spring-actuated striker for operating a percussion cap; substantially
as described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
Fourthly-The alternative construction of firing appliance applicable for use
externally to the bore-hole, arranged and operating substantially as described with
reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.
:-
Fifthly The use in combination with a blasting cartridge of an obturator or
hollow cap of compressed paper or other suitable material, adapted to expand with the
internal pressure generated by the explosion and to fit the bore-hole tightly, substantially
as and for the purpose herein described.
Sixthly: The improved method of securing a firing appliance or an explosive
cartridge or a water-cartridge in position in the bore-hole by means of inclined wire
struts, substantially as described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 1 respectively.
Seventhly The improved method of maintaining a water-cartridge in a longitu-
dinally extended condition whilst being pushed into position in the bore-hole, by means
either of a spiral spring or of a wire strut adapted to yield to the pressure of the
tamping, substantially as described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.
1 1000
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.