Patent ID: 12215577

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG.1, in an embodiment, a cap assembly is generally referred to by the reference numeral500. One or more of the cap assemblies (125a/125b,390a/390b) shown and described in the '320 Application may be omitted in favor of the cap assembly500, which cap assembly500includes features and/or components substantially identical to corresponding features and/or components of said cap assemblies (125a/125b,390a/390b); at least some of these substantially identical features and/or components are referred to herein by the same reference numerals as those set forth in the '320 Application, which published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023/0029249 (attached hereto as an Appendix). In addition to said substantially identical features and/or components, the cap assembly500includes a connector retainer505. The connector retainer505is adapted to retain the electrical connector185on the reduced-diameter end portion200of the conductor body175. More particularly, the connector retainer505effectively traps the electrical connector185, biasing the electrical connector185toward reduced-diameter end portion200of the conductor body175using the biasing member180(e.g., a spring). A slot506is defined in the connector retainer505to allow the connector retainer to be slipped over a wire connected to the electrical connector185, even if the electrical connector185is already mated to the reduced-diameter end portion200of the conductor body175. In one or more embodiments, the connector retainer505increases the pull force required to separate the electrical connector185from the reduced-diameter end portion200of the conductor body (i.e., from approximately 4 lbs. (+/−10%) to 20 lbs. (or more)), thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection post blast.

Referring toFIG.2, in an embodiment, a pair of conductor subs are each generally referred to by the reference numerals510a-b, and are illustrated together with a charge tube511of a perforating gun. One or more of the conductor subs (115,380) shown and described in the '320 Application may be omitted in favor of the conductor sub(s)510a-b, which conductor subs510a-beach include features and/or components substantially identical to corresponding features and/or components of said conductor subs (115,380); at least some of these substantially identical features and/or components are referred to herein by the same reference numerals as those set forth in the '320 Application. In addition to said substantially identical features and/or components, the conductor subs510a-beach include opposing axial recesses515a-b. The opposing axial recesses515a-bare each tapered outwardly from the corresponding internal face (340a,340b) to the corresponding end portion (305a,305b). This outward tapering of the opposing axial recesses515a-bdecreases the likelihood that the charge tube511will get stuck inside the conductor subs510a-b, making disassembly easier, cleaner, less time-consuming, and less expensive (i.e., at least by reducing the likelihood of damage to the conductor subs510a-b). In one or more embodiments, the opposing axial recesses515a-bare also each “shallower” than the corresponding axial recesses of the conductor subs (115,380) shown and described in the '320 Application.

Referring toFIGS.3A-3D, in an embodiment, an end cap is generally referred to by the reference numeral520. One or more of the end caps (135) shown and described in the ′320Application may be omitted in favor of the end cap520, which end cap520includes features and/or components substantially identical to corresponding features and/or components of said end caps (135); at least some of these substantially identical features and/or components are referred to herein by the same reference numerals as those set forth in the '320 Application. In addition to said substantially identical features and/or components, the end cap520includes a detonation housing525, which is or includes a body portion forming a part of, connected to, integrally formed with, or any combination of the foregoing with respect to, the remainder of the end cap520. The detonation housing525extends axially from an end portion526a(at the outer periphery of the end plate140of the end cap520) to an end portion526b(in the direction155a). The detonation housing525defines a pair of bores530a-b. In one or more embodiments, the bores530a-bextend in a parallel relation, intersecting to define a slot535therealong in the detonation housing525.

The bore530aextends from the end portion526ato the end portion526bof the detonation housing525, and includes a radially-enlarged portion540formed into the detonation housing525at the end portion526a. The radially-enlarged portion540of the bore530adefines an axially-facing shoulder541in the detonation housing525, and extends circumferentially from a circumferentially-facing shoulder542(proximate one side of the slot535) to a latching feature543(proximate the other side of the slot535). The latching feature543extends axially from the detonation housing525(in the direction155b). In one or more embodiments, the latching feature543is located along, or proximate, a circumference of the radially-enlarged portion540. In one or more embodiments, the latching feature543is radially-inwardly-facing. The bore530bmay be shorter than the bore530a, extending from the end portion526bof the detonation housing525toward the end portion526a. The detonation housing525further includes a retaining feature544associated with the bore530bat or near the end portion526b.

Referring toFIGS.4A-4E, in an embodiment, a ballistic interrupter (or “switch”; or “shunt”) is generally referred to by the reference numeral545. In one or more embodiments, the ballistic interrupter545includes an elongated body, which may be generally cylindrical in shape. However, in other embodiments, the ballistic interrupter545may be (or include) another generally non-cylindrical shape (e.g., ovular prism, square prism, rectangular prism, trapezoidal prism, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, etc.). In any case, the ballistic interrupter545acts as a mechanical barrier rotatably actuable to a “disarmed” state or configuration to impede a detonator's output, thereby preventing initiation/detonation of a detonating cord. In one or more embodiments, the ballistic interrupter545may be represented diagrammatically as a block labeled “BALLISTIC INTERRUPTER” extending between the block labeled “DETONATOR” and the block labeled “BALLISTIC(S)” inFIG.13of the '320 Application. The elongated body of the ballistic interrupter545defines opposing end portions546a-band an exterior surface548extending from the end portion546btoward the end portion546a. In one or more embodiments, the exterior surface548is cylindrical in shape. A bore550is formed in the elongated body of the ballistic interrupter545, extending from the end portion546btoward the end portion546a, intersecting the exterior surface548to define a slot555therealong in the ballistic interrupter545. In one or more embodiments, as inFIGS.4A-4E, the bore550extends along a central axis that is offset from a corresponding central axis of the ballistic interrupter545(e.g., a central axis of the exterior surface548, which, as discussed above, may be cylindrical or non-cylindrical in shape). Alternatively, in one or more other embodiments, the bore550extends along a central axis that is generally co-axial with the corresponding central axis of the ballistic interrupter545, as shown inFIG.11.

The ballistic interrupter545includes a radially-enlarged portion560at the end portion546a. Although shown extending along a central axis that is generally co-axial with a corresponding central axis of the ballistic interrupter545(e.g., the central axis of the exterior surface548), the radially-enlarged portion560may instead extend along a central axis that is offset from the corresponding central axis of the ballistic interrupter545. In such embodiments, rotation of the radially-enlarged portion560of the ballistic interrupter545within the radially-enlarged portion540of the bore530acauses the corresponding central axis of the ballistic interrupter545to move towards (or away from) the bore530b. The radially-enlarged portion560defines an axially-facing shoulder561in the ballistic interrupter545, extending circumferentially from a circumferentially-facing shoulder562(proximate one side of the slot555) to a circumferentially-facing shoulder563(proximate the other side of the slot555). In one or more embodiments, the axially-facing shoulder561extends helically (toward the end portion546b) from the circumferentially-facing shoulder562to the circumferentially-facing shoulder563. However, in other embodiments, the axially-facing shoulder561does not extend helically (as shown inFIGS.9A-9C).

The ballistic interrupter545also includes a radially-reduced portion565at the end portion546a. The radially-reduced portion565defines an axially-facing shoulder566in the ballistic interrupter545, extending circumferentially from a circumferentially-facing shoulder567(which is circumferentially aligned with the circumferentially-facing shoulder562) to a circumferentially-facing shoulder568(which is circumferentially aligned with the circumferentially-facing shoulder563). A radial recess570is formed into the ballistic interrupter545, adjacent the circumferentially-facing shoulder568. In one or more embodiments, the radial recess extends axially from the axially-facing shoulder566to an end face571of the ballistic interrupter545. The radial recess570defines a circumferentially-facing shoulder572in the ballistic interrupter545, adjacent the radially-reduced portion565and opposite the circumferentially-facing shoulder568. Likewise, a radial recess575is formed into the ballistic interrupter545, proximate the circumferentially-facing shoulder567. In one or more embodiments, the radial recess575extends axially from the axially-facing shoulder566toward the end portion546a, terminating before reaching the end face571of the ballistic interrupter545. Moreover, the radial recess575defines a ramped surface576in the ballistic interrupter545, adjacent the radially-reduced portion565. However, in those embodiment(s) in which the axially-facing shoulder561does not extend helically, the radial recess575may extend axially from the axially-facing shoulder566to the end face571of the ballistic interrupter545(as shown inFIGS.9A-9C).

Referring toFIG.5, in an embodiment, the end cap520(shown in a semitransparent state) and the ballistic interrupter545are assembled together with a detonator580and a detonating cord585. More particularly, the detonating cord585is received in the bore550of the ballistic interrupter545, which ballistic interrupter545is itself received in the bore530aof the detonation housing525. The detonator580, in turn, is received in the bore530bof the detonation housing525.

Referring toFIGS.6A-6D, in an embodiment, the assembly ofFIG.5is rotatably actuable to a disarmed state or configuration, in which the ballistic interrupter545is adapted to interrupt ballistic communication between the detonator580and the detonating cord585. Specifically, in the disarmed state or configuration, the slot555in the exterior surface548of the ballistic interrupter545is rotationally oriented away from the slot535between the bores530a-bof the detonation housing525. As a result of this rotational orientation, the ballistic interrupter545obstructs ballistic communication between the detonator580and the detonating cord585. Moreover, the latching feature543extends into the radial recess575to retain the ballistic interrupter545in the disarmed state or configuration. Alternatively, in one or more other embodiments, the latching feature543and/or the radial recess575may be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.7A-7D, in an embodiment, the assembly ofFIG.5is rotatably actuable to an armed state or configuration, in which the ballistic interrupter545is adapted to permit ballistic communication between the detonator580and the detonating cord585. Specifically, in the armed state or configuration, the slot555in the exterior surface548of the ballistic interrupter545is rotationally oriented toward the slot535between the bores530a-bof the detonation housing525. As a result of this rotational orientation, the ballistic interrupter545permits ballistic communication between the detonator580and the detonating cord585. Moreover, the latching feature543extends into the radial recess570to retain the ballistic interrupter545in the armed state or configuration. In those embodiment(s) in which the axially-facing shoulder561extends helically, the ballistic interrupter545is actuable from the first configuration to the second configuration by exerting an axial force (and, optionally, a torsional force) against the ballistic interrupter (as shown by the arrows inFIG.7A), causing: the axially-facing shoulder561of the ballistic interrupter545to ride along the circumferentially-facing shoulder542of the detonation housing525; the latching feature543to ride up the ramped surface576and out of the radial recess575; and the latching feature543to snap into the radial recess570. Alternatively, in one or more other embodiments, the latching feature543and/or the radial recess570may be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.8A-8B, in an embodiment, the assembly ofFIG.5is shown in the disarmed state or configuration as part of a charge cartridge (which charge cartridge also includes a charge tube into which the assembly ofFIG.5is received) being assembled into a carrier tube to which a conductor sub is to be coupled (as shown inFIG.8A), and in the armed state or configuration assembled into the carrier tube with the conductor sub coupled to the carrier tube (as shown inFIG.8B). In one or more embodiments, assembling the charge cartridge into the carrier tube and coupling the conductor sub to the carrier tube provides the axial force necessary to actuate the ballistic interrupter545from the disarmed state or configuration to the armed state or configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, the ballistic interrupter545may be actuated manually (with or without a separate tool) from the disarmed state or configuration to the armed state or configuration.

Referring toFIGS.9A-9C, in an embodiment, the ballistic interrupter545is omitted in favor of a ballistic interrupter545′ receivable into the detonation housing525. The ballistic interrupter545′ is substantially identical to the ballistic interrupter545, except that the axially-facing shoulder561of the ballistic interrupter545′ does not extend helically.

Referring toFIG.10, in an embodiment, the detonation housing525is omitted in favor of a detonation housing525′ and the ballistic interrupter545is omitted in favor of a ballistic interrupter545″ receivable into the detonation housing525′. The detonation housing525′ includes a pin590overlapping the bore530aat the end portion526b. The ballistic interrupter545″ includes a groove595extending from the slot555and through the exterior surface548to guide the ballistic interrupter between the disarmed state or configuration and the armed state or configuration. Although not shown inFIG.10, in one or more other embodiments, the detonation housing525′ may include the latching feature543(or another latching feature) adapted to interact with corresponding feature(s) of the ballistic interrupter545″ to retain the ballistic interrupter545″ in the disarmed state or configuration, the armed state or configuration, or both.

Referring toFIG.11, in an embodiment, the ballistic interrupter545is modified or omitted in favor of a ballistic interrupter having a uniform wall thickness, which ballistic interrupter may or may not include any end feature(s), such as those shown inFIG.4A-4E,9A-9C, or10.

Referring toFIGS.12A-12C, in an embodiment, the detonation housing525is omitted in favor of a detonation housing525″ and the ballistic interrupter545is omitted in favor of a ballistic interrupter545′″. The ballistic interrupter545′″ may or may not include any end feature(s), such as those shown inFIG.4A-4E,9A-9C, or10. The detonator580is received in the bore550of the ballistic interrupter545′″, which ballistic interrupter545is itself received in the bore530aof the detonation housing525″. The detonating cord585, in turn, is received in the bore530bof the detonation housing525″.FIG.12Aillustrates an armed configuration.FIGS.12B-Cillustrate a disarmed configuration. Although not shown inFIGS.12A-12C, in one or more other embodiments, the detonation housing525″ may include the latching feature543(or another latching feature) adapted to interact with corresponding feature(s) of the ballistic interrupter545′″ to retain the ballistic interrupter545′″ in the disarmed state or configuration, the armed state or configuration, or both.

Referring toFIG.13, in an embodiment, the detonation housing525is omitted in favor of a detonation housing525′″, which detonation housing525′″ is substantially identical to the detonation housing525, except that the detonation housing525′″ includes a latching feature600extending axially therefrom adjacent the bore530b. In one or more embodiments, the latching feature600(in combination with the retaining feature544shown inFIGS.3B-3D) is adapted to retain the detonator580at least partially within the bore530b. Alternatively, at least for embodiment(s) similar to that illustrated inFIGS.12A-12C, rather than extending adjacent the bore530b, the latching feature600may instead extend adjacent the bore530a, and be adapted to retain the detonator580at least partially within the bore530a.

Referring toFIG.14, in an embodiment, the detonation housing525is omitted in favor of a detonation housing525″″ and the ballistic interrupter545is omitted in favor of a ballistic interrupter545″″ receivable into the detonation housing525″″. The detonation housing525″″ includes a cover605to retain the detonator580(and to protect any exposed wires). The cover605is hinged to open and close for inserting the detonator580and/or attaching the detonator leads to a switch (not shown; e.g., an addressable switch). A key610is used to rotate the ballistic interrupter545″″ between the disarmed state or configuration and the armed state or configuration. In one or more embodiments, the key610is, includes, or is part of the ballistic interrupter545″″.

Referring toFIGS.15A through15D, in an embodiment, the detonation housing525″″ includes various features/components that are substantially identical (or at least similar) to corresponding features/components of the detonation housing525, which substantially identical (or at least similar) features/components are given the same reference numerals, except that a suffix “′” has been added to the corresponding features/components of the detonation housing525″″. Thus, in connection with FIGS.15A-15D, the detonation housing525″″ extends axially from an end portion526a′ to an end portion526b′ (in the direction155a′). The detonation housing525″″ defines a pair of bores530a-b′. In one or more embodiments, the bores530a-b′ extend in a parallel relation, intersecting to define a slot535′ therealong in the detonation housing525″″.

The bore530a′ extends from the end portion526a′ to the end portion526b′ of the detonation housing525″″. In one or more embodiments, as most clearly shown inFIG.15D, the bore530a′ is tapered (or drafted) from a reduced-diameter portion611aproximate the end portion526a′ to an enlarged-diameter portion611bproximate the end portion526b′. The bore530a′ includes a radially-enlarged portion540′ formed into the detonation housing525″″ at the end portion526a′. The radially-enlarged portion540′ of the bore530a′ defines an axially-facing shoulder541′ in the detonation housing525″″, and extends circumferentially from one side of the slot535′ to a latching feature543′ (proximate the other side of the slot535′). The latching feature543′ extends axially from the detonation housing525″″ (in the direction155b′). In one or more embodiments, the latching feature543′ is located along, or proximate, a circumference of the radially-enlarged portion540′. In one or more embodiments, the latching feature543′ is radially-inwardly-facing. The bore530b′ may be shorter than the bore530a′, extending from the end portion526b′ of the detonation housing525″″ toward the end portion526a′. In one or more embodiments, as most clearly shown inFIG.15D, the bore530b′ is tapered (or drafted) from a reduced-diameter portion612aproximate the end portion526b′ to an enlarged-diameter portion612bproximate the end portion526a′.

The detonation housing525″″ further includes a semi-annular recess615(visible inFIGS.15C and15D) associated with the bore530a′ at or near the end portion526b′. A pair of detents620a-b, to which the cover605is adapted to be hingedly connected, are formed into the detonation housing525″″ proximate the end portions526a-b′, respectively. Finally, in one or more embodiments, the detonation housing525″″ includes a receptacle625for receiving and retaining the switch (not shown; e.g., the addressable switch) to which the detonator leads of the detonator580are adapted to be connected.

Referring toFIGS.16A through16D, in an embodiment, the ballistic interrupter545″″ includes various features/components that are substantially identical (or at least similar) to corresponding features/components of the ballistic interrupter545, which substantially identical (or at least similar) features/components are given the same reference numerals, except that a suffix “′” has been added to the corresponding features/components of the ballistic interrupter545″″. The ballistic interrupter545″″ defines opposing end portions546a-b′ and an exterior surface548′ extending from the end portion546b′ toward the end portion546a′. In one or more embodiments, the exterior surface548′ is tapered (or drafted) from an enlarged-diameter portion626aproximate the end portion546b′ to a reduced-diameter portion626bproximate the end portion546a′. A bore550′ extends through the ballistic interrupter545″″ from the end portion546b′ toward the end portion546a′, intersecting the exterior surface548′ to define a slot555′ therealong in the ballistic interrupter545″″. In one or more embodiments, as inFIGS.16A-16D, the bore550′ extends along a central axis that is offset from a corresponding central axis of the ballistic interrupter545″″ (e.g., a central axis of the exterior surface548′). The ballistic interrupter545″″ includes an angled (e.g., frustoconical or otherwise tapered) surface630at the end portion546a′, adjacent an end face571′ of the ballistic interrupter545″″.

The ballistic interrupter545″″ also includes a radially-reduced portion (or “recess”)565′ proximate the end portion546a′. The angled surface630extends between the end face571′ and the radially-reduced portion565′. As most clearly shown inFIG.16B, the radially-reduced portion565′ defines an axially-facing shoulder566′ in the ballistic interrupter545″″, extending circumferentially from a circumferentially-facing shoulder567′ to a circumferentially-facing shoulder568′. Likewise, an opposing axially-facing shoulder635(visible inFIGS.16A and16D) is also formed in the ballistic interrupter545″″ by the radially-reduced portion565′. A radial recess570′ is formed into the ballistic interrupter545″″, adjacent the circumferentially-facing shoulder567′. In one or more embodiments, the radial recess extends axially from the axially-facing shoulder566′ to the axially-facing shoulder635of the ballistic interrupter545″″. The radial recess570′ defines an (at least partially) circumferentially-facing shoulder572′ in the ballistic interrupter545″″, adjacent the radially-reduced portion565′ and opposite the circumferentially-facing shoulder567′. Likewise, a radial recess575′ is formed into the ballistic interrupter545″″, adjacent the circumferentially-facing shoulder568′. In one or more embodiments, the radial recess575′ extends axially from the axially-facing shoulder566′ to the axially-facing shoulder625of the ballistic interrupter545″″. The radial recess570′ defines an (at least partially) circumferentially-facing shoulder640in the ballistic interrupter545″″, adjacent the radially-reduced portion565′ and opposite the circumferentially-facing shoulder568′.

The ballistic interrupter545″″ also includes a receptacle645for receiving and retaining the key610(shown inFIG.14) used to rotate the ballistic interrupter545″″ between the disarmed state or configuration and the armed state or configuration. The receptacle645is formed into the ballistic interrupter545″″ circumferentially between the circumferentially-facing shoulders567′ and568′, and circumferentially opposite the radially-reduced portion565′. Finally, the ballistic interrupter545″″ includes a retaining feature650associated with the exterior surface548′ at or near the end portion546b′ and adapted to be received by the semi-annular recess615of the detonation housing525″″.

FIGS.17A through17Iillustrate the end cap assembly ofFIG.14in various states (or configurations) of assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For ease of illustration, the detonating cord585extending within the bore550′ of the ballistic interrupter545″″ is omitted from view inFIGS.17A through17I. Likewise, for ease of illustration, the cover605hingedly connected to the detonation housing525″″ is omitted from view inFIGS.17A through17G(but is shown inFIGS.17H and17I). To assembly the end cap assembly ofFIG.14, the ballistic interrupter545″″ is first received into the bore530a′ at the end portion526b′ of the detonation housing525″″ (as shown inFIG.17A) until the latching feature543′ snaps into the recess565′ of the ballistic interrupter545″″ (as shown inFIGS.17B-1and17B-2) and the retaining feature650of the ballistic interrupter545″″ is received into the semi-annular recess615of the detonation housing525″″. Once the ballistic interrupter545″″ is so secured by the latching feature543′, the key610is received into the receptacle645in the end portion546a′ of the ballistic interrupter545″″ (as shown inFIGS.17C-1through17D-2), and the ballistic interrupter545″″ is rotated (as shown inFIGS.17E-1and17E-2) to the disarmed state or configuration (as shown inFIGS.17F-1and17F-2). The geometry of the key610matingly engages the receptacle645of the ballistic interrupter545″″ so that, once so rotated toward the disarmed state or configuration, the detonation housing525″″ locks the key610into engagement with the ballistic interrupter545″″ until the ballistic interrupter545″″ is rotated back to the armed state or configuration. The disarmed end cap assembly is then received and secured into a charge tube of a perforating gun (as shown inFIGS.17G and17H). Once the disarmed end cap assembly is received and secured into the charge tube of the perforating gun, the cover605is hinged open and the detonator580is received into the bore530b′ at the end portion526a′ of the detonation housing525″″. Once the detonator580is received into the bore530b′ and the detonator leads are attached to the switch (not shown; e.g., the addressable switch retained by the receptacle625), the cover605is hinged closed to retain the detonator580(and to protect any exposed wires; as shown inFIG.17I). The ballistic interrupter545″″ is then rotatable back to the armed state or configuration, thus releasing the key610, so that the perforating gun may be run downhole for detonation.

In several embodiments, one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the Appendix are combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described above and/or one or more of the other embodiments described and illustrated in the Appendix.

A perforating gun has been disclosed according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The perforating gun generally includes: a ballistic interrupter adapted to accommodate one of a detonating cord or a detonator; and a detonation housing adapted to accommodate the ballistic interrupter and the other one of the detonating cord or the detonator so that the ballistic interrupter is actuable from: a disarmed state or configuration, in which the ballistic interrupter is oriented so as to provide a mechanical barrier impeding ballistic communication between: the one of the detonating cord or the detonator accommodated within the ballistic interrupter, which ballistic interrupter is accommodated within the detonation housing; and the other one of the detonating cord or the detonator accommodated within the detonation housing; to an armed state or configuration, in which the ballistic interrupter is oriented so as to permit ballistic communication between: the one of the detonating cord or the detonator accommodated within the ballistic interrupter, which ballistic interrupter is accommodated within the detonation housing; and the other one of the detonating cord or the detonator accommodated within the detonation housing. In one or more embodiments, the ballistic interrupter includes an exterior surface and a first bore adapted to accommodate the one of the detonating cord or the detonator. In one or more embodiments, the ballistic interrupter defines a receptacle matingly engageable by a key to rotationally orient the ballistic interrupter between the disarmed state or configuration and the armed state or configuration. In one or more embodiments, the key is not disengageable from the ballistic interrupter in the disarmed state or configuration, and the key is disengageable from the ballistic interrupter in the armed state or configuration. In one or more embodiments, the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented so as to provide the mechanical barrier impeding the ballistic communication in the disarmed state or configuration, the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented so as the permit the ballistic communication in the armed state or configuration, and the detonation housing includes: a second bore adapted to accommodate the ballistic interrupter, which ballistic interrupter is adapted to accommodate the one of the detonating cord or the detonator; and a third bore adapted to accommodate the other one of the detonating cord or the detonator. In one or more embodiments, both the exterior surface of the ballistic interrupter and the second bore of the detonation housing are tapered. In one or more embodiments, the detonation housing further comprises a cover openable for reception of the detonator and closeable for retention of the detonator. In one or more embodiments, the first bore of the ballistic interrupter intersects the exterior surface to form a first slot therealong; and the second and third bores of the detonation housing intersect to form a second slot therebetween. In one or more embodiments, in the disarmed state or configuration, the first slot in the exterior surface of the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented away from the second slot formed between the second and third bores of the detonation housing; and, in the armed state or configuration, the first slot in the exterior surface of the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented toward the second slot formed between the second and third bores of the detonation housing. In one or more embodiments, the perforating gun further includes a charge cartridge containing one or more perforating charges, said charge cartridge including an end cap, and said end cap including the detonation housing. In one or more embodiments, the perforating gun further includes a carrier tube in which the charge cartridge extends. In one or more embodiments, the perforating gun further includes a conductor sub containing the charge cartridge within the carrier tube.

A ballistic interrupter for a perforating gun has also been disclosed according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The ballistic interrupter generally includes: an elongated body defining an exterior surface; and a first bore formed in the elongated body and adapted to accommodate one of a detonating cord or a detonator so that the ballistic interrupter is actuable from: a disarmed state or configuration, in which the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented so as to provide a mechanical barrier impeding ballistic communication between: the one of the detonating cord or the detonator accommodated within the first bore of the ballistic interrupter; and the other one of the detonating cord or the detonator; to an armed state or configuration, in which the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented so as to permit ballistic communication between: the one of the detonating cord or the detonator accommodated within the first bore of the ballistic interrupter; and the other one of the detonating cord or the detonator. In one or more embodiments, the elongated body defines a receptacle matingly engageable by a key to rotationally orient the elongated body between the disarmed state or configuration and the armed state or configuration. In one or more embodiments, the key is not disengageable from the elongated body in the disarmed state or configuration, and the key is disengageable from the elongated body in the armed state or configuration. In one or more embodiments, the perforating gun includes a detonation housing, said detonation housing including: a second bore adapted to accommodate the ballistic interrupter, which ballistic interrupter is adapted to accommodate the one of the detonating cord or the detonator; and a third bore adapted to accommodate the other one of the detonating cord or the detonator. In one or more embodiments, the exterior surface of the elongated body is tapered. In one or more embodiments, the detonation housing further comprises a cover openable for reception of the detonator and closeable for retention of the detonator. In one or more embodiments, the first bore of the ballistic interrupter intersects the exterior surface to form a first slot therealong; and the second and third bores of the detonation housing intersect to form a second slot therebetween. In one or more embodiments, in the disarmed state or configuration, the first slot in the exterior surface of the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented away from the second slot formed between the second and third bores of the detonation housing; and, in the armed state or configuration, the first slot in the exterior surface of the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented toward the second slot formed between the second and third bores of the detonation housing. In one or more embodiments, the perforating gun further includes a charge cartridge containing one or more perforating charges, said charge cartridge including an end cap, and said end cap including the detonation housing. In one or more embodiments, the perforating gun further includes: a carrier tube in which the charge cartridge extends; and a conductor sub containing the charge cartridge within the carrier tube.

A detonation housing for a perforating gun has also been disclosed according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The detonation housing generally includes: a first bore defined by the body portion and adapted to accommodate a ballistic interrupter, which ballistic interrupter is adapted to accommodate one of a detonating cord or a detonator; and a second bore defined by the body portion and adapted to accommodate the other one of the detonating cord or the detonator so that the ballistic interrupter is actuable from: a disarmed state or configuration, in which the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented so as to provide a mechanical barrier impeding ballistic communication between: the one of the detonating cord or the detonator accommodated within the ballistic interrupter, which ballistic interrupter is accommodated within the first bore of the detonation housing; and the other one of the detonating cord or the detonator accommodated within the second bore of the detonation housing; to an armed state or configuration, in which the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented so as to permit ballistic communication between: the one of the detonating cord or the detonator accommodated within the ballistic interrupter, which ballistic interrupter is accommodated within the first bore of the detonation housing; and the other one of the detonating cord or the detonator accommodated within the second bore of the detonation housing. In one or more embodiments, the detonation housing further comprises a cover openable for reception of the detonator and closeable for retention of the detonator. In one or more embodiments, the ballistic interrupter includes an exterior surface and a third bore adapted to accommodate the one of the detonating cord or the detonator. In one or more embodiments, the first bore of the body portion is tapered. In one or more embodiments, the first and second bores of the detonation housing intersect to form a first slot therebetween; and the third bore of the ballistic interrupter intersects the exterior surface to form a second slot therealong. In one or more embodiments, in the disarmed state or configuration, the second slot in the exterior surface of the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented away from the first slot formed between the first and second bores of the detonation housing; and, in the armed state or configuration, the second slot in the exterior surface of the ballistic interrupter is rotationally oriented toward the first slot formed between the first and second bores of the detonation housing. In one or more embodiments, the perforating gun includes a charge cartridge containing one or more perforating charges, said charge cartridge including an end cap, and said end cap including the detonation housing. In one or more embodiments, the perforating gun further includes: a carrier tube in which the charge cartridge extends; and a conductor sub containing the charge cartridge within the carrier tube.

Another perforating gun has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A charge cartridge has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A carrier tube has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A conductor sub has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A charge tube has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A cap assembly has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

An end cap has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Another detonation housing has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Another ballistic interrupter has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein said ballistic interrupter is rotatably actuable between a disarmed state or configuration, in which the interrupter acts as a mechanical barrier that impedes a detonator's output, thereby preventing initiation/detonation of a detonating cord, and an armed state or configuration, in which the ballistic interrupter is adapted to permit ballistic communication between the detonator and the detonating cord.

An assembly has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the assembly comprises a detonation housing, a ballistic interrupter, a detonator, and a detonating cord.

A centralizing insert has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

An orienting centralizer has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A gun string has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

An apparatus has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A system has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A method has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A kit has also been disclosed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In several embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “left,” “right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.

In several embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously or sequentially. In several embodiments, the steps, processes or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes or procedures. In several embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the embodiments disclosed above and the Appendix, or variations thereof, may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other embodiments described above and in the Appendix, or variations thereof.

Although several embodiments have been disclosed in detail above and in the Appendix, the embodiments disclosed are exemplary only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes, and substitutions are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” together with an associated function.