GunClaims
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Dec 16, 2025

US12497870 - Ballistically safe wellbore tool

A ballistically-safe wellbore tool may include an explosive device, an initiator including an initiating charge, and a bias member. A relative configuration of the explosive device and the initiator may be switchable between a first configuration, in which the initiating charge is at a ballistically safe distance from the explosive device, and a second configuration, in which the initiating charge is within a ballistically operable distance from the explosive device. The bias member is configured to bias the explosive device and the initiator to the first configuration.

The patent describes a ballistically-safe wellbore tool that includes an explosive device, an initiator with an initiating charge, and a bias member that maintains a safe distance between the two components. The tool allows for a switchable configuration that can move the initiator closer to the explosive device for operational purposes while ensuring safety during the inactive state.

Claim 1

1 . A ballistically-safe wellbore tool comprising: an explosive device; an initiator comprising an initiating charge; a bias member; and wherein a relative configuration of the explosive device and the initiator is movable between a first configuration, in which the initiating charge is at a ballistically safe distance from the explosive device, and a second configuration, in which the initiating charge is within a ballistically operable distance from the explosive device; and the bias member is configured to bias the explosive device and the initiator to the first configuration; wherein a relative rotational position of the explosive device and the initiator is changed between the first configuration and the second configuration. an explosive device; an initiator comprising an initiating charge; a bias member; and wherein a relative configuration of the explosive device and the initiator is movable between a first configuration, in which the initiating charge is at a ballistically safe distance from the explosive device, and a second configuration, in which the initiating charge is within a ballistically operable distance from the explosive device; and the bias member is configured to bias the explosive device and the initiator to the first configuration; wherein a relative rotational position of the explosive device and the initiator is changed between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12497870

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12497870