Robert S Hopler Deceased605 Anchor Rode Dr, Naples, FL 34103

4040355, Aug 9, 1977

Oct 9, 1975

5/621200

Robert B. Hopler - Succasunna NJ

Hercules Incorporated - Wilmington DE

F42D 304

102 22R

Apparatus for loading and initiating percussion-initiatable delay type explosive charges for excavating earth formations, comprising a tubular loading member longitudinally movable into and from explosives loading position, and means for ingress of the explosive charges successively into the tubular loading member for loading; a charge displacement member forwardly movable within the tubular loading member for forwardly displacing each charge through the tubular loading member when the latter is advanced for said loading; a pin member movable from within the charge displacement member into percussion initiating impact with the forwardly displaced charge; said tubular loading member retractable from its advanced position for said loading during the delay period of the explosive charge, and the displacement member together with the firing pin carried therein being retractable from the initiation zone in response to and concurrently with retraction of the tubular loading member. A tubular member concentric with the above-described system constitutes a preferred support component. Associated means are provided for moving the tubular loading, displacement and firing pin members during the loading, initiation and retraction.