Description
This device is designed for firing explosive charges by chemical delayed action. They are issued in boxes of ten, with different delays. The delay depends on the concentration of the corrosive liquid in the glass ampoule, the color of the safety tab on each device indicating the delay of that device. In addition, the delay varies with the temperature. A chart with the temperature correction for each device will be found in the box.
The principal parts of the device are the glass ampoule containing the corrosive liquid, the spring-loaded striker, the restraining wire preventing the striker from impinging on the percussion cap, the standard nipple base, and the identification and safety strip. The restraining wire runs along the side of the ampoule and is securely attached to the end of the device by the screw and lead washer. The safety strip runs through the device between the striker and base, and would prevent the device from firing should the glass ampoule be broken in handling or shipping.
Functioning
After a blasting cap has been crimped to the base and the device inserted in the explosive charge, the device is actuated by squeezing on the copper tube which houses the glass ampoule. This will break the ampoule and permit the corrosive liquid to react upon the restraining wire. After looking through the inspection hole to make certain that the striker has not already been released, the identification and safety strip is removed. The corrosive liquid will eat through the restraining wire after the delay and free the striker to be forced down on the percussion cap by the striker spring.
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
OP 1664, Volume 2 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
