Inert simulated blasting cap

Abstract

A simulated blasting cap includes a tube and an explosive simulant disposed within the tube. The explosive simulant includes one or more inert components and has a density substantially similar to an explosive material. The simulated blasting cap further includes a bridge wire disposed within the tube.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A simulated blasting cap comprising:
 a tube;   an explosive simulant disposed within the tube, the explosive simulant comprising one or more inert components and having a density substantially similar to an explosive material; and   a bridge wire disposed within the tube.   
     
     
         2 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 1 , wherein the explosive simulant includes one of a wooden dowel and a polymer rod. 
     
     
         3 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 1 , further comprising a metal sleeve disposed within the tube. 
     
     
         4 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 1 , further comprising a lead tube disposed within the tube. 
     
     
         5 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 1 , having a look and feel substantially similar to a live blasting cap. 
     
     
         6 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 1 , having an X-ray signature substantially similar to a live blasting cap. 
     
     
         7 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 1 , wherein the tube has a length of about 2.25 inches and a diameter of about 0.25 inches. 
     
     
         8 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 7 , wherein the tube comprises copper. 
     
     
         9 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 8 , including one of a wooden dowel and a polymer rod secured within the tube. 
     
     
         10 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 9 , including an end portion pressed flat and retaining the bridge wire. 
     
     
         11 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 7 , wherein the tube comprises aluminum. 
     
     
         12 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 11 , including one of a wooden dowel and a polymer rod secured within the tube. 
     
     
         13 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 12 , further comprising a metal sleeve disposed within the tube. 
     
     
         14 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 13 , further comprising a plastic tube securing the bridge wire in the tube. 
     
     
         15 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 14 , further comprising at least one crimp holding the plastic tube in place in the aluminum tube. 
     
     
         16 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 15 , further comprising a lead wire disposed within the tube. 
     
     
         17 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 16 , wherein the lead wire simulates a lead azide charge. 
     
     
         18 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 1 , wherein the tube comprises cardboard. 
     
     
         19 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 1 , wherein the tube has a length of about 2 inches and a diameter of about 0.25 inches. 
     
     
         20 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 19 , further comprising a powdered sugar secured within the tube. 
     
     
         21 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 20 , further comprising a cardboard cap securing the powdered sugar within the tube. 
     
     
         22 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 21 , further comprising an electric match secured in the tube. 
     
     
         23 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 1 , included in a simulated IED Circuit Kit comprising:
 a second explosive simulant comprising one or more inert components and having a density substantially similar to an explosive material, the simulated blasting cap disposed adjacent to the explosive simulant;   a trigger switch; and   a power source.   
     
     
         24 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 23 , wherein the second explosive simulant consists essentially of three or more inert components, the density of the simulated explosive material being within a range of from about 0.8 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 ) to about 4.7 g/cm 3 , the simulated explosive material configured to produce an output signal consistent with the presence of the explosive material when scanned in an X-ray scanner, the three or more inert components including one or more of sugar, baking soda, corn starch, or calcium chloride. 
     
     
         25 . The simulated blasting cap of  claim 23 , wherein the second explosive simulant comprises two or more inert components and having a density substantially similar to a plastic explosive, the density of the simulated explosive material being within a range of from about 1.3 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 ) to about 1.72 g/cm 3 , the simulated explosive material configured to produce an output signal consistent with the presence of the plastic explosive when scanned in an X-ray scanner, the two or more inert components selected from among the components of one of the groups consisting of:
 baking soda and corn starch;   baking soda and paraffin wax;   sugar and corn syrup;   corn starch, baking soda, and glycerin; or   alumina and hydrogen peroxide.