Patent attributes
A power charge (12) for a setting tool is composed of a propellant (16) and an igniter (32) embedded in the propellant (16). The propellant (16) is a homogeneous mixture of combustible components, an oxidizer and an epoxy binder, which together provide a continuous mass of solid form. The propellant (16) has an exterior (14) which, together with an outward face (36) of the igniter (32), is exposed and provides the outer surface of the power charge (12). A protuberant rib (28) extends along the length of the exterior (14) in a spiral-shaped pattern and provides a stand-off spacer between the power charge (12) and the setting tool. The igniter (32) has a main body portion (52) and an annular-shaped protrusion (48) which extends laterally outward from the main body portion (52) and into the propellant (16) to retain the igniter (32) within the propellant (16). The entire power charge (12) is formed of combustible materials.
