CLAIMS:
1. An apparatus for modifying a work piece having a longitudinal length, the apparatus comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a traveling shock wave that has a shock wave length that is less than the longitudinal length of the work piece; a die, wherein the die includes a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position wherein the first and second die plates together define a die cavity in which the work piece can be positioned; a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the die cavity; wherein, in operation, the shock wave applies a localized pressure to the work piece in a direction that is transverse to the direction of travel of the shock wave.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow conduit that is substantially free of reflection elements.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow conduit that has a cross-sectional size and a cross-sectional shape that are substantially constant and substantially free of reflection elements.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cross-sectional shape is circular.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ignition chamber has at least one inlet for the ingress of oxygen and hydrogen combustibles, the apparatus further comprising an igniter and a controller for the transfer of a selected ratio and quantity of oxygen and hydrogen into the ignition chamber and for actuating the igniter to react the combustibles to generate an explosion that generates the shock wave.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controller serially executes explosions and further comprising a cooling system for cooling the ignition chamber so as to reduce the pressure of water vapour created by reacting oxygen and hydrogen.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ignition chamber is generally cylindrical and has an ignition chamber interior that has at least a selected ratio of length to diameter.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the die has an incompressible fluid inlet for the passage of incompressible fluid from an incompressible fluid source into the die cavity.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a controller configured to permit, prior to the generation of the shock wave, a flow of incompressible fluid into the die cavity to a selected fill level such that a non-conforming portion of the die cavity is substantially filled with incompressible fluid, and wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow conduit that is configured to transfer the shock wave into the incompressible fluid.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the selected fill level is such that the transfer structure is substantially filled with incompressible fluid.
1 1. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the selected fill level is such that part of the ignition chamber is filled with incompressible fluid.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the transfer structure includes an isolation valve positionable in an open position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly connected to the work piece, and a closed position wherein the ignition chamber is isolated from the die.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the die cavity is defined by a die cavity wall having at least one die cavity aperture therein so that, in use, the shock wave punches a hole through the work piece into the die cavity aperture.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the die cavity is defined by a die cavity wall having at least one die cavity groove therein so that, in use, the shock wave cuts the work piece.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a pressure reducer configured to reduce the pressure associated with the shock wave.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the pressure reducer includes a plurality of shock wave reduction elements that are positioned to impinge on a shock wave traveling therepast.
17. An apparatus for modifying a work piece having a work piece interior that defines a work piece shock wave path for the passage of a shock wave therethrough, wherein the work piece has a work piece pressure inlet into the work piece interior, the apparatus comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a shock wave that has a shock wave length that is less than the work piece shock wave path length; a die, wherein the die includes a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position wherein the first and second die plates together define a die cavity in which the work piece can be positioned, wherein when the shock wave is in the work piece the shock wave applies pressure to the work piece in a direction that is transverse to the work piece shock wave path, and wherein the die is holdable in the closed position by a selected die holding force against pressure in the work piece; and a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the work piece interior through the work piece pressure inlet to modify the work piece.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow conduit that is substantially free of reflection elements.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow conduit that has a cross-sectional size and a cross-sectional shape that are substantially constant and substantially free of reflection elements.
20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cross-sectional shape is circular.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the ignition chamber has at least one inlet for the ingress of oxygen and hydrogen combustibles, the apparatus further comprising an igniter and a controller for the transfer of a selected ratio and quantity of oxygen and hydrogen into the ignition chamber and for actuating the igniter to react the combustibles to generate an explosion that generates the shock wave.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the controller serially executes explosions and further comprising a cooling system for cooling the ignition chamber so as to reduce the pressure of water vapour created by reacting oxygen and hydrogen.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the ignition chamber is generally cylindrical and has an ignition chamber interior that has at least a selected ratio of length to diameter.
24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the die has an incompressible fluid inlet for the passage of incompressible fluid from an incompressible fluid source into the die cavity.
25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, further comprising a controller configured to permit, prior to the generation of the shock wave, a flow of incompressible fluid into the work piece interior to a selected fill level such that the work piece interior is substantially filled with incompressible fluid, and wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow conduit that is configured to transfer the shock wave into the incompressible fluid.
26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the selected fill level is such that the transfer structure is substantially filled with incompressible fluid.
27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the selected fill level is such that part of the ignition chamber is filled with incompressible fluid.
28. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the transfer structure includes an isolation valve positionable in an open position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly connected to the work piece, and a closed position wherein the ignition chamber is isolated from the die.
29. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the die cavity is defined by a die cavity wall and is sized to be larger than the work piece so that, in use, pressure from the shock wave traveling in the work piece interior drives the work piece to expand to the die cavity wall.
30. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the die cavity is defined by a die cavity wall having at least one die cavity aperture therein so that, in use, the shock wave punches a hole through the work piece into the die cavity aperture.
31. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the die cavity is defined by a die cavity wall having at least one die cavity groove therein so that, in use, the shock wave cuts the work piece.
32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the work piece has a work piece pressure outlet for the passage of the shock wave out of the work piece, and wherein the work piece is generally tubular.
33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a pressure reducer configured to reduce the pressure associated with the shock wave.
34. An apparatus as claimed in claim 33, wherein the pressure reducer includes a plurality of shock wave reduction elements that are positioned to impinge on a shock wave traveling therepast.
35. An apparatus for modifying a work piece having a work piece interior, and having a work piece pressure inlet into the work piece interior, comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a shock wave; a die in which the work piece can be positioned; and a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the work piece interior through the work piece pressure inlet to modify the work piece.
36. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the ignition chamber is configured to generate an explosion that generates the shock wave.
37. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow path that is substantially free of reflection elements.
38. An apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow path that has a cross-sectional size and a cross-sectional shape that are substantially constant.
39. An apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow path that has a diameter that is substantially constant.
40. An apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein the ignition chamber has a plurality of combustibles inlets for the transfer of a plurality of combustibles into the ignition chamber, wherein the plurality of combustibles are substantially made up of H2 and 02.
41. An apparatus as claimed in claim 40, further comprising a controller configured to transfer a selected ratio of H2:O2 into the ignition chamber prior to generation of the explosion.
42. An apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein the ignition chamber is generally cylindrical and has an ignition chamber interior that has at least a selected ratio of length to diameter.
43. An apparatus as claimed in claim 42, wherein the ignition chamber has a plurality of combustibles inlets and wherein the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to transfer a plurality of combustibles into the ignition chamber interior such that the pressure in the ignition chamber interior reaches a selected filling pressure.
44. An apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein the die has an incompressible fluid inlet for the passage of incompressible fluid from an incompressible fluid source into the work piece interior.
45. An apparatus as claimed in claim 44, further comprising a controller configured to permit, prior to the generation of the shock wave, a flow of incompressible fluid into the work piece interior to a selected fill level such that the work piece is substantially filled with incompressible fluid, and wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow path that is configured to transfer the shock wave into the incompressible fluid.
46. An apparatus as claimed in claim 45, wherein the selected fill level is such that the transfer structure is substantially filled with incompressible fluid.
47. An apparatus as claimed in claim 46, wherein the selected fill level is such that part of the ignition chamber is filled with incompressible fluid.
48. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the transfer structure includes a valve positionable in an open position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly connected with the work piece, and a closed position wherein the ignition chamber is isolated from the die.
49. An apparatus as claimed in claimed in claim 35, wherein the die cavity is defined by a die cavity wall and is sized to be larger than the work piece so that, in use, pressure from the shock wave traveling in the work piece interior drives the work piece to expand to the die cavity wall.
50. An apparatus as claimed in claimed in claim 35, wherein the work piece interior is defined by a work piece wall and the die cavity is defined by a die cavity wall having at least one die cavity aperture therein so that, in use, the shock wave punches a hole through the work piece wall into the die cavity aperture.
51. An apparatus as claimed in claimed in claim 35, wherein the work piece has a work piece pressure outlet for the passage of the shock wave out of the work piece, and wherein the work piece is generally tubular.
52. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the work piece interior defines a work piece shock wave path for the passage of the shock wave wherein the work piece shock wave path has a work piece shock wave path length, wherein the shock wave has a shock wave length that is less than the work piece shock wave path length.
53. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the shock wave which the ignition chamber is configured to generate is sized to exert a selected force on the work piece.
54. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, further comprising a pressure reducer com nfigured to reduce the pressure associated with the shock wave.
55. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the pressure reducer includes a plurality of shock wave reduction elements that are positioned to impinge on a shock wave traveling therepast.
56. A method for modifying a work piece, the method comprising: a) providing a die including a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position wherein the first and second die plates together define a die cavity; b) positioning the work piece in the die cavity; c) generating a traveling shock wave, wherein the shock wave has a length that is smaller than the length of the shock wave travel path relative to the work piece; d) conveying the shock wave along the work piece to progressively apply a localized pressure against the work piece; e) holding the first and second die plates in the closed position with a selected die holding force against pressure from the shock wave in a direction that is transverse to the shock wave path of travel throughout step d); and f) ejecting the work piece from the die cavity after step d).
57. A method as claimed in claim 56, wherein step c) includes generating an explosion that generates the shock wave.
58. A method as claimed in claim 56, wherein step c) includes generating an explosion that generates the shock wave by igniting H2 and 02.
59. A method as claimed in claim 58, including: providing an ignition chamber in which the shock wave is generated; and repeating steps b) thru f) whilst continuously cooling the ignition chamber so as to reduce the pressure of water vapor created by reacting hydrogen and oxygen.
60. A method as claimed in claim 56, further comprising: g) providing an ignition chamber in which the shock wave is generated; h) isolating the ignition chamber from the die prior to step c); i) transferring combustibles into the ignition chamber after step h); j) fluidly connecting the ignition chamber with the work piece after steps b) and i), and wherein step c) includes generating an explosion with the combustibles to generate the shock wave after step j).
61. A method as claimed in claim 60, further comprising: k) filling the work piece with incompressible fluid prior to step c); and 1) transferring the shock wave from a gas into the incompressible fluid prior to step d).
62. A method as claimed in claim 60, wherein a transfer structure provides fluid communication between the ignition chamber and the work piece and wherein the method further comprises filling the work piece, the transfer structure and a portion of the ignition chamber with incompressible fluid prior to step c), and wherein the method further comprises transferring the shock wave from a gas into the incompressible fluid prior to step d).
63. A method as claimed in claim 56, wherein step d) includes expanding the work piece against the die cavity with the shock wave.
64. A method as claimed in claim 56, wherein the work piece has a work piece wall and step d) includes creating an aperture through the work piece wall with the shock wave.
65. A method for modifying a work piece, comprising: a) providing a die having a die cavity; b) positioning the work piece in the die cavity; c) generating a shock wave; d) conveying the shock wave into the work piece in the die cavity to modify the work piece; and e) ejecting the work piece from the die cavity after step d).
66. A method as claimed in claim 65, wherein step c) includes generating an explosion that generates the shock wave.
67. A method as claimed in claim 65, wherein step c) includes generating an explosion that generates the shock wave by igniting H2 and 02.
68. A method as claimed in claim 65, further comprising: f) providing an ignition chamber in which the shock wave is generated; g) isolating the ignition chamber from the die prior to step c); h) transferring combustibles into the ignition chamber after step g); i) fluidly connecting the ignition chamber and the work piece after step h), and wherein step c) includes generating an explosion with the combustibles to generate the shock wave after step i).
69. A method as claimed in claim 68, further comprising: j) filling the work piece with incompressible fluid prior to step c); and k) transferring the shock wave from a gas into the incompressible fluid prior to step d).
70. A method as claimed in claim 68, wherein a transfer structure provides fluid communication between the ignition chamber and the work piece and wherein the method further comprises filling the work piece, the transfer structure and a portion of the ignition chamber with incompressible fluid prior to step c), and wherein the method further comprises transferring the shock wave from a gas into the incompressible fluid prior to step d).
71. An apparatus for modifying a work piece having a longitudinal length, the apparatus comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a traveling shock wave that has a shock wave length that is less than the longitudinal length of the work piece, wherein the ignition chamber utilizes oxygen and hydrogen combustibles to generate the shock wave and includes at least one combustibles inlet; an igniter; a die, wherein the die includes a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position wherein the first and second die plates together define a die cavity in which the work piece can be positioned; a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the die cavity; wherein, in operation, the shock wave applies a localized pressure to the work piece in a direction that is transverse to the direction of travel of the shock wave, and wherein the die is holdable in the closed position by a selected die holding force; a controller for the transfer of a selected ratio and quantity of oxygen and hydrogen into the ignition chamber and for actuating the igniter to react the combustibles, wherein the controller serially executes explosions; and a cooling system for cooling the ignition chamber so as to reduce the pressure of water vapour created by reacting oxygen and hydrogen.
72. An apparatus or modifying a tubular work piece defining a conduit length, the apparatus comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a shock wave that has a shock wave length that is less than the conduit length of the work piece, wherein the ignition chamber utilizes oxygen and hydrogen as combustibles and includes at least one combustibles inlet; an igniter; a die, wherein the die includes a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position wherein the first and second die plates together define a die cavity in which the work piece can be positioned, wherein, in operation, the shock wave travels through the work piece and applies a localized pressure to the work piece in a direction that is transverse to the shock wave travel path, and wherein the die is holdable in the closed position by a selected die holding force against pressure in the work piece; and a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the work piece to modify the work piece; a controller for the transfer of a selected ratio and quantity of oxygen and hydrogen combustibles into the ignition chamber and for actuating the igniter to react the combustibles, wherein the controller serially executes explosions; and a cooling system for cooling the ignition chamber so as to reduce the pressure of water vapour created by reacting oxygen and hydrogen.
73. An apparatus for modifying a work piece having a longitudinal length, the apparatus comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a traveling shock wave that has a shock wave length that is less than the longitudinal length of the work piece; a die, wherein the die includes a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position wherein the first and second die plates together define a die cavity in which the work piece can be positioned;
a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the die cavity; wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre- work piece shock wave flow conduit that has a cross-sectional size and a cross- sectional shape that are substantially constant and substantially free of reflection elements; wherein, in operation, the shock wave applies a localized pressure to the work piece in a direction that is transverse to the direction of travel of the shock wave, and wherein the die is holdable in the closed position by a selected die holding force.
74. An apparatus for modifying a work piece having a longitudinal length, the apparatus comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a traveling shock wave that has a shock wave length that is less than the longitudinal length of the work piece; a die, wherein the die includes a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position wherein the first and second die plates together define a die cavity in which the work piece can be positioned; a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the die cavity, the transfer structure including an isolation valve positionable in an open position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly connected with the die cavity and a closed position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly disconnected from the die cavity; wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure, when the isolation valve is in the open position, together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow conduit that has a cross-sectional size and a cross-sectional shape that are substantially constant and substantially free of reflection elements; wherein, in operation, the shock wave applies a localized pressure to the work piece in a direction that is transverse to the direction of travel of the shock wave, and wherein the die is holdable in the closed position by a selected die holding force.
75. An apparatus for modifying a tubular work piece defining a conduit length, the apparatus comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a shock wave that has a shock wave length that is less than the conduit length of the work piece; a die, wherein the die includes a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position wherein the first and second die plates together define a die cavity in which the work piece can be positioned, wherein, in operation, the shock wave travels through the work piece and applies a localized pressure to the work piece in a direction that is transverse to the shock wave travel path, and wherein the die is holdable in the closed position by a selected die holding force against pressure in the work piece; and a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the work piece to modify the work piece; wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow conduit that has a cross-sectional size and a cross-sectional shape that are substantially constant and substantially free of reflection elements.
76. An apparatus for modifying a tubular work piece defining a conduit length, the apparatus comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a shock wave that has a shock wave length that is less than the conduit length of the work piece; a die, wherein the die includes a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position wherein the first and second die plates together define a die cavity in which the work piece can be positioned, wherein, in operation, the shock wave travels through the work piece and applies a localized pressure to the work piece in a direction that is transverse to the shock wave travel path, and wherein the die is holdable in the closed position by a selected die holding force against pressure in the work piece; and a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the work piece to modify the work piece, the transfer structure including an isolation valve positionable in an open position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly connected with the die cavity and a closed position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly disconnected from the die cavity; wherein the ignition chamber and the transfer structure, when the isolation valve is in the open position, together define a pre-work piece shock wave flow conduit that has a cross-sectional size and a cross-sectional shape that are substantially constant and substantially free of reflection elements.
77. An apparatus for modifying a work piece, comprising: an ignition chamber for the generation of an explosion; a die having at least one wall defining a die cavity for receiving the work piece, the die cavity having a pressure inlet and a pressure outlet and wherein, the ignition chamber is fluidly connectable to the die cavity for the transmission of a pressure wave resulting from the explosion through the die cavity from its pressure inlet to its pressure outlet such that, in operation, the pressure wave modifies the work piece to at least partially conform to the at least one die cavity wall; and a pressure reducer disposed downstream of the die cavity pressure outlet that is configured to at least partially destroy the pressure wave.
78. An apparatus for modifying a work piece having a longitudinal length, the apparatus comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a shock wave that has a shock wave length that is less than the longitudinal length of the work piece; a die having a die cavity for receiving the work piece; a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the die cavity; wherein, in operation, the shock wave applies a localized pressure to the work piece in a direction that is transverse to the direction of travel of the shock wave, and wherein the die is holdable in the closed position by a selected die holding force; and a pressure reducer disposed downstream of the work piece configured to at least partially destroy the shock wave.
79. An apparatus for modifying a tubular work piece having a tubular wall and a tubular length, the apparatus comprising: an ignition chamber configured for generating a shock wave that has a shock wave length that is less than the tubular length of the work piece; a die having at least one wall defining a die cavity for receiving the work piece; a transfer structure configured to convey the shock wave from the ignition chamber into the die cavity; wherein, in operation, the shock wave applies a localized pressure to the tubular wall of the work piece in a direction that is transverse to the direction of travel of the shock wave so as to at least partially conform the tubular wall of the work piece against the at least one die wall; and a pressure reducer disposed downstream of the work piece configured to at least partially destroy the pressure wave, the pressure reducer being disposed upstream of one or more valves fluidly connectable to the die cavity.
80. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 77, 78, and 79, wherein the pressure reducer includes a plurality of reflective elements positioned to disrupt the shock wave.
81. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 77, 78, and 79, further comprising an incompressible fluid inlet valve positioned to transfer incompressible fluid into the die cavity pressure outlet, wherein the pressure reducer is positioned fluidly between the die cavity pressure outlet and the incompressible fluid inlet valve.
82. A method for modifying a tubular work piece, comprising: a) providing an ignition chamber; b) providing a die having a die cavity for receiving the work piece; c) transferring the work piece into the die cavity;
d) generating an explosion in the ignition chamber to generate a pressure wave in the ignition chamber; e) transmitting the pressure wave from the ignition chamber to the work piece to modify the work piece; f) transmitting the pressure wave out of the die cavity after step e); g) at least partially destroying the pressure wave after step f); and h) ejecting the work piece from the die cavity after step f).
83. A method as claimed in claim 82, wherein the pressure wave is a shock wave.
84. An apparatus for modifying a work piece, comprising: an ignition chamber for generating an explosion through the ignition of combustibles; a die having a die cavity in which the work piece is positionable, the die having an incompressible fluid inlet that is fluidly connectable to the die cavity; and an isolation valve positionable in an open position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly connected with the die cavity such that pressure from the explosion is transmittable to the work piece to modify the work piece, and a closed position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly disconnected from the die cavity.
85. An apparatus according to claim 84, further comprising a controller for filling the ignition chamber with combustible and for filling a non-conforming portion of the die cavity with the incompressible fluid, the controller closing the isolation valve to enable overlap between filling of the ignition chamber with combustible and filling the non-conforming portion of the die cavity with the incompressible fluid.
86. An apparatus as claimed in claim 84, wherein the die is movable between an open position for insertion of the work piece into the die cavity and a closed position wherein the die cavity is sealed, and further comprising a controller for closing the isolation valve and for starting to fill the ignition chamber with combustibles prior to sealing the die.
87. An apparatus as claimed in claim 84, further comprising a controller programmed to close the isolation valve, then transfer combustibles into the ignition chamber, then open the isolation valve, and then ignite the combustibles to generate the explosion when the isolation valve is open.
88. An apparatus as claimed in claim 84, wherein the ignition chamber has at least one inlet for the ingress of combustibles and an inlet for the ingress of an incompressible fluid, and further comprising a controller configured for transferring combustibles and incompressible fluid into the ignition chamber and transferring incompressible fluid into the die cavity while the isolation valve is in the closed position.
89. An apparatus as claimed in claim 88, including means under command of the controller for repeatedly injecting a pre-determined quantity of incompressible fluid into the ignition chamber while the isolation valve is closed.
90. An apparatus as claimed in claim 84, wherein the ignition chamber is configured to generate a shock wavethat travels through the isolation valve such that, in use, the shock wave is transmittable to the work piece in the die cavity via the incompressible fluid to modify the work piece.
91. An apparatus as claimed in claim 84, wherein the die includes a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein the first and second die plates together define the die cavity, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other to open and close the die.
92. A method for modifying a work piece, comprising: a) providing an ignition chamber; b) providing a die having a die cavity for receiving the work piece; c) isolating the ignition chamber from the die; d) transferring combustibles into the ignition chamber after step c); e) transferring the work piece into the die cavity;
f) fluidly connecting the ignition chamber and the work piece after step d); g) generating an explosion with the combustibles after step f); h) transmitting pressure from the explosion to the work piece in the die cavity to modify the work piece; and i) ejecting the work piece from the die cavity after step h).
93. A method as claimed in claim 92, wherein step g) includes generating a shock wave in the ignition chamber, and wherein step h) includes transmitting the shock wave to the work piece.
94. A method as claimed in claim 92, further comprising: j) filling the work piece with an incompressible fluid, wherein step j) at least partially overlaps with step d), and wherein step j) occurs before step g).
95. A method as claimed in claim 92, wherein the die includes a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein the first and second die plates together define the die cavity, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other to open and close the die, and wherein the method further comprises: k) opening the die prior to step e); and
1) closing the die after step e) and prior to step f), wherein step 1) overlaps at least partially with step d).
96. A method as claimed in claim 94, further comprising: m) transferring an incompressible fluid into the ignition chamber, and wherein step m) begins after step c) and prior to step d).
97. A method as claimed in claim 92, wherein step h) includes expanding the work piece against the die cavity.
98. A method as claimed in claim 92, wherein the work piece has a work piece wall and step h) includes creating an aperture through or cutting the work piece wall.
99. Apparatus for modifying a work piece, comprising: an ignition chamber for generating an explosion; a die having a die cavity configured to receive the work piece; and an isolation valve repetitively controllable between a closed position wherein the die cavity is fluidly disconnected from ignition chamber and an open position wherein the die cavity is fluidly connected with the ignition chamber such that pressure from the explosion is transmittable to the die cavity.
100. An apparatus for modifying a work piece, comprising: an ignition chamber configured for the generation of an explosion and having a plurality of combustibles inlets; a die, having a first die plate and a second die plate, wherein the first and second die plates together define a die cavity for holding the work piece, wherein at least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other to open and close the die; and an isolation valve positionable in an open position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly connected with the work piece such that pressure from the explosion is transmittable to the work piece to modify the work piece, and a closed position wherein the ignition chamber is isolated from the die.
101. An apparatus as claimed in claim 100, wherein the die has an inlet for receiving an incompressible fluid, wherein the inlet is fluidly connected to the work piece when the work piece is in the die cavity.
102. An apparatus as claimed in claim 101 , further comprising a controller configured for transferring a selected quantity of the combustion gas into the ignition chamber during a combustibles transfer step, and for closing the die during a die closure step, wherein the die closure step at least partially overlaps with the combustibles introduction step.
103. An apparatus as claimed in claimed in claim 101 , wherein the die is sized to be larger than the work piece so that, in use, pressure from an explosion in the ignition chamber causes the work piece to expand against the die cavity.
104. An apparatus as claimed in claimed in claim 101 , wherein the work piece has a wall and the die cavity is defined by a die cavity surface having at least one die cavity aperture therein so that, in use, pressure from an explosion in the ignition chamber is transmitted through the wall of the work piece into the die cavity aperture to create an aperture through the wall of the work piece adjacent the die cavity aperture.
105. An apparatus as claimed in claim 101, wherein the isolation valve has a flow control member therein and wherein the apparatus further comprises a drain conduit, a drain valve and a drain sensor, wherein the drain conduit is positioned proximate the isolation valve, wherein the sensor is positioned to sense the presence of liquid in the drain line, wherein the drain valve is movable to a closed position from an open position when the sensor senses the presence of incompressible fluid in the drain conduit, indicating the apparatus is filled with incompressible fluid up to the flow control member.
106. An apparatus as claimed in claim 100, wherein said isolation valve includes: a valve body having a pressure inlet and a pressure outlet; a flow control member movable between an open position wherein the flow control member permits fluid flow through the valve body and a closed position wherein the flow control member prevents fluid flow through the valve body; a sealing member positioned between the flow control member and the valve body, wherein, when in the closed position the flow control member is movable in a downstream direction against the sealing member by differential pressure across the valve;
a bypass conduit fluidly connected to points upstream and downstream from the flow control member, wherein the bypass conduit has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the pressure inlet; and a bypass valve that is movable between an open position providing fluid communication between the points upstream and downstream from the flow control member through the bypass conduit to equalize pressure therebetween, and a closed position preventing fluid communication between the points upstream and downstream from the flow control member.
107. An apparatus for modifying a work piece, comprising: an ignition chamber configured for the generation of an explosion and having a plurality of combustibles inlets; a controller for filling the ignition chamber with combustibles to a selected pressure higher than atmospheric pressure; a die, having a die cavity for holding the work piece; and an isolation valve positionable in an open position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly connected with the work piece such that pressure from the explosion is transmittable to the work piece to modify the work piece, and a closed position wherein the ignition chamber is isolated from the die; wherein said isolation valve includes a valve body having a pressure inlet and a pressure outlet, a flow control member movable between an open position wherein the flow control member permits fluid flow through the valve body and a closed position wherein the flow control member prevents fluid flow through the valve body, a sealing member positioned between the flow control member and the valve body, wherein, when in the closed position the flow control member is movable in a downstream direction against the sealing member by differential pressure across the valve, a bypass conduit fluidly connected to points upstream and downstream from the flow control member, wherein the bypass conduit has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the pressure inlet, and a bypass valve that is movable between an open position providing fluid communication between the points upstream and downstream from the flow control member through the bypass conduit to equalize pressure therebetween, and a closed position preventing fluid communication between the points upstream and downstream from the flow control member.
108. An apparatus for modifying a work piece, comprising: an ignition chamber for generating an explosion, the ignition chamber having at least one inlet for ingress of combustibles thereto and at least one valve for controlling the flow of combustibles into the ignition chamber via the at least one combustibles inlet; a die having a die cavity configured to receive the work piece, the die having an incompressible fluid inlet that is fluidly connectable to the die cavity and at least one valve for controlling the flow of the incompressible fluid into the die cavity via the incompressible fluid inlet, wherein the die includes first and second die plates that together define the die cavity and least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other to open and close the die; a transfer mechanism for placing the work piece in the die or removing the work piece therefrom whilst the die is open; an isolation valve settable in an open position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly connected with the die cavity such that pressure from the explosion is transmittable to the work piece to modify the work piece, and in a closed position wherein the ignition chamber is isolated from the die cavity; and a controller programmed to close the isolation valve, transfer combustibles into the ignition chamber, open the isolation valve, and ignite the combustibles to generate the explosion, the controller opening the die for actuation of the work piece transfer mechanism and starting to fill the ignition chamber with the combustibles prior to closing the die.
109. An apparatus for modifying a work piece, comprising: an ignition chamber for generating an explosion, the ignition chamber having at least one inlet for ingress of combustibles and an inlet for ingress of an incompressible fluid; a combustibles valve for controlling the flow of combustibles into the ignition chamber via the at least one combustibles inlet; a secondary valve for controlling the flow of incompressible fluid into the ignition chamber via the at least one incompressible fluid inlet; a die press; a die mounted to the die press and having a die cavity configured to receive the work piece, wherein the die includes first and second die plates that together define the die cavity and least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other to open and close the die, and wherein the die cavity has a pressure inlet and a pressure outlet, and wherein the die has an incompressible fluid inlet disposed downstream of the die cavity pressure outlet; a primary valve for controlling the flow of the incompressible fluid into the die cavity via the incompressible fluid inlet; an isolation valve disposed between the ignition chamber and the die cavity, the isolation valve being settable in an open position wherein the ignition chamber is fluidly connected with the die cavity such that pressure from the explosion is transmittable to the work piece to modify the work piece, and in a closed position wherein the ignition chamber is isolated from the die cavity; a controller connected to the at least one combustibles valve, the primary and secondary incompressible fluid valves, the isolation valve, and the die press, the controller programmed to open the die, close the isolation valve, transfer combustibles and incompressible fluid into the ignition chamber whilst transferring incompressible fluid into the die cavity, open the isolation valve, and ignite the combustibles to generate the explosion, the controller starting to fill the ignition chamber with the combustibles prior to closing the die.
1 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 109, including means under command of the controller for repeatedly injecting a pre-determined quantity of incompressible fluid into the ignition chamber while the isolation valve is closed.
1 11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 109, wherein the isolation valve has a flow control member therein and wherein the apparatus further comprises a drain conduit, a drain valve and a drain sensor connected to the controller, wherein the drain conduit is positioned proximate the isolation valve, wherein the sensor is positioned to sense the presence of liquid in the drain line, wherein the drain valve is movable to a closed position from an open position when the sensor senses the presence of incompressible fluid in the drain conduit, indicating the apparatus is filled with incompressible fluid up to the flow control member.
112. An apparatus for modifying a work piece having a work piece interior and having a first opening into the work piece interior, comprising: an ignition chamber for the generation of pressure; a die having a die cavity for receiving the work piece; and a transfer conduit for transferring pressure from the ignition chamber to the work piece to modify the work piece, wherein the transfer structure has a first transfer conduit portion and a second transfer conduit portion, wherein the first and second transfer conduit portions are fluidly connected to each other, wherein the first transfer conduit portion is fixedly connected with respect to the ignition chamber, wherein the second transfer conduit portion is movable between an advanced position wherein the second transfer conduit portion is inserted into the first opening of the work piece, and a retracted position wherein the second transfer conduit portion is withdrawn from the first opening of the work piece to permit ejection of the work piece from the die cavity, and wherein the first and second transfer conduit portions are rotatably connected to each other.
1 13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 12, wherein the first and second transfer conduit portions are rotatably connected to each other through a ball and socket joint.
1 14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 112, wherein the ignition chamber is mounted on an ignition chamber support and is movable rotationally and translationally relative to the support to accommodate movement of the second transfer conduit portion between the advanced and retracted positions.
1 15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 114, wherein the ignition chamber support includes a support base and a resilient support member.
116. An apparatus as claimed in claim 112, wherein the first opening of the work piece is positioned at a first end of the work piece, wherein the die includes a collar for holding the first end of the work piece, and wherein the second transfer conduit portion in the advanced position pinches the first end of the work piece against the collar to provide fluid communication between a transfer conduit fluid passage in the transfer conduit and the work piece interior.
1 17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 112, wherein the work piece further includes a second opening into the work piece interior, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second opening sealing member that is movable between an advanced position wherein the second opening sealing member is inserted into the second opening of the work piece, and a retracted position wherein the second opening sealing member is withdrawn from the second opening of the work piece to permit ejection of the work piece from the die cavity.
118. Apparatus for modifying a work piece, comprising: an ignition chamber for the generation of pressure, the ignition chamber reciprocating at least along a first axis; a die having a die cavity for receiving the work piece, the die cavity having an inlet defining a second axis that is not parallel with the first axis; a transfer conduit for fluidly transmitting pressure from the ignition chamber to the die cavity, wherein the transfer conduit has a first section and a second section, the first section connected to the ignition chamber and reciprocating at least along the first axis, the second section being adjustable in angle relative to the first section to permit the second section to slide into and out of the die cavity inlet as the ignition chamber reciprocates at least along the first axis.
1 19. Apparatus for modifying a work piece, comprising: an ignition chamber for the generation of pressure; a die having a die cavity for receiving the work piece; and a transfer conduit for transmitting pressure from the ignition chamber to the die cavity, wherein transfer conduit has a first section and a second section, at least one of the first and second sections being adjustable in angle relative to one another.
120. An apparatus for modifying a tubular work piece, the tubular work piece having an end including an outer periphery and an inner periphery, the apparatus, comprising: an ignition chamber for the generation of pressure; a die having a die cavity configured to receive the work piece, wherein the die includes first and second die plates that together define the die cavity and least one of the first and second die plates is movable relative to the other to open and close the die, and wherein the die includes a collar provided by the first and second die plates when the die is in the closed position for holding the first end of the work piece at its outer periphery; a transfer conduit for transferring pressure from the ignition chamber to the work piece to modify the work piece, wherein the transfer conduit is mounted for movement between an advanced position where the transfer conduit engages the inner periphery of the work piece so as to pinch the end of the work piece against the collar to provide fluid communication between the transfer conduit and the interior of the work piece and a retracted position where the transfer conduit is not fluidly connected to the tubular work piece.
121 . An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein the pinching force between the transfer conduit and collar are sufficient to flare the end of the work piece.
122. An apparatus for modifying a work piece having a work piece wall that defines a work piece interior and having a work piece body and a first end portion having a first opening into the work piece interior, comprising: an ignition chamber for the generation of pressure; a die having a die cavity for receiving the work piece, wherein the die includes a first collar positioned to hold a first end portion of the work piece, wherein the die further includes an intermediate work piece holder to securely hold the work piece body in a fixed position in the die cavity; and a transfer conduit for transferring the pressure from the ignition chamber to the work piece to modify the work piece, wherein the transfer conduit has a transfer conduit fluid passage therein, wherein the transfer conduit is insertable into the first end portion of the work piece to provide fluid communication between the transfer conduit fluid passage and the work piece interior, wherein the die cavity includes a first trim aperture that extends at a selected position around the first end portion, such that pressure transferred from the ignition chamber to the work piece interior passes through the work piece wall into the first trim aperture to trim the first end portion from the work piece body.
123. An apparatus as claimed in claim 122, wherein the work piece further includes a second end portion having a second opening into the work piece interior, and wherein the die includes a second collar positioned to hold the second end portion of the work piece, wherein the die cavity includes a second trim aperture that extends at a selected position around the second end portion, such that pressure transferred from the ignition chamber to the work piece interior passes through the work piece wall into the trim aperture to trim the second end portion from the work piece.
124. An apparatus for modifying a first work piece and a second work piece, each work piece having a work piece wall that defines a work piece interior, comprising: a first ignition chamber configured for the generation of pressure; a second ignition chamber configured for the generation of pressure; a die having a first die cavity for receiving the first work piece, wherein the first die cavity has a first die cavity wall configured to provide a selected shape to the work piece when pressure from the first ignition chamber is transferred to the work piece interior of the first work piece, wherein the die has a second die cavity configured for receiving the second work piece having the selected shape, wherein the second die cavity has a second die cavity wall having at least one hole-punch aperture therein configured such that pressure transferred from the second ignition chamber to the work piece interior of the second work piece punches at least one aperture through the work piece wall into the at least one hole-punch aperture; and a transfer mechanism that is movable to transfer the first work piece from the first die cavity into the second die cavity, and that is movable to transfer the second work piece from the second die cavity out of the die.
125. An apparatus as claimed in claim 124, wherein the transfer mechanism is movable to transfer a third work piece into the first die cavity from outside of the die.
126. A valve, comprising: a valve body having a pressure inlet and a pressure outlet; a flow control member movable between an open position wherein the flow control member permits fluid flow through the valve body and a closed position wherein the flow control member prevents fluid flow through the valve body; a sealing member positioned between the flow control member and the valve body, wherein, when in the closed position the flow control member is movable in a downstream direction against the sealing member by differential pressure across the valve; a bypass conduit fluidly connected to points upstream and downstream from the flow control member, wherein the bypass conduit has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the pressure inlet; and a bypass valve that is movable between an open position providing fluid communication between the points upstream and downstream from the flow control member through the bypass conduit to equalize pressure therebetween, and a closed position preventing fluid communication between the points upstream and downstream of the flow control member.
127. A combustive forming system for serially modifying work pieces, comprising: an ignition chamber having at least one inlet for the ingress of combustibles; at least one valve controlling the flow of combustibles from a source of combustibles to the ignition chamber; an igniter fluidly connected to the ignition chamber; venting means for transferring exhaust gases out the ignition chamber; temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the ignition chamber; a die having a die cavity for receiving work piece wherein, in operation, the work piece is fluidly connected to the ignition chamber; a transfer mechanism for moving a modified work piece out of the die and moving a new work piece into the die; and a controller operably connected to the at least one combustibles valve, igniter, the venting means, the temperature control means and the transfer mechanism, wherein the controller repeatedly executes an operating cycle including (a) moving a modified work piece out of the die and transferring a new work piece into the die, (b) transferring combustibles to the ignition chamber, (c) igniting the combustibles to thereby generate a pressure wave operable to modify the work piece in the die, and (d) transferring exhaust gases out of the ignition chamber, and wherein the controller maintains the temperature of the ignition chamber to within a predetermined temperature range whilst repeatedly carrying out the operating cycle.
128. A system according to claim 127, wherein the combustibles are a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen and oxygen and the predetermined temperature range is 5 - 100 degrees Celsius.
129. A system according to claim 128, wherein the controller ignites the combustibles immediately after transferring the combustibles into the ignition chamber.
130. A system according to claim 127, including an inlet for ingress of an incompressible fluid and a valve for controlling the flow thereof from a source of incompressible fluid, and wherein the operating cycle includes filling the ignition chamber with the incompressible fluid to a predetermined fill level so as to achieve a pre-determined volume in the ignition chamber for the accumulation of combustibles prior to the explosion thereof.
131. A method of modifying a work piece, comprising: provisioning a die having a contouring wall; positioning the work piece in the die; generating a shock wave and progressively applying the force from the shock wave against at least a portion of the work piece to progressively conform the work piece against the contouring die wall.