Abstract: A shock tube surface connector for initiating one or more shock tubes including a housing which forms an elongate cylindrical void, an ignition source extending from a position outside the housing to a position within the elongate cylinder, a static isolation cup disposed within the elongate cylinder adjacent to the ignition source, a sealer element disposed in the housing and on the opposite side of the static isolation cup as the ignition source, a metallic sleeve disposed within the elongate cylinder and parallel thereto, the sleeve encompassing a delay train charge at an end adjacent to the sealer element, an output charge adjacent the delay train charge and an airspace at an end opposite the sealer element. The length of the airspace, the curvature of the output charge, and the interior diameter of the metallic sleeve are selectable to vary the radial output and/or focal point of an explosive force created by ignition of the output charge.

Abstract: A detonator-to-shock tube ignition transfer connector for bi-directional explosive transfer from a detonator to one or more shock tubes is disclosed wherein the connector has a housing defining a barrel portion for enclosing a detonator assembly, the barrel portion having an opening at both ends, and a coupling attached to one end of the barrel portion. The coupling and the barrel portion form a coupling channel for holding shock tubes within the path of an explosive force created when a detonator assembly positioned in the barrel portion is ignited, thereby initiating the shock tubes. The invention also includes a collar lock for holding the detonator assembly within the barrel portion and preventing the detonator assembly from being accidentally removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for igniting a charge of propellant/explosive material comprising source of laser light coupled by an optical fiber to ends of a plurality of optical fibers within the charge having their other ends coupled to a primer charge in an ignitor tube that is proximate an ignitor charge.