Abstract: A delay detonator for detonating an explosive charge includes a tubular member having a closed end and an open end, a primary base charge disposed in the closed end of the tubular member and capable of detonating the explosive charge when ignited, a delay train charge disposed adjacent to the primary base charge for burning in response to an ignition signal to thus ignite the primary base charge, an ignition source disposed in the tubular member near the open end for developing an ignition signal, and a transition element disposed between the delay train charge and the ignition source and responsive to an ignition signal from the ignition source for igniting to achieve a substantially steady state combustion rate to the ignite the delay train charge.

Abstract: A connector for a nondestructing blasting signal transmission tube including a housing; for engaging the extensions of at least two signal transmission tubes in adjacent relationship, the housing serving to establish a signal path permitting direct signal communication between openings in the adjacent portions of the signal transmission tubes. Preferably the connector includes a suitable device for cutting the adjacent portions of at least one of the signal transmission tubes to expose a portion of the reactive interior of the tube. Also, a method of connecting at least two signal transmission tubes by securing portions of the signal transmission tube in adjacent relationship to another; establishing a signal path between the adjacent portions of the signal transmission tubes; and cutting each of the adjacent signal transmission tubes to expose a sufficient portion of the interior of the tubes to permit direct signal communication between each of the tubes.

Abstract: A transmission tube signal delay assembly comprising a delay element containing a shaped delay composition having a preselected combustion time from a first side of the delay element to a second side of the delay element; a first transition element adjacent to the delay element at the first side for transferring a transmission tube signal to the delay element; and a second transition element adjacent to the delay element at the second side for transferring a signal from the delay element to a transmission tube, each of the transition elements comprising a shaped transition composition.

Abstract: A combination signal transmission tube connector and delay assembly having a housing; means on the housing for engaging at least one signal transmission tube; means on the housing for cutting the transmission tube to expose at least two transmission tube interior portions; a signal delay assembly mounted in the housing for interposition between exposed transmission tube interior portions; and means on the housing for establishing a signal path permitting signal communication between the delay assembly and exposed transmission tube interior portions. The delay assembly preferably has a delay element containing a shaped composition having a preselected combustion time from one side of said element to another side of said element; and at least two transition elements adjacent to the delay element for transferring a signal between the delay element and exposed transmission tube interior portions, each of the transition elements containing a shaped transition composition.

Abstract: A detonating cord signal delay connector having a housing; means on the housing for engaging a first detonating cord end and a second detonating cord end; a signal delay assembly in the housing for connection between the first detonating cord end and the second detonating cord end, the signal delay assembly being operable to delay a detonating signal between the detonating cord first and second ends; and gripping means for securing the detonating cord first and second ends in the housing to prevent removal of the ends before signal delay operation of the connector. The preferred embodiment of the connector further includes means on the housing for severing detonating cord to produce the detonating cord first and second ends.