Abstract: The manufacture of a signal transmission tube (10a) comprising a polymeric tube (12) having an interior surface (14) with a thin layer of reactive material (18) disposed on the interior surface (14) is rendered more efficient and less costly by the use of reclaim polymeric material obtained from pre-existing signal transmission tubes. The reclaim material is obtained by deactivating the pre-existing tube, e.g., by initiating a signal in the tube to deactivate the reactive material. Alternatively, deactivation may be achieved by thermally degrading the reactive material or physically removing the material from the interior of the pre-existing tube. The reclaim material is then used to extrude the new tube (12), reducing the consumption of virgin polymeric material. When the reclaim material is obtained from a multi-layered tube, it may comprise a blend of polymeric materials and may advantageously be used as a tie layer (26) between layers (20', 24') that comprise materials present in the blend.

Abstract: An elongated connector block for mounting a blasting cap and detonating cord in side-by-side association for side initiation, the body having a generally U-shaped transverse cross-section with a slot extending the full length thereof, the opposed sides of said slot being contoured to receive the detonating cord and the body providing an enlarged, elongated cavity for receiving the blasting cap, there being an upward integral extension of at least one side of the body forming a pinch cleat for securing a flexible detonating cord in position by winding it about the pinch cleat, the space between the one pinch cleat extension and the body being provided with a flexible retainer clip extending from the body toward the pinch cleat underside, the leg of the clip having a rest position substantially closing the space between the body and the pinch cleat to retain the free end of the detonating cord after winding about the cleat.

Abstract: A connection between the ends of two discrete signal transmission devices allows signal propagation between the ends of the devices. The ends of the devices are axially aligned at a close distance from one another within an alignment sleeve. A length of heat-shrink tubing having a sealant on its inner surfaces is placed over the alignment sleeve and the ends of the devices. The tubing is heated and provides axially compressive and radially compressive forces on the alignment sleeve and device ends thereby providing a high tensile strength connection between the device ends.