Abstract: A shipping cap is provided for use with a shielded mild detonating cord (SMDC) having an explosive tip that contains a volume of explosive material. The shipping cap is coupled to a portion of the SMDC to define a sealed free volume region about the SMDC's explosive tip. The size of the free volume region is a function of the volume of explosive material contained in the explosive tip. The shipping cap's wall strength in the free volume region is defined by a factor of safety that is a function of the yield strength of the material used to construct the cap.

Abstract: An initiator assembly (38) is factory-pre-assembled and comprises an initiation fixture (10) secured to a triggering device (40). The initiation fixture (10) comprises a unitary body, i.e., one without moving parts, and includes a bushing groove (18) to receive as an accessory an O-ring (64) to seal the device within the barrel (42) of the triggering device (40). A fuse/fixture sub-assembly (34) includes an initiation charge (30) disposed at the firing face (13a) and a signal-transmission fuse (22). The initiation fixture (110) may be a “universal” fixture having thereon optional external threads (36) and being otherwise dimensioned and configured to be received within either an internally threaded barrel (42) of a triggering device (40) or the barrel (42) of a triggering device which utilizes a fuse-holder cap (56). The initiator assembly (38) may include a spool (66) on which the signal-transmission tube (22) is wound.

Abstract: A block molded from a polymeric material has a through passageway to contain a percussive shock wave. Angularly related channels communicate with the containment passageway for receiving arcuate segments of detonation cord. Alignment of a plurality of blocks provides a convenient packaging setup for the cord. A percussive signal traveling along the cord can be short-circuited in the packaging setup. A diode version of the block can react to the signal in a given direction of travel.

Abstract: A perforating gun connector comprising a first and second section connected together on one end. The two sections of the perforating gun connector that couple together are correspondingly tapered so that one end of one connector is tapered and fits into the corresponding tapered hollowed section of one end of the other section. The present invention also provides for the inclusion of shaped charges and booster charges within. Adjacent the charges are sealing bulkheads.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-part adapter for more securely holding a blasting cap initiator in place in a demolition or munitions device. This adaptor is an insert component, generally cylindrical in shape and having an inner diameter capable of surrounding a blasting cap initiator, and a locking component. The insert component has a first threaded portion to mate with threaded cap wells of demolition and munitions devices, and a second portion with a plurality of flexible prongs arranged circumferentially around its inner diameter. The locking component is also generally cylindrical in shape and has a threaded inner surface to engage the insert component. The locking component also has a portion of decreasing inner diameter to approximately the inner radius of the insert component, and an outer surface with means to permit application of a turning torque.

Abstract: A propellant charge ignition device having one or more ignition means and incorporating one or more diffuser tube(s) extending through a part of the propellant charge. The structure permits a flame generated by the ignition means to be guided up to a propellant charge receiver zone. There is also disclosed a propellant charge incorporating one or more block(s) of agglomerated propellant powder, the block having at least one closed-ended ignition channel for receiving a diffuser tube of the propellant charge ignition device.

Abstract: A method for assembling a blast initiation device is provided. The method comprises providing a length of signal transmission line having first and second ends, mounting a tag to the line and mounting a first detonator to the first end of the line wherein all of the steps are each performed at a single operator station by a single operator. Also provided is an apparatus for utilizing the method. The apparatus comprises a tagger device for mounting a tag to a length of signal transmission line having first and second ends. A crimp device is adjacent the tagger device for mounting a first detonator to the first end of the line. A blocker device is adjacent the detonator crimp device for locking a connecting block to the first detonator. The tagger, crimp and blocker devices are spatially arranged adjacent an access position for ease of operation by a single operator. Further provided is a kaizen cell comprising a plurality of workstations.

Abstract: A shock tube connector system comprises a substantially cylindrical detonator having a longitudinal axis a block body receiving the detonator therein, and an end cap. The detonator includes an axisymmetric exterior shell including a cylindrical main section, a cylindrical explosive end portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the main section, and a transition portion connecting the main section and the explosive end portion of the shell. An explosive charge is contained within the explosive end portion of the shell and is distributed along the longitudinal length of the explosive end portion. The explosive charge preferable comprises two portions of lead azide or a first charge portion of lead azide and PETN and a second charge portion of PETN. An initiating shock tube is operatively connected to the explosive charge via a delay element. The block body includes a housing within which the main section of the detonator is received.

Abstract: A shock tube connector system comprises a substantially cylindrical detonator having a longitudinal axis a block body receiving the detonator therein, and an end cap. The detonator includes an axisymmetric exterior shell including a cylindrical main section, a cylindrical explosive end portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the main section, and a transition portion connecting the main section and the explosive end portion of the shell. An explosive charge is contained within the explosive end portion of the shell and is distributed along the longitudinal length of the explosive end portion. The explosive charge preferable comprises two portions of lead azide or a first charge portion of lead azide and PETN and a second charge portion of PETN. An initiating shock tube is operatively connected to the explosive charge via a delay element. The block body includes a housing within which the main section of the detonator is received.