Importance

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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. A tube holder connected to one end of the housing includes a base member having a bore within which the explosive end portion of the detonator is received. The tube holder is T-shaped and includes a pair of engaging flanges spaced from the base member on laterally opposite sides of the base member to define therebetween pair of engaging slots extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the detonator and alongside the explosive end of the detonator received in the bore. Each engaging slot is adapted to frictionally grip at least four shock tubes alongside the explosive end of the detonator with the longitudinal axes of the shock tubes substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the detonator. The end cap is connected to the other end of the housing and secures the detonator within the block body.

First Claim