US20050016409A1 - Connector block for shock tubes and method of securing a detonator therein - Google Patents

Connector block for shock tubes and method of securing a detonator therein Download PDF

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Publication number
US20050016409A1
US20050016409A1 US10/487,947 US48794704A US2005016409A1 US 20050016409 A1 US20050016409 A1 US 20050016409A1 US 48794704 A US48794704 A US 48794704A US 2005016409 A1 US2005016409 A1 US 2005016409A1
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Prior art keywords
detonator
housing
recess
connector block
percussion
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US10/487,947
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English (en)
Inventor
Peter Husk
Ross Gourlay
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Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd
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Individual
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Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Assigned to ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD. reassignment ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GOURLAY, ROSS IAN, HUSK, PETER THOMAS
Publication of US20050016409A1 publication Critical patent/US20050016409A1/en
Priority to US12/052,343 priority Critical patent/US7891296B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42D—BLASTING
    • F42D1/00—Blasting methods or apparatus, e.g. loading or tamping
    • F42D1/04—Arrangements for ignition
    • F42D1/043—Connectors for detonating cords and ignition tubes, e.g. Nonel tubes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
    • C06C—DETONATING OR PRIMING DEVICES; FUSES; CHEMICAL LIGHTERS; PYROPHORIC COMPOSITIONS
    • C06C5/00—Fuses, e.g. fuse cords
    • C06C5/06—Fuse igniting means; Fuse connectors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to connector blocks for the initiation of shock tubes.
  • Connector blocks provide a means for transferring the actuation energy of a detonator to one or more shock tubes (also known as signal transmission lines) for use in the explosives industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to means and methods for securing a detonator within a connector block of this kind, and to assemblies of connector blocks with detonators pre-positioned therein.
  • shock tubes also known as signal transmission lines that transfer a blast initiation signal to a series of explosive charges.
  • a signal from a single shock tube can be transferred to multiple shock tubes in a blasting system via the use of connector block/detonator assemblies, thereby permitting the initiation of multiple explosive charges in a controlled manner.
  • shock tubes that fail to initiate result in unexploded charges at the blast site, with inevitable safety concerns.
  • reliable initiation of shock tubes is imperative to ensure the required blasting pattern is effected.
  • the design of the connector block has a significant influence upon the efficiency of shock tube initiation. For reliable initiation, sufficient energy must be transferred from the base charge of a detonator to the shock tubes, thus compressing the shock tubes extremely rapidly in order to initiate them.
  • Several connector block designs are known in the art, which have been developed to improve the efficiency of energy transfer from the base charge of the detonator to the shock tubes.
  • the most efficient transfer of energy from the detonator base charge to the shock tubes occurs when the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is in direct contact with the shock tubes. If any gap is present between the detonator end and the shock tubes, the transfer of actuation energy may be less efficient, thus resulting in an increased failure rate of shock tube initiation. However, excess pressure from the percussion-actuation end of the detonator upon the shock tubes can result in the distortion of the shock tubes, and consequently the reduction of shock tube internal volume within the connector block. This in turn reduces the capacity of the shock tubes for efficient initiation, since their capacity for rapid compression is also reduced.
  • Connector blocks and their components are generally manufactured by plastic molding techniques that are well understood in the art. Quality control during the manufacturing process can ensure a degree of uniformity in the dimensions and mechanical properties of the connector blocks produced. However, slight differences between connector blocks are unavoidable due to tolerances in the plastic resulting from both the manufacturing process, and from the properties of the plastic material. Slight differences may also occur in the dimensions of the detonator. Such tolerances can give rise to improper positioning of the detonator within the connector block, relative to the shock tubes. For example, upon actuation of the detonator, a slight gap between some of the shock tubes and the percussion-actuation end can result in a reduction in energy transfer to the shock tubes.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,382 issued Mar. 28, 1989 discloses a connector block comprising a plastic tube having a bore, with at least one transverse bore arranged perpendicular to the main bore.
  • the main bore is designed to receive a detonator shell, and the transverse bores can receive a length of shock tube.
  • the detonator shell may be fixed within the connector block by means of a circumferential lip on the inside wall of the main bore, which engages a circumferential crimp at the percussion-actuation end of the detonator shell. In this way, the detonator is secured within the plastic housing of the connector block.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,263, issued Jun. 13, 1995 discloses a connector block designed for transfer of explosive energy from the detonator for bi-directional initiation of shock tubes.
  • the detonator may be held in the connector block by a collar lock device that secures the detonator at the closure crimp, present at the end of the detonator opposite the percussion-actuation end.
  • the collar lock is slidably mounted within a groove in the block that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the detonator.
  • connector block An alternative design of connector block is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,581, issued Mar. 19, 1996, which comprises an integral slidably mounted locking member. Once the detonator is inserted into the connector block, the locking member is displaced to rupture a frangible web and engage the closure crimp of the detonator. Moreover, the displaced locking member itself becomes locked into the displaced position by engaging the connector block.
  • various shapes for the locking member are disclosed, each to secure the detonator in a fixed position relative to the shock tubes, and ensure irreversible engagement of the locking member in the displaced position.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,581 is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,975, issued Aug. 11, 1998.
  • a similar connector block is provided comprising a slidably mounted locking member.
  • the patent discloses an improvement in the configuration of the locking member, wherein the member comprises at least one wedge-shaped surface, so that upon displacement of the locking member towards its locking position, the wedge-shaped surface moves the detonator axially into position, adjacent to the shock tubes. In this way, the position of the detonator is biased towards the shock tubes.
  • the connector blocks of the prior art frequently include complex design features to lock the detonator in a desired position.
  • the corresponding manufacturing processes may require several molds to produce the multiple components for the block, followed by the precise assembly of the components. It is undesirable to produce complex connector blocks for several reasons. Design complexity, and the need for multiple manufacturing steps, can result in a reduction in the quality and reliability of the connector blocks. In addition, production costs also increase with design complexity.
  • connector blocks For practical use at the detonation site, connector blocks must be robust, reliable, and not prone to failure.
  • the inclusion of intricate features in connector block design such as slidably mounted locking members can be detrimental to ease of handling in the field, as well as the functionality and the robustness of the blocks.
  • a further object of the present invention at least in preferred forms, to provide a connector block that is simple to manufacture, robust and easy to handle in the field.
  • a connector block and detonator assembly for retaining at least one shock tube adjacent to a percussion-actuation end of a detonator, the assembly comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein; an elongated detonator inserted in the bore, the detonator having a percussion-actuation end and an outer wall provided with an inwardly directed recess at a position remote from said percussion-actuation end; and a shock tube retention means provided on the housing at an end of the bore adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, said shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator; a locking element fixed to the housing and extending into said recess for securing the detonator within the connector block in a position for initiation of the shock tubes, characterized in that said locking element is a hardened body of material caused to
  • a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube adjacent to a percussion-actuation end of the detonator
  • the connector block comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving an elongated detonator having a percussion-actuation end and an outer wall provided with an inwardly directed recess at a position remote from said percussion-actuation end; and a shock tube retention means provided on the housing at an end of the bore adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, said shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator; characterized in that said housing includes means for enabling a body of material to flow plastically into and be retained within said bore, and harden at a position corresponding to said recess in said detonator when positioned in said bore to form a locking element for securing a detonator within the connector block.
  • a method of producing an assembly of a connector block and detonator suitable for retaining at least one shock tube adjacent to a percussion-actuation end of the detonator comprising: inserting a detonator into a connector block, said detonator having a percussion-actuation end and an outer wall provided with an inwardly directed recess at a position remote from said percussion-actuation end, and said connector block having a housing provided with a bore for receiving said detonator, as well as a shock tube retention means provided on the housing at an end of the bore adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, said shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator; positioning the detonator in the bore of said housing so that the percussion-actuation end is positioned adjacent to said slot; and fixing the detonator in the housing
  • a method for securing a detonator within a connector block in accordance with the present invention, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: inserting a detonator into the bore of the housing; positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator at the signal transmission end of the bore, in a position for energy transmission from the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator to the slot and the shock tubes subsequently retained therein; and molding a body of material around the recess of the detonator, to secure the detonator within the connector block.
  • the present invention allows a detonator to be secured within a connector block without the need for clips, latches and similar retention devices.
  • bore means either a hole (preferably, but not necessarily, cylindrical) running though the interior of the connector block of the present invention, or alternatively an open channel or groove formed in a side of the connector block, for the housing of a detonator therein.
  • the connector block of the present invention may further comprise a membrane having positioning membrane located within the bore adjacent to the signal transmission end, for accurately positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with the shock tubes located in the slot.
  • the present invention allows a detonator to be secured within a connector block in a position that is optimal for energy transfer from the percussion-actuation end of the detonator to the shock tubes.
  • any incorrect positioning of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, resulting from any divergence in the dimensions of the connector block or detonator due to tolerance, will preferably be virtually eliminated.
  • the present invention discloses, in one embodiment, a method for the assembly of a detonator within a connector block, so that the percussion-actuation end of the detonator abuts the positioning membrane of a membrane within the bore, and is thereby optimally positioned for efficient energy transfer from the detonator base charge to the shock tubes. Therefore, the invention provides a method of producing a detonator connector block assembly, wherein the detonator is optimally positioned for actuation of shock tubes, regardless of the tolerance in the connector block or detonator.
  • FIG. 1 a is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an assembly of the present invention comprising a connector block having a detonator mounted therein;
  • FIG. 1 b is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an assembly of the present invention comprising a connector block having a detonator mounted therein;
  • FIG. 2 a is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 1 a of an alternative embodiment of a connector block of the present invention, with a detonator mounted therein;
  • FIG. 2 b is a cross-sectional view of part of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 a following a moulding operation to secure the detonator in the connector block to form an assembly according to a preferred form of the invention
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector block of the present invention with an associated device and probe for the application of ultrasonic or thermal energy.
  • FIG. 1 a illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein a body of material in the form of a settable locking material is injected into the connector block to secure a detonator positioned therein.
  • the connector block 1 is shown in longitudinal cross-section.
  • the connector block comprises a housing 2 , preferably made of a plastics material, with a cylindrical bore 13 running longitudinally through the housing.
  • the bore 13 has an open end 8 and a signal transmission end 7 .
  • the bore 13 of all of the illustrated embodiments is formed as a cylindrical through hole, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the bore may alternatively be an open-sided slot or trough. However, a bore having a cross-section that is identical to, or closely approximates, that of a detonator to be used in the device, will be preferred.
  • the connector block includes a shock tube retention means in the form of an arm 3 which is integral with and extends from the housing 2 adjacent to the signal transmission end 7 of the bore 13 .
  • the arm 3 and housing 2 together define a slot 14 having an opening 17 at one side thereof.
  • the housing 2 is configured and dimensioned to receive a detonator 5 within the bore 13 via the open end 8 thereof.
  • the detonator has a percussion-actuation end 15 and is orientated in the housing so that the percussion-actuated end is positioned adjacent to the signal transmission end 7 of the bore 13 .
  • Shock tubes 4 can be located in the slot 14 and arranged around and in direct contact with the percussion actuation end 15 of the detonator.
  • the percussion-actuation end 15 of the detonator is hemispherical, and therefore the shock tubes can be arranged equidistant from a base charge (not shown) contained within the percussion-actuation end 15 of the detonator.
  • the use of a detonator with a hemispherical end is particularly preferred, having regard to the teachings of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/559,662.
  • the detonator 5 is located within the bore 13 of the housing 2 such that the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is optimally positioned relative to the position of the shock tubes 4 .
  • a positioning membrane 16 for example in the form of a thin-walled hemispherical zone may be formed partially or completely across the signal transmission end of the bore 13 for accurately locating the detonator within the connector block.
  • the detonator may be inserted into the bore of the housing until the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator 6 comes into contact with the inner surface of the positioning membrane.
  • the positioning membrane is preferably shaped for intimate contact with the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator.
  • the positioning membrane may be an open-ended spherical zone to receive a hemispherical end of a detonator.
  • the positioning membrane is preferably configured to minimize the amount of material between the base charge of the detonator and the shock tubes contained in the slot of the connector block.
  • the detonator 5 is provided with a recess 9 created by an annular crimp formed in a manner known in the art.
  • the connector block is designed so that the detonator may be secured therein by injection of a settable locking material into the recess to form a body 10 that at least partially fills the recess and either adheres to an adjacent part of an inner surface of the bore 13 , or engages with a recess in the bore 13 .
  • the housing is provided with an opening 12 , through which the settable locking material can be injected into the recess 9 .
  • the opening 12 is positioned in the proximity of the recess 9 of the detonator when the detonator is located within the bore in its proper operational position. Injection of the settable locking material through the opening 12 results in the infiltration of the settable locking material around the recess 9 , which in this case is the closure crimp of the detonator. Upon subsequent hardening of the settable locking material, the detonator is secured in position within the connector block.
  • the settable locking material may expand to form a tight friction fit with the inner surface of the bore. More preferably, the settable locking material may adhere to the inner surface of the bore upon setting.
  • the detonator Since the detonator is accurately positioned relative to the slot before the settable locking material is injected into the bore, the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator will be in optimal signal transfer relationship with the slot, and the shock tubes subsequently retained therein. Importantly, the inaccuracies of detonator positioning resulting from tolerance in the dimensions of the connector block and detonator, are virtually eliminated.
  • the housing is provided with two or more openings arranged around the recess 9 of the detonator contained therein.
  • FIG. 1 a illustrates a second opening 18 , on a side of the housing opposite the opening 12 .
  • the injection of a settable locking material through two or more openings may permit improved infiltration of the settable locking material around the recess 9 .
  • the detonator may be fixed more securely within the connector block.
  • FIG. 1 b An alternative embodiment, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a , is illustrated in FIG. 1 b .
  • the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 b involves injection of a settable locking material 10 through at least one opening 12 , and into the bore 13 in the vicinity of the recess 9 of the detonator 5 .
  • the bore has an alternative configuration in the vicinity of the recess of the detonator, when the bore is also provided with a recess 19 .
  • the settable locking material engages both the recess 9 of the detonator 5 and the recess 19 of the bore 13 , thereby assisting in fixing the detonator in a desired position within the bore upon setting of the settable locking material 10 .
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
  • This embodiment encompasses a connector block 21 that comprises similar features to that shown in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b , with the exception that the body of material is not injected, but is a region of softenable locking material integral with the housing.
  • the connector block 21 comprises a housing 22 with a bore 31 running longitudinally through the housing, the bore having a signal transmission end 27 and an open end 28 .
  • the connector block also comprises a shock tube retention means 23 , that is integral with the housing and located at the signal transmission end of the bore.
  • the housing 22 is configured and dimensioned to receive a detonator 25 within the bore 31 , in an appropriate orientation so that the percussion-actuation end 26 of the detonator 25 is adjacent to the signal transmission end of the bore.
  • the detonator comprises an inwardly directed recess 29 , which takes the form of a closure crimp.
  • a detonator initiation shock tube 34 enters the bore via the open end.
  • the shock tube retention means 23 and the surface 33 of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator define a slot 35 .
  • shock tubes 24 can be located in the slot 35 and arranged around and in direct contact with the percussion actuation end 26 of the detonator 25 .
  • the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is hemispherical, and therefore the shock tubes can be arranged equidistant from a base charge contained within the percussion-actuation end of the detonator.
  • the detonator 25 is positioned within the bore 31 of the housing 22 such that the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is optimally positioned relative to the position of the shock tubes.
  • a positioning membrane 32 at the signal transmission end of the bore 27 , for accurately locating the detonator within the connector block.
  • the detonator is inserted into the bore of the housing until the surface 33 of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator comes into contact with the positioning membrane 32 .
  • the positioning membrane may completely or partially close the signal transmission end of the bore, and is preferably shaped for intimate contact with the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator.
  • the positioning membrane may comprise a spherical surface configured to receive a hemispherical end of a detonator.
  • the connector block is designed to secure the detonator therein by molding a portion of the housing 22 around the recess 29 of the detonator.
  • the housing 22 of the connector block at least in a region adjacent to the recess 29 , comprises a region of softenable locking material 30 of suitable properties.
  • this region of softenable locking material 30 comprises a thermoplastic that may be readily softened by the application of thermal or ultrasonic energy to the surface of the housing.
  • the entire connector block may be molded out of the same thermoplastic material as the region of softenable locking material 30 .
  • Many settable plastic materials are known in the art to exhibit desirable thermoplastic properties suitable for this purpose. Particularly preferred plastic materials include polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • the softenable locking material can be molded around the recess of the detonator, as indicated in FIG. 2 b .
  • the housing becomes deformed around the recess, and once the softenable locking material becomes hardened, the detonator is secured in position within the connector block.
  • the detonator is accurately positioned within the connector block before the region of softenable locking material is molded around the recess. In this way, the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator can be optimally positioned relative to the slot, for efficient initiation of the shock tubes subsequently retained therein.
  • the presence of the positioning membrane within the bore at the signal transmission end may assist in the positioning of the detonator within the connector block.
  • FIG. 2 improves the reliability of shock tube initiation.
  • the connector block illustrated in accordance with FIG. 2 a and 2 b permits the positioning of the detonator within the block, wherein positioning inaccuracies resulting from tolerance are virtually eliminated.
  • any device that can direct sufficient thermal or ultrasonic energy to soften the region of softenable locking material may be used in accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 .
  • Several devices are known in the art, and include, for example, ultrasonic welders, hot air welders, heat staking machines, hot plate welders, infra red heaters, and lasers.
  • ultrasonic energy is a particularly preferred means for softening the region of softenable locking material around the recess of the detonator.
  • the use of ultrasonic devices represents a safer alternative to heating devices, since heating devices may include elements that increase the risk of burn injuries, and the controlled manner in which an ultrasonic welder is used is less likely to cause an inadvertent initiation of the detonator due to overheating.
  • the application of thermal or ultrasonic energy is accompanied by the application of pressure to the surface of the housing.
  • the application of pressure can assist in the molding of the softenable locking material around the recess of the detonator, and encourage the infiltration of the softenable locking material into the ridges of the closure crimp, as appropriate. In this way, the detonator may be held more securely within the connector block.
  • the application of pressure may occur simultaneously with the application of ultrasonic or thermal energy, or may occur subsequent to the application of ultrasonic or thermal energy before the softenable locking material cools and hardens.
  • the region of softenable locking material around the recess of the detonator comprises a thinner region of the housing, when compared to the rest of the housing.
  • the thinner region of the housing takes the form of a recess in the wall of the housing, adjacent to the recess of the detonator.
  • FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a part of a preferred connector block of the present invention, with a detonator located therein.
  • the housing is indicated as a cylindrical structure, and the end of the connector block comprising the shock tube retention means is not shown.
  • the housing 40 contains a bore 44 running longitudinally through the housing.
  • a detonator 41 is inserted into the bore, and preferably positioned with the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in optimal signal transfer relationship with the slot for retaining shock tubes therein (not shown in FIG. 3 ).
  • the housing of the connector block includes a closed-ended recess 43 located approximately adjacent to the recess of the detonator, which defines a region of the housing comprising a softenable locking material.
  • the recess in the housing is dimensioned and configured to receive a probe 45 of a device 46 that generates thermal or ultrasonic energy. The probe is inserted into the recess of the housing, and the subsequent application of thermal or ultrasonic energy softens the softenable locking material, thus inducing the molding of the softenable locking material around the recess of the detonator.
  • the molding of the softenable locking material is assisted by the application of pressure, either simultaneously with the application of thermal or ultrasonic energy, or after the application of the thermal or ultrasonic energy, before the softenable locking material cools and hardens.
  • the end of the probe 45 is concave in shape, to assist in the molding of the softenable locking material around the recess.
  • the housing may comprise more than one recess, so that ultrasonic or thermal energy and pressure as required can be applied to more than one side of the housing. In this way, the detonator may be held more securely within the connector block.
  • the application of ultrasonic or thermal energy from probe 45 to recess 43 may induce a thin layer of the material of recess 43 to heat sufficiently to temporarily liquify the material.
  • liquification of the material is generally not a requirement to induce material softening and plastic flow, the inventors have noted that liquification of the material does not inhibit the methods of the present invention, nor reduce the capacity to secure a detonator within a connector block.
  • the present invention also encompasses a method for the production of an assembly comprising a detonator secured within a connector block in accordance with the present invention.
  • the method includes a first step of inserting the detonator into the connector block.
  • the detonator must be inserted into the bore of the housing of the connector block, oriented so that the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is directed towards the signal transmission end of the bore. Therefore, the detonator is inserted percussion-actuation end first, into the open end of the bore.
  • the method of the present invention also provides for the positioning of the detonator within the connector block.
  • the step of positioning may occur subsequently, or simultaneously with the step of inserting the detonator into the connector block.
  • the positioning step ensures that the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is in optimal signal transfer relationship with the slot, and the shock tubes subsequently retained therein.
  • the slot is defined by the shock tube retention means and the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator.
  • the slot is defined by the shock tube retention means and the positioning membrane located within the signal transmission end of the bore.
  • the positioning of the detonator within the connector block is assisted by the positioning surface, wherein the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is in signal transfer relationship with the positioning surface, and the positioning membrane is in signal transfer relationship with the shock tubes subsequently retained in the slot.
  • the percussion-actuation surface of the detonator is hemispherical, and the slot defines a space around the hemispherical percussion-actuation end of the detonator for the retention of shock tubes.
  • the method also includes the step of securing the correctly positioned detonator within the connector block.
  • the method provides for causing a body of material to flow plastically into the recess of the detonator, and harden to form a locking element fixed to the housing.
  • the step of securing may be achieved by any one of several ways. Importantly, potential variation in the positioning of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator resulting from tolerance in the connector block, is preferably virtually eliminated.
  • the step of securing comprises injecting a settable locking material in a molten form through at least one hole or opening in the side of the housing of the connector block.
  • the opening or openings are located in the proximity of the recess of the detonator contained therein.
  • the settable locking material in a liquid state infiltrates the bore of the housing and partially or completely surrounds the recess of the detonator.
  • Subsequent cooling and hardening of the settable locking material secures the detonator in the required position, with the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator remaining in optimal signal transfer relationship with the slot for the retention of the shock tubes.
  • the bore also includes a recess adjacent the recess in the detonator, so that the settable locking material infiltrates and hardens within both the recess on the detonator and the recess in the bore, further improving the securing of the detonator within the connector block.
  • the step of securing involves molding a portion of the housing around the recess of the detonator contained therein.
  • thermal or ultrasonic energy is preferably applied to the surface of the housing in the proximity of the recess.
  • This region of the housing comprises a softenable locking material preferably of a suitable thermoplastic, which softens upon heating.
  • thermoplastics are known in the art that are suitable for use in this regard.
  • the thermal or ultrasonic energy is applied to a region of the housing that is generally thinner that the overall thickness of the material of the connector block.
  • the thinner region of the housing comprises a recess in the proximity of the recess of the detonator, suitable for accepting a probe for applying ultrasonic or thermal energy to the surface of the connector block.
  • the connector block may be provided with more than one recess for the application of ultrasonic or thermal energy at more than one position around the recess of the detonator.
  • the application of ultrasonic or thermal energy is accompanied by the application of pressure, to assist in the molding of the softenable locking material into the recess. Following the molding of the softenable locking material around the recess of the detonator, the softenable locking material is allowed to cool and harden, thereby securing the detonator at the desired position within the connector block.
  • the present invention also encompasses the connector block/detonator assemblies obtainable by the production methods of the present invention.

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CA002357273A CA2357273C (en) 2001-09-07 2001-09-07 Connector block for shock tubes, and method of securing a detonator therein
PCT/AU2002/001234 WO2003023314A1 (en) 2001-09-07 2002-09-06 Connector block for shock tubes, and method of securing a detonator therein

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US12/052,343 Expired - Lifetime US7891296B2 (en) 2001-09-07 2008-03-20 Connector block for shock tubes, and method of securing a detonator therein

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US20080083342A1 (en) * 2006-11-07 2008-04-10 Munoz Saldarriaga Daniel R Protector for detonator, and method of use
US20080173204A1 (en) * 2006-08-24 2008-07-24 David Geoffrey Anderson Connector for detonator, corresponding booster assembly, and method of use
WO2020160574A1 (en) * 2019-01-28 2020-08-06 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd Method of assembling a detonator

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ZA200408313B (en) * 2003-10-16 2005-08-31 Sasol Dyno Nobel (Pty) Ltd Dual detonator assembly
US8402892B1 (en) * 2010-12-30 2013-03-26 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Simultaneous nonelectric priming assembly and method
EP2769171B1 (en) * 2011-10-17 2016-09-07 AEL Mining Services Limited Signal tube connector
EP3194712B1 (en) 2015-06-09 2018-09-26 Owen Oil Tools L.P. Oilfield side initiation block containing booster
CN105605997A (zh) * 2016-03-08 2016-05-25 武汉爆破有限公司 一种导爆管雷管起爆网路联接装置及其导爆管雷管起爆网路联接方法
CN106083503B (zh) * 2016-06-08 2022-02-25 中国人民解放军防空兵学院 一种雷管锁口装置
US10400558B1 (en) 2018-03-23 2019-09-03 Dynaenergetics Gmbh & Co. Kg Fluid-disabled detonator and method of use

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US4722279A (en) * 1986-11-17 1988-02-02 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Non-electric detonators without a percussion element
US4815382A (en) * 1987-11-25 1989-03-28 Eti Explosives Technologies International Inc. Connector and detonator/connector assembly for initiating explosive primers with low-energy detonating cord
US5398611A (en) * 1990-11-05 1995-03-21 The Ensign-Bickford Company Low energy blasting initiation system, method and surface connection therefor
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US5703320A (en) * 1996-01-18 1997-12-30 The Ensign Bickford Company Connector for blast initiation system
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US20080173204A1 (en) * 2006-08-24 2008-07-24 David Geoffrey Anderson Connector for detonator, corresponding booster assembly, and method of use
US7823508B2 (en) * 2006-08-24 2010-11-02 Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd Connector for detonator, corresponding booster assembly, and method of use
US20080083342A1 (en) * 2006-11-07 2008-04-10 Munoz Saldarriaga Daniel R Protector for detonator, and method of use
US8006622B2 (en) 2006-11-07 2011-08-30 Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd Protector for detonator, and method of use
WO2020160574A1 (en) * 2019-01-28 2020-08-06 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd Method of assembling a detonator
US11852450B2 (en) 2019-01-28 2023-12-26 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd Method of assembling a detonator

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CL2004000393A1 (es) 2005-04-08
ZA200401444B (en) 2005-05-25
BR0212113B1 (pt) 2011-09-20
US7891296B2 (en) 2011-02-22
MXPA04002187A (es) 2005-03-07
US20100251919A1 (en) 2010-10-07
AU2002328666B2 (en) 2007-01-04
WO2003023314A1 (en) 2003-03-20
CA2357273C (en) 2009-11-10
BR0212113A (pt) 2004-08-24
CA2357273A1 (en) 2003-03-07

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