Other

Scientific-atlanta, Inc.

John P Nodine

Wayne Anderson, Jr

Ronald A Yanda

Ronald L Hodge

Multiple independent penetrating electrode non-electric tips in which the electrodes are separated in a non-coaxial arrangement so as to generate a spark gap internal to the non-electric shock tube, with the electrodes being brought together inside of the shock tube at a very precise distance, improving longevity by eliminating ablation of the insulating material between the inner and outer electrodes, reducing electrical shorting of the electrodes, and providing more consistent and reliable ignition of shock tubes.

Multiple independent penetrating electrode non-electric initiator tip

The present invention provides a non-electric initiator tip for use with a non-electric shock tube initiation device. The initiator tip of the present invention comprises an inner electrode, an outer electrode, and a conductive component electrically coupled to the inner and outer electrodes for applying current to the inner and outer electrodes to thereby cause a percussion spark to be generated. When the initiator tip is connected to an initiation device, the conductive component of the initiator tip is electrically coupled to electronics in the initiation device such that, when the initiation device is actuated, the electronics in the initiation device in conjunction with a power supply cause a voltage differential to be generated between the inner and outer electrodes and a percussion spark to be produced. The percussion spark initiates gun powder contained in a shock tube mounted to the initiator tip. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the initiator tip comprises an inner electrode made of a material having a high melting point, such as, for example, steel/nickel alloys (e.g., stainless steel SS-304, SS-306), chromium/molybdenum alloys, Tungsten, etc. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the initiator tip is encased in an insulative material to eliminate any possibility of electric shock to a person handling the initiation device.

Shock tube initiator tip encased in a non-conductive material

Portable capacitive discharge blasting unit

A laser transmitter utilizes a laser diode which is biased to its stimulated (laser) emission mode of operation by the application of current from a source of one or more operating voltages. The failure of any of these voltages and over temperature conditions of the laser are detected by an optical AND gate which switches the operating voltage off when any one of them is absent. The temperature of the laser is also detected and applied to one of the optos in the chain of the AND gate such that an over temperature condition also results in the switching off of the operating voltage and shut down of the laser. The temperature detection is by way of a circuit having hysteresis such that the optical AND gate is not enabled until the temperature the laser decreases below the initial cut off temperature. Operating current for biasing the laser for laser emission is applied gradually over a period from one to five seconds by connecting the switched operating voltage source to the laser through a slow start circuit. The laser operating current and also the level of the modulating signal (an RF modulating signal carrying a plurality of CATV channels) is applied to the laser through a switching circuit which cuts off the modulating signal when either the current to the laser or the modulating signal level is below predetermined limits.

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Atlanta, GA, United States of America

John P Nodine