Detonator with an ignition element having a transistor-type sealed feedthrough

Abstract

A detonator with an ignition element that includes a transistor-style sealed header feedthrough.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A detonator comprising: 
 a) a cylindrical shell having a detonator end and an input end, said detonator end being closed and packed with a charge;    b) an ignition element within said shell and located adjacent to said charge, said ignition element including a transistor-style sealed header having a feedthrough; and,    c) a trigger means extending from said input end of said shell to said ignition element, for causing said ignition element to ignite in response to the receipt of a selected signal by said trigger means.    
     
     
         2 . The detonator of  claim 1 , wherein said ignition element includes a charge enclosure and an ignition charge, said ignition charge being hermetically sealed within said enclosure  
     
     
         3 . The detonator of  claim 2 , wherein said ignition element includes a can surrounding said ignition charge and connected to said header, and an insulating cup surrounding said can.  
     
     
         4 . The detonator of  claim 1 , wherein said ignition element includes an ignition charge that includes zirconium potassium perchlorate.  
     
     
         5 . The detonator of  claim 1 , wherein said ignition element includes a low-energy igniter wire having two ends that are electrically connected to said feedthrough.  
     
     
         6 . The detonator of  claim 5 , wherein the diameter of said igniter wire is less than 20 microns.  
     
     
         7 . The detonator of  claim 1 , wherein said shell has a thickness of 0.5 mm, and an outer diameter of between 6 mm and 8 mm.  
     
     
         8 . The detonator of  claim 1 , wherein said trigger means includes two electrical input leads at said input end of said shell.  
     
     
         9 . The detonator of  claim 1 , wherein said trigger means includes a delay means for delaying the ignition of said ignition means for a predetermined period of time after receipt of said selected signal by said trigger means.  
     
     
         10 . The detonator of  claim 9 , wherein said delay means is an electronic delay means.  
     
     
         11 . An ignition element for use in a detonator, comprising: 
 a) a transistor-style sealed header having a top surface, a bottom, and an outer surface, and a feedthrough extending through said header from said top surface to said bottom;    b) an igniter wire having two ends, said wire being on the top surface of said header, and the ends of said wire being electrically connected to said feedthrough; and,    c) an ignition charge on the top surface of said header.    
     
     
         12 . The ignition element of  claim 11 , wherein said ignition charge includes zirconium potassium perchlorate.  
     
     
         13 . The ignition element of  claim 11 , wherein the diameter of said igniter wire is less than 20 microns.  
     
     
         14 . The ignition element of  claim 11 , further comprising a can hermetically attached to the outer surface of said header and extending above the top surface of said header, with said ignition charge contained between said can and the top surface of said header.  
     
     
         15 . The ignition element of  claim 11 , further including an insulating cup surrounding said can.  
     
     
         16 . The ignition element of  claim 11 , wherein said header includes a stamped eyelet.  
     
     
         17 . A method of making a detonator comprising the following steps: 
 a) providing a cylindrical shell having a detonator end and an input end, said detonator end being closed;    b) packing said detonator end of said shell with a suitable charge;    c) providing an ignition element including a transistor-style sealed header within said shell and adjacent to said charge;    d) providing a trigger means extending from said input end of said shell to said ignition element, said trigger means for causing said ignition element to ignite in response to the receipt of a selected signal by said trigger means; and,    e) securing said ignition element and trigger means within said shell.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of loading an ignition charge of zirconium potassium perchlorate within said ignition element.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the steps of: providing a metallic can and loading it with an ignition charge, securing said can to said header, and securing an insulating cup around said can.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said trigger means includes a delay means for delaying the ignition of said ignition means for a predetermined period of time after receipt of said selected signal by said trigger means.