Diode cutoff and safe packaging method for textile detonating cord

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.

1 . A detonating cord retention device comprising: 
 a polymeric block of generally elongated shape defining an internal blast containment passageway, and defining laterally spaced channels oriented at substantial angles to the passageway for receiving lengths of detonating cord such that portions of the detonating cord are closely enough spaced that a percussion signal transmitted in one length cord will cause the adjacent cord length to be severed.    
   
   
       2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein said channels are so oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the containment passageway as to arrange the detonating cord in a generally arcuate path whereby the closest spacing between adjacent detonating cords in the block occurs in said containment passageway.  
   
   
       3 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein said block is molded from a polymeric material and is defined by two separable segments adapted to be assembled with one another after placing the detonating cord in said channels.  
   
   
       4 . The device according to  claim 3  further characterized by foamed plastic panels adapted to receive said detonating cord in loops such that the devices can be provided in order to restrain said detonating cord in a series of loops radiating outwardly from a line drawn through said devices.  
   
   
       5 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein a plurality of panels are provided in a stack configuration to contain continuous detonating cord in a package for shipment.  
   
   
       6 . A detonating cord retention device comprising: 
 a molded device defining    a containment passageway,    upper and lower retention device segments of complementary shape, said segments defining channels which are inclined relative to the center line of the containment passageway, and communicate with said containment passageway, said device segments further defining interlocking aperture and tab means for holding said device segments in assembled relationship,    whereby detonation cord provided in said channels form loops that are arranged outwardly by said device.    
   
   
       7 . The device according to  claim 6  wherein said device segments are fabricated in one piece from a polymeric material and define a self-hinge along one side edge thereof.  
   
   
       8 . The device according to  claim 6  further including a housing for said device said having a plurality of secondary channels together with a shunt for accommodating short segments of detonation cord, said short segment having an upstream end attached to the cord at an upstream side of the device, and said shunt having a downstream end provided in one of said at least two channels in said device for severing a detonation cord in an adjacent channel in response to a percussive signal carried along said detonation cord into said device, whereby the device functions as a diode and is responsive to a directional percussive signal in said detonation cord.  
   
   
       9 . The device according to  claim 6  further including support panels, and a plurality of devices arranged along a line in said support panels, to accommodate detonation cord in loops extending outwardly from said line, and wherein said panels are assembled to accommodate detonation cord in a stack of support panels for transportation of said detonation cord.