Multi-Port Transmission Line Connector

A multi-port transmission line connector having a body which has at least four ports and channels therein for connecting one signal transmission line with multiple signal transmission lines in a blasting system for transferring blasting signals, the at least four ports having a bore there through, wherein each bore is opened to a center cavity, thus enabling the input end and output end of the transmission lines to transfer the blasting signal through the center cavity and wherein in at least one of the ports is located an inner sleeve of deformable material and located between the inner sleeve and the body a crimpable secondary sleeve such that, in use, when a shock tube has been inserted into the port and passes through the inner sleeve, a portion of the secondary sleeve is crimped thereby to deform the inner sleeve and to seal against the shock tube thereby retaining the shock tube in position and inhibiting the ingress of water into the connector through said port.

A transmission line system for connecting 5 or more detonators at least three of which are distributed over several boreholes and transmitting a shock wave from one transmission line to 4 or more other connected transmission lines, said system including a multi-port transmission line connector as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13 having a body which has at least five channels therein for connecting one signal transmission line with 4 or more signal transmission lines in a blasting system for transferring blasting signals, the channels having securing means for securing the transmission lines thereto.