# US 5,003,879 A · Delay detonator

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- Number: US 5,003,879 A
- Document ID: US5003879A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 07/432,079
- Filed: 1989-11-06
- Granted: 1991-04-02
- Earliest claimed: 1989-11-06
- Assignees: Propellex Corporation
- Inventors: Ronald G. Jones
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5003879A

## CPC

- F42B 3/16: {Pyrotechnic} delay initiators (F42B3/195 takes precedence; {programmable electronic delay initiators F42C11/065})
- F42B: EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION (explosive compositions C06B; fuzes F42C; blasting F42D)

## Abstract

A delay detonator for causing actual detonation of a device a predetermined period of time following ignition as required by a wide variety of military and civilian operations. The detonator comprises a conventional primer, an expansion chamber separated by a screen from a first-fire combustion section, a delay column, two successive combustion sections separated by a screen, and a detonator output assembly.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A delay detonator for causing output device detonation a predetermined delay period of time following ignition of the detonator, comprising: a metal body, a primer fitted at an inner end of the body, a recess opening from the primer into an expansion chamber, a first-fire combustion section including first-fire ignition powder separated from the expansion chamber by a retention screen, a delay column proximate the first-fire combustion section including a delay powder composition to be ignited by the ignition powder, the delay column being of a relatively high length/diameter aspect ratio, a further combustion section including first-fire ignition powder for ignition by the delay column after a delay burn time thereof, and a detonator output assembly at an opposite, outer end of the body for ignition by the further combustion section; the delay column having a burn time which accounts substantially entirely for said predetermined delay period, being cylindrical in form and of constant diameter, and of a length/diameter aspect ratio of approximately 3:1, containing a tungsten delay composition, and being assembled by three successive charges of delay composition of essentially equivalent weight, loaded at equivalent pressures.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A detonator as recited in claim 1 wherein the screen is selectively etched stainless steel mesh.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A detonator as recited in claim 1 wherein the further combustion section comprises a first portion of first fire ignition powder proximate an outer end of the delay column and a second portion of first fire ignition powder proximate the output assembly, a further retention screen separating the first and second portions.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

A detonator as recited in claim 3 wherein the further screen is selectively etched stainless steel mesh.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

A detonator as recited in claim 4 wherein the primer-proximate screen is held rigidly in place by a retention sleeve extending a length of the expansion chamber.

### Claim 6 (depends on 4)

A detonator as recited in claim 4 wherein the primer is carried by an assembly fitted into an aperture within the inner end of the body.