# US 5,710,390 A · Shock tube initiating system for display fireworks > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,710,390 A - Document ID: US5710390A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/510,003 - Filed: 1995-08-01 - Granted: 1998-01-20 - Earliest claimed: 1995-08-01 - Inventors: William W. Ofca - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5710390A ## CPC - F42B 4/02: in cartridge form, i.e. shell, propellant and primer - C06C 5/04: Detonating fuses - C06C 5/06: Fuse igniting means; Fuse connectors - F42B: EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION (explosive compositions C06B; fuzes F42C; blasting F42D) - C06C: DETONATING OR PRIMING DEVICES; FUSES (ammunition fuzes F42C); CHEMICAL LIGHTERS; PYROPHORIC COMPOSITIONS ## Abstract A system for initiating shock tube which has a low cost of manufacture, is relatively impervious to moisture, and initiates the shock tube reliably is described. The initiating system comprises a thermal input initiator device, a thermal enhancing output device, and a length of shock tube. The thermal input initiator device converts the thermal flame energy to percussive energy that travels as a signal wave along the shock tube at a speed of 6500 ft/sec. The signal wave hits the thermal enhancing output device and is converted back into thermal energy that is capable of reliably initiating display fireworks. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus comprising: a input initiator device wherein an amount of a chemical composition is enclosed therein, said chemical composition having the characteristics of a BCTK composition which provides a deflagrating, percussive shock explosion upon ignition; an output device, wherein an amount of said chemical composition is enclosed therein; and a length of high velocity shock tube wherein the input initiator device is operably coupled to a first end of the length of shock tube and the output device is operably coupled to a second end of the length of shock tube. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input initiator device comprises; a fuse; a first tubular portion; and an amount of said chemical composition, wherein the fuse is operably held by an operable connection with the first tubular portion and said chemical composition is loaded into the first tubular portion. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the fuse is made of a plastic coated fuse material. ### Claim 4 An apparatus comprising: a length of high velocity shock tube; and a output device operably coupled to the length of high velocity shock tube, wherein an amount of a chemical composition is enclosed within said output device, said chemical composition having the characteristics of a BCTK composition which provides a deflagrating percussive shock explosion upon ignition. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chemical composition comprises: boron; calcium; chromate; titanium, potassium perchlorate; and dextrin. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the amount of chemical composition is a granular powder. ### Claim 7 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the operable connection is a first crimping dent. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input initiator device is operably coupled to the length of shock tube by means of a second staking dent. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the output device is operably coupled to the length of shock tube by means of a second staking dent. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the output device comprises: a second tubular portion; and an amount of said chemical composition loaded within the second tubular portion. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second tubular portion is operably coupled to the length of shock tube by means of a second staking dent. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second tubular portion is operably coupled to the length of shock tube by means of a burr. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second tubular portion is functionally sealed at the end opposite the second staking dent by means of a second crimping dent. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a length of fuse material operably held within and extending from the second tubular portion. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the length of fuse material is operably held within the second tubular portion by means of a second crimping dent. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises: a cap device; and a charge of an explosive material. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cap device is a thin-walled, hollow, molded vinyl plastic tube having a longitudinal bore and a molded-in closure on one end which is operably coupled to the shock tube by an interference fit. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input initiator device comprises: a fuse; a first tubular portion; and an amount of said chemical composition, wherein the fuse is operably held by an operable connection within the first tubular portion and said chemical composition is loaded into the first tubular portion and wherein the output device comprises: a second tubular portion; and an amount of said chemical composition load within the second tubular portion. ### Claim 19 An apparatus comprising: an input initiator device containing an amount of a chemical composition having the characteristics of a BCTK composition which provides a deflagrating, percussive shock explosion upon ignition; and a length of high velocity shock tube operably coupled to the input initiator device. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the thermal enhancing output device is operably coupled to the length of shock tube by means of a second staking unit having an optimal depth of approximately 70% of the outer diameter of the first tubular portion. ### Claim 21 (depends on 18) The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the operable connection is a first crimping dent having an optimal height of approximately 30% of the outer diameter of the first tubular portion. ### Claim 22 (depends on 18) The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the thermal input initiator device is operably coupled to the length of shock tube by means of a first staking dent having an optimal depth of approximately 70% of the outer diameter of the first tubular portion.