Patent ID: 7665401

Claim:
A shock tube initiator for allowing the remote and/or manual initiation of at least one shock tube, wherein the shock tube initiator includes in combination: a) at least one coupling means operably connected to a shock tube and wherein the coupling means is adapted to house a shot shell primer containing an explosive charge that upon firing initiates a burning of the shock tube, b) a cockable mechanical firing mechanism positioned proximal to and adjacent to the coupling means wherein the mechanical firing mechanism is adapted to ignite said explosive charge, c) a safety mechanism adapted to allow the mechanical firing mechanism to ignite said explosive charge only when the safety mechanism is moved from a safe mode position to an armed position, d) a rotary electro-mechanical energising means operably electrically connected to and energised by a remote controlled operating system, and e) an actuating means adapted to be positioned between and engageable with the rotary electro-mechanical energising means and the firing mechanism and wherein said actuating means is adapted to be actuated either by the rotary electro-mechanical energising means, when energised, or manually manipulated to allow the cockable mechanical firing mechanism when cocked, to fire and ignite said explosive charge to initiate burning of the at least one shock tube when the safety mechanism is in the armed position.