Patent ID: 7739954

Claim:
A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator, wherein the connector block comprises: a housing have a bore formed therein for receiving a detonator provided with a percussion-actuation end and a base charge disposed within the percussion-actuation end, the bore having an insertion end for receiving the detonator and a signal transmission end for positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with at least one shock tube when at least one shock tube is inserted in the connector block; a substantially rigid shock tube retention means integral with the housing and extending to project over the signal transmission end of said bore, to define with said housing a slot for receiving therein at least one shock tube, whereby at least one shock tube is held in signal transfer relationship with a percussion-actuation end of a detonator present in said bore, when at least one shock tube is inserted in said slot and a detonator is inserted in said bore, said slot having an entrance for allowing insertion of at least one shock tube into said slot; and a closure member that is not integral to the housing, but that is connected to the housing hinge that is also not integral to housing, but that is sprung to thereby bias the closure member to partially or completely cover an entrance to the slot, the closure member allowing insertion of a shock tube into the slot upon application of an insertional force to said closure member so that the closure member is forced to move about the hinge against the bias of a spring to thereby uncover the entrance to the slot and permit access to the slot, the closure member being returned to its biased position under the influence of the spring after the insertional force is no longer applied to the closure member.