Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring a geological region or a structure. The device includes: a sensor, a radio transmitter configured to transmit data obtained by the sensor, a power source configured to power the sensor and/or radio transmitter, and a housing configured to protect the power source, radio transmitter and optionally the sensor. The sensor is capable of sensing a parameter useful in determining movement within a geological region or a structure; and/or the potential for failure in a geological region or a structure. The devices may include several sensor types capable of sensing parameters such as strain, pressure, temperature, electrical conductivity, electrical resistance, or chemistry. A series of devices may be operable as a system, with at least some of the devices further functioning to relay radio signals transmitted by other devices of the system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring depth of a cave front in a cave-type mine. The method includes: providing a stationary reader device and mobile marker devices, each of the marker devices adapted to (i) emit an electromagnetic signal, (ii) detect strength of the signal emitted by another of the marker devices, and (iii) wirelessly transmit information related to the detected signal via the other marker devices to the stationary reader device; drilling a hole into a rock region of a mine, installing the mobile marker devices at sequential known depths within the hole; monitoring the reader device to detect a decrease in the strength of a signal emitted by a first marker device by a second marker device; and in response to a decrease being detected by the second marker device, inferring the depth of the cave front to be between the known depths of the first and second marker devices.

Abstract: A method for monitoring depth of a cave front in a cave-type mine. The method includes: providing a stationary reader device and mobile marker devices, each of the marker devices adapted to (i) emit an electromagnetic signal, (ii) detect strength of the signal emitted by another of the marker devices, and (iii) wirelessly transmit information related to the detected signal via the other marker devices to the stationary reader device; drilling a hole into a rock region of a mine, installing the mobile marker devices at sequential known depths within the hole; monitoring the reader device to detect a decrease in the strength of a signal emitted by a first marker device by a second marker device; and in response to a decrease being detected by the second marker device, inferring the depth of the cave front to be between the known depths of the first and second marker devices.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring a geological region or a structure. The device includes: a sensor, a radio transmitter configured to transmit data obtained by the sensor, a power source configured to power the sensor and/or radio transmitter, and a housing configured to protect the power source, radio transmitter and optionally the sensor. The sensor is capable of sensing a parameter useful in determining movement within a geological region or a structure; and/or the potential for failure in a geological region or a structure. The devices may include several sensor types capable of sensing parameters such as strain, pressure, temperature, electrical conductivity, electrical resistance, or chemistry. A series of devices may be operable as a system, with at least some of the devices further functioning to relay radio signals transmitted by other devices of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for monitoring the movement of a first rock region in a mine relative to a second rock region in the mine, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first marker device and a second marker device, the first marker device adapted to emit an electromagnetic signal, the second marker device adapted to (i) detect the strength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first marker device, and (ii) wirelessly transmit information related to the detected electromagnetic signal directly or indirectly to a reader device, installing the first marker device in the first rock region, installing the second marker device in the second rock region, and monitoring the information on the detected electromagnetic signal on the reader device, wherein, in use, movement of the first rock region relative to the second rock region is indicated where the second marker device detects a decrease in the strength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first marker device.

Abstract: A pathology distribution system 10 is provided for automated sample container 14, 15 distribution. The system 10 comprises a loading station 500 for loading samples in primary containers 14 of different types, a sample handling station 16 for receiving the containers 14 and identifying the container types and samples therein, and a container distribution station 38 for distributing the containers in areas or racks in the distribution station 38 marked for analyzing processes prescribed for the samples therein.