Abstract: A blasting control system includes a detonator module, and a blasting machine interface configured for serial communication between a blasting machine and the detonator module. The detonator module includes a detonator, a unique electronic ID, a switch configured to enable/disable the detonator in response to verification of the unique electronic ID, a communication device configured for communication with the blasting machine interface, and a processor responsive to instructions from the communication device. The blasting machine interface includes an I/O device, a communication device, and a processor responsive to the I/O device and the communication device. Upon verification of the unique electronic ID via communication from a user via the blasting machine interface, a state of the switch associated with the detonator is placed in an unlocked mode so as to enable activation of the associated detonator upon a fire signal from the blasting machine via the blasting machine interface.

Abstract: A blasting control system includes a detonator module, and a blasting machine interface configured for serial communication between a blasting machine and the detonator module. The detonator module includes a detonator, a unique electronic ID, a switch configured to enable/disable the detonator in response to verification of the unique electronic ID, a communication device configured for communication with the blasting machine interface, and a processor responsive to instructions from the communication device. The blasting machine interface includes an I/O device, a communication device, and a processor responsive to the I/O device and the communication device. Upon verification of the unique electronic ID via communication from a user via the blasting machine interface, a state of the switch associated with the detonator is placed in an unlocked mode so as to enable activation of the associated detonator upon a fire signal from the blasting machine via the blasting machine interface.

Abstract: An electrical interface apparatus includes two electrical input terminals, a microprocessor disposed in electrical communication with the two electrical input terminals, and a connector disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor. The two input terminals are disposed and configured to be releasably connected to two detonator leg wires of a detonator, the microprocessor is configured to receive an input signal from the two detonator leg wires when a voltage reference is injected into the two detonator leg wires via the two electrical input terminals, and the connector is disposed and configured to be releasably connected to a handheld computer.

Abstract: A booster for high efficiency initiation of an explosive material comprising a body portion having substantially tapered sides and a substantially flat interface surface at the larger end of the body portion extending generally laterally thereof for contacting the explosive material. A plurality of passageways may be formed in the booster to receive a means for detonating same. When compared with traditional cylindrical boosters of either equal weight or equally sized interface surfaces, the disclosed booster resulted in shorter run-up distance and a more effective release of explosive energy. Although numerous geometric configurations of the booster are disclosed, a presently preferred embodiment thereof takes the shape of a conical frustum, the larger planar surface of which is to be oriented as the interface surface toward the explosive material to be detonated.