Abstract: An inertial igniter including: a housing; a striker mass movable relative to the housing; a biasing element for biasing the striker mass towards a percussion primer; one or more movable members each having one or more stops, the one or more stops having a first position for preventing a portion of the striker mass from striking the percussion primer and a second position allowing the portion of the striker mass to strike the percussion primer; wherein the movable members move the one or more stops to the second position when subjected to a predetermined acceleration profile.

Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.

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 electronic ignition safety device configured to reject signals below a predetermined ‘all-fire’ voltage comprising an exploding foil initiator having an electrical input and an output end, a pickup comprising a secondary explosive donor charge adjacent to the exploding foil initiator's output end and separated from a secondary explosive acceptor charge by an integral barrier, and an output charge adjacent to the acceptor charge.

Abstract: The invention provides a blasting system which includes a plurality of electronic detonators which are configured in a blast array which has at least one row and a plurality of detonators in the row, each detonator including a memory in which is stored at least a respective identity code which is dependent, at least, on the row on which the detonator is, and on the detonator's position in the row, a harness which interconnects the detonators, and at least one control unit, connected to the harness, which generates a signal to fire the detonators.

Abstract: A system, for example an electronic blasting system, in which a detection command is issued by a master device to all slave devices connected to the system, causing all slave devices that have not been identified to the master device to respond.

Abstract: An electrical delay detonator for use in blasting initiation systems energized by a non-electric impulse signal transmitted through a non-electrical conduit, such as a shock tube, with one end inserted inside a detonator housing having redundant sensors for detecting the presence of a non-electric impulse signal and a computerized control circuit for actuating the firing circuit. An elevated voltage is generated, stored in a capacitor assembly, and discharged when fired to an electrically operable igniter. The igniter, when activated, detonates an explosive mass. A battery is also contained within the detonator housing for powering the control circuit and one sensor, in low consumption mode, for several days. Upon detecting the presence of a signal the rest of the circuits are powered up. Periodic time windows generated by the control assembly provide corresponding enabled time periods for the sensors to become operational.

Abstract: The invention provides a blasting system which includes a plurality of electronic detonators which are configured in a blast array which has at least one row and a plurality of detonators in the row, each detonator including a memory in which is stored at least a respective identity code which is dependent, at least, on the row on which the detonator is, and on the detonator's position in the row, a harness which interconnects the detonators, and at least one control unit, connected to the harness, which generates a signal to fire the detonators.

Abstract: Microcontroller apparatuses and methods of use are disclosed. An explosive projectile system contains a faze and a remote fuze setter. The fuze includes a microcontroller comprising an RC-based clock generator and is configured to sample an accurate timing event sent from a crystal-based or similarly accurate timing device. The microcontroller is then calibrated with the received timing event and results are employed in a manner appropriate for desired implementation. Implementations of the microcontroller may include sampling a detonation delay value, in the form of a time pulse, and calibrating the microcontroller to issue a fire command at delay time after an impact event. Additionally, in a setter calibration application, a microcontroller may receive a carrier signal, calibrate the faze to an accurate time base and then set frequency boundary limits for subsequent data bit transfers.

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: An ammunition round assembly with alternate load path is disclosed herein. The ammunition round assembly includes a projectile, a body engaging the projectile, and a non-combustible base at least partially enclosing the body. A structural member having first and second engagement portions opposite to each other is positioned inside an interior space defined by the body and the base. The first engagement portion firmly engages the base, and the second engagement portion firmly engages the projectile to provide an alternate load path between the projectile and the base.

Abstract: An electronic detonator control chip (100) includes a communication interface circuit (101), a rectification bridge circuit (102), a charging circuit (103), a charging control circuit (110), a power management circuit (104), a firing control circuit (105), a logic control circuit (106), a non-volatile memory (107), a reset circuit (111), a safe discharging circuit (108), and a clock circuit (202). Wherein, the communication interface circuit (101) includes a data modulation module (210) and a data demodulation module (211) including two data demodulation circuits (212). The logic control circuit (106) further includes a programmable delay module (281), an input/out interface (282), a serial communication interface (283), a prescaler (284), a CPU (285), and so on.

Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level.

Abstract: For use in a system having a master device and slave devices (e.g., an electronic blasting system) and utilizing an automatic detection process that causes any slave devices that have not previously been identified to the master device to identify themselves to the master device, an enhancement to the detection process employs at least a second discriminator to detect superimposed responses from simultaneously responding slave devices, and a “deconvolution” algorithm in order to ascertain their identities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a planet uses an explosion to lift a dust cloud into the atmosphere. The dust cloud shields the surface of the planet from some sunlight. One aspect of the invention relates to detonating an explosive to generate a dust cloud and to create an updraft to lift the dust cloud into the atmosphere where it can be spread by winds over the area to be cooled. The dust in the atmosphere blocks sunlight from reaching the surface, allowing the planet to cool. Multiple explosions at multiple locations or at the same location may be use for greater cooling. Explosions may be caused by nuclear weapons or by the impact of an asteroid or comet.

Abstract: An improved system and method for ignition of a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is provided where a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to a detonator tube having a fill point and an open end and an igniter placed at an ignition point within the detonator tube is ignited while the gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the detonator tube. A detonation impulse is produced at the ignition point that propagates to the open end of said detonator tube where it can be supplied to a detonation tube having an open end, to an internal combustion engine, a combustion chamber, and to a pulse detonation engine.

Abstract: A method of detonating one or more pyrotechnic devices located within a motor vehicle comprises: locating the detonation control unit of the vehicle; removing the vehicle wiring loom connector from the detonation control unit; connecting the said connector to a first connector (4) provided at one end of a detonation control cable, the detonation control cable including, in addition to a first connector (4) for mating with the wiring loom connector, a length of cable (2) and a second connector (3) for connection to a detonation device, and incorporating means for rendering unusable the detonation control cable after a single use; connecting the second connector (3) of the detonation control cable to an external detonation device; and operating the external detonation device to detonate all the pyrotechnic devices within the vehicle via the wiring loom of the vehicle and, at the same time, to render the detonation control cable incapable of further use.

Abstract: An electronic blasting capsule which includes a housing which contains a propellant, a fuse, a sensor for detecting the position of the housing in a capsule delivery path, an energy arrangement for obtaining energy from an external energy source, and a controller, responsive to the sensor and the energy arrangement, for firing the fuse to initiate the propellant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for selective control of groups of wireless initiation devices such as wireless electronic boosters at a blast site. Such methods may be applied to a wide variety of blasting techniques that would benefit from the use of wireless control and initiation of explosive charges at the blast site.

Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.

Abstract: Blasting operations for mining frequently involve a large number of detonators for a single blasting event. An important step in the execution of a blast is to perform a roll-call to check that all detonator assemblies placed at the blast site are in communication with a blasting machine, and forming operative components of the blasting apparatus. Disclosed herein are blasting apparatuses and methods of blasting that streamline this roll-call step, thereby reducing time consumed in the blasting process.

Abstract: The networked electronic ordnance system connects a number of pyrotechnic devices to a bus controller using lighter and less voluminous cabling, in a more efficient network architecture, than previously possible. Each pyrotechnic device contains an initiator, which includes a pyrotechnic assembly and an electronics assembly. One or more pyrotechnic devices each contain a logic device having a unique identifier. The pyrotechnic devices are individually controlled by the bus controller by addressing the unique identifier of each logic device. Each pyrotechnic device preferably includes an energy reserve capacitor which stores firing energy upon arming. Both digital and analog fire control conditions are provided before an armed pyrotechnic device can be fired. A plurality of initiators and/or other components of the system may be packaged together on a single substrate and networked together via that substrate.

Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level.

Abstract: A method to ensure payload activation of ordnance independently of a preset period of time including the steps of providing a power source to a clock, a detonator and a trigger circuit; the clock providing an initial count and a terminal count; the initial count providing a trigger signal to the trigger; the trigger circuit providing a terminal count signal to a self-destruct system if a malfunction results in no clock operation.

Abstract: A detonator system which includes an array of a plurality of discrete time delay relays (16) connected in series to one another, and a plurality of detonators (28) which are respectively connected to the array at spaced intervals (22).

Abstract: A method and system for accurate timing in a low current system useful in fuzing applications generates a first count of oscillations of an oscillator of unknown frequency during a first period of unknown duration. A second count of oscillations of the oscillator is generated during a second period of a known duration. The duration of the first period is calculated based on the first count and the second count. A solid-state, thin-film battery is able to be used by virtue of low-current characteristics of the system, enabling extended shelf life for fuzing systems.

Abstract: A method for logging a plurality of slave devices is suggested, comprising the following steps: a) connecting a plurality of slave devices each having an identity and a pyrotechnic charge to an electrical conduit; b) after step a), connecting a logging device comprising a power supply, an electrical interface, and a memory and c)causing the logging device to communicate with each of the plurality of slave devices while the plurality of slave devices is simultaneously connected to the electrical conduit.

Abstract: A remote firing system for remotely detonating explosive charges includes features that provide safety and efficiency improvements. These features include safety communication among multiple remote devices and multiple controller devices, a polling functionality permitting rapid deployment of system devices, electronic key systems, programmable remote devices for easy replacement of failing remote devices, and an event history log for the remote devices for efficient diagnostic evaluation.

Abstract: The networked electronic ordnance system connects a number of pyrotechnic devices to a bus controller using lighter and less voluminous cabling, in a more efficient network architecture, than previously possible. Each pyrotechnic device contains an initiator, which includes a pyrotechnic assembly and an electronics assembly. One or more pyrotechnic devices each contain a logic device having a unique identifier. The pyrotechnic devices are individually controlled by the bus controller by addressing the unique identifier of each logic device. Each pyrotechnic device preferably includes an energy reserve capacitor which stores firing energy upon arming. Both digital and analog fire control conditions are provided before an armed pyrotechnic device can be fired. A plurality of initiators and/or other components of the system may be packaged together on a single substrate and networked together via that substrate.

Abstract: A system, for example an electronic blasting system, in which a detection command is issued by a master device to all slave devices connected to the system, causing all slave devices that have not been identified to the master device to respond.

Abstract: A method of dynamically- and continuously-variable rate asynchronous data transfer, such as for use in an electronic blasting system, may employ a device that transmits data including synchronization bits and bits conveying other information, and a device that ascertains the rate of transmission of the synchronization bits and receives the bits conveying the other information at the ascertained rate of transmission.

Abstract: A method for logging a plurality of slave devices is suggested, comprising the following steps: a) connecting a plurality of slave devices each having an identity and a pyrotechnic charge to an electrical conduit; b) after step a), connecting a logging device comprising a power supply, an electrical interface, and a memory and c)causing the logging device to communicate with each of the plurality of slave devices while the plurality of slave devices is simultaneously connected to the electrical conduit.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: A multiple slave logging device, or “logger” for use in a system such as an electronic blasting system. The logger is able to communicate with multiple slave devices connected to it, and preferably also is able to communicate with a slave device connected individually. The logger preferably utilizes current modulation-based talkback from the slave devices, and optionally may also be adapted to detect the presence of inappropriate slave devices connected to the system.

Abstract: A multi-mode fuze includes first and second microprocessors, the first microprocessor being connected to a resistor/capacitor oscillator and the second microprocessor being connected to a quartz crystal oscillator, the first and second microprocessors being connected to each other, the second microprocessor being operable to time calibrate the first microprocessor; a safe and arm device connected to the first microprocessor; power storage capacitors connected to the first microprocessor; a nose mounted impact switch connected to the first microprocessor; at least one impact delay circuit connected to the first microprocessor; and at least one acceleration switch connected to the first microprocessor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a blasting operation using blast control equipment to initiate a plurality of detonators at a blast site. According to the method, the full use of the blast control equipment is inhibited, a validation process on information is conducted, and, if the information is validated, at least partial use of the blast control equipment is enabled. The blasting system includes at least one installation of blast control equipment and a plurality of detonators that are configured to be initiated by the blast control equipment, a control facility, and a transmitter for transmitting an enabling signal to at least one selected installation which allows the blast control equipment at the selected installation to initiate the plurality of detonators.

Abstract: A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.

Abstract: Wireless detonator assemblies (51-59) in use, form a cross-communicating network of wireless “detonator assemblies, such that communication of each wireless detonator assembly (57-59) with an associated blasting machine (50) can occur either directly, or via relay of signals (61-69) between other wireless detonator assemblies (51-56) in the network. Wireless detonator assemblies (51-59) can disseminate information (such as status information, identity information, firing codes, delay times and environmental conditions) among all of the wireless detonator assemblies in the network, while compensating for signal transmission relay delays at nodes in the network, thereby enabling the wireless detonator assemblies to detonate the explosive charges in accordance with the delay times. Various wireless detonator assemblies and corresponding blasting apparatus are disclosed and claimed. Methods of blasting using the wireless detonator assemblies and blasting apparatus are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A method for achieving zero latency timed pyrotechnic events by utilizing distributed processing is presented. A list of timed events may be used to synchronize a pyrotechnic firing sequence with music or other external events. This list is distributed over a series of embedded microprocessors. Each microprocessor is then synchronized to a master controller clock, and enabled such that each processor may then fire independently as required by the master list. This distributed process removes the split-second timing requirement from the main controller enabling the achievement of zero latency and providing significantly more timing events to be processed simultaneously while alleviating problems such as wireless radio interference delays. Each module is capable of forwarding information to other modules, which may be in a position that prevents wireless communication directly with the master controller.

Abstract: A method and system optimally determines a desired Height of Burst (HOB) over a target based solely upon the time at which the projectile reached or passes through the apogee or apex of its trajectory (ta). There are several modes of implementation. According to one mode, the downleg is determined as a percentage of the upleg. According to another mode, the time to Height Of Burst (tHOB) is calculated algebraically based substantially solely upon the time to height of apogee ta.

Abstract: A slave device for use in a system such as an electronic blasting system wherein a command is issued by a master device to all slave devices connected to the system, causing all slave devices that have not been identified to the master device to respond with identifying information and optionally other information.

Abstract: A blasting system which includes a control unit, a communications bus which is connected to the control unit, a plurality of detonators which are connected in sequence to the communications bus along its length, and a daisy chain connection between the control unit and the detonators, and wherein, within the sequence of detonators, a first detonator makes use of the daisy chain connection to enable a second following detonator so that data can be exchanged between the control unit and the second detonator using the communications bus.

Abstract: A method for achieving zero, or near zero, latency timed pyrotechnic events by utilizing distributed processing is presented. A list of timed events may be used to synchronize a pyrotechnic firing sequence with music or other external events. This list is distributed over a series of embedded microprocessors. Each microprocessor is then synchronized to a master controller clock, and enabled such that each processor may then fire independently as required by the master list. This distributed process removes the split-second timing requirement from the main controller enabling the achievement of zero latency and providing significantly more timing events to be processed simultaneously while alleviating problems such as wireless radio interference delays. Each module is capable of forwarding information to other modules, which may be a position that prevents wireless communication directly with the master controller.

Abstract: A method for electrically initiating an inertial igniter for a munition is provided. The method including: generating electrical power upon a firing acceleration of the munition: powering circuitry on board the munition with the generated electrical power; and electrically determining, at the circuitry, whether an acceleration profile experienced by the munition is an all-fire condition.

Abstract: Dynamic baselining of current modulation-based talkback from a slave device to a master device in a system such as an electronic blasting system, wherein the dynamic baselining enhances communication integrity under conditions of environmental noise and the like. With a data packet of appreciable length, the dynamic baselining is preferably performed repeatedly on the bytes or words within the packet.

Abstract: A wireless detonator assembly (10) for blasting arrangements comprising a detonator with a base charge (18), command signal receiving (11) and processing means (12), a charge storage device (13) with a firing circuit (15) for storing electrical energy, at least one power source (14) to power said command signal receiving (11) and processing means (12), and to charge said charge storage device (13), each of said at least one power source (14) capable of supplying a maximum voltage or current that is less than a threshold voltage or current to actuate said base charge (18), and said base charge (18) actuating if a voltage or current in the firing circuit (15) resulting from discharge of the electrical energy from said charge storage device (13) exceeds said threshold voltage or current.

Abstract: Electronic blasting systems typically permit blasting with detonator delay times having millisecond accuracy. Disclosed herein are blasting apparatuses and methods of blasting that are capable of even higher degrees of delay time accuracy, for example involving programmable delay times selectable to an accuracy of about 0.25 ms, 0.1 ms, or better. Such methods and apparatuses present unprecedented and unexpected advantages for both mining applications, civil engineering uses, and in seismic prospecting.

Abstract: For use in a system having a master device and slave devices (e.g., an electronic blasting system) and utilizing an automatic detection process that causes any slave devices that have not previously been identified to the master device to identify themselves to the master device, an enhancement to the detection process employs at least a second discriminator to detect superimposed responses from simultaneously responding slave devices, and a “deconvolution” algorithm in order to ascertain their identities.

Abstract: In one aspect, an artillery projectile apparatus is provided that includes a carrier projectile containing a payload, and a fuze disposed at an ogive of the projectile and which is configured to eject the payload when the fuze is detonated. The fuze includes a receiver configured to receive location information from a radionavigation source and a processor configured to acquire position data from the receiver. The processor is also configured to estimate a projectile flight path using the position data, to determine intercept parameters of the artillery projectile relative to an ejection plane of its payload cargo, and to adjust an ejection event initiation command time of the payload in accordance with the determined intercept parameters. In some configurations, the present invention dramatically decreases range errors typically associated with delivering artillery payloads to specific targets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are boosters that include components sufficient for wireless communications with an associated blasting machine. In selected aspects, there are disclosed wireless electronic boosters that are self-contained and robust. Such boosters are especially suited for underground mining operations, optionally employing automated placement of boosters at a blast site.