Abstract: A network extension device comprising a CPU, memory, protected I/O connectable to local controls and peripherals, external communications port, a trusted device connected to the CPU such that it can provide attestation of the network extension device's trusted operation to a connected known external network, and a protected interface connected to at least one network extension module that includes a local network communications port. Optionally, a traffic encryption module may be provided, and the trusted device's attestation may include a check of its operation. Also, a method comprising connecting the network extension device to an external network, performing an operating mode check, causing the network extension device to operate in a mode and perform a security check that correspond to the result, causing the trusted device to attest trusted operation to the external network and thereafter causing the CPU to function fully and permitting access to the external network.

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 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: An adjustable measuring scoop including a partition that is movable so as to result in a scoop size that can be selectively determined between a maximum and a minimum by ready manual manipulation of the scoop. Part of the perimeter of the movable partition may include a lip (which may further include a flange and/or a seal) that is preferably configured and formed of suitable materials so as to permit for the containment of fine powders, liquids, etc. The movable partition may also include a depression formed on its upper surface for the convenient temporary holding of materials.

Abstract: A hybrid electronic and electromechanical arm-fire device comprising a moving mechanical element having a safe position and an armed position, one or more pyrotechnic detonators each having an output mounted on the moving mechanical element, a pickup adjacent to the detonator output(s) that is in alignment therewith when the moving mechanical element is in the armed position but is not so aligned when the moving mechanical element is in the safe position, and electronic circuitry including a logic core having an electronic switch. The electronic circuitry may also include an electronic sensor such as a photointerruptor.

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: 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 system such as an electronic blasting system, and a slave device for use in the system, in which 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 pertaining to the slave device.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a pyrotechnic element configured to ablate, tear, or cut a portion of the circuit. The portion of the circuit to be broken may be formed to be readily broken and/or may be a current load-based fuse. Also, the circuit breaker may be configured to ensure predictable progressive lateral tearing of the portion of the circuit to be broken; the circuit breaker may optionally be configured so that substantially all of the pyrotechnic element's output is focused on breaking the circuit; and the circuit breaker may optionally include a positive displacement mechanism that, after actuation of the pyrotechnic igniter, prevents the circuit breaker from inadvertently re-closing.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with an integral, unitary, overmolded insulating body that eliminates the need for separate components to form the body, and the method of molding same.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a pyrotechnic element configured to ablate or cut a portion of the circuit so as to break the circuit, thereby breaking the circuit. The portion of the circuit to be broken may be specially formed to be readily ablated or cut, and/or may be a current load-based fuse.

Abstract: A quick-loosening mechanical linking device that includes housing, a release cavity having a predetermined height, a bolt, and an actuator. The bolt is disposed within the housing and includes an attachment means projecting out from the housing, a release zone such as an intended failure zone, and a head with a piston face. Upon actuation of the actuator, the bolt deforms and/or fails at the release zone and the attachment means moves farther out from the housing by a distance equal to the height of the release cavity. The release cavity preferably includes an abutment formed at its bottom, and the actuator is preferably an electric initiator having a pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: Firing-readiness diagnostics in an electronic pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator or an electronic blasting system thereof. The diagnostics may include a check for any incompatible attached devices, a resistance or continuity check of an ignition element, and/or a capacitance check of a firing capacitor.

Abstract: An adjustable measuring scoop including a movable partition that adjustably rotates on a rotating means such as an axle so as to result in a scoop size that can be selectively determined between a maximum and a minimum by ready manual manipulation of the scoop. The movable partition and rotating means are preferably configured so that the movable partition moves toward and away from the scoop's opening, permitting, e.g., a symmetric frontal contour that may be more effective in scooping from a container. Adjustment of the movable partition may also optionally be effected by means including a manual slide that has a linear and/or relatively short range of motion. The movable partition may also optionally be effectively implemented without an accompanying covering portion, permitting a design in which scooping with and/or cleaning of the device may be cleaner and/or easier.

Abstract: An adjustable measuring scoop including a movable partition that adjustably rotates on a rotating means such as an axle so as to result in a scoop size that can be selectively determined between a maximum and a minimum by ready manual manipulation of the scoop. The movable partition and rotating means are preferably configured so that the movable partition moves toward and away from the scoop's opening, permitting, e.g., a symmetric frontal contour that may be more effective in scooping from a container. Adjustment of the movable partition may also optionally be effected by means including a manual slide that has a linear and/or relatively short range of motion.