Patents Assigned to Orica Explosives Technology PTY Ltd.
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Patent number: 8502077Abstract: A conductive element suitable for the transmission of an electrical operating signal to a detonator, which conductive element comprises a conductive filler homogeneously dispersed in a polymer matrix.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: David Brian Kay, Rodney Wayne Appleby, Richard John Goodridge, Dong Yang Wu, Stuart Arthur Bateman, Carmelo Dell'Olio
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Publication number: 20130147253Abstract: A method of mining a mineral deposit includes setting a plurality of explosive charges at spaced pre-blast locations in the deposit, wherein at least selected pre-blast locations also carry respective markers that are such that the post-blast location of at least a useful proportion will be detectable after explosion of the charges. After the charges are exploded to fragment the deposit, the post-blast locations of certain of the markers are detected to obtain an indication of the relative positions of selected components of the mineral deposit after the fragmentation of the deposit by the exploding of the charges. Also disclosed is a method utilising a plurality of markers arranged to emit a detectable signal after blast fragmentation, and detecting the post-blast locations by triangulation techniques employing a plurality of receiver detectors. A further aspect proposes the use of secondary explosive charges as post-blast markers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventor: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD
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Publication number: 20130068792Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing flowable explosive, the apparatus including an explosive pump for pumping flowable explosive into an explosive tank having a fluid pressure-actuated piston movable therein for expelling flowable explosive out of the explosive tank through a delivery hose fitted with an injector through which one or more additives from one or more additive tanks can he pumped by an additive pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventor: Marc RANCOURT
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Patent number: 8398175Abstract: A method of mining a mineral deposit includes setting a plurality of explosive charges at spaced pre-blast locations in the deposit, wherein at least selected pre-blast locations also carry respective markers that are such that the post-blast location of at least a useful proportion will be detectable after explosion of the charges. After the charges are exploded to fragment the deposit, the post-blast locations of certain of the markers are detected to obtain an indication of the relative positions of selected components of the mineral deposit after the fragmentation of the deposit by the exploding of the charges. Also disclosed is a method utilizing a plurality of markers arranged to emit a detectable signal after blast fragmentation, and detecting the post-blast locations by triangulation techniques employing a plurality of receiver detectors. A further aspect proposes the use of secondary explosive charges as post-blast markers.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Alexander Theofile Spathis, Peter Conran Dare-Bryan, Rodney Wayne Appleby, Richard John Goodridge
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Patent number: 8395878Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for communicating wireless signals between components of a blasting apparatus, with the intention of conducting a blasting event. In preferred embodiments, the methods are particularly suited to through -rock transmission of wireless command signals, and optionally wireless calibration or synchronization signals, thereby to achieve timed actuation of explosive charges positioned below ground under the control of one or more blasting machines located at or above a surface of the ground, with a high degree of accuracy. Further disclosed are blasting apparatuses and components thereof suitable for use, for example, in conducting the methods of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Ronald F. Stewart, Michael J. McCann
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Patent number: 8385042Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventors: Michael John McCann, Ronald F. Stewart
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Publication number: 20120282680Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of deactivating an explosive composition in order to render the composition safe. The present invention also relates to a cartridge that contains an explosive composition and that is adapted to achieve deactivation of the explosive composition in the event that it is not detonated as intended during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2008Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Richard Goodridge, Deane Tunaley, Steve Kotsonis, Les Armstrong, Brad Beikoff, Thomas Smylie
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Publication number: 20120282785Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for connecting a variety of wires at a blast site, for versatile set-up of lines extending for example between a blasting machine and detonators, or between different detonators. Also disclosed are methods for providing electrical connection between various components of a blasting apparatus at a blast site.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventors: Charles Michael Lownds, James Blair Hamblen
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Patent number: 8282752Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing flowable explosive, the apparatus including an explosive pump for pumping flowable explosive into an explosive tank having a fluid pressure-actuated piston movable therein for expelling flowable explosive out of the explosive tank through a delivery hose fitted with an injector through which one or more additives from one or more additive tanks can be pumped by an additive pump.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventor: Marc Rancourt
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Publication number: 20120242135Abstract: A method of blasting rock at an underground blast site in which boreholes (11a, b, c) are drilled in a rock mass (10) from a drive defining face (12), each borehole is loaded with at least one charge of explosive material (13a-c, 14a-c, 15a-c), at least one detonator is placed in operative association with each charge, and a sequence of at least two initiation events is conducted to blast the rock mass, in each of which only some of the charges are initiated, by sending firing signals to only the detonators associated with said charges and in which each initiation event is a discrete user-controlled initiation event. In one of the at least two initiation events a stranded portion of the rock mass such as a pillar is created that has already been drilled and charged, and the stranded portion of the rock mass is blasted in a subsequent one or more of the at least two initiation events without personnel accessing said stranded portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD,Inventors: Stuart Patrick Thomson, Sean Michael Freeman
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Patent number: 8272325Abstract: A detonator free blasting system, which comprises: a bulk explosive; a confined explosive; a fiber optic adapted to deliver laser light to the confined explosive, wherein the confined explosive is provided relative to the bulk explosive such that detonation of the confined explosive causes initiation of the bulk explosive.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty., Ltd.Inventors: Richard John Goodridge, Rodney Wayne Appleby, David Olaf Johnson, Thomas Miller
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Publication number: 20120060983Abstract: A delay composition for a detonator or delay device. The composition comprising a mixture of silicon and barium sulfate, and an amount of red lead in the range of about 3 to 15%, and preferably 6 to 12%, by weight of the mixture. The invention also relates to a delay element comprising a rigid metal tube containing the delay composition, and a delay device incorporating the delay element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD.Inventor: Réjean Aubé
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Publication number: 20120042800Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventors: Michael John McCann, Ronald F. Stewart
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Patent number: 8069789Abstract: Fire, arm, and disarm signals are typically transmitted to electronic detonators via signal transmission lines. Traditionally, such signal transmission lines include wires wherein one end of each wire is soldered directly to printed circuit boards and/or other signal processing components retained within the shell of a detonator. Other ‘modular’ blasting apparatuses of the prior art provide means to connect signal transmission lines to detonators in the field. Signal transmission line/detonator contacts are susceptible to disruption, particularly when the signal transmission lines are subject to inadvertent tugging or tensile forces at the blast site. The present application discloses an electrical connector that enables secure connection between a signal transmission line and any detonator adapted to receive and optionally process electrical signals from the signal transmission line.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Dirk Hummel, Thomas Boos
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Patent number: 8066832Abstract: A delay composition for a detonator or delay device. The composition comprising a mixture of silicon and barium sulfate, and an amount of red lead in the range of about 3 to 15%, and preferably 6 to 12%, by weight of the mixture. The invention also relates to a delay element comprising a rigid metal tube containing the delay composition, and a delay device incorporating the delay element.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventor: Réjean Aubé
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Publication number: 20110265677Abstract: A plurality of detonator assemblies in signal communication with a blasting machine, each detonator assembly consisting of a detonator, a storage compartment for storing programmed delay time and/or oscillation count and a countdown oscillator. A transmitter for transmitting a blast rehearsal stop start and stop signal, said signals being separated by said programmed delay time individually selected for each detonator signal. The oscillator counting the total oscillation count corresponding to said delay time. When a detonator assembly receives a FIRE command, the individual countdown oscillators countdowns the total oscillation count associated with its detonator assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology PTY LTDInventors: Dirk Hummel, Michael John Mccann
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Patent number: 8006622Abstract: Detonators comprising a base charge of explosive material present a safety hazard for transportation and storage, especially when a plurality of detonators are packaged together. Disclosed herein are detonator protectors for the explosive ends of detonators that, at least in preferred forms, prevent ejection of shrapnel and/or explosive energy upon detonator actuation. Also disclosed are corresponding detonator assemblies, packages comprising protected detonators or detonator assemblies, and corresponding packaging methods.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Daniel Ricardo Munoz Saldarriaga, Bruce Allen Underwood
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Publication number: 20110155500Abstract: An explosive cartridge comprising: an explosive composition; a deactivating agent that is capable of desensitising the explosive composition; and a barrier element that prevents contact between the explosive composition and the deactivating agent and that is adapted to be at least partially removed on use of the explosive cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicants: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationInventors: Thomas Smylie, Richard John Goodbridge, Deane Tunaley, Steven Kotsonis, Les Armstrong, Brad Beikoff, Alexandria Bilyk, Zang Xiaoqing, Long Yu, Doung Yang Wu
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Patent number: 7965490Abstract: In the method for assigning a delay time to an electronic delay detonator. The detonator includes a data register (24) into which a desired delay time value, supplied by a controller, is written. Subsequently, over a predetermined time period (t) the contents of the data register (24) is repetitively added to a counter register (26) in which the contents is accumulated. After a division of the counter register contents through the calibration time, the contents of the counter register (26) is subsequently counted down using the same oscillator (18) which has controlled the accumulation process. The invention allows the delay time value supplied by the controller to be exactly adhered with, using an oscillator (18) of low accuracy and without feedback from the detonator (12) to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventor: Dirk Hummel
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Patent number: 7958824Abstract: Blasting apparatuses are disclosed that include enhanced security features, including biometric analysis of specific biological features of a candidate blast operator, thereby to generate a biometric signature. Other corresponding methods relate to cross-referencing of biometric signatures between components of the blasting system. Additional security features of the blasting apparatuses, and corresponding methods of blasting employing the blasting apparatuses, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventor: Ronald F. Stewart