Patents Assigned to Orica Explosives Technology PTY Ltd.
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Publication number: 20110124945Abstract: A method of deactivating an explosive composition provided in an explosive cartridge, which method comprises exposing the explosive composition to a deactivating agent that renders the explosive composition insensitive to detonation, wherein the deactivating agent is a chemical.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventors: Thomas Smylie, Richard John Goodridge, Deane Tunaley, Steven Kotsonis, Les Armstrong, Brad Beikoff
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Patent number: 7929270Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Dirk Hummel, Michael John McCann
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Publication number: 20110067591Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventor: Ronald F. Stewart
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Patent number: 7911760Abstract: An electronic blasting system (1) comprising a control unit (3), a surface harness and electronic detonators (4) connected to the surface harness by a 2-wire lead, the detonators (4) being adapted to provide information to the control unit (3) in response to command signals transmitted by the control unit (3) along the surface harness; wherein the surface harness comprises a primary line (2) with trunk lines (5) connect to it, wherein each trunk line (5) has connected to it individual detonators (4) making up the same row, wherein each trunk line (5) is connected to the primary line (2) by an actuator (6), and wherein each trunk line (5) includes an actuator (7) between adjacent detonators (4).Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventor: Charles Michael Lownds
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Publication number: 20110053255Abstract: A method of deactivating an explosive composition provided in an explosive cartridge, which method comprises exposing the explosive composition to a deactivating agent that renders the explosive composition insensitive to detonation, wherein the deactivating agent is a plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventors: Thomas Smylie, Richard John Goodridge, Deane Tunaley, Steven Kotsonis, Les Armstrong, Brad Beikoff
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Patent number: 7891296Abstract: A method of producing an assembly of a connector block (1, 21, 40) and a detonator (5, 25, 41) suitable for retaining at least one shock tube (4, 24) adjacent to a percussion-actuation end (15, 26) of the detonator, and to an assembly thus produced and a connector block therefor. The method comprising inserting a detonator into a connector block having a housing (2, 22, 40) provided with a bore (13, 31, 44), positioning the detonator in the bore of the housing so that the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is positioned adjacent to a slot (14, 35) for receiving the shock tubes; and fixing the detonator in the housing. The detonator is fixed in the housing by causing a body of material (10) to flow plastically into the recess in the detonator and to harden therein to form a locking element fixed to the housing, thereby preventing accidental movement of the detonator within the connector block.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Peter Thomas Husk, Ross Ian Gourlay
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Publication number: 20100327011Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventor: Marc Rancourt
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Patent number: 7848078Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Dirk Hummel, Charles Michael Lownds
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Publication number: 20100275799Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Charles Michael Lownds
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Patent number: 7823508Abstract: Mining operations frequently involve the use of electric or electronic delay detonators in operative association with an explosive charge contained in a booster. Disclosed herein are connectors for connecting a signal transmission line to a detonator associated with a booster. In this way, the connectors, at least in preferred embodiments, allow the production of a substantially sealed booster assembly having a secure electrical connection to a signal transmission line. Also disclosed are methods of producing substantially sealed booster assemblies, and methods for their use in mining operations.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: David Geoffrey Anderson, Jan Mark Brochocki, Peter Thomas Husk, Christine Geneviève Pierrette Quesnel
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Patent number: 7810430Abstract: A wireless or partially wireless detonator assembly (10) and corresponding blasting apparatus, that may be “powered Up” by a remote source of power (13) that is entirely distinct from the energy used for general command signal communications (16). In one embodiment, the detonator assembly (10) may include an active power source (25) with sufficient power for communications, but insufficient power to cause intentional or inadvertent actuation of the detonator (10).Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Sek Kwan Chan, Ronald F. Stewart, Howard A. Bampfield
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Patent number: 7798065Abstract: A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator. The connector block comprises a housing (2, 21) having a bore (4, 23) formed therein for receiving a detonator (6, 36) provided with a percussion-actuation end (7, 25), a shock tube retention means (8, 28) defining with the housing a slot (9, 29) for receiving therein at least one shock tube (10, 30) and holding the at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator present in the bore, the slot having an entrance (12, 32) for allowing insertion of the at least one shock tube into the slot, and a flexible and resilient closure member (11, 31) or an inflexible closure member (50) pivotable on a sprung hinge (51) extending partially or fully into the entrance.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventors: Sek Kwan Chan, George Gary Kelly, Joseph Georges Mario Lecompte
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Patent number: 7791858Abstract: An electronic blasting system (10) comprising a plurality of hardware components (12.1 to 12.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty, Ltd.Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Michael John McCann, Charles Michael Lownds, Erich Nicol Meyer
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Patent number: 7778006Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventors: Ronald F. Stewart, David Geoffrey Anderson, Michael J. McCann
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Patent number: 7763133Abstract: A method of transporting a liquid product down a vertical conduit having an inlet provided at the top of the conduit and an outlet provided at the bottom of the conduit, which method comprises feeding the liquid product into the inlet of the conduit and contacting the liquid product with means for dissipating potential energy released by the liquid product as it is transported down the conduit so that turbulence in the liquid product at the outlet of the conduit is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventor: Stephen Thomson
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Publication number: 20100180786Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventors: Richard John Goodridge, Rodney Wayne Appleby, David Olaf Johnson, Thomas Miller
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Publication number: 20100180788Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2008Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Dirk Hummel, Charles Michael Lownds
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Publication number: 20100162912Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2007Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicants: Orica Explosives Technology Pty, Ltd., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Or ganisationInventors: David Brian Kay, Rodney Wayne Appleby, Richard John Goodridge, Dong Yang Wu, Stuart Arthur Bateman, Carmelo Dell'Olio
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Patent number: 7707939Abstract: Methods of blasting rock are disclosed and claimed in which blast holes are arranged in group of 2 to 7 blast holes. Within each of the groups, adjacent columns of explosive material (12) are actuated within 5 ms of one another Initiation of blasting between the respective groups occurs at least 8 ms after completion of initiation of an adjacent group. Initiation devices (13, 24) may be located at the lower end, upper end or both ends of the respective blast holes, depending on the stress field that is intended to be generated within the rock. As a result, environmental stresses such as ground vibrations are reduced, and the efficiency of rock fragmentation are increased.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Geoffrey Frederick Brent, Alan Minchinton, Michael John Noy
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Patent number: 7661365Abstract: The present invention provides for a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. The connector blocks of the present invention comprise a slot (7, 26, 46, 64, 87) for the retention of shock tubes therein, wherein the slot is configured to induce a bend (8a, 27a, 47a, 91a) in the shock tube(s). In this way, the position of the shock tube(s) relative to the detonator is significantly improved. Air gaps between the shock tubes and the detonator, resulting from manufacturing tolerances, can be substantially eliminated. Moreover, the connector blocks of the present invention provide an increased security of shock tube retention, thereby reducing the risk of accidental shock tube removal or displacement.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Sek Kwan Chan