Patents by Inventor Dirk Hummel
Dirk Hummel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20220128343Abstract: A wireless initiation device comprises a power source, a processing module, a first housing and an initiation unit. The processing module processes wireless electromagnetic communications signals received by an electromagnetic receiver system associated with the processing module. The wireless electromagnetic communications signals includes a wireless electromagnetic communications signal representative of a FIRE command. The processing module is configured to generate an initiation signal upon receipt of the FIRE command. At least one of the power source and the processing module is disposed in the first housing, and the first housing has a first connector. The initiation unit has a second housing within which is disposed an initiation module that is configured to discharge initiation energy sufficient to initiate an explosive charge associated with the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Byron WICKS, Dirk HUMMEL, Thomas BOOS
-
Patent number: 11248895Abstract: A wireless initiation device comprises a power source, a processing module, a first housing and an initiation unit. The processing module processes wireless electromagnetic communications signals received by an electromagnetic receiver system associated with the processing module. The wireless electromagnetic communications signals includes a wireless electromagnetic communications signal representative of a FIRE command. The processing module is configured to generate an initiation signal upon receipt of the FIRE command. At least one of the power source and the processing module is disposed in the first housing, and the first housing has a first connector. The initiation unit has a second housing within which is disposed an initiation module that is configured to discharge initiation energy sufficient to initiate an explosive charge associated with the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Orica International Pte LtdInventors: Byron Wicks, Dirk Hummel, Thomas Boos
-
Publication number: 20180231361Abstract: A wireless initiation device comprises a power source, a processing module, a first housing and an initiation unit. The processing module processes wireless electromagnetic communications signals received by an electromagnetic receiver system associated with the processing module. The wireless electromagnetic communications signals includes a wireless electromagnetic communications signal representative of a FIRE command. The processing module is configured to generate an initiation signal upon receipt of the FIRE command. At least one of the power source and the processing module is disposed in the first housing, and the first housing has a first connector. The initiation unit has a second housing within which is disposed an initiation module that is configured to discharge initiation energy sufficient to initiate an explosive charge associated with the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2015Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Byron WICKS, Dirk HUMMEL, Thomas BOOS
-
Patent number: 8861172Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Michael John McCann
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Publication number: 20090260532Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventor: Dirk Hummel
-
Publication number: 20090193993Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2006Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Michael John McCann
-
Patent number: 7568429Abstract: Wireless detonators, and corresponding wireless detonator systems present opportunities for blasting arrangements that avoid the need for physical wire connections between the blasting components. The present application discloses a wireless detonator assembly, a corresponding blasting apparatus, and a method of use thereof. The wireless detonator assembly comprises a charge storage device that is capable of storing charge for discharge into a firing circuit upon receipt of an appropriate wireless command signal to FIRE, from an associated blasting machine. In preferred embodiments, the charge storage device remains or becomes charged, at least for a specific time period, if the wireless detonator assembly receives a suitable “keep alive” command signal from an associated blasting machine—otherwise the charge storage device discharges with little or no effect upon the firing circuit, such that the wireless detonator assembly retain or adopts a safe mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Dirk Hummel, Michael J. McCann, Ronald F. Stewart
-
Publication number: 20080302264Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2006Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Michael John McCann, Ronald F. Stewart
-
Publication number: 20080282925Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventors: Charles Michael LOWNDS, Ronald F. STEWART, Dirk Hummel
-
Publication number: 20080041261Abstract: Wireless blasting systems present significant technical challenges. Discloses herein are blasting apparatuses, and methods for their use, that employ a network of blasting machines and detonators, each detonator capable of wireless communication not only with the blasting machines, but also with other detonators, so that those detonators (and associated components) that are “blind” to communication with the blasting machines can remain functional in the blasting network. Importantly, the wireless signal receiving, processing and transmitting means associated with each detonator is powered by a supply insufficient to cause inadvertent detonator initiation unless a specific FIRE signal is transmitted by a blasting machine, and received by the detonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2006Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Michael Mccann, Charles Lownds, Erich Nicol Meyer
-
Publication number: 20070207669Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2005Publication date: September 6, 2007Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventors: Dirk Hummel, Thomas Boos
-
Publication number: 20070044673Abstract: Wireless detonators, and corresponding wireless detonator systems present opportunities for blasting arrangements that avoid the need for physical wire connections between the blasting components. The present application discloses a wireless detonator assembly, a corresponding blasting apparatus, and a method of use thereof. The wireless detonator assembly comprises a charge storage device that is capable of storing charge for discharge into a firing circuit upon receipt of an appropriate wireless command signal to FIRE, from an associated blasting machine. In preferred embodiments, the charge storage device remains or becomes charged, at least for a specific time period, if the wireless detonator assembly receives a suitable “keep alive” command signal from an associated blasting machine—otherwise the charge storage device discharges with little or no effect upon the firing circuit, such that the wireless detonator assembly retain or adopts a safe mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2006Publication date: March 1, 2007Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Michael McCann, Ronald Stewart