Abstract: Disclosed is a design approach for intrinsically safe electromagnetic devices such as electrically actuated valves, motors, generators, or transformers intended for and capable of safe operation in explosive atmospheres or environments. The design employs a plurality of electrically insulated, intrinsically safe circuits cooperating to induce, or in the case of a generator, create a relatively large magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core, or iron, of these devices. A method to construct such intrinsically safe devices is disclosed. These devices can be practically used in machines, mechanisms, valves, and manned or unmanned vehicles intended for safe operation in hazardous environments, for example underground coal mines or ATEX or EX classified facilities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a design approach for intrinsically safe electromagnetic devices such as electrically actuated valves, motors, generators, or transformers intended for and capable of safe operation in explosive atmospheres or environments. The design employs a plurality of electrically insulated, intrinsically safe circuits cooperating to induce, or in the case of a generator, create a relatively large magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core, or iron, of these devices. A method to construct such intrinsically safe devices is disclosed. These devices can be practically used in machines, mechanisms, valves, and manned or unmanned vehicles intended for safe operation in hazardous environments, for example underground coal mines or ATEX or EX classified facilities.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a mine personnel carrier includes an integrated information display and one or more processing units. The processing units may access life support data from devices associated with a life support subsystem of a mine personnel carrier. The life support subsystem provides breathable air to passengers of the mine personnel carrier, and the life support data indicates a remaining level of air available via at least a portion of the life support subsystem. The processing units access guidance data from guidance devices associated with a guidance subsystem of the mine personnel carrier. Each guidance device can detect entities within a detection range of the guidance device. The processing units initiate display in the integrated information display of at least a portion of the life support data and the guidance data. The integrated information display comprises a unified electronic display of the mine personnel carrier.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a mine personnel carrier includes an integrated information display and one or more processing units. The processing units may access life support data from devices associated with a life support subsystem of a mine personnel carrier. The life support subsystem provides breathable air to passengers of the mine personnel carrier, and the life support data indicates a remaining level of air available via at least a portion of the life support subsystem. The processing units access guidance data from guidance devices associated with a guidance subsystem of the mine personnel carrier. Each guidance device can detect entities within a detection range of the guidance device. The processing units initiate display in the integrated information display of at least a portion of the life support data and the guidance data. The integrated information display comprises a unified electronic display of the mine personnel carrier.

Abstract: A positioning, communication, and detection system designed to provide a three dimensional location of an object, navigation tools, and bidirectional surface-to-subsurface communications, and methods of using the system. The system can include one or multiple transmitters comprising electromagnetic beacons, software defined radio receivers with an associated processing unit and data acquisition system, and magnetic antennas. The system may use theoretical calculations, scale model testing, signal processing, and sensor data.

Abstract: A Centralizer based Survey and Navigation (CSN) device designed to provide borehole or passageway position information. The CSN device can include one or more displacement sensors, centralizers, an odometry sensor, a borehole initialization system, and navigation algorithm implementing processor(s). Also, methods of using the CSN device for in-hole survey and navigation.

Abstract: A Centralizer based Survey and Navigation (CSN) device designed to provide borehole or passageway position information. The CSN device can include one or more displacement sensors, centralizers, an odometry sensor, a borehole initialization system, and navigation algorithm implementing processor(s). Also, methods of using the CSN device for in-hole survey and navigation.

Abstract: A Centralizer based Survey and Navigation (CSN) device designed to provide borehole or passageway position information. The CSN device can include one or more displacement sensors, centralizers, an odometry sensor, a borehole initialization system, and navigation algorithm implementing processor(s). Also, methods of using the CSN device for in-hole survey and navigation.

Abstract: A positioning, communication, and detection system designed to provide a three dimensional location of an object, navigation tools, and bidirectional surface-to-subsurface communications, and methods of using the system. The system can include one or multiple transmitters comprising electromagnetic beacons, software defined radio receivers with an associated processing unit and data acquisition system, and magnetic antennas. The system may use theoretical calculations, scale model testing, signal processing, and sensor data.