Plural Sequentially Fired Ignitors Or Detonators Patents (Class 102/217)
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Patent number: 7975612Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Austin Star Detonator CompanyInventors: Gimtong Teowee, Alex A. Kouznetsov
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Patent number: 7971531Abstract: A system, for example an electronic blasting system, in which a detection 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Austin Star Detonator CompanyInventors: Gimtong Teowee, Alex A. Kouznetsov
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Patent number: 7946227Abstract: A detonator system which includes an array of a plurality of discrete time delay relays (16) connected in series to one another, and a plurality of detonators (28) which are respectively connected to the array at spaced intervals (22).Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: DetNet South Africa (Pty) LimitedInventors: Andre Koekemoer, Albertus Abraham Labuschagne, Schagen Diederik Van Soelen, Riaan Lingerfelder Van Wyk
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Publication number: 20110056400Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a detonation control system includes a controller circuit coupled to a manual switch and a detonation device. The detonation device is configured to activate an explosive. The controller circuit includes a memory operable to store one of a multiple time-to-fire settings representing a time delay from arming the detonation device to activation of the detonation device. The controller circuit is operable to store a first time-to-fire setting in the memory, store another of the multiple time-to-fire settings in the memory upon actuation of the manual switch, and repeat the step of storing another of the multiple time-to-fire settings in the memory for each actuation of the manual switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Delmer D. Fisher, Brady A. Plummer, Robert W. Plummer
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Patent number: 7870825Abstract: For use in a system having a master device and slave devices (e.g., an electronic blasting system) and utilizing an automatic detection process that causes any slave devices that have not previously been identified to the master device to identify themselves to the master device, an enhancement to the detection process employs at least a second discriminator to detect superimposed responses from simultaneously responding slave devices, and a “deconvolution” algorithm in order to ascertain their identities.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Special Devices, IncorporatedInventor: Gimtong Teowee
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Publication number: 20100288149Abstract: A detonator system (10) which has a plurality of segments (16), each segment having a respective plurality of detonators (14), and a synchroniser (18, 12), which may be a compound arrangement or a single device, which prevents the transmission of voltage modulated signals to the detonators (14) in one segment (16A) if current modulated segments are being transmitted from the detonators (14) in another segment (16B).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: DETNET SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LIMITEDInventor: Craig Charles Schlenter
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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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Publication number: 20100212527Abstract: 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 13, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Michael John McCaan, Ronald F. Stewart
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Patent number: 7743705Abstract: A projectile for use in a barrel with stacked projectiles, particularly for a weapon which can be reloaded by a user in the field. The projectile includes a chamber containing a propellant charge, with an exit from the chamber for release of propulsion gases into the barrel. A seal blocks the exit and is opened by ignition of the propellant within the chamber but is resistant to gases produced by ignition of propellant in other projectiles in the barrel. The exit and seal are provided in a range of different forms. The exit may be an aperture in a wall of the chamber with the seal as a moveable barrier, such as a valve-like structure, for example. The seal may also include a rupturable or deformable barrier across the aperture. Alternatively the seal is a thin barrier around the charge such as a wax coating and the exit involves a disintegrable character of the barrier. The seal may also be an inherent property of the geometry of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Metal Storm LimitedInventor: Sean P. O'Dwyer
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Publication number: 20100132576Abstract: A detonator system which includes an array of a plurality of discrete time delay relays (16) connected in series to one another, and a plurality of detonators (28) which are respectively connected to the array at spaced intervals (22).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventors: Andre Koekemoer, Albertus Abraham Labuschagne, Schagen Diederik Van Soelen, Riaan Lingerfelder Van Wyk
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Patent number: 7694627Abstract: A marker for use in a blasting system which includes a harness, the marker including a control unit, a memory in which information is stored and a connector for connection to a selected location on the harness whereby, upon receipt of an enabling signal via the harness, the information is made available by the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd.Inventors: Andre Louis Koekemoer, Albertus Abraham Labuschagne
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Patent number: 7681500Abstract: A method for logging a plurality of slave devices is suggested, comprising the following steps: a) connecting a plurality of slave devices each having an identity and a pyrotechnic charge to an electrical conduit; b) after step a), connecting a logging device comprising a power supply, an electrical interface, and a memory and c)causing the logging device to communicate with each of the plurality of slave devices while the plurality of slave devices is simultaneously connected to the electrical conduit.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Special Devices, IncorporatedInventor: Gimtong Teowee
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Patent number: 7644661Abstract: The networked electronic ordnance system connects a number of pyrotechnic devices to a bus controller using lighter and less voluminous cabling, in a more efficient network architecture, than previously possible. Each pyrotechnic device contains an initiator, which includes a pyrotechnic assembly and an electronics assembly. One or more pyrotechnic devices each contain a logic device having a unique identifier. The pyrotechnic devices are individually controlled by the bus controller by addressing the unique identifier of each logic device. Each pyrotechnic device preferably includes an energy reserve capacitor which stores firing energy upon arming. Both digital and analog fire control conditions are provided before an armed pyrotechnic device can be fired. A plurality of initiators and/or other components of the system may be packaged together on a single substrate and networked together via that substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: PS/EMC West, LLCInventors: Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond, John J. Walsh
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Publication number: 20090301333Abstract: A system and method for conducting a firing sequence including a master device and a plurality of electronic pyrotechnic devices, wherein the master device broadcasts, multiple times, a fire command to the plurality of electronic pyrotechnic devices, the electronic pyrotechnic devices commence a pre-fire countdown in response to each fire command received without error, and each electronic pyrotechnic device conducts a pre-fire countdown to expiration and thereupon commences a final fire countdown that concludes with firing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Gimtong Teowee, Alex A. Kouznetsov
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Patent number: 7617775Abstract: A multiple slave logging device, or “logger” for use in a system such as an electronic blasting system. The logger is able to communicate with multiple slave devices connected to it, and preferably also is able to communicate with a slave device connected individually. The logger preferably utilizes current modulation-based talkback from the slave devices, and optionally may also be adapted to detect the presence of inappropriate slave devices connected to the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.Inventor: Gimtong Teowee
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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
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Patent number: 7578237Abstract: A method for controlling the initiation of an electronic detonator when located in surrounding ground, the method comprising the steps of: measuring the actual spatial position of the said detonator in relation to one or more adjacent detonators; and calculating the time of initiation of the said detonator based upon its actual spatial position.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Redbull Powder Co. LimitedInventors: Peter Johnston, John Keir Russel
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Patent number: 7565761Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Metal Storm LimitedInventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
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Patent number: 7562627Abstract: The present invention relates to a pyrotechnic system, system-compatible pyrotechnic objects, and a firing method tailored to the system. The system comprises a starting device having multiple receptacles, having a connection channel between each of the receptacles. The receptacles are filled with the pyrotechnic objects, the first receptacle is provided with an additional ignition device, and the pyrotechnic object located therein is ignited. An igniter externally positioned on the pyrotechnic object conducts the ignition energy into the interior and simultaneously via the connection channel into the neighboring receptacle. A pyrotechnic object located therein is ignited. The igniter externally positioned on the pyrotechnic object partially causes a time delay. The delay time may be set by twisting the pyrotechnic object in relation to the connection channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Inventor: Andreas Voigt
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Patent number: 7533613Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.Inventor: Alex A. Kouznetsov
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Patent number: 7530311Abstract: A blasting system which includes a control unit, a communications bus which is connected to the control unit, a plurality of detonators which are connected in sequence to the communications bus along its length, and a daisy chain connection between the control unit and the detonators, and wherein, within the sequence of detonators, a first detonator makes use of the daisy chain connection to enable a second following detonator so that data can be exchanged between the control unit and the second detonator using the communications bus.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd.Inventors: Andre Louis Koekemoer, Albertus Abraham Labuschagne
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Patent number: 7493859Abstract: A method for achieving zero, or near zero, latency timed pyrotechnic events by utilizing distributed processing is presented. A list of timed events may be used to synchronize a pyrotechnic firing sequence with music or other external events. This list is distributed over a series of embedded microprocessors. Each microprocessor is then synchronized to a master controller clock, and enabled such that each processor may then fire independently as required by the master list. This distributed process removes the split-second timing requirement from the main controller enabling the achievement of zero latency and providing significantly more timing events to be processed simultaneously while alleviating problems such as wireless radio interference delays. Each module is capable of forwarding information to other modules, which may be a position that prevents wireless communication directly with the master controller.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Inventor: David Wayne Russell
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Patent number: 7466532Abstract: An ignition circuit for squib for igniting a squib which has a heat producing portion that includes an electrically conductive portion and a fuel portion, and transmits a heat produced by supplying electrical current to the electrically conductive portion to the fuel portion, the circuit having an electrical current boosting device which steeply boosts electrical current supplied to the electrically conductive portion. The ignition circuit achieves electrical operation with greater reliability and less cost.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Nishimura, Hiromi Aida, Kazuo Matsuda, Kazutaka Saito, Etsuya Miyake
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Patent number: 7437996Abstract: A kinetic energy penetrator includes a plurality of penetrator segments, a penetrator segment sleeve for storing the plurality of penetrator segments, and means for moving the plurality of penetrator segments from the penetrator segment sleeve to locations substantially aligned along an axis of attack. A method includes storing a plurality of penetrator segments away from an axis of attack and moving the plurality of penetrator segments to locations substantially aligned along the axis of attack. A vehicle includes a body and a kinetic energy penetrator disposed in a forward portion of the vehicle. The kinetic energy penetrator includes a plurality of penetrator segments, a penetrator segment sleeve for storing the plurality of penetrator segments, and means for moving the plurality of penetrator segments from the penetrator segment sleeve to locations substantially aligned along an axis of attack.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Mark A. Turner, William R. Greisser
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Patent number: 7373884Abstract: A rapid-fire weapon has a barrel with a projectile insertable into the barrel, which comprises several sub-projectiles disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the barrel and supporting each other. A propellant charge and an ignition means are provided behind each sub-projectile for the sequential ignition of the propellant charges so that the sub-projectiles are successively ejected from the barrel. The sub-projectiles (4) are firmly connected with each other in the area of the propellant charges (6, 6?) in each case by means of a mechanical connection and the connections have in each case at least one rated break point (7, 7?) which is broken in a defined fashion after the ignition of the respective propellant by the pressure of the propellant gases.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanna-Juergen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Detlef Haeselich
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Patent number: 7370513Abstract: A method of monitoring a feature of a blast such as velocity of detonation (VOD) comprises the steps of providing a detonator 16.1 at a blast site 12. Prior to the blast, a blast control signal path 20, 18.1 is utilized to communicate blast control signals to the detonator. During a period following start of the blast, a blast feature signal communication path 18.1, 20 comprising at least part of the blast control signal path is utilized to communicate a blast feature signal relating to the feature to a remote blast feature monitoring station 26. The blast feature signal is generated by generating a monitoring signal in a conductor arrangement 18.1 connected to die detonator, utilizing a sensor outside of the housing of the detonator to sense changes in a blast feature monitoring parameter of the monitoring signal, and transmitting data relating to the changes to the station 26.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty. Ltd.Inventors: Eric Nichol Meyer, Charles Michael Lownds
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Patent number: 7343859Abstract: A squib for bus connection includes a communication and ignition unit which is connected via a pin to a bus line and is received within an inner cap, along with a quantity of a first explosive which does not emit corrosive gas. Furthermore, between this inner cap and an outer cap in which it is received, there is charged a quantity of a second explosive which is of a different type from the first explosive, the second explosive being of a type which is used in a squib in a conventional inflator.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Matsuda, Kazutaka Saito, Etsuya Miyake, Junichi Nishimura, Hiromi Aida
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Publication number: 20080047450Abstract: A munition includes a winding the configuration of which is changed as the munition detonates. The coil is seeded with a current and as the configuration of the winding changes a large em pulse is generated. Detection of the pulse can indicate whether or not the explosion is satisfactory and that the target is this destroyed. This avoids having to unnecessarily attack the target again.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2003Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventor: Peter Lockhart
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Publication number: 20080041260Abstract: A marker for use in a blasting system which includes a harness, the marker including a control unit, a memory in which information is stored and a connector for connection to a selected location on the harness whereby, upon receipt of an enabling signal via the harness, the information is made available by the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2004Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: Andre Louis Koekemoer, Albertus Abraham Labuschagne
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Patent number: 7322293Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2006Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.Inventor: Alex A. Kouznetsov
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Patent number: 7225740Abstract: A plasma antenna generator includes an ionizable material, an explosive charge capable of projecting the ionizable material upon detonation, and a detonator coupled with the explosive charge. An electromagnetic pulse transmitting system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator and a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator. A method includes providing an explosive device comprising an ionizable material, detonating the explosive device to propel the ionizable material, and ionizing the ionizable material to form at least one plasma trail. A sensing system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator, a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator, and a sensing system capable of receiving and analyzing at least a portion of the electromagnetic pulse after being reflected from an interface.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: James R. Wood, Roger W. Melin, Mark K. Browder, Steve E. Calico
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Patent number: 7210412Abstract: Projectile (10) is for use with barrel assemblies of the type having a plurality of axially disposed projectiles within a bore and wherein discrete propellant charges are provided for propelling respective projectiles sequentially from the bore. Projectile (10) comprises expandable sleeve (11) encircling at least part of core (12). Sleeve (11) and core (12) have wedging surfaces (14) operable to deform trailing part (21) of sleeve (11) into sealing engagement with the bore in response to pressures exerted on projectile (10). When projectiles (10) are axially disposed in the bore, rear face (24) of the leading projectile cooperates with leading face (20) of the trailing projectile to define a discrete space about spine (23) for receipt of the propellant charge. Sleeve (11) is retained about core (12) during travel to the target.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Metal Storm LimitedInventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
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Patent number: 7194943Abstract: An ignition arrangement for a barrel assembly (10) including a barrel (11) having a plurality of projectiles (15a, 15b, 15c) axially stacked within the barrel (11) together with respective propellant charges (20) for propelling the projectiles sequentially from the barrel, said ignition arrangement including a fuse (21, 22) disposed in a cavity (27) provided in a body (18) of each projectile, wherein the cavity (27) communicates both forwardly (28) and rearwardly (29) of the projectile body (18); whereby in use, said fuse (21) burns at a controlled rate in the cavity (27) and causes ignition of the propellant charge (20) associated with said projectile (15a), which in turn ignites the next following fuse (22) associated with a trailing projectile (15b).Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Metal Storm LimitedInventor: Sean Patrick O'Dwyer
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Patent number: 7191706Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system having a plurality of capacitor discharge units (CDUs) that includes electrical bridge type detonators operatively coupled to respective explosives. A pulse charging circuit is adapted to provide a voltage for each respective capacitor in each CDU. Such capacitors are discharged through the electrical bridge type detonators upon receiving an optical signal to detonate respective operatively coupled explosives at substantially the same time.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jay B. Chase, Philip A. Pincosy, Donna M. Chato, Hugh Kirbie, Glen F. James
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Patent number: 7156023Abstract: When an ignition system is installed, the spatial position of an ignition device (5a to 5g) in relation to the surrounding, its geographical position, is as yet not determined. The user is required to exercise extreme caution in order to ensure that the ignition devices (5a to 5g) connect to the ignition system (1) in accordance with a predetermined blasting plan. A specially trained person must therefore systematically carry out the sequential connection (compulsory sequence) of each ignition device (5a to 5g) to the bus line (3) of the ignition system. i.e. logging. The person connecting the ignition devices must execute the ignition of device programming operation in all kinds of conditions, in open country, with utmost caution. This represents a considerable time delay for a blast. If one ignition device is overlooked during logging, the already entered data have to be reprogrammed, which costs time.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Dynamit Nobel GmbH Explosivstoff-und SystemtechnikInventors: Walter Aebi, Jan Petzold, Heinz Schäfer, Andreas Zemla
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Patent number: 7146912Abstract: An electronic detonator system includes a control unit, a plurality of electronic detonators and a bus which connects the detonators to the control unit. Each electronic detonator includes a number of flags which may assume either of two possible values, each flag indicating a substrate of the respective detonators. The flags are readable from the control unit by means of digital data packets and the control unit is adapted, by means of these flags, to check the state of the electronic detonator and control the operation of the electronic detonator. When reading the flags, the electronic detonators give responses in the form of analog response pulses on the bus. The detonator system also includes a portable message receiver which on the basis of the flags obtains messages regarding the connecting status of a detonator.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Dyno Nobel Sweden ABInventors: Anne-Marie Bokvist, legal representative, Jan Westberg, Elof Jönsson, Sune Hallin, deceased
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Patent number: 7107908Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.Inventors: David M. Forman, David T. Jennings, III, Gimtong Teowee
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Patent number: 7086334Abstract: Selective, staggered charging of individual slave devices in a system at different times, such as electronic detonators in an electronic blasting system, so as to prevent excessive voltage drop on the bus. The staggered charging may be obtained through a clock-driven charging timing process or other suitable means.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.Inventor: David T. Jennings, III
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Patent number: 7055435Abstract: An improved spacecraft ordnance system includes a plurality of squibs each connected with a resistor having a squib unique resistance value and a driver unit including built-in test circuitry. Ordnance harness cables connect the squibs with the driver unit. The resistors enable squib identification. The built-in test circuitry enables unambiguous verification of correct connection of each squib with the driver unit. The built-in test circuitry includes a low-impedance multiplexer for selecting a driver line for monitoring, a precision current source for providing a relatively low current to a selected output of the driver unit producing a voltage proportional to the total resistance from signal to ground, and a analog/digital converter for digitizing the voltage and reporting the result to a computer for comparison to predicted values using a telemetry interface and therefore identifying the selected squib. An EMI-tight adapter housing the squib-specific resistor may be attached to the squib.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: David W. Lloyd
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Patent number: 7054131Abstract: An electronic detonator such as is used in electronic blasting systems, utilizing a pre-fire countdown, during which time other commands may be issued such as to conduct diagnostic tests or other measures to ensure more reliable and/or safer firing.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.Inventors: Shashi Kanth, Alex A. Kouznetsov
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Patent number: 7047885Abstract: An electronically controlled multi-pulse ignitor ignites a cartridge used to launch a projectile. An electronics module is programmed with a temperature performance profile for the cartridge. A temperature sensor is coupled to supply current cartridge temperature data to the electronics module. A first event ignitor is coupled to the electronics module and initiates a ballistic cycle upon command from the electronics module. A translation mechanism, including a first charge coupled to the first event ignitor, moves the projectile forward to increase the free volume in the cartridge. A second event ignitor, coupled to receive a second event ignition signal from the electronics module, ignites the main propellant charge on receiving the second event ignition signal from the electronics module, where the timing of ignition of the second event ignitor is determined by the temperature performance profile and the current cartridge temperature data.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Andrew B. Crickenberger, Saleem L. Ghazi
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Patent number: 7021216Abstract: A method and system for controlling a blasting network (16) for use where spurious command signals may be passed through a blasting controller (12) to the blasting network, for example when the controller is connected to the Internet or Intranet (10). The system includes a firewall (14) whereby the communication link (20) between the controller and the blasting network can be placed in a control mode by a switch (19). In the control mode, any previously designated unsafe message such as a fire command is prevented from reaching the blasting network by, for example, disregarding the unsafe message or scrambling it so that it is no longer unsafe. In an operational mode of the communication link, any scrambled unsafe message may be unscrambled and any unsafe message may be transmitted to the blasting network.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty. Ltd.Inventors: Livia Dragne, Vivian Edward Patz, Christian Hoogenboezem
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Patent number: 7017494Abstract: A system, for example an electronic blasting 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.Inventor: Alex A. Kouznetsov
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Patent number: 6945174Abstract: Errors may occur in a detonating system that consists of several detonating circuits when the connection—the logging-on—of detonators is effected to the buses of a logger which in turn is connected to a blaster. Connecting is effected, particularly in opencast-mining operations, under conditions that may lead to damage, not visible at first, in particular to the insulation of the detonators and also of the detonating lines. Errors may occur in the transmission of data, for example as a result of loss or falsification of the signals to be transmitted or as a result of intrusion of signals from an extraneous detonator. In accordance with the invention it is therefore proposed that a log-on manager is installed which is in bidirectional contact with the loggers, with the blaster and with the log-data communicators of the loggers which signal the data pertaining to the detonators to the logger.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignees: Dynamit Nobel GmbH Explosivstoff-und Systemtechnik, Teltronik AGInventors: Walter Aebi, Jan Petzold, Heinz Schafer, Andreas Zemla
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Patent number: 6941869Abstract: A voltage sensor (10) for monitoring electronic ignition circuits (1) which contains a plurality of igniters (4) connected to an ignition line (3) and an ignition device (2) connected to the ignition line (3) to program the electronic igniters (4). The voltage sensor (10) can be connected separately to the ignition line and contains a voltage measuring device (15) for measuring the voltage (U2) on the ignition line (3) at the voltage sensor (10). The voltage sensor (10) also contains a communications device (15, 17, 18, 19) for receiving a start signal from the ignition device (2) triggering the start of the voltage measurement and for transmitting to the ignition device (2) a measured value determined during the voltage measurement.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology PTY LTDInventors: Dirk Hummel, Ulrich Steiner
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Patent number: 6889610Abstract: An ordnance system of the present invention may include or feature any one or more of: a control unit, one or more effectors (detonators, initiators, shaped charges and the like), and a two-, three- or four-wire communication bus between the control unit and the effectors; an addressable system in which all the effectors can be connected to the same communication bus and the control unit can issue coded signals on the bus addressed to a specific effector; inductive coupling between the effectors and the communication bus; and a multi-voltage level communication system in which communication signals are carried at a first voltage and arming signals are provided at a second, higher voltage. Other features may include two-way communication between effectors and the control unit and the de-centralization of firing control so that the control unit does not have exclusive control over whether the effectors function.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defense Co.Inventors: Craig J. Boucher, Paul N. Marshall, David B. Novotney
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Patent number: 6851369Abstract: Blasting apparatuses and methods control actuation of a plurality of detonators, and involve the use of one or more authorization keys each associated with a blasting machine. The authorization key(s) are transferable from the blasting machine(s) to a central command station, each authorization key storing a data package comprising a randomly generated access code generated by its corresponding blasting machine. Transfer of the one or more authorization keys to a central command station allows the data packages (and associated randomly generated access codes) to be transmitted by the central command station for receipt by the blasting machine(s).Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology PTY Ltd.Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Olaf Cramer
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Patent number: 6837163Abstract: An electronic detonator system includes a control unit, a plurality of electronic detonators and a bus which connects the detonators to the control unit. Each electronic detonator includes a number of flags which may assume either of two possible values, each flag indicating a substate of the respective detonators. The flags are readable from the control unit by means of digital data packets and the control unit is adapted, by means of these flags, to check the state of the electronic detonator and control the operation of the electronic detonator. When reading the flags, the electronic detonators give responses in the form of analog response pulses on the bus. The detonator system also includes a portable message receiver which on the basis of the flags obtains messages regarding the connecting status of a detonator.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Dnyo Nobel Sweden ABInventors: Anne-Marie Bokvist, Jan Westberg, Elof Jönsson, Sune Hallin
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Patent number: 6789483Abstract: An electronic blasting system in which the electronic detonator, when attached to a blasting machine or logger, automatically senses and determines whether it is attached to a blasting machine or a logger, preferably by utilizing a different operating voltage for the blasting machine versus that of the logger, with the detonator being capable of distinguishing the respective operating voltages.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.Inventors: David T. Jennings, III, Alex A. Kouznetsov
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Patent number: 6767743Abstract: Method and apparatus for accelerating micro particles for use in delivering DNA or a solid drug in which a shockwave is generated by applying a short pulse energy to a surface of a metal foil to be absorbed and cause vaporization and plasmatization of the metal foil. A jet is generated by a sudden expansion of metal gas and thereby the shockwave is generated on a surface of an opposite side of the metal foil on which the micro particles are arranged.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Inventors: Kazuyoshi Takayama, Akira Takahashi, Jun Kawagishi, Goparan Jagadeesh, Takashi Yoshimoto