# US 12,006,038 B2 · Device and method for blasting avalanches

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- Number: US 12,006,038 B2
- Document ID: US12006038B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/612,982
- Filed: 2020-05-20
- Published: 2022-07-07
- Granted: 2024-06-11
- Earliest claimed: 2019-05-21
- Assignees: Höhenarbeit GmbH
- Applicants: Höhenarbeit GmbH
- Inventors: Philipp Knab
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12006038B2

## CPC

- B64C 39/024: {of the remote controlled vehicle type, i.e. RPV}
- F42D 1/045: Arrangements for electric ignition (dynamo-electric generators H02K)
- F42D 3/00: Particular applications of blasting techniques {(explosive welding B23K20/08; explosive bolts or actuators F42B3/006; explosive valves F16K13/06; cutting devices actuated by explosion B23D15/145; pyrotechnical actuators F15B15/19; switching devices actuated by explosion H01H39/00)}
- B64U 2101/00: UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications
- B64U 2101/15: for conventional or electronic warfare
- B64U 2101/30: for imaging, photography or videography
- B64U 2201/00: UAVs characterised by their flight controls
- B64U 2201/202: using tethers for connecting to ground station
- B64C: AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
- F42D: BLASTING (fuses, e.g. fuse cords, C06C5/00; {for obtaining fluid from wells E21B43/00; for mining or quarrying E21C37/00; for making tunnels or galleries E21D9/006}; cartridges F42B3/00)
- B64U: UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR

## Abstract

A device and a method for blasting avalanches. The device comprises a drone, and an explosive charge attached to the drone in a freely suspended manner by means of a cord. An ignition mechanism is provided for igniting the explosive charge. The ignition mechanism can be triggered by remote control or automatically. Any desired destinations can be approached using this device in order to trigger avalanches. In this manner, the explosive charge can be positioned above the snow cover to be blasted.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device for blasting avalanches, comprising:
a drone, an explosive charge attached to the drone in a freely suspended manner by a cord, and an ignition mechanism for igniting the explosive charge, the ignition mechanism being remote-controlled or including automatic triggering,
wherein the ignition mechanism is arranged at the cord in a section extending between the drone and the explosive charge at a first distance from the drone and at a second distance from the explosive charge to prevent misfiring of the ignition mechanism by electric elements of the drone and to prevent damage to the ignition mechanism during a blasting of the explosive charge;
the device further comprising a location sensor, an altimeter device for measuring a distance from the ground, and a control device with which the device can automatically approach a specific destination in accordance with location coordinates determined by the location sensor.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

Device according to claim 1, wherein the first distance between the drone and the ignition mechanism is at least 5 m.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

Device according to claim 1, wherein the first distance between the drone and the ignition mechanism is at least 10 m.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1,
wherein the cord has a blasting section directly connected to the explosive charge and to a remainder of the cord by a releasable clamp.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1,
wherein the device comprises a facility for detecting whether the explosive charge is brought in contact with the ground and an altimeter device for measuring an elevation of the drone.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

Device according to claim 5, wherein the altimeter device determines by means of radio signals the elevation or a location of the drone in a three-dimensional coordinate system.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

Device according to claim 1, wherein the cord is at least 10 m long, with a first end of the cord attached to the drone and a second end of the cord connected to the explosive charge.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

Device according to claim 1, further comprising a camera for visible light and/or a camera for infrared radiation.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

Device according to claim 1, further comprising a radio device for transmitting sensor signals and/or image signals.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

Device according to claim 1, wherein the cord is secured to the drone by a dropping device that is triggered by a remote control.