Wireless Detonator Assembly, and Methods of Blasting

A wireless detonator assembly for use in connection with a blasting machine that transmits at least one wireless command signal to the wireless detonator assembly, the wireless detonator assembly comprising:

• a detonator comprising a base charge;
• command signal receiving and processing means for receiving and processing said at least one wireless command signal from said blasting machine;
• a charge storage device for storing electrical energy at least one power source to power said command signal receiving and processing means, and to charge said charge storage device, each of said at least one power source capable of supplying a maximum voltage or current that is less than a threshold voltage or current to actuate said base charge;
• a firing circuit in electrical connection with said base charge;
• a charging switch between a charging power source and the charge storage device, said charging switch having an open position and a closed position, electrical contact being established between said power source and said charge storage device when said charging switch adopts said closed position, thereby to cause charging of said charge storage device;
• and a discharging means to bleed charge from said charge storage device via any path except for said firing circuit, the discharging means being in electrical connection with the charging switch, such that when the charging switch is in an open position the charge
• storage device is connected to the discharging means but is not connected to the power supply thereby to cause bleeding of the charge in the charge storage device, and upon receipt by said command signal receiving and processing means of at least one “keep alive” command signal, said charging switch adopting a closed position such that the charge storage device is connected to the power supply but is not connected to the discharging means thereby to cause charging of the charge storage device;
• whereupon receipt by said command signal receiving and processing means of a command signal to FIRE said electrical energy stored in said charge storage device is discharged into said firing circuit, said base charge actuating if a voltage or current in said firing circuit resulting from discharge of said electrical energy from said charge storage device exceeds said threshold voltage or current.