US 7,568,429 B2 · Wireless detonator assembly, and methods of blasting

Abstract

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.

Claims32

Dependent claims

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 supplying a maximum voltage or current that is less than a threshold voltage or current to actuate said base charge;
and
a firing circuit in electrical connection with said charge storage device;
whereupon receipt by said command signal receiving and processing means of a command signal to FIRE causes said electrical energy stored in said charge storage device to discharge 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, wherein the wireless command signal comprise radio waves.

4 more elements

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, said at least one power source 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 when 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.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Wireless detonator assembly, and methods of blasting

Life of this patent

Wireless detonator assembly, and methods of blasting

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32