Orica Explosives Technology Pty Limited

Dynamit Nobel Gmbh Explosivstoff-und Systemtechnik

Teltronik Ag

Minova International Limited

Jan Petzold

Heinz Sch&auml;fer

Ulrich Steiner

Andreas Zemla

Wilhelm Bornheim

J&uuml;rgen Zimmermann

Walter Aebi

Heinz Schafer

Andreas Robert Zemla

Dirk Hummel

Friedrich Heinemeyer

Heinz Schäfer

Archibald Richter

Markus Swoboda

Hans-Georg Beyer

Jurgen Zimmermann

When an ignition system is installed, the spatial position of an ignition device (to) 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 (to) connect to the ignition system () 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 (to) to the bus line () 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. The invention provides that the geographical position (to) of an ignition device (to) is determined using a satellite-assisted navigation system (GPS) () and this position is conveyed to the logger ().

Method for installing an ignition system, and ignition system

Errors may occur in a detonating system that consists of several detonating circuits when the connection&#x2014;the logging-on&#x2014;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. The log-on manager coordinates the logging of the detonators on to the respective bus as well as the programming of the detonators and checks whether an error-free transmission of data is taking place.

Method for connecting ignitors in an ignition system

A triggering unit for initiating pyrotechnical elements includes a control component, a rectifier ( ), an energy store ( ), a voltage regulator ( ), a data coupling device ( ), a current limiter and a suppressor circuit ( ). To enable an up to now unknown variety of variants pertaining to characteristics and functionality without having to change the hard ware or the design of the chip, the control component is a programmable microprocessor ( ) with an integrated program memory.

Triggering unit controlled by a microprocessor for initiating pyrotechnical elements

An electronic releasing device for pyrotechnic igniters has a primary and a secondary charge. The primary charge is ignited by means of a circuit that comprises electronic components and whose essential electronic components are accommodated as an integrated components as an integrated circuit in an IC housing, with the housing being disposed on a printed circuit board. The terminals of the IC housing are provided as connecting points for test instruments for checking the serviceability of the integrated circuit and the igniter function and also serve for connection to external electronic devices for programming the releasing device.

Release element for initiating pyrotechnics

The invention relates to trigger units for initiating pyrotechnic elements which usually consist of a switch and control unit, ignition means and an ignition charge body. Said switch and control element is triggered by way of an electric coupling via a line in order to initiate ignition. The line for the electric coupling and the dimensions of the switch and control element which are usually accommodated in an IC housing complicate the design and the automatic assembly of the trigger units. According to the invention, the switch and control element ( ) is surrounded by a first shell ( ). Said first shell ( ) is connected to a second shell ( ) which contains the ignition charge body ( ). The invention is further characterized in that the ignition means ( ) dip into said second shell ( ).

Two-piece capsule trigger unit for initiating pyrotechnic elements

Effects of capacitive resistances on the transmission of data between electronic igniters of an ignition system and a device for programming and triggering igniters are avoided by the disclosed method. Prior to a planned communication of an igniter with the device, a dc voltage is applied to the ignition circuit for a predetermined length of time. This voltage is higher than the voltage provided for generating the signals with which the data are generated. Subsequently, the signals that the igniter transmits in response are produced with a lower voltage than the previously elevated voltage and the dc voltage is increased once again prior to the response to an additional igniter.

Method for exchanging data between a device for programming and triggering electronic detonators and said detonators

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Rösrath, Germany

Jan Petzold