| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 102215000 | Including logic means | 50 |
| 20080236432 | Enhanced method, device, and system for identifying an unknown or unmarked slave device such as in an electronic blasting system - 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. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080302264 | Wireless Detonator Assembly, and Methods of Blasting - A wireless detonator assembly ( | 12-11-2008 |
| 20090145321 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ZERO LATENCY DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING OF TIMED PYROTECHNIC EVENTS - A method for achieving 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 in a position that prevents wireless communication directly with the master controller. A wireless pyrotechnics ignition device which utilizes this distributed processing technique is also presented. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090193993 | Wireless Detonator Assemblies, and Corresponding Networks - Wireless detonator assemblies ( | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090217836 | Remote Setting for Electronic Systems in a Projectile for Chambered Ammunition - A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090283004 | CONSTANT-CURRENT, RAIL-VOLTAGE REGULATED CHARGING ELECTRONIC DETONATOR - 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. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090283005 | METHOD FOR LOGGING A PLURALITY OF SLAVE DEVICES - 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. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090301332 | METHOD FOR DETECTING AN UNKNOWN OR UNMARKED SLAVE DEVICE SUCH AS IN AN ELECTRONIC BLASTING SYSTEM - 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. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100005994 | REMOTE FIRING DEVICE WITH DIVERSE INITIATORS - A remote firing system for remotely detonating explosive charges includes features that provide safety and efficiency improvements. These features include safety communication among multiple remote devices and multiple controller devices, a polling functionality permitting rapid deployment of system devices, electronic key systems, programmable remote devices for easy replacement of failing remote devices, and an event history log for the remote devices for efficient diagnostic evaluation. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100132576 | Detonator System - A detonator system which includes an array of a plurality of discrete time delay relays ( | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100175574 | NETWORKED ELECTRONIC ORDNANCE SYSTEM - 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. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100180788 | METHOD OF COMMUNICATION AT A BLAST STIE, AND CORRESPONDING BLASTING APPARATUS - 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. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100212527 | Selective control of wireless initiation devices at a blast site - 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. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100300316 | METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DETONATING PYROTECHNIC DEVICES IN MOTOR VEHICLES - A method of detonating one or more pyrotechnic devices located within a motor vehicle comprises: locating the detonation control unit of the vehicle; removing the vehicle wiring loom connector from the detonation control unit; connecting the said connector to a first connector ( | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110011293 | NETWORKED ELECTRONIC ORDNANCE SYSTEM - A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110056399 | ELECTRONIC DETONATOR CONTROL CHIP - An electronic detonator control chip ( | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110083574 | LOGGER DEVICE FOR BLASTING OPERATIONS AND METHOD OF USE - An electrical interface apparatus includes two electrical input terminals, a microprocessor disposed in electrical communication with the two electrical input terminals, and a connector disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor. The two input terminals are disposed and configured to be releasably connected to two detonator leg wires of a detonator, the microprocessor is configured to receive an input signal from the two detonator leg wires when a voltage reference is injected into the two detonator leg wires via the two electrical input terminals, and the connector is disposed and configured to be releasably connected to a handheld computer. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110100244 | BLASTING SYSTEM AND METHOD - The invention provides a blasting system which includes a plurality of electronic detonators which are configured in a blast array which has at least one row and a plurality of detonators in the row, each detonator including a memory in which is stored at least a respective identity code which is dependent, at least, on the row on which the detonator is, and on the detonator's position in the row, a harness which interconnects the detonators, and at least one control unit, connected to the harness, which generates a signal to fire the detonators. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110155012 | DETONATOR SYSTEM WITH HIGH PRECISION DELAY - An electrical delay detonator for use in blasting initiation systems energized by a non-electric impulse signal transmitted through a non-electrical conduit, such as a shock tube, with one end inserted inside a detonator housing having redundant sensors for detecting the presence of a non-electric impulse signal and a computerized control circuit for actuating the firing circuit. An elevated voltage is generated, stored in a capacitor assembly, and discharged when fired to an electrically operable igniter. The igniter, when activated, detonates an explosive mass. A battery is also contained within the detonator housing for powering the control circuit and one sensor, in low consumption mode, for several days. Upon detecting the presence of a signal the rest of the circuits are powered up. Periodic time windows generated by the control assembly provide corresponding enabled time periods for the sensors to become operational. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110247517 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING AND CONTROLLING ELECTRIC DETONATORS - A blasting control system includes a detonator module, and a blasting machine interface configured for serial communication between a blasting machine and the detonator module. The detonator module includes a detonator, a unique electronic ID, a switch configured to enable/disable the detonator in response to verification of the unique electronic ID, a communication device configured for communication with the blasting machine interface, and a processor responsive to instructions from the communication device. The blasting machine interface includes an I/O device, a communication device, and a processor responsive to the I/O device and the communication device. Upon verification of the unique electronic ID via communication from a user via the blasting machine interface, a state of the switch associated with the detonator is placed in an unlocked mode so as to enable activation of the associated detonator upon a fire signal from the blasting machine via the blasting machine interface. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110252994 | PROGRAMMABLE INERTIAL IGNITERS FOR GUN-FIRED MUNITIONS, THERMAL BATTERIES AND THE LIKE - An inertial igniter including: a housing; a striker mass movable relative to the housing; a biasing element for biasing the striker mass towards a percussion primer; one or more movable members each having one or more stops, the one or more stops having a first position for preventing a portion of the striker mass from striking the percussion primer and a second position allowing the portion of the striker mass to strike the percussion primer; wherein the movable members move the one or more stops to the second position when subjected to a predetermined acceleration profile. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110265677 | CALIBRATION OF DETONATORS - A plurality of detonator assemblies in signal communication with a blasting machine, each detonator assembly consisting of a detonator, a storage compartment for storing programmed delay time and/or oscillation count and a countdown oscillator. A transmitter for transmitting a blast rehearsal stop start and stop signal, said signals being separated by said programmed delay time individually selected for each detonator signal. The oscillator counting the total oscillation count corresponding to said delay time. When a detonator assembly receives a FIRE command, the individual countdown oscillators countdowns the total oscillation count associated with its detonator assembly. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110283911 | SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING DATA TO A DETONATING FUSE OF A FIREARM - A system communicates data to a detonating fuse ( | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110308415 | ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMING SYSTEM FOR DETONATING FUSES - An electronic programming system is for programmable ammunitions “M” implemented in a firearm ( | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120006217 | Electronic blast control system for multiple downhole operations - A system for multiple subsurface operations which are carried out in a well bore by means of two or more well tools having explosive or gas generating charges which are electronically initiated for accomplishing any number of other downhole well activities. Two or more well service tools are simultaneously run into a well on a single wire-line and are located at predetermined positions. An electronic blast control system having safety parameters, including time, movement, pressure and the like to ensure safe running and independent firing of the tools. The blast control system permits controlled energization of the explosive charges only when all of the programmed parameters have been met and causes sequential or serial electronic firing of the explosive devices independently of one another by positive and negative voltages. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120037027 | NETWORKED ELECTRONIC ORDNANCE SYSTEM - A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120042800 | SELECTIVE CONTROL OF WIRELESS INITIATION DEVICES AT A BLAST SITE - 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. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120118190 | Safe Arming System and Method - According to certain embodiments, an arming system includes a first logic device and a second logic device that are both coupled to a detonation circuit operable to initiate a detonation device. The second logic device is operable to receive one or more first signals generated by the first logic device, determine a first fault condition of the first logic device according to the received one or more first signals, and disable the detonation circuit according to the determined first fault condition. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120125218 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING A REMOVABLE TIMER KEY - A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120137914 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DEFINING ADDRESSES FOR PYROTECHNIC DEVICES NETWORKED IN AN ELECTRONIC ORDNANCE SYSTEM - In networked electronic ordnance systems as disclosed herein, a plurality of pyrotechnic devices communicate with a controller along a common bus. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, at least some of the pyrotechnic devices in the ordnance system are configured such that the address for those devices can be defined during or subsequent to installation of the pyrotechnic devices in an end system. In some instances, a logic device in the pyrotechnic device includes a diagnostics block that initiates a suite of diagnostic tests within the pyrotechnic device in response to a diagnostics command received by the pyrotechnic device. Additionally, in some instances, an additional safety mechanism is added to an energy-reserve capacitor in the pyrotechnic device in compliance with a safe-by-wire standard. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120174809 | Methods of controlling components of blasting apparatuses, blasting apparatuses, and components thereof - Disclosed herein are methods for communicating wireless signals between components of a blasting apparatus, with the intention of conducting a blasting event. In preferred embodiments, the methods are particularly suited to through-rock transmission of wireless command signals, and optionally wireless calibration or synchronization signals, thereby to achieve timed actuation of explosive charges positioned below ground under the control of one or more blasting machines located at or above a surface of the ground, with a high degree of accuracy. Further disclosed are blasting apparatuses and components thereof suitable for use, for example, in conducting the methods of the invention. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120204748 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR INDUCTIVE ENERGY CAPTURE FOR FUZES - Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for power conversion in fuzes for projectiles. Fuze electronics in the projectile control detonation of the projectile. A rectifier converts pulses from a setter signal to a DC power source signal. A voltage monitor coupled to the power source signal generates a source voltage indicator and a current monitor coupled to the power source signal generates a source current indicator. A combiner generates a supplied power level indicator in response to a combination of the source voltage indicator and the source current indicator. A DC-DC converter uses the supplied power level indicator when converting the power source signal to a power output signal to adjust a current level of the power output for efficient charging of a charge storage device and delivery of power to the fuze electronics. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120210897 | PLUG-N-LIGHT MUSICAL FIREWORK APPARATUS - An apparatus and method for conducting a musically choreographed fireworks display is provided. The apparatus comprises a multi-shot fireworks cake having a primary fuse, at least one ignition sensor configured to detect ignition of the primary fuse, and an audio device circuit, electrically coupled to the at least one ignition sensor and configured to output an audio signal upon detection of the ignition of the primary fuse. The apparatus may also include a memory which stores a plurality of audio files and a plurality of ignition sensors located throughout the multi-shot fireworks cake, each ignition sensor configured to detect ignition of at least one individual fuse. The audio device is may also be configured to convert a different sequentially ordered audio file of the plurality of audio files upon detection of ignition of each ignition sensor. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120240805 | SAFETY DEVICE FOR A FUZE OF A PROJECTILE - A safety device for a fuze of a projectile that includes a detonating device for detonating the fuze. The safety device has a safety unit with a processor for safeguarding a detonation process of the detonating device. The safety unit contains a sensor unit configured to output a disengagement signal at a predetermined acceleration state. The processor is set up to output a control signal to release the safety unit in accordance with the presence of the disengagement signal. A low-acceleration state of the flight of the projectile can thus be detected and used as release parameter. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120255455 | Fireworks Igniter System and Method - A fireworks igniter system and method for safely igniting fuse-type fireworks including a handheld igniter module and a remote control module. An igniter head at the proximal end of the igniter module includes a heater element and fuse clamp slide which receives and biasingly molds the fuse against the heater element. A microprocessor in the igniter module includes an infrared receiver and an igniter module actuator. The remote control module includes an infrared emitter and a remote control module actuator, the infrared emitter emitting a coded IR signal in response to activation of the actuator. The IR signal is sensed by the infrared receiver to activate the igniter module actuator and deliver electric current to the heater element sufficient to ignite the fuse. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120298003 | Method and apparatus for optically programming a projectile - A system for optically programming an in-flight projectile fired from a weapon comprises a fire control device and a controlled projectile. The fire control device comprises an optical transmitter and the projectile comprises a fuze, an optical collector and an optical sensor. The transmitter transmits optical signals to the in-flight projectile in order to program the circuit of the fuze disposed in the projectile. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120312184 | ADAPTABLE SMART WARHEAD AND METHOD FOR USE - A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20130174756 | Inertially Operated Electrical Initiation Devices - An all-fire detection circuit for an electrically initiated inertial igniter munition. The all-fire detection circuitry including: an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device; a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input and a first cathode coupled to the electrical storage device; and a comparator configured to compare a voltage at the output and a reference voltage and to produce a result based on the comparison. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130180423 | Shock Detection Circuit and Method of Shock Detection - A shock detection circuit including: an electrical energy generating device configured to generate a voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to the acceleration; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device; a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input and a first cathode coupled to the electrical storage device; and a comparator configured to compare a voltage at the output and a reference voltage and to produce a result based on the comparison. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130192486 | Computer system for the timed firing of pyrotechnic devices that uses a closed or open ethernet network. - Some of the most advanced fireworks displays incorporate music, video, lights, and other special effects. For the seamless operation of these displays, the presence of computerized firing systems on the market can be greatly appreciated. In addition to entertainment value, the abilities of initiating a fireworks display from a distance and being able to stop a display at any time has made shooting fireworks displays safer than ever. However, because of the expense of this hardware, these elaborate displays can be far out of reach for anyone who has a lower budget. The idea outlined in this patent will help solve that issue by suggesting an asynchronous computerized firing system. This system can be initiated using a personal computer without any proprietary hardware with the exception of low cost modules. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130239835 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONICALLY SHAPING DETONATED CHARGES - According to an embodiment, a method for controlling the shape and direction of an explosion may include sensing the direction of an incoming threat, calculating an intercept vector for the threat, and triggering an explosive device in a manner that may generate an intercepting force directed along the intercept vector. According to one embodiment, a system may include a sensor configured to detect the direction of an incoming threat, an explosive device including an explosive and a plurality of embedded detonators, and a firing sequence calculator connected to receive information from the sensor regarding the direction of the threat and to trigger the detonators sequentially to produce an explosion having a selected shape, direction and intensity to create a counteracting force in response to the incoming threat. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20140000470 | INTERMEDIATE VOLTAGE ARMING | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140026775 | READER APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING ELECTROPNIC DETONATOR POSITION LOCATIONS AT A BLASTING SITE - Portable data reader apparatus and methods are presented for verifying electronic detonator locations at a blasting site in which the reader electronically interrogates one or more detonators connected to wires accessible at the blasting site and receives a detonator serial ID number. The reader searches an internal data store or wirelessly queries an external device to obtain a position number corresponding to the received detonator serial ID number and displays the position number to the user. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140083318 | RADIO CONTROLLED AMMUNITION - Radio controlled cartridge ammunition ( | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140338552 | DETONATION COMMAND AND CONTROL - The detonation of one or more explosive charges and propellant charges by a detonator in response to a fire control signal from a command and control system comprised of a command center and instrumentation center with a communications link therebetween. The fire control signal is selectively provided to the detonator from the instrumentation center if plural detonation control switches at the command center are in a fire authorization status, and instruments, and one or more interlocks, if included, are in a ready for firing status. The instrumentation and command centers are desirably mobile, such as being respective vehicles. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20150007740 | SYSTEM FOR TRIGGERING A PLURALITY OF ELECTRONIC DETONATOR ASSEMBLIES - A system for triggering includes a plurality of electronic detonator assemblies ( | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150107478 | METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING A COUNTDOWN ROUTINE OF A TIMER KEY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20160033248 | Detonation Command and Control - The detonation of one or more explosive charges and propellant charges by a detonator in response to a fire control signal from a command and control system comprised of a command center and instrumentation center with a communications link therebetween. The fire control signal is selectively provided to the detonator from the instrumentation center if plural detonation control switches at the command center are in a fire authorization status, and instruments, and one or more interlocks, if included, are in a ready for firing status. The instrumentation and command centers are desirably mobile, such as being respective vehicles. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160187116 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOGGING ELECTRONIC DETONATORS - Logging apparatus, methods and systems are presented for logging data from electronic detonators one at a time, in which a logger is placed into an automatic logging mode and begins transmitting read request messages in repetitive fashion until a response is received from a single connected electronic detonator, whereupon the logger obtains serial ID number and potentially other data such as a delay from the electronic detonator, after which the logger automatically proceeds without further user button presses to again initiate read request messages, by which a user can sequentially connect and disconnect a number of electronic detonators one at a time for quick expeditious logging. Also presented are automatic electronic detonator programming apparatus and processes in which a logger is placed into an automatic programming mode and the user connects electronic detonators one at a time for automatic or semi-automatic programming of delay times from internal memory. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160195379 | DETONATOR IDENTIFICATION AND TIMING ASSIGNMENT | 07-07-2016 |
