CA1161530A - Sequential initiation of explosions - Google Patents
Sequential initiation of explosionsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1161530A CA1161530A CA000369212A CA369212A CA1161530A CA 1161530 A CA1161530 A CA 1161530A CA 000369212 A CA000369212 A CA 000369212A CA 369212 A CA369212 A CA 369212A CA 1161530 A CA1161530 A CA 1161530A
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- activating
- gate
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
A system for sequentially activating a series of detonators, comprising a series of activating modules that are connected in parallel to a clock pulse supply lead from a control unit which supplies a series of clock pulses which determine the intershot firing interval. The modules are also connected in series with one another such that each module sequentially supplies a gating signal to the next module in the series. The module whose gate has been opened is activated by the next clock pulse. The modules have time delays so that the next module is only gated open a predetermined time interval after the clock pulse has arrived at any module, so that the next module is only gated after that clock pulse has ended and before the arrival of the next clock pulse. Each module also has a feedback loop to close its own gate once it has been activated by a clock pulse.
A system for sequentially activating a series of detonators, comprising a series of activating modules that are connected in parallel to a clock pulse supply lead from a control unit which supplies a series of clock pulses which determine the intershot firing interval. The modules are also connected in series with one another such that each module sequentially supplies a gating signal to the next module in the series. The module whose gate has been opened is activated by the next clock pulse. The modules have time delays so that the next module is only gated open a predetermined time interval after the clock pulse has arrived at any module, so that the next module is only gated after that clock pulse has ended and before the arrival of the next clock pulse. Each module also has a feedback loop to close its own gate once it has been activated by a clock pulse.
Description
``~ I 16~53~
THIS INVENTION relates to a means for and a method of sequentially initiating a series of explosions.
During 1974-75 a few prototvpes of armoured conveyors were introduced by the Chamber of Mines of South Africa in some gold mines, in an attempt to reduce labour, decrease ore losses on the floor and increase the frequency with which rounds can be fired. Such conveyors represent a high capital outlay and it is therefore important that they should be operated with minimal faulty firing due to the delays caused thereby. To ensure effective utilisation of conveyors a straight face after blasting is desirable. However a precise and reliable sequential firing system necessary to attain this desideratum is not available with conventional pyrotechnic firing systems.
; ' - ~ : ' ~ Various disposable electronic sequential firing systems have been suggested by the applicant and others, but they are relatively expensive and will not be available for some time. Vslng an armoured conveyor as protection from the effect of blasts a re-usable system can be employed. A re-usable system offers the advantageous possibility of testing .
. .. . . . .. . .
3~
continuity at each blast hole. However, as the connections between firing points and detonators can not be protected from the blast a precision fixed delay detonator must be used a't each hole to ensure continuity of sequence in case the detonator leads are damaged by blasts from nearby holes.
It is an object of the invention to provide a means for and a method of sequentially initiating a series of explosions in accordance with the above desiderata.
~ According ~o the invention.t.~ere is provided an activating module for a sequential activating system, the module including a power connection means whereby power may be supplied to the module from a control unit;
a clock connection means for connecting the module to the control unit for supplying clock pulses to the module;
a trigger input connection means for connecting the module to a trigger signal source;
a trigger output connection means for supplying a trigger signal to a succeeding similar module in a series thereof;
a detonator connection means for connecting the module to a fixed delay detonator;
a switch means for supplying a detonating signal to the detonator connection means, and a trigger signal to the trigger output connection means; and a gate means for routing a clock pulse received via the clock connection means to the switch means, to operate the switch means, when it has been opened by a trigger signal supplied via the trigger input connection means.
Further according to the invention there is provided a sequential activating system for sequentially activating a series of detonators, including a series of activating modules in accordance with the invention;
a pair of power supply leads connecting the power connec-tion means of~the modules in parallel;
a clock supply lead connecting the clock connection means of the modules in parallel; and a plurality of trigger leads connecting the trigger output connection means of each module with~the trigger input , connection means of its succeeding module.
The sequential activating system may include a control unit for supplying power and clock pulses of a desired frequency to the activating modules, the control unit having power terminals to which the power supply leads are connected and a clock output terminal to which the clock supply lead is connected, the clock output terminal also being connected to the trigger input connection means of the first module in the series by a suitable lead.
Further according to the invention there is provided a method of sequentially activating a series of detonators, which includes the steps of:
a) supplying a series of clock pulses to a series of acti-vating modules;
b) supplying a trigger signal to a first one of the activat-. . , ~ , 3 ~) ing modules thereby opening a gate in the first activating module;
c) routing the next clock pulse through the open gate to close a switch in the first activating module thereby supplying an activating signal to a first detonator in a series thereof and supplying a trigger signal to the next activating module in the series to open a gate therein;
d~ routing the next clock pulse through the gate that has been opened to close a switch i.. that module thereby supplying an activating signal to the detonator associated with that module and supplying a trigger signal to the next activating module in the series to open a gate therein; and e) repeating step (d) until all the detonators in the series have been activated.
Each activating modulç may include a testing network for testing the conductivity between its detonator connection means. Each module may further include a fault indicating means, operable by the testing network, for indicating that the conductivity between the detonator connection means is below a predetermined value.
The control unit may also be adapted to be operable ln either an operating mode or a testing mode. Conveniently, 3 ~
ln the testiny mode, each module may be supplied with power at a sufficiently low level for only the testing networ]cs to be operable. Accordingly, each module may have a power reducing means whereby the supply of power to the switch means and the gate means is suitably reduced to be below an operativé level.
The power reducing means may be voltage sensitive.
Conveniently, in the testing mode the control unit may supply a DC signal via the clock supply lead. Thus the clock connection means of each module may be connected to its detonator connection means and the testing network may be connected between its detonator connection means and its power connection means.
The control unit may also have a fault indicating means for indicating if there is a fault associated with any module~
It will be appreciated that if each clock pulse is of a sufficiently long duration and if there is a suitably short transmission delay in each module, one or more succeeding module could be supplied with a trigger signal which opens its gate means while the particular clock pulse is still present, thereby activating succeeding detonators too soon. To cater for this a delay may be introduced or the clock pulses may be of sufficiently short duration. Preferably, the trigger signal is delayed. Thus, each module may have a first delay means whereby a trigger signal is only supplied from its switch means 3 1 ~7~ 5 ~ ~t to its trigger output connection means after a predetermined time period; or each module may have a delay means whereby its - gate means is only opened a predetermined time period after a trigger signal is received.
Further, in order to minimise current drain, each gate means may be closed after it has routed a clock pulse through to its swltch means. Thus, each ~.odule may include a gate closing means such as a bistable element which is supplied with the trigger signal and also a reset signal fed back from the gate means or the switch means. A further delay means may be included for delaying the feedback signal.
The invention is now described, by way of an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows in block diagram form an activating module ~~
in accordance~with the invention, illustrating the essentials thereof;
Figure 2 shows the interconnection between several activating modules with a control unit, to provide an activat-ing system, with a circuit diagram for one of the activating modules being shown; and Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of the control unit.
Referring to Figure 1 an ac-tivating module is shown designated generally by reference numeral 10. The activating module 10 has a gate 12 by means of which a clock pulse supplied via a clock pulse terminal 14 is xouted to a switch $5~`1 16. The switch 16 supplies an activating pulse to a detonator 18, which has a fusible link 20, via terminals 22. The switch also supplies a trigger pulse to a trigger output terminal 24, when it is closed. The gate 12 is opened or closed by a gating signal supplied by an RS flip-flop 26 via a first delay unit 28. The RS flip-flop 26 is set by a trigger pulse supplied via a trigger input terminal 30. The flip-flop 26 is also reset by the gate 12, via a second delay unit 32.
In use, a plurality of the activating modules 10 are connected in series with the trigger,eutput terminal 24 of one module being connected with the trigger input terminal 30 of the next module 10 in the series. The clock pulses are supplied to all the modules simultaneously. If the gate 12 of any module 10 is opened any clock pulse received by it will be routed through to its switch 16 which will then activate its detonator 18. The first module has its trigger input terminal 30 connected to ground (as shown on the left in Figure 2).
Thus, when power is supplied to the series of modules, the flip-flop 26 of the first module is set. The delay unit 28 is such as to be longer than the duration of the clock pulses and to be shorter than the interval between them. Thus, at some stage between the first and the second clock pulse the gate 12 of the first module 10 is opened. When the second clock pulse arrives it is routed through to the switch 16 of the first module which supplies an acti~ating signal to its detonator 18, fusing its llnk 20. The detonators 18 haye a built-in delay which is predetermined. Accordingly~ the first detonator 18 53~) _9_ initiates its explosion a predetermined time period after it has been activated, as is known in the art. At the same time as the first switch 16 supplies an activating signal to its detonator 18 it also supplies a trigger pulse to the next activating module 10. This trigger pulse then sets the flip-flop 26 of the next module which opens its gate 12 between the second and the third clock pulse. Thus, by the time the gate 12 of the second module has been opened the second clock pulse has disappeared. Further, the second clock pulse that is routed through the gate 12 of the first module 10 is also supplied to the flipflop 26 of the first module 10 after a delay determined by the second delay unit 32. This delay is also slightly smaller than the duration of the clock pulses.
Thus, shortly before the second clock pulse has disappeared the flip-flop 26 is reset so that when the next clock pulse appears the gate 12 has been opened. In this manner the gates 12 of successive modules 10 are opened to route the next clock pulse through to its switch 16 to acti~ate its detonator 18 and fuse its link 20. The detonators being sequentially activated with a time interval determined by the frequency of clock pulses which is operator determined.
Referring now to Figure 2 the various components of the activating module 10 shown and illustrated in Figure 1 are indicated in circuit diagram form. It will be noted that a series of modules 10 are interconnected in series by means of power supply leads 34 and 36 by terminals 38 and 40. The clock pulse terminals 14 are also interconnected by means of a lead 42. It is also to be noted that the trigger output terminal 24 of each module is connected to the trigger input terminal 30 o~
the next module by means of separate leads 44. As regardsSthe detonators 18 they are connected with the approprlate terminals 22 by means of separate leads 46. It will also be understood that in use the modules 10 are located behind an armoured conveyor (not~shown) being connected with the detonators 18 by means of the leads 46.
~n addition to the components described above with reference to Figure 1, each module l~ has a zener diode 48, and .
a detonator testing network 50 which has a transistor 52 and a light emitting diode 54. The switch 16 of each module 10 is connected in series with its associated detonator 18. The junction between the switch 16 and the detonator 18 is connec-ted to the base of the transistor 52 and is also connected with the clock input terminal 14 via a resistor 56.
As will be noted from an examination of Figure 2, the RS flip-flop 26 and the gate 12 are supplied with power via the zener diode 48. Thus, in normal use, if the modules are supplied with 15 volt DC, and the zener diode 48 has a 6 volt characteristic, then the flip-flop 26 and the gate 12 will be supplied with a 9 volt supply voltage. Thus, to operate the system in a test mode, the modules are supplied with a 6 volt DC supply, the flip-$1cp 26 and gate 12 then not being energised as a result of the zener diode 48. It will further be noted that if a DC voltage is in~ected via the clock input . ..
3 ~6:~5,~() terminal 14 the transistor 52 will be switched on if there is not a sufficiently low resistance through its associated detonator 18 for the transistor 52 to be held off. Thus, if there is a fault in the connection of the detonator 18 or the detonator 18 itself, the transistor 52 will be switched on with its light emitting diode 54 emitting a visible signal.
Referring further to Figure 3 a control unit 60 is sho~in. It will be noted that it has power supply output terminals 62 and 64 and a further output terminal 66 to which is supplied either clock pulses or a DC test signal. The clock pulses are supplied from a generator 68, with the frequency of oscillation being variable by means of a variable resistance 70.
The control unit 60 also has two switches 72 and 74. ~~
The switch 72 connects the positive supply output terminal 62 to either a 15 volt supply in its ready mode or to a 6 volt supply in i*s test mode. These supplies are also controlled by means of isolating switches 76. In the 6 volt supply circuit there is a light emitting diode 78 which is illuminated if sufficient current is drawn which will occur if there is a fault in any of the modules 10 as described earlier. ~lso, in the 15 volt circuit there is a firing switch 80.
It will be appreciated that, in use, the switches 72 and 74 are switched to their test mode and the switches 76 closed. This then has the effect of supplying 6 volts to the ~ . ...
~ 16 1 5~1~
modules 10 and also a 6 ~olt signal to the clock input terminals 14. If there is a fault in any of the modules 10 the light emitting diode 78 lights up as does the appropriate light emitting diode 54 of the rele~ant module 10. If there is no fault in any of the modules 10, the switch 80 is checked to ensure that it is in the off position and the switches 72 and 74 are switched to the ready position. To initiate firing, the switch 80 is switched, supplying power to the modul~s 10 and also supplying a trigger signal to the input terminal 30 of the first module 10. The generator 68 is energised after a delay period to allow storage capacitors in the ~odules 10 to charge --up. Clock pulses are then supplied to the clock input terminals 14. The detonators are then sequentially activated as described earlier.
.. . . . .
THIS INVENTION relates to a means for and a method of sequentially initiating a series of explosions.
During 1974-75 a few prototvpes of armoured conveyors were introduced by the Chamber of Mines of South Africa in some gold mines, in an attempt to reduce labour, decrease ore losses on the floor and increase the frequency with which rounds can be fired. Such conveyors represent a high capital outlay and it is therefore important that they should be operated with minimal faulty firing due to the delays caused thereby. To ensure effective utilisation of conveyors a straight face after blasting is desirable. However a precise and reliable sequential firing system necessary to attain this desideratum is not available with conventional pyrotechnic firing systems.
; ' - ~ : ' ~ Various disposable electronic sequential firing systems have been suggested by the applicant and others, but they are relatively expensive and will not be available for some time. Vslng an armoured conveyor as protection from the effect of blasts a re-usable system can be employed. A re-usable system offers the advantageous possibility of testing .
. .. . . . .. . .
3~
continuity at each blast hole. However, as the connections between firing points and detonators can not be protected from the blast a precision fixed delay detonator must be used a't each hole to ensure continuity of sequence in case the detonator leads are damaged by blasts from nearby holes.
It is an object of the invention to provide a means for and a method of sequentially initiating a series of explosions in accordance with the above desiderata.
~ According ~o the invention.t.~ere is provided an activating module for a sequential activating system, the module including a power connection means whereby power may be supplied to the module from a control unit;
a clock connection means for connecting the module to the control unit for supplying clock pulses to the module;
a trigger input connection means for connecting the module to a trigger signal source;
a trigger output connection means for supplying a trigger signal to a succeeding similar module in a series thereof;
a detonator connection means for connecting the module to a fixed delay detonator;
a switch means for supplying a detonating signal to the detonator connection means, and a trigger signal to the trigger output connection means; and a gate means for routing a clock pulse received via the clock connection means to the switch means, to operate the switch means, when it has been opened by a trigger signal supplied via the trigger input connection means.
Further according to the invention there is provided a sequential activating system for sequentially activating a series of detonators, including a series of activating modules in accordance with the invention;
a pair of power supply leads connecting the power connec-tion means of~the modules in parallel;
a clock supply lead connecting the clock connection means of the modules in parallel; and a plurality of trigger leads connecting the trigger output connection means of each module with~the trigger input , connection means of its succeeding module.
The sequential activating system may include a control unit for supplying power and clock pulses of a desired frequency to the activating modules, the control unit having power terminals to which the power supply leads are connected and a clock output terminal to which the clock supply lead is connected, the clock output terminal also being connected to the trigger input connection means of the first module in the series by a suitable lead.
Further according to the invention there is provided a method of sequentially activating a series of detonators, which includes the steps of:
a) supplying a series of clock pulses to a series of acti-vating modules;
b) supplying a trigger signal to a first one of the activat-. . , ~ , 3 ~) ing modules thereby opening a gate in the first activating module;
c) routing the next clock pulse through the open gate to close a switch in the first activating module thereby supplying an activating signal to a first detonator in a series thereof and supplying a trigger signal to the next activating module in the series to open a gate therein;
d~ routing the next clock pulse through the gate that has been opened to close a switch i.. that module thereby supplying an activating signal to the detonator associated with that module and supplying a trigger signal to the next activating module in the series to open a gate therein; and e) repeating step (d) until all the detonators in the series have been activated.
Each activating modulç may include a testing network for testing the conductivity between its detonator connection means. Each module may further include a fault indicating means, operable by the testing network, for indicating that the conductivity between the detonator connection means is below a predetermined value.
The control unit may also be adapted to be operable ln either an operating mode or a testing mode. Conveniently, 3 ~
ln the testiny mode, each module may be supplied with power at a sufficiently low level for only the testing networ]cs to be operable. Accordingly, each module may have a power reducing means whereby the supply of power to the switch means and the gate means is suitably reduced to be below an operativé level.
The power reducing means may be voltage sensitive.
Conveniently, in the testing mode the control unit may supply a DC signal via the clock supply lead. Thus the clock connection means of each module may be connected to its detonator connection means and the testing network may be connected between its detonator connection means and its power connection means.
The control unit may also have a fault indicating means for indicating if there is a fault associated with any module~
It will be appreciated that if each clock pulse is of a sufficiently long duration and if there is a suitably short transmission delay in each module, one or more succeeding module could be supplied with a trigger signal which opens its gate means while the particular clock pulse is still present, thereby activating succeeding detonators too soon. To cater for this a delay may be introduced or the clock pulses may be of sufficiently short duration. Preferably, the trigger signal is delayed. Thus, each module may have a first delay means whereby a trigger signal is only supplied from its switch means 3 1 ~7~ 5 ~ ~t to its trigger output connection means after a predetermined time period; or each module may have a delay means whereby its - gate means is only opened a predetermined time period after a trigger signal is received.
Further, in order to minimise current drain, each gate means may be closed after it has routed a clock pulse through to its swltch means. Thus, each ~.odule may include a gate closing means such as a bistable element which is supplied with the trigger signal and also a reset signal fed back from the gate means or the switch means. A further delay means may be included for delaying the feedback signal.
The invention is now described, by way of an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows in block diagram form an activating module ~~
in accordance~with the invention, illustrating the essentials thereof;
Figure 2 shows the interconnection between several activating modules with a control unit, to provide an activat-ing system, with a circuit diagram for one of the activating modules being shown; and Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of the control unit.
Referring to Figure 1 an ac-tivating module is shown designated generally by reference numeral 10. The activating module 10 has a gate 12 by means of which a clock pulse supplied via a clock pulse terminal 14 is xouted to a switch $5~`1 16. The switch 16 supplies an activating pulse to a detonator 18, which has a fusible link 20, via terminals 22. The switch also supplies a trigger pulse to a trigger output terminal 24, when it is closed. The gate 12 is opened or closed by a gating signal supplied by an RS flip-flop 26 via a first delay unit 28. The RS flip-flop 26 is set by a trigger pulse supplied via a trigger input terminal 30. The flip-flop 26 is also reset by the gate 12, via a second delay unit 32.
In use, a plurality of the activating modules 10 are connected in series with the trigger,eutput terminal 24 of one module being connected with the trigger input terminal 30 of the next module 10 in the series. The clock pulses are supplied to all the modules simultaneously. If the gate 12 of any module 10 is opened any clock pulse received by it will be routed through to its switch 16 which will then activate its detonator 18. The first module has its trigger input terminal 30 connected to ground (as shown on the left in Figure 2).
Thus, when power is supplied to the series of modules, the flip-flop 26 of the first module is set. The delay unit 28 is such as to be longer than the duration of the clock pulses and to be shorter than the interval between them. Thus, at some stage between the first and the second clock pulse the gate 12 of the first module 10 is opened. When the second clock pulse arrives it is routed through to the switch 16 of the first module which supplies an acti~ating signal to its detonator 18, fusing its llnk 20. The detonators 18 haye a built-in delay which is predetermined. Accordingly~ the first detonator 18 53~) _9_ initiates its explosion a predetermined time period after it has been activated, as is known in the art. At the same time as the first switch 16 supplies an activating signal to its detonator 18 it also supplies a trigger pulse to the next activating module 10. This trigger pulse then sets the flip-flop 26 of the next module which opens its gate 12 between the second and the third clock pulse. Thus, by the time the gate 12 of the second module has been opened the second clock pulse has disappeared. Further, the second clock pulse that is routed through the gate 12 of the first module 10 is also supplied to the flipflop 26 of the first module 10 after a delay determined by the second delay unit 32. This delay is also slightly smaller than the duration of the clock pulses.
Thus, shortly before the second clock pulse has disappeared the flip-flop 26 is reset so that when the next clock pulse appears the gate 12 has been opened. In this manner the gates 12 of successive modules 10 are opened to route the next clock pulse through to its switch 16 to acti~ate its detonator 18 and fuse its link 20. The detonators being sequentially activated with a time interval determined by the frequency of clock pulses which is operator determined.
Referring now to Figure 2 the various components of the activating module 10 shown and illustrated in Figure 1 are indicated in circuit diagram form. It will be noted that a series of modules 10 are interconnected in series by means of power supply leads 34 and 36 by terminals 38 and 40. The clock pulse terminals 14 are also interconnected by means of a lead 42. It is also to be noted that the trigger output terminal 24 of each module is connected to the trigger input terminal 30 o~
the next module by means of separate leads 44. As regardsSthe detonators 18 they are connected with the approprlate terminals 22 by means of separate leads 46. It will also be understood that in use the modules 10 are located behind an armoured conveyor (not~shown) being connected with the detonators 18 by means of the leads 46.
~n addition to the components described above with reference to Figure 1, each module l~ has a zener diode 48, and .
a detonator testing network 50 which has a transistor 52 and a light emitting diode 54. The switch 16 of each module 10 is connected in series with its associated detonator 18. The junction between the switch 16 and the detonator 18 is connec-ted to the base of the transistor 52 and is also connected with the clock input terminal 14 via a resistor 56.
As will be noted from an examination of Figure 2, the RS flip-flop 26 and the gate 12 are supplied with power via the zener diode 48. Thus, in normal use, if the modules are supplied with 15 volt DC, and the zener diode 48 has a 6 volt characteristic, then the flip-flop 26 and the gate 12 will be supplied with a 9 volt supply voltage. Thus, to operate the system in a test mode, the modules are supplied with a 6 volt DC supply, the flip-$1cp 26 and gate 12 then not being energised as a result of the zener diode 48. It will further be noted that if a DC voltage is in~ected via the clock input . ..
3 ~6:~5,~() terminal 14 the transistor 52 will be switched on if there is not a sufficiently low resistance through its associated detonator 18 for the transistor 52 to be held off. Thus, if there is a fault in the connection of the detonator 18 or the detonator 18 itself, the transistor 52 will be switched on with its light emitting diode 54 emitting a visible signal.
Referring further to Figure 3 a control unit 60 is sho~in. It will be noted that it has power supply output terminals 62 and 64 and a further output terminal 66 to which is supplied either clock pulses or a DC test signal. The clock pulses are supplied from a generator 68, with the frequency of oscillation being variable by means of a variable resistance 70.
The control unit 60 also has two switches 72 and 74. ~~
The switch 72 connects the positive supply output terminal 62 to either a 15 volt supply in its ready mode or to a 6 volt supply in i*s test mode. These supplies are also controlled by means of isolating switches 76. In the 6 volt supply circuit there is a light emitting diode 78 which is illuminated if sufficient current is drawn which will occur if there is a fault in any of the modules 10 as described earlier. ~lso, in the 15 volt circuit there is a firing switch 80.
It will be appreciated that, in use, the switches 72 and 74 are switched to their test mode and the switches 76 closed. This then has the effect of supplying 6 volts to the ~ . ...
~ 16 1 5~1~
modules 10 and also a 6 ~olt signal to the clock input terminals 14. If there is a fault in any of the modules 10 the light emitting diode 78 lights up as does the appropriate light emitting diode 54 of the rele~ant module 10. If there is no fault in any of the modules 10, the switch 80 is checked to ensure that it is in the off position and the switches 72 and 74 are switched to the ready position. To initiate firing, the switch 80 is switched, supplying power to the modul~s 10 and also supplying a trigger signal to the input terminal 30 of the first module 10. The generator 68 is energised after a delay period to allow storage capacitors in the ~odules 10 to charge --up. Clock pulses are then supplied to the clock input terminals 14. The detonators are then sequentially activated as described earlier.
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Claims (19)
1. An activating module for a sequential activating system, the module including a power connection means whereby power may be supplied to the module from a control unit;
a clock connection means for connecting the module to the control unit for supplying clock pulses to the module;
a trigger input connection means for connecting the module to a trigger signal source;
a trigger output connection means for supplying a trigger signal to a succeeding similar module in a series thereof;
a detonator connection means for connecting the module to a fixed delay detonator;
a switch means for supplying a detonating signal to the detonator connection means, and a trigger signal to the trigger output connection means; and a gate means for routing a clock pulse received via the clock connection means to the switch means, to operate the switch means, when it has been opened by a trigger signal supplied via the trigger input connection means.
a clock connection means for connecting the module to the control unit for supplying clock pulses to the module;
a trigger input connection means for connecting the module to a trigger signal source;
a trigger output connection means for supplying a trigger signal to a succeeding similar module in a series thereof;
a detonator connection means for connecting the module to a fixed delay detonator;
a switch means for supplying a detonating signal to the detonator connection means, and a trigger signal to the trigger output connection means; and a gate means for routing a clock pulse received via the clock connection means to the switch means, to operate the switch means, when it has been opened by a trigger signal supplied via the trigger input connection means.
2. An activating module as claimed in Claim 1, which includes a testing network for testing the conductivity between the detonator connection means of the module.
3. An activating module as claimed in Claim 2, which includes a fault indicating means responsive to the testing network, for indicating that the conductivity between the detonator connection means is below a predetermined value.
4. An activating module as claimed in Claim 2, which includes a power reducing means for reducing the supply of power to the switch means and the gate means to below an operative level when the module is in a testing mode.
5. An activating module as claimed in Claim 4, in which the power reducing means is voltage sensitive.
6. An activating module as claimed in Claim 2, in which the clock connection means is connected to the detonator connection means and the testing network is connected between the detonator connection means and the power connection means.
7. An activating module as claimed in Claim 1, which includes a first delay means for supplying the trigger signal from the switch means to the trigger output connection means after a predetermined first time period.
8. An activating module as claimed in Claim 1, which includes a first delay means for supplying a trigger signal received at its trigger input means to its gate means after a predetermined first time period.
9. An activating module as claimed in Claim 1, which includes a gate closing means for closing the gate means after it has routed a clock pulse to the switch means.
10. An activating module as claimed in Claim 9, in which the gate closing means is connected to the output of the gate means such that it is operated by a clock pulse routed through the gate means.
11. An activating module as claimed in Claim 10, which includes a second delay means connected between the gate means and the gate closure means.
12. An activating module as claimed in Claim 9, in which the closure means is a bistable element having two input terminals, with one of the input terminals being connected to the trigger input connection means.
13. A sequential activating system for sequentially activating a series of detonators, including a series of activating modules as claimed in Claim 1;
a pair of power supply leads connecting the power connection means of the modules in parallel;
a clock supply lead connecting the clock connection means of the modules in parallel; and a plurality of trigger leads connecting the trigger output connection means of each module with the trigger input connection means of its succeeding module.
a pair of power supply leads connecting the power connection means of the modules in parallel;
a clock supply lead connecting the clock connection means of the modules in parallel; and a plurality of trigger leads connecting the trigger output connection means of each module with the trigger input connection means of its succeeding module.
14. A sequential activating system as claimed in Claim 13, in combination with a control unit for supplying clock pulses of a desired frequency, and power, to the activating modules, the control unit having power terminals to which the power supply leads are connected and a clock output terminal to which the clock supply lead is connected, with the clock output terminal also being connected to the trigger input connection means of the first module in the series.
15. A method of sequentially activating a series of detonators, which includes the steps of :
a) supplying a series of clock pulses to a series of activating modules;
b) supplying a trigger signal to a first one of the activating modules thereby opening a gate in the first activating module;
c) routing the next clock pulse through the open gate to close a switch in the first activating module thereby supplying an activating signal to a first detonator in a series thereof and supplying a trigger signal to the next activating module in the series to open a gate therein.
d) routing the next clock pulse through the gate that has been opened to close a switch in that module thereby supplying an activating signal to the detonator associated with that module and supplying a trigger signal to the next activating module in the series to open a gate therein; and e) repeating step (d) until all the detonators in the series have been activated.
a) supplying a series of clock pulses to a series of activating modules;
b) supplying a trigger signal to a first one of the activating modules thereby opening a gate in the first activating module;
c) routing the next clock pulse through the open gate to close a switch in the first activating module thereby supplying an activating signal to a first detonator in a series thereof and supplying a trigger signal to the next activating module in the series to open a gate therein.
d) routing the next clock pulse through the gate that has been opened to close a switch in that module thereby supplying an activating signal to the detonator associated with that module and supplying a trigger signal to the next activating module in the series to open a gate therein; and e) repeating step (d) until all the detonators in the series have been activated.
16. A method as claimed in Claim 15, in which the gates of each of the activating modules are opened a first predeter-mined time period after a trigger signal has been supplied to that activating module.
17. A method as claimed in Claim 15, which includes closing the gate of each activating module after its switch has been closed.
18. A method-as claimed in Claim 17, in which the gate of each activating module is closed a second predetermined time period after its switch has been closed and its switch is then opened.
19. A method as claimed in Claim 15, in which the integrity of the detonators is first tested.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA80/0743 | 1980-02-08 | ||
| ZA80743 | 1980-02-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1161530A true CA1161530A (en) | 1984-01-31 |
Family
ID=25574541
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000369212A Expired CA1161530A (en) | 1980-02-08 | 1981-01-23 | Sequential initiation of explosions |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU6636981A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1161530A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1987000265A1 (en) * | 1985-06-28 | 1987-01-15 | Moorhouse, D., J. | Detonator actuator |
| WO1987000264A1 (en) * | 1985-06-28 | 1987-01-15 | Moorhouse, D., J. | Detonator |
| EP0681158A1 (en) * | 1994-05-02 | 1995-11-08 | EURO-Matsushita Electric Works Aktiengesellschaft | Explosive chain |
-
1981
- 1981-01-21 AU AU66369/81A patent/AU6636981A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1981-01-23 CA CA000369212A patent/CA1161530A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1987000265A1 (en) * | 1985-06-28 | 1987-01-15 | Moorhouse, D., J. | Detonator actuator |
| WO1987000264A1 (en) * | 1985-06-28 | 1987-01-15 | Moorhouse, D., J. | Detonator |
| EP0681158A1 (en) * | 1994-05-02 | 1995-11-08 | EURO-Matsushita Electric Works Aktiengesellschaft | Explosive chain |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU6636981A (en) | 1981-08-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |