GB2519857A - Gas monitor, system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A monitor 10 in a communication network 66 for detecting the presence of hazardous gases in a mine comprising a housing 12, a battery 14, a gas sensor portion 16, an alarm portion 18, a wireless communication portion 20 and a processor 22. The gas sensor 16 is operable to detect at least two different gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen sulphide, and in response to either of the gases being detected above a predetermined threshold, the alarm portion 18 is operable to emit a visual 32 and audible 30 alert. The wireless communication portion 20 is operable to send a wireless signal from the housing 12 to the mine network 66 indicating that the monitor 10 has sensed either of the gases. In alternative embodiment, the monitor includes a terminal portion 58 that has two states, an output configuration state 56 in which an output signal is sent from the processor 22 to a first device, and an input configuration state 54 in which an input signal is received from a second device. Further aspects are present including those relating to communicating and monitoring gases in a mine and miner apparatus.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GB1417552.5 RTN4 Date:24 February 2015 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Strata Trolex Wurth Maxim Texas Instruments Kemet

TDK

Pulse Electronics Panasonic Linear Technology Vishay Taiyo Yuden Avago Technologies Diodes Littelfli se Samtec Coilcrafl Keystone Yageo Coto Technology Epcos

TXC

Samsung

OSRAM

Bourns Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Gas Monitor. System and Method

CROSS-RE FERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION S

[00011 This is a rioiiprovisional of U.S. provisional application serial number 61/887,768 filed October 7. 2013; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application serial number 14/325,028 filed on July 7.2014, which is a nonprovisional of U.S. provisional application serial number 61/847.846 filed on July IS, 2013; and is a continuation-in-part of US. patent application serial number l4/290,755 filed on May 29, 2014, which is a nonprovisional of U.S. provisional application serial number 61/832,259 filed June 7, 2013, all of which are mcorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE iNVENTION

[0002] The present invention is related to monitonng of gas where the value of the gas is transmitted wirelessly. (As used herein, references to the "present invention" or "invention" relate to exemplary embodiments and not necessarily to every embodiment encompassed by the appended claims.) More specifically, the present invention is re[ated to monitoring of gas in an underground environment or an oil or gas rig with an apparatus where the value of the gas is transmitted wirelessly from the apparatus and an alarm is activated at the apparatus when the value of the gas is above a predetermined value, or an input signal from an input of the apparatus is transmitted wirelessly from the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

100031 This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention. The following discussion is intended to provide infonnation to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, it should he. understood that statements in the following discussion are to be read in this light,

and not as admissions of prior art,

[0004J Atmospheric Monitoring Systems, herein after referred to as AMS, and their requirements are thoroughly described iii F he Mine Safety Health Administration's 30 CER 75.35 1.

100061 Historically. AMS consisted of gas monitors connected over a hardwired network all communicating to a central area as described in the above requirement in section (b)( I). As the mine expanded and additional monitors were needed, lengths of cable were added to facilitate eomrnumcations and power to new monitoring locations. As technology progressed, wireless and battery powered solutions became available. Extensive lengths of cable providing data and power were no longer needed. Mines now have the option of running a hardwired system or a hybrid of both hardwired with wireless. This becomes especially effective when the mine monitoring requirement consists of both pernianent and temporary monitoring needs.

Areas along the heltways are typicaRy unchanging and are best suited for hardwired monitoring where developing areas of the mine are better suited for a wireless/battery powered solution.

Aside from (he existing hardwired network, a wireless communication network is still needed to transmit data from the wireless monitors to the designated central area. This could be served with a device that acts as an access point for the wireless monitor data to enter the existing hardwired network or an entirely separate true wireless network such as Strata Products Worldwide, LLC's CommTrac system.

100071 As taken from section (c)(2) of the above requirement, an AMS must have the ability to "Automatically provide visual and audible signals at the designated surface location when the carbon monoxide concentration or methane concentration at any sensor reaches the alert level as specified in § 75.351(i). These signals must be of sufficient magnitude to be seen or heard by the AMS operator." 100081 The detail of importance in this section is the mention of "methane". Traditional AMS hardwired systems offer methane monitoring but only in the 0-5% by volume range using catalytic bead technology. Methane concentrations above 5% will cause catalytic technology to be permanently damaged. In the event of a disaster and mine ventilation is lost, methane levels can casily exceed 5% concentration. Existing technology cannot provide atmospheric inthrmation that is critical during rescue efftwts. No wireless or hardwired option exists to fulfill this need. Furthennore, the available wireless gas monitoring devices only offer carbon monoxide as a detectable gas and only in the I 00 PPM maximum range.

100091 As taken from section (c)(4) of the above requirement, an AIMS must have the ability to "Automatically provide visual and audible signals at all affected working sections and at all affected areas where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or removed when the carbon monoxide, smoke, or methane concentration at any sensor reaches the alarm level as specified in § 2.1W. These signals must be of sufficient magnitude to he seen or heard by miners working at these locations. Methane signals must be distinguishable from other signals." 100101 Traditional AMS hardwired systems oiler this ability through a hybrid monitor/alarming unit although no wireless options for this requirement exist currently. Mines are often forced to run a separate control network if using a wireless monitoring solution to satisfy the section alarming requirement.

100111 Similar to mines, oil and gas rigs need to monitor the atmosphere for dangerous levels of various gases without the need of cables and wiring cluttering the rig. In places such as oil and gas rigs, there is also the risk of dangerous gases and the need to monitor the atmosphere for these dangerous gases. Typically, gas monitors were connected by cabling and wiring throughout the rig has been used to monitor dangerous gases on a rig. The presence of all of these cables and wires distributed throughout a rig creates the problem of properly organizing and positioning the cables and wires so they do not interfere with the operation of the rig nor can be damaged so that connection is lost with the monitor during operation. If connection is lost with a monitor, then the monitor as well as the entire length of the cable or wire that connects the monitor to a remote station for monitoring must be examined to correct the loss of communication with the monitor. Such cabling and wiring could extend quite a long distance and be located in difficult positions to examine and can become a significant issue to correct.

[0012] In addition, in a mine, it is important to he able to track and communicate with a miner in ideally the most unobtrusive way possible. Besides the mine environment being a dangerous place in and of itself; the more equipment a miner carries, the more difficult it is for the miner to perform his Functions and move through the mine. What is desired is a simple way to alert a miner of a dangerous or emergency condition, as well as for the miner to inform a remote station of the miner's condition and the miner's location.

[0013j To further provide for the safety of a miner, the miller is required to carry a light, such as a cap lamp that the miner wears on his head, as well as is required to be tracked in tile mine, and also be protected from contact with machinery so as not to be injured by the machinery by accidentally contacting the machinery during operation. The latter protection is affbrded with the use of a proximity device carried by a miner and proximity sensors positioned on machinery which, when determining that a proximity device carried by a miner is within a predetermined location of the proximity sensor, the machine is turned off so the miner is not injured. As the light is already required to he carried by a miner, and the proximity device is commonly carried by a miner, it would be desirable to combine tracking with these ftnctions since they are already present on the miner.

100141 To provide communication to and from the miner to inform the miner of important information or to track the miner or to enable the miner to communicate with the remote station, communication networks are critical throughout the mine. Since the mine is a very difficult environment for communication networks, redundancy, as well as data networks that ideally work best to transmit data, and voice networks that ideally work best to transmit voice bidirectionally. in which also can transmit data, and work in combination are desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF TIlE INVENTION

100151 The present invention pertains to a monitor for gases and a mine. Thc monitor comprises a housing. The monitor comprises a battery disposed in the housing. The monitor comprises a gas sensor portion powered by tile battery and in electrical communication with the battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas diftèrent from the first gas in the mine.

The monitor comprises an alarm portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with thc battery which emits a visual alert and an audible alert when the gas sensor portion senses that cither the first or second gas is above a predetermined threshold. The monitor comprises a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by thc battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing that the gas sensor portion has sensed of either the first or second gas. The monitor comprises a processor disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical comniunication with the wireless communication portion, alarm portion, sensor portion and battery.

100161 The present invention pertains to a method for monitoring gases in a mine. The mcthod comprises the steps of detecting with a gas sensor portion a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine, the gas sensor portion powered by a battery and in electrical communication with the battery, the gas sensor portion and the battery disposed in the housing. There is the step of emitting with an alann portion powered by the battery, disposed in the housing and in electrical communication with the battery a visual alert and an audible alert when the gas sensor portion senses that either the first or second gas is above a predetennined threshold. There is the step of sending with a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor portion a wireless signal from the housing that the gas sensor portion has sensed either the first or second gas.

100171 The present invention pertains to a monitor for gases in a mine. The monitor comprises a housing. The monitor comprises a battery disposed in the housing. The monitor comprises a gas sensor portion powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine.

The monitor comprises a terminal portion that has two states, an output configuration state in which an output signal is sent from the processor to a first device, and an input configuration state in which an input signal is received from a second device. The monitor comprises a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing that the gas sensor portion has sensed of either the first or second gas. The monitor comprises a processor disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with tile wireless communication portion, alarm portion, sensor portion and hattcry.

100181 The present invention pertains to a monitor for gases and a mine, The monitor comprises a housing. The monitor comprises a battery disposed in the housing. The monitor comprises a gas sensor portion powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine.

The monitor comprises a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing that the gas sensor portion has sensed of either the first or second gas. The monitor comprises at least one input for connection to a remote device which provides a status signal regarding the remote device which is transmitted by the wireless communication portion from the detector. The monitor comprises a processor disposed in the housing. powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the wireless communication portion, the input, sensor portion and battery.

100191 The present invention is related to a system for monitoring gases underground.

The system comprises a monitor which detects a gas located in a tunnel underground and determines a gas value of the gas. The monitor has an audio alarm and a visual alann which is activated what the detected gas is above a predetermined value, and a transceiver which transmits the gas value. The system comprises a wireless telecommunications network on which the gas value is transmitted from the apparatus. The system comprises a remote station which receives the gas value from the network.

[0020J The present invention pertains to a system for monitoring gases on an oil or gas rig. The system comprises a monitor which detects a gas at the rig and determines a gas value of the gas. The monitor having an audio alarm and a visual alarm, which is activated when the detected gas is above a predetermined value, and a transceiver which transmits the gas value.

The system comprises a wireless te!eeoimnunieations network on which the gas value is transnutted from the monitor. The system compnses a remote station which receives the gas value from the network.

100211 The present invention pertains to a remote station which receives gas values of gas monitors from a wireless network. The remote station comprises a receiver which receives the gas values wirelessly from the network. The remote station comprises a processor in communication with the receiver which receives the gas values from the receiver. The remote station comprises a display in communication with the processor on which the processor displays an alarm indication when the gas value is above a predetermined level.

100221 The present invention pertains to a communication system. The system comprises a data network on which solely data is sent. The system comprises a wireless network on which voice and data is sent bidireetionally. The system comprises a plurality of nodes distributed and apart from each other that form the data network and the wireless network. Each node has a data portion which receives and sends data on the data network, a wireless portion which receives and sends voice signals on the wireless network, and a power supply portion in electrical communication with the data portion and the wireless portion which powers the data portion and the wireless portion.

[0023J The present invention pertains to a communication node of a data network and a wireless network. The node comprises a data portion whi Ii receives data wirelessly on the data network. The node comprses a wireless portion which receives and sends voice signals on the wireless network. The node comprises a power supply portion in elcctncal communication with the data portion and the wireless portion which powers the data portion and the wireless portion.

The node comprises a data converter in communication with the data portion and the wireless portion which converts the data from the data network into a transmission signal that is transmitted on the wireless network.

100241 The present invention pertains to a method for communicating in a mine. The method comprises the steps of receiving data wirelessly at a data portion of a first node of a plurality of nodes 206 From a data network on which solely data is sent. The plurality of nodes distributed and apart from each other and thrni the data network and a wireless network. There is the step of converting with a data converter in communication with the data portion the data from the data network into a transmission signal that is transmitted on the wireless network. The wireless network transmitting and receiving voice and data hi-directionally. There is the step of transmitting the transmission signal from the first node on the wireLess network with a wireless portion of the first node. There is the step of powering the data portion and the wireless portion with a power supply portion in electrical communication with the data portion and the wireless port ion.

100251 The present invention pertains to a miner communicator in a communications network. The communicator comprises a housing. The communicator comprises a processor disposed in the housing. The communicator comprises a transceiver disposed in the housing and in communication with the processor and the network to send to and receive from the network only data but not including text. The communicator comprises an input disposed on the housing and in communication with the processor which provides a trigger signal to the processor. The communicator comprises an alarm in contact with the housing and in communication with the processor that is activated by the processor when an alarm signal is received by the transceiver The communicator comprises a position portion disposed in the housing and in communication with the processor which determines a location of the communicator and provides a location to the processor, the processor provides the location and an ID of the comnumicator to the transceiver which transmits the ID and location to the network to a communication node, ideally the closest node, and then to the remote station.

[0026] The present invention pertains to a method for communicating with a miner in a mine. The method comprises the steps of sending an alarm signal wirelessly through a wireless communication network to a miner communicator carried by a miner in the mine. fhe communicator is only able to receive data but not voice. There is the step of receiving the alarm signal by the communicator. There is the step of activating an alarm of the communicator by a processor of the communicator in response to the communicator receiving the alarm signal.

There is the step of activating a button of the communicator to cause the transmitter to transmit from the communicator to the network an indicator signal regarding the miner's status, and with the indicator signal is an id of the communicator and position of the communicator the communicator not having a display or a keyboard.

100271 The present invention pertains to a miner apparatus of a wireless network. The apparatus comprises a housing which is carried by the miner. The apparatus comprises a tracking portion disposed in the housing which determines the miners location and transmits the location wirelessly to the network. The apparatus comprises a battery disposed in the housing and connected to the tracking portion which powers the tracking portion. The apparatus comprises a cap lamp electrically connected to the battery which is powered by the battery to provide light, the cap lamp worn by the miner.

100281 The present invention pertains to a miner apparatus of a wireless network. The apparatus comprises a housing which is carried by the miner. The apparatus comprises a tracking portion disposed in the housing which determines the miner's location and transmits the location wirelessly to the network. The apparatus comprises a battery disposed in the housing and connected to the tracking portion which powers the tracking portion. The apparatus comprises a proximity device electrically connected to the battery and disposed in the housing which is powered by the battery to provide a detectable presence to a proximity detector when the miner gets too close to the proximity detector, the proximity device worn by the miner.

100291 The present invention pertains to a miner apparatus of a wireless network. The -9..

apparatus comprises a housing which is carried by the miner. The apparatus comprises a tracking portion disposed in the housing which detennincs the miners location and transmits the location wirelessly to the network. The apparatus comprises a battery disposed in the housing and connected to the tracking portion which powers the tracking portion. The apparatus comprises a proximity device electrically connected to the battery and disposed in the housing which is powered by the battery to provide a detectable presence to a proximity detector when the miner gets too close to the proximity detector, the proximity device worn by the miner. The apparatus comprises a cap lamp electrically connected to the battery which is powered by the battery to provide light. The cap lamp is wom by the miner.

I 0030J The present invention pertains to a method for a miner to move through a mine.

T he method comprises the steps of powering a tight of a cap lamp on the miner's head with a battery in a housing carried by the miner. There is the step of sending location information from the housing so the miner can be tracked as the miner moves through the mine. There is the step of stopping a machine with a proximity sensor connected to the machine, because the proximity sensor has sensed a proximity device in the housing has conic within a predetermined distance to the proximity device.

10031! The present invention pertains to a proximity detector attached to a machine The detector for detecting a miner's presence comprises a generator which produces a magnetic field. The detector comprises a processor. The detector comprises a transceiver for sending a message produced by the processor having information about the generator's health and an ID of a PAD of a miner that has triggered a warning or hazard that has effectively stopped operation of the machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

j0032j In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention and preferred methods of practicing the invention are illustrated in which: f0033J Figures 1A, 1 AA, I B and 2A-2E are engineering schematic diagrams of the wireless colnmunications portion, the alarm portion and the battery of the present invention.

100341 Figure 3 is a block diagram of the present invention 100351 Figure 4 is a block diagram of the wireless communications portion, the alarm portion and the battery of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 is an operations diagram of the present invention.

1.00371 Figure 6 is a representation of the output configuration of the claimed invention.

100381 Figure 7 is a representation of the input configLiration ot'the claimed invention.

100391 Figure 8 is a representation of the terminal connectivity regarding input mode of the claimed invention.

[0040J Figure 9 is a representation of the terminal connectivity regarding output mode of the claimed invention.

[OO4tj Figure 10 is a representation of the terminal.

[0042] Figure ii shows the apparatus having a housing with a first shell and a second shell.

100431 Figure 12 shows the apparatus having a first port and a second port for inputs or outputs.

[0044j Figure 13 is a block diagram regarding the system of the present invention.

10045! Figure I 4A is a schematic representation of a communication system of the present invention. -Il-

100461 Figures.' !4B and 14C are block diagrams of a shared power supply of a node.

[0047j Figure 15 is a block diagram of a miner communicator.

[0048] Figure 16 is a block diagram of a remote station which receives gas values of gas monitors.

100491 Figure 17 is a perspective view of a housing of the remote station 100501 Figure IS is a block diagram of a miner apparatus with a cap lamp and tracking.

10051] Figure 19 is a block diagram of a miner apparatus with a proximity device and tracking.

[00521 Figure 20 is a block diagram of a miner apparatus with a cap lamp, proximity device and tracking.

100531 Figure 21 is a representation ola system for a miner.

100541 Figures 22 and 23 arc circuit diagrams of the miner communicator of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 24 shows an overhead view of the circuit board having the circuitry described in figures 22 and 23.

100561 Figures 25 28 are circuit diagrams of the miner apparatus of the present invention.

100571 Figure 29 is an exploded view of the miner apparatus.

10058] Figure 30 shows the terminals of the miner apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059j Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically to figures 1A-5, 1 I, 12 and 13 thereof, there is shown a monitor TO for gases in a mine. The monitor 10 comprises a housing 12, The monitor 10 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12. The monitor 10 comprises a gas sensor portion 16 pow-ered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine. The monitor 10 comprises an alarm portion 18 disposed in the housing 12, powered by the hattety 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 which emits a visual alert and an audible alert when the gas sensor portion 16 senses that either the first or second gas is above a predetermined threshold. The monitor 10 comprises a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing 12 that the gas sensor portion I 6 has sensed of either the first or second gas. The monitor 10 comprises a processor 22 disposed in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the wireless conimunication portion 20, alarm portion 18, sensor portion and battery 14.

L00601 The housing 12 may be one single shell or a combination of shells that are effectively engaged together. as shown in figures 11 and 12. For instance, audio and visual (AV) alarms of the aIm-in portion 18 may be in a separate or second shell 26 from the processor 22 and the wireless communication portion 20 which is in a first shell 24 separate from the second shell 26, with the AV alarms electrically connected by wires which extend through MSHA approved glands 28 and the first and second shells 24, 26 may be held together with screws or rivets. The gas monitoring portion may be in a separate shell from the processor 22 and wireless communication portion 20 and be in electrical communication through wires passing through a gland(s) 28. Figure 1! shows the apparatus having a housing 12 with a first shell 24 and a I-, second shell 26. The second shell 26 has the AV alarms. Figure 12 shows the apparatus having a first port 34 and a second port 36 with glands 28 tbr inputs 54 or outputs 56. Figure 12 also shows an embodiment of the apparatus with the capability of monitoring and detecting four different gases, for instance heie Nitric Oxide, Methane, Oxygen and Carbon Monoxide, as shown in a display 38 of the housing 12. Here, there are four openings 40, one for each gas being sensed, in fluid communication for the respective gas module monitoring and detecting the respective gas.

100611 The gas sensor portion 16 may include a full range by volume between zero and 100% methane sensor 42 and the wireless communication portion 20 transmits wireiessly from the housing 12 a methane value of methane in the mine sensed by the sensor portion. The gas sensor portion 16 may include a carbon monoxide sensor 44 and a H2S sensor 46 and the wireless communication portion 20 transmits wirelessly from the housing 1 2 a carbon monoxide value of carbon in the mine sensed by the sensor portion and an FI2S value of H2S in the mine sensed by the sensor portion. The processor 22 may receive a gas value signal from the gas sensing portion and converts the gas value signal into a converted signal form of the gas value which can be sent wirelessly by the communication portion 20 from the housing 12.

[00621 The communication portion 20 may include a transceiver 48 in communication with the processor 22, as shown in figures IA, I AA and 2A-2E. The communication portion 20 may include an amplifier 50 with an internal antenna 52 in communication with the transceiver 48, as shown in figures IA and AA. The processor 22 may provide the converted signal of the gas value to the transceiver 48 which then transmits the converted signal form of the gas value wirelessly through the amplifier 50 and the internal antenna 52 from the housing 12. The processor 22 may receive an alarm signal from the gas sensor portion 16 and activates the visual alarm 32 and the audible alarm based on the alarm signal.

100631 The present invention pertains to a monitor 10 for gases and a mine, as shown in figure 13. The monitor 10 comprises a housing 12. The monitor 10 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12. The monitor 10 comprises a gas sensor portion [6 powered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine. The monitor 10 comprises a wireless communication portion 20 disposed in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing 12 that the gas sensor portion 16 has sensed of either the first or second gas. The monitor 10 comprises at least one input 54 for connection to a remote device which provides a status signal regarding the remote device which is transmitted by the wireless communication portion 20 from the detector. The monitor I 0 comprises a processor 22 disposed in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the wireless communication portion 20, the input 54, sensor portion and battery 14.

100641 The present invention pertains to a method for monitoring gases in a mine. The method comprises the steps of detecting with a gas sensor portion 16 a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine, the gas sensor portion 16 powered by a battery 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14, the gas sensor portion 16 and the battery 14 disposed in the housing 12. There is the step of emitting with an alarm portion 18 powered by the battery 14, disposed in the housing 12 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 a visual alert and an audible alert when the gas senscr portion 16 senses that either the first or second gas is above a predetermined threshold. There is the step of sending with a wireless communication portion 20 disposed in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 and the sensor portion a wireless signal from the housing 12 that the gas sensor portion 16 has sensed either the first or second gas.

[00651 The present invention pertains to a monitor I 0 for gases in a mine, as shown in figure 13. The monitor 10 comprises a housing 12. The monitor 10 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12. The monitor 10 comprises a gas sensor portion 16 powered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine. The monitor 10 comprises a terminal portion 58 that has two states, an output configuration state in which an output signal is sent from the processor 22 to a first device 60, such as the audio alarm 30, as shown in figure 4, and an input 54 configuration state in which an input 54 signal is received from a second device 62, such as a field switch, as shown in figure 7. The monitor I 0 comprises a wireless communication portion 20 disposed in the housing 12. powered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing 12 that the gas sensor portion 16 has sensed of either the first or second gas. The monitor 10 comprises a processor 22 disposed in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14 and in electrical cournmnication with the wireless communication portion 20, alarm portion 18, sensor portion and battery 14.

[00661 The present invcntion is related to a system 64 for monitoring gases underground, as shown in figure 13. The system 64 comprises a monitor 10 which detects a gas located in a tunnel underground and determines a gas value of the gas. The monitor 10 has an audio alarm and a visual alarm 32 which is activated what the detected gas is above a predetermined value, and a transmitter which transmits the gas value. The system 64 comprises a wireless telecommunications network 66 on which the gas value is transceiver 48 from the monitor. The system 64 comprises a remote station 68 which receives the gas value from the network 66. The transceiver may receive a signal from the network to change a set point for an alarm condition for the gas to be determined by the monitor.

[0067J In the operation of the invention, and with reference to figure 13, the system 64 is a battery 14 powered CommTrac enabled gas monitor 10 to fulfill the MSHA requirements identified above and offer a truly unique solution. To meet the requirement of section (c)(2), a visual and audible alarm has been integrated into a Trolex Sentro gas detector 70 equipped with a battery 14 pack and ComLnTrac Interface module 72 (CIM), as shown in figures 3 and 4. The alert points will allow for a completely wireless gas monitor 10 that has the ability to alert personnel in the working zones in accordance with section (c)(2). The gas concentration alert and alarm pothts as mentioned in sections (i)(2) and (i)(3) will trigger the integrated monitor I 0 audible and visual alarms via two uniqLle output options. The first output 74 will trigger the visual alarm 32 when an alert level is reached. Different color visual alarms 32 will be available for different gases. The second output 76 will trigger the audible alarm when an alarm level is reached. If the monitor 10 is not being configured as a section alarm, the outputs 56 can be used as remote output to control connected devices. Aside from just methane and carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, chlorine, oxygen, nitric oxide, and hydrogen will also be available for detection. Methane will be detectable over the entire volume range using an infrared technology based sensor a.s opposed to the current catalytic technology. Aside from full range capabilities, infrared technology is not affected by high concentrations. Carbon monoxide will be available in 1000 PPM maximum range. Hydrogen discriminate carbon monoxide detection will also be supported along with nitrogen dioxide filtered carbon monoxide detection capabilities. Open wireless protocols such as 802.1! will also be a supported means of communication aside from the CommTrac mesh infrastructure. Ultimately, the wireless battery 14 powered gas monitor 10 can offer a complete and single system solution to the MSHA AMS requirement. The features outline above are truly unique and the first of their kind. The ComniTrac network 66 already exists and is available from Strata Products Worldwide, LLC, Sandy Springs, Georgia.

10068! In regard to figure 5, there is shown a theory of operation of the present invention.

First, the monitor 10 is tumcd on and powered up. Then, the necessary software and functionality is written into the static registers of the monitor 10 for operation. From that point, stable operation of the monitor 10 proceeds from an idle state. From the idle state, the processor 22 requests of the gas sensor portion lb a status report every five seconds. The gas sensor portion 1 6, if there is no warnings o.r alarms identified, reports back to the processor 22 that there are no warnings or alarms. If there is a warning state or alarm state or calibration state that occurs, the processor 22 takes the information that it has received from the gas sensor portion 16 and prepares this information to he sent through the transceiver 48 and out the antenna 52 to die CornmTrac network 66 and ultimately to the central monitoring station. In addition, if the processor 22 does not receive a response from the gas sensor portion 16 within the interval timer period after the request for sensor status has been issued, then the processor 22 also transmits through the ComrnTrac network 66 a signal that communication has been lost with the gas sensor portion extending. When the central monitoring station receives the signal that communication has been lost with the gas sensor portion 16, steps are then taken to investigate and review the gas sensor portion i 6 to correct the problem that is causing the failure of the gas sensor portion 16 to respond to the processor 22.

100691 in regard to figure 3, there is shown a block diagram of the monitor 10. The CornmTrac transceiver 48 is in electrical connection over a UART connection to the antenna 52.

The CommTrac transceiver 48 is also in communication with the battery 14 power supply through which power from the mine power supply is available. There is feedback protection connected to the external port connectors connected to the mine power supply. The battery 14 power supply is also connected at 3.3 V to the output 56 ports to provide power to them. There are two input 54 ports and two output 56 polls. There is also a video alarm 32 and an audio alarm 30. There is input/output protection connected to the battery 14 power supply, the ComrnTrac transceiver 48 and the input and output ports.

100701 In the operation of the invention, reference is made to the parts list below which identifies the parts by model number and vendor from which they can be obtained. The operation of the parts listed below, as individual components, is well known.

[00711 The gas sensor portion 16 itself is an off-the-shelf Trolex TX 635112 Sentro 1 universal gas detector 70. It has the ability to monitor several different gases at once. For a given gas value identified by the detector, this value is provided to the processor 22, which is a Plc 24 processor 22. The processor 22 converts the gas vaiue into a packet tbnn which can be transmitted wirelessly. The gas value provided from the detector 70 to the processor 22 is across a standard serial connection. It is received at pin header 6 of the processor 22. as shown in tigures lB and 2A-2E. The detector 70 provides a specific gas value for a given gas being monitored by the detector 70 in response to a request sent by the processor 22 from its pin header 4. The requests for the different gases, occurs one at a time in sequence, and then is continually repeated so that the different gases being monitored by the detector 70 are continually reviewed over time by the processor 22.

[0072] The packet produced by the processor 22 for a given gas being monitored, is then sent from PlC 24 to the transceiver 48, cc 1110, as shown in figure IA, where it is received at its pin 34 input 54, From the transceiver 48. the packet siiai is then provided to the amplifier 50 CC 1190 which boosts the signal and then transmits it through its antenna 52. The wireless transmitted packet having the value of the gas is then transmitted over the existing CotnmTrae network 66. The PlC 24, CC 1110, CC 1190 and internal antenna 52 form and define the CJM 72 100731 Signals can also be received by the antenna 52 of the amplifier 50, which modulates the received signal, and provides it to the transceiver 48 where it is outputted through transceiver 48 pill 35 hack, to the processor 22 that receives it at pin header 6. The signal that is received by the monitor 10 can be a signal to change the set point by the processor 22 for an alarm condition for a given gas being monitored.

(0074J In addition to the gas value that is provided by the gas detector 70 to the processor 22, along thc same serial connection and same pin attachments, an alarm signal for a given gas is provided to the processor 22 when the monitor 10 gas is above a certain predetermined value.

The processor 22 receives the alarm signal and then activates an audio alarm 30 as well as a visual alarm 32. Thc audio alarm 30 is loud enough to be heard by miners in the vicinity of the monitor 10. The visual alarm 32 is formed by a plurality of LED lights that are illuminated when the alarm occurs. A di Ii' rent sequence of colors, or simply different colors are illuminated for a coi'rcsponding type of gas, so for instance methane would have a different set of LED lights or different colors of lights activated then the LED lights activated for carbon dioxide. In addition, ii se desired, the audio alarm 30 can be set to have a different tone or frequency corresponding to the type of gas detected ii desired. The processor 22 also transmits an alarm signal through the transceiver 48 to the CommTrac network 66.

10075J The processor 22. detector, transceiver 48 and amplifier 50 are all powered by battery 14 through a standard battery 14 selection circuit 74. Also available is an external power interface 76 that can receive wired electricity from the mine external power source.

100761 The wireless communication portion 20 that has been added to the gas detector 70 contains a microcontroller a CCII 10 which is in electrical communication with thee P1C24 microcontroller. The P1C24 is the center of the monitor in that it communicates with the detector's microcontroller to obtain sensor information and also communicates with the CCI 110 to send and receive data over the CommTrac network 66.

100771 The software in the P1C24 polls the detector's microcontroller, here the Trolex PICI8, on a continuous basis for sensor information. It packages this sensor information and sends it to the CC 1110 to be transmitted over the ContnTrac system at configurable intervals.

The software also monitors the information from the PlC 18 on the Trolex detector for alarms and if any are generated. a message will be sent to the CCIII 0 ibr transmission via the CommTrac network 66.

100781 The software can also be configured to use the two available liOs 80, as shown in figures 12 and 13. These I/Os 80 can either be connected to audible and visual alarms 30. 32 in which case, they would be activated if an alarm condition is reported by the detector 70, as shown in figures 6 and 8. Alternatively, these I/Os 80 can be used as inputs which will cause the software to scud a message over CommTrac if the circuit on the I/O line is broken. (e.g. a bell.

stop switch), us shown in figures 7 and 9. In between these activities, the software will put the CCI 110 and the PTC24 into sleep mode in order to conserve power.

100791 The CCI 10 transceiver 48 receives the message front the PlC 24 and places it into the transmit queue. The CC1 110 is then listening for a beacon message from one of the CommTrac Communication Nodes (backbone of the network 66). When it hears a beacon message it svill select a data slot to transmit the message, During the chosen slot the message is sent and it waits to receive an uck from the Communication Node dur'ng the acknowledgement slot. If the ack is properly received the message will he removed from the transmit queue. If it doesn't receive an ack then the message is resent during the next beacon cycle. The CCI 190 is typically only used to amplify the transmit and receive signal to a]low for greater distances when transmit/receiving.

[0080] The AV unit may be mounted beneath a Wireless Scntro Gas detector 70 with the communication portion 20 with hard wiring between the two units, as shown in figure Il. The sound and light alarms wifl be activated by switching the battery 14 supply on and off This can he controlled by software allowing the option of pulsed light and sound alarms.

[00811 The same two outputs of the pie 24 that are used to drive the audible and visual alarms 32 can he configured using software to also he inputs 54. The configuration allows tile states of various input de ices such as pull cords, emergency stops buttons or fault switches to be transmitted through the CornmTrac neiwork 66 to the surface for monitoring. The states of the switches are often unrelated to the gas monitoring data that the sensors are transmitting, hut the sensors arc typically located in remote areas in the mine where other communication networks (10 not exist. It is quite attractive to give the mine the option of monitoring a remote switch through a communication network 66 that is available in remote areas. Alternately, if the apparatus is not equipped with an audible or visual alarm 30, 32, the available output 56 can he used to drive a low current consumption device that may also be located remotely in the mine where the CoinmTrac network 66 is available.

100821 Tn regard to figure lB. the screw tenninal corresponds to the description of figures 8 through 10 can connect to a given output 56 or input 54 depending on the configuration. The pin headers connect to the gas detection portion, here specifically the Trolex assembly card. The program headers connect to the pie 24 through J 3 into the CC 1110 through J 5.

j0083J In regard to figures 2A-2E, depending on whether the apparatus is in an input 54 configuration or an output configuration, the pie 24 through L out I and L out 2 communicates to control out I and control out 2, respectively, of the output control section which then is provided, for instance through output 1 and output 2, respectively, to the audio alarm 30 and the video visual alarm 32, respectively, if in the output configuration. When in the input 54 configuration, the outputs 56 are reversed and arc inputs 54. so the pie 24 receives input 54 signals from input 1 (instead of output I) and from input 2 (instead of output 2) and these thput signals follow a reverse direction back to the pic 24 from that described above in the output direction, that is to control out 1 and control out 2, respectively, to L out 1 and L out 2. respectively, of pic 24.

100841 As explained above, and. with reference to figure 6, when in the output configuration, output 1 is used for the visual alarm 32, and output 2 is used for the audible alarm.

In the output mode, and with reference to figure, terminal I has a voltage, for instance 1.2 V, connected to the visual alarm 32 load, and terminal 2 is connected to ground and the visual alarm 32 load. The [.2 V energizes the visual alarm 32 when the switch is closed. Similarly, output 3 has 1.2 V and energizes the audible alarm, and either terminal 5 or terminal 2 is connected to ground and the audible alarm. In this conliguration, tile operation of the alarms is as described above.

100851 If the monitor 10 is desired to be in the input 54 configuration, as shown in figure 7. the monitor 10 is used to monitor 10 whatever the device, such as a field switch or pull cord or emergency stop, is connected to it. Here, terminal 1 has 1.2 V on it and is connected to the device being monitored, here a field switch, as shown in figure 8. Terminal 2 is connected to ground and to the field switch. When the switch is closed, pie 24 senses the 1.2 V going to wound and produces a field switch signal that is then converted by the pie 24 into a form that can he sent wirelessly by the apparatus, as dcscribed above in regard to the description of the gas value being sent wirciessly from the apparatus.

f0086j Similarly, and with reference to figure 8, a second device 62, such as a pull cord, can be in electrical connection with terminal 3 having I.2 V. Terminal 5, which is ground, is clectrically connected to the second device 62, such as the pull cord, and the same description is applicable in sending a signal involving the pull cord being pulled occurs as described for the

field switch connected to terminals 1 and 2.

10087] As shown in figure 10, the terminal is a six position terminal disposed on the housing 12 and accessible from outside the monitor 10. Terminal 1 is either the first output 74 or input; terminal 2 is ground, terminal 3 is the second output 76 or input, terminal 4 is electrically connected to the battery 14, tenninal 5 is ground, and terminal 6 is connected to external power for the apparatus to receive external power.

f0088J Accordingly. when in the input 54 configuration, which is established prior to the monitor 10 being positioned at a desired location in the mine, input I and input 2 of the terminal can receive signals through hardwired connections with vanous types of devices, to allow for the devices to be monitored. In the output configuration, the same terminals having input 1 and input 2 are now' output I and output 2 and are configured as described above, for the pie 24 to send alarm signals to activate the audible and visual alarms 30, 32.

100891 The following are features of the apparatus.

[00901 Sound Output Level: >90dB at 12 inches 100911 Constant tone in range of 2,000 4,000 Hz 100921 Dual sounders and horns for 180 degree coverage 100931 Visual Alarm: Constantly on high intensity LEDs; color selected by jumper on board 100941 Red for CO; Green for CH4; Blue for FI2S [00951 Supply Voltage: Typically 3.9VDC, Mm 3.5VDC, Max ÔVDC [0096J Supply Current: <SOrna consumption of simultaneous AV operation [00971 Control Signal: Power will he switch on/off from Sentro Gas detector 70 1(10981 Mounting Arrangement: Mounted under the Sentro-l Wireless Sensor using the two cable glands 28 for fixing and routing the wiring. The module must allow for external 12- 3OVDC to be connected to the Sentro-1 terminals.

[0099J Powered from commercially available batteries giving 40 to 45 days operating life.

1001001 Wireless output board with internal antenna 52.

001O11 Measures CO, H2S, CH4 options for other gases [00102] Able to interrogate Modbus registers via wireless system J00103J Large LCD screen 100104] Programmable set points [00105] Option to monitor external relay contacts and to report their state via the wireless system fOOlOGJ WireLess operation removes need for expensive setup and maintain wired setup.

1001071 Measures gas concentrations every I second and reports status every 90 seconds, except under warning and alert conditions when changes reported immediately.

[00 108] Display hacklight is turned on whenever control button is pressed. A warning or alert triggers the screen to hash.

1001091 Sensors draw minimum power to maximize battery 14 life.

100110] Dual-waIl housing 12 gives maximum impact strength.

1001111 Housing 12 cover can be removed with power applied for module replacement and servicing.

1001121 Simultaneously monitor up to S different gases, together with levels of temperature, air velocity, pressure, smoke and fire.

f00113J Power Conditioning 1001141 -(M) provide power conditioning from a (4) D-Cell EN9S battery pack 1001151 4M) monitor the voltage of the battery pack 100116] -(M) provide 3.3V SOma to the controller and display boards 1001171 *(M) power ComrnTrac transceiver [001181 -(D) powered from external power voltage 1001191 (D) measure the external power voltage [00120] * Communications (CornrnTrac Transceiver) t001211 -(NI) Support UART communications with Trolex board J00122J (M) Write and Read Mod-Bus registers from the Trolex board 1001231 -(M) Contain an internal antenna (00124] 1/0 1091251 -(D) Input from a dry contact (state open/closed) 001261 -(D) Output power to contact (Batt or Ext Pwr) (00127! Integrated I/O Module 1001281 The following are a list of parts with reference to figures ta, lb and 2), all of which are individually alone well known and are identifiable by their part number, description and manufacturer.

Line Reference TQuantitv Manufacturer Part Description Alt Part Item Designator ___________--_____ Number Number I IJS2 1 I.inx CONSMA00ISMD CONN SMA JACK -CONSMAOOI- ______ _____ Technologies. Inc. STR 50 OHM SMD SMD-ND 3 F2 1 1206 SMD. xxA Vfasr, ____________ ______ _________ _______________ fuse 4 Ui I _____ Texas Instruments CCLI IOF32RSPR ccli 10, QLP 296-22740-1-ND (II 1 Texas Instruments CCI I9OROVT ccl 190, VQFN 296-25325-2-ND 6 1525 Microchip PIC24FJo4QAOO4-PIC24FJ64GAOO _________-Technology -E/JL 4-E/ML-ND 7 R3 I T RESISTOR. xxOMH ______ _______ ____________________________ _________________ 1206 51W) __________ ______ 8 01, C'23, 5 Keniet CBRO4C200F5GAC CAl' CER2OPF 50V 399-3736-1-ND C27, C28, 1% NPO P402 L____ C40.C41 _________________ _____________________ I

-

9 CIO05X5RIAIO4KO CAP CER OIUF by 445-i iJb C4, C6, C?, SOFiA 10% X5R 0402 C8,C9, (32. C33, C35. C36, C37, C38, ______ C39 _________ _________________ __________________ ____________________ _____________ CS, C19 2 TDIC Corporation CIOO5X5RIC1OSKO (Al' (FR tUE 16V 445-4978-1-ND ________ ______________ ____________ ______________________ 5OBC I 0% X5R (1402 _____________ 11 C18 TDK Corporation CI0O5X7RICIO3KO CAP CER I0000PF 445-1262-1-ND _________ _________ _________________ 5OBA 16V 10% X7R 0402 __________ 12 CI? I 250R07N221W4'1' CAP CER 220PF 25V 709-1125-1-ND ________ ___________ ____________________ _____________________ 5% NPO_0402 _____________ 13 C26 1 F950J337M8AAQ2 CAP TANT 3301W 493-5795-I-ND ______ ________ O.3V20% 1210 ________________ 14 (25, C53 2 TDK Corporation CGA2B2COGIH6RS CAP CER 6.8PF Soy 445-5580-1-Ni) ______ ____________ __________ ___________________ D050[3A NPO 04(12 C24 I TDK Corporation CGJ2H2COG1H03OC CAP (FR 3PF50V 445-13278-I-ND] _______ _________ _________________ 0508A NP0 0402 _________________ 16 C15, C16, 3 TDK Corporation C1005C0G1H470J05 CAPCER47PF 50V 445-1243-1-ND ______ Cl 4 013A 5% NP0 0402 17 (10 1 TDK Corporation CIOO5COGI 11010(0 CAP CER IPF 50V 445-4855-1-ND _______ _____________ ___________ ____________________ 5OBA N1PO 0402 ________ IS CII I TDK Corporation CJOO5COGI 11101J05 CAP CITR IOOPF SOy 445-1247-1-ND __________ ___________________ OBA 5% NPO 0402 __________________ 19 C12,CI3 2 TDK Corporation CIOOSCOGIHII15RO CAPCFRI.SPF5OV 445-4858-1-ND 1 _______ _____________ ___________ ____________________ 5OBA NPO 0402 C42, C43, 4 TDKCoiporation CI6O8XSRICIO6MO CAP (ER IOUF 16V 445-9065-1-ND (244, (34 80A0 20% X5R 0603 ij C22 2 johauson 5tXIRO7SI2OGV4T CAP CER I2PF SOV 712-1256-1-ND F Dielectrics. Inc. 2% NPO 0402 (9 (30 6 j3flKcorporatton C1003C001H330J05 CAPCER33PF 50\ 445-1241-1 ND C46, C50, OFA 5%NP00402 _Cs i, C52 ____ 23 C20 C212 11'DK Corpnion CIOO5NP01Hi50JO5 CAPCERI5PF5OV 445-13788-1-ND ___________ __________ _________________ OBA 5% NPO 0402 ____________ 24 LI. L2 2 TDKCoiporntion M1.GIOOSSI2NJ INDUCTOR 445-3060-1-ND MULTILAYER I2NH ______ ___________ _____ __________________ 0402 ______________ 25.3, IA 21TDKCorporation MLGIOOSSISNJ INDUCTOR 445-3062-1-ND MUL1ILAYER 1SNH _______ _____________ _________ ______ _____________________ 0402 ___________________ 26 L5 1 Pulse Electronics PE-O6O3CD6SOJTT INDUCTORWW RF -553-1027-1-ND ______ ____________ _______ corporation _____ ____________ O8NU 600MA 0603 27 L8 I TDK Corporation MLGIOO5S3N3S INDUCTOR 445-3047-1-ND \4ULFILAYER 3.3N1I ______ ____________ _____ _______ ____________ 0402 ______ __________________ 28 L6 I DK Corporation MLG1005S2N2S INDUCTOR 445-3043-1-ND MIJLTILAYER 6.2N11 _______ ____________ ____________________ _____________________ 0402 ___________________ 29 L7 1 TDK Corporation MLKIOO5S2N2S INDUCTOR 445-1459-) -ND MULTILAYER 22N1-1 _______ _____________ ____________ ____________________ _____________________ 0402 _______ HA, R7, 5 Panasonic ERJ-2RKFI0O2X RES 10.0K OHM P10.OKLCT-ND R26. R29. Electronic 1/lOW 1% 0402 SMD ______ R3 I _________ Components _________________ __________________ ____________ 31 Ri I Panasonic ERJ-2RKFS6O2X RES 56.0K OHM P56.OKLcT-ND Electronic 1/lOW 1% 0402 SMD _________ Components ___________ -_____ _________ _________________ 32 IC I Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ332X RES 3.3K OHM 1/lOW P3.3KjCT-ND Electronic 5% 0402 SMD __________________________ ______________ Components ____________________________ ______________________-.

33 R8 Panasonic ERj-2RKF22ROX RES 22.0 OHM I/lOW P7201.CT-ND I Electronic 1% 0402 SMD _____________________ ___________ Components _____________________ ____________ 34 RIO I Panasonic FRJ-2RKF27OTX RES 2.70K OHM P2.7OKLC'F-ND Electronic 1:10W 1% 0402 SMD Components _________________ _______ Y2 1 tiCS, INC. ECS-122.8-2O-5PX-CRYSTAL 12.288MHZ XCI278CT-ND TR 2OPFSMD _____ 36 11, Y4 2 Abracon ABSO6-32.768K117-CRYSTAL 32,768KHZ 535-10104-1-ND Corporation T 125pF iij 37 Y3 1 CIS-Frequency-403C1 1A26M00000 CRYSTAL 26.0MHZ CTX95ICT-ND ______ ____________ ______ Controls IOPF SMO 38 U26 I Microchip 23K256-1/ST IC SRAM2S6KBIT 23K256-115T- ______ ____________ __________ Technology ________________, 20MHZ STSSOP ND 39 153 I TRiQuent 856327 Signal Conditioning 772-856327 ______ ____________ __________ Semiconductor 915/26MHz Filter (mousel-) 1324 1 Torex XCO2IOB332MR-C IC REQ LDO 3\T 0.7A 893-1074-1-ND ______ ________ __________ Semiconductor S0T25 41 (520 -1 StMicroclcctroni L78O6ABD2t-TR [C RIG LDOaV l.5A 497-1172-1-ND _____ -______ ________ cs D2PAK 42 1523 1 Texas Instrumenis I'S&2050D6SR [C RIG BUCK SYNC 296-14392-1-ND

_____ __________ ________ _______________ _____________ ADS USA IOMSOP ______________

43 1321 1 1-incar LTC44121S6#TRMP IC OR C1'RUt SRC LTC44121564T i'cchnology BF SELECT' TSOT23-6 RMPBFCT-ND 44 1322 1 Faichild FDCb3SP MOSFET P-CU 20V FDC63SPCT- _______ ___________ ___________ Semiconductor 45A SS(T-6 ND Fl 1. -FUSE. KXA, 2410 46 R6 1 ______________ RESISTOR, 2010 _________________ 47 Dl, D2, 1)3 3 DIODE, Sf10 11KV, __________ _____________________ 1206 _______ ________ 48 R23 I ___ __________ ___________ RESISTOR, xxK, 20W __________ 49 1124 1 _______________ ____________ RESTSTOR. xxK, 2010 ______________ C47 I TDK Corporation C16O8X5R1E334M0 CAPCERO.33UF25V 445-5143-1-ND ______ ____________ __________ ___________________ SOAC 20% XSR 0603 __________________ 51 U31 1 Microchip MCP6O4IT-E/OT [COPAMI' 1.4V SNGL MCP6O41T- ______ _____ ______ Technology ________________ R-R S0123-5 E/OTCT-ND 52 [Cl, IC/i 4 Vishay Siliconix S11869DH-Tl-E3 IC LOAD SW LVL SIIS69DH-T1- ______ 1C3, 1CM SHIFT 20'! SC7O-6 E3CT-ND 53 R5 1 Panasonic ERJ-SENF6O43V RES 604K OHM 1/4W P6O4KFCT-NJJ Electronic 1% 1206 SMD Components ___________________ ______________________ _____ 54 C49 1 (iRM I 85C81 E475K CAP CER 4.71SF 25V 490-7199-1-ND ______ ___________ _________ ________________ EIID JO%X6S0603 ________________ RI 1 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF28O3X RES 280K OHM P28OKLCT-ND Electronic 1/lOW 1% 0402 SMD Components ___________ ____________ --.-.-

--______________________ __

57 R13 It Panasonic ERJ-3GEY.1473V RES 47K OHM 1/111W P47}CGCT-N1) Electronic 50/j3 06(13 SMI) ________ ______ Components ________________________ ___________ ____________________ 58 D4 1 1DIODE, SCI1OTTKY _________ 59 R9 1 Panasonic EftF3GEVJI05V RES IMOHM I/lOW P1.OMGCT:NF) Electronic 5% 0603 SMD ________ ____________ Components ________________________ __________________________ ______________________ R25, R27 2 Panasonic FRJ-2G1-/J473X RES 47K OHM 110W P47KJC'T-ND Electronic 5% 0402 SMD ______ ______-Components ____________________ ________ __________________ 61 __________ ________ ______________ ________________ _________________ _____________

__________-______________-

-g Ei14j5E 24 1 DI 6, D17, D18,D19, F D20, D21, DIODE, ZENER, 6.2V, D22,D23. SOI-23 P24, P25, P26. P27, F F P28, D29, F F D30,D3l, F P32. D33, F F D34,D38, F D39. D40 _______ ____ 64 1135, P36, -31Micro SMBJ5341B-TP INEI ______ D37 Commercial Co. SW, DO-214AC L9 I -Worth 7445510 INDUCTOR POWER 732-1335-1-NI) ________ Electronics. Inc. IOUH I.2A SKID 66 C45 --1 Kemet CI2IOC476M4PACT CAP CER 471/F 16V 399-5514-1-Nj) _____ _________ ________ U 20%X5R 1210 67 C54, C55, 3 TDK Coiporation CI6O8X7RIHIO4KO CAP CER Oi UF SOY 445-1314-1-NE) -C48 SOAA 10% X7R 0603 68 1128, 1130 2 1 Maxim Integrated MAX4372HEUK±T IC AMP CURRENT MAX4372HEtJ SENSE 50T23-5 K+TCTJND 69 RI 8, R19 2 RESISTOR, XXXK.

______ __________ F ________________ ____________________ 0402 __________________ R15. R14 Na RESISTOR, lOItM.

______ ___________ 1206 71 RI6, RI? 2 RESISTOR,XXXK, ______ ___________ _________ F______________ 1206 _______ 72 D5, 36, 07. 6 D8. DY, F DIODE, SHOTTKY.

PlO __________ J ___________________ ____________________ 0603. 50V 73 R2O 1 ERJ-2RKF2803X RES 2SOK OHM P28OKLCT-ND _____ _________ ____ ________________ _________________ 1/lOW_l%O4O2SMD _______________ 74 R2 1 1 ER,I-2RKF6043X RES 604K OHM PÔO4KLCT-ND ______ ____________ __________ ________________ I/lOW 1% 0402 SMD R22 1 RESISTOR, XXXXK, - _______ __________ _______________ ____________________________ _____________________________ 1206 __________________________ 76 JI,J2 2 HEADER,MALE, .1.

______ ________ ___________________ ____________________ 6POS __________________ 77 36 1 HEADER, SCREW _____F__________ _______ _____ _____ _________________ TERMINAL, 6 POS _______________ 78 F 35 1 HEADER. MALE, .1,5 ____ _________ _______ __________ ______________ P05 _____________ 79 Di i, 012, 3 Vishay BJJIO3C1OTR DIODE. ZENER IOV, { BZGO3C1OCT- ______ D13 _______ Semiconductor D024AC MD

___________ __________ ___________________ ____________________ ____________ ________________

st tus I Panasonic FRJ-2CiFJ624X RES 620K OHM P62OKJCT-ND Electronic 1/lOW 5% 0402 SMD _______ _____________ ___________ Components _____________________ ______________ ____________ 82 R39 1 Panasonic ERJ-2OEJIO4X RES lOOK OHM P100KJCT-ND Electronic 1110W 5% 041)2 SMO ______ ___________ Components __________ ____________________ _________ 1001301 The present invention pertains to a system 64 for monitoring gases on an oil or gas rig, as shown in figure 13. The system comprises a monitor 10 which detects a gas at the rig mid determines a gas value of the gas. The monitor 10 having an audio alann 30 and a visual alarm 32, which is activated when the detected gas is above a predetennined value, and a transceiver 48 which transmits the gas value. The system 64 comprises a wireless telecommunications network 66 on which the gas value is transmitted from the monitor 10. The system 64 comprises a remote station 68 which receives the gas value from the network 66.

[00 1311 The remote station 68 may indude a receiver which receives the gas value From the network 66, a processor 22 in communication with the receiver which receives the gas value from the receiver, aid a display 38 in communication with the processor 22 on which the processor 22 displays an alarm indication when the gas value is above a predetennincd level.

[001321 The present invention pertains to a remote station 68 which receives gas values of gas monitors from a wireless network 66. The remote station 68 comprises a receiver which receives the gas values wirelessly from the network 66. The remote station 68 comprises a processor 22 in communication with the receiver which receives the gas values from the receiver. The remote station 68 comprises a display 38 in communication with the processor 22 on which the processor 22 displays an alarm indication when the gas value is above a predetermined level.

1001331 The station 68 may include a housing i2 and the processor 22 and the receiver are disposed in the housing 12 and the display 38 is disposed on a frice of the housing 12.

1001341 When the monitors 10 are used on an oil or gas rig, the monitors 10 are placed at various locations throughout the rig. A single communication node, such as a CorninTrac node is placed with the central control station on the rig, where all of the monitors 1 0 are monitored.

On the rig, since there are no seams or earth to interfere in any way with the transmission and reception of signals by the monitors 10, typically just a single communication node 206 is all that is needed fbr communication with the monitors 10. The communication node 206 essentially forms a huh network 66 with the monitors 10. The network 66 can be a CommTrac network 66 where data signals are sent over the network 66 as described above between the CommTrac communication node 206 and the monitors 10.

1001351 in one embodiment, as shown in figure 16. the receiver of the remote station 68 is part of the transceiver 48 of the CM 72 described above, disposed in a housing 12 of the remote station 68. The gas value from each of the monitors 10 on the rig is received over the CommTrac nctwork 66 at the CIM 72. The CIM 72 provides the gas values the CIM 72 has received to the Moxa 230 Miineport, as described above in regard to the shared power supply 200, which converts the serial data signal from the CIM 72 into an Ethernet format signal. The Ethernet signal is provided to a switch 236 which in turn provides it to a Beagle Bone PC 232 through the switch 236 that prepares the signal for a modbus PLC 234. The PC 232 provide the prepared signal through the switch 236 to the PLC 234 which then causes the prepared signal to he displayed on the display 38 on the housing 12 face, as shown in ligure 17. The status of all the monitors 10 are displayed at once on the display 38. The value of the gas, such as methane, at each monitor 10 is displayed as well as an alarm indication at a monitor 10 if the gas value at the monitor 10 is above a predetermined level.

L001361 Regarding the protocol for the gas monitor, the message the monitor 10 sends out at predetermined times, or when queried, to the network 66 may have a byte for battery level.

The message may have a byte for external voltage level. The message may have a byte for status. The message may have a byte for gas reading. The message may have a byte for node address. [he message may have a byte for serial number.

1001371 The present invention pertains to a communication system 64, as shown in figures 14a and 14K The system 64 comprises a data network 204 on which solely data is sent. The system 64 comprises a wireless network 202 on which voice and data is sent bi-directionally.

The system 64 comprises a plurality of nodes 206 distributed and apart from each other that form the data network 204 and the wireless network 202. Each node 206 has a data portion 223 which receives and sends data on the data network 204, a wireless portion 224 which receives and sends voice signals on the wireless network 202. and a power supply portion 200 in electrical communication with the data portion 224 and the wireless portion 223 which powers the data portion 224 and the wireless portion 223.

[00138J Data on the data network 204 may include tracking infonnation of an individual.

The data on the data network 204 may be sent and received at least one node 206 of the plurality of'nodes 206 and the data network 204 is bidirectional. The data from the data network 204 may be sent on the data network 204 and the wireless network 202. Each node 206 may include a data converter 226 in communication with the data portion 224 and the wireless portion 223 which converts the data from the data network 204 into a transmission signal that is transmitted on the wireless network 202.

1001391 The present invention pertains to a communication node 206 of a data network 204 and a wireless network 202, as shown in figures 14a and 14b. The node 206 comprises a housing 12. The node 206 comprises a data portion 224 disposed in the housing 12 which receives data wirelessly on the data network 204. The node 206 comprises a wireless portion 223 disposed in the housing 12 which receives and sends voice signals on the wireless network 202. The node 206 comprises a power supply portion 200 disposed in the housing 12 in electrical communication with the data portion 224 and the wireless portion 223 which powers the data portion 224 and the wireless portion 223. The node 206 comprises a data converter 226 disposed in the housing 12 in communication with the data portion 224 and the wireless portion 223 which converts the data from the data network 204 into a transmission signal that is transmitted on the 1001401 The wireless portion 223 may include a first radio 2 8 to transmit the transmission signal. The wireless portion 223 may include a switch 221 in communication with the first radio 218 and the data converter. The wireless portion 223 may include an external fiber connector 223 in communication, with the switch 221 to connect with an external fiber to transmit the transmission signal.

1001411 The present invention pertains to a method [hr communicating in a mine. The method comprises the steps of receiving data wirelessly at a data portion 224 of a first node 206 ota plurality ol nodes 206 from a data network 204 on which solely data is sent. The plurality of nodes 206 distributed and apart from each other and form the data network 204 and a wireless network 202. There is the step of converting with a data converter 226 in communication with the data portion 224 the data from the data network 204 into a transmission signal that is transmitted on the wireless network 202. The wireless network 202 transmitting and receiving voice and data hi-directionally. There is the step of transmitting the transmission signal from the first node 206 on the wireless network 202 with a wireless portion 223 of the first node 206, There is the step of powering the data portion 224 and the wireless portion. 223 with a power supply portion 200 in electrical communication with the data portion 224 and the wireless portion 223.

1001421 Refening to figure 14B, there is shown a schematic diagram focusing on the shared power supply 200 that is shared by the wireless network 202 and the wireless data network 204 which is separate and distinct and independent from the wireless network 202, all of which is found in a single communication node 206, such as a StrataConnect node 206 A. The wireless network 202 may be that wireless network 202 as described in U.S. application 14/290.755, incorporated by reference herein, which supports and provides for bidirectional voice and data communication. The data network 204 may be the CommTrac network 66 sold by Strata Products Worldwide, LLC, Sandy Springs, Georgia. The data network 204 may provide bidirectional data communication, as well as tracking of miners and vehicles and various devices throughout the mine. The node 206 receives data from the data network 204, processes ti-ic data so the data can be transmitted on thc wireless Wi-Fi voice network 202 with the fibers 222, and then transmits the processed data on to the remote station 68, either through the Wi-Fi network 202 with the fibers 222.

1001431 A node 206 having the thnctionality of the ComrnTrae network 66 and the wireless network 202 receives power from the mine power supply 208 at power input 210. The power from the mine power supply 208 is at between 12 and 48 VDC. The power input 210 is elcc'ical1y connected to a POE injector 212 which converts the power to 10 VDC to power the components inside the node 206. Powcr from the injcctor 212 at 10 VDC and I amp is provided to the first radio 218 and second radio 220 over a Cat5/Ethernet connection connected to each radio. Power from the injector 212 at 10 VDC and 500 mA is provided to the switch 221 in the node 206. Also connected to thc switch 221 are external Fibers 222 through external fiber connectors 223 over which transmission and reception of communication signals occur. The injector 202 powers the data connection portion 224, here preferably the CommTrac portion 224, such as a CIM 72 that communicates with the ComrnTrac network 66 and a data converter 226.

such as a serial to Ethernet converter 226, and specifically a Moxa 230, at 3.3 V and 500 mA.

1001441 The CommTrac portion 224 connects with the serial to Ethernet converter 226 through a UART connection at 3.3 VDC and at 115 kb per second which provides the data signal received by the CommTrac portion 224 to the serial to Ethernet converter 226. The serial to Ethernet converter 226 converts the data signal received by it from the CommTrac portion 224 into a form that can then be transmitted through the fibers 222 or through the radios and provides the converted signal to the switch 221. The switch 221 then transmits the converted signal that was originally received by the CoinmTrac portion 224 through the fibers 222, or if the fiber connection is not available, through the radios.

[001451 In addition, the node 206 may also receive power from another node 206 through a Cat S connection 228 and also provide power to another node through a Cat 5 connection 228 to form a daisy chain of nodes 206. Each of the Cat 5 power connections 228 are RJ45 connectors. The power level of the Ca.t 5 connections 228 coming in or going out of the node 206 is the same as the power level received by the node 206 from the mine power supply 208.

[00146J Figure 14B shows a non-IS node 206. Figure 14C shows a node 206 that is IS.

The node 206 operates essentially the same as the node 206 of figure 14B, except that certain power levels are different, as indicated, and the external Cat S connections 228 arc omitted.

[00147J The present invention pertains to a miner communicator 298 in a communications network 66, as shown in figure 15. The communicator 298 comprises a housing 12. The communicator 298 comprises a processor 22 disposed in the housing 12. The communicator 298 comprises a transceiver 48 disposed in the housing 12 and in communication with the processor 22 and the network 66 to send to and receive from the network 66 only data but not including text. The communicator 298 comprises an input 300 disposed on the housin.g 12 and in communication with the processor 22 which provides a trigger signal to the processor 22. The communicator 298 comprises an alarm 302 in contact with the housing 12 and in communication with the processor 22 that is activated by the processor 22 when an alarm 302 signal is received by the transceiver 48. The communicator 298 comprises a tracking portion 310 disposed in the housing 12 which provides a tracking signal that is transmitted by the transceiver to the network from which the location of the housing in the mine is determined along with an ID of the communicator 298. The transceiver 48 transmits the ID and tracking signal to the network 66 to a communication node 206, ideally the closest node 206, and then to the remote station 68. The tracking portion 310 may be part of the CC 11 10. The CC 1110 is an off the shelf transceiver that is purchased and also provides tracking ability by measuring the signal strength of the ComrnTrac node 205 ideally closest to the transceiver 48, whose location is known and stored in a server in the remote station 68. The signal strength is sent through the network 66 to the server, and using triangulation by the server, which receives the signal strength, determines the location of the transceiver 48, as is more filly explained below and is already part of the ComrnTrac network 66. -3 -

[001481 The input 300 may be a single button 304. The alarm 302 may be a first LED 3(6 that illuminates when the alarm 302 signal is received by the transceiver 48. T he alann 302 may he a plurality of LEDs 306 which is illuminated when the alarm 302 signal is received by the transceiver 48. There may be no display 38 and no key board or key pad, only the single button 304.

1001491 The trigger sia] may be a fixed shape signal whose duration corresponds to how long the button 304 is activated. The alarm 302 may be activated only when an alarm 302 signal is received during to listening intervals in a listening period by the transceiver 48. The activation of' the button 304 may cause the processor 22 to produce an indicator signal to the network 66 through the transceiver 48 corresponding to the activation length and activation frequency of' the hutton 304.

[001501 The transceiver 48 may have its settings changed by the processor 22 when the communicator 298 is within a predetermined distance of a communication node so the transceiver 48 is not saturated by the communication node. V/hen the communicator 298 transitions from an area of surface communication nodes to only underground communication nodes, the processor 22 may transmit to the network 66 through the transceiver 48 a check in message that the communicator 298 is present in the mine.

1001511 The present invention pertains to a method for communicating with a miner in a mine. The method comprises the steps of sending an alarm 302 signal wirelessly through a wireless communication network 66 to a miner communicator 298 carried by a miner in the mine. The communicator 298 is only able to receive data hut not voice. There is the step of receiving the alarm 302 signal by the communicator 298. There is the step of activating an alarm 302 of the communicator 298 by a processor 22 of the communicator 298 in response to the communicator 298 receiving the alarm 302 signal. There is the step of activating a button 304 of the communicator 298 to cause the transmitter to transmit front the communicator 298 to the network 66 an indicator signal regardthg the miner's status, and with the indicator signal is an id oF the communicator 298 and information associated with the position of the communicator 298, The communicator 298 does not have a display 38 or a keyboard. -.35-

1001521 The communicator 298 for communicating with a user, such as a miner, provides for limited hut important infonnation transfer between the user and a monitoring station. This limited information transfer is bidirectional to provide the remote station 68 with information about the user, and to provide the user with critical emergency alert inthrmation. The communicator 298 is very lightweight so that it is easily carried or worn by the user and is battery powered.

1001531 The communicator 298 sends position messages that report the ID, the current position data by providing the signal strength of signals received by the communicator 298 from a closest operable communication node 206 in the mine to the communicator 298, the ID of the closest communication node 206 and possibly battery level, and event information at predetermined intervals wirelessly over a network 66 to die remote station 68 so the miner can be tracked. The network 66 can be the CornmTrac network 66 or the StrataConneet network 66, which is comprised of the CommTrac network 66 and a WiFi network 66, as described above, The communicator 298 will listen for any messages sent to it at different predetermined intervals.

100154] [he communicator 298 includes a processor 22, such as a plc 24, and a transceiver 48. such as a CCII 10, and can be the CIM 72, the operation of which is already described above hi regard to the operation of the wireless gas monitor 10, The CommTrae network 66 is synchronized with the communicator 298 so that when the communicator 298 sends information or receives infhrrnation at the appropriate predetermined intervals, the CommTrae network 66 knows to send or receive the respective information in the appropriate timeframe.

1001551 When the communicator 298 is within a predetermined distance of a Commtrac node, the transceiver 48 is attenuated by about 10 db, and its RSSI values are adjusted upward by the same amount. This is to deal with the condition of a ComntTrae node being very close to the communicator 298 and saturating the transceiver 48. The transmission power of the transceiver 48 is also reduced by 10 db if the communicator 298 is close to the CommTrac node so as to prevent saturating the ComrnTrae node transceiver 48.

1001561 During listening periods by the communicator 298 to receive information, a mine-wide alert state bit is used to determine that an emergency condition exists. This bit must he detected in at least two listening intervals within a predetermined listening period to be considered valid. By requiring information received by the communicator 298 in at least two listening intervals in a predetermined listening period to have this bit, it reduces the possibility of false alarms. When none of the listening intervals in the predetermined listening period do not have this hit, the alert state is considered no longer present.

[00157J Alight on the apparatus will (lash, preferably in a distinct pattern, when the mine-wide alert is recoized by the communicator 298. After a mine-wide alert is recognized; the miner will press a button 304 one, two or three times to indicate the miner's status. For instance, if the button 304 is pushed once, it means the miner is fine. If the button 304 is placed twice in succession, it means the miner is trapped. if the miner pushes the button 304 three times in succession, it means the miner is injured. The miner can push the button 304 twice. then wait a few seconds and push it again three times to indicate he is trapped and injured. The communicator 298 will send an emergency response acknowledgment with the position message to indicate the miner's response. The light may be several LEDs 306 of different color.

1001581 A quick press on the button 304 performs a communication check and battery status update. Holding down the button 304 1 or an extended period of time or multiple presses of the button 304 during a short period of time is used to trigger an emergency message. Holding down the button 304 for an extended period of time shall remove this condition. Two quick presses of the button 304 turn the LED 306 flasher on or off. In response to a mine-wide alert message, one, two or three presses indicate the user's response condition 1001591 One bit of received information in a listening interval is used to indicate if the ConimTrac node is a surface node. Transitioning from an area of surface nodes to only underground nodes triggers the apparatus to issue a check in message. A checkout message is transmitted when transitioning in the other direction-transmitting a checkout message when only surfhce nodes are heard and the apparatus is fonnally in a "check in' state. The apparatus only waits for the network 66 lcvcl acknowledgment that indicates the check ia1out message made it successfully to the CommTrac node. The apparatus does not need to wait for check in/out acknowledgment.

[001 60J For a communication check, after the button 304 is quickly pressed, the LEDs 306 flash once immediately to provide feedback. After a short pause, a series of 1-3 LED 306 flashes indicate battery life (1 -needs replacing soon, 2 -middle life, 3 -new). After another pause, a second series of flashes indicate strength of node (1 weak. 3 -strong). The LEDs 306 will flash in a pattern indicative of an emergency state. For example, a -flash with pauses in between will indicate an emergency state. The LEDs 306 will flash in a basic pattern used only for visual warning. During a mine-wide alert message, the LEDs 306 blink in a pattern making it very clear the apparatu.s is in an alert state.

[00161j The housing of the communicator 298 has aix w x h of less than 110mm x 210 mm x 50 mm and is preferably about 72 mm x 165 mm x 20 mm. It has a weight of less than 150 gm and is preferably about 75 gm.

[00162j [hen present invention pertains to a miner apparatus 450 of a wireless network, as shown in figure IS and figure 21. The apparatus 450 comprises a housing 12 which is carried by the miner. The apparatus 450 comprises a tracking portion 310 disposed in the housing 12 which transmits information associated with the miner's location wirelessly to the network 66. The apparatus 450 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12 and connected to the tracking portion 310 which powers the tracking portion 310. The apparatus 450 comprises a cap lamp 400 electrically connected to the battery 14 which is powered by the battery 14 to provide light.

The cap lamp 400 is worn by the miner.

[00163] The tracking portion 3 10 may be part of a transceiver 48, described above, and the location of the housing 12 is determined, as described.

I00 641 The present invention pertains to a miner apparatus 450 ol' a wireless netwcrk 66, as shown in figure 19 and figure 21. The apparatus 450 comprises a housing 12 which is carried by the miner. The apparatus 450 comprises a tracking portion 310 disposed in the housing 12 which transmits information associated with the miner's location wirelessly to the network. The apparatus 450 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12 and connected to the tracking portion 310 which powers the tracking portion 310. The apparatus 450 comprises a proximity device 402 electrically connected to the battery 14 and disposed in the housing 12 which is powered by the battery 14 to provide a detectable presence to a proximity detector 404 when the miner gets too close to the proximity detector 404, the proximity device 402 worn by the miner.

[00165J The present invention pertains to a miner apparatus 450 of a wireless network, as shown in figure 20 and figure 21. The apparatus 450 comprises a housing 12 which is carried by the miner. The apparatus 450 comprises a tracking portion 310 disposed in the housing t2 which transmits information associated with the miner's location wirefessly to the network 66. The apparatus 450 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12 and connected to the tracking portion 3 10 which powers the tracking portion 310. The apparatus 450 comprises a proximity dcvice electrically connected to the battery 14 and disposed in the housing 12 which is powered by the battery 14 to provide a detectable presence to a proximity detector when the miner gets too close to the proximity detector. The proximity device is worn by the minet The apparatus 450 comprises a cap lamp 400 electrically connected to the battery 14 which is powered by the battery 14 to provide light. The cap iamp 400 is worn by the miner. Together these components of tracking, light and proximity are referred to as TPL.

1001 66J The present invention pertains to a method for a miner to move through a mine.

The method comprises the steps of powering a light of a cap lamp 400 on the miner's head with a battery 14 in a housing 12 carried by the miner. There is the step of sending infonnation associated with location information of the miner's location in the mine from the housing 12 identified with a tracking portion 310 in the housing so the miner can he tracked as the miner moves through the mine. There is the step of stopping a machine with a proximity sensor connected to the machine, because the proximity sensor has sensed a proximity device in the housing 12 has come within a predetermined distance to the proximity device.

[001671 The following information may be contained in a message sent Cr0111 tile proximity detector 404. The message may include at least one byte regarding the health of a generator of the proximity detector 404. The message may include at least one byte that a miner has moved close enough to the proximity detector 404 that a warning has occulTcd. The message may include at least one byte that a miner has moved close enough to the proximity detector 404 that a hazard has occurred which has effectively stopped the operation of the machine associated with the proximity detector 404. The message may include at least one byte which identifies the magnetic field strength of a generator. The message may include at least one byte that identifies the ID of a proximity device 402, such as a personal alarm device (PAD), of a miner which has triggered a warning or hazard depending on how close the proximity device 402 is to the proximity detector 404. The message may include at least one byte which identifies the battery strength of the proximity device 402 which has trggcrcd a warning or a hazard. The proximity device 402 and the proximity detector 404 themselves are sold by Strata Products Worldwide, [IC. Sandy Springs. Georgia, USA. The PAD sends an ID signal to the proximity detector 404 so the proximity detector 404 knows the ID of the PAD that has caused a warning or a hazard which effectively turns the machine off (001 68J The present invention pertains to a proximity detector 404 attached to a machine 475, as shown in figure 21. The detector 404 for detecting a miner's presence comprises a generator 477 which produces a magnetic field. The detector 404 comprises a processor 22. The detector 404 comprises a transceiver 48 for sending a message produced by the processor 22 having iniormation about the generator's health and an ID of a PAD of a miner that has triggered a warning or hazard that has effectively stopped operation of the machine 475.

1001691 PreIrably, the tracking portion 310 is a CIM 72 and the wireless network 66 is the CommTrac network 66. In one einbodinicnt the CIM 72 and the battery 14 are in the housing 12 and the housing 12 is attached to the cap lamp 400 with wiring extending from the housing 12 to the lamp through a socket in the cap to power the lamp, in another embodiment, the housing 12 is positioned in a pocket or on a belt held with a buckle of the miner, and wiring extends from the battery R through the housing 12 up to the back of the cap lamp 400 and attached to a socket of the cap to power the lamp. The cap may be a standard miner helmet modified to have the socket to receive the power wire from the battery 14 in the houshig 12.

[00170] In an alternative embodiment, the GM 72 and the battery 14 are disposed in the housing 12 along with a proximity device 402. The battery 14 powers the CIM 72 and the proximity device 402 so that proximity detection and tracking of the miner are located in the housing 12 which is carried by the miner.

[00171] In yet another embodiment, the CTM 72, the battery 14 and the proximity device 402 are all disposed in the housing 12, with the battery 14 powering the CIM 72 and the proximity device 402. En addition, winng extending from the battery 14 and out through the housing 12 to the back of a cap lamp 400 worn by a miner to power the lamp.

100172] With reference to figures 22 and 23 that are schematic circuit diagrams for the miner communicator 298, the following is a parts list for the communicator 298.The operation of the processor 22 and transceiver 48, that form the CIM 72 is the same, but there is additional circuitry for the features of the communicator 298. All of the following pails are themselves alone well known and are identifiable by their part number, description and manufacturer. Figure 24 shows an overhead view of the circuit board having the circuitry described in figures 22 and 23.

[00173] Line Reference Quantity Manufacturer Part Description Item Designator _________ _________________ Number 1 Cl, C2, C3, 12 faiyo Yude.n EMK]05B7104KV.F Co. C7, Cc.

C32, C35, C36, C37, CAP CER O1UF 16V 10% X7R ______ C38, C39 _________ _________________ _________ _________ 0402 ____________ 2 C4, 08 2 TDK Corporation CGA2B2X7RIH 102 CAP CER 1000PF Soy 10°/o X7R __________ KO5OBA 0402 _____________________ -41 - 3 CS, C19 TfCtoo5kAPfl1tt16Vi0X5R ______ ___________ ______ 5013C 0402 _____ CS, C52. 3 -Panasonic -LRJ-2CEOROOX L14 Clectronic RES 0.0 OHM 1/lOW JUMP ______ Components ____________________ 0402 SMD 4 ClO L TDK Corporation CIOO5C0G1HOIOCO _____ _________ ______-____-. SOBA CAP CER IPF SOVNPO 0402 Cli 1 TDKCorpontion CI0O5COGIHIOIJO5 CAPCER100PFSOV5%NPO -- -___________ _________ ________________ OBA ___________ 0402 6 C12, C13 2 113K Corporation C1005COOIH1R5BO ________ ______________ 5OBA _____ CAP CER 1.5PF 50V NPO 0402 7 C14, C15, 3 [DEC Corporation C100SCOG1U47OJO5 CAP CER 47PF SOY 5°/a NPO do ________ ___________ OBA 0402 S Ci? Johanson CAP CER 220PF 25V 5% NP0 Dielectrics Inc 250R07N221iV4T 0402 C20, C21, 4 TDK Corporation C1005NPO1H15OJO5 CAP CER 15PF SOV 5% NPO ______ C45, C61 _______ _________ OBA 0402 II C22 I Johanson CAP CER 12PF SOY 2% NPO DieIecuics Inc sooRo7sl200v4r 0402 ________ _____ [2 C23, C27, 6 Murata C28, C3 I, Electronics North GRMIS55C1H2000 CAP CER 2OPF SOY 2% NPO ______ C40, C41 America AOJD 0402 13 C24 I TDK Corporation CIOO5COOIHO3OCO ________ ______________ SOBA CAP CER 3PF SOY NPO 0402 -[4 C25, C51 2 TDK Corporation CGA2B2COGIH6R8 ______ ___________ _________ _____________ DO5OBA CAP CER 6.8PF Soy NPO 0402 C26, C29. 3 TDK Corporation C]005C0G1H330J05 CAP CER 33PF 50V 5% NPO ______ C30 OBA 0402 C33 1 TDKCoiporation C1005C001H270J05 CAP CER 27PF SOY 5%NPO ___________ ________ ____________ OBA 0402 16 C34 I Taiyo Yodeti CAP CER ISOPE SOV 5% NPO ____ ___________ _________ ____________ UMKI0SCOI8 IJV-F 0402 17 C42, C43, 4 TDK Corporation C16O8X5R1AIO6MO CAP CER lOU? 1OV 20% X5R C44, COO _________________ 8OAC ______ 0603 18 C46, C49 0 ____________ DNP __________________________ 19 C47, C48, 3 TDK Corporation C2012X5R1A226M0 CAP CER 22UF IOV 20% X5R ______ C50 _______ ________ 85AC 0805 0.95MM THICK C59 I -I DEC Corporation C1005C001H221JO5 CAP CUR 220PF SOY 5% NPO _____ _______ _______________ OBA 0402 _________________ Dl,D2 2 Avago Technologies US LED CHIP ALINCIAP2 RED ______ _________ Inc. HSMZ-C170 TOP MOUNT 0805 21 D4, 1)5. D6 3 Diodes DIODE SCHOTTKY 20V OSA _____ __________ ________ ____ ________ BO52OWS-7-F 501)323 _____ 22 El 1 Vishay VJ53O1M9ISMXBS ____ ________ _______ ____________ R RE ANTENNA. 915 MHz 23 Fl 1 _____ Littelfuse 0466.500Nk FUSE.500A 63V FAST 1206 I-Il 1 Tech-Etch EMI Shield 0.SOOin. x O.SOOin. x _______ ____________ __________ ________________ ________________ 0.O6Oin.

24 J3 I Sarntec MTMM-105-05-F-D- ____________ __________ _______________ 250 ________ _________________________________ 5l1L2 Th6ji17 I_____ __________ ______!VrLGIOOSS12NJ 12NH 0402 26 LIL4 2 TDK Corporation ___________ _________ _________________ MLGIOO5SI SM 18NT-J 0402 27 L5 I Coileraft UCTORWHEWOUNDI ______ _______ ________ 0603HP-68NXILU 68M1 0603 5% 28 L6 I TDK Corporation --IUCTORMULTILAYER _____ __________ ________ ____ MIIQIOO5P6N2S 6.2NH 0402 29 L7 1 IDK Corporation INDUCTOR MIJLTILAYER ___________ _________________ MHQ1005P2N2S 2.2NH 0402 L8, Lii 2 TDK Corporation INDUCTOR MULTILAYER ______ _______ _________________ MHQIOO5P3N3S 3.3NH 0402 31 L9 1 Iaiyo Yudcn INDIJCIOR 6.3UH 3.8A 20% _____ ________ ______ ______________ NR6045T6R3M F.SMD 32 hO 1 DNP ______ L12,L 13 2 Murata F Electronics North FILTER Cl-lIP 1000 OHM ____ ________ ______-J?1! L___ 1 ____ L15 1 DNP ____ _____ 34 P1,P2,P3, 6 Keystone _____ P4,P5,P6 ________ ______________ 56 BATTERY CLIP AAA SMD F RI I Panasonic Electronic RES 56K OHM 1/lOW 1% 0402 ______ ___________ _________ Components ERJ-2RKF5602X SMD 36 R2 I Panasonic F Electronic RES 3.3K OHM 1/loW 5% 0402 _____ ____ Coponents ERJ-2GEJ332X SMD 37 R3 1 Panasonic Electronic RES 499K OHM 1/lOW 1% 0402 ____ _________ Components ERJ-2RKF4993X SMD 38 R4, Ri 2 2 Panasonic Electronic RES 113K OHM 1/lOW 1% 0402 ______ ______ Components -ERJ2RKFi133X -SMD 39 R5,R7,R9. 4 Panasonic R29 Electronic RI/S IOICO1IM 1/lOW 1% 0402 _____ ____ _______ Components EIU-2RKF1002X SMD _______ R6 1 Panasonic Electronic RES 0.0 OHM 1/4W JUMP 1206 ___________ _________ Components ERJ-8GEYOROOV SMD ____ _______________ F 41 ItS Yageo RI/S 22.0 OHM 1/16W 1% 0402 ______ ________ _______________ RCO4O2FRM722RL SMD 42 RiO, R16 2 Panasonic Electronic RI/S 2.7K OHM i/lOW 1% 0402 ______ ___________ -________ Components ERJ-2RKF27O1X SMD 43 Rh I Panasonic F Electronic RES 51 OHM 1/lOW 1% 0402 _____ _________ ____ Components ERJ-2RKF5 IROX SMD 44 R13 1 Panasonic Electronic RI/S IM OHM 1/hOW 1% 0402 ____ ______ Components ERJ-2RKF1004X SMD R14, R15 2 Panasonic Electronic RI/S 24.9 OHM 1/lOW 1% 0402 ________ _________ Components ERr-2RKF24R9X SMD R17,R18. S Panasonic R19, 1122, Electronic 1123,1124, Components RES 1K OHM i/lOW 1% 0402 ____ 1125,1126 _____ ____________ ERI-2RKFIO01X SMD 46 1(20 1 Panasonic Electronic RES 200K OHM 1/lOW 1% 0402 _______ Components ERJ-211KF2003X SM 47 1121 I Panasonic Electronic RES 604K OHM 1/lOW 1% 0402 _____ __________ ________ Components EI1J-2RKF6043X 4SMD 1127 I Panasonic Electronic RJIS 10 OHM I/tOW 10/ 0402 _____ _________ ________ Components ERJ-2RKF1OROX SM1) __________________ 1128 1 Panasonic Electronic RES 47 OHM 1/lOW 1% 0402 ______ ___________ _________ Components ERJ-2RKF47ROX SMI) -- 48 54 1 Coto Technology REED SWITCH MOLDED 140V _____ ___________ _________ ________________ CTO5-1535-Gl 15-3SAT 49 52 I C&K -SWITCH 1ACTILE SPST-NO _____ ________ Components PTS645VI-139-2 LFS 0.05A 12V 53 I ______ SignalQucst SQ-MIN.200 SQ-MIN-200 _____ 51 UI 1 Texas Instruments CC 11 90RGV 1_ ____ IC RE FRONT END 16\QI N 52 U2 1 Microchip P1C24PJ646A004-IC MCIJ 1 6BIT 64KB FLASh _____ __________________ ______________ T/ML 44QFN __________________ 53 U3 I Texas Instruments IC REG BUCK SYNC ADj 1.2A -________________ TPS62O4ODGQR 1OMSOP 54 U4 1 Lpcos Signal Conditioning 915MFIz _L___L_P221B3588U4IO S0ohms 2.9dB ____ U6 1 Microchip IC OPAMP OP 14KhZ 11110 _________ _____________ MCP6O41 r4oT 50T23-5 56 U7 I Microchip IC SRAM 256KB1T 20MHZ _____ __________ _________ ________________ 231(256-I/ST wrssop 57 US 1 F Texas Instruments IC SOC RE rxRx W/8051 MCU _____ __________ __________ I CC11IOF32RIL[fr 36-VQF _____________ 58 VI. (4 2 Abracon ABSO6-32.768KHZ-CRYSTAL 32768KHZ 12.SPF

_____ ____ _______ T SMD

59 (2 I TXC CRYSTAL 12.288MHZ 1SPF __________ ______ ______________ 7M-12.288MAAJ-T SMD Y3 -1 _____ VCTS 403C1 IA26M00000 CRYSTAL 26MFIZ 1OPF SMD PCB 1 Strata Products ______ ___________ __________ Worldwide PCB L00OO98 Rev C ________________________ 1001741 With reference to figures 25 -28 which are schematic circuit diaarns for the miner apparatus 450, the following is a parts list for the miner apparatus 450. The operation of the processor 22 and transceiver 48, that form the CIM 72 is the same, but there is additional circuitry for the features of the miner apparatus 450. Al] of the following parts are themselves alone are well known and are idetuit'lable by their part number, desenption and manuFacturer, FOU 75 flue Designator Quantity Manufacturer Fart Description Item ____________ Number I BIJZZERMACIN5VDC2.7KHZ Bzl I PUIAUDIO Ar-1027-Twr-sv-R PUB -_____________ 2 1495D337K010ATE CAP IANT 330L1F IOV 10% Cl I Kernet 150 ______ 2917 3 C2,C3,C4, C7, C20.

C21, C27, C28. C29, C32, C33, C34, C36.

C37. C38.

C39, C41, C42, C43, C44, ClOl, C102, CO6O3CIO4K4RACT CAP CERO.1IJF 16V 10% X7R ______ C[03 23 Panasonic U 0603 4 --Samsung Electro-I Mechanics CT2IBIO6KOQNNN CAP CER 101ff!6V 10% X7R CS __________i America E 0805 C9C10. I -_________________ CII, C]2, I CO6O3C1O3K4RACT CAP CER GlUE 16V I0%X7R C19 ____ 5 Panasonic U __________ 0603 6 I CIOO5COG1H6SOJO5 CAP CER 6SPF 50V 5% NPO _____ C13 1 TDK Corporation OBA 0402 7 t CIOO5X7RI 1-11 031(0 CAP CER 10000PF 50V 10% _____ C14 I TDKCorporation 5OBB X7R0402 8 C15, C17, CIOO5COQIIJIQIJO5 CAP CER IOOPE Soy 5%NPO ____ C48 3 TDK Corporation OBA 0402 9 JUMPER DORM 1/lOW 0402 _____ C16 1 Panasonic EIU-2GEOROOX SMD ID C18R34, R35,R36.

____ TP9 5 __________ ______________ DO NOT INSTALL II C0603C105K4CT CAP CER IUF 16V 10% X7R ______ CS, C22 2 Kemet U 0603 12 C23, C24. CIOO5NPOIHI5OJO5 CAP CER I5PF 50V 5% NPO C56, C63 4 TL)K Corporation OBA _____ 0402 13 C1608X5R1E106M0 CAP CER 101ff 25V 20% X5R ______ C25 1 TDK Corporation SOAC 0603 14 C26,C30.

(A9,C50. CAP CER 2QPF 50V 1% NPO _____ C51. C52 6 Kemet CBRO4C200FSGAC 0402 C31. C57, CIOOSX5RIAIO4KO CAP CER GlUE 1OV 10% XSR I C60 3 F TDK Corporation SOFIA 0402 p bi33kö Aift7EiiiJfi7vm%x5R - ______ C35, C53 2 TDK Corpoitation SOBC ___________ 0402 17 C1005COGII-11R580 CAP CER 1.5PF SOY =OJPF _____ C40, C47 2 TDK Corporation SOBA NPO 0402 ______ 18 C45, C61, C1005COGIH47OJOS CAP CER47PF SOy 5% NPO ______ C64 43 TDK Corporation OBA 0402 __________ 19 C100SCOG1HOIOCO CAP CER IPF 50V ±025PF NPO ______ C46 1 -TDK Corporation 5OBA 0402 _________ CIOO5X7R1CIO3KO CAP CER I0000PF I6V 10% _____ C54 1 TDK Corporation 5OBA X7R 0402 - 2! Johanson CAP CER 220PF 25V 5% NPO ______ C55 ______ I Dielectrics Inc 250R07N221JV4T 0402 22 CGA2B2COGIH6RS _____ çsg I TDK Corporation DOSOI3A -CAP CER 68PF SOY NPO 0402 23 CGJ2B2COCI11IO3OC C59 I JDK Corpoi-ation O5OBA CAP CER 3PF Soy NPO 0402 24 Johanson CAP CER 12PF SOy 5% NPO _____ C62 -1 Technology Inc SOORO7S1200V4T 0402 OSRAM Opto LED SIDELED RED 625NM _____ Dl 1 -Semiconductors LRA67F-U2AB-1-Z CLR RA SMD _____________ 26 OSRAM Opto TED CHIPLED BLUE 47ONM _____ D6, D7, D8 3 Semiconductors LB Q39G-L2N2-3S-1 0603 SMD ______ 27 Pulse Electronics El, E2 2 Corporation W31 13, W3l 14 _______________________ 28 Fl 1 1 Iittclfuse 0466002.NR FUSE 2A 63V FAST 1206 29 -COth&2UH1200MACHOKE LI 1 Panasonic ELL-6RFI8R2M SKID __________ 1 MLGIOOSS47NJTOO INDUCTOR MULTILAYER -_____ 12 ________ 1 TDK Corporation 0 47NH 0402 31 MLG1005S6N8JTOO INDUCTOR MUETILAYER L3, lÀ 2 TDK Corporation 0 6.8NH 0402 32 --INDUCTOR MULTILAYER --L5,L 21 TDK Corporation MLGIOO5S12NJ 12 0402 33 1 rNDUCTORMULTILAYER ______ L6. L8 2 TDK Corporation MLG100SS1SNJ ISNU 0402 ______________ 34 Pulse Electronics INDUCTOR WW RF 68NH ______ L9 I Corporation PE-O6O3CD6SOJTT 600MA 0603

INDUCTOR MULTILAYER

______ Ll0 I TDK Corporation MLGIOOSS3N3S 3.3N11 0402 __________ 36 INDUCTOR MULTILAYER Lii I TDK Corporation MLK!OOSS2N2S 22NH 0402 - 37 INDUCTOR MULTILAYER -- _____ LU 1 TDKCorporation MLOIOOSS6N2S 6.2Nl-10402 ________- 38 -PT _____-1 Saintec SSW-106-01-L-D Header, 6-Pin, Dual row 39 P2 1 Samtcc TSW-l 04-061-S [-leader. 4-Pin, Single row P3 1 L Sanitec TSW-105-06-L-S Header, S-Pin, Single row 41 P4 1 [ Samtec SLW-l05-0l-L-S _____________ 42 Qi. Q2, 1lnternational MOSFET N-CFI 20V 42A SOT- ______ Q3, Q4, Q5 5 Rectifier IRLML25O2TRPBF 23 ___________ 43 Fairchild TRANSISTOR GP NPN AMP _____ Q6 1 Semiconductor MMBT39O4 -SOT-23 ________________ R24, R29, RiO, P31, 1(32, R54, R63, R64, ((65, R66, P117, R68, RES 499 OFIM 1/4W 1% 1206 _____ R69 15 Bourns ERJ-8tiNF4990V SMI) RES 002 011)41W 1%2512 R2 1 Panasonic F.RJ-MIWSF2OMIJ SMD 46 ----CRM1206-FZ-. RES 0.05 OhM 1/2W 1% 1206 Ri ______ 1 I3ourns ____ RO5OELF SMD 47 R4,R5,R9. ---____________ ______ RIO, 1(15, Rio, R19, R20, 1(22, CRA2512-FZ-RES 0.1 OHM 3W 1% 2512 _____ RB 10 Bounm R100ELF SMD _______________________ 48 RESSIK Ol-IM 1/lOW 1% 0603 _____ R6 1 Panasonic EPJ-3EKF5IO2V SMD ___________ 49 1(7, R8, k13, 1(14, Stackpole _____ 1(18 5 Electronics CSRN25I2FKR68O IlLS 0.68 OHM 2W 1% 2512 REidbikMJ/1ow 1% 0603 Ri I I Panasonic URJ-3 EKF1 OROV SMD 51 --RES 40.2 OHM 1/2W 1% 1210 ______ R17 1 Panasonic ERJ-14NE4OR2IJ SMD 52 RI/S 15K OHM 110W 1% 0603 1(21 I Panasonic _______ ERT-3EKF1502V SMD ________ 53 P.25,1144, 1 RES 1K OHM i/lOW 1% 0603 1R45, 1146 4 Panasonic LRJ-3EKEIOOIV SMD 54 RES 2K OHM 1/lOW 1% 0603 R26 I Panasonic ERJ-3EKF2001V SMD --RES TOOK OHM 1/lOW 1% 0603 ______ R27 I Panasonic ERJ-3EKF1003V SMD 56 R28, R40, 1143, R47, 1148.1149. LIES 10K 01-IM 1/lOW 1% 0603 ______ R50 9 Panasonic ERJ-3EKF1002V SMD 57 P.33,1137, RES 100 OHM 1/lOW 1% 0603 _____ 1138, P.39 4 Panasonic h/RJ-3EKFI000V SMI) 58 RES 2.7K OHM 1/lOW 1% 0603 ______ R51 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RKE2701X SMD 59 RES 604K OE2vI 1/4W 1% 1206 ______ P.52 1 Panasonic ERJ-8ENP6043V SMD RES 280K OHM 1/low 1% 0402 ______ R53 1 Panasonic ERJ-3EKF2803V StYli) ________________________ 61 R55, R56, RES 47K OHM 1/lOW 1% 0603 ______ R57, 1(58 4 Panasonic ERJ-3EKF4702V SMD 62 RI/S 1M OhM 1/lOW 1% 0603 ______ 1159 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ1O5X SM!) 63 RES 22 OETh'h 1/lOW 1% 0402 _____ R60 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF22ROX SMD ______________________ 1 RES 56K OHM i/lOW 1% 0402 1 Mo] _____ 1 j Panasonic ERJ-2RKF5602X SMD RES3.3K OHM 1/lOW U/o0402 R62 _____ I i Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ332X SMD 66 C&K SWITCH TACTIL.E SPST-NO SI, S2, S3 3 F Components______ KSC64IGLFS O.05A 32V 67 F International MOSFET N-CR 30V 13.8A 8-UI I Rectiher _____ IRF87I4PbF SOIC 6$ --ICOVERVOLI PROF REG 16- _____ 1J2 1 j Linear Tech L43561S-].#PBF -SOIC 69 IC VREF SERIES PREC 25\' _____ U3 l Microchip -MCP1525'I-lfrF S0T23-3 International MOSFET P-CU 30V 5.SA 8- ______ U4 I F Rectifier rRF74O6TRPBF SOIC 71 IC OPAMP CURR SENSE ______ US 1 Texas Instruments ThIAI99AIDCK 14KHZ SC7O-6 _____ * 72 -IC LOAD SW LVL SHIFT 20V 156 1 Vishay Silicunix SI1869DH-T1-E3 SC7O-6 73 Avago IC AMP LNA MMIC GAAS -(57 1 Technologies US MGA-68563-TR1G SMD SOT-363 74 Linx TRANSMITTER RE 916MHZ -I 1 Technologies TXM-916-ES I0PIN SMD MCPI826S- _____ U9 I____ Microchip 3002E/DH IC REG I.DO3V 1A S0T223-3 76 Microchip P1C24EJ64CiA004-IC MGI 16131T 64KB FLASH _____ 010 -Technology I/PT 44TQFP 77 151!, tJl3, IC BUS TRANSCVR 2tiIT N- 1515 3 TexasinstruinenLs SN74LVC2T45DCT INV SM8 78 IC SRAM 256KB1T 20MHZ 1512 I MICROChIP 23K256-F'ST STSSOP 79 Microchip IC OPAMP GP 14KHZ RRO ____ 1514 -I Technology MCP6O4IT-E/OT ____________ $0 IC SOC HF TXRX W/8051 MCI] _____ 1516 1 Texaslnstruments CCIIIOF32RHBIR. 36-VQF 81 TiiQuinr Signal Conditioning 915/26MHz ______ 1517 1 Semiconductor 856327 Filter -_____________ 82 151$ --1 Texas Instruments CC1l90VT RE Front End 850-950MHz 83 SN74LVCJ G332DC IC GATE OR 1CH 3-INP SC-70- (5101 1 Texas Instruments KR 6 - 84 -SN74LVC I (1!] DCK IC GATE AND ICH 3-INP SC- 15102 1 Texas Instruments R 70-6 TXC CRYSTAL 12.288MHZ SPF ____ Yl ___ 1 CORPORATION AX-12.2SSMAGV-T SMD 86 Abracon A13506-32.768KHZ-CRYSFAL32,76SKHZ 12.5FF ______ Y2, V4 2 Corporation T SMD _____________________ 87 CTS-Frcqucncy Y3 1 Controls 403C1 1A26M00000 CRYSTAL 26MHZ 10FF SMD [00176J Figure 29 is an exploded view of the miner apparatus 450, and specifically the TPL. The housing 12 encases the tracking portion 310 that carries the circuitry shown in figures -28. which includes the CM 72. There is the proximity device 402 which is a standard proximity device 402 that is culTently available arid exists in the proximity device sold by Strata Products Worldwide, LLC. There is the battery 14 and circuitry 602 through which the battery and the tracking portion 310 and the proximity detector 402 is connected to the terminals 600 in the housing I 2. There is a data port cover 606 that covers over a port to which the software operations can be reprogrammed if necessary in the apparatus 450. There is also a cover plate 612 that covers the terminals 600 on the outside of the housing 12. In the cover 612, there is a wiring port 604 through which the wiring from the terminals 600 extend to the cap lamp 400 to power and trigger the components of the cap lamp 400.

[001771 Figure 30 is a close-up view of the terminals 600. Wiring from terminal 607 extends to power the light in the cap lamp 400. Wiring from the terminal 60 extends to the battery 14 to receive power fium the battery 14. Wiring from terminal 609 extends to an LED in the cap lamp 400 to power the LED. Wiring from the terminal 61 0 extends to a sounder in the cap lamp 400 that makes a noise to alert the miner when they have come to close to a proximity detector 404 and a warning or a hazard state is triggered. Terminal 611 receives wiring from the cap lamp 400 and provides a ground or a return from the cap lamp 400.

1001781 Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be described by the following claims.

Claims (45)

1. CLAIMS1. A monitor of a communication network for gases in a mine comprising: ahousing; a battery disposed in the housing; a gas sensor portion powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine; an alarm portion disposed in the housin& powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery which emits a visual alert and an audible alert when the gas sensor portion senses that either the first or second gas is above a predetermined threshold; a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing to the network in the mine that the gas sensor portion has sensed of either the first or second gas; and a processor disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the wireless communication portion, alarm portion, sensor portion and battery.
2. 2. The monitor of claim 1 wherein the gas sensor portion includes a full range by volume between zero and 100% methane sensor and the wireless communication portion transmits wirelessly from the housing a methane value of methane in the mine sensed by the sensor portion.
3. 3. The monitor of claim I or 2 wherein the gas sensor portion includes a carbon monoxide sensor and a I-12S sensor and the wireless communication portion transmits wirelessly from the housing a carbon monoxide value of carbon in the mine sensed by the sensor portion and an H2S value of I-12S in the mine sensed by the sensor portion.
4. 4. The monitor of any preceding claim wherein the processor receives a gas value signal from the gas sensing portion and converts the gas value signal into a converted signal form of the gas value which can be sent wirelessly by the communication portion from the housing.
5. 5. The monitor of any preceding claim wherein the communication portion includes a transceiver in communication with the processor.
6. 6. The monitor of claim 5 wherein the communication portion includes an amplifier with an internal antenna in communication with the transceiver.
7. 7. The monitor of claim 6 wherein the processor provides the converted signal form of the gas value to the transceiver which then transmits the converted signal form of the gas value wirelessly through the amplifier and the internal antenna from the housing.
8. 8. The monitor of any preceding claim wherein the alarm portion includes a visual alarm and an audible alarm and the processor receives an alarm signal from the gas sensor portion and activates the visual alarm and the audible alarm based on the alarm signal.
9. 9. A monitor of a communication network for gases in a mine comprising: a housing; a battery disposed in the housing; -5 1 -a gas sensor portion powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine; a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery auid the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing to the network in the mine that the gas sensor portion has sensed of either the first or second gas; at least one input for connection to a remote device which provides a status signal regarding the remote device which is transmitted by the wireless communication portion from the detector; and a processor disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical eonmmnication with the wireless communication portion, the input, sensor portion and battery.
10. 10. A method for monitoring gases in a mine comprising the steps of: detecting with a gas sensor portion a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine, the gas sensor portion powered by a battery and in electrical communication with the battery, the gas sensor portion and the battery disposed in the housing; emitting with an alarm portion powered by the battery, disposed in the housing and in electrical communication with the battery a visual alert and an audible alert when the gas sensor portion senses that either the first or second gas is above a predetermined threshold; and sending with a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor portion a wireless signal from the housing that the gas sensor portion has sensed either the first or second gas.
11. 11 A monitor of a communication network for gases in a mine comprising: a housing; a battery disposed in the housing; a gas sensor portion powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine; a terminal portion that has two states, an output configuration state in which an output signal is sent from the processor to a first device, and an input configuration state in which an input signal is received from a second device; a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by tile battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing to the network in the mine that the gas sensor portion has sensed of either the first or second gas; and a processor disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the wireless communication portion, alarm portion, sensor portion and battery.
12. 12. A system for monitoring gases underground comprising: a monitor which detects a gas located in a tunnel underground and determines a gas value of the gas, the monitor having an audio alarm and a visual alarm which is activated what the detected gas is above a prcdctermincd value, and a transceiver which transmits the gas value; a wireless telecommunications network in the tunnel on which the gas value is transmitted from the monitor; and a remote station which receives the gas value from the network.
13. 13. The system of claim 12 wherein the transceiver receives a signal from the network to change a set point for an alarm condition for the gas to be determined by the monitor.
14. 14. A communication system in a mine comprising: a data network on which solely data is sent; a wireless network in a mine on which voice and data is sent bi-directionally; and a plurality of nodes distributed and apart from each other that form the data network and the wireless network, each node having a data portion which receives and sends data on the data network, a wireless portion which receives and sends voice signals on the wireless network, and a power supply portion in electrical communication with the data portion and the wireless portion which powers the data portion and the wireless portion.
15. 15. The system of claim 14 wherein data on the data network includes tracking information of an individual.
16. 16. The system of claim 14 or 15 wherein the data on the data network is sent and received at at least one node of the plurality of nodes and the data network is bi-directional.
17. 17. The system of any of claims 14 to 16 wherein the data liom the data network is sent on the data network and the wireless network.
18. 18. The system of any of claims 14 to 17 wherein each node includes a data converter in communication with the data portion and the wireless portion which converts the data from the data network into a transmission signal that is transmitted on the wireless network.
19. 19. A communication node of a data network and a wireless network in a mine comprising; a housing; a data portion disposed in the housing which receives data on the data network in the mine; a wireless portion disposed in the housing which receives and sends voice signals on the wireless network in the mine; a power supply portion disposed in the housing in electrical communication with the data portion and the wireless portion which powers the data portion and the wireless portion; and a data converter disposed in the housing in communication with the data portion and the wireless portion which converts the data from the data network into a transmission signal that is transmitted on the wireless network.
20. 20. The node of claim 19 wherein the wireless portion includes a first radio disposed in the housing to transmit the transmission signal.
21. 21. The node of claim 20 wherein the wireless portion includes a switch disposed in the housing in communication with the first radio and the data converter.
22. 22. The node of claim 21 wherein the wireless portion includes an external fiber connector in communication with the switch to connect with an external fiber to transmit the transmission signal.
23. 23. A method for communicating in a mine comprising the steps ofi receiving data wirelessly at a data portion of a first node ofa plurality of nodes in the mine from a data network on which solely data is sent, the plurality of nodes distributed and apart from each other and form the data network and a wireless network; converting with a data converter in communication with the data portion the data from the data network into a transmission signal that is transmitted on the wireless network, the wireless network transmitting and receiving voice and data hi-directionally; transmitting the transmission signal from the first node on the wireless network with a wireless portion of the first node; and powering the data portion and the data portion with a power supply portion in electrical communication with the data portion and the wireless portion.
24. 24. A miner communicator in a communications network in a mine comprising: a housing; a processor disposed in the housing; a transceiver disposed in the housing and in communication with the processor and the network to send to and received from the network in the mine only data hut not including text; an input disposed on the housing and in communication with the processor which provides a trigger signal to the processor; an alarm in contact with the housing and in communication with the processor that is activated by the processor when an alarm signal is received by thc transceiver; and a tracking portion disposed in the housing which provides a tracking signal that is transmitted by thc transceiver to the network from which the location of the housing in the mine is determined
25. 25. The coninrnnicator of claim 24 wherein the input is only a single button.
26. 26. The communicator of claim 24 or 25 wherein the alarm is a first LED that illuminates when the alarm signal is received by the transceiver.
27. 27. The communicator of any of claims 24 to 26 when the alarm is a plurality of LEDs which are illuminated when the alarm siwial is received by the transceiver.
28. 28. The communicator of any of claims 24 to 27 wherein there is no display.
29. 29. The communicator of any of claims 24 to 28 wherein the trigger signal is a fixcd shape signal whose duration corresponds to how long the button is activated.
30. 30. The communicator of any of claims 24 to 29 wherein the alarm is activated only when an alarm signal is received during two listening intervals in a listening period by the transceiver.
31. 31. The communicator of any of claims 24 to 30 wherein the activation of the button causes the processor to produce an indicator signal to the network through the transceiver corresponding to the activation length and activation frequency of the button.
32. 32. The communicator of any of claims 24 to 31 wherein the transceiver has its settings changed by the processor when the communicator is within a predetermined distance of a communication node so the transceiver is not saturated by the communication node.
33. 33. The communicator of any of claims 24 to 32 wherein when the communicator transitions from an area of surface communication nodes to only underground communication nodes, the processor transmits to the network through the transceiver a check in message that the communicator is present in the mine.
34. 34. The communicator of any of claims 24 to 33 wherein the tracking portion is part of the transceiver.
35. 35. The communicator of any of claims 24 to 34 wherein the housing has a length of less than 110mm and/or a width of less than 210mm and/or a height of less thax 50mm and/or a weight of less than 150 gm.
36. 36. A method for communicating with a miner in a mine comprising the steps of: sending an alarm signal wirelessly through a wireless communication network to a miner communicator carried by a miner in the mine, the communicator only able to receive data but not \Toice receiving the alarm signal by the communicator; activating an alarm of the communicator by a processor of the communicator in response to the communicator receiving the alarm signal; and activating a button of the communicator to cause the transmitter to transmit from the communicator to the network an indicator signal regarding the miner's status, and with the indicator signal is an Id of the communicator and information associated with a position of the communicator in the mine, the communicator not having a display nor a keyboard.
37. 37. A system for monitoring gases on an oil or gas rig comprising: a monitor which detects a gas at the rig and determines a gas value of the gas, the monitor having an audio alarm and a visual alarm which is activated when the detected gas is above a predetermined value, and a transceiver which transmits the gas value; a wireless telecommunications network on which the gas value is transmitted from the monitor; and a remote station which receives the gas value from the network.
38. 38. The system of claim 37 wherein the remote station includes a receiver which receives the gas value from the network, a processor in communication with the receiver which receives the gas value from the receiver, and a display in communication with the processor on which the processor displays an alarm indication when the ga.s value is above a predetermined level.
39. 39. A remote station which receives gas values of gas monitors from a wireless network comprising: a receiver which receives the gas values wirelessly from the network; a processor in communication with the receiver which receives the gas values tiom the receiver; and a display in communication with the processor on which the processor displays an alarm indication when the gas value is above a predetermined level.
40. 40. The station of claim 39 including a housing and the processor and the receiver are disposed in the housing and the display is disposed on a face of the housing.
41. 41. A miner apparatus of a wireless network comprising: a housing which is carried by the miner; a tracking portion disposed in the housing which transmits information associated with the miner's location wirelessly to the network; a battery disposed in the housing and connected to the tracking portion which powers the tracking portion; and a cap lamp electrically connected to the battery which is powered by the battery to provide light, the cap lamp worn by the miner.
42. 42. A miner apparatus of a wireless network comprising: a housing which is carried by the miner; a tracking portion disposed in the housing which transmits information associated with the miner's location wirelessly to the network; a battery disposed in the housing and connected to the tracking portion which powers the tracking portion; and a proximity device electrically connected to the battery and disposed in the housing which is powered by the battery to provide a detectable presence to a proximity detector when the miner gets too close to the proximity detector, the proximity device worn by the miner.
43. 43. A miner apparatus of a wireless network comprising: a housing which is carried by the miner; a tracking portion disposed in the housing which transmits information associated with the miner's location wirelessly to the network; a battery disposed in the housing and connected to the tracking portion which powers the tracking portion; a proximity device electrically connected to the battery and disposed in the housing which is powered by the battery to provide a detectable presence to a proximity detector when the miner gets too close to the proximity detector, the proximity device worn by the miner; and a cap lamp electrically connected to the battery which is powered by the battery to provide light, the cap lamp worn by the miner.
44. 44. A method for a miner to move through a mine comprising the steps of: powering a light of a cap lamp on the miner's head with a battery in a housing carried by the miner; sending information associated with location from the housing so the miner can be tracked as the miner moves through the mine; and stopping a machine with a proximity sensor connected to the machine, because the proximity sensor has sensed a proximity device in the housing has come within a predetermined distance to the proximity device.
45. 45. A proximity detector attached to a machine, the detector for detecting a miner's presence comprising;A generator which produces a magnetic field;A processor; and A transceiver for sending a message produced by the processor having information about the generator's health and an ID of a PAD of a miner that has triggered a warning or hazard that has effectively stopped operation of the machine.