US20120042800A1 - Selective control of wireless initiation devices at a blast site - Google Patents

Selective control of wireless initiation devices at a blast site Download PDF

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US20120042800A1
US20120042800A1 US13/146,347 US201013146347A US2012042800A1 US 20120042800 A1 US20120042800 A1 US 20120042800A1 US 201013146347 A US201013146347 A US 201013146347A US 2012042800 A1 US2012042800 A1 US 2012042800A1
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wireless
group
group identification
identification
devices
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Michael John McCann
Ronald F. Stewart
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Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd
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Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42D—BLASTING
    • F42D1/00—Blasting methods or apparatus, e.g. loading or tamping
    • F42D1/02—Arranging blasting cartridges to form an assembly
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42D—BLASTING
    • F42D1/00—Blasting methods or apparatus, e.g. loading or tamping
    • F42D1/04—Arrangements for ignition
    • F42D1/045—Arrangements for electric ignition
    • F42D1/05—Electric circuits for blasting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42D—BLASTING
    • F42D3/00—Particular applications of blasting techniques
    • F42D3/04—Particular applications of blasting techniques for rock blasting

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of blasting for mining, and the control of detonators at a blast site. More specifically, the invention relates to the control of detonators and detonator assemblies via wireless communication.
  • detonators may store firing codes and respond to ARM and FIRE signals only upon receipt of matching firing codes from the blasting machine.
  • Electronic detonators are often programmed with time delays with an accuracy of the order of about 1 ms.
  • the blasting systems discussed above employ physical connections between the detonators to be fired and a control unit such as a blasting machine.
  • detonators are placed at the blast site in association with explosive charges, and connected to surface harness wires (e.g. wires, shock tubes, detonating cords or the like).
  • surface harness wires e.g. wires, shock tubes, detonating cords or the like.
  • Detonators present at the blast site may be selectively actuated in groups. In this way, a blast may be conducted in two or more stages. Care must be taken to ensure that later-stage detonators, their associated charges, and their connections to harness wires are not disrupted or suffer damage from explosive forces derived from earlier-stage firing.
  • each group of detonators may be connected to a different harness wire, with a command signal to FIRE each group transmitted via a different harness wire as desired.
  • Wireless blasting systems and corresponding methods employing such systems, are disclosed for example in international patent publication WO06/047823 published May 11, 2006, WO06/076777 published Jul. 27, 2006, WO06/096920 published Sep. 21, 2006, and WO07/124,539 published Nov. 8, 2007, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the wireless command signal is transmitted to (and received by) a plurality of wireless initiation devices, but only a predetermined group (or number) of the plurality of devices execute an (intended) operation on the basis of the signal.
  • the wireless command signal comprises a component (group identification component) that allows each wireless initiation device receiving the signal to undertake analysis to determine whether that device forms part of the predetermined group. The nature of the group identification component is discussed in more detail below.
  • the wireless initiation device may take the form of a wireless electronic booster by further comprising for example an associated explosive charge, such that actuation of the device causes actuation of each associated explosive charge.
  • Such wireless electronic boosters may have alternative configurations or include other components, and are disclosed for example in international patent publication WO07/124,539 published Nov. 8, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • a method of controlling a predetermined group of wireless electronic boosters within a plurality of such boosters at a blast site comprises: transmitting to the plurality of wireless electronic boosters a wireless command signal relating to some operation intended to be executed by the predetermined group of wireless electronic boosters; for each wireless electronic booster receiving the wireless command signal, determining whether the wireless electronic booster forms part of the predetermined group; and for each wireless electronic booster that determines that it forms part of the predetermined group, executing the operation on the basis of the command signal.
  • Actuate or “initiate”—refers to the initiation, ignition, or triggering of explosive materials, typically by way of a primer, detonator or other device capable of receiving an external signal and converting the signal to cause deflagration of the explosive material.
  • Base charge refers to any discrete portion of explosive material in the proximity of other components of the detonator and associated with those components in a manner that allows the explosive material to actuate upon receipt of appropriate signals from the other components.
  • the base charge may be retained within the main casing of a detonator, or alternatively may be located nearby the main casing of a detonator.
  • the base charge may be used to deliver output power to an external explosives charge to initiate the external explosives charge.
  • “Blasting machine” any device that is capable of being in signal communication with electronic detonators, for example to send ARM, DISARM, and FIRE signals to the detonators, and/or to program the detonators with delay times and/or firing codes.
  • the blasting machine may also be capable of receiving information such as delay times or firing codes from the detonators directly, or this may be achieved via an intermediate device to collect detonator information and transfer the information to the blasting machine, such as a logger.
  • Wireless Electronic Booster refers to any device that can receive wireless command signals from an associated blasting machine, and in response to appropriate signals such as a wireless signal to FIRE, can cause actuation of an explosive charge that forms an integral component of the booster. In this way, the actuation of the explosive charge may induce actuation of an external quantity of explosive material, such as material charged down a borehole in rock.
  • a booster may comprise the following non-limiting list of components: a detonator comprising a firing circuit and a base charge; an explosive charge in operative association with said detonator, such that actuation of said base charge via said firing circuit causes actuation of said explosive charge; a transceiver for receiving and processing said at least one wireless command signal from said blasting machine, said transceiver in signal communication with said firing circuit such that upon receipt of a command signal to FIRE said firing circuit causes actuation of said base charge and actuation of said explosive charge.
  • “Borehole” generally refers to an elongate hole or recess, preferably cylindrical in form, drilled into a section of rock for loading, for example, explosive materials and initiation primers for actuating the explosive materials.
  • boreholes may take any shape or form that is amenable to receiving explosive materials.
  • Central command station refers to any device that transmits signals via radio-transmission or by direct connection, to one or more blasting machines.
  • the transmitted signals may be encoded, or encrypted.
  • the central blasting station permits radio communication with multiple blasting machines from a location remote from the blast site.
  • clock encodes any clock suitable for use in connection with a initiation device, wireless electronic booster, wireless detonator assembly or blasting system, for example to time delay times for actuation of an explosive charge or material during a blasting event.
  • the term clock relates to a crystal clock, for example comprising an oscillating quartz crystal of the type that is well know, for example in conventional quartz watches and timing devices.
  • Control circuit refers to electronic circuitry that enables comparison to be performed between a received group identification that is stored in the memory component of a wireless initiation device or wireless electronic booster, and that is capable of determining whether the group identification component correlates with/matches the stored group identification. When it is determined that there is suitable correlation/matching the control circuit is also capable of implementing some operation of the device or booster on the basis of a wireless command signal.
  • the control circuit may be an integrated circuit that is designed with at least the functionalities in mind.
  • “Explosive charge” includes any discreet portion of an explosive substance contained or substantially contained within a booster.
  • the explosive charge is typically of a form and sufficient size to receive energy derived from the actuation of a base charge of a detonator, thereby to cause ignition of the explosive charge.
  • the ignition of the explosive charge may, under certain circumstances, be sufficient to cause ignition of the entire quantity of explosive material, thereby to cause blasting of the rock.
  • the chemical constitution of the explosive charge may take any form that is known in the art such as TNT or pentolite.
  • “Explosive material” refers to any quantity and type of explosive material that is located outside of a booster of the present invention, but which may be in operable association with the booster, such that ignition of the explosive charge within the booster causes subsequent ignition of the explosive material.
  • the explosive material may be located or positioned down a borehole in the rock, and a booster may be located in operative association with the explosive material down or near to the borehole.
  • the explosive material may comprise pentolite or TNT.
  • Group identification component refers to a part, portion, or component of a wireless command signal generated and transmitted by a blasting machine to one or more wireless devices (such as wireless detonators, wireless detonator assemblies, wireless electronic boosters etc.) at a blast site, wherein said part, portion, or component comprises a number, code, data packet, or other form of electronically transmitted information suitable for receipt and processing by the one or more wireless devices, such that the wireless devices can compare the group identification component to a previously stored group identification, for example stored in each memory component of each wireless device.
  • the electronic coding for the group identification component at least in selected embodiments, may be identical to or substantially correspond to the electronic coding of the group identification to which it is intended to correspond.
  • Group identification programming signal refers to any signal derived from any component of a blasting apparatus, or other related device, that transmits to a wireless device (such as a wireless detonator, wireless detonator assembly, wireless electronic booster etc.) via wireless or wired connection a group identification to be programmed into the wireless device, and preferably stored by a memory of the wireless device.
  • the group identification programming signal thus ‘informs’ one or more wireless devices of their group identity prior to the transmission of wireless command signals at the blast site.
  • the group identification programming signal may be transmitted to each wireless device during factory assembly.
  • the group identification programming signal may be transmitted to each wireless device at the blast site for example during set-up (for example by a portable programming device such as a logger) or after set-up prior to the execution of the blasting event in which case one or more group identification programming signals may for example be transmitted to the wireless devices by a blasting machine or other component of the blasting apparatus.
  • a group identification programming signal may transmitted only once to each wireless device for one-time, permanent programming of each group identification into each wireless device.
  • each group identification programming signal may be for semi-permanent or temporary programming of each wireless device with a group identification, such that the group identification of each wireless device may be removed, changed, or replaced during one particular blasting event, between blasting events, or at some other time.
  • Half-face sinking refers to a shaft sinking method disclosed for example in Australian patent 768,956, derived from Australian application number AU 200059522 B2 published Apr. 26, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. The method is described in more detail in Example 6 below.
  • “Instruction component” refers to a part, portion, or component of a wireless command signal generated and transmitted by a blasting machine to one or more wireless devices (such as wireless detonators, wireless detonator assemblies, wireless electronic boosters etc.) at a blast site, wherein said part, portion, or component comprises a number, code, data packet, or other form of electronically transmitted information suitable receipt and processing by the one or more wireless devices, to provide the wireless device with instructions for a particular action.
  • the action may be selected from the following non-limiting group of actions: ARM, DISARM, FIRE, ACTIVATE, DEACTIVATE, SHUT-DOWN, CALIBRATE, STATUS CHECK, ROLL-CALL, ABORT, SYNCHRONISE etc.
  • the instructions will only be carried out by the wireless device if the wireless device, upon comparison of the group identification component of the wireless command signal with the previously programmed group identification stored in the memory of the device, that the group identification component and the group identification correspond in some appropriate way.
  • the logger may transmit or receive information to or from the components.
  • the logger may transmit data to detonators such as, but not limited to, detonator identification codes, delay times, synchronization signals, firing codes, positional data etc.
  • the logger may receive information from a detonator including but not limited to, detonator identification codes, delay times, information regarding the environment or status of the detonator, information regarding the capacity of the detonator to communicate with an associated blasting machine.
  • the logging device may also record additional information such as, for example, identification codes for each detonator, information regarding the environment of the detonator, the nature of the explosive charge in connection with the detonator etc.
  • a logging device may form an integral part of a blasting machine, or alternatively may pertain to a distinct device such as for example, a portable programmable unit comprising memory means for storing data relating to each detonator, and preferably means to transfer this data to a central command station or one or more blasting machines.
  • One principal function of the logging device is to read the detonator so it can subsequently be “found” by an associated blasting machine, and have commands such as FIRE commands directed to it as appropriate.
  • a logger may communicate with a detonator either by direct electrical connection (interface) or a wireless connection of any type.
  • Network refers to wireless detonator assemblies in a blasting apparatus of the present invention in which at least one wireless detonator assembly is able to communicate via wireless communication means with a least one other wireless detonator assembly, thereby to create a network of intercommunicating wireless detonator assemblies at the blast site.
  • the network of wireless detonator assemblies may include those that communicate directly with the one or more blasting machines at the blast site, which form an integral part of the blasting apparatus.
  • Pre-programmed identification code refers to a detonator identification code that is assigned to a particular detonator or detonator assembly to separately identify each detonator assembly regardless of whether the detonator or detonator assembly is assigned to a particular group of detonators or detonator assemblies.
  • a pre-programmed identification code may be programmed into a detonator or detonator assembly upon manufacture in a factory.
  • a pre-programmed identification code may be assigned or programmed into each detonator or detonator assembly after manufacture, for example during set-up of a blast apparatus and placement of the detonators or detonator assemblies at a blast site.
  • a logger or other device may program a pre-programmed identification code into each detonator or detonator assembly at or following placement, to build a record of detonators present for the blast, and optionally further information regarding their operative environment, connections, location etc.
  • This record or log may be downloaded to an associated blasting machine, thereby to provide the associated blasting machine with a detailed ‘picture’ of the blast set-up, and permit the blasting machine to individually address each detonator or wireless detonator assembly based upon its pre-programmed identification code.
  • Each pre-programmed identification code may comprise any form of number, data packet, or electronic information in any form such as numerical, alphanumeric, other forms of code, or combinations thereof, and if numerical may be in any base including but not limited to binary, decimal, and hexadecimal.
  • Each pre-programmed identification code may be associated with any particular detonator or detonator assembly via any means.
  • each pre-programmed identification code may be stored within a memory component of each detonator or detonator assembly, or may be stored as part of an RF-identification tag or other similar device affixed in some way to the detonator or detonator assembly.
  • Pre-programmed identification code component refers to a part, portion, or component of a group identification programming signal generated and transmitted by a blasting machine to one or more wireless devices (such as wireless detonators, wireless detonator assemblies, wireless electronic boosters etc.) at a blast site, wherein said part, portion, or component comprises a number, code, data packet, or other form of electronically transmitted information suitable for receipt and processing by the one or more wireless devices, such that the wireless devices can compare the pre-programmed identification component to a pre-programmed identification code (e.g. a factory programmed detonator ID), for example stored in each memory component of each wireless device.
  • the electronic coding for the pre-programmed identification code component at least in selected embodiments, may be identical to or substantially correspond to the electronic coding of the pre-programmed identification code to which it is intended to correspond.
  • Preferably identifies preferred features of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, the term ‘preferably’ refers to preferred features of the broadest embodiments of the invention, as defined for example by the independent claims, and other inventions disclosed herein.
  • Protocol refers generally to an agreed-upon method or format for processing or transmitting data within a device, by a device, or between two devices.
  • a protocol may comprise a set of formal or predetermined decision points or rules.
  • a protocol may also be defined as a convention or standard that controls or enables connection, communication, or data transfer between two endpoints, or may also be considered the rules governing the syntax, semantics, and synchronization of communication. Protocols may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of the two. In a basic form, a protocol defines the connection of two hardware devices or device components via wired or wireless communication, and establishes a structured set of rules or checkpoints for governing an order of decisions or events governing the communication.
  • STRATABLASTTM refers to a type of blast that involves the fragmentation of multiple layers or levels or rock as for example described herein, or in accordance with the teachings of international patent publication WO2005/052499 published Jun. 5, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Synchronize refers a signal or sequence of signals to co-ordinate or bring into temporal alignment the time bases or oscillators of a group of devices (e.g. wireless initiation devices), or the internal clocks of such devices.
  • Top-box refers to any device forming part of a wireless detonator assembly that is adapted for location at or near the surface of the ground when the wireless detonator assembly is in use at a blast site in association with a bore-hole and explosive charge located therein. Top-boxes are typically located above-ground or at least in a position in, at or near the borehole that is more suited to receipt and transmission of wireless signals, and/or for relaying these signals to the detonator down the borehole. In preferred embodiments, each top-box comprises one or more selected components of the wireless detonator assembly of the present invention.
  • Wireless detonator assembly refers in general to an assembly encompassing a detonator, most preferably an electronic detonator (typically comprising at least a detonator shell and a base charge) as well as wireless signal receiving and processing means to cause actuation of the base charge upon receipt by said wireless detonator assembly of a wireless signal to FIRE from at least one associated blasting machine.
  • such means to cause actuation may include signal receiving means, signal processing means, and a firing circuit to be activated in the event of a receipt of a FIRE signal.
  • Preferred components of the wireless detonator assembly may further include means to wirelessly transmit information regarding the assembly to other assemblies or to a blasting machine, or means to relay wireless signals to other components of the blasting apparatus.
  • wireless detonator assembly may in very specific embodiments pertain simply to a wireless signal relay device, without any association to an electronic delay detonator or any other form of detonator.
  • relay devices may form wireless trunk lines for simply relaying wireless signals to and from blasting machines, whereas other wireless detonator assemblies in communication with the relay devices may comprise all the usual features of a wireless detonator assembly, including a detonator for actuation thereof, in effect forming wireless branch lines in the wireless network.
  • a wireless detonator assembly may further include a top-box as defined herein, for retaining specific components of the assembly away from an underground portion of the assembly during operation, and for location in a position better suited for receipt of wireless signals derived for example from a blasting machine or relayed by another wireless detonator assembly.
  • Top-boxes are disclosed, for example, in international patent publication WO2006/076777 published Jul. 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Wireless refers to there being no physical connections (such as electrical wires, shock tubes, LEDC, or optical cables) connecting the detonator of the invention or components thereof to an associated blasting machine or power source.
  • Wired electronic delay detonator or ‘(WEDD)’—refers to any electronic delay detonator that is able to receive and/or transmit wireless signals to/from other components of a blasting apparatus.
  • a WEDD takes the form of, or forms an integral part of, a wireless detonator assembly as described herein.
  • Wireless initiation device refers to any device and associated components that achieve initiation of an associated base charge via receipt of wireless command signals. Such devices typically include detonators or detonator assemblies, optionally comprising one or more top-boxes, power sources, associated antennae etc.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the surface of an area of ground, in which there have been established adjacent groups of boreholes.
  • FIG. 2 a schematically illustrates a front elevational view of an area of rock to be blasted underground for the purposes of extracting rock from a mineral seam or for forming a tunnel.
  • FIG. 2 b schematically illustrates a perspective view of a face of rock to be blasted underground for the purposes of extracting rock from a mineral seam or for forming a tunnel.
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an overburden of rock and a mineral seam to be subjected to a StratablastTM.
  • FIGS. 4 a to 4 h schematically illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a shaft progressively formed in stages by the half-face sinking method.
  • the inventors have succeeded in the development of methods for the selective control of groups of wireless initiation devices or wireless electronic boosters at a blast site.
  • these methods may be applied to wireless blasting systems wherein the devices or boosters communicate with one or more control units (i.e. blasting machines) via wireless communication at a blast site.
  • the methods may be applied to blasting systems that employ any type of wireless electronic device for blasting, but will be described herein with reference to wireless initiation devices and wireless electronic boosters.
  • the methods of the invention are not limited to a particular type of blasting or a particular type of rock. Indeed, the methods may be used for surface and/or underground blasting.
  • the methods of the present invention generally involve transmission of one or more wireless command signals to a plurality of wireless initiation devices or wireless electronic boosters, wherein selected wireless command signals are each targeted only to a pre-selected group of devices or boosters at the blast site.
  • each device or booster may ‘recognize’ whether or not the wireless command signal is intended for the device or booster, and whether or not the device or booster must undertake a required action.
  • the wireless command signal comprises a group identification component that enables differentiation of wireless initiation devices (or wireless electronic boosters) forming part of the predetermined group from wireless initiating devices (or wireless electronic boosters) not forming part of the predetermined group, and wherein each wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster) comprises: a receiver for receiving a wireless command signal; a memory component in which is stored a group identification; and a control circuit for comparing the group identification component with the stored group identification, for determining on the basis of that comparison whether the wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster) forms part of the predetermined group, and for executing the intended operation of the wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster) if it is determined that it forms part of the predetermined group.
  • the wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster as the case may be) includes componentry, i.e. a receiver, for receiving a wireless command signal.
  • componentry i.e. a receiver
  • the wireless command signal is typically transmitted to the plurality of devices (or boosters) by at least one blasting machine.
  • the device (or booster) also includes a memory component in which is stored a group identification for that device (or booster).
  • the memory typically forms part of an integrated circuit associated with the device (or booster).
  • the use of memory components to store identification data is common in the detonator art and one skilled in the art would be familiar with hardware that may be used.
  • the device (or booster) may include a control circuit.
  • One function of this control circuit is to compare the group identification component of a received wireless command signal with the group identification stored in the memory component, and to determine on the basis of that comparison whether the device (or booster) that has received the signal forms part of the predetermined group of devices (or boosters) that are intended to execute on operation on the basis of the signal.
  • the control circuit will comprise an integrated circuit designed to perform these functions.
  • the plurality of wireless initiation devices are divided into predetermined groups, with wireless initiation devices (or wireless electronic boosters) within the same predetermined group having the same stored group identification, and with wireless initiation devices (or wireless electronic boosters) in different predetermined groups having different stored group identifications, the group identification component of said wireless command signal corresponding to a group identification.
  • a single group identification component of the command signal is used to identify a predetermined group of devices (or boosters).
  • a roll call signal is transmitted from a component of the blasting apparatus (e.g. a blasting machine) to each of the wireless initiation devices or detonators, such that they each respond to the roll-call by sending a signal back to the component.
  • a roll-call is to check that all wireless initiation devices or detonators are present, operative, and in proper wireless communication with the blasting machine.
  • each device may be programmed with its group identification during set-up of the blast apparatus at the blast site. It is known in the art to use a portable programming device or logger. Typically, during set-up of a blast apparatus, a blast operator positions each wireless initiation device at the blast site in association with an explosive charge, for example located down a pre-drilled borehole in the rock. As each wireless initiation device is placed at the blast site, the blast operator may log its identity (or at least the identity of its component detonator), and possibly may log further information with regard to the position of the detonator etc. The logger may communicate with each wireless initiation device via wired or short-range wireless communication.
  • This step in the establishment of the blast apparatus presents a very useful opportunity to program each wireless initiation device with its group identification.
  • the logger may log each wireless initiation device, and whilst the communication link is established with each device, the logger may transmit a signal back to inform each device of its group identification. Therefore, as the devices and their positions are logged, the blast operator may concurrently assign the device groupings for subsequent control of the groups during blasting.
  • the data packet corresponding to the group identification may be considered, at least in some embodiments, as a suffix to a pre-existing identification code (e.g. a factory-programmed identification code) for the device or detonator.
  • a pre-existing identification code e.g. a factory-programmed identification code
  • programming can be performed using one or more blasting machines by wireless signal transmission, or via short range wired or wireless communication using a portable programming device.
  • programming of the group identification for each wireless initiation device may comprise: transmitting a wireless group identification programming signal comprising (i) a factory identification code component and (ii) a group identification component to each wireless initiation device (wireless electronic booster); each wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster) receiving the factory identification code component, comparing the received factory identification code to its pre-stored factory identification code; and for each wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster) that determines that the factory identification code component corresponds to its pre-stored factory identification code, storing in the memory component the group identification component as a group identification.
  • the control circuit of the device may perform the necessary comparison and cause storage of the group identification component, as necessary.
  • each wireless initiation device corresponds to a factory programmed identification code of each wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster).
  • the method may further comprise deactivating or shutting-down each wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster) that determines that it does not fall within the predetermined group.
  • the wireless command signal may further include an instruction component that relates to one or more operations to be executed by each wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster) that is part of a targeted group.
  • the wireless command signal comprises a command selected from a command signal to FIRE the wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster), a command to ARM the wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster), a command to DISARM the wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster), a command to ACTIVATE the wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster), a command to DEACTIVATE the wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster), a command to SHUT-DOWN the wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster), and a command to CALIBRATE an internal clock of the wireless initiation device (or wireless electronic booster).
  • the methods of the present invention may be applied to a very wide variety of blasting techniques and methodologies, including many techniques that are already known in the art, but which traditionally employ wired harness systems for selective control and initiation of devices at a blast site. Examples of such blasting techniques, and the application of the methods of the present invention to such techniques, will be discussed below in more detail (see Examples).
  • the methods of the present invention are not only useful in the application of wireless blasting systems to known blasting techniques. Indeed, the methods of the present invention provide an excellent platform for the development of entirely new blasting techniques that require a combination of (1) wireless control of initiation devices, and (2) selective control of the devices in groups at a blast site.
  • each associated blasting machine is able to transmit wireless command signals that each include an appropriate ‘tag’, otherwise referred to herein as a group identification component, for recognition or otherwise by each wireless device receiving the signal.
  • the methods of the invention permit wireless initiation devices at a blast site to be controlled and optionally fired in separate groups in the absence of physical connections to a control unit such as a blasting machine.
  • the groups of devices may be located generally separate from one another, such as in rings (‘ring-blasting’); or in rows; or in decks; or in areas; or in layers. Alternatively, the groups may be inter-mingled. If the devices include detonators, the detonators within one group may be fired simultaneously, or with delays relative to one another, each detonator or corresponding assembly being programmable with a delay time. In this way, detonators may be fired in separate groups, with each group having a pre-determined blasting pattern.
  • the detonators may also be pre-programmed with individual pre-programmed identification codes and/or firing codes, that are optionally programmed upon manufacture of the detonators in a factory.
  • any group identification assigned to a detonator may optionally be in addition to any other identification or firing codes already assigned to and programmed into the detonator.
  • one or more groups of detonators may be organized into a cross-communicating network of wireless initiation devices as disclosed for example in international patent publication WO06/076777 published Jul. 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Each group identification programmed into each wireless initiation device in step (1) effectively assigns each wireless initiation device into a particular group.
  • the group identification is first programmed into the wireless initiation device. Subsequently, the group identification is later used in conjunction with other components of the blast apparatus to control the group of wireless initiation devices together at the blast site.
  • the instruction component of the wireless command signal typically includes the ‘usual’ commands that a wireless initiation device would be expected to respond to in the field.
  • Such instructions or commands may include for example a signal to FIRE the wireless initiation device, a command to ARM the wireless initiation device, a command to DISARM the wireless initiation device, a command to ACTIVATE the wireless initiation device, a command to DEACTIVATE the wireless initiation device, a command signal to ABORT any operation of the wireless initiation device (or ABORT the blast), and a command signal to CALIBRATE an internal clock of a wireless initiation device.
  • each wireless initiation device will be only be able to carry out and ‘respond’ to the instruction component of the command signal if the wireless initiation device ‘recognizes’ that the command signal is specifically targeted to and intended for that wireless initiation device.
  • This ‘recognition’ is enabled by way of step (1), whereby each wireless initiation device is initially programmed with a group identification, together with step (3) whereby each wireless initiation device analyses each incoming wireless command signal by comparing a group identification component thereof with its own, previously programmed group identification.
  • the wireless initiation device is activated to ‘respond’ to the wireless command signal by carrying out the instructions provided by way of the instruction component of the command signal.
  • the wireless initiation device may default into temporary or permanent deactivation in which the device is effectively on stand-by pending receipt of a wireless command signal that is intended to be actioned by the device, or shut-down completely.
  • the group identification may take any form and be programmed into the wireless initiation device in any way.
  • the grouping of the wireless initiation devices may involve programming of the members of a particular group with the same group identification, with members from different groups being programmed with different group identifications.
  • Each associated blasting machine is ‘aware’ of the groups present, and the group identifications allocated thereto, for subsequent transmission of wireless command signals to control, and if required fire, the detonators or detonator assemblies of each group.
  • each wireless initiation device may be programmed with a group identification that is unique and specific for that wireless initiation device.
  • the group identification may be separate to or perhaps even the same as any pre-programmed (e.g. factory programmed) identification number for each detonator or wireless initiation device.
  • grouping of the detonators or wireless initiation devices may be designated by the associated blasting machine, and controlled accordingly. For example, a blasting machine or other device may control a first group of wireless initiation devices as those designated with group identifications 1 to 50, with a second group as those designated with group identifications 51-100 and so forth.
  • a blasting machine or other device may designate a first group of wireless initiation devices as those with even-numbered group identifications, with a second group as those with odd-numbered group identifications.
  • One advantage of this type of arrangement is that a blasting machine or other device may reorganize or re-designate the groupings of the wireless initiation devices, even after set-up at the blast site, without difficulty. This may be done by re-assigning the group identifications.
  • the wireless command signals produced and transmitted by the blasting machines are necessarily more complex since a single wireless command signal directed to a plurality of wireless initiation devices within a group must necessarily include all group identifications for all assemblies in the group.
  • Step (1) of the method which involves programming of each wireless initiation device with a group identification, may be carried out at any time.
  • group identifications may be programmed in the factory upon manufacture of the wireless initiation devices.
  • group identifications may be programmed just prior to, during or just after set-up of a blasting apparatus at a blast site.
  • each wireless initiation device may be placed at a desired position at the blast site, optionally in association with an explosive charge, and immediately following or soon after placement the wireless initiation device may be ‘visited’ with a portable programming device such as a logger.
  • the logger may communicate with each wireless initiation device via a direct electrical connection, via a short range wireless, infrared or Bluetooth communication.
  • each wireless initiation device or each detonator thereof may be programmed by the logger with information such as: a group identification, a delay time etc.
  • the logger may retrieve information about each wireless initiation device or each associated detonator such as for example, a previously programmed group identification, a pre-programmed identification number (such as one that has been factory programmed), a position of each wireless initiation device etc.
  • each blasting machine may receive information regarding each wireless initiation device present at the blast site so that it can obtain an overall ‘picture’ of the blast site including the relative positions of the wireless initiation devices present, their delay times, and their groupings.
  • the blasting machine may have the option, once in possession of this information, to reallocate detonator groupings for example to achieve a more efficient and effective blast.
  • step (1) of programming comprises the steps of:
  • step (1) of the method may take place following set-up of the blast apparatus at the blast site, and positioning of the wireless initiation devices. For example, once a blasting apparatus has been established at a blast site it may typically undergo a “status check” prior to executing the blasting event to check that all components of the blasting apparatus (including all wireless initiation devices and blasting machines) are active, properly operating, and in full wireless communication with one another. During this initial phase each blasting machine may take a roll-call of associated wireless initiation devices, whereby a roll-call or check signal is transmitted by each blasting machine to each associated wireless initiation device, and each wireless initiation device ‘responds’ to confirm that all is well (or otherwise).
  • each roll-call signal transmitted by a blasting machine may comprise or be accompanied by a wireless initiation device identification number (so that each roll-call signal can be properly targeted to and recognized by its intended wireless initiation device).
  • Each roll-call signal may further include an additional component by way of a group identification programming component for receipt and processing by each wireless initiation device. For example, when a particular wireless initiation device receives a roll-call signal, it may first compare the wireless initiation device identification component of the signal with its own previously programmed (e.g. factory programmed) identification number to determine whether it is supposed to react to the roll-call signal.
  • the wireless initiation device may then receive and process the additional group identification programming component thereby to achieve step (1) of the method.
  • the each blasting machine may be responsible for programming each of its associated wireless initiation devices with a group identification.
  • each wireless initiation device may have programmed therein a factory programmed identification code, such that the group identification is a secondary identity element for each wireless initiation device programmed in situ at the blast site.
  • step (1) of programming may be broken down into the steps of:
  • each wireless initiation device receiving and comparing the pre-programmed identification code component to its pre-programmed identification code
  • step (1c) for each wireless initiation device that positively determines in step (1b) that the pre-programmed identification code component corresponds to its pre-programmed identification code, storing said group identification component as a group identification in said memory component.
  • step (2) of the method which involves transmitting a wireless command signal from the at least one blasting machine to the wireless initiation devices
  • wireless command signals may comprise a form of electromagnetic energy such as radio waves, visible light (e.g. laser light) UV etc. Radio waves are particularly preferred, and for applications that involve underground placement of wireless devices and through-rock signaling, LF, VLF or ELF radio signals may be preferred. Other forms of energy may be used for wireless signaling, including but not limited to acoustic energy.
  • the instructional component of each wireless command signal may provide any form of instructions to a wireless initiation device or other wireless device at the blast site.
  • Such instructions may include, but are not limited to, instructions to calibrate an internal clock of the device, instructions to ARM, DISARM, FIRE, SHUT-DOWN, ACTIVATE, DEACTIVATE, SYNCHRONIZE or REACTIVATE the device, or instructions to ABORT an already activated firing sequence.
  • each wireless initiation device makes a comparison between a received group identification component (being a component part of the wireless command signal) and a previously programmed group identification stored in the memory of the assembly. If these correspond then this provides positive verification that the wireless initiation device falls within a group of wireless initiation devices to which the wireless command signal is intended and directed, so the wireless initiation device may take action based upon the instructional component of the command signal.
  • any method of the present invention may include the further step of deactivating or otherwise shutting down each wireless initiation device that does not fall within the group.
  • wireless initiation devices may be activated and optionally deactivated in groups according to whether they fall within or outside of a pre-determined group of devices at the blast site. Activation of selected wireless initiation devices, and deactivation or other wireless initiation devices at the blast site may occur simultaneously, or sequentially in any order.
  • each group identification may take any form that permits one group identification to be differentiated over another.
  • each group identification may comprise numeric, alphanumeric, or other characters.
  • Group identifications may further comprise binary, decimal, hexadecimal or any other base.
  • Further group identification may comprise any number of bits, although 4 to 8 bits may be preferred in some instances to provide a signal complex enough for group identification differentiation, and yet not too complex for transmission, for example, through-rock.
  • the wireless initiation device may take the form of a wireless electronic booster by further comprising for example an explosive charge in operative association with each detonator, such that actuation of each base charge causes actuation of each associated explosive charge.
  • wireless electronic boosters may have alternative configurations or include other components, and are disclosed for example in international patent publication WO07/124,539 published Nov. 8, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • a method of controlling a plurality of wireless electronic boosters at a blast site each in wireless signal communication with at least one blasting machine that transmits wireless command signals
  • each wireless electronic booster comprising: at least one detonator comprising a firing circuit and a base charge; a memory component; a receiver for receiving at least one wireless command signal from the at least one blasting machine, said receiver in signal communication with each firing circuit such that upon receipt of a command signal to FIRE said firing circuit causes actuation of the base charge of each detonator; and optionally an explosive charge in operative association with each detonator, such that actuation of each base charge causes actuation of each associated explosive charge; the method comprising the steps of: (1) programming each wireless electronic booster with a group identification to be stored in the memory component thereof; and (2) transmitting from the at least one blasting machine to the wireless electronic boosters a wireless command signal directed only to a predetermined group of wireless electronic boosters, the wireless command signal comprising (i) an instruction component and (ii
  • a blasting apparatus that employs wireless initiation devices may be established at a blast site.
  • the wireless initiation devices may take any form, including wireless electronic boosters, or wireless initiation devices optionally including top-boxes.
  • the group identifications may be pre-programmed into the wireless initiation devices prior to placement at the blast site. Therefore, various protocol options are available to program the devices with group identifications, following by selective blasting.
  • each wireless initiation device at the blast site may be contacted several times by an associated communicating device such as a blasting machine.
  • Corresponding wireless signals transmitted to the devices may include, but are not limited to, command signals for:
  • ARM signal including GROUP IDENTIFICATION COMPONENT to arm a select group of the devices ready to receive an initiation signal
  • FIRE signal transmitted and received universally by all devices, but only processed by those devices that have already been armed, which devices were previously selected due to the ARM signal including a group identification component, thereby to initiate the selected group of devices.
  • the FIRE signal instead of the ARM signal may be tagged with an associated group identification component. This protocol may be preferred where it is desirable to ARM all devices with an ARM signal, and then leave the selection of those devices to be initiated by a FIRE signal until the last step of the protocol.
  • each wireless device may be rejected from a blasting event. For example, rejection may occur when the status check indicates that a device is not functioning properly, or if a device is not fully responsive to proper calibration or delay time programming. Furthermore a device may be rejected from a blasting event if the device is not within the pre-selected group for a particular stage of the blast, for example if the device does not have a group identification corresponding to the group identification component of the ARM or FIRE signals (or other signals). Therefore, multiple checks are in place within any given protocol to ensure (1) proper functionality of each device, and (2) proper selection of each device within a particular group of devices selected for initiation at any given time.
  • Still further protocols may require that the group identification check be performed prior to any of the STATUS CHECK, CALIBRATION, DELAY TIME PROGRAMMING, or other steps in the protocol. Such protocols may be useful to simplify subsequent communication with the initiation devices, since the group of devices will be effectively pre-selected before any status check and clock calibrations are carried out.
  • each blast protocol will depend upon various factors affecting the wireless initiation devices and associated components including blasting machines. For example, the design of each protocol will depend upon whether the wireless signals are transmitted above-ground or through-rock, or will depend upon the rock to be blasted, or the environment of the blast site or devices located at the blast site.
  • the blast operators may then remove themselves from the vicinity of the blast site, and execute each ‘cycle’ or phase of the blast from a remote location without need to revisit the blast site between the cycles, with clear safety benefits. Furthermore, by establishing several blast cycles at once the methods of the present invention permit the establishment of very large blasts using wireless initiation devices, with the blast being broken down into several, separate stages according to the grouping of the wireless initiation devices.
  • the methods of the invention provide excellent opportunities to control and execute very large blasting events using perhaps many groups of wireless initiation devices.
  • the complete absence of wires at the blast site (at least between a blasting machine and initiation devices) circumvents all of the issues described above with regard to current leakage, resistance, capacitance, electrical noise etc. that are inherent to larger wired arrangements.
  • the methods of the present invention at least in selected embodiments, facilitate the establishment and execution of very large blasting events involving dozens, hundreds or even thousands of initiation devices, selectively controlled in groups via wireless signals.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the surface of an area of ground in which there have been established boreholes 10 in an area of ground 11 .
  • the area 11 is divided into four sections A, B, C, and D each containing a plurality of boreholes, each borehole containing a wireless initiation device.
  • a top-box (not shown) of the type that is known in the art may extend near to or above the surface of the ground at each borehole, with communication means extending from each top-box to other components of a wireless initiation device including a detonator (not shown) located down the borehole.
  • the methods of the present invention permit selective control and initiation of the wireless initiation devices in groups at the blast site.
  • command signals may be transmitted to ARM only those wireless initiation devices located in areas A and C of the blast site, so that the devices in those areas may be initiated in a separate stage to the blast compared to those in areas B and D.
  • a blast operator may first choose to selectively control and initiate only those devices in area C, and depending upon the fragmentation and throw of the fragmented rock may only then make a decision regarding the next area of the ground to be blasted.
  • the methods of the present invention permit the entire area of the ground 11 to be blasted in stages, with the blast operator selecting a group of wireless initiation devices to be initiated for each stage of the blast.
  • the blast site may be established with a very large number of wireless devices, and yet those devices are divided and initiated in separately controllable groups: this has been difficult or impossible to achieve to date with wireless initiation systems for mining. Not only are ground vibrations reduced (because the blast is conducted in stages) but the need to re-visit the blast site between the stages of the blast is virtually eliminated, thus resulting in significant safety advantages.
  • Each of areas A, B, C, and D may be blasted milliseconds, seconds, minutes, hours or days apart depending upon the blast operation. Additionally, the devices within each area may be programmed with individual delay times in the usual manner to achieve a desired blasting pattern within each area of the ground.
  • the present example thus illustrates the safety and flexibility of selective blasting of wireless initiation devices in groups at a blast site.
  • the advantages of the methods of the present invention extend beyond the mere absence of trailing wires.
  • the selective addressability and initiation of wireless initiation devices at a blast site presents a significant step forwards for wireless electronic blasting, and opens the door to much large blasting events that employ wireless initiation devices.
  • the methods of the present invention may be applied to both surface mining and underground mining techniques.
  • the methods of the invention may be applied to wireless electronic boosters such those disclosed for example in WO2007/124539 published Nov. 8, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Techniques have been developed for clock calibration of such wireless electronic boosters when positioned underground for underground blasting, even though such calibration signals must be transmitted through-rock (see for example WO2007/124538 published Nov. 8, 2007, which is also incorporated herein by reference).
  • Such complex signals are difficult to transmit successfully and without interference through rock.
  • calibration signals transmitted through-rock or indeed other wireless command signals transmitted through rock
  • the group identification component may be very simple indeed, and in its simplest form may comprise for example a single digit or bit of information, which can be readily associated with a clock-calibration or other signal, and successfully transmitted through rock to devices located underground at the blast site.
  • wireless initiation devices may be selectively controlled and initiated regardless of their position relative to their source of command signals.
  • Accurate, selective control of groups of wireless initiation devices, including wireless electronic boosters located underground, can be achieved in accordance with the methods of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 a schematically illustrates a front elevational view of a wall of rock to be blasted, shown generally within area 20 .
  • the central region may be optionally removed by a smaller blast or by boring into the wall of rock thereby to form a cavity 21 .
  • the cavity is suitable to receive dislodged and fragmented rock from subsequent initiation of explosive materials in the surrounding “ring” of boreholes 22 , and associated initiation devices.
  • actuation of detonators and their associated explosive charges within the boreholes causes fragmentation and movement of rock generally ‘inwards’ towards cavity 21 (i.e. in the direction of arrows 23 ), thereby to fragment and dislodge the rock in area 20 , to expose a new wall of rock beyond.
  • cavity 21 is particularly preferred if all detonators and associated explosive charges in the ring are to be actuated at or near the same time.
  • Ring-blasting techniques are also used in tunnel blasting to form a tunnel through or into rock.
  • the initiation devices within boreholes 22 may be programmed with delay times so that they initiate in a desired pattern for ‘rotational blasting’.
  • a first detonator at a first position is the first to actuate, and then other detonators actuate progressively in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction around the ring (see arrow 24 ).
  • Rotational blasting may be preferred in some instances to cause improved rock fragmentation and movement.
  • Wireless electronic boosters may comprise a robust casing that is resistant to the forces of the blasting process.
  • FIG. 2 b provides a perspective view to illustrate how ring blasting or rotational blasting may be carried out using more than one adjacent rings of boreholes, 22 a , 22 b each surrounding an associated cavity 21 a , 21 b (each cavity 21 a , 21 b is shown extending back into face 20 a , 20 b ).
  • each ring of boreholes and associated wireless initiation devices can be separately controlled and initiated from above the ground. For example the ring of boreholes 22 a in area 20 a in FIG. 2 b may be initiated first using delay times to achieve a rotational blast.
  • the second ring of boreholes 22 b in area 20 b in FIG. 2 b may be initiated, again using delay times to achieve a rotational blast.
  • still further rings of boreholes and associated explosive charges may be selectively actuated in groups as part of the blasting arrangement.
  • the methods of the present invention in which groups of wireless initiation devices may be selectively controlled and initiated, may be usefully applied to ring blasting techniques for underground mining. Multiple ring-blasts below the ground may now be controlled from above the ground via through-rock wireless signaling.
  • a Stratablast is a blasting technique for accessing and fragmenting a desired recoverable mineral seam that exists beneath an overburden of exposed rock having at least one free face of rock at the level of the mineral seam.
  • a Stratablast is illustrated schematically in FIG. 3 , where the layer of overburden is shown as layer 30 , and the desired mineral seam is shown as layer 31 .
  • Surface 32 represents the surface of the ground, or other surface perhaps located underground.
  • Boreholes 33 are drilled into the overburden 30 , with at least some of the boreholes 33 a extending further down into the mineral seam 31 .
  • the boreholes are at least partially filled with explosive material, and each borehole is subsequently associated with an initiation device comprising a detonator.
  • each detonator is connected via bus wires back to a control unit such as a blasting machine.
  • Stratablast techniques have utilized detonators connected to a blasting machine via physical connections such as electrical wires. An initiation signal is sent to all detonators simultaneously via the physical wires. Subsequently the detonators count down their individual delay times to initiation, each using an internal power source (e.g. a capacitor). Inevitably, a ‘traditional’ Stratablast requires complex set-up of wires and physical connections at the blast site.
  • an internal power source e.g. a capacitor
  • the methods of the present invention enable wireless initiation devices (e.g. wireless electronic boosters) to be used effectively for Stratablast techniques.
  • wireless initiation devices e.g. wireless electronic boosters
  • those wireless initiation devices located in boreholes 33 a i.e. those boreholes extending into the mineral seam
  • those wireless initiation devices located in boreholes 33 a can be programmed and controlled as a separate group from the wireless initiation devices located in boreholes 33 (i.e. those boreholes not extending into the mineral seam).
  • the methods of present invention facilitate the application of wireless initiation devices to Stratablast techniques, wherein the wireless initiation devices may be selectively controlled at the blast site according to the layer of rock in which they reside.
  • the methods of the present invention permit the overburden to be ‘thrown’ and the mineral seam to be fragmented in two temporally distinct events that are not necessarily within a single blast cycle.
  • the overburden may be first ‘thrown’ by actuation of the group of wireless initiation devices in the boreholes 33 .
  • the efficiency of fragmentation and throw of the overburden from the mineral seam may then be assessed (for example using remote cameras etc.) before selective initiation of the second group of wireless initiation devices in boreholes 33 a to fragment the exposed mineral seam.
  • Stratablast techniques employs a wired arrangement of detonators wherein an initiation signal is sent to all detonators simultaneously via the physical wires. Subsequently, the detonators operate and count down their individual delay times, powered by internal capacitors. Typically, each internal capacitor may have charge to power each detonator for only a very limited period of time (for example 9 to 14 seconds). As a result, all detonators at the blast site must complete their countdown and initiate within this short timeframe.
  • the present invention involves the use of wireless initiation devices, which each include a source of power sufficient to power each device for a significant period of time at the blast site (e.g. perhaps a few hours or more).
  • wireless initiation devices which each include a source of power sufficient to power each device for a significant period of time at the blast site (e.g. perhaps a few hours or more).
  • the initiation of each group of wireless initiation devices may be temporally spaced by several seconds, minutes or even hours as desired. In this way, the fragmented and thrown overburden can completely settle before the desired layer of ore is then fragmented. This in turn may help reduce contamination of the fragmented ore with fragmented overburden.
  • FIG. 4 a Initially boreholes are drilled into the surface of the rock over an area 26 over a first half of the shaft, and an initial blast is conducted ( FIG. 4 a ). Some of the loose rock 30 is then removed by conventional mucking techniques, thereby creating a bench 32 and a sump 34 , as can be seen in FIGS. 4 b and 4 c . Next, boreholes are drilled into the second half 36 of the future shaft, corresponding to the bench 32 as can be seen in FIG. 4 d . Detonation causes loose rock 38 to be thrown toward sump 34 as can be best seen in FIG. 4 e . The loose rock is mucked by conventional techniques to create a new bench 40 and a new sump 42 as can be seen in FIG. 4 f . Further cycles may be conducted to sink the shaft as shown in FIGS. 4 g and 4 h.
  • each blasting event for each half of the shaft may involve a single blast cycle to blast the next column of rock (illustrated as being 5 metres in depth in FIG. 4 d ).
  • the methods of the present invention permit blasting of groups of wireless initiation devices in stages.
  • the boreholes illustrated in FIG. 4 d could instead be divided into two sections in a similar manner to Stratablast techniques, with a first section extending only as far down as the base of sump 34 (i.e. bench 40 in FIG. 4 f ), and a second section extending all the way down to the 5 metre depth shown in FIG. 4 d .
  • the boreholes may all be loaded with explosive material associated with a wireless initiation device, with the devices in the first section being selectively controlled and initiated as a first stage of the blast (to fragment the rock immediately adjacent the sump 34 , and to move the fragmented rock to the left and into the sump 34 ) followed by initiation of the wireless initiation devices in the second sections of boreholes extending the full 5 metre depth (to fragment the rock on the right side of the shaft, which can be mucked out to form a new sump).

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US11029135B2 (en) 2017-08-04 2021-06-08 Austin Star Detonator Company Automatic method and apparatus for logging preprogrammed electronic detonators
US11353307B2 (en) 2017-08-04 2022-06-07 Austin Star Detonator Company Automatic method and apparatus for logging preprogrammed electronic detonators
US12044516B2 (en) 2020-02-06 2024-07-23 Austin Star Detonator Company Integrated detonator sensors

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WO2010085837A1 (fr) 2010-08-05
ZA201105652B (en) 2012-12-27
CL2011001832A1 (es) 2012-02-24
PE20120673A1 (es) 2012-06-20
ES2592932T3 (es) 2016-12-02
US8385042B2 (en) 2013-02-26
AU2010207873A1 (en) 2011-08-04
CA2750713A1 (fr) 2010-08-05
EP2391864A1 (fr) 2011-12-07
EP2391864A4 (fr) 2014-04-30
EP2391864B1 (fr) 2016-07-06
CA2750713C (fr) 2018-03-27
AU2010207873B2 (en) 2014-04-24
US20100212527A1 (en) 2010-08-26

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