Abstract:
Regulated charging of an energy storage module in a pyrotechnic device such as a firing capacitor in an electronic detonator, preferably in the form of constant-current charging limited at a “rail voltage,” and optionally limited to a sufficiently low current to provide additional benefits to the pyrotechnic device such as in the case of a short-circuit.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a blasting apparatus for activating a plurality of electrical detonators after predetermined time delays. The blasting apparatus includes a plurality of remote electrical delay devices. Each device is linked to a detonator, and is arranged to be serially programmed with a timing signal, which originates from the central control unit and which determines the time delay. A bidirectional signal harness, having ends which terminate at I/O ports in the control unit, serially links the delay devices to the control unit. In the event of a fault of discontinuity occurring in the harness prior to programming of the delay devices, the discontinuity is detected and the direction of programming along the bidirectional harness is reversed so that those delay devices which, due to the break, cannot be programmed in the initial direction, are programmed with timing signals travelling along the signal line in the opposite direction. The invention extends to a method of activating a plurality of electrical detonators, as well as to the individual delay devices forming part of the blasting apparatus.
Abstract:
Flare stack ignitors are normally permanent structures, the principle components of which are inaccessible from the ground. By mounting the probes and the associated transformer on trolleys, and providing tracks for such trolleys along substantially the entire length of the flare stack, the ignitor is relatively easy to maintain. Hollow probes ensure that a good supply of oxygen is drawn into the combustion area.
Abstract:
An igniter for a flare stack for waste gases is actuated periodically by an intermittently firing spark plug. A fuel gas for ignition aspirates combustion air through openings in a housing enclosing a supply line for the fuel gas. Flashback from the intermittent ignition of the fuel gas is prevented and noise is reduced by closure means responsive to the pressure differential between the interior of the housing and the ambient air. The closure means close the openings when the pressure within the housing is higher than the pressure of the ambient air.
Abstract:
A gas fired cooker ignition system including, in combination, a gas burner mounted in a housing and adapted to be lighted from a flame source generated externally of the housing. The housing includes an upstanding wall having an ignition port therein and the burner includes at least one gas outlet directing gas flow in the general direction of said ignition port. A hollow flash tube is mounted in said housing and includes an inner, open end spaced apart and generally facing said gas outlet of said burner. The flash tube is mounted to slope upwardly towards said inner end and includes an outer end provided with an ignition opening adjacent said ignition port of said housing wall. The flash tube is detachably secured to the housing wall, the ignition opening of the tube spaced closely adjacent the ignition port so that a flame source introduced into the housing through said port will flash through the tube and ignite the gas from the burner.
Abstract:
Logging apparatus, methods and electronic detonators are presented for logging data, wherein the logger transmits read request messages to preprogrammed electronic detonators whithout transmitting any delay programming messaging, receives and stores electronic detonator data from a given one of the preprogrammed electronic detonators, and sends a verify command to cause the detonator to update its status flag to prevent the given electronic detonator from responding to subsequent read request messages.