Detonator firing element
First Claim
1. A detonator firing element which includes a suitable substrate for the fabrication of an integrated circuit, at least one energy dissipation device which is located a selected one of on and in said suitable substrate, an explosive adjacent the energy dissipation device which, upon being actuated, initiates the explosive by the dissipation of energy, and a passivation layer between at least a portion of the substrate and at least a portion of the explosive.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A detonator firing element which includes a miniature energy dissipation device located on a substrate which forms part of an integrated electronic circuit. An explosive or pyrotechnic compound is exposed to the effects of energy dissipated by the device. The device may be resistive, be formed by a semi-conductor device, or be a field effect device. The integrated circuit includes timing, testing, control, communication and interlock circuits to implement stand alone or computer controlled blast systems. Protection against over-voltages and induced currents is provided. Due to the integrated circuit approach power consumption is kept to a minimum and a detonator incorporating the firing element can be powered for a substantial time period by an energy storage device such as a capacitor.
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Citations
16 Claims
- 1. A detonator firing element which includes a suitable substrate for the fabrication of an integrated circuit, at least one energy dissipation device which is located a selected one of on and in said suitable substrate, an explosive adjacent the energy dissipation device which, upon being actuated, initiates the explosive by the dissipation of energy, and a passivation layer between at least a portion of the substrate and at least a portion of the explosive.
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12. A detonator which includes a housing, a detonator firing element mounted in the housing, and explosive material in the housing arranged to be initiated by said explosive;
said detonator firing element including a suitable substrate for the fabrication of an integrated circuit, at least one energy dissipation device which is located a selected one of on and in said substrate, said explosive being located adjacent the energy dissipation device which, upon being actuated, initiates the explosive by the dissipation of energy, and a passivation layer between at least a portion of the substrate and at least a portion of the explosive, said substrate forming a solid state electronic device which includes integrated circuitry for controlling the actuation of the detonator firing element. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. A sequential blasting system which includes a plurality of detonators connected together, and means for controlling the firing of individual detonators;
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each said detonator including a housing, a detonator firing element mounted in the housing, and explosive material in the housing arranged to be initiated by explosive within said detonator firing element; said detonator firing element of each said detonator including a suitable substrate for the fabrication of an integrated circuit, at least one energy dissipation device which is located a selected one of on and in said substrate, explosive adjacent the energy dissipation device which, upon being actuated, initiates the explosive material by the dissipation of energy, and a passivation layer between at least a portion of the substrate and at least a portion of the explosive. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification