Firing-readiness diagnostic of a pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator

• US 7,107,908 B2
• Filed: 07/15/2003
• Issued: 09/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Austin Star Detonator Company
• Original Assignee: Special Devices Incorporated (Daicel Corporation)
• Inventors: Forman, David M., Teowee, Gimtong, Jennings, David T. III
• Primary Examiner(s): Keith, Jack
• Assistant Examiner(s): GREENE, DANIEL LAWSON
• Application Number:
  US10/619,890
• Publication Number:
  US 20050034624A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,162 Days
• Field of Search: 102/200, 102/202.5, 102/206, 102/215, 102/217, 102/218, 102/312, 361/247, 361/248, 361/249, 361/251
• US Class Current: 102/202.5
• CPC Class Codes: F42D 1/055 specially adapted for firing multiple charges with a time delay

Abstract

Firing-readiness diagnostics in an electronic pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator or an electronic blasting system thereof. The diagnostics may include a check for any incompatible attached devices, a resistance or continuity check of an ignition element, and/or a capacitance check of a firing capacitor.

Claims

1. An electronic detonator for use in mining or blasting and having firing-readiness diagnostics, comprising an igniter and electronic circuitry configured and/or programmed to perform one or more firing-readiness diagnostics on said electronic detonator, wherein said igniter includes an ignition element, and said electronic circuitry comprises a continuity check module.

2. An electronic detonator for use in mining or blasting and having firing-readiness diagnostics, comprising an igniter and electronic circuitry configured and/or programmed to perform one or more firing-readiness diagnostics on said electronic detonator, wherein said igniter includes an ignition element, and said electronic circuitry comprises a continuity check module, and wherein said electronic detonator includes an application-specific integrated circuit that contains said electronic circuitry.

3. An electronic detonator for use in mining or blasting and having firing-readiness diagnostics, comprising an igniter and electronic circuitry configured and/or programmed to perform one or more firing-readiness diagnostics on said electronic detonator, wherein said igniter includes an ignition element, and said electronic circuitry comprises a continuity check module, and wherein said electronic detonator includes an application-specific integrated circuit that contains said electronic circuitry, and wherein said igniter is hermetically sealed, and said ignition element is a bridgewire.