Wireless detonator assemblies, and corresponding networks

• US 7,929,270 B2
• Filed: 01/24/2006
• Issued: 04/19/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Limited (Orica Limited)
• Original Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Limited (Orica Limited)
• Inventors: Hummel, Dirk, McCann, Michael John
• Primary Examiner(s): Jackson; Stephen W
• Application Number:
  US11/795,793
• Publication Number:
  US 20090193993A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,911 Days
• Field of Search: 361/249
• US Class Current: 361/249
• CPC Class Codes: F42D 1/055 specially adapted for firing multiple charges with a time delay
• CPC Class Codes: F42D 3/04 for rock blasting

Abstract

Wireless detonator assemblies (51-59) in use, form a cross-communicating network of wireless “detonator assemblies, such that communication of each wireless detonator assembly (57-59) with an associated blasting machine (50) can occur either directly, or via relay of signals (61-69) between other wireless detonator assemblies (51-56) in the network. Wireless detonator assemblies (51-59) can disseminate information (such as status information, identity information, firing codes, delay times and environmental conditions) among all of the wireless detonator assemblies in the network, while compensating for signal transmission relay delays at nodes in the network, thereby enabling the wireless detonator assemblies to detonate the explosive charges in accordance with the delay times. Various wireless detonator assemblies and corresponding blasting apparatus are disclosed and claimed. Methods of blasting using the wireless detonator assemblies and blasting apparatus are also disclosed and claimed.

Claims

1. A blasting apparatus for fragmentation of rock by timed actuation of a plurality of explosive charges each set in a borehole in the rock, the blasting apparatus comprising:

at least one blasting machine for transmitting at least one wireless command signal; and

a plurality of wireless detonator assemblies, at least some of which are within range to receive said at least one wireless signal from said at least one blasting machine, each wireless detonator assembly associated with a corresponding explosive charge for causing actuation thereof upon transmission of a FIRE signal by an associated blasting machine, each wireless detonator assembly comprising;

(a) a base charge;

(b) wireless signal receiving means, for receiving at least one wireless signal, each wireless signal transmitted from either a blasting machine or another nearby wireless detonator assembly;

(c) wireless signal processing means for determining an action required by said wireless detonator assembly in response to each wireless signal received by (b), and whether to relay said wireless signal to another wireless detonator assembly and/or to a blasting machine; and

(d) wireless signal transmitting means for transmitting said at least one wireless signal as required by (c);

whereby the wireless detonator assemblies form a cross-communicating network of wireless detonator assemblies, each either in direct communication with said at least one blasting machine, or in indirect communication with said at least one blasting machine via relay of wireless signals to or from said at least one blasting machine via one or more nodes in the network, each node comprising a wireless detonator assembly.

2. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each wireless detonator assembly further comprises:

(e) an operating power supply for providing sufficient power to operate at least components (b), (c), and (d), but having insufficient power to cause initiation of said base charge in the absence of a command signal to FIRE from said at least one blasting machine; and

(f) a firing power supply of sufficient power to cause initiation of said base charge, said firing power supply operable only upon receipt of a command signal to FIRE either directly from said at least one blasting machine, or indirectly from said at least one blasting machine via relay by one or more other wireless detonator assemblies.

3. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the relay of wireless signals occurs with respect to wireless command signals derived from said at least one blasting machine to said at least one wireless detonator assembly.

4. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the relay of wireless signals occurs with respect to wireless signals derived from said at least one wireless detonator assembly directed to said at least one blasting machine.

5. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said wireless detonator assemblies are within range for receiving said at least one wireless command signal from said at least one blasting machine, and relaying said at least one wireless command signal to further wireless detonator assemblies in the blasting apparatus that are out of range of said at least one wireless command signal transmitted by said at least one blasting machine.

6. The blasting apparatus of claim 5, wherein said further wireless detonator assemblies relay said at least one command signal to yet further wireless detonator assemblies in the blasting apparatus that are out of range of said at least one wireless command signal transmitted by said at least one blasting machine.

7. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein all of said wireless detonator assemblies are within range for receipt of said at least one wireless command signal transmitted by said at least one blasting machine, and wherein said at least one blasting machine is out of range to receive signals transmitted by at least a portion of said wireless detonator assemblies, said wireless signals from wireless detonator assemblies that are too far from said at least one blasting machine to transmit wirelessly directly thereto, being relayed to said at least one blasting machine via wireless detonator assemblies within wireless communication range of said at least one blasting machine.

8. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each wireless detonator assembly includes means to record a wireless signal received thereby, and to ignore wireless signals that correspond substantially to wireless command signals previously received by each wireless detonator assembly.

9. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one wireless signal comprises wireless command signals from said at least one blasting machine for receipt by said wireless detonator assemblies.

10. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one wireless signal comprises information regarding the status of said at least one wireless detonator assemblies, for receipt by said at least one blasting machine.

11. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one wireless signal comprises detonator identification and/or firing codes, for transmission from said wireless detonator assemblies to said at least one blasting machine.

12. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least components b), c), and d) are located in a top-box separate from a below-ground portion of said wireless detonator assembly at least comprising a detonator shell and said base charge.

13. The blasting apparatus of claim 12, wherein said top-box is adapted for location at or near a ground surface level of a borehole suitable for receipt of wireless signals, said below-ground portion being suitable for positioning below ground in said borehole in association with an explosive charge.

14. The blasting apparatus of claim 13, wherein said top-box is in electrical communication with said below-ground portion of said detonator assembly.

15. The blasting apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least one wireless signal comprises information with regard to the integrity of the electrical communication between each top-box and each associated below-ground portion of each wireless detonator assembly.

16. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each wireless detonator assembly further comprises:

(g) a clock suitable for timing initiation of said base charge in accordance with a programmed delay time upon receipt of a FIRE signal from said at least one blasting machine.

17. The blasting apparatus of claim 16 wherein the clock is a crystal clock.

18. The blasting apparatus of claim 16, wherein the clocks of the wireless detonator assemblies are synchronized, and wherein each wireless detonator assembly is programmed with firing time, said firing times optionally being different from one another such that upon receipt of a signal to FIRE by said wireless detonator assemblies, said wireless detonator assemblies firing in a desired sequence and/or at desired times according to said firing times.

19. The blast apparatus of claim 16, wherein the clocks of the wireless detonator assemblies are programmed to begin counting from a common time zero, each wireless detonator assembly programmable with a delay time from time zero to cause initiation of an associated base charge, said base charges firing in a predetermined sequence and/or at desired times according to said programmed delay times.

20. The blasting apparatus of claim 16, wherein said at least one wireless signal includes a clock calibration signal derived from a blasting machine.

21. The blasting apparatus of claim 16, wherein said at least one blasting machine and/or at least one wireless detonator assembly establishes a time zero, each wireless detonator assembly being programmable with a delay time from time zero to initiate an associated base charge upon receipt thereby of a FIRE signal from said at least one blasting machine, each base charge being initiated in response to said FIRE signal once an amount of time from time zero calculated according to equation X has elapsed:

amount of time from time zero to initiate each base charge=(time zero+programmed delay time specific for a wireless detonator assembly)−

total time to process and relay said FIRE signal at each intermediary node in the network between said at least one blasting machine and each wireless detonator assembly;

 

 

X

whereby upon receipt of a FIRE signal each clock of each wireless detonator assembly counts down said amount of time from time zero to initiate an associated base charge, thereby to cause timed initiation of the bases charges associated with the wireless detonator assemblies in the network.

22. The blasting apparatus of claim 21, wherein said total lime to process and relay said FIRE signal at each intermediary node in the network between said at least one blasting machine and each wireless detonator assembly is calculated by:

starting a clock in each intermediary node of the network upon receipt of a wireless signal to be relayed;

stopping the clock in each intermediary node of the network upon transmission of said wireless signal to be relayed, thereby to provide a processing and transmission time for each intermediary node for incorporation into the wireless signal to be relayed; and

upon receipt of said wireless signal by a node to which the wireless signal is directed, summating each processing and transmission time for each intermediary node through which the wireless signal has been relayed, thereby to provide said total time to process and relay said FIRE signal at each intermediary node in the network between said at least one blasting machine and each wireless detonator assembly.

23. The blasting apparatus of claim 22, wherein each wireless detonator assembly is pre-preprogrammed with a delay time before transmission of wireless command signals by said at least one blasting machine.

24. The blasting apparatus of claim 21, wherein each wireless detonator assembly is programmed with a delay time via receipt of a wireless signal comprising a delay time component, said total time to process and relay said FIRE signal at each intermediary node in the network between said at least one blasting machine and each wireless detonator assembly being calculated by:

starting a clock in each intermediary node of the network upon receipt of a wireless signal to be relayed;

stopping the clock in each intermediary node of the network just prior to transmission of said wireless signal to be relayed, thereby to provide a processing and transmission time for said intermediary node;

amending a delay time component of the wireless signal comprising the delay time component just prior to transmission of said wireless signal to be relayed, by deducting said processing and transmission time from said delay time;

whereby upon receipt of said wireless signal by a wireless detonator assembly to which the wireless signal is directed, said delay time component will already have been adjusted to compensate for each processing and transmission time for each intermediary node.

25. The blasting apparatus of claim 24, wherein each wireless signal comprising a delay time component comprises a signal to FIRE each wireless detonator assembly.

26. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each wireless signal derived from a blasting machine is assigned to a specific wireless detonator assembly by an accompanying detonator identification code.

27. The blasting apparatus of claim 16, wherein said at least one wireless signal comprises a timing calibration signal, to synchronize each clock of each wireless detonator assembly.

28. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said at least one wireless signal comprises a delay time for each detonator, each delay time including compensation for any relaying times to transfer each wireless signal through the network of wireless detonator assemblies.

29. The blasting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each wireless detonator assembly is adapted for short-range communication with a logging device, to transmit information to the logging device selected from:

detonator identification information, detonator firing codes, detonator status, and delay times, and/or to receive information from the logging device such as for example, detonator identification information, detonator firing codes, and delay times.

30. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless signals comprise energy selected from the group consisting of:

radio waves, light energy, microwaves, infrared and acoustic energy.

31. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each operating power supply is selected from the group consisting of:

a capacitor, diode, a rechargeable battery an activatable battery, a fuel cell, an air cell, such as a hearing aid battery, and a micro-nuclear power source.

32. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each wireless detonator assembly further comprises a firing switch located between said firing power supply and said detonator, said firing switch switching from an OFF position to an ON position upon receipt of a wireless command signal to FIRE by said wireless signal receiving means, thereby establishing electrical connection between said firing power supply and said detonator, thereby to initiate said detonator.

33. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless command signals are selected from the group consisting of:

ARM signals, DISARM signals, FIRE signals, detonator delay times, and detonator firing codes.

34. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless command signal comprises a ‘

role call’

signal to check for wireless communication with each wireless detonator assembly in the network.

35. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless command signal comprises logging signals to assign an identity to each wireless detonator assembly in the network.

36. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each wireless detonator assembly is able to receive and store identification information for each wireless detonator assembly in the network from which a wireless signal can be successfully received, such that each wireless detonator assembly can learn which other wireless detonator assemblies are upstream in wireless signal relay in the network.

37. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each wireless detonator assembly is able to receive and store identification information for each wireless detonator assembly in the network to which it can successfully transmit a wireless signal, such that each wireless detonator assembly can learn a sector of responsibility comprising wireless detonator assemblies downstream in wireless signal relay in the network.

38. The blasting apparatus of claim 36, wherein each wireless detonator assembly comprises a non-volatile memory for storing said identification information, such that each wireless detonator assembly can retain said identification information during a power down of the blasting apparatus.

39. A wireless detonator assembly suitable for use in connection with the blasting apparatus of claim 1, the wireless detonator assembly comprising:

(a) a base charge;

(b) wireless signal receiving means, for receiving at least one wireless signal, each wireless signal transmitted from either a blasting machine or another nearby wireless detonator assembly;

(c) wireless signal processing means for determining an action required by said wireless detonator assembly in response to each wireless signal received by (b), and whether to relay said wireless signal to another wireless detonator assembly and/or to a blasting machine; and

(d) wireless signal transmitting means for transmitting said at least one wireless signal as required by (c).

40. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, further comprising:

(e) an operating power supply for providing sufficient power to operate at least components (b), (c), and (d), but having insufficient power to cause initiation of said base charge in the absence of a command signal to FIRE from said at least one blasting machine; and

(f) a firing power supply of sufficient power to cause initiation of said base charge, said firing power supply operable only upon receipt of a command signal to FIRE either directly from said at least one blasting machine, or indirectly from said at least one blasting machine via relay by one or more other wireless detonator assemblies.

41. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, further comprising:

storage means for storing detonator identification and/or firing codes received from a logger or an associated blasting machine.

42. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, wherein at least components b), c), and d) are located in a top-box separate from a below-ground portion of said wireless detonator assembly at least comprising a detonator shell and said base charge.

43. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 42, wherein said top-box is adapted for location at or near a ground surface level of a borehole suitable for receipt of wireless signals, said below-ground portion being suitable for positioning below ground in said borehole in association with an explosive charge.

44. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 42, wherein said top-box is in electrical communication with said below-ground portion of said wireless detonator assembly.

45. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, wherein each wireless detonator assembly further comprises:

(g) a clock suitable for timing initiation of said base charge in accordance with a programmed delay time upon receipt of a FIRE signal from said at least one blasting machine.

46. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 45 wherein the clock is a crystal clock.

47. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, wherein said wireless detonator assembly is adapted for short-range communication with a logging device, to transmit information to the logging device selected from:

detonator identification information, detonator firing codes, detonator status, and delay times, and/or to receive information from the logging device such as for example, detonator identification information, detonator firing codes, and delay times.

48. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, wherein the wireless signal receiving means is able to receive wireless signals comprising energy selected from the group consisting of:

radio waves, light energy, microwaves, infrared and acoustic energy.

49. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, wherein the wireless signal transmitting means is able to transmit wireless signals comprising energy selected from the group consisting of:

radio waves, light energy, microwaves, infrared and acoustic energy.

50. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, wherein the wireless signal receiving means is able to receive energy selected from the group consisting of:

radio waves, light energy, microwaves, infrared and acoustic energy.

51. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 40, wherein each operating power supply is selected from the group consisting of:

a capacitor, diode, a rechargeable battery an activatable battery, a fuel cell, an air cell, such as a hearing aid battery, and a micro-nuclear power source.

52. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 40, wherein each wireless detonator assembly further comprises a firing switch located between said firing power supply and said detonator, said firing switch switching from an OFF position to an ON position upon receipt of a wireless command signal to FIRE by said wireless signal receiving means, thereby establishing electrical connection between said firing power supply and said detonator, thereby to initiate said detonator.

53. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, wherein the wireless signals are selected from the group consisting of:

ARM signals, DISARM signals, FIRE signals, detonator delay times, and detonator firing codes.

54. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, wherein each wireless detonator assembly is able to receive and store identification information for each wireless detonator assembly in a network of wireless detonator assemblies from which a wireless signal can be successfully received, such that said wireless detonator assembly can learn which other wireless detonator assemblies are upstream in wireless signal relay in the network.

55. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, wherein said wireless detonator assembly is able to receive and store identification information for each wireless detonator assembly in a network of wireless detonator assemblies to which it can successfully transmit a wireless signal, such that said wireless detonator assembly can learn a sector of responsibility comprising wireless detonator assemblies downstream in wireless signal relay in the network.

56. The wireless detonator assembly of claim 54, wherein each wireless detonator assembly comprises a non-volatile memory for storing said identification information, such that each wireless detonator assembly can retain said identification information during a power down of the blasting apparatus.

63. A method of blasting at a blast site, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a blasting apparatus according to claim 1;

placing a plurality of explosive charges at the blast site;

associating each wireless detonator assembly with each explosive charge such that actuation of each base charge will cause actuation of each associated explosive charge;

transmitting a wireless command signal to FIRE from said at least one blasting machine to each wireless detonator assembly, either directly, or indirectly via relay of each wireless command signal between wireless detonator assemblies.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the command signals further comprise delay times for each detonator, thereby to cause the wireless detonator assemblies to fire in a specific timing pattern.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein each detonator comprises a stored firing code, and the command signals further comprise firing codes, each detonator firing only if a stored firing code and a firing code from a command signal correspond.

71. Use of the blasting apparatus of claim 1, in a mining operation.

72. Use of a wireless detonator assembly of claim 39, in a mining operation.

74. Use according to claim 71, wherein the mining operation is an automated mining operation comprising robotic placement of explosive charges and detonators at the blast site.

77. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a central command station remote from the blast site, said central command station generating and transmitting wireless command signals to control said at least one blasting machine, and communication between said at least one blasting machine and said wireless detonator assemblies.

78. The blasting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one emergency override means, for communicating an emergency override wireless signal to at least one other component of the blasting apparatus.

79. The blasting apparatus of claim 78, wherein each wireless detonator assembly comprises an emergency override means for communicating an emergency override signal to said at least one blasting machine.

80. The blasting apparatus of claim 79, wherein each blasting machine comprises an emergency override means for communicating an emergency override signal to each wireless detonator assembly.

81. The blasting apparatus of claim 79, wherein said emergency override signal causes shutdown of the blasting apparatus.

82. The blasting apparatus of claim 30, wherein the radio waves have a frequency of 100-2000 Hz.

83. The blasting apparatus of claim 82, wherein the radio waves have a frequency of 200-1200 Hz.

57. A top-box, for use in connection with a detonator comprising a base charge and adapted for association with an explosive charge in borehole, the top-box adapted for location above the ground or at least in said borehole adjacent a surface of the ground, the top-box comprising:

(b) wireless signal receiving means, for receiving at least one wireless signal, each wireless signal transmitted from either a blasting machine or another nearby wireless detonator assembly;

(c) wireless signal processing means for determining an action required by said wireless detonator assembly in response to each wireless signal received by (b), and whether to relay said wireless signal to another wireless detonator assembly and/or to a blasting machine; and

(d) wireless signal transmitting means for transmitting said at least one wireless signal as required by (c).

58. The top-box of claim 57, further comprising:

(a) a clock suitable for timing initiation of said base charge in accordance with a programmed delay time.

59. The top-box of claim 58, wherein the clock is a crystal clock.

60. The top-box of claim 57, further comprising:

(e) an operating power supply for providing sufficient power to operate at least components (b), (c), and (d), but having insufficient power to cause initiation of said base charge in the absence of a command signal to FIRE from said at least one blasting machine; and

(f) a firing power supply of sufficient power to cause initiation of said base charge, said firing power supply operable only upon receipt of a command signal to FIRE either directly from said at least one blasting machine, or indirectly from said at least one blasting machine via relay by one or more other wireless detonator assemblies.

61. The top-box of claim 57, wherein said top-box is in wireless radio communication with said detonator.

62. The top-box of claim 57, wherein said top-box is in electrical communication with said detonator.

73. Use of a top-box of claim 57, in a mining operation.

66. A method for timed actuation of a plurality of wireless detonator assemblies each comprising a base charge to be initiated in accordance with a delay time upon receipt of a signal to FIRE from at least one associated blasting machine, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a network of wireless detonator assemblies, each capable of receiving a wireless signal from a blasting machine or another wireless detonator assembly, and performing an action as required by the wireless signal and/or relaying the wireless signal to other wireless detonator assemblies in the network;

establishing a time zero;

programming each wireless detonator assembly in the network with a delay time from time zero for initiation of each base charge associated with each wireless detonator assembly;

calculating for each wireless detonator assembly an amount of time from a receipt of a FIRE signal to cause actuation of each associated base charge, according to equation X;

amount of time from receipt of a FIRE signal to initiate the base charge=(time zero+programmed delay time specific for each wireless detonator assembly)−

total time to process and relay said FIRE signal at each intermediary node in the network between said at least one blasting machine and each wireless detonator assembly;

 

 

(X)

whereby each clock in each wireless detonator assembly counts down said amount of time from receipt of said FIRE signal to initiate the base charge, thereby to cause timed initiation of each wireless detonator assembly.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein said total time to process and relay said FIRE signal at each intermediary node in the network between said at least one blasting machine and each wireless detonator assembly is calculated by:

starting a clock in each intermediary node of the network upon receipt of a wireless signal to be relayed;

stopping the clock in each intermediary node of the network upon transmission of said wireless signal to be relayed, thereby to provide a processing and transmission time for each intermediary node for incorporation into the wireless signal to be relayed; and

upon receipt of said wireless signal by a node to which the wireless signal is directed, summating each processing and transmission time for each intermediary node through which the wireless signal has been relayed, thereby to provide said total time to process and relay said FIRE signal at each intermediary node in the network between said at least one blasting machine and each wireless detonator assembly.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein each wireless detonator assembly is pre-programmed with a delay time before transmission of wireless command signals by said at least one blasting machine.

69. The method of claim 67, wherein each wireless detonator assembly is programmed with a delay time via receipt of a wireless command signal comprising a delay time component, said total time to process and relay said FIRE signal at each intermediary node in the network between said at least one blasting machine and each wireless detonator assembly being calculated by:

starting a clock in each intermediary node of the network upon receipt of a wireless signal to be relayed;

stopping the clock in each intermediary node of the network just prior to transmission of said wireless signal to be relayed, thereby to provide a processing and transmission time for said intermediary node;

amending a delay time component of the wireless signal comprising the delay time component just prior to transmission of said wireless signal to be relayed, by deducting said processing and transmission time from said delay time;

whereby upon receipt of said wireless signal by a wireless detonator assembly to which the wireless signal is directed, said delay time component will be already have been adjusted to compensate for each processing and transmission time for each intermediary node.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein each wireless command signal comprises a delay time component comprising a signal to FIRE each wireless detonator assembly.

75. A blasting apparatus for fragmentation of rock by timed actuation of a plurality of explosive charges each set in a borehole in the rock, the blasting apparatus comprising:

at least one blasting machine for transmitting at least one wireless command signal;

one or more wireless trunk lines each comprising one or more relay devices for wirelessly relaying said at least one wireless command signal;

a plurality of wireless detonator assemblies, each in wireless signal communication either directly with said at least one blasting machine, or indirectly with said at least one blasting machine via one or more relay devices in one of said wireless trunk lines, each wireless detonator assembly associated with a corresponding explosive charge for causing actuation thereof upon transmission of a FIRE signal by an associated blasting machine.

76. The blasting apparatus of claim 75, wherein each wireless detonator assembly comprises:

(a) a base charge;

(b) wireless signal receiving means, for receiving at least one wireless signal, each wireless signal transmitted from either a blasting machine (either directly or via a relay device) or another nearby wireless detonator assembly;

(c) wireless signal processing means for determining an action required by said wireless detonator assembly in response to each wireless signal received by (b), and whether to relay said wireless signal to another wireless detonator assembly and/or to a blasting machine and/or to a relay device;

(d) wireless signal transmitting means for transmitting said at least one wireless signal as required by (c);

(e) an operating power supply for providing sufficient power to operate at least components (b), (c), and (d), but having insufficient power to cause initiation of said base charge in the absence of a command signal to FIRE from said at least one blasting machine; and

(f) a firing power supply of sufficient power to cause initiation of said base charge, said firing power supply operable only upon receipt of a command signal to FIRE either directly from said at least one blasting machine, or indirectly from said at least one blasting machine via relay by one or more other wireless detonator assemblies;

whereby the wireless detonator assemblies form a cross-communicating network of wireless detonator assemblies, each either in direct communication with said at least one blasting machine, or in indirect communication with said at least one blasting machine via relay of wireless signals to or from said at least one blasting machine via one or more nodes in the network, each node comprising either a wireless detonator assembly or a relay device in a wireless trunk line.

84. A method of blasting at a blast site, which comprises:

providing explosive charges at a plurality of locations and providing each charge with an operable detonator assembly;

establishing communication among said detonator assemblies, and communication between at least one of said detonators and a blasting machine;

communicating at least one signal between said blasting machine and said at least one detonator assembly, said at least one signal containing firing information for said detonators; and

causing said detonator assemblies to disseminate said firing information among all said detonator assemblies, while compensating for signal transmission delays among said detonators, thereby enabling said detonators to detonate said explosive charges in accordance with said firing information.

85. The method of claim 84, wherein said at least one signal is a wireless signal.

86. The method of claim 84, wherein said dissemination of said firing information occurs via wireless communication between said detonator assemblies.