Patent ID: 6618237
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: F42B,F42D

Abstract:
An electronic delay assembly which can be connected to an explosive detonator having a fuse head therein and effect the firing of the detonator in a controlled manner, said electronic delay assembly comprising:a) a magnetic coupling device having an opening therein configured to receive a conductive wire extending therethrough, with said magnetic coupling device generating output signals based on currents passing in the wire; b) a system power reservoir connected to the magnetic coupling device and storing electrical energy therein based on power signals passing in the wire extending therethrough and generated by the magnetic coupling device; c) a microprocessor which has internal, nonvolatile memory therein and which receives its operating power from the system power reservoir; d) a decoder which is connected to the magnetic coupling device, decodes communications signals passing in the wire extending therethrough and generated by the magnetic coupling device, and supplies those decoded communications signals to the microprocessor; and e) a trigger circuit connected between the system power reservoir and the fuse head in the detonator for supplying, under the control of the microprocessor, electrical energy from the system power reservoir sufficient to fire a detonator connected thereto.