Patent ID: 8395878
Filing Date: 2013-03-12
Classification: F42C,F42D

Abstract:
1. A method for wireless communication between at least one blasting machine of a blasting apparatus and at least one blasting component of the blasting apparatus at a blast site for mining, the at least one blasting component comprising or in operative association with an explosive charge, and comprising a clock and a memory for storing a programmed delay time for actuation of the explosive charge, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting the at least one wireless command signal from the at least one blasting machine, the at least one wireless command signal comprising low frequency radio waves; receiving the at least one wireless command signal by the at least one blasting component; processing and to reduce noise optionally amplifying/filtering the received at least one wireless command signal; and optionally acting upon the at least one wireless command signal, as required, wherein the at least one blasting machine or another component of the blasting apparatus transmits: a calibration signal having a carrier frequency of from 20-2500 Hz; the step of receiving further comprising delineation of the oscillations of the calibration signal, or portions of said oscillations, thereby to allow synchronization of all clocks in the blasting components relative to one another, and establishment of a time zero, such that upon receipt by said at least one blasting component of a command signal to FIRE, said delay times counting down from a synchronized time zero thereby to effect timed actuation of each explosive charge associated with each blasting component, thereby to achieve a desired blasting pattern.