U.S. patent number RE32,888 [Application Number 07/152,927] was granted by the patent office on 1989-03-14 for apparatus and method for selectively activating plural electrical loads at predetermined relative times.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Imperial Chemical Industries PLC. Invention is credited to Ian J. Kirby, Michael I. Mitchell, Andrew Stratton.
United States Patent |
RE32,888 |
Kirby , et al. |
March 14, 1989 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Apparatus and method for selectively activating plural electrical
loads at predetermined relative times
Abstract
Separate electrical timing and load activation devices are
provided for each of plural electrical loads and each device is
connected to receive reference timing signals from a central unit.
Each of the separate timing and load activation devices measures a
reference time interval accurately defined by the reference timing
signals and subsequently activates its associated electrical load
after a respectively corresponding predetermined time delay which
is determined as a function of the locally measured reference time
interval.
Inventors: |
Kirby; Ian J. (Warrington,
GB2), Mitchell; Michael I. (Chester, GB2),
Stratton; Andrew (Farnborough, GB2) |
Assignee: |
Imperial Chemical Industries
PLC (London, GB2)
|
Family
ID: |
9769918 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/152,927 |
Filed: |
February 5, 1988 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
005551 |
Jan 22, 1979 |
04324182 |
Apr 13, 1982 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
Current U.S.
Class: |
102/217; 102/215;
968/977 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H03K
5/131 (20130101); F42B 3/122 (20130101); G01V
1/08 (20130101); G04F 1/005 (20130101); F42D
1/055 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F42D
1/055 (20060101); G04F 1/00 (20060101); F42D
1/00 (20060101); F42B 3/12 (20060101); G01V
1/02 (20060101); F42B 3/00 (20060101); G01V
1/08 (20060101); H03K 5/13 (20060101); F42C
011/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;102/206,215,217
;361/248,249,251 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2022356 |
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May 1970 |
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DE |
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849948 |
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Dec 1984 |
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ZA |
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858413 |
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Nov 1985 |
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ZA |
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1493104 |
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Nov 1974 |
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GB |
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Primary Examiner: Jordan; Charles T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Cushman, Darby & Cushman
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for selectively activating a plurality of electrical
loads at respectively corresponding prdetermined relative times,
said apparatus comprising:
a central unit for providing reference timing signals, and
a separate electrical timing and load activation device
electrically connected with each electrical load and also connected
to receive said reference timing signals,
each of said devices including timing means,
means for providing first and second signals from the reference
timing signals,
a source of locally generated clock pulses,
a timing counter means for counting the number of said clock pulses
occurring between said first and second signals, and
activation means for activating the connected electrical load after
a subsequent time delay measured by counting a number of said clock
pulses, the number of clock pulses counted bearing a predetermined
relationship to the number counted between said first and second
signal.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein:
said central unit also provides electical energy for use in
activating said loads, and
each of said devices includes an energy storage means connected to
receive and store said electrical energy and to supply at least a
portion of such stored energy to its associated electrical load
when connected therewith after said respectively corresponding
predetermined time delay.
3. Apparatus as in claim 1 or 2 wherein each of said devices is
disposed at the site of its associated electrical load and
continues to operate after receipt of said reference timing signals
even if thereafter isolated from said central unit.
4. Apparatus as in claim 1 or 2 wherein the respectively
corresponding predetermined time delays for all of said devices are
measured from a common reference time also defined by said
reference timing signals.
5. Apparatus for selectively activating a plurality of electrical
loads at respectively corresponding predetermined relative times,
said apparatus comprising:
a central unit for providing reference timing signals, and
a separate electrical timing and load activation device
electrically connected with each electrical load and also connected
to receive said reference timing signals,
each of said devices including timing means for measuring a
reference time interval defined by said reference timing signals
and for subsequently activating its associated electrical load
after a respectively corresponding predetermined time delay which
delay is determined as a function of said measured reference time
interval and wherein said reference timing signals comprise a
sequence of accurately timed events and wherein each of the timing
means in said devices comprises
a source of locally generated clock pulses,
a preset counter means for counting said timed events and for
providing first and second signals respectively corresponding to
first and second predetermined counter contents,
timing counter means for counting the number of said clock pulses
occurring between said first and second signals, and
activation means for activating the connected electrical load after
a subsequent time delay measured by counting a number of said clock
pulses, the number of clock pulses counted bearing a predetermined
relationship to the number counted between said first and second
signals.
6. Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said second predetermined
counter contents is identical for all of said devices.
7. Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein each device includes means for
initially resetting said perset counter means and said timing
counter means to predetermined initial contents.
8. Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said central unit includes means
for forming said sequence of accurately timed events as
superimposed variations in the flow of electrical energy from said
central unit to said devices.
9. Apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said central unit also includes
time delay means for delaying the transmission of said reference
timing signals for a predetermined time interval after operation is
initiated.
10. Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein:
said timing counter means comprises an up-down counter connected to
count in one direction from an initial predetermined content
between the occurrence of said first and second signals and to
subsequently count in the opposite direction; and
said activation means is connected to said up-down counter to
detect the time when its contents again equals said initial
predetermined content and to activate the connected electrical load
in response thereto.
11. Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said preset counter means
includes:
a digital counter,
logic means connected to provide said first signal when a preset
content of the digital counter is established, and
means to provide said second signal when the maximum content of the
digital counter is established.
12. Apparatus as in claim 11 wherein:
said timing counter means comprises an up-down counter connected to
count in one direction from an initial predetermined content
between the occurrence of said first and second signals and to
subsequently count in the opposite direction; and
said activation means is connected to said up-down counter to
detect the time when its contents again equals said initial
predetermined content and to activate the connected electrical load
in response thereto.
13. Apparatus as in claim 12 wherein said activation means includes
logic means which permits activation of the electrical load only if
the digital counter of the preset counter means has previously
reached a predetermined content.
14. Apparatus as in claim 1 .[.and.]. .Iadd.or .Iaddend.2 wherein
said central unit includes plural output channels providing
different respectively corresponding reference timing signals on
each such channel for use by different corresponding sets of said
devices.
15. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein each of said devices includes
an energy dissipation means connected to substantially deplete said
energy storage means of its stored energy within a predetermined
time after its last receipt of energy from said central unit
thereby disabling the device if its electrical load is not
activated within such predetermined time.
16. Apparatus as in claim 1 or 2 wherein all of said devices are
electrically connected in parallel with said central unit.
17. Apparatus as in claim 1 or 2 wherein each device further
includes discrimination means for minimizing the possibility that
spurious electrical inputs thereto would result in activation of
the connected electrical load.
18. Apparatus as in claim 1 or 2 wherein said central unit is
connected to each of said devices by two electrical conductors and
wherein each of said devices includes means for accepting and using
electrical outputs from the central unit regardless of the relative
order in which such conductors are connected or the resulting
relative polarity of the electrical outputs supplied to any given
device.
19. Apparatus as in claim 1 or 2 wherein each of said electrical
loads comprise an electric fusehead disposed to ignite a blasting
detonator.
20. An explosives firing control system for selectively energizing
a plurality of electric fuseheads after respectively corresponding
predetermined time delays, said system comprising:
a fire control unit located at a remote site for providing
reference timing signals, and
an electrical timing device situated at the site of each electric
fusehead and connected to energize its associated fusehead in
response to said reference timing signals,
each of said timing devices including
means for providing first and second signals from the reference
signals,
a source of locally generated clock pulses,
timing counter means for counting the number of said clock pulses
occurring between said first and second signals, and
means for energizing the associated fusehead after a subsequent
time delay measured by counting a number of said clock pulses
related to the number previously counted between the occurrence of
said first and second signals.
21. An explosives firing control system as in claim 20 wherein:
said fire control unit also provides electrical energy for use in
energizing said fuseheads, and
each of said timing devices includes an energy storage means
connected to receive and store said electrical energy and to supply
at least a portion of such energy to its associated fusehead.
22. An explosives firing control system as in claim 21 wherein said
energy storage means is also capable of powering the timing device
and thus insure its operation after receipt of the reference timing
signals even if the timing device is thereafter isolated from the
fire control unit.
23. An explosives firing to control system as in claim 20, 21 or 22
wherein the timing means in each of said timing devices begins to
measure its respectively corresponding predetermined time delay at
a common reference time also defined by said reference timing
signals.
24. An explosives firing control system for selectively energizing
a plurality of electric fuseheads after respectively corresponding
predetermined time delays, said system comprising:
a fire control unit located at a remote site for providing
reference timing signals, and
an electrical timing device situated at the site of each electric
fusehead and connected to energize its associated fusehead in
response to said reference timing signals,
each of said timing devices including timing means for measuring a
reference time interval defined by said reference timing signals
and for subsequently energizing its associated fusehead after a
respectively corresponding predetermined time delay which delay is
determined as a function of said measured reference time
interval
wherein said reference timing signals comprise a sequence of
accurately timed events, and
wherein each of said timing means comprises
a source of locally generated clock pulses,
preset counter means for counting said timed events and for
providing first and second signals respectively corresponding to
first and second predetermined counter contents,
timing counter means for counting the number of said clock pulses
occurring between said first and second signals, and
means for energizing the associated fusehead after a subsequent
time delay measured by counting a number of said clock pulses
related to the number previously counted between the occurrence of
said first and second signals.
25. An explosives firing control system as in claim 24 wherein said
second predetermined counter contents is identical for all of said
timing devices.
26. An explosives firing control system as in claim 24 wherein each
timing means includes means for initially resetting said preset
counter means and said timing counter means to predetermined
initial contents.
27. An explosives firing control system as in claim 24 wherein said
fire control unit includes means for forming said sequence of
accurately timed events as superimposed variations in the flow of
electrical energy from said fire control unit.
28. An explosives firing control system as in claim 27 wherein said
fire control unit also includes time delay means for delaying the
transmission of said reference timing signals for a predetermined
time interval after operation is initiated.
29. An explosives firing control system as in claim 24 wherein:
said timing counter means comprises an up-down counter connected to
count in one direction from an initial predetermined content
between the occurrence of said first and second signals and to
subsequently count in the opposite direction; and
said means for energizing is connected to said up-down counter to
detect the time when its contents again equals said initial
predetermined content and to energize the connected fusehead in
response thereto.
30. An explosives firing control system as in claim 24 wherein said
preset counter means includes:
a digital counter,
logic means connected to provide said first signal when a preset
content of the digital counter is established, and
means to provide said second signal when the maximum content of the
digital counter is established.
31. An explosives firing control system as in claim 30 wherein:
said timing counter means comprises an up-down counter connected to
count in one direction from an initial predetermined content
between the occurrence of said first and second signals and to
subsequently count in the opposite direction; and
said means for energizing is connected to said up-down counter to
detect the time when its contents again equals said initial
predetermined content and to energize the connected fusehead in
response thereto.
32. An explosives firing control system as in claim 31 wherein said
means for energizing includes logic means which permits
energization of the fusehead only if the digital counter of the
preset counter means has previously reached a predetermined
content.
33. An explosives firing control system as claim 20, 21 or 22
wherein said fire control unit includes plural output channels
providing different respectively corresponding reference timing
signals on each such channel for use by different corresponding
sets of said timing devices.
34. An explosives firing control system as in claim 21 wherein each
of said timing devices includes an energy dissipation means
connected to substantially deplete said energy storage means for
its stored energy within a predetermined time after its last
receipt of energy from said fire control unit thereby disabling the
timing device if its fusehead is not energized within such
predetermined time.
35. An explosives firing control system as in claim 20, 21 or 22
wherein all of said timing devices are connected in parallel with
said fire control unit.
36. An explosives firing control system as in claim 20, 21 or 22
wherein each timing device further includes discrimination means
for minimizing the possibility that spurious electrical inputs
thereto would result in energization of connected fusehead.
37. An explosives firing control system as in claim 20, 21 or 22
wherein said fire control unit is connected to each of said timing
devices by two electrical conductors and wherein each of said
timing devices includes means for accepting and using electrical
outputs from the fire control unit regardless of the relative order
in which such conductors are connected or the resulting relative
polarity of the electrical outputs supplied to any given timing
device.
38. An explosives firing control system as in claim 20, 21, or 22
further comprising plural electronic explosive detonators, each of
which embodies one of said fuseheads and one of said timing
devices.
39. An electrical timing device for activating an electrical load
after a predetermined time delay operating in conjunction with a
remote unit which provides accurately timed reference signals, said
device comprising:
time interval measuring means adapted to receive said accurately
timed reference signals and to measure a first time interval
associated therewith, said time interval measuring means
comprising
means for providing first and second signals from said time
interval,
a source of locally generated clock pulses, and
timing counter means for counting the number of clock pulses
occuring between said first and second signals, and
output means for thereafter activating said electrical load after
said predetermined time delay.Iadd., .Iaddend.which is
.Iadd.measured from a reference time defined by said timed
reference signals and .Iaddend.determined as a function of said
measured first time invertal.Iadd., .Iaddend.said output means
comprising means for activating the electrical load after a
subsequent time delay measured by again counting said clock pulses
as a function of the number earlier counted between said first and
scond signals.
40. An electrical timing device as in claim 39 further
comprising:
energy storage means connected to receive and store electrical
energy from said remote unit and to supply at least a portion of
such stored energy to its associated electrical load aftger said
predetermined time delay. .[.41. An electrical timing device as in
claim 39 and 40 wherein said predetermined time delay in measured
from a reference time also defined by
said timed reference signals..]. 42. An electrical timing device as
in claim 39 .[.and.]. .Iadd.or .Iaddend.40 wherein said device is
disposed at the site of its associated electrical load and
continues to operate after receipt of said timed reference signals
even if thereafter isolated from
said remote unit. 43. An electrical timing device for activating an
electrical load after a predetermined time delay operating in
conjunction with a remote unit which provides accurately timed
reference signals, wherein said accurately timed reference signals
comprise a sequence of accurately timed events said device
comprising:
time intervals measuring means adapted to receive said accurately
timed reference signals and to measure a first time interval
associated therewith, comprising a source of locally generated
clock pulses, preset counter means for counting said timed events
and for providing first and second signals respectively
corresponding to first and second predetermined counter contents,
and a timing conter means for counting the number of clock pulses
occurring between said first and second signals; and
output means for thereafter activating said electrical load after
said predetermined time delay.Iadd., .Iaddend.which is
.Iadd.measured from a reference time defined by said timed
reference signals and .Iaddend.determined as a function of said
measured first time interval.Iadd., .Iaddend.comprising means for
activating the electrical load after a subsequent time delay
measured by again counting said clock pulses as a function of the
number earlier counted between said first and
second signals. 44. An electrical timing device as in claim 43
further comprising means for initially resetting said preset
counter means and
said timing counter means to predetermined initial contents. 45. An
electrical timing device as in claim 43 wherein:
said timing counter means comprises an up-down counter connected to
count in one direction from an initial predetermined content
between the occurrence of said first and second signals and to
subsequently count in the opposite direction; and
said output means is connected to said up-down counter to detect
the time when its contents again equals said initial predetermined
content and to
activate the connected electrical load in response thereof. 46. An
electrical timing device as in claim 43 wherein said preset counter
means includes:
a digital counter,
logic means connected to provide said first signal when a preset
content of the digital counter is established, and
means to provide said second signal when the maximum content of the
digital
counter is established. 47. An electrical timing device as in claim
43 wherein said output means include logic means wich permits
activation of the electrical load only if the digital counter of
the preset counter
means had previously reached a predetermined content. 48. An
electrical timing device as in claim 40 further comprising:
an energy dissipation means connected to substantially deplete said
energy storage means of its stored energy within a predetermined
time after its last receipt of energy from said central unit
thereby disabling the device if its electrical load is not
activated within such predetermined time.
An electrical timing device as in claim 39 .[.and.]. .Iadd.or
.Iaddend.40 .Iadd.further .Iaddend.comprising:
discrimination means for minimizing the possibility that spurious
electrical inputs thereto would result in activation of the
connected
electrical load. 50. An electrical timing device as in claim 39
.[.and.]. .Iadd.or .Iaddend.40 including means for accepting and
using electrical outputs from the remote unit regardless of the
polarity of such outputs.
. The combination of an electrical timing device as in claim 39
.[.and.]. .Iadd.or .Iaddend.40 and an electric fusehead connected
as said
electrical load. 52. A time delay electric fusehead assembly for
use in conjunction witih a remote fire control unit providing
accurately timed reference signals, said fusehead assembly
comprising:
an electrically activated fusehead,
time interval measuring means for receiving said accurately timed
reference signals and measuring a time interval associated
therewith comprising means for providing first and second signals
from said reference signals, a source of locally generated clock
pulses and timing counter means for counting the number of clock
pulses occurring between said first and second signals, and
output means for thereafter activating said fusehead after a
predetermined time delay measured .Iadd.from a reference time
defined by said timed reference signals .Iaddend.by again counting
said clock pulses as a function of the number earlier counted
between said first and second
signals. 53. A time delay electric fusehead assembly as in claim 52
further comprising:
energy storage means connected to receive and store electrical
energy from said remote fire control unit and to supply at least a
portion of such stored energy to its associated fusehead after said
predetermined time delay. .[.54. A time delay electric fusehead
assembly as in claim 52 or 53 wherein said predetermined time delay
is measured from a reference time
also defined by said timed reference signals..]. 55. A time delay
electric fusehead assembly as in claim 52 .[.and.]. .Iadd.or
.Iaddend.53 wherein said assembly continues to operate after
receipt of said timed reference signals even if thereafter isolated
from said remote fire control unit.
A time delay electric fusehead assembly for use in conjunction with
a remote fire control unit providing accurately timed reference
signals wherein said accurately timed reference signals comprise a
sequence of accurately timed events said fusehead assembly
comprising:
an electrically activated fusehead,
time interval measuring means for receiving said accurately time
reference signals and measuring a first time interval associated
therewith, comprising a source of locally generated clock pulses,
preset counter means for counting said time events and for
providing first and second signals respectively corresponding to
first and second predetermined counter contents, and a timing
counter means for counting the number of clock pulses occurring
between said first and second signals; and
output means for thereafter activating said fusehead after said
predetermined time delay.Iadd., .Iaddend.which is .Iadd.measured
from a reference time defined by said timed reference signals, and
.Iaddend.determined as a function of said first measured time
interval, comprising means for activating the fusehead after a
subsequent time delay measured by again counting said clock pulses
as a function of the number
earlier counted between said first and second signals. 57. A time
delay electric fusehead assembly as in claim 56 further comprising
means for initially resetting said perset counter means and said
timing counter
means to predetermined initial contents. 58. A time delay electric
fusehead assembly as in claim 56 wherein
said timing counter means comprises up-down counter connected to
count in one direction from an initial predetermined content
between the occurrence of said first and second signals and to
subsequently count in the opposite direction; and
said output means is connected to said up-down counter to detect
the time when its contents again equals said initial predetermined
content and to
activate the connected fusehead in response thereto. 59. A time
delay electric fusehead assembly as in claim 56 wherein said preset
counter means includes:
a digital counter,
logic means connected to provide said first signal when a preset
content of the digital couinter is established, and
means to provide said second signal when the maximum content of the
digital
counter is established. 60. A time delay electric fusehead assembly
as in claim 56 wherein said output means includes logic means which
permits activation of the electrical fusehead only if the digital
counter of the
preset counter means has previously reached a predetermined
content. 61. A time delay electric fusehead assembly as in claim 53
further comprising:
an energy dissipation means connected to substantially deplete said
energy storage means for its stored energy within a predetermined
time after its last recepit of energy from said central unit
thereby disabling the device if its electrical fusehead is not
activated within such predetermined
time. 62. A time delay electric fusehead assembly as in claim 52
.[.and.]. .Iadd.or .Iaddend.53 comprising:
discrimination means for minimizing the possibility that spurious
electrical inputs thereto would result in activation of the
connected
electrical fusehead. 63. A time delay electric fusehead assembly as
in claim 52 or 53 including means for accepting and using
electrical outputs from the remote fire control unit regardless of
the polarity of such
outputs. 64. The combination of a time delay electric fusehead
assembly as in claim 52 or 53 and a blasting detonator.
Description
This invention is generally related to apparatus and method for
selectively activating plural electrical loads at respectively
corresponding predetermined relative times. More particularly, it
is directed to electrically activated time delay fuseheads for
explosive detonators and to a system comprising a plurality of such
fuseheads, detonators and a central unit providing reference timing
signals to the system. The invention also provides an improved
method of blasting by sequentially initiating explosive charges in
accordance with the invention.
It is often necessary to detonate explosive charges in a
predetermined accurately timed sequence for many blasting and
seismic prospecting and/or exploration operations. The accuracy of
the relative time intervals between successive explosions is
important, inter alia, to limit ground vibration, control
fracturing and displacement of rock, and for producing significant
seismic records. The accuracy of such relative timing affects both
the efficiency and general economics of many blasting and seismic
operations.
In the past, the time interval between initiation of consecutive
explosive charges has usually been controlled by using pyrotechnic
trains having a controlled burning rate (thus providing a
propagation time delay) within the detonator casings between the
fusehead and the explosive charges or in the pyrotechnic train
linking two detonators. Such conventional time delay detonators may
be either electrically or explosively initiated and are typically
manufactured in one or more series with various lengths of
pyrotechnic delay composition so as to give predetermined nominal
delay intervals.
It is also known to generate a controlled time sequence of
electrical signals for more or less initiating the fuseheads in a
plurality of electrical detonators at accurately timed intervals.
(See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,546,686; 3,312,869; and
3,424,924.) However, to guard against the possibility of damage of
interconnecting wiring by one of the earlier explosions, it is
necessary to incorporate a pyrotechnic delay of sufficient time
length in all detonators so as to ensure that all of the fuseheads
have been electrically initiated before the first explosion
occurs.
Accordingly, in many delay systems using electric fuseheads, the
time interval between explosive charges actually depends on the
difference in time delay between at least two pyrotechnic delay
trains. The accuracy of such timing intervals is thus dependent on
the statistical variance of the mean of each delay time from the
design delay time as well as the variance of each delay time about
such a mean. The achievable accuracy in actual production has
become a limiting factor in many blasting and seismic operations.
Furthermore, production quality of such time delay systems can only
be monitored through destructive sample testing which is expensive
and, in any event, the pyrotechnic delay incorporated in each of a
series of delay detonators is usually physically different in one
or more respects. To meet requirements for different timing
intervals, it is also usually necessary to produce more than one
series of delay detonators.
Several prior proposals have also been made for locating expendable
electronic timing circuits at each blasting site. See, for example,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,067,684; 3,571,605; 3,646,371; and 3,500,746.
Various techniques are suggested in these patents to attempt
compensation for frequency variations in the local timing
oscillator and/or to make that oscillator crystal controlled.
However, the actual relative time delays actually realized are
determined by the degree to which a predetermined frequency
standard is achieved by the local oscillator in most cases.
However, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,646,371 and 3,500,746 do show artillery
shell electronic time delay fuses having relatively complex digital
feedback circuits to a remote setting circuit which compensates
detected local oscillator frequency variations by adjusting the
number of oscillator pulses counted during a subsequent time delay
period.
However, it has now been discovered that using this invention a
system of plural electrically activated time delay fuseheads can be
provided with a significantly improved relative timing accuracy and
with greater flexibility in selecting desired relative time delays
between the various time delay fuseheads in a system. The result is
a more reliable, more accurate and more safe operation. Each
fusehead in the system of this invention is activated or ignited at
an accurately timed delay interval after a common starting signal
transmitted to all fuseheads. After the start signal has been
received, all further electronic time measurements are made locally
at each fusehead site as a function of a previously measured
accurately timed interval between reference signals earlier
received from a central location. The result is the accurate time
delayed firing of a series of fuseheads in a predetermined time
sequence regardless of any damage which might occur to
interconnecting wiring during the actual explosive operation.
In the presently preferred exemplary embodiment, an electronic
"fire control unit" is remotely sited and connected to transmit
coded signals to each of the plural electrically activated
detonators in an explosive system. Such signals may be transmitted,
for example, over a parallel fed two-wire signal transmission
system. Each of the electrically activated detonators incorporates
an electronic fuse unit together with a pyrotechnic initiating
composition and/or base charges as appropriate for detonating a
main explosive charge. Each of the electronic fuse units are
preferably identical except for differing digitally coded
electronic addresses or "fuse numbers" which are related to the
relative times of fuse activation after receipt of a starting
signal.
Unlike conventional electric time delay detonators, the time delay
will not be primarily dependent upon the propagation time in a
pyrotechnic train or the like. Rather, the time delay is generated
in a precise electronic manner at each electronic fuse unit based
on information previously received from the central fire control
unit. Just prior to a blasting operation, each of the individual
electronic fuse units are energized by the fire control unit which
also transmits information signals regarding the respective
predetermined time delays. This information is effectively stored
by each of the respective electronic fuse units and then acted upon
electronically on command from the fire control unit.
This invention presents less stringent fuse design requirements and
affords much greater flexibility in achieving relative time delays
from a single series of manufactured electronic detonators which
are substantially identical electrically and mechanically.
Accordingly, more simple manufacturing and stock control procedures
may be used.
The electronic fuse units and/or detonators employing such units
are simple to install and may integrally incorporate protection
from spurious electrical and/or magnetic energy sources. Such fuses
may also be connected in multiple parallel channels and controlled
to fire consecutively or concurrently. In the presently preferred
exemplary embodiment, time delays are achieved by counting clock
pulses from a local clock pulse generator over an interval
accurately defined by the central and nonexpendable fire control
unit. An equal or proportionate time interval is later generated by
counting an equal number of pulses from a pulse frequency derived
from and proportionate to the frequency of the local clock pulse
generator. Since each electronic time delay fuse is expendable
(i.e., destroyed during the explosion), it is preferable to use a
relatively cheap oscillator or clock pulse generator. This is quite
feasible with this invention since the relative time delays
obtained are a function of the stability of the clock pulse
generator over a relatively short period of time rather than of the
absolute frequency of oscillation. That is, even though the various
local clock oscillators of a system may all be operating at
substantially different frequencies, so long as each local
oscillator is relatively stable over a relatively short time (of
the same order of magnitude as the desired maximum time delay),
then the overall accuracy and precision of the system timing will
be very good.
There are various acceptable techniques for transmitting the
required reference time information from the central fire control
unit to the expendable time delay electronic fuses. For example, a
series of accurately time spaced pulses may be transmitted
simultaneously to all of the fuses with appropriate address
counters in the fuses selecting time intervals between
predetermined ones of the train of pulses as the reference time
inverval for that particular fuse. A subsequent time delay period
may then be measured by each fuse as a function of its own peculiar
reference time inverval. Such time delay periods may be measured
beginning at a common starting signal for all fuse units or,
alternatively, the measurement of the time delay period may begin
immediately upon conclusion of the reference time interval for one
or all of the fuses in a system. Alternatively, a single reference
time interval may be transmitted to and received by all of the
electronic fuse units which thereafter measure their own
respectively corresponding predetermined time delay periods based
upon the measured reference time interval (e.g., one-half,
one-third, one, one-and-one-half, etc. of the reference time
interval). Of course, if desired, two or more of the fuse units may
be caused to respond in the same way to the same control signals so
that energy will be fed simultaneously to plural electrical loads
such as electrical fuseheads. These techniques as well as
variations and modifications of such techniques will be more
completely understood from the following detailed description of an
exemplary embodiment.
In the case where characteristic control signals for any given
electronic fuse are selected by counting control pulses, a first
predetermined count can be used to identify the beginning of a
reference time interval. Similarly, a second predetermined count
can be used to identify the end of a reference time interval. Of
course, for a plurality of loads, the second predetermined count
may either be the same for all loads or greater than the first
predetermined count by a specified number. For example, the first
predetermined counts allocated to a series of electronic fuseheads
may be consecutive numbers and the fuseheads will then be energized
either in numerical order of the complement of the first
predetermined counts relative to the common second predetermined
count plus unity or, alternatively, simply in the numerical order
of the first predetermined counts. Again, these and other
possibilities will be better appreciated after the detailed
exemplary embodiment is better understood.
Where control signals are counted to identify the proper reference
timing interval for a given fusehead, a preset (i.e., pre-decoded)
electronic counter may be used to determine when the count reaches
the first and second predetermined counts mentioned above.
Alternatively, appropriate logic may be attached to the interstage
outputs of a conventional electronic counter for comparing its
contents with one or more predetermined numbers stored in a
register or other data storage means.
In the exemplary embodiment to be described below, the actual time
delay measurement is made utilizing a local clock pulse generator
and a reversible counter for counting such clock pulses at the site
of each electronic fusehead. The actual delay period between the
start signal transmitted from the fire control unit and the
activation of the connected electrical load is determined by
counting from a predetermined initial contents (which may be zero)
in one direction at the beginning of the reference time interval,
stopping the count at the end of the reference time interval and
subsequently reversing the direction of the counter and activating
the connected electrical load whenever the counter contents again
reaches the initial starting value (which may be zero). The reverse
counting operation may be started immediately at the conclusion of
the reference time interval or, alternatively, may be started at
some subsequent time from a separate "start" signal transmitted
from the first control unit.
The energy required for activating the connected electrical load
(e.g., an electric fusehead) together with all additional energy
required for operating the electronics signal selecting, processing
and timing system at the site of each load is preferably supplied
from the central fire control unit by either alternating or direct
current. When an AC source of energy is utilized, both the energy
for activating the load as well as the control signals are
conveniently (but not necessarily) fed through a transformer
arrangement. The control or informational signals may be realized
as interruptions of and/or modifications to such AC or DC
electrical currents from the fire control unit.
For example, when the load is an electrical fusehead, the energy
storage unit may be realized by a capacitor which is charged by
electrical energy coming from the fire control unit. This capacitor
then stores sufficient energy to maintain operation of the
electronics for the required time delay periods and, in addition,
to activate the connected electrical fusehead so that the system
will continue to operate as desired even if interconnecting wires
with the fire control unit are damaged during earlier
explosions.
Each electronic time delay circuit preferably also includes means
for identifying predetermined characteristics of the legitimate
control signals (e.g., signal pulse duration of frequency) so that
only energizing signals having selected predetermined
characteristics will even by passed to the time delay circuitry.
See, for example, the commonly assigned, copending applications
Ser. No. 109,109, filed Jan. 2, 1980, and Ser. No. 4265 filed Jan.
17, 1979. Suitable means are also included for separating and/or
deriving control signals from the electrical energy supplied by the
fire control unit. Other means are provided to reset or preset
correct circuit starting conditions upon initial energization of
the circuit by the fire control unit and prior to the storage of
sufficient energy for load activation. Means are also provided for
protecting the electronics from damage by excess input
voltages.
These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be
better and more completely understood by reading the following
detailed description of an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system according to this
invention embodying a centralized fire control unit for supplying
both firing energy and time control pulses to a series of
electrically activated fuseheads;
FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of the electronic
time delay circuits associated with each of the fuseheads in FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 shows a timing sequence similar to that of the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 4-6 show exemplary alternative timing sequences for a series
of electric fuseheads fired in accordance with this invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a simple form of fire control unit
that can be used with this invention;
FIGS. 8 and 9 are signal timing diagrams useful in explaining the
operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 7;
FIGS. 10, 11A and 11B are increasingly more detailed schematic
diagrams of the electronic time delay circuitry shown in FIG.
2;
FIGS. 12 and 13 are signal timing diagrams useful in explaining the
operation of the circuits shown in FIGS. 2, 10 and 11;
FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams of exemplary local clock
pulse generators which may be used with this invention; and
FIGS. 16 and 17 are comparative graphs showing different aspects of
system performance when using the different types of local clock
pulse generators shown in FIG. 15.
Referring to FIG. 1, an energy source 10 supplies firing energy and
a sequence of timing control pulses through wires 12 and 13A to
electronic time delay circuit 14A which, in turn, is connected to
an electrically activated load (e.g., the fusehead of an electric
detonator) by wires 15A. Other electronic time delay circuits
14B-14Z (as many as desired within system limitations) are
connected in parallel or series (not shown) to the centralized
control unit 10 via wires 12 and to the electrically activated
loads (e.g., fuseheads) by wires 15B-15Z.
Each time delay circuit 14A-14Z of FIG. 1 is shown in more detail
at FIG. 2. Here input electrical energy and control pulses are fed
to a discriminator unit 16 through wires 13. Unit 16, through wires
17, supplies appropriate operating voltages for the electronic
timing circuits and, through wires 18, supplies energy to an energy
store 19. The energy store 19 is usually a capacitor having
sufficient capacity to ensure that, even if the wires 13 are broken
after system operation is initiated, energy will flow from the
store 19 through wires 18 to provide the required operating
voltages on the lines 17.
The initial receipt of energy by unit 16 generates a reset pulse on
line 21 which positively sets (directly or indirectly) pulse
counters 23 and 35 and logic units 30 and 40 to an appropriate
starting state. Discriminator 16 also preferably contains means for
identifying the informational time control pulses received via
wires 13 and feeding them via line 22 to logic unit 30. The
contents of counter 23 are set by the reset pulse on line 21 to
equal a predetermined number N.sub.1 (zero in this exemplary
embodiment). The control pulses are fed to counter 23 via line 31
under the control of logic unit 30. An address unit 25 receives the
state of counter 23 via lines 24 and determines when the contents
of counter 23 equals a second predetermined number N.sub.2 that is
greater than N.sub.1 and, at the time of such equality, generates a
first control signal via line 26. N.sub.2 is the address number
which identifies an individual time delay circuit 14 and is defined
by the equation.
wherein M is a number greater than N.sub.1, and is the same for all
time delay circuits 14, m is an integer greater than or equal to
unity and less than or equal to a chosen number m.sub.0 that
determines the maximum length of the sequence of loads (e.g.,
fuseheads) that can be fired from a single input on wires 13. A
series of time delay circuits 14 to fire fuseheads in time sequence
is selected from time delay circuits with address number M, M+1,
M+2, . . . (M+m-1) . . . (M+m.sub.0 -1). In any series of
fuseheads, the fuseheads in this particular exemplary embodiment
will then be individually exploded either in ascending or
descending numerical order of the address number.
A further address unit 28 receives the state of the counter 23 via
lines 27 and determines when the contents of counter 23 equals a
third predetermined number N.sub.3 which is greater than N.sub.2.
At the time of such equality, a second control signal is generated
via line 29. In any series of fuseheads, N.sub.3 may be the same
for all time delay circuits or (N.sub.3 -N.sub.2) may be the same
for all time delay circuits in the exemplary embodiment.
A clock pulse generator 34 produces clock pulses which may be fed,
if desired, via line 37 to the discriminator unit 16 and used as a
timing means against which the durations of the control pulses are
identified. However, in the exemplary embodiment other means are
used for discriminating against control signals having improper
pulse durations. The clock pulses are fed via line 36 to a
reversible digital counter 35 that can count in either a forward or
reverse direction in response to a third control signal from logic
unit 30 on line 32. The count in counter 35 is started and stopped
by a fourth control signal from logic unit 30 on line 33. The reset
pulse on line 21 initially sets counter 35 to zero and sets logic
unit 30 to a starting state such that the control pulses when
received on line 22, are transmitted via line 31, a forward count
control signal is produced on line 32 and a control signal
inhibiting the counting of clock pulses by counter 35 is produced
on line 33.
On receipt of the first control signal via line 26, logic unit 30
changes the state of the fourth control signal on line 33 to start
counter 35 counting forward. On receipt of the second control
signal via line 29, logic unit 30 changes the third control signal
no line 32 and the direction of counting by counter 35 is
reversed.
In this embodiment the second control signal is also the starting
signal for timing the delay interval before the fusehead fires.
However, in an alternative embodiment, the starting signal is
arranged to occur at a predetermined number of control pulses after
the receipt of the second control signal. In this alternate
embodiment logic unit 30, on receipt of the second control signal,
is arranged to alter the fourth control signal again and thereby
halt counting by counter 35. Then, or receipt (via line 22) of a
further number of control pulses (that may be unity), logic unit 30
reverses the direction of counting by counter 35 by alternating the
third control signal on line 32 (the delay starting signal) and
also starts the reverse count by altering the fourth control signal
on line 33. In both these embodiments, either (a) receipt of the
second control signal by logic unit 30 inhibits further control
pulses being passed via line 31 to counter 23, or (b) the design of
counter 23 is such that counter state N.sub.3 is transmitted via
lines 27 when the number of control pulses received by the counter
23 is equal to or greater than N.sub.3. Counter 23 may also be made
incapable of overflowing or exceeding N.sub.3 to insure accurate
detection of this condition. (See British Pat. No. 1,258,892.
Resuming with explanation of the illustrated exemplary embodiment,
when the direction of counting by counter 35 has been reversed, the
logic unit 30 feeds an indicator signal on line 39 to a logic unit
40. When the contents of counter 35 have returned to zero, a
further indicator signal is produced on lines 38 and fed to logic
unit 40, whereupon logic unit 40 produces a fifth control signal on
line 41 that causes a switch 42 to connect the energy store 19
through lines 20 and lines 15 to the fusehead (not shown in FIG.
2).
In the examples of timing sequences shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6
the selected values N.sub.1 =0, M=1 and m.sub.0 =6 are merely
illustrative. Furthermore, the invervals between control pulses
have, purely for illustration, been selected as equal. Time is
shown on the horizontal axes together with control pulses, P.sub.1,
P.sub.2, R.sub.3 --and the contents of counter 23. The vertical
axes show the contents of reversible counter 35 as time advances,
the individual steps being, for clarity, approximated by a straight
line.
In the embodiment of FIG. 3 counting by counter 35 starts when the
count in counter 23 reaches the address number N.sub.2. When the
count in counter 23 reaches N.sub.3 =7 all time delay circuits
commence a reverse count by counter 35 and ignition of the
detonators takes place at I.sub.1, I.sub.2, I.sub.3 . . . I.sub.6
in reverse numerical sequence of the address number N.sub.2.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4, when the contents of counter 23
reaches N.sub.3 =7, the counting by counter 35 stops. The next
control pulse P.sub.8 is transmitted after a predetermined delay,
whereupon all ignition circuits commence a reverse count by counter
35 giving ignition at I.sub.1, I.sub.2, I.sub.3 . . . I.sub.6 in
reverse sequence of the address numbers N.sub.2.
In the embodiment of FIG. 5, forward counting starts when the
address number N.sub.2 is reached and, when N.sub.3 -N.sub.2 =6,
the count by counter 35 is reversed and ignition takes place at
I.sub.1, I.sub.2, I.sub.3 . . . I.sub.6 in numerical sequence of
the address numbers N.sub.2.
In the embodiment of FIG. 6 the counting by counter 35 stops when
N.sub.3 -N.sub.2 =6 and is reversed after a count of 4 control
pulses.
It will be evident that, provided the frequency of the clock pulse
generator is stable between forward and reverse counts, the
contents of the counter at reversal and hence the precise clock
frequency is not significant and all timing intervals are (subject
to circuit design limitations) effectively determined by the
accurately controlled intervals of the control pulses through
conductor wires 12 and 13.
All or part of the components of each time delay circuit 14, except
the energy store 19, may be assembled as an integrated circuit on a
semiconductor chip and assembled with the energy store and the
fusehead in a detonator casing.
Before describing specific exemplary circuits in greater detail,
the overall operation of the system will again be reviewed. With
the system connected as shown in FIG. 1, the fire control unit
(FCU) is activated. It provides a DC current for an initial
charging period (see the top portion of FIG. 3) for charging up the
energy storage device (e.g., a capacitor) 19 at each remote fuse
site. After this initial charging period (e.g., of the order of 30
seconds), the output of the FCU is interrupted briefly at precisely
timed intervals (see FIG. 3). These negatively going pulses (in the
exemplary embodiment) function as timing reference or control
signals and are simply transmitted in a continuous series until the
blasting operation is completed. As will be appreciated, a more
complex form of timing reference signals could also be
employed.
Each individual electronic fuse 14 incorporates a "preset" counter
23 which responds to these control pulses by generating two
internal control signals. The first internal signal occurs at a
preset count of counter 23 which is related to the particular delay
time period desired for that particular fuse. The second internal
signal from counter 23 corresponds to its maximum count and is the
same in this simple exemplary embodiment for all fuses 14.
Additionally, each fuse 14 incorporates an "up/down" counter 35
driven by an internal local clock pulse generator 34. Counter 34 is
driven upwardly by the internal clock upon receipt of the first
internal control signal from counter 23 and is reversed upon the
occurrence of the second internal control signal from counter 23
for this simple exemplary embodiment wherein the starting signal is
coincident with the end of the accurately timed reference interval
defined by the central fire control unit. When the up/down counter
35 reaches its original starting count (in this simple exemplary
embodiment) and the preset counter 23 has previously generated the
second internal control signal (i.e., reached its maximum count in
the exemplary embodiment), the storage capacitor 19 is then
discharged through its respectively associated electrically
activated fusehead which then ignites its explosive detonator
without further substantial delay. Accordingly, in this simple
exemplary embodiment, the actual time delay period set into a given
time delay circuit 14 is determined immediately prior to system
operation by the FCU as the time interval during which the up/down
counter 35 is permitted to count upwardly. The time delay actually
achieved by a given circuit during the subsequent down count of
counter 35 is primarily dependent for its precision on the
frequency stability of the internal oscillator 34 over the duration
of the "up" and "down" counting operations. However, such precison
is not dependent upon the absolute frequency of the oscillator
which may vary, within limits, from one time delay circuit 14 to
another.
In the simple exemplary embodiment depicted by FIG. 3, the fuses
are numbered according to their firing order which, in turn,
depends upon the preset count associated with counter 23 (e.g.,
N.sub.2). In this instance, a fuse will always fire first in
sequence if it has the highest preset count N.sub.2.
For example, sustained and intermittent AC signals (for charging
and control purposes, respectively) may also be used. A
controllable time interval between "setting" and "effecting" a
given time delay and the inclusion of a number of initial "passive"
counts by counter 23 (to permit an additional degree of protection
against breakthrough of spurious control signals) are variations of
the general type depicted in FIGS. 4-6.
In the exemplary embodiment, the time delay circuitry is composed
of commercially available CMOS integrated circuits and number of
discrete components. However, for mass production, the entire
circuit (with the probable exception of the energy storage
capacitor) is preferably formed as a "single chip" integrated
circuit using standard integrated circuit manufacturing techniques.
It is even possible that an electrically activated fusehead itself
may be physically attached to or otherwise associated with the
integrated circuit substrate. This present exemplary embodiment
also features a non-polarized input, protection against static and
electromagnetic interference, automatic reset of the various
electronic circuits before the energy storage capacitor is capable
of firing a fusehead, pulse duration discrimination circuits for
filtering spurious signals, and an integrated circuit power switch
which is capable of igniting the electrically activated
fusehead.
As earlier mentioned, in a blasting environment, the lead wires to
any given fuse may be disrupted by earlier explosions and it is
essential that the fuse continue to operate independently of such
lead wire disruption. This means that the electronic time delay
circuit must have sufficient internally stored electrical energy to
drive the electronics efficiently and to ignite the fusehead at the
end of some maximum desired delay period (e.g., several seconds).
In the exemplary embodiment a capacitor has been chosen as the
energy storage element. The energy requirements for operating the
electronic circuits are minimized by using low power semiconductor
technology such as the well known CMOS integrated circuits which
require very little energy in the non-switching state.
However, in the present embodiment, appreciable energy consumption
is required by the internal clock generator and subsequent driven
circuits which are continuously being switched unless they are
operated at very low voltages (e.g., less than 3 volts). At the
same time, when lower operating voltages are used, the frequency
stability versus supply voltage characteristics of available
oscillator circuits may be poor enough to adversely affect the time
delay precision that is obtainable with these circuits. While a
crystal controlled oscillator could be employed, this would
necessarily increase the cost of each expendable time delay
circuit. At higher operating voltages, the current drain caused by
an oscillator may cause considerable decay of the voltage across
the storage capacitor even for large values of capacitance (e.g.,
1000 microfarads). Accordingly, it is preferred to use techniques
for limiting such current drain and/or to shield the clock from the
supply voltage decay so as to prevent adverse loss of precision in
the time delay measurements.
As described in more detail below, experiments have been carried
out with a CMOS integrated circuit oscillator (CD4047) used in
several different types of circuits. The CD4047 circuit has a very
low power requirements and a good frequency stability versus supply
voltage characteristics. Nevertheless, the precision achievable by
a given system is, from a practical standpoint, limited by the size
and quality of storage capacitor which is employed. The range of
capacitance which may be considered has a lower limit determined by
fusehead ignition requirements (approximately 1-10 millijoules at
approximately 1.0 ampere current level) and electronic switch
resistance and to a lesser extent the interval resistance of the
capacitor. This lower limit is approximately 250 microfarads using
the present four ohm switch and one ohm fusehead resistance. This
limit may be further lowered by using a higher fusehead resistance
and/or lower switch resistance (e.g., by using discrete switch
contacts). An upper limit on capacitance is determined by
considerations such as size and cost and may well be in the region
of 1,000 microfarads at 15 volts.
Other factors influencing the choice of storage capacitance and
operating voltage relate to safety and device security. The
charging time required for the storage capacitor is preferably a
relatively long period so as to provide a safety factor in terms of
accidental activation and to improve capacitor performance after
long shelf storage periods. On the other hand, too long a wait at
this time would often be disadvantageous in practice. Furthermore,
a high opening voltage makes it less likely that interference
signals will successfully penetrate the logic circuits. Many of the
above design factors will be modified in the case of the design of
a special integrated circuit unit.
The simple exemplary embodiment which has been operated and which
is now being described employs only simple internal oscillator and
voltage stabilizing circuits which have limited performances.
Similarly, the up/down counter 35 employed in this simple
embodiment has only eight stages so that the oscillator is
necessarily run at a very low frequency and available precision is
limited by the relatively long clock period. Nevertheless, as
described in more detail below, the successful operation to date of
this exemplary embodiment has proven that this invention provides
time delay precision much better than that obtainable from
conventional pyrotechnic delays. For examples, the precision that
can be obtained using this invention is in excess of existing
requirements of less than 0.1% over a foursecond delay. For shorter
delay periods, the magnitude of error would be further reduced.
Furthermore, since there is at least some small unavoidable delay
after power is applied to an electrical fusehead before the main
explosive is detonated, and since these relatively smaller delays
are also subject to variation, there is probably an upper limit to
the precision required from the electronic timing circuits. Of
course, this latter contribution to variation in detonation of the
explosive after power is applied to the electric fusehead also
depends to some degree on the value of storage capacitance employed
as should be appreciated.
When AC power is utilized for energizing the electronic time delay
circuits, protection against accidental or unauthorized activation
of the circuits may be enhanced by utilizing the invention
described in the copending, commonly assigned application Ser. No.
4265 filed Jan. 17, 1979, by Dr. Andrew Stratton.
The function of the FCU 10 is to charge, address, program and
initiate the electronic time delay fuses. It will usually to
portable, robust (insensitive to knocks and vibrations) and capable
of operation from either utility power sources or battery supplies.
A relatively simple FCU 10 is depicted in FIG. 7. More
sophisticated FCU's can be designed for specific applications.
The output (or outputs, if more than one channel is used) of the
FCU 10 in FIG. 7 comprise an initial uninterrupted charging signal
(DC in the exemplary embodiment) which may last for 25 seconds or
longer. Thereafter this supply is interrupted at intervals for
short durations. Such interruptions form the control pulses by
which the individual fuses (or groups of fuses sharing the same
fuse numbers) are addressed, have delays stored and are initiated.
The exemplary fuse design here described requires an initial
charging current of about 5 ma reducing to around 1 ma when
adequate charging has occurred. Thus, to control 100 such devices,
the FCU 10 supplies maximum currents of about 0.5 amps. This fuse
also requires charging to about 15 volts and accepts control pulses
(when the DC supply is interrupted) having a duration of about 200
microseconds.
Referring to FIG. 7, when power is applied the "reset" system (line
R) is activated. The crystal oscillator and the associated divider
chain function but, due to the reset states of flip-flops 102 and
202, no changing signals pass NAND gates 200, 400 and 500. The
system incorporating NAND gate 100 and flip-flop 302 is, however,
completely functional as long as power is supplied. The operation
of this system is as follows--(see timing diagram of FIG. 8)
Each positive pulse at A applies a reset to flip-flop 302 and, in
the absence of any positive-going signals at B, flip-flop 302
remains in the reset state with its Q output at "0" (point D).
Because of the propagation delay as signals "ripple through" the
divider chain, any positive-going signal at B will be preceded by a
negative-going signal at A. Thus, when a positive-going signal
arrives at B it "clocks" the "1" signal at C (the inversion of A)
into the Q output of flip-flop 302. The next positive pulse at A
resets the flip-flop 302 returning this Q ouptut to "0". The
subsequent negative-going signal at B produces no effect on
flip-flop 302. Thus, from the time power is applied, pulses of
approximately 200 microseconds duration are produced at D at the
intervals selected by switch 52.
When the start switch S1 is operated, flip-flop 102 is set and its
Q output goes to "1". The output of NAND gate 500 goes to "0" and
the 10 c/sec pulses pass through NAND gate 200 and NAND gate 300 to
the 2.sup.8 unit, the positive-going edges triggering it. When
2.sup.8 pulses have passed (i.e., after approximately 25 secs.), an
output pulse sets flip-flop 202 and its Q output goes to "1", opens
the NAND gate 400 just before one of the short positive-going
pulses at D. Thereafter the pulses from D are superimposed on the
output of NAND gate 500 (point X). The general form of this output
is shown in FIG. 9.
The effects of this output on subsequent stages may now be
considered:
(1) When power is switched on, the 3 remaining dividers are reset
to zero. The input at X is "1" and Y, "0" so that the output of
NAND gate 600 is held at "1", NAND gates 1100, 1200 and 1300 each
have a "0" input from Y and therefore give "1" outputs. With X at
"1" at this time, the outputs of NAND gates 1400, 1500 and 1600 are
low, i.e., at "0".
(2) When the start switch is operated, X goes to "0" and the
outputs of NAND gates 1400, 1500 and 1600 go high, i.e., to "1", Y
is still at "0" so no other changes occur.
(3) After approximately 25 secs and just before the first pulse
appears at X, Y goes to "1", opening NAND gate 600 and releasing
NAND gates 1100, 1200 and 1300 to the control of NAND gates 700,
800, 900 and 1000. Only NAND gate 1000 has a "0" output so only
NAND gate 1300 has a "1" output. NAND gates 1400 and 1500 are
therefore closed and only NAND gate 1600 is open.
As the positive pulses arrive at X, they are gated through NAND
gate 1600 to channel A. The tail end of the pulses operate the 30
unit which was previously reset. The tail end of the 30th pulse
produces an output to the first 2 unit switching it. NAND gate 1600
is then closed and NAND gate 1500 opened, gating the next 30 pulses
to channel B. At the end of this period both 2 units switch and
NAND gate 1500 is closed and NAND gate 1400 opened, gating the next
30 pulses to channel C. At the end of this period the first 2 unit
again switches and all three gates are opened for the next 30
pulses. Thereafter the pattern is repeated until the power is
removed from the fire control unit. Driver amplifier units A, B and
C provide the power outputs to the three channels. The output
waveforms are also represented in FIG. 9.
Note: The FCU here described is intended for fuses incorporating a
five stage (0-31) preset counter 23 with fuse numbers ranging from
1 to 30. Each channel receives its 31st pulse when all three
channels are pulsed thus initiating all delays coincidently.
Exemplary electronic time delay fuse circuitry 14 is shown in
increasing detail at FIGS. 2, 10 and 11. The specific circuitry
shown in FIG. 11 has been used to demonstrate the feasibility of
the system but has only limited performance characteristics,
particularly in terms of delay precision. For example, the internal
osillator and its supply circuits are simple designs and, since
only a limited number of divider stages are included, the
oscillator frequency is low providing low actual delay time
resolution capabilities. However, an discussed in more detail
below, much greater precision can be obtained by more sophisticated
circuit designs based upon the same general principles of circuit
operation as those included in the exemplary FIG. 11 circuit.
FIG. 10 is simply a less detailed depiction of FIG. 11 and is
included to help the reader appreciate its functional relationship
to FIG. 2. Since the same reference symbols are used for common
elements in both FIGS. 10 and 11, the following detailed
description of the circuit depicted in these FIGURES will be made
only with specific reference to FIG. 11.
The CMOS integrated circuits depicted in FIG. 11 are identified by
the letters "IC" followed by an assigned numeral for each separate
chip and an alphabetic suffix where plural functional circuit
blocks are actually included on a common IC chip. As previously
indicated, all circuit elements or their equivalents (except
possibly the energy storage capacitor) can be realized on a single
special purpose CMOS IC chip, if desired, using conventional
semiconductor technology. However, the identity of corresponding
commercially available IC circuits for the present exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 11 are given by the following table:
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ IC's 1,3,4,7 &
12: CD 4013 (Dual "D"type flip-flop) IC 2: CD 4023 (Triple 3-Input
NAND Gate) IC 5: CD 4012 (Dual 4-Input NAND Gate) IC 6: CD 4093
(Quad 2-Input NAND Schmitt Triggers) IC's 8 & 9: CD 4029
(Presettable Up/Down Counter) IC's 10 & 11: CD 4075 (Triple
3-Input OR Gate) IC 13: CD 40109 (Quad Low to High Voltage Level
Shifter) CD 40107 (Dual 2-Inpact NAND Buffer/Driver)
______________________________________
Dotted lines and reference numerals have also been included in FIG.
11 to show its relationship to FIG. 2. The exemplary circuits may
be subdivided as follows:
1. Input circuits,
2. Signal discrimination,
3. Fuse address circuits,
4. Delay circuits,
5. Output switch.
Each of these functional subdivisions provides the following
features and operating characteristics:
1. Input circuits
(i) Protection from static and EMI
Two zener diodes (ZD1 and ZD2) are wired back to back across the
series resistors at the terminations of the leading wires. If, due
to static discharge, high currents flow from one leading wire to
the other, the zener diodes carry virtually all of this current and
also, with series resistors (R.sub.S), clamp the voltage presented
to succeeding circuits at an acceptable level. By this means the
electronic circuits are protected from differential mode (i.e.,
from leading wire to leading wire) static discharge. By the same
method EMI is limited to voltage levels which will not damage the
electronic circuits. Protection from common mode static discharge
(i.e., form either or both leading wires to case) may be provided
by suitably located insulation which will ensure discharge by a
path which precludes damage or spurious ignition and/or by an
isolation transformer. Connection, directly or indirectly via
suitable devices, may also be made from either or both leading
wires to case so as to provide safe discharge paths.
(ii) Bridge rectification
The bridge rectifier (BR1) is included so that there is no need to
observe polarities of leading wires when connecting fuses in
circuit.
(iii) Signal/power storage routing circuits
Since only two leading wires are incorporated they have to carry
charging current (to the electrolytic capacitor) and control
signals (to the logic). Separation is achieved by means of a diode
(D1) which is connected in series with the electrolytic storage
capacitor (C1). When the initial long duration charging pulse is
applied, current flows through D1 and through the series current
limiting resistor (R1) charging C1 to 15 V. Thereafter the anode of
D1 is free to follow the succeeding signal excursions, the diode
being reverse biased when the signal line moves negatively.
(Resistor R.sub.p serves to discharge the signal line which is
subject to active pullup only.)
(iv) Reset signal
It is necessary to ensure that the various latches and counting
circuits are in the proper state before significant charging of C1
occurs. To achieve this, a signal is derived from C1 which holds a
low "0" signal for a significant period of time after the charging
pulse is applied. This "0" signal is passed via diode (D2) to the
input of IC6C and the inverted output is used as the "1" active
"reset" signal. Since power (V.sub.DD) to succeeding circuits is
available through D1 from the onset of the charging pulse, the
reset state is quickly achieved. On further charging D2 becomes
reverse biased and C1 voltage no longer influences the reset
circuit R2 feeding a high "1" signed into ICGC.
Thus a high "1" reset pulse is obtained initially but is removed
well before controlo signals are received.
Note: Resistor RL discharges C1 over a larger time period (say 5
minutes). This ensures that C1 is not charged up over a long period
by interference and does not hold appreciable residual charge
(e.g., from testing). Otherwise the "reset" operation might be
inhibited.
(v) Logic supply voltage stabilization
The logic supply voltage (V.sub.DD) is stabilized by a zener diode
(ZD3) to a nominal 5.6 volts. A resistor (R3) carries current to
the system from the fire control unit via the charging diode (D1)
or, when this source is not available (i.e., when the fire control
unit is supplying low "0" signals or when the leading wires have
been disrupted), from C1 via a further diode (D3). This stabilized
voltage (V.sub.DD), in addition to determining the "1" level of the
reset line, also limits the "1" level of the control signals via
the clamping diode (D4) and the series resistor (R4). The total
voltage (V.sub.CC) across the storage capacitor is made directly
available to the output circuits. V.sub.SS is the common return
line.
2. Signal discrimination
A pulse length discriminator is included for this purpose (see
timing diagram in FIG. 12).
Initially flip-flop IC1A and IC1B are reset and the fire control
unit feeds a "1" on the signal line. This signal, inverted by IC2B,
gives a low "0" signal on the clock inputs of IC1A and IC1B. The
"0" Q output of IC1A produces a "1" output from IC2C which means
that all three inputs of IC2A are at "1" (IC7A flip-flop has also
been set) and the output of IC2A is 0. When an input pulse is
received the signal line goes to "0" output from IC2A. At the same
time the output of IC2B goes to "1". Since both D inputs are at "0"
no change is produced by the clocking action of IC1A and IC1B. For
the duration of the input pulse the capacitors C2 and C3 charge up
positively via associated series resistors R6 and R7. When the
input pulse is terminated (going to "1") it gates the outputs of
the two flip-flops (via IC2C). The outputs (Q of IC1A and Q of
IC1B) will both be ("1") if and only if the input pulse has lasted
long enough to permit C2 to charge to the setting voltage of IC1A
but not long enough to permit C3 to charge up to the setting
voltage of IC1B. Therefore, a "0" output will be obtained from IC2C
if and only if the positive duration of the input pulse lay between
the two prescribed limits. Provided pin 1 of IC2A remains in the
"1" state an inverted "1" output will then be obtained from IC2A
and will last until the next pulse arrives at the input, closing
the gate (IC2C) and clocking both flip-flops to the reset state.
(C2 and C3 will have discharged via diodes D5 and D6 respectively
at the end of the input pulse giving a "0" on the D inputs to be
transferred to the Q outputs by the positive-going signal on the C
inputs.)
Thus, in summary, if a negative-going pulse of acceptable duration
is applied to the discriminator input (and if pin 1 of IC2A is
high--see below), a positive output pulse will be produced which
will last from the termination of the input pulse until the arrival
of the next input pulse.
3. Fuse address circuits
(See timing diagram in FIG. 13.)
IC3 and IC4 form a 16-state (0-15 BCD) counter which is driven by
the positive-going edges of the discriminator output pulses.
Initially, the counter is "reset" to zero. The first rising clock
pulse from the discriminator transfers the "1" on the Q and D
terminals of IC3A to its output. The Q output falls and produces no
effect on succeeding stages. The second rising clock pulse
transfers the "0" and the Q and D terminals of IC3A to the Q
output. The Q output rises and transfers the "1" on the Q and D
terminals of IC3B to its Q output. The IC3B Q output falls and
produces no effect on succeeding stages, etc. Binary counting
results in which IC3A provides the least significant digit and IC4B
the most significant digit. The four single-pole changeover
switches S1A, S1B, S1C, and S1D permit the connection of either
output of each counter stage to the four inputs of IC5A. IC5A
produces a "0" output when all four inputs are at "1" which can be
arranged to correspond to any count (0 to 15) by suitable
adjustment of the switches. This preset count is called the Fuse
Number (actually restricted to 1 to 14).
Similarly IC5B produces a "0" output when all Q outputs of the
counter stages are at "1" (i.e., at the maximum count of 15).
The "0" output obtained from IC5A at the perset count is inverted
by IC6A and this change sets flip-flop IC7B which has been "reset"
initially. When the present count is passed the flip-flop remains
set.
The "0" output produced at the last count (15) from IC5B is passed
directly to the D input of flip-flop IC7A which has been "set"
initially by the "reset" signal. This D input ("0") is clocked into
the flip-flop by the next positive-going signal from the internal
oscillator IC6B. The flip-flop IC7A is thus "reset" giving a "0" Q
output which is fed back to pin 1 of gate IC2A preventing the
passage of any further input pulses through the discriminator to
the fuse address circuits. The count rests at 15 and the flip-flop
IC7A remains "reset".
Thus, in summary, initially the Q output of flip-flop IC7B is
"reset" to "1" and the Q output of flip-flop IC7A is "set" to "1".
As the control pulses arrive the counter indexes and when the
preset count (corresponding to the fuse number) is reached
flip-flop IC7B changes its Q output to "0". Similarly, when the
maximum count of 0.15 is reached, flip-flop IC7B changes its Q
output to "0". Both signals set into the flip-flops are retained
until ignition.
Higher fuse numbers (more counting stages) may be incorporated, if
desired, and a shift register system may be used rather than the
counter as should now be appreciated.
4. Delay circuits
IC8 and IC9 contain an eight stage reversible counter (up/down
counter) with a BCD capacity of 0 to 225. The output of the
internal oscillator IC6B is connected to the clock (C) inputs of
the counter to control the counting rate. Coupling between stages
is internal except for the CO output of the fourth stage (the first
four stages are in IC8) which is connected to the CI input of the
fifth stage (in IC9). Initially counting is prohibited by the "1"
P/E inputs from IC7B Q output but when this output is set to "0"
(at the preset count of the fuse number counter) the internal
oscillator IC6B clocks the counter upwards. When (at the maximum
count of the fuse number counter), the Q output of IC7A is set to
"0", the counting direction is reversed. The delay entered by the
external control is the time for which the up/down counter is
allowed to count upwards from 0 which is the same (within the
limits of the circuit precision) as the time required by he clock
to drive the counter back to 0. When the up/down counter returns to
0 (i.e., when all eight counter stages Q outputs are at "0"), the Q
output of IC7A is also at "0". These nine "0" inputs to the "OR"
gates of IC10 and IC11 produce for the first time since power was
applied a "0" output on pin 6 of IC11. This output is inverted in
IC6D and used to "set" flip-flop IC12 (previously "reset").
Thus, in summary, the input control signals determine the time from
the preset count of the fuse number counter to its maximum count.
At an equal interval of time after this maximum count the Q output
of IC12 goes from "0" to "1".
5. Output siwtch
Since the output switch IC14 is supplied from the storage capacitor
(C1) logic signals must have a "1" value of V.sub.CC and not
V.sub.DD as previously. IC13 is therefore included to convert the
amplitude of the high output of IC12 from V.sub.DD to V.sub.CC.
This "1" output, occurring at the end of the delay period, switches
on the output switch IC14 and discharges C1 through the fusehead.
The fusehead thereafter ignites.
As mentioned above, the precision achievable with the circuit of
FIG. 11 can be enhanced by increasing the clock frequency and the
number of counter stages. As also discussed, there are limits on
achievable precision due to the size storage capacitor employed and
the power consumption by the oscillator circuits. The performance
of various CMOS oscillator circuits has been compared in terms of
frequency stability and power consumption. In general, it has been
found that the CD4047 based oscillator is preferred over other
presently commercially available possibilities. A basic CD4047
oscillator circuit is shown in FIG. 14.
FIGS. 15A-15C show three different circuit arrangements. In FIG.
15A, the oscillator is connected directly across the supply. In
FIG. 15B, a series resistance Rs is included to limit the supply
current and capacitor Cp to meet demands for surge currents during
switching. The final circuit in FIG. 15C again includes Rs but
seeks to maintain a constant voltage across the oscillator by means
of a zener diode.
For these three arrangements the current consumption and frequency
of the multivibrator (oscillator) where measured over a range of
supply voltages, using various values of associated components as
appropriate. Selected graphs for the three systems are shown in
FIGS. 16 and 17.
If the multivibrator is powered from a storage capacitor of a given
capacitance (C) which is precharged to a known voltage (V.sub.O),
then by reference to the current/supply voltage graphs it is
possible to assess (by successive approximations) the residual
voltage (V.sub.R) across the capacitor after a given time (t)
where i.sub.AV is the average current during the discharge. (It is
not possible to the precise in the exercise as the power
dissipation of the CD4047 varies with respect to supply voltage in
a manner far removed from the theoretical P.sub.diss =2CV.sup.2 f,
particularly at lower frequencies.)
Having assessed the voltage drop, the average deviation from the
intitial frequency over the period (t sec) can be assessed from the
corresponding frequency stability/voltage curves. It is then
possible to calculate the corresponding error in delay which would
result if the multivibrator were used as the internal oscillator of
the electronic fuse. If power cut-off from the FCU occurred
immediately when countdown started, the error would have a maximum
value as the oscillator's frequency would be drifting over the
whole delay period.
TABLE 2 ______________________________________ Parameters Storage
Capacitance C .mu.F) ______________________________________ Circuit
A 1000 500 100 1000 500 100 ______________________________________
Vo (volts) 15.0 15.0 15.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 Vt (volts) 14.0 13.2 8.2
11.3 10.8 7.2 i.sub.Av (.mu.A) 240 230 170 165 155 120 f drift (%)
0.06 0.13 0.8 0.04 0.12 1.0 Error (%) 0.03 0.07 0.4 0.02 0.06 0.5
______________________________________ Circuit B 1000 500 100 1000
500 100 ______________________________________ Vo (volts) 15.0 15.0
15.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 vt (volts) 14.7 14.4 12.4 11.8 11.5 10.0
i.sub.Av (.mu.A) 70 70 65 55 55 50 f drift (%) 0.04 0.08 0.4 .03
.07 0.3 Error (%) 0.02 0.04 0.2 .02 .04 0.15
______________________________________ Circuit C 500 200 100 1000
500 100 ______________________________________ Vo (volts) 15.0 15.0
15.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 Vt (volts) 13.5 11.6 9.2 11.4 11.0 8.0 i.sub.Av
(.mu.A) 180 170 145 140 130 100 f drift (%) 0.00 0.01 0.32 0.02
0.03 0.85 Error (%) -- 0.01 0.16 0.01 0.02 0.43
______________________________________ Note: The average device
currents (1.sub.Av) include an allowance for the requirements of
circuits driven by the oscillator.
(A maximum delay of 4 seconds is presumed in the following
exercise.)
Table 2 gives assessments of the size of this maximum error for
various capacitor values and for selected components and initial
conditions of the three supply systems considered. The components
and conditions have been selected with a view to minimizing
frequency drift--and corresponding delay error--but they are not
necessarily optimum conditions. The actual values of components
used were as follows:
TABLE 3 ______________________________________ Rs Cp ZD (zener
diode) ______________________________________ Circuit A -- -- --
Circuit B 100K 0.1F -- Circuit C 47K -- 5.2 volt nom.
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Experimental results on selected circuits have cemonstrated that
achievable precision is in fair agreement with the appropriate
estimate shown above.
Although only one exemplary embodiment has been described in detail
above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many
variations and modifications may be made in this exemplary
embodiment without departing from the novel and advantageous
features of this invention. Accordingly, all such variations and
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
following claims.
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