Remote firing device with diverse initiators

Abstract

A remote firing system for remotely detonating explosive charges includes features that provide safety and efficiency improvements. These features include safety communication among multiple remote devices and multiple controller devices, a polling functionality permitting rapid deployment of system devices, electronic key systems, programmable remote devices for easy replacement of failing remote devices, and an event history log for the remote devices for efficient diagnostic evaluation.

1 . A remote device comprising:
 a communication module for transmitting and receiving a safety data structure that contains a system identifier for identifying a remote firing system that comprises the remote device and a device identifier for identifying the remote device;   a memory module for recording state changes in a state of the remote device; and   a switch for selecting electric detonator initiation, shock-tube detonator initiation, or electronic detonator initiation.   
     
     
         2 . The remote device of  claim 1 , further comprising an indicator panel for indicating whether electric detonator initiation is ready or armed. 
     
     
         3 . The remote device of  claim 2 , further comprising an indicator panel for indicating whether shock tube initiation is ready or armed. 
     
     
         4 . The remote device of  claim 3 , further comprising an indicator panel for indicating whether electronic detonator initiation is ready or armed. 
     
     
         5 . The remote device of  claim 1 , further comprising an electronic key port that is adapted to receive an electronic key to cause the remote device to operate. 
     
     
         6 . The remote device of  claim 1 , further comprising a programming port to program the remote device.