Electronic detonator initiation

Abstract

A connector for use with an electronic or an electric detonator which includes a housing and, mounted in or to the housing, a power source, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, a processor/logic unit and terminals for connection to at least one signal-transmitting conductor.

1 . A connector for use with an electronic or an electric detonator which includes a housing and, mounted in or to the housing, a power source, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, a processor/logic unit and terminals for connection to at least one signal-transmitting conductor. 
     
     
         2 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the signal-transmitting conductor includes at least one of the following: electrical leads, a fibre-optic cable, and a shock tube. 
     
     
         3 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the power source is a battery. 
     
     
         4 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the radio receiver and the radio transmitter are respectively adapted to receive signals from a control center and to transmit signals to the control center. 
     
     
         5 . A connector according to  claim 1  which includes a memory storage unit in which is stored an identifier which is unique to the connector. 
     
     
         6 . A connector according to  claim 1  which includes one or more sensors to monitor environmental and geographical parameters in a region of a borehole in which an associated detonator is located. 
     
     
         7 . A connector according to  claim 1  which includes a geographical positional device to provide real time absolute or relative positional information.