Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
GAS MONITOR, SYSTEM AND METHOD
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELA __________________ l'ED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a divisional application of Canadian
Patent Application
No. 2,866,032 filed on October 3, 2014.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is related to monitoring of gas where the
value of the gas is
transmitted wirelessly. (As used herein, references to the "present invention"
or "invention"
relate to exemplary embodiments and not necessarily to every embodiment
encompassed by the
appended claims.) More specifically, the present invention is related to
monitoring of gas in an
underground environment or an oil or gas rig with an apparatus where the value
of the gas is
transmitted wirelessly from the apparatus and an alarm is activated at the
apparatus when the
value of the gas is above a predetermined value, or an input signal from an
input of the apparatus
is transmitted wirelessly from the apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various
aspects of the art that
may be related to various aspects of the present invention. The following
discussion is intended
to provide information to facilitate a better understanding of the present
invention. Accordingly,
it should be understood that statements in the following discussion are to be
read in this light, and
not as admissions of prior art.
[0004] Atmospheric Monitoring Systems, herein after referred to as AMS,
and their
requirements are thoroughly described in The Mine Safety Health
Administration's 30 CFR
75.351.
[0005] Historically, AMS consisted of gas monitors connected over a
hardwired network
all communicating to a central area as described in the above requirement in
section (b)(1). As
the mine expanded and additional monitors were needed, lengths of cable were
added to facilitate
communications and power to new monitoring locations. As technology
progressed, wireless and
battery powered solutions became available. Extensive lengths of cable
providing data and power
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were no longer needed. Mines now have the option of running a hardwired system
or a hybrid of
both hardwired with wireless. This becomes especially effective when the mine
monitoring
requirement consists of both permanent and temporary monitoring needs. Areas
along the
beltways are typically unchanging and are best suited for hardwired monitoring
where developing
areas of the mine are better suited for a wireless/battery powered solution.
Aside from the existing
hardwired network, a wireless communication network is still needed to
transmit data from the
wireless monitors to the designated central area. This could be served with a
device that acts as
an access point for the wireless monitor data to enter the existing hardwired
network or an entirely
separate true wireless network such as Strata Products Worldwide, LLC's
CommTracTm system.
[0006] As taken from section (c)(2) of the above requirement, an AMS must
have the
ability to "Automatically provide visual and audible signals at the designated
surface location
when the carbon monoxide concentration or methane concentration at any sensor
reaches the alert
level as specified in 75.351(i). These signals must be of sufficient
magnitude to be seen or heard
by the AMS operator."
[0007] The detail of importance in this section is the mention of
"methane". Traditional
AMS hardwired systems offer methane monitoring but only in the 0-5% by volume
range using
catalytic bead technology. Methane concentrations above 5% will cause
catalytic technology to
be permanently damaged. In the event of a disaster and mine ventilation is
lost, methane levels
can easily exceed 5% concentration. Existing technology cannot provide
atmospheric
information that is critical during rescue efforts. No wireless or hardwired
option exists to fulfill
this need. Furthermore, the available wireless gas monitoring devices only
offer carbon
monoxide as a detectable gas and only in the 100 PPM maximum range.
[0008] As taken from section (c)(4) of the above requirement, an AMS must
have the
ability to "Automatically provide visual and audible signals at all affected
working sections and
at all affected areas where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or
removed when the
carbon monoxide, smoke, or methane concentration at any sensor reaches the
alarm level as
specified in 75.351(i). These signals must be of sufficient magnitude to be
seen or heard by
miners working at these locations. Methane signals must be distinguishable
from other signals."
[0009] Traditional AMS hardwired systems offer this ability through a
hybrid
monitor/alarming unit although no wireless options for this requirement exist
currently. Mines
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are often forced to run a separate control network if using a wireless
monitoring solution to satisfy
the section alarming requirement.
[0010] Similar to mines, oil and gas rigs need to monitor the atmosphere
for dangerous
levels of various gases without the need of cables and wiring cluttering the
rig. In places such as
oil and gas rigs, there is also the risk of dangerous gases and the need to
monitor the atmosphere
for these dangerous gases. Typically, gas monitors were connected by cabling
and wiring
throughout the rig has been used to monitor dangerous gases on a rig. The
presence of all of these
cables and wires distributed throughout a rig creates the problem of properly
organizing and
positioning the cables and wires so they do not interfere with the operation
of the rig nor can be
damaged so that connection is lost with the monitor during operation. If
connection is lost with a
monitor, then the monitor as well as the entire length of the cable or wire
that connects the monitor
to a remote station for monitoring must be examined to correct the loss of
communication with
the monitor. Such cabling and wiring could extend quite a long distance and be
located in difficult
positions to examine and can become a significant issue to correct.
[0011] In addition, in a mine, it is important to be able to track and
communicate with a
miner in ideally the most unobtrusive way possible. Besides the mine
environment being a
dangerous place in and of itself, the more equipment a miner carries, the more
difficult it is for
the miner to perform his functions and move through the mine. What is desired
is a simple way
to alert a miner of a dangerous or emergency condition, as well as for the
miner to inform a remote
station of the miner's condition and the miner's location.
[0012] To further provide for the safety of a miner, the miner is
required to carry a light,
such as a cap lamp that the miner wears on his head, as well as is required to
be tracked in the
mine, and also be protected from contact with machinery so as not to be
injured by the machinery
by accidentally contacting the machinery during operation. The latter
protection is afforded with
the use of a proximity device carried by a miner and proximity sensors
positioned on machinery
which, when determining that a proximity device carried by a miner is within a
predetermined
location of the proximity sensor, the machine is turned off so the miner is
not injured. As the light
is already required to be carried by a miner, and the proximity device is
commonly carried by a
miner, it would be desirable to combine tracking with these functions since
they are already
present on the miner.
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[0013] To provide communication to and from the miner to inform the miner
of important
information or to track the miner or to enable the miner to communicate with
the remote station,
communication networks are critical throughout the mine. Since the mine is a
very difficult
environment for communication networks, redundancy, as well as data networks
that ideally work
best to transmit data, and voice networks that ideally work best to transmit
voice bidirectionally,
in which also can transmit data, and work in combination are desired.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention pertains to a monitor for gases and a mine.
The monitor
comprises a housing. The monitor comprises a battery disposed in the housing.
The monitor
comprises a gas sensor portion powered by the battery and in electrical
communication with the
battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the
first gas in the mine.
The monitor comprises an alarm portion disposed in the housing, powered by the
battery and in
electrical communication with the battery which emits a visual alert and an
audible alert when
the gas sensor portion senses that either the first or second gas is above a
predetermined threshold.
The monitor comprises a wireless communication portion disposed in the
housing, powered by
the battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor
portion, which sends
a wireless signal from the housing that the gas sensor portion has sensed of
either the first or
second gas. The monitor comprises a processor disposed in the housing, powered
by the battery
and in electrical communication with the wireless communication portion, alarm
portion, sensor
portion and battery.
[0015] The present invention pertains to a method for monitoring gases in
a mine. The
method comprises the steps of detecting with a gas sensor portion a first gas
and at least a second
gas different from the first gas in the mine, the gas sensor portion powered
by a battery and in
electrical communication with the battery, the gas sensor portion and the
battery disposed in the
housing. There is the step of emitting with an alarm portion powered by the
battery, disposed in
the housing and in electrical communication with the battery a visual alert
and an audible alert
when the gas sensor portion senses that either the first or second gas is
above a predetermined
threshold. There is the step of sending with a wireless communication portion
disposed in the
housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the
battery and the sensor
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portion a wireless signal from the housing that the gas sensor portion has
sensed either the first
or second gas.
[0016] The present invention pertains to a monitor for gases in a mine.
The monitor
comprises a housing. The monitor comprises a battery disposed in the housing.
The monitor
comprises a gas sensor portion powered by the battery and in electrical
communication with the
battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the
first gas in the mine.
The monitor comprises a terminal portion that has two states, an output
configuration state in
which an output signal is sent from the processor to a first device, and an
input configuration state
in which an input signal is received from a second device. The monitor
comprises a wireless
communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in
electrical
communication with the battery and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless
signal from the
housing that the gas sensor portion has sensed of either the first or second
gas. The monitor
comprises a processor disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in
electrical
communication with the wireless communication portion, alarm portion, sensor
portion and
battery.
[0017] The present invention pertains to a monitor for gases and a mine.
The monitor
comprises a housing. The monitor comprises a battery disposed in the housing.
The monitor
comprises a gas sensor portion powered by the battery and in electrical
communication with the
battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the
first gas in the mine.
The monitor comprises a wireless communication portion disposed in the
housing, powered by
the battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor
portion, which sends
a wireless signal from the housing that the gas sensor portion has sensed of
either the first or
second gas. The monitor comprises at least one input for connection to a
remote device which
provides a status signal regarding the remote device which is transmitted by
the wireless
communication portion from the detector. The monitor comprises a processor
disposed in the
housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the
wireless
communication portion, the input, sensor portion and battery.
[0018] The present invention is related to a system for monitoring gases
underground.
The system comprises a monitor which detects a gas located in a tunnel
underground and
determines a gas value of the gas. The monitor has an audio alarm and a visual
alarm which is
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
activated what the detected gas is above a predetermined value, and a
transceiver which transmits
the gas value. The system comprises a wireless telecommunications network on
which the gas
value is transmitted from the apparatus. The system comprises a remote station
which receives
the gas value from the network.
[0019] The present invention pertains to a system for monitoring gases on
an oil or gas
rig. The system comprises a monitor which detects a gas at the rig and
determines a gas value of
the gas. The monitor having an audio alarm and a visual alarm, which is
activated when the
detected gas is above a predetermined value, and a transceiver which transmits
the gas value. The
system comprises a wireless telecommunications network on which the gas value
is transmitted
from the monitor. The system comprises a remote station which receives the gas
value from the
network.
[0020] The present invention pertains to a remote station which receives
gas values of
gas monitors from a wireless network. The remote station comprises a receiver
which receives
the gas values wirelessly from the network. The remote station comprises a
processor in
communication with the receiver which receives the gas values from the
receiver. The remote
station comprises a display in communication with the processor on which the
processor displays
an alarm indication when the gas value is above a predetermined level.
[0021] The present invention pertains to a communication system. The
system comprises
a data network on which solely data is sent. The system comprises a wireless
network on which
voice and data is sent bi-directionally. The system comprises a plurality of
nodes distributed and
apart from each other that form the data network and the wireless network.
Each node has a data
portion which receives and sends data on the data network, a wireless portion
which receives and
sends voice signals on the wireless network, and a power supply portion in
electrical
communication with the data portion and the wireless portion which powers the
data portion and
the wireless portion.
[0022] The present invention pertains to a communication node of a data
network and a
wireless network. The node comprises a data portion which receives data
wirelessly on the data
network. The node comprises a wireless portion which receives and sends voice
signals on the
wireless network. The node comprises a power supply portion in electrical
communication with
the data portion and the wireless portion which powers the data portion and
the wireless portion.
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The node comprises a data converter in communication with the data portion and
the wireless
portion which converts the data from the data network into a transmission
signal that is
transmitted on the wireless network.
[0023] The present invention pertains to a method for communicating in a
mine. The
method comprises the steps of receiving data wirelessly at a data portion of a
first node of a
plurality of nodes 206 from a data network on which solely data is sent. The
plurality of nodes
distributed and apart from each other and form the data network and a wireless
network. There
is the step of converting with a data converter in communication with the data
portion the data
from the data network into a transmission signal that is transmitted on the
wireless network. The
wireless network transmitting and receiving voice and data bi-directionally.
There is the step of
transmitting the transmission signal from the first node on the wireless
network with a wireless
portion of the first node. There is the step of powering the data portion and
the wireless portion
with a power supply portion in electrical communication with the data portion
and the wireless
portion.
[0024] The present invention pertains to a miner communicator in a
communications
network. The communicator comprises a housing. The communicator comprises a
processor
disposed in the housing. The communicator comprises a transceiver disposed in
the housing and
in communication with the processor and the network to send to and receive
from the network
only data but not including text. The communicator comprises an input disposed
on the housing
and in communication with the processor which provides a trigger signal to the
processor. The
communicator comprises an alarm in contact with the housing and in
communication with the
processor that is activated by the processor when an alarm signal is received
by the transceiver.
The communicator comprises a position portion disposed in the housing and in
communication
with the processor which determines a location of the communicator and
provides a location to
the processor, the processor provides the location and an ID of the
communicator to the
transceiver which transmits the ID and location to the network to a
communication node, ideally
the closest node, and then to the remote station.
[0025] The present invention pertains to a method for communicating with
a miner in a
mine. The method comprises the steps of sending an alarm signal wirelessly
through a wireless
communication network to a miner communicator carried by a miner in the mine.
The
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communicator is only able to receive data but not voice. There is the step of
receiving the alarm
signal by the communicator. There is the step of activating an alarm of the
communicator by a
processor of the communicator in response to the communicator receiving the
alarm signal. There
is the step of activating a button of the communicator to cause the
transmitter to transmit from the
communicator to the network an indicator signal regarding the miner's status,
and with the
indicator signal is an id of the communicator and position of the communicator
the communicator
not having a display or a keyboard.
[0026] The present invention pertains to a miner apparatus of a wireless
network. The
apparatus comprises a housing which is carried by the miner. The apparatus
comprises a tracking
portion disposed in the housing which determines the miner's location and
transmits the location
wirelessly to the network. The apparatus comprises a battery disposed in the
housing and
connected to the tracking portion which powers the tracking portion. The
apparatus comprises a
cap lamp electrically connected to the battery which is powered by the battery
to provide light,
the cap lamp worn by the miner.
[0027] The present invention pertains to a miner apparatus of a wireless
network. The
apparatus comprises a housing which is carried by the miner. The apparatus
comprises a tracking
portion disposed in the housing which determines the miner's location and
transmits the location
wirelessly to the network. The apparatus comprises a battery disposed in the
housing and
connected to the tracking portion which powers the tracking portion. The
apparatus comprises a
proximity device electrically connected to the battery and disposed in the
housing which is
powered by the battery to provide a detectable presence to a proximity
detector when the miner
gets too close to the proximity detector, the proximity device worn by the
miner.
[0028] The present invention pertains to a miner apparatus of a wireless
network. The
apparatus comprises a housing which is carried by the miner. The apparatus
comprises a tracking
portion disposed in the housing which determines the miner's location and
transmits the location
wirelessly to the network. The apparatus comprises a battery disposed in the
housing and
connected to the tracking portion which powers the tracking portion. The
apparatus comprises a
proximity device electrically connected to the battery and disposed in the
housing which is
powered by the battery to provide a detectable presence to a proximity
detector when the miner
gets too close to the proximity detector, the proximity device worn by the
miner. The apparatus
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comprises a cap lamp electrically connected to the battery which is powered by
the battery to
provide light. The cap lamp is worn by the miner.
[0029] The present invention pertains to a method for a miner to move
through a mine.
The method comprises the steps of powering a light of a cap lamp on the
miner's head with a
battery in a housing carried by the miner. There is the step of sending
location information from
the housing so the miner can be tracked as the miner moves through the mine.
There is the step
of stopping a machine with a proximity sensor connected to the machine,
because the proximity
sensor has sensed a proximity device in the housing has come within a
predetermined distance to
the proximity device.
[0030] The present invention pertains to a proximity detector attached to
a machine. The
detector for detecting a miner's presence comprises a generator which produces
a magnetic field.
The detector comprises a processor. The detector comprises a transceiver for
sending a message
produced by the processor having information about the generator's health and
an ID of a PAD
of a miner that has triggered a warning or hazard that has effectively stopped
operation of the
machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of the
invention and
preferred methods of practicing the invention are illustrated in which:
[0032] Figures 1A, IAA, 1B and 2A-2E are engineering schematic diagrams
of the
wireless communications portion, the alarm portion and the battery of the
present invention.
[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the wireless communications
portion, the alarm
portion and the battery of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 5 is an operations diagram of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 6 is a representation of the output configuration of the
claimed invention.
[0037] Figure 7 is a representation of the input configuration of the
claimed invention.
[0038] Figure 8 is a representation of the terminal connectivity
regarding input mode of
the claimed invention.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
[0039] Figure 9 is a representation of the terminal connectivity
regarding output mode of
the claimed invention.
[0040] Figure 10 is a representation of the terminal.
[0041] Figure 11 shows the apparatus having a housing with a first shell
and a second
shell.
[0042] Figure 12 shows the apparatus having a first port and a second
port for inputs or
outputs.
[0043] Figure 13 is a block diagram regarding the system of the present
invention.
[0044] Figure 14A is a schematic representation of a communication system
of the
present invention.
[0045] Figures 14B and 14C are block diagrams of a shared power supply of
a node.
[0046] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a miner communicator.
[0047] Figure 16 is a block diagram of a remote station which receives
gas values of gas
monitors.
[0048] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a housing of the remote
station.
[0049] Figure 18 is a block diagram of a miner apparatus with a cap lamp
and tracking.
[0050] Figure 19 is a block diagram of a miner apparatus with a proximity
device and
tracking.
[0051] Figure 20 is a block diagram of a miner apparatus with a cap lamp,
proximity
device and tracking.
[0052] Figure 21 is a representation of a system for a miner.
[0053] Figures 22 and 23 are circuit diagrams of the miner communicator
of the present
invention.
[0054] Figure 24 shows an overhead view of the circuit board having the
circuitry
described in figures 22 and 23.
[0055] Figures 25 ¨ 28 are circuit diagrams of the miner apparatus of the
present
invention.
[0056] Figure 29 is an exploded view of the miner apparatus.
[0057] Figure 30 shows the terminals of the miner apparatus.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0058] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals
refer to similar or
identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically to figures
1A-5, 11, 12 and 13
thereof, there is shown a monitor 10 for gases in a mine. The monitor 10
comprises a housing
12. The monitor 10 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12. The
monitor 10 comprises
a gas sensor portion 16 powered by the battery 14 and in electrical
communication with the battery
14 which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the
first gas in the mine. The
monitor 10 comprises an alarm portion 18 disposed in the housing 12, powered
by the battery 14
and in electrical communication with the battery 14 which emits a visual alert
and an audible alert
when the gas sensor portion 16 senses that either the first or second gas is
above a predetermined
threshold. The monitor 10 comprises a wireless communication portion 20
disposed in the
housing 12, powered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the
battery 14 and
the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing 12 that the
gas sensor portion
16 has sensed of either the first or second gas. The monitor 10 comprises a
processor 22 disposed
in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14 and in electrical communication
with the wireless
communication portion 20, alarm portion 18, sensor portion and battery 14.
[0059] The housing 12 may be one single shell or a combination of shells
that are
effectively engaged together, as shown in figures 11 and 12. For instance,
audio and visual (AV)
alarms of the alarm portion 18 may be in a separate or second shell 26 from
the processor 22 and
the wireless communication portion 20 which is in a first shell 24 separate
from the second shell
26, with the AV alarms electrically connected by wires which extend through
MSHA approved
glands 28 and the first and second shells 24, 26 may be held together with
screws or rivets. The
gas monitoring portion may be in a separate shell from the processor 22 and
wireless
communication portion 20 and be in electrical communication through wires
passing through a
gland(s) 28. Figure 11 shows the apparatus having a housing 12 with a first
shell 24 and a second
shell 26. The second shell 26 has the AV alarms. Figure 12 shows the apparatus
having a first
port 34 and a second port 36 with glands 28 for inputs 54 or outputs 56.
Figure 12 also shows an
embodiment of the apparatus with the capability of monitoring and detecting
four different gases,
for instance here Nitric Oxide, Methane, Oxygen and Carbon Monoxide, as shown
in a display
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38 of the housing 12. Here, there are four openings 40, one for each gas being
sensed, in fluid
communication for the respective gas module monitoring and detecting the
respective gas.
[0060] The gas sensor portion 16 may include a full range by volume
between zero and
100% methane sensor 42 and the wireless communication portion 20 transmits
wirelessly from
the housing 12 a methane value of methane in the mine sensed by the sensor
portion. The gas
sensor portion 16 may include a carbon monoxide sensor 44 and a H2S sensor 46
and the wireless
communication portion 20 transmits wirelessly from the housing 12 a carbon
monoxide value of
carbon in the mine sensed by the sensor portion and an H2S value of H2S in the
mine sensed by
the sensor portion. The processor 22 may receive a gas value signal from the
gas sensing portion
and converts the gas value signal into a converted signal form of the gas
value which can be sent
wirelessly by the communication portion 20 from the housing 12.
[0061] The communication portion 20 may include a transceiver 48 in
communication
with the processor 22, as shown in figures 1A, IAA and 2A-2E. The
communication portion 20
may include an amplifier 50 with an internal antenna 52 in communication with
the transceiver
48, as shown in figures lA and IAA. The processor 22 may provide the converted
signal of the
gas value to the transceiver 48 which then transmits the converted signal form
of the gas value
wirelessly through the amplifier 50 and the internal antenna 52 from the
housing 12. The
processor 22 may receive an alarm signal from the gas sensor portion 16 and
activates the visual
alarm 32 and the audible alarm based on the alarm signal.
[0062] The present invention pertains to a monitor 10 for gases and a
mine, as shown in
figure 13. The monitor 10 comprises a housing 12. The monitor 10 comprises a
battery 14
disposed in the housing 12. The monitor 10 comprises a gas sensor portion 16
powered by the
battery 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 which detects a
first gas and at
least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine. The monitor 10
comprises a wireless
communication portion 20 disposed in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14
and in electrical
communication with the battery 14 and the sensor portion, which sends a
wireless signal from the
housing 12 that the gas sensor portion 16 has sensed of either the first or
second gas. The monitor
comprises at least one input 54 for connection to a remote device which
provides a status signal
regarding the remote device which is transmitted by the wireless communication
portion 20 from
the detector. The monitor 10 comprises a processor 22 disposed in the housing
12, powered by
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
the battery 14 and in electrical communication with the wireless communication
portion 20, the
input 54, sensor portion and battery 14.
[0063] The present invention pertains to a method for monitoring gases in
a mine. The
method comprises the steps of detecting with a gas sensor portion 16 a first
gas and at least a
second gas different from the first gas in the mine, the gas sensor portion 16
powered by a battery
14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14, the gas sensor portion
16 and the battery
14 disposed in the housing 12. There is the step of emitting with an alarm
portion 18 powered by
the battery 14, disposed in the housing 12 and in electrical communication
with the battery 14 a
visual alert and an audible alert when the gas sensor portion 16 senses that
either the first or
second gas is above a predetermined threshold. There is the step of sending
with a wireless
communication portion 20 disposed in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14
and in electrical
communication with the battery 14 and the sensor portion a wireless signal
from the housing 12
that the gas sensor portion 16 has sensed either the first or second gas.
[0064] The present invention pertains to a monitor 10 for gases in a
mine, as shown in
figure 13. The monitor 10 comprises a housing 12. The monitor 10 comprises a
battery 14
disposed in the housing 12. The monitor 10 comprises a gas sensor portion 16
powered by the
battery 14 and in electrical communication with the battery 14 which detects a
first gas and at
least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine. The monitor 10
comprises a terminal
portion 58 that has two states, an output configuration state in which an
output signal is sent from
the processor 22 to a first device 60, such as the audio alarm 30, as shown in
figure 4, and an
input 54 configuration state in which an input 54 signal is received from a
second device 62, such
as a field switch, as shown in figure 7. The monitor 10 comprises a wireless
communication
portion 20 disposed in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14 and in
electrical communication
with the battery 14 and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from
the housing 12 that
the gas sensor portion 16 has sensed of either the first or second gas. The
monitor 10 comprises
a processor 22 disposed in the housing 12, powered by the battery 14 and in
electrical
communication with the wireless communication portion 20, alarm portion 18,
sensor portion and
battery 14.
[0065] The present invention is related to a system 64 for monitoring
gases underground,
as shown in figure 13. The system 64 comprises a monitor 10 which detects a
gas located in a
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tunnel underground and determines a gas value of the gas. The monitor 10 has
an audio alarm 30
and a visual alarm 32 which is activated what the detected gas is above a
predetermined value,
and a transmitter which transmits the gas value. The system 64 comprises a
wireless
telecommunications network 66 on which the gas value is transceiver 48 from
the monitor. The
system 64 comprises a remote station 68 which receives the gas value from the
network 66. The
transceiver may receive a signal from the network to change a set point for an
alarm condition for
the gas to be determined by the monitor.
[0066] In
the operation of the invention, and with reference to figure 13, the system 64
is
a battery 14 powered CommTracTm enabled gas monitor 10 to fulfill the MSHA
requirements
identified above and offer a truly unique solution. To meet the requirement of
section (c)(2), a
visual and audible alarm has been integrated into a Trolex Sentro gas detector
70 equipped with
a battery 14 pack and CommTracTm Interface module 72 (CIM), as shown in
figures 3 and 4. The
alert points will allow for a completely wireless gas monitor 10 that has the
ability to alert
personnel in the working zones in accordance with section (c)(2). The gas
concentration alert and
alarm points as mentioned in sections (i)(2) and (i)(3) will trigger the
integrated monitor 10
audible and visual alarms via two unique output options. The first output 74
will trigger the visual
alarm 32 when an alert level is reached. Different color visual alarms 32 will
be available for
different gases. The second output 76 will trigger the audible alarm when an
alarm level is
reached. If the monitor 10 is not being configured as a section alarm, the
outputs 56 can be used
as remote output to control connected devices. Aside from just methane and
carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, chlorine, oxygen, nitric
oxide, and hydrogen
will also be available for detection. Methane will be detectable over the
entire volume range
using an infrared technology based sensor as opposed to the current catalytic
technology. Aside
from full range capabilities, infrared technology is not affected by high
concentrations. Carbon
monoxide will be available in 1000 PPM maximum range. Hydrogen discriminate
carbon
monoxide detection will also be supported along with nitrogen dioxide filtered
carbon monoxide
detection capabilities. Open wireless protocols such as 802.11 will also be a
supported means of
communication aside from the CommTracTm mesh infrastructure. Ultimately, the
wireless
battery 14 powered gas monitor 10 can offer a complete and single system
solution to the MSHA
AMS requirement. The features outline above are truly unique and the first of
their kind. The
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
CommTracTm network 66 already exists and is available from Strata Products
Worldwide, LLC,
Sandy Springs, Georgia.
[0067] In regard to figure 5, there is shown a theory of operation of the
present invention.
First, the monitor 10 is turned on and powered up. Then, the necessary
software and functionality
is written into the static registers of the monitor 10 for operation. From
that point, stable operation
of the monitor 10 proceeds from an idle state. From the idle state, the
processor 22 requests of the
gas sensor portion 16 a status report every five seconds. The gas sensor
portion 16, if there is no
warnings or alarms identified, reports back to the processor 22 that there are
no warnings or
alarms. If there is a warning state or alarm state or calibration state that
occurs, the processor 22
takes the information that it has received from the gas sensor portion 16 and
prepares this
information to be sent through the transceiver 48 and out the antenna 52 to
the CommTracTm
network 66 and ultimately to the central monitoring station. In addition, if
the processor 22 does
not receive a response from the gas sensor portion 16 within the interval
timer period after the
request for sensor status has been issued, then the processor 22 also
transmits through the
CommTracTm network 66 a signal that communication has been lost with the gas
sensor portion
extending. When the central monitoring station receives the signal that
communication has been
lost with the gas sensor portion 16, steps are then taken to investigate and
review the gas sensor
portion 16 to correct the problem that is causing the failure of the gas
sensor portion 16 to respond
to the processor 22.
[0068] In regard to figure 3, there is shown a block diagram of the
monitor 10. The
CommTracTm transceiver 48 is in electrical connection over a UART connection
to the antenna
52. The CommTracTm transceiver 48 is also in communication with the battery 14
power supply
through which power from the mine power supply is available. There is feedback
protection
connected to the external port connectors connected to the mine power supply.
The battery 14
power supply is also connected at 3.3 V to the output 56 ports to provide
power to them. There
are two input 54 ports and two output 56 ports. There is also a video alarm 32
and an audio alarm
30. There is input/output protection connected to the battery 14 power supply,
the CommTracTm
transceiver 48 and the input and output ports.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
[0069] In the operation of the invention, reference is made to the parts
list below which
identifies the parts by model number and vendor from which they can be
obtained. The operation
of the parts listed below, as individual components, is well known.
[0070] The gas sensor portion 16 itself is an off-the-shelf Trolex TX
6351/2 Sentro 1
universal gas detector 70. It has the ability to monitor several different
gases at once. For a given
gas value identified by the detector, this value is provided to the processor
22, which is a PIC 24
processor 22. The processor 22 converts the gas value into a packet form which
can be transmitted
wirelessly. The gas value provided from the detector 70 to the processor 22 is
across a standard
serial connection. It is received at pin header 6 of the processor 22, as
shown in figures 1B and
2A-2E. The detector 70 provides a specific gas value for a given gas being
monitored by the
detector 70 in response to a request sent by the processor 22 from its pin
header 4. The requests
for the different gases, occurs one at a time in sequence, and then is
continually repeated so that
the different gases being monitored by the detector 70 are continually
reviewed over time by the
processor 22.
[0071] The packet produced by the processor 22 for a given gas being
monitored, is then
sent from PIC 24 to the transceiver 48, CC 1110, as shown in figure 1A, where
it is received at
its pin 34 input 54. From the transceiver 48, the packet signal is then
provided to the amplifier 50
CC 1190 which boosts the signal and then transmits it through its antenna 52.
The wireless
transmitted packet having the value of the gas is then transmitted over the
existing CommTracTm
network 66. The PIC 24, CC 1110, CC 1190 and internal antenna 52 form and
define the CIM 72
[0072] Signals can also be received by the antenna 52 of the amplifier
50, which
modulates the received signal, and provides it to the transceiver 48 where it
is outputted through
transceiver 48 pin 35 back to the processor 22 that receives it at pin header
6. The signal that is
received by the monitor 10 can be a signal to change the set point by the
processor 22 for an alarm
condition for a given gas being monitored.
[0073] In addition to the gas value that is provided by the gas detector
70 to the processor
22, along the same serial connection and same pin attachments, an alarm signal
for a given gas is
provided to the processor 22 when the monitor 10 gas is above a certain
predetermined value.
The processor 22 receives the alarm signal and then activates an audio alarm
30 as well as a visual
alarm 32. The audio alarm 30 is loud enough to be heard by miners in the
vicinity of the monitor
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
10. The visual alarm 32 is formed by a plurality of LED lights that are
illuminated when the
alarm occurs. A different sequence of colors, or simply different colors are
illuminated for a
corresponding type of gas, so for instance methane would have a different set
of LED lights or
different colors of lights activated then the LED lights activated for carbon
dioxide. In addition,
if so desired, the audio alarm 30 can be set to have a different tone or
frequency corresponding to
the type of gas detected if desired. The processor 22 also transmits an alarm
signal through the
transceiver 48 to the CommTracTm network 66.
[0074] The processor 22, detector, transceiver 48 and amplifier 50 are
all powered by
battery 14 through a standard battery 14 selection circuit 74. Also available
is an external power
interface 76 that can receive wired electricity from the mine external power
source.
[0075] The wireless communication portion 20 that has been added to the
gas detector 70
contains a microcontroller ¨ a CC1110 which is in electrical communication
with thee PIC24
microcontroller. The PIC24 is the center of the monitor in that it
communicates with the
detector's microcontroller to obtain sensor information and also communicates
with the CC1110
to send and receive data over the CommTracTm network 66.
[0076] The software in the PIC24 polls the detector's microcontroller,
here the Trolex
PIC18, on a continuous basis for sensor information. It packages this sensor
information and
sends it to the CC1110 to be transmitted over the CommTracTm system at
configurable intervals.
The software also monitors the information from the PIC18 on the Trolex
detector for alarms and
if any are generated, a message will be sent to the CC1110 for transmission
via the CommTracTm
network 66.
[0077] The software can also be configured to use the two available I/Os
80, as shown in
figures 12 and 13. These I/Os 80 can either be connected to audible and visual
alarms 30, 32 ¨
in which case, they would be activated if an alarm condition is reported by
the detector 70, as
shown in figures 6 and 8. Alternatively, these I/Os 80 can be used as inputs
which will cause the
software to send a message over CommTracTm if the circuit on the I/O line is
broken. (e.g. a belt
stop switch), as shown in figures 7 and 9. In between these activities, the
software will put the
CC1110 and the PIC24 into sleep mode in order to conserve power.
[0078] The CC110 transceiver 48 receives the message from the PIC 24 and
places it into
the transmit queue. The CC1110 is then listening for a beacon message from one
of the
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
CommTracTm Communication Nodes (backbone of the network 66). When it hears a
beacon
message it will select a data slot to transmit the message. During the chosen
slot the message is
sent and it waits to receive an ack from the Communication Node during the
acknowledgement
slot. If the ack is properly received the message will be removed from the
transmit queue. If it
doesn't receive an ack then the message is resent during the next beacon
cycle. The CC1190 is
typically only used to amplify the transmit and receive signal to allow for
greater distances when
transmit/receiving.
[0079] The AV unit may be mounted beneath a Wireless Sentro Gas detector
70 with the
communication portion 20 with hard wiring between the two units, as shown in
figure 11. The
sound and light alarms will be activated by switching the battery 14 supply on
and off. This can
be controlled by software allowing the option of pulsed light and sound
alarms.
[0080] The same two outputs of the pic 24 that are used to drive the
audible and visual
alarms 32 can be configured using software to also be inputs 54. The
configuration allows the
states of various input devices such as pull cords, emergency stops buttons or
fault switches to be
transmitted through the CommTracTm network 66 to the surface for monitoring.
The states of the
switches are often unrelated to the gas monitoring data that the sensors are
transmitting, but the
sensors are typically located in remote areas in the mine where other
communication networks
do not exist. It is quite attractive to give the mine the option of monitoring
a remote switch
through a communication network 66 that is available in remote areas.
Alternately, if the
apparatus is not equipped with an audible or visual alarm 30, 32, the
available output 56 can be
used to drive a low current consumption device that may also be located
remotely in the mine
where the CommTracTm network 66 is available.
[0081] In regard to figure 1B, the screw terminal corresponds to the
description of figures
8 through 10 can connect to a given output 56 or input 54 depending on the
configuration. The
pin headers connect to the gas detection portion, here specifically the Trolex
assembly card. The
program headers connect to the pic 24 through J 3 into the CC1110 through J 5.
[0082] In regard to figures 2A-2E, depending on whether the apparatus is
in an input 54
configuration or an output configuration, the pic 24 through L out 1 and L out
2 communicates to
control out 1 and control out 2, respectively, of the output control section
which then is provided,
for instance through output 1 and output 2, respectively, to the audio alarm
30 and the video visual
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
alarm 32, respectively, if in the output configuration. When in the input 54
configuration, the
outputs 56 are reversed and are inputs 54, so the pic 24 receives input 54
signals from input 1
(instead of output 1) and from input 2 (instead of output 2) and these input
signals follow a reverse
direction back to the pic 24 from that described above in the output
direction, that is to control
out 1 and control out 2, respectively, to L out 1 and L out 2, respectively,
of pic 24.
[0083] As explained above, and with reference to figure 6, when in the
output
configuration, output 1 is used for the visual alarm 32, and output 2 is used
for the audible alarm.
In the output mode, and with reference to figure 9, terminal 1 has a voltage,
for instance 1.2 V,
connected to the visual alarm 32 load, and terminal 2 is connected to ground
and the visual alarm
32 load. The 1.2 V energizes the visual alarm 32 when the switch is closed.
Similarly, output 3
has 1.2 V and energizes the audible alarm, and either terminal 5 or terminal 2
is connected to
ground and the audible alarm. In this configuration, the operation of the
alarms is as described
above.
[0084] If the monitor 10 is desired to be in the input 54 configuration,
as shown in figure
7, the monitor 10 is used to monitor 10 whatever the device, such as a field
switch or pull cord or
emergency stop, is connected to it. Here, terminal 1 has 1.2 V on it and is
connected to the device
being monitored, here a field switch, as shown in figure 8. Terminal 2 is
connected to ground
and to the field switch. When the switch is closed, pic 24 senses the 1.2 V
going to ground and
produces a field switch signal that is then converted by the pic 24 into a
form that can be sent
wirelessly by the apparatus, as described above in regard to the description
of the gas value being
sent wirelessly from the apparatus.
[0085] Similarly, and with reference to figure 8, a second device 62,
such as a pull cord,
can be in electrical connection with terminal 3 having 1.2 V. Terminal 5,
which is ground, is
electrically connected to the second device 62, such as the pull cord, and the
same description is
applicable in sending a signal involving the pull cord being pulled occurs as
described for the
field switch connected to terminals 1 and 2.
[0086] As shown in figure 10, the terminal is a six position terminal
disposed on the
housing 12 and accessible from outside the monitor 10. Terminal 1 is either
the first output 74 or
input, terminal 2 is ground, terminal 3 is the second output 76 or input,
terminal 4 is electrically
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
connected to the battery 14, terminal 5 is ground, and terminal 6 is connected
to external power
for the apparatus to receive external power.
[0087] Accordingly, when in the input 54 configuration, which is
established prior to the
monitor 10 being positioned at a desired location in the mine, input 1 and
input 2 of the terminal
can receive signals through hardwired connections with various types of
devices, to allow for the
devices to be monitored. In the output configuration, the same terminals
having input 1 and input
2 are now output 1 and output 2 and are configured as described above, for the
pic 24 to send
alarm signals to activate the audible and visual alarms 30, 32.
[0088] The following are features of the apparatus.
[0089] Sound Output Level: >90 dB at 12 inches
[0090] Constant tone in range of 2,000 ¨ 4,000 Hz
[0091] Dual sounders and horns for 180 degree
coverage
[0092] Visual Alarm: Constantly on high intensity LEDs; color
selected by jumper on board
[0093] Red for CO; Green for CH4; Blue for H25
[0094] Supply Voltage: Typically 3.9VDC, Min 3.5VDC, Max 6VDC
[0095] Supply Current: < 80ma consumption of simultaneous AV
operation
[0096] Control Signal: Power will be switch on/off from Sento Gas
detector 70
[0097] Mounting Arrangement: Mounted under the Sentro-1 Wireless Sensor
using the two cable glands 28 for fixing and
routing the wiring. The module must allow for
external 12-30VDC to be connected to the
Sentro-1 terminals.
[0098] Powered from commercially available batteries giving 40 to 45 days
operating life.
[0099] Wireless output board with internal antenna 52.
[00100] Measures CO, H25, CH4 options for other gases
[00101] Able to interrogate Modbus registers via wireless system
[00102] Large LCD screen
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
[00103] Programmable set points
[00104] Option to monitor external relay contacts and to report their
state via the wireless
system
[00105] Wireless operation removes need for expensive setup and maintain
wired setup.
[00106] Measures gas concentrations every 1 second and reports status
every 90 seconds,
except under warning and alert conditions when changes reported immediately.
[00107] Display backlight is turned on whenever control button is pressed.
A warning or
alert triggers the screen to flash.
[00108] Sensors draw minimum power to maximize battery 14 life.
[00109] Dual-wall housing 12 gives maximum impact strength.
[00110] Housing 12 cover can be removed with power applied for module
replacement
and servicing.
[00111] Simultaneously monitor up to 8 different gases, together with
levels of
temperature, air velocity, pressure, smoke and fire.
[00112] = Power Conditioning
[00113] -(M) provide power conditioning from a (4) D-Cell EN95
battery pack
[00114] -(M) monitor the voltage of the battery pack
[00115] -(M) provide 3.3V 50ma to the controller and display boards
[00116] -(M) power CommTracTm transceiver
[00117] -(D) powered from external power voltage
[00118] = (D) measure the external power voltage
[00119] = Communications (CommTracTM Transceiver)
[00120] -(M) Support UART communications with Trolex board
[00121] = (M) Write and Read Mod-Bus registers from the Trolex
board
[00122] -(M) Contain an internal antenna
[00123] = I/O
[00124] -(D) Input from a dry contact (state open/closed)
[00125] -(D) Output power to contact (Batt or Ext Pwr)
[00126] Integrated I/0 Module
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
[00127] The following are a list of parts with reference to figures la, lb
and 2, all of which
are individually alone well known and are identifiable by their part number,
description and
manufacturer.
[00128]
Line Reference Quantity Manufacturer Part Description Alt Part
Item Designato Number Number
r
1 U$2 1 Linx CONSMA001-SMD CONN SMA JACK CONSMA
Technologies, Inc. STR 50 OHM SMD 001-
SMD-
ND
2
3 F2 1 1206 SMD, xxA Vfast,
fuse
4 Ul 1 Texas Instruments CC1110F32RSPR cc1110,
QLP 296-22740-
1-ND
U2 1 Texas Instruments CC119ORGVT cc1190, VQFN 296-25826-
2-ND
6 U25 Microchip PIC24FJ64GA004-
PIC24FJ64
Technology E/JL GA004-
E/ML-ND
7 R3 1 RESISTOR, xx0MH
1206 SMD
8 C31, C23, 5 Kemet CBRO4C200F5GAC CAP CER 20PF 50V 399-
8786-
C27, C28, 1% NPO P402 1-ND
C40, C41
9 Cl, C2, 15 TDK Corporation C1005X5R1A104K0 CAP CER 0.1UF 10V
445-1265-
C3, C4, 50BA 10% X5R 0402 1-ND
C6, C7,
C8, C9,
C32, C33,
C35, C36,
C37, C38,
C39
C5, C19 2 TDK Corporation C1005X5R1C105K0 CAP CER 1UF 16V 445-4978-
50BC 10% X5R 0402 1-ND
11 C18 1 TDK Corporation C1005X7R1C103K0 CAP CER 10000PF
445-1262-
50BA 16V 10% X7R 0402 1-ND
12 C17 1 250R07N221JV4T CAP CER220PF 25V
709-1125-
5% NPO 0402 1-ND
13 C26 1 F950J337MBAAQ2 CAP TANT 330UF 493-
5795-
6.3V20% 1210 1-ND
14 C25, C53 2 TDK Corporation CGA2B2COG1H6R8 CAP CER 6.8PF 50V
445-5580-
DO5OBA NPO 0402 1-ND
C24 1 TDK Corporation CGJ2B2COG1H030C CAP CER3PF 50V 445-13278-
050BA NPO 0402 1-ND
16 C15, C16, 3 TDK Corporation C1005COG1H470J05 CAP CER 47PF 50V
445-1243-
C14 OBA 5% NPO 0402 1-ND
17 C10 1 TDK Corporation C1005COG1H010C0 CAP CER 1PF 50V
445-4855-
50BA NPO 0402 1-ND
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
18 C11 1 TDK Corporation C1005COG1H101J05 CAP CER 100PF 50V
445-1247-
OBA 5% NPO 0402 1-ND
19 C12, C13 2 TDK Corporation C1005COG1H1R5B0 CAP CER 1.5PF 50V
445-4858-
50BA NPO 0402 1-ND
20 C42, C43, 4 TDK Corporation C1608X5R1C106M0 CAP CER 10UF 16V
445-9065-
C44, C34 80AB 20% X5R 0603 1-ND
21 C22 2 Johanson 500R07S120GV4T CAP CER 12PF 50V
712-1256-
Dielectrics, Inc. 2% NPO 0402 1-ND
22 C29, C30, 6 TDK Corporation C1005C0G1H330J05 CAP CER33PF 50V
445-1241-
C46, C50, OBA 5% NPO 0402 1-ND
C51, C52
23 C20, C21 2 TDK Corporation C1005NP01H150J05 CAP CER 15PF 50V
445-13788-
OBA 5% NPO 0402 1-ND
24 Li, L2 2 TDK Corporation MLG1005S12NJ INDUCTOR 445-3060-
MULTILAYER 12NH i_ND
0402
25 .3, L4 2 TDK Corporation MLG1005S18NJ INDUCTOR 445-3062-
MULTILAYER 18NH i_ND
0402
26 L5 1 Pulse Electronics PE-0603CD680JTT INDUCTOR
WW RF 553-1027-
Corporation 68NH 600MA 0603 1-ND
27 L8 1 TDK Corporation MLG1005S3N3S INDUCTOR 445-3047-
MULTILAYER 3.3NH i_ND
0402
28 L6 1 TDK Corporation MLG1005S2N2S INDUCTOR 445-3043-
MULTILAYER 6.2NH i_ND
0402
29 L7 1 TDK Corporation MLK1005S2N2S INDUCTOR 445-1459-
MULTILAYER 2.2NH i_ND
0402
30 R4, R7, 5 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF 1002X RES 10.0K OHM
P10.0KLC
R26, R29, Electronic 1/10W 1% 0402 SMD T-
ND
R31 Components
31 R1 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF5602X RES 56.0K OHM
P56.0KLC
Electronic 1/10W 1% 0402 SMD T-
ND
Components
32 R2 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ332X RES 3.3K OHM 1/10W
P3.3KJCT-
Electronic 5% 0402 SMD ND
Components
33 R8 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF22ROX RES 22.0 OHM 1/10W
P22.0LCT-
Electronic 1% 0402 SMD ND
Components
34 R10 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF2701X RES 2.70K OHM
P2.70KLC
Electronic 1/10W 1% 0402 SMD T-
ND
Components
35 Y2 1 ECS, INC. ECS-122.8-20-SPX- CRYSTAL 12.288MHZ
XC1278CT
TR 20PF SMD -ND
36 Yl, Y4 2 Abracon ABS06-32.768KHZ- CRYSTAL 32.768KHZ 535-
10104-
Corporation T 12.5PF SMD 1-ND
37 Y3 1 CTS- Frequency- 403C11A26M00000 CRYSTAL 26.0MHZ
CTX951C
Controls 10PF SMD T-ND
38 U26 1 Microchip 23K256-I/ST IC SRAM 256KBIT
231(256-
Technology 20MHZ 8T5 SOP I/ST-ND
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
39 U3 1 TRiQuent 856327 Signal Conditioning
772-
Semiconductor 915/26MHz Filter
856327
(mouser)
40 U24 1 Torex XC6210B332MR-C IC REG LDO 3V 0.7A 893-
1074-
Semiconductor 50T25 1-ND
41 U20 1 STMicroelectroni L7806ABD2t-TR IC REG LDO 6V 1.5A
497-1172-
cs D2PAK 1-ND
42 U23 1 Texas Instruments TP562050DG5R IC REG BUCK SYNC
296-14392-
ADJ 0.8A 10MSOP 1-ND
43 U21 1 Linear LTC4412I56#TRMP IC OR CTRLR SRC
LTC4412I
Technology BF SELECT T50T23-6
56#TRMP
BFCT-ND
44 U22 1 Faichild FDC638P MOSFET P-CH 20V
FDC638PC
Semiconductor 4.5A SSOT-6 T-ND
45 Fl 1 FUSE, xxA, 2410
46 R6 1 RESISTOR, 2010
47 D1, D2, 3 DIODE, SHOTTKY,
D3 1206
48 R23 1 RESISTOR, xxIc 2010
49 R24 1 RESISTOR, xxIc 2010
50 C47 1 TDK Corporation C1608X5R1E334M0 CAP CER 0.33UF 25V
445-5143-
80AC 20% X5R 0603 1-ND
51 U31 1 Microchip MCP6041T-E/OT IC OPAMP 1.4V SNGL
MCP6041T
Technology R-R 50T23-5 -E/OTCT-
ND
52 IC1, IC2, 4 Vishay Siliconix 5I1869DH-T1-E3 IC
LOAD SW LVL 5I1869DH-
IC3, IC4 SHIFT 20V 5C70-6 T1-
E3CT-
ND
53 R5 1 Panasonic ERJ-8ENF6043V RES 604K OHM 1/4W
P604KFCT
Electronic 1% 1206 SMD -ND
Components
54 C49 1 GRM188C81E475K CAP CER 4.7UF 25V 490-
7199-
EllD 10% X6S 0603 1-ND
55 R11 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF2803X RES 280K OHM
P280KLCT
Electronic 1/10W 1% 0402 SMD _ND
Components
56
57 R13 1 Panasonic ERJ-3GEYJ473V RES 47K OHM 1/10W
P47KGCT-
Electronic 5% 0603 SMD ND
Components
58 D4 1 DIODE, SCHOTTKY
59 R9 1 Panasonic ERJ-3GEYJ105V RES 1M OHM 1/10W
P1.0MGCT
Electronic 5% 0603 SMD -ND
Components
60 R25, R27 2 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ473X RES 47K OHM 1/10W
P47KJCT-
Electronic 5% 0402 SMD ND
Components
61
62
63 D14, D15, 24
D16, D17,
D18, D19,
D20, D21,
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
D22, D23, DIODE, ZENER, 6.2V,
D24, D25, SOT-23
D26, D27,
D28, D29,
D30, D31,
D32, D33,
D34, D38,
D39, D40
64 D35, D36, 3 Micro SMBJ5341B-TP DIODE, ZENER, 6.2V,
D37 Commercial Co. 5W, D0-214AC
65 L9 1 Wurth 7445510 INDUCTOR POWER 732-
1335-
Electronics, Inc. 10UH 1.2A SMD 1-ND
66 C45 1 Kemet C1210C476M4PACT CAP CER 47UF 16V 399-
5514-
U 20% X5R 1210 1-ND
67 C54, C55, 3 TDK Corporation C1608X7R1H104K0 CAP CER 0.1UF 50V
445-1314-
C48 80AA 10% X7R 0603 1-ND
68 U28, U30 2 Maxim Integrated MAX4372HEUK+T IC AMP CURRENT
MAX4372
SENSE 50T23-5 HEUK+TC
T-ND
69 R18, R19 2 RESISTOR, XXXK,
0402
70 R15, R14 Na RESISTOR, 1OHM,
1206
71 R16, R17 2 RESISTOR, XXXK,
1206
72 D5, 36, 6
D7, D8, DIODE, SHOTTKY,
D9, D10 0603,50V
73 R20 1 ERJ-2RKF2803X RES 280K OHM
P280KLCT
1/10W 1% 0402 SMD _ND
74 R21 1 ERJ-2RKF6043X RES 604K OHM
P604KLCT
1/10W 1% 0402 SMD _ND
75 R22 1 RESISTOR, XXXXK,
1206
76 J1, J2 2 HEADER, MALE, .1,
6POS
77 J6 1 HEADER, SCREW
TERMINAL, 6 POS
78 J5 1 HEADER, MALE, .1, 5
POS
79 D11, D12, 3 Vishay BZGO3C1OTR DIODE, ZENER 10V,
BZGO3C10
D13 Semiconductor DO-214AC CT-ND
81 R38 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ624X RES 620K OHM
P620KJCT
Electronic 1/10W 5% 0402 SMD _ND
Components
82 R39 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ104X RES 100K OHM
PlOOKJCT
Electronic 1/10W 5% 0402 SMD _ND
Components
[00129] The present invention pertains to a system 64 for monitoring gases
on an oil or
gas rig, as shown in figure 13. The system comprises a monitor 10 which
detects a gas at the rig
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
and determines a gas value of the gas. The monitor 10 having an audio alarm 30
and a visual
alarm 32, which is activated when the detected gas is above a predetermined
value, and a
transceiver 48 which transmits the gas value. The system 64 comprises a
wireless
telecommunications network 66 on which the gas value is transmitted from the
monitor 10. The
system 64 comprises a remote station 68 which receives the gas value from the
network 66.
[00130] The remote station 68 may include a receiver which receives the
gas value from
the network 66, a processor 22 in communication with the receiver which
receives the gas value
from the receiver, and a display 38 in communication with the processor 22 on
which the
processor 22 displays an alarm indication when the gas value is above a
predetermined level.
[00131] The present invention pertains to a remote station 68 which
receives gas values of
gas monitors from a wireless network 66. The remote station 68 comprises a
receiver which
receives the gas values wirelessly from the network 66. The remote station 68
comprises a
processor 22 in communication with the receiver which receives the gas values
from the receiver.
The remote station 68 comprises a display 38 in communication with the
processor 22 on which
the processor 22 displays an alarm indication when the gas value is above a
predetermined level.
[00132] The station 68 may include a housing 12 and the processor 22 and
the receiver are
disposed in the housing 12 and the display 38 is disposed on a face of the
housing 12.
[00133] When the monitors 10 are used on an oil or gas rig, the monitors
10 are placed at
various locations throughout the rig. A single communication node, such as a
CommTracTm node
is placed with the central control station on the rig, where all of the
monitors 10 are monitored.
On the rig, since there are no seams or earth to interfere in any way with the
transmission and
reception of signals by the monitors 10, typically just a single communication
node 206 is all that
is needed for communication with the monitors 10. The communication node 206
essentially
forms a hub network 66 with the monitors 10. The network 66 can be a
CommTracTm network
66 where data signals are sent over the network 66 as described above between
the CommTracTm
communication node 206 and the monitors 10.
[00134] In one embodiment, as shown in figure 16, the receiver of the
remote station 68 is
part of the transceiver 48 of the CIM 72 described above, disposed in a
housing 12 of the remote
station 68. The gas value from each of the monitors 10 on the rig is received
over the
CommTracTm network 66 at the CIM 72. The CIM 72 provides the gas values the
CIM 72 has
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
received to the Moxa 230 Miineport, as described above in regard to the shared
power supply
200, which converts the serial data signal from the CIM 72 into an Ethernet
format signal. The
Ethernet signal is provided to a switch 236 which in turn provides it to a
Beagle Bone PC 232
through the switch 236 that prepares the signal for a modbus PLC 234. The PC
232 provide the
prepared signal through the switch 236 to the PLC 234 which then causes the
prepared signal to
be displayed on the display 38 on the housing 12 face, as shown in figure 17.
The status of all
the monitors 10 are displayed at once on the display 38. The value of the gas,
such as methane,
at each monitor 10 is displayed as well as an alarm indication at a monitor 10
if the gas value at
the monitor 10 is above a predetermined level.
[00135] Regarding the protocol for the gas monitor, the message the
monitor 10 sends out
at predetermined times, or when queried, to the network 66 may have a byte for
battery level.
The message may have a byte for external voltage level. The message may have a
byte for status.
The message may have a byte for gas reading. The message may have a byte for
node address.
The message may have a byte for serial number.
[00136] The present invention pertains to a communication system 64, as
shown in figures
14a and 14b. The system 64 comprises a data network 204 on which solely data
is sent. The
system 64 comprises a wireless network 202 on which voice and data is sent bi-
directionally. The
system 64 comprises a plurality of nodes 206 distributed and apart from each
other that form the
data network 204 and the wireless network 202. Each node 206 has a data
portion 223 which
receives and sends data on the data network 204, a wireless portion 224 which
receives and sends
voice signals on the wireless network 202, and a power supply portion 200 in
electrical
communication with the data portion 224 and the wireless portion 223 which
powers the data
portion 224 and the wireless portion 223.
[00137] Data on the data network 204 may include tracking information of
an individual.
The data on the data network 204 may be sent and received at least one node
206 of the plurality
of nodes 206 and the data network 204 is bidirectional. The data from the data
network 204 may
be sent on the data network 204 and the wireless network 202. Each node 206
may include a data
converter 226 in communication with the data portion 224 and the wireless
portion 223 which
converts the data from the data network 204 into a transmission signal that is
transmitted on the
wireless network 202.
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
[00138] The present invention pertains to a communication node 206 of a
data network
204 and a wireless network 202, as shown in figures 14a and 14b. The node 206
comprises a
housing 12. The node 206 comprises a data portion 224 disposed in the housing
12 which receives
data wirelessly on the data network 204. The node 206 comprises a wireless
portion 223 disposed
in the housing 12 which receives and sends voice signals on the wireless
network 202. The node
206 comprises a power supply portion 200 disposed in the housing 12 in
electrical communication
with the data portion 224 and the wireless portion 223 which powers the data
portion 224 and the
wireless portion 223. The node 206 comprises a data converter 226 disposed in
the housing 12
in communication with the data portion 224 and the wireless portion 223 which
converts the data
from the data network 204 into a transmission signal that is transmitted on
the wireless network
202.
[00139] The wireless portion 223 may include a first radio 218 to transmit
the transmission
signal. The wireless portion 223 may include a switch 221 in communication
with the first radio
218 and the data converter. The wireless portion 223 may include an external
fiber connector
223 in communication with the switch 221 to connect with an external fiber to
transmit the
transmission signal.
[00140] The present invention pertains to a method for communicating in a
mine. The
method comprises the steps of receiving data wirelessly at a data portion 224
of a first node 206
of a plurality of nodes 206 from a data network 204 on which solely data is
sent. The plurality of
nodes 206 distributed and apart from each other and form the data network 204
and a wireless
network 202. There is the step of converting with a data converter 226 in
communication with
the data portion 224 the data from the data network 204 into a transmission
signal that is
transmitted on the wireless network 202. The wireless network 202 transmitting
and receiving
voice and data bi-directionally. There is the step of transmitting the
transmission signal from the
first node 206 on the wireless network 202 with a wireless portion 223 of the
first node 206.
There is the step of powering the data portion 224 and the wireless portion
223 with a power
supply portion 200 in electrical communication with the data portion 224 and
the wireless portion
223.
[00141] Referring to figure 14B, there is shown a schematic diagram
focusing on the
shared power supply 200 that is shared by the wireless network 202 and the
wireless data network
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
204 which is separate and distinct and independent from the wireless network
202, all of which
is found in a single communication node 206, such as a StrataConnect node 206
A. The wireless
network 202 may be that wireless network 202 as described in U.S. Patent
Application
Publication No. 2014/0362729, which supports and provides for bidirectional
voice and data
communication. The data network 204 may be the CommTracTm network 66 sold by
Strata
Products Worldwide, LLC, Sandy Springs, Georgia. The data network 204 may
provide
bidirectional data communication, as well as tracking of miners and vehicles
and various devices
throughout the mine. The node 206 receives data from the data network 204,
processes the data
so the data can be transmitted on the wireless Wi-Fi voice network 202 with
the fibers 222, and
then transmits the processed data on to the remote station 68, either through
the Wi-Fi network
202 with the fibers 222.
[00142] A node 206 having the functionality of the CommTracTm network 66
and the
wireless network 202 receives power from the mine power supply 208 at power
input 210. The
power from the mine power supply 208 is at between 12 and 48 VDC. The power
input 210 is
electrically connected to a POE injector 212 which converts the power to 10
VDC to power the
components inside the node 206. Power from the injector 212 at 10 VDC and 1
amp is provided
to the first radio 218 and second radio 220 over a Cat5/Ethernet connection
connected to each
radio. Power from the injector 212 at 10 VDC and 500 mA is provided to the
switch 221 in the
node 206. Also connected to the switch 221 are external fibers 222 through
external fiber
connectors 223 over which transmission and reception of communication signals
occur. The
injector 202 powers the data connection portion 224, here preferably the
CommTracTm portion
224, such as a CIM 72 that communicates with the CommTrac TM network 66 and a
data converter
226, such as a serial to Ethernet converter 226, and specifically a Moxa 230,
at 3.3 V and 500
mA.
[00143] The CommTracTm portion 224 connects with the serial to Ethernet
converter 226
through a UART connection at 3.3 VDC and at 115 kb per second which provides
the data signal
received by the CommTracTm portion 224 to the serial to Ethernet converter
226. The serial to
Ethernet converter 226 converts the data signal received by it from the
CommTracTm portion 224
into a form that can then be transmitted through the fibers 222 or through the
radios and provides
the converted signal to the switch 221. The switch 221 then transmits the
converted signal that
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
was originally received by the CommTracTm portion 224 through the fibers 222,
or if the fiber
connection is not available, through the radios.
[00144] In addition, the node 206 may also receive power from another node
206 through
a Cat 5 connection 228 and also provide power to another node through a Cat 5
connection 228 to
form a daisy chain of nodes 206. Each of the Cat 5 power connections 228 are
RJ45 connectors.
The power level of the Cat 5 connections 228 coming in or going out of the
node 206 is the same
as the power level received by the node 206 from the mine power supply 208.
[00145] Figure 14B shows a non-IS node 206. Figure 14C shows a node 206
that is IS.
The node 206 operates essentially the same as the node 206 of figure 14B,
except that certain
power levels are different, as indicated, and the external Cat 5 connections
228 are omitted.
[00146] The present invention pertains to a miner communicator 298 in a
communications
network 66, as shown in figure 15. The communicator 298 comprises a housing
12. The
communicator 298 comprises a processor 22 disposed in the housing 12. The
communicator 298
comprises a transceiver 48 disposed in the housing 12 and in communication
with the processor
22 and the network 66 to send to and receive from the network 66 only data but
not including
text. The communicator 298 comprises an input 300 disposed on the housing 12
and in
communication with the processor 22 which provides a trigger signal to the
processor 22. The
communicator 298 comprises an alarm 302 in contact with the housing 12 and in
communication
with the processor 22 that is activated by the processor 22 when an alarm 302
signal is received
by the transceiver 48. The communicator 298 comprises a tracking portion 310
disposed in the
housing 12 which provides a tracking signal that is transmitted by the
transceiver to the network
from which the location of the housing in the mine is determined along with an
ID of the
communicator 298. The transceiver 48 transmits the ID and tracking signal to
the network 66 to
a communication node 206, ideally the closest node 206, and then to the remote
station 68. The
tracking portion 310 may be part of the CC 1110. The CC 1110 is an off the
shelf transceiver
that is purchased and also provides tracking ability by measuring the signal
strength of the
CommTracTm node 205 ideally closest to the transceiver 48, whose location is
known and stored
in a server in the remote station 68. The signal strength is sent through the
network 66 to the
server, and using triangulation by the server, which receives the signal
strength, determines the
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
location of the transceiver 48, as is more fully explained below and is
already part of the
CommTracTm network 66.
[00147] The input 300 may be a single button 304. The alarm 302 may be a
first LED
306 that illuminates when the alarm 302 signal is received by the transceiver
48. The alarm 302
may be a plurality of LEDs 306 which is illuminated when the alarm 302 signal
is received by
the transceiver 48. There may be no display 38 and no key board or key pad,
only the single
button 304.
[00148] The trigger signal may be a fixed shape signal whose duration
corresponds to
how long the button 304 is activated. The alarm 302 may be activated only when
an alarm 302
signal is received during to listening intervals in a listening period by the
transceiver 48. The
activation of the button 304 may cause the processor 22 to produce an
indicator signal to the
network 66 through the transceiver 48 corresponding to the activation length
and activation
frequency of the button 304.
[00149] The transceiver 48 may have its settings changed by the processor
22 when the
communicator 298 is within a predetermined distance of a communication node so
the transceiver
48 is not saturated by the communication node. When the communicator 298
transitions from an
area of surface communication nodes to only underground communication nodes,
the processor
22 may transmit to the network 66 through the transceiver 48 a check in
message that the
communicator 298 is present in the mine.
[00150] The present invention pertains to a method for communicating with
a miner in a
mine. The method comprises the steps of sending an alarm 302 signal wirelessly
through a
wireless communication network 66 to a miner communicator 298 carried by a
miner in the mine.
The communicator 298 is only able to receive data but not voice. There is the
step of receiving
the alarm 302 signal by the communicator 298. There is the step of activating
an alarm 302 of
the communicator 298 by a processor 22 of the communicator 298 in response to
the
communicator 298 receiving the alarm 302 signal. There is the step of
activating a button 304 of
the communicator 298 to cause the transmitter to transmit from the
communicator 298 to the
network 66 an indicator signal regarding the miner's status, and with the
indicator signal is an id
of the communicator 298 and information associated with the position of the
communicator 298,
The communicator 298 does not have a display 38 or a keyboard.
31
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
[00151] The communicator 298 for communicating with a user, such as a
miner, provides
for limited but important information transfer between the user and a
monitoring station. This
limited information transfer is bidirectional to provide the remote station 68
with information
about the user, and to provide the user with critical emergency alert
information. The
communicator 298 is very lightweight so that it is easily carried or worn by
the user and is battery
powered.
[00152] The communicator 298 sends position messages that report the ID,
the current
position data by providing the signal strength of signals received by the
communicator 298 from a
closest operable communication node 206 in the mine to the communicator 298,
the ID of the
closest communication node 206 and possibly battery level, and event
information at
predetermined intervals wirelessly over a network 66 to the remote station 68
so the miner can be
tracked. The network 66 can be the CommTracTm network 66 or the StrataConnect
network 66,
which is comprised of the CommTracTm network 66 and a WiFi network 66, as
described above.
The communicator 298 will listen for any messages sent to it at different
predetermined intervals.
[00153] The communicator 298 includes a processor 22, such as a PIC 24,
and a
transceiver 48, such as a CC1110, and can be the CIM 72, the operation of
which is already
described above in regard to the operation of the wireless gas monitor 10. The
CommTracTm
network 66 is synchronized with the communicator 298 so that when the
communicator 298 sends
information or receives information at the appropriate predetermined
intervals, the CommTracTm
network 66 knows to send or receive the respective information in the
appropriate timeframe.
[00154] When the communicator 298 is within a predetermined distance of a
CommTracTm node, the transceiver 48 is attenuated by about 10 db, and its RSSI
values are
adjusted upward by the same amount. This is to deal with the condition of a
CommTracTm node
being very close to the communicator 298 and saturating the transceiver 48.
The transmission
power of the transceiver 48 is also reduced by 10 db if the communicator 298
is close to the
CommTracTm node so as to prevent saturating the CommTracTm node transceiver
48.
[00155] During listening periods by the communicator 298 to receive
information, a mine-
wide alert state bit is used to determine that an emergency condition exists.
This bit must be
detected in at least two listening intervals within a predetermined listening
period to be considered
valid. By requiring information received by the communicator 298 in at least
two listening
32
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
intervals in a predetermined listening period to have this bit, it reduces the
possibility of false
alarms. When none of the listening intervals in the predetermined listening
period do not have
this bit, the alert state is considered no longer present.
[00156] A light on the apparatus will flash, preferably in a distinct
pattern, when the mine-
wide alert is recognized by the communicator 298. After a mine-wide alert is
recognized; the
miner will press a button 304 one, two or three times to indicate the miner's
status. For instance,
if the button 304 is pushed once, it means the miner is fine. If the button
304 is placed twice in
succession, it means the miner is trapped. If the miner pushes the button 304
three times in
succession, it means the miner is injured. The miner can push the button 304
twice, then wait a
few seconds and push it again three times to indicate he is trapped and
injured. The communicator
298 will send an emergency response acknowledgment with the position message
to indicate the
miner's response. The light may be several LEDs 306 of different color.
[00157] A quick press on the button 304 performs a communication check and
battery
status update. Holding down the button 304 for an extended period of time or
multiple presses of
the button 304 during a short period of time is used to trigger an emergency
message. Holding
down the button 304 for an extended period of time shall remove this
condition. Two quick
presses of the button 304 turn the LED 306 flasher on or off. In response to a
mine-wide alert
message, one, two or three presses indicate the user's response condition.
[00158] One bit of received information in a listening interval is used to
indicate if the
CommTracTm node is a surface node. Transitioning from an area of surface nodes
to only
underground nodes triggers the apparatus to issue a check in message. A
checkout message is
transmitted when transitioning in the other direction-transmitting a checkout
message when only
surface nodes are heard and the apparatus is formally in a "check in" state.
The apparatus only
waits for the network 66 level acknowledgment that indicates the check in/out
message made it
successfully to the CommTracTm node. The apparatus does not need to wait for
check in/out
acknowledgment.
[00159] For a communication check, after the button 304 is quickly
pressed, the LEDs 306
flash once immediately to provide feedback. After a short pause, a series of 1-
3 LED 306 flashes
indicate battery life (1 ù needs replacing soon, 2 ù middle life, 3 ù new).
After another pause, a
second series of flashes indicate strength of node (1 ùweak, 3 ù strong). The
LEDs 306 will flash
33
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
in a pattern indicative of an emergency state. For example, a ¨ flash with
pauses in between will
indicate an emergency state. The LEDs 306 will flash in a basic pattern used
only for visual
warning. During a mine-wide alert message, the LEDs 306 blink in a pattern
making it very clear
the apparatus is in an alert state.
[00160] The housing of the communicator 298 has alxwxh of less than 110 mm
x 210
mm x 50 mm and is preferably about 72 mm x 165 mm x 20 mm. It has a weight of
less than 150
gm and is preferably about 75 gm.
[00161] Then present invention pertains to a miner apparatus 450 of a
wireless network,
as shown in figure 18 and figure 21. The apparatus 450 comprises a housing 12
which is carried
by the miner. The apparatus 450 comprises a tracking portion 310 disposed in
the housing 12
which transmits information associated with the miner's location wirelessly to
the network 66.
The apparatus 450 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12 and
connected to the
tracking portion 310 which powers the tracking portion 310. The apparatus 450
comprises a cap
lamp 400 electrically connected to the battery 14 which is powered by the
battery 14 to provide
light. The cap lamp 400 is worn by the miner.
[00162] The tracking portion 310 may be part of a transceiver 48,
described above, and
the location of the housing 12 is determined, as described.
[00163] The present invention pertains to a miner apparatus 450 of a
wireless network 66,
as shown in figure 19 and figure 21. The apparatus 450 comprises a housing 12
which is carried
by the miner. The apparatus 450 comprises a tracking portion 310 disposed in
the housing 12
which transmits information associated with the miner's location wirelessly to
the network. The
apparatus 450 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12 and connected
to the tracking
portion 310 which powers the tracking portion 310. The apparatus 450 comprises
a proximity
device 402 electrically connected to the battery 14 and disposed in the
housing 12 which is
powered by the battery 14 to provide a detectable presence to a proximity
detector 404 when the
miner gets too close to the proximity detector 404, the proximity device 402
worn by the miner.
[00164] The present invention pertains to a miner apparatus 450 of a
wireless network, as
shown in figure 20 and figure 21. The apparatus 450 comprises a housing 12
which is carried by
the miner. The apparatus 450 comprises a tracking portion 310 disposed in the
housing 12 which
transmits information associated with the miner's location wirelessly to the
network 66. The
34
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
apparatus 450 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12 and connected
to the tracking
portion 310 which powers the tracking portion 310. The apparatus 450 comprises
a proximity
device electrically connected to the battery 14 and disposed in the housing 12
which is powered
by the battery 14 to provide a detectable presence to a proximity detector
when the miner gets too
close to the proximity detector. The proximity device is worn by the miner.
The apparatus 450
comprises a cap lamp 400 electrically connected to the battery 14 which is
powered by the battery
14 to provide light. The cap lamp 400 is worn by the miner. Together these
components of
tracking, light and proximity are referred to as TPL.
[00165] The present invention pertains to a method for a miner to move
through a mine.
The method comprises the steps of powering a light of a cap lamp 400 on the
miner's head with
a battery 14 in a housing 12 carried by the miner. There is the step of
sending information
associated with location information of the miner's location in the mine from
the housing 12
identified with a tracking portion 310 in the housing so the miner can be
tracked as the miner
moves through the mine. There is the step of stopping a machine with a
proximity sensor
connected to the machine, because the proximity sensor has sensed a proximity
device in the
housing 12 has come within a predetermined distance to the proximity device.
[00166] The following information may be contained in a message sent from
the proximity
detector 404. The message may include at least one byte regarding the health
of a generator of
the proximity detector 404. The message may include at least one byte that a
miner has moved
close enough to the proximity detector 404 that a warning has occurred. The
message may
include at least one byte that a miner has moved close enough to the proximity
detector 404 that
a hazard has occurred which has effectively stopped the operation of the
machine associated with
the proximity detector 404. The message may include at least one byte which
identifies the
magnetic field strength of a generator. The message may include at least one
byte that identifies
the ID of a proximity device 402, such as a personal alarm device (PAD), of a
miner which has
triggered a warning or hazard depending on how close the proximity device 402
is to the
proximity detector 404. The message may include at least one byte which
identifies the battery
strength of the proximity device 402 which has triggered a warning or a
hazard. The proximity
device 402 and the proximity detector 404 themselves are sold by Strata
Products Worldwide,
LLC, Sandy Springs, Georgia, USA. The PAD sends an ID signal to the proximity
detector 404
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
so the proximity detector 404 knows the ID of the PAD that has caused a
warning or a hazard
which effectively turns the machine off.
[00167] The present invention pertains to a proximity detector 404
attached to a machine
475, as shown in figure 21. The detector 404 for detecting a miner's presence
comprises a
generator 477 which produces a magnetic field. The detector 404 comprises a
processor 22. The
detector 404 comprises a transceiver 48 for sending a message produced by the
processor 22
having information about the generator's health and an ID of a PAD of a miner
that has triggered
a warning or hazard that has effectively stopped operation of the machine 475.
[00168] Preferably, the tracking portion 310 is a CIM 72 and the wireless
network 66 is
the CommTracTm network 66. In one embodiment the CIM 72 and the battery 14 are
in the
housing 12 and the housing 12 is attached to the cap lamp 400 with wiring
extending from the
housing 12 to the lamp through a socket in the cap to power the lamp. In
another embodiment,
the housing 12 is positioned in a pocket or on a belt held with a buckle of
the miner, and wiring
extends from the battery 14 through the housing 12 up to the back of the cap
lamp 400 and
attached to a socket of the cap to power the lamp. The cap may be a standard
miner helmet
modified to have the socket to receive the power wire from the battery 14 in
the housing 12.
[00169] In an alternative embodiment, the CIM 72 and the battery 14 are
disposed in the
housing 12 along with a proximity device 402. The battery 14 powers the CIM 72
and the
proximity device 402 so that proximity detection and tracking of the miner are
located in the
housing 12 which is carried by the miner.
[00170] In yet another embodiment, the CIM 72, the battery 14 and the
proximity device
402 are all disposed in the housing 12, with the battery 14 powering the CIM
72 and the proximity
device 402. In addition, wiring extending from the battery 14 and out through
the housing 12 to
the back of a cap lamp 400 worn by a miner to power the lamp.
[00171] With reference to figures 22 and 23 that are schematic circuit
diagrams for the
miner communicator 298, the following is a parts list for the communicator
298.The operation of
the processor 22 and transceiver 48, that form the CIM 72 is the same, but
there is additional
circuitry for the features of the communicator 298. All of the following parts
are themselves alone
well known and are identifiable by their part number, description and
manufacturer. Figure 24
shows an overhead view of the circuit board having the circuitry described in
figures 22 and 23.
36
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
[00172]
Line Reference Quantity Manufacturer Part Description
Item Designator Number
1 Cl, C2, C3, 12 Taiyo Yuden EMK105B7104KV-F
C6, C7, C9,
C32, C35,
C36, C37, CAP CER 0.1UF 16V 10%
X7R
C38, C39 0402
2 C4, C18 2 TDK CGA2B2X7R1H102 CAP CER 1000PF 50V 10%
X7R
Corporation KO5OBA 0402
3 C5, C19 2 TDK C1005X5R1C105K0 CAP CER 1UF 16V 10% X5R
Corporation 50BC 0402
C8, C52, 3 Panasonic ERJ-2GEOROOX
L14 Electronic RES 0.0 OHM 1/10W JUMP
Components 0402 SMD
4 C10 1 TDK C1005COG1H010C0
Corporation 50BA CAP CER 1PF 50V NPO
0402
C11 1 TDK C1005COG1H101J05 CAP CER 100PF 50V 5% NPO
Corporation OBA 0402
6 C12, C13 2 TDK C1005COG1H1R5B0
Corporation 50BA CAP CER 1.5PF 50V NPO
0402
7 C14, C15, 3 TDK C1005COG1H470J05 CAP CER 47PF 50V 5%
NPO
C16 Corporation OBA 0402
8 C17 1 Johanson CAP CER 220PF 25V 5%
NPO
Dielectrics Inc 250R07N221JV4T 0402
C20, C21, 4 TDK C1005NPO1H150J05 CAP CER 15PF 50V 5% NPO
C45, C61 Corporation OBA 0402
11 C22 1 Johanson CAP CER 12PF 50V 2% NPO
Dielectrics Inc 500R07S120GV4T 0402
12 C23, C27, 6 Murata
C28, C31, Electronics GRM1555C1H200G CAP CER 20PF 50V 2% NPO
C40, C41 North America A01D 0402
13 C24 1 TDK C1005COG1H030C0
Corporation 50BA CAP CER 3PF 50V NPO
0402
14 C25, C51 2 TDK CGA2B2COG1H6R8
Corporation DO5OBA CAP CER 6.8PF 50V NPO
0402
C26, C29, 3 TDK C1005COG1H330J05 CAP CER 33PF 50V 5% NPO
C30 Corporation OBA 0402
C33 1 TDK C1005COG1H270J05 CAP CER 27PF 50V 5%
NPO
Corporation OBA 0402
16 C34 1 Taiyo Yuden CAP CER 180PF 50V 5%
NPO
UMK105CG181JV-F 0402
17 C42, C43, 4 TDK C1608X5R1A106M0 CAP CER 10UF 10V 20%
X5R
C44, C60 Corporation 80AC 0603
18 C46, C49 0 DNP
19 C47, C48, 3 TDK C2012X5R1A226M0 CAP CER 22UF 10V 20%
X5R
C50 Corporation 85AC 0805 0.95MM THICK
C59 1 TDK C1005COG1H221J05 CAP CER 220PF 50V 5%
NPO
Corporation OBA 0402
D1, D2 2 Avago
Technologies US LED CHIP ALINGAP2 RED
Inc. HSMZ-C170 TOP MOUNT 0805
37
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
21 D4, D5, D6 3 Diodes DIODE
SCHOTTKY 20V 0.5A
B0520WS-7-F S0D323
22 El 1 Vishay VJ5301M915MXBS
R RF ANTENNA, 915 MHz
23 Fl 1 Littelfuse 0466.500NR FUSE .500A 63V FAST
1206
H1 1 Tech-Etch EMI Shield 0.500in. x
0.800in. x
0.060in.
24 J3 1 Samtec MTMM-105-05-F-D-
250
25 Li, L2 2 TDK INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
Corporation MLG1005S12NJ 12NH 0402
26 L3, L4 2 TDK INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
Corporation MLG1005S18NJ 18NH 0402
27 L5 1 Coilcraft INDUCTOR WIREWOUND
0603HP-68NXJLU 68NH 0603 5%
28 L6 1 TDK INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
Corporation MHQ1005P6N2S 6.2NH 0402
29 L7 1 TDK INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
Corporation MHQ1005P2N2S 2.2NH 0402
30 L8, L11 2 TDK INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
Corporation MHQ1005P3N3S 3.3NH 0402
31 L9 1 Taiyo Yuden INDUCTOR 6.3UH 3.8A 20%
NR6045T6R3M SMD
32 L10 1 DNP
L12,L13 2 Murata
Electronics FILTER CHIP 1000 OHM
North America BLM15HG102SN1D 250MA 0402
L15 1 DNP
34 Pl, P2, P3, 6 Keystone
P4, P5, P6 56 BATTERY CLIP AAA SMD
35 R1 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 56K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF5602X SMD
36 R2 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 3.3K OHM 1/10W 5%
0402
Components ERJ-2GEJ332X SMD
37 R3 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 499K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF4993X SMD
38 R4, R12 2 Panasonic
Electronic RES 113K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF1133X SMD
39 R5, R7, R9, 4 Panasonic
R29 Electronic RES 10K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF1002X SMD
40 R6 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 0.0 OHM 1/4W JUMP
1206
Components ERJ-8GEYOROOV SMD
41 R8 1 Yageo RES 22.0 OHM 1/16W 1%
0402
RC0402FR-0722RL SMD
42 R10, R16 2 Panasonic
Electronic RES 2.7K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF2701X SMD
38
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
43 R11 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 51 OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF51R0X SMD
44 R13 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 1M OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF1004X SMD
R14, R15 2 Panasonic
Electronic RES 24.9 OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF24R9X SMD
45 R17, R18, 8 Panasonic
R19, R22, Electronic
R23, R24, Components RES 1K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
R25, R26 ERJ-2RKF 1001X SMD
46 R20 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 200K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF2003X SM
47 R21 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 604K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF6043X SMD
R27 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 10 OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF10R0X SMD
R28 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 47 OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
Components ERJ-2RKF47ROX SMD
48 S4 1 Coto Technology REED SWITCH MOLDED 140V
CT05-1535-G1 15-35AT
49 S2 1 C&K SWITCH TACTILE SPST-NO
Components PT5645VH39-2 LFS 0.05A 12V
50 S3 1 SignalQuest SQ-MIN-200 SQ-MIN-200
51 Ul 1 Texas
Instruments CC119ORGVT IC RF FRONT-END 16VQFN
52 U2 1 Microchip PIC24FJ64GA004- IC MCU 16BIT 64KB
FLASH
I/ML 44QFN
53 U3 1 Texas IC REG BUCK SYNC ADJ
1.2A
Instruments TPS62040DGQR 10MSOP
54 U4 1 Epcos Signal Conditioning
915MHz
B39921B3588U410 50ohms 2.9dB
55 U6 1 Microchip IC OPAMP GP 14KHZ RRO
MCP 6041T-VOT 50T23-5
56 U7 1 Microchip IC SRAM 256KBIT 20MHZ
23K256-I/ST 8TSSOP
57 U8 1 Texas IC SOC RF TXRX W/8051
MCU
Instruments CC1110F32RHHT 36-VQF
58 Yl, Y4 2 Abracon ABS06-32.768KHZ- CRYSTAL 32.768KHZ
12.5PF
T SMD
59 Y2 1 TXC CRYSTAL 12.288MHZ 18PF
7M-12.288MAAJ-T SMD
60 Y3 1 CTS 403C11A26M00000 CRYSTAL 26MHZ 10PF SMD
PCB 1 Strata Products
Worldwide PCBU000098 Rev C
39
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
[00173] With reference to figures 25 - 28 which are schematic circuit
diagrams for the
miner apparatus 450, the following is a parts list for the miner apparatus
450. The operation of
the processor 22 and transceiver 48, that form the OM 72 is the same, but
there is additional
circuitry for the features of the miner apparatus 450. All of the following
parts are themselves
alone are well known and are identifiable by their part number, description
and manufacturer.
[00174]
Line Designator Quantity Manufacturer Part Description
Item Number
1 BUZZER MAGN 5VDC 2.7KHZ
BZ1 1 PUT AUDIO AI-1027-TWT-5V-R PCB
2 T495D337K010ATE CAP TANT 330UF 10V 10%
Cl 1 Kemet 150 2917
3 C2, C3, C4,
C7, C20,
C21, C27,
C28, C29,
C32, C33,
C34, C36,
C37, C38,
C39, C41,
C42, C43,
C44, C101,
C102, C0603C104K4RACT CAP CER 0.1UF 16V 10%
X7R
C103 23 Panasonic U 0603
4 Samsung Electro-
Mechanics CL21B106KOQNNN CAP CER 10UF 16V 10% X7R
C8 1 America E 0805
C9, C10,
C11, C12, C0603C103K4RACT CAP CER 0.1UF 16V 10%
X7R
C19 5 Panasonic U 0603
6 C1005COG1H680J05 CAP CER 68PF 50V 5%
NPO
C13 1 TDK Corporation OBA 0402
7 C1005X7R1H103K0 CAP CER 10000PF 50V 10%
C14 1 TDK Corporation 5OBB X7R 0402
8 C15, C17, C1005COG1H101J05 CAP CER 100PF 50V 5%
NPO
C48 3 TDK Corporation OBA 0402
9 JUMPER 0 OHM 1/10W 0402
C16 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GEOROOX SMD
C18, R34,
R35, R36,
TP9 5 DO NOT INSTALL
11 C0603C105K4RACT CAP CER 1UF 16V 10% X7R
C5, C22 2 Kemet U 0603
12 C23, C24, C1005NPO1H150J05 CAP CER 15PF 50V 5%
NPO
C56, C63 4 TDK Corporation OBA 0402
13 C1608X5R1E106M0 CAP CER 10UF 25V 20%
X5R
C25 1 TDK Corporation 80AC 0603
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
14 C26, C30,
C49, C50, CAP CER 20PF 50V 1% NPO
C51, C52 6 Kemet CBRO4C200F5GAC 0402
15 C31, C57, C1005X5R1A104K0 CAP CER 0.1UF by 10%
X5R
C60 3 TDK Corporation 50BA 0402
16 C1005X5R1C105K0 CAP CER 1UF 16V 10% X5R
C35, C53 2 TDK Corportation 50BC 0402
17 C1005COG1H1R5B0 CAP CER 1.5PF 50V
0.1PF
C40, C47 2 TDK Corporation 50BA NPO 0402
18 C45, C61, C1005COG1H470J05 CAP CER 47PF 50V 5%
NPO
C64 3 TDK Corporation OBA 0402
19 C1005COG1H010C0 CAP CER 1PF 50V 0.25PF
NPO
C46 1 TDK Corporation 50BA 0402
20 C1005X7R1C103K0 CAP CER 10000PF 16V 10%
C54 1 TDK Corporation 50BA X7R 0402
21 Johanson CAP CER 220PF 25V 5%
NPO
C55 1 Dielectrics Inc 250R07N221JV4T 0402
22 CGA2B2COG1H6R8
C58 1 TDK Corporation DO5OBA CAP CER 6.8PF 50V NPO
0402
23 CGJ2B2COG1H030C
C59 1 TDK Corporation 050BA CAP CER 3PF 50V NPO
0402
24 Johanson CAP CER 12PF 50V 5% NPO
C62 1 Technology Inc 500R07S120GV4T 0402
25 OSRAM Opto LED SIDELED RED 625NM
D1 1 Semiconductors LR A67F-U2AB-1-Z CLR RA SMD
26 OSRAM Opto LED CHIPLED BLUE 470NM
D6, D7, D8 3 Semiconductors LB Q39G-L2N2-35-1 0603 SMD
27 Pulse Electronics
El, E2 2 Corporation W3113, W3114
28 Fl 1 Littelfuse 0466002.NR FUSE 2A 63V FAST 1206
29 COIL 8.2UH 1200MA CHOKE
Lb 1 Panasonic ELL-6RH8R2M SMD
30 MLG1005S47NJTOO INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
L2 1 TDK Corporation 0 47NH 0402
31 MLG1005S6N8JTOO INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
L3, L4 2 TDK Corporation 0 6.8NH 0402
32 INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
L5, L7 2 TDK Corporation MLG1005512NJ 12NH 0402
33 INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
L6, L8 2 TDK Corporation MLG1005518NJ 18NH 0402
34 Pulse Electronics INDUCTOR WW RF 68NH
L9 1 Corporation PE-0603CD680JTT 600MA 0603
35 INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
L10 1 TDK Corporation MLG100553N35 3.3NH 0402
36 INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
L11 1 TDK Corporation MLK100552N25 2.2NH 0402
37 INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
L12 1 TDK Corporation MLG100556N25 6.2NH 0402
38 Pb 1 Samtec SSW-106-01-L-D Header, 6-Pin, Dual
row
39 P2 1 Samtec TSW-104-06-L-S Header, 4-Pin, Single
row
40 P3 1 Samtec TSW-105-06-L-S Header, 5-Pin, Single
row
41 P4 1 Samtec SLW-105-01-L-S
41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
42 Ql, Q2, International MOSFET N-CH 20V 4.2A
SOT-
Q3, Q4, Q5 5 Rectifier IRLML2502TRPBF 23
43 Fairchild TRANSISTOR GP NPN AMP
Q6 1 Semiconductor MMBT3904 SOT-23
44 R1, R12,
R24, R29,
R30, R31,
R32, R54,
R63, R64,
R65, R66,
R67, R68, RES 499 OHM 1/4W 1%
1206
R69 15 Bourns ERJ-8ENF4990V SMD
45 RES 0.02 OHM 1W 1% 2512
R2 1 Panasonic ERJ-M1WSF20MU SMD
46 CRM1206-FZ- RES 0.05 OHM 1/2W 1%
1206
R3 1 Bourns R050ELF SMD
47 R4, R5, R9,
R10, R15,
R16, R19,
R20, R22, CRA2512-FZ- RES 0.1 OHM 3W 1% 2512
R23 10 Bourns R100ELF SMD
48 RES 51K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R6 1 Panasonic ERJ-3EICF5102V SMD
49 R7, R8,
R13, R14, Stackpole
R18 5 Electronics CSRN2512FKR680 RES 0.68 OHM 2W 1% 2512
50 RES 10 OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R11 1 Panasonic ERJ-3EKF1OROV SMD
51 RES 40.2 OHM 1/2W 1%
1210
R17 1 Panasonic ERJ-14NF40R2U SMD
52 RES 15K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R21 1 Panasonic ERJ-3EICF 1502V SMD
53 R25, R44, RES 1K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R45, R46 4 Panasonic ERJ-3EICF 1001V SMD
54 RES 2K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R26 1 Panasonic ERJ-3EICF2001V SMD
55 RES 100K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R27 1 Panasonic ERJ-3EICF 1003V SMD
56 R28, R40,
R41, R42,
R43, R47,
R48, R49, RES 10K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R50 9 Panasonic ERJ-3EICF 1002V SMD
57 R33, R37, RES 100 OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R38, R39 4 Panasonic ERJ-3EICF 1000V SMD
58 RES 2.7K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R51 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RICF2701X SMD
59 RES 604K OHM 1/4W 1%
1206
R52 1 Panasonic ERJ-8ENF6043V SMD
60 RES 280K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
R53 1 Panasonic ERJ-3EICF2803V SMD
61 R55, R56, RES 47K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R57, R58 4 Panasonic ERJ-3EICF4702V SMD
42
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
62 RES 1M OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R59 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ105X SMD
63 RES 22 OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
R60 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RICF22ROX SMD
64 RES 56K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
R61 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RICF5602X SMD
65 RES 3.3K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
R62 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ332X SMD
66 C&K SWITCH TACTILE SPST-NO
51, S2, S3 3 Components KSC641GLFS 0.05A 32V
67 International MOSFET N-CH 30V 13.8A 8-
Ul 1 Rectifier IRF8714PbF SOIC
68 IC OVERVOLT PROT REG 16-
U2 1 Linear Tech LT4356I5-1#PBF SOIC
69 IC VREF SERIES PREC
2.5V
U3 1 Microchip MCP1525T-I/TT 50T23-3
70 International MOSFET P-CH 30V 5.8A 8-
U4 1 Rectifier IRF7406TRPBF SOIC
71 IC OPAMP CURR SENSE
U5 1 Texas Instruments INA199A1DCK 14KHZ 5C70-6
72 IC LOAD SW LVL SHIFT
20V
U6 1 Vishay Siliconix 5I1869DH-T1-E3 5C70-
6
73 Avago IC AMP LNA MMIC GAAS
U7 1 Technologies US MGA-68563-TR1G SMD SOT-363
74 Linx TRANSMITTER RF 916MHZ
U8 1 Technologies TXM-916-ES 10PIN SMD
75 MCP18265-
U9 1 Microchip 3002E/DB IC REG LDO 3V lA 50T223-
3
76 Microchip PIC24FJ64GA004- IC MCU 16BIT 64KB
FLASH
U10 1 Technology I/PT 44TQFP
77 U11, U13, IC BUS TRANSCVR 2BIT N-
U15 3 Texas Instruments SN74LVC2T45DCT INV 5M8
78 IC SRAM 256KBIT 20MHZ
U12 1 MICROCHIP 231(256-I/ST 8TSSOP
79 Microchip IC OPAMP GP 14KHZ RRO
U14 1 Technology MCP6041T-E/OT 50T23-5
80 IC SOC RF TXRX W/8051
MCU
U16 1 Texas Instruments CC1110F32RHHR 36-VQF
81 TriQuint Signal Conditioning
915/26MHz
U17 1 Semiconductor 856327 Filter
82 U18 1 Texas Instruments CC1190RGVT RF Front End 850-
950MHz
83 5N74LVC1G332DC IC GATE OR 1CH 3-INP SC-
70-
U101 1 Texas Instruments KR 6
84 5N74LVC1G11DCK IC GATE AND 1CH 3-INP SC-
U102 1 Texas Instruments R 70-6
85 TXC CRYSTAL 12.288MHZ 8PF
Y1 1 CORPORATION AX-12.288MAGV-T SMD
86 Abracon ABS06-32.768KHZ- CRYSTAL 32.768KHZ
12.5PF
Y2, Y4 2 Corporation T SMD
87 CTS-Frequency
Y3 1 Controls 403C11A26M00000 CRYSTAL 26MHZ 10PF SMD
43
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
[00175]
Figure 29 is an exploded view of the miner apparatus 450, and specifically the
TPL. The housing 12 encases the tracking portion 310 that carries the
circuitry shown in figures
25 ¨ 28, which includes the CIM 72. There is the proximity device 402 which is
a standard
proximity device 402 that is currently available and exists in the proximity
device sold by Strata
Products Worldwide, LLC. There is the battery 14 and circuitry 602 through
which the battery
and the tracking portion 310 and the proximity detector 402 is connected to
the terminals 600 in
the housing 12. There is a data port cover 606 that covers over a port to
which the software
operations can be reprogrammed if necessary in the apparatus 450. There is
also a cover plate 612
that covers the terminals 600 on the outside of the housing 12. In the cover
612, there is a wiring
port 604 through which the wiring from the terminals 600 extend to the cap
lamp 400 to power
and trigger the components of the cap lamp 400.
[00176]
Figure 30 is a close-up view of the terminals 600. Wiring from terminal 607
extends to power the light in the cap lamp 400. Wiring from the terminal 608
extends to the
battery 14 to receive power from the battery 14. Wiring from terminal 609
extends to an LED in
the cap lamp 400 to power the LED. Wiring from the terminal 610 extends to a
sounder in the
cap lamp 400 that makes a noise to alert the miner when they have come to
close to a proximity
detector 404 and a warning or a hazard state is triggered. Terminal 611
receives wiring from the
cap lamp 400 and provides a ground or a return from the cap lamp 400.
[00177]
Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing
embodiments
for the purpose of illustration, the scope of the claims should not be limited
by particular
embodiments set forth herein, but should be construed in a manner consistent
with the
specification as a whole.
44
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-28
