Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
GAS MONITOR, SYSTEM AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 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
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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 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
1
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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.
[0005] 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."
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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."
[0008] Traditional AMS hardwired systems offer this ability through a
hybrid
monitor/alarming unit although no wireless options for this requirement exist
currently. Mines
are often forced to run a separate control network if using a wireless
monitoring solution to
satisfy the section alarming requirement.
2
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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
3
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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
[00131 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.
10014] 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 portion a wireless signal from the housing that the gas
sensor portion has
sensed either the first or second gas.
4
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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
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
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
which the gas value is transmitted from the apparatus. The system comprises a
remote station
which receives the gas value from the network.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
The node comprises a data converter in communication with the data portion and
the wireless
6
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
portion which converts the data from the data network into a transmission
signal that is
transmitted on the wireless network.
[0022] 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 hi-
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.
[00231 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.
[0024] 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
communicator is only able to receive data but not voice. There is the step of
receiving the alarm
7
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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.
[0025] 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.
[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 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.
[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. The
8
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
apparatus 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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
[0030] In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of the
invention and
preferred methods of practicing the invention are illustrated in which:
[0031] Figures 1A, 1 AA, 1B and 2A-2E are engineering schematic diagrams
of the
wireless communications portion, the alarm portion and the battery of the
present invention.
[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the wireless communications
portion, the alarm
portion and the battery of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 5 is an operations diagram of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 6 is a representation of the output configuration of the
claimed invention.
[0036] Figure 7 is a representation of the input configuration of the
claimed invention.
[0037] Figure 8 is a representation of the terminal connectivity
regarding input mode of
the claimed invention.
9
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
[0038] Figure 9 is a representation of the terminal connectivity
regarding output mode
of the claimed invention.
[0039] Figure 10 is a representation of the terminal.
[0040] Figure 11 shows the apparatus having a housing with a first shell
and a second
shell.
[0041] Figure 12 shows the apparatus having a first port and a second
port for inputs or
outputs.
[0042] Figure 13 is a block diagram regarding the system of the present
invention.
[0043] Figure 14A is a schematic representation of a communication system
of the
present invention.
[0044] Figures 14B and 14C are block diagrams of a shared power supply of
a node.
[0045] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a miner communicator.
[0046] Figure 16 is a block diagram of a remote station which receives
gas values of gas
monitors.
[0047] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a housing of the remote
station.
[0048] Figure 18 is a block diagram of a miner apparatus with a cap lamp
and tracking.
[0049] Figure 19 is a block diagram of a miner apparatus with a proximity
device and
tracking.
[0050] Figure 20 is a block diagram of a miner apparatus with a cap lamp,
proximity
device and tracking.
[0051] Figure 21 is a representation of a system for a miner.
[0052] Figures 22 and 23 are circuit diagrams of the miner communicator
of the present
invention.
[0053] Figure 24 shows an overhead view of the circuit board having the
circuitry
described in figures 22 and 23.
[0054] Figures 25 ¨ 28 are circuit diagrams of the miner apparatus of the
present
invention.
[0055] Figure 29 is an exploded view of the miner apparatus.
[0056] Figure 30 shows the terminals of the miner apparatus.
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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
11
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
Monoxide, as shown in a display 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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 10 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
12
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
communication portion 20 from the detector. 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, the input 54, sensor portion and battery
14.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
13
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
[0064] 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 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.
[0065] 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.
14
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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 CommTracTm network 66 already exists and is
available from
Strata Products Worldwide, LLC, Sandy Springs, Georgia.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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
16
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] The software in the P1C24 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.
[0076] 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.
17
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
[0077] 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
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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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
J5.
18
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
[0081] 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 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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
19
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
applicable in sending a signal involving the pull cord being pulled occurs as
described for the
field switch connected to terminals 1 and 2.
[0085] 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 connected to the battery 14, terminal 5 is ground, and terminal 6
is connected to
external power for the apparatus to receive external power.
[0086] 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.
[0087] The following are features of the apparatus.
[0088] Sound Output Level: >90 dB at 12 inches
[0089] Constant tone in range of 2,000 ¨4,000 Hz
[0090] Dual sounders and horns for 180 degree
coverage
[0091] Visual Alarm: Constantly on high intensity LEDs; color
selected by jumper on board
[0092] Red for CO; Green for CH4; Blue for H2S
[0093] Supply Voltage: Typically 3.9VDC, Min 3.5VDC, Max 6VDC
[0094] Supply Current: < 80ma consumption of simultaneous AV
operation
[0095] Control Signal: Power will be switch on/off from Sentro Gas
detector 70
[0096] 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.
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
[0097] Powered from commercially available batteries giving 40 to 45 days
operating
life.
[0098] Wireless output board with internal antenna 52.
[0099] Measures CO, H2S, CH4 options for other gases
[00100] Able to interrogate Modbus registers via wireless system
[00101] Large LCD screen
[00102] Programmable set points
[00103] Option to monitor external relay contacts and to report their
state via the wireless
system
[00104] Wireless operation removes need for expensive setup and maintain
wired setup.
[00105] Measures gas concentrations every 1 second and reports status
every 90 seconds,
except under warning and alert conditions when changes reported immediately.
[00106] Display backlight is turned on whenever control button is pressed.
A warning or
alert triggers the screen to flash.
[00107] Sensors draw minimum power to maximize battery 14 life.
[00108] Dual-wall housing 12 gives maximum impact strength.
[00109] Housing 12 cover can be removed with power applied for module
replacement
and servicing.
[00110] Simultaneously monitor up to 8 different gases, together with
levels of
temperature, air velocity, pressure, smoke and fire.
[00111] = Power Conditioning
[00112] -(M) provide power conditioning from a (4) D-Cell EN95
battery pack
[00113] -(M) monitor the voltage of the battery pack
[00114] -(M) provide 3.3V 50ma to the controller and display boards
[00115] -(M) power CommTracTm transceiver
[00116] -(D) powered from external power voltage
[00117] = (D) measure the external power voltage
= [00118] Communications (CommTracTm Transceiver)
[00119] -(M) Support UART communications with Trolex board
21
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
[00120] = (M) Write and Read Mod-Bus registers from the Trolex
board
[00121] -(M) Contain an internal antenna
[00122] = I/O
[00123] -(D) Input from a dry contact (state open/closed)
[00124] -(D) Output power to contact (Batt or Ext Pwr)
[00125] Integrated I/O Module
[00126] The following are a list of parts with reference to figures I a,
lb and 2, all of
which are individually alone well known and are identifiable by their part
number, description
and manufacturer.
[00127]
Line Reference Quantity Manufacturer Part Description Alt Part
Item Designato Number Number
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 P1C24FJ64GA004- 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 I OV
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 1LF 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 CER 220PF 25V
709-1125-
5% NPO 0402 1-ND
13 C26 1 F950J337MBAAQ2 CAP TANT 330UF 493-5795-
22
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
6.3V 20% 1210 1-ND
14 C25, C53 2 TDK Corporation CGA2B2COGIH6R8 CAP CER 6.8PF 50V 445-
5580-
DO5OBA NPO 0402 1-ND
,
15 C24 1 TDK Corporation CGJ2B2COG1H030C CAP CER 3PF 50V 445-
13278-
050BA NPO 0402 1-ND
16 C15, C16, 3 TDK Corporation C1005C0G1H470J05 CAP CER 47PF 50V
445-1243-
C14 OBA 5% NPO 0402 1-ND
17 C10 1 TDK Corporation C1005COGIH010C0 CAP CER 1PF 50V 445-
4855-
50BA NPO 0402 1-ND
18 C11 1 TDK Corporation C1005COGIH101J05 CAP CER 100PF 50V
445-1247-
OBA 5% NPO 0402 1-ND
19 C12, C13 2 TDK Corporation C1005C0G1H1R5B0 CAP CER I.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 C1005C00111330J05 CAP CER 33PF 50V
445-1241-
C46, C50, OBA 5% NPO 0402 1-ND
C51, C52
23 C20, C21 2 TDK Corporation C1005NPOIH150J05 CAP CER I5PF 50V
445-13788-
OBA 5% NPO 0402 1-ND
24 Li, L2 2 TDK Corporation MLG1005S12NJ INDUCTOR 445-3060-
MULTILAYER 12NH 1-ND
0402
25 .3, L4 2 TDK Corporation MLG1005S18NJ INDUCTOR 445-3062-
MULTILAYER I8NH 1-ND
0402
26 L5 1 Pulse Electronics PE-0603CD680J11
INDUCTOR WW RF 553-1027-
Corporation 68NH 600MA 0603 1-ND
27 L8 1 TDK Corporation MLGI005S3N3S INDUCTOR 445-3047-
MULTILAYER 3.3NH 1-ND
0402
28 L6 1 TDK Corporation MLG1005S2N2S INDUCTOR 445-3043-
MULTILAYER 6.2NH 1-ND
0402
29 L7 1 TDK Corporation MLK1005S2N2S INDUCTOR 445-1459-
MULTILAYER 2.2NH 1-ND
0402
30 R4, R7, 5 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF1002X RES 10.0K OHM
P10.0KLC
R26, R29, Electronic 1/10W 1% 0402 SMD T-ND
R31 Components
31 RI 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF5602X RES 56.0K OHM
P56.0KLC
Electronic 1/10W 1% 0402 SMD T-ND
Components
32 R2 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GE1332X 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
23
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
35 Y2 1 ECS, INC. ECS-122.8-20-5PX- CRYSTAL I2.288MHZ
XC1278CT
TR 20PF SMD -ND
36 Y 1 , 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 1-ND
38 U26 1 Microchip 23K256-1/ST IC SRAM 256KB1T 23K256-
Technology 20MHZ 8TSSOP 1/ST-ND
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 TPS62050DGSR IC REG BUCK SYNC 296-
14392-
ADJ 0.8A 10MSOP 1-ND
43 U21 1 Linear LTC4412IS6#TRMP IC OR CTRLR SRC
LTC44121
Technology BF SELECT T50T23-6 S6#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, xxK, 2010
49 R24 1 RESISTOR, xxK, 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 SOT23-5 -E/OTCT-
ND
52 ICI, IC2, 4 Vishay Siliconix SI1869DH-T1-
E3 IC LOAD SW LVL SI1869DH-
IC3, IC4 SHIFT 20V SC70-6 Tl-E3CT-
ND
53 RS 1 Panasonic ERJ-8ENF6043V RES 604K OHM 1/4W
P604KFCT
Electronic I% 1206 SMD -ND
Components
54 C49 1 GRM188C81E475K CAP CER 4.7UF 25V 490-
7199-
EIID 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-3GEYJI05V RES 1M OHM 1/10W PLOMGCT
Electronic 5% 0603 SMD -ND
Components
60 R25, R27 2 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ473X RES 47K OHM 1/10W P47KJCT-
-
24
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
Electronic 5% 0402 SMD ND
Components
61
62
63 D14, D15, 24
D16, D17,
D18, D19,
D20 D21 DIODE, ZENER, 6.2V,
, ,
D22, D23, SOT-23
D24, D25,
D26, D27,
D28, D29,
D30, D31,
D32, D33,
D34, D38,
D39, D40
64 D35, D36, 3 Micro SM13J53413-TP DIODE, ZENER, 6.2V,
D37 Commercial Co. 5W, DO-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.IUF 50V 445-
1314-
C48 80AA 10% X7R 0603 1-ND
68 U28, U30 2 Maxim Integrated MAX4372HEUK+T IC AMP CURRENT MAX4372
SENSE SOT23-5 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
P_N2D8OKLCT
1/10W 1% 0402 SMD
74 R21 1 ERJ-2RKF6043X RES 604K OHM
P.N6D04KLCT
1/10W 1% 0402 SMD
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 _ D0-214AC CT-ND
81 R38 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ624X RES 620K OHM P620KJCT
Electronic 1/10W 5% 0402 SMD _ND
Components
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
82 R39 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ104X RES 100K OHM P 100KJCT
Electronic 1/10W 5% 0402 SMD _ND
Components
[00128] 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
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.
[00129] 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.
[00130] 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 vvirelessly 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.
[00131] 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.
[00132] 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
26
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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.
[00133] 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
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.
[00134] 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.
[00135] 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.
27
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
[00136] 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.
[00137] 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.
[00138] 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.
[00139] 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
28
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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.
[00140] 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 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.
[00141] 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 CommTracTm network 66 and a
data
29
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
converter 226, such as a serial to Ethernet converter 226, and specifically a
Moxa 230, at 3.3 V
and 500 mA.
[00142] 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 was originally received by the CommTracTm portion 224
through the
fibers 222, or if the fiber connection is not available, through the radios.
[00143] 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.
[00144] 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.
[00145] 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
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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 location of the transceiver 48, as is more
fully explained below
and is already part of the CommTracTm network 66.
[00146] 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.
[00147] 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.
[00148] 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.
[00149] 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
31
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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.
[00150] 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.
[00151] 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.
[00152] 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.
[00153] 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
32
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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.
[00154] 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 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.
[00155] 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.
[00156] 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.
[00157] 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
33
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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.
[00158] 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 ¨ needs replacing soon, 2 ¨ middle life, 3 ¨
new). After another
pause, a second series of flashes indicate strength of node (1 ¨ weak, 3 ¨
strong). The LEDs
306 will flash 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.
[00159] The housing of the communicator 298 has alx wxh 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.
[00160] 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.
[00161] The tracking portion 310 may be part of a transceiver 48,
described above, and
the location of the housing 12 is determined, as described.
[00162] 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 wireles sly
to the network. The
apparatus 450 comprises a battery 14 disposed in the housing 12 and connected
to the tracking
34
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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.
[00163] 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 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.
[00164] 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.
[00165] 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
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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 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.
[00166] 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.
[00167] 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.
[00168] 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.
[00169] 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
36
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
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.
[00170] 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.
[00171]
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 C1005COGIHOIOCO
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 AO1D 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
37
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
15 C26, C29, 3 TDK C1005COG1H330J05 CAP CER 33PF 50V 5% NPO
C30 Corporation OBA 0402
C33 I 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 C1005COG I H221J05 CAP CER 220PF 50V 5%
NPO
Corporation OBA 0402
20 DI, D2 2 Avago
Technologies US LED CHIP ALINGAP2 RED
Inc. HSMZ-C170 TOP MOUNT 0805
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, Li 1 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 BLM15HG102SNID 250MA 0402
L15 1 DNP
34 P1, 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 ERJ-2RKF4993X RES 499K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
38
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
Electronic SMD
Components
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
43 R11 1 Panasonic
Electronic RES 51 OHM 1/10W 1% 0402
Components ERJ-2RKF51ROX 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-2RICF24R9X SMD
45 R17, R18, 8 Panasonic
R19, R22, Electronic
R23, R24, Components RES 1K OHM 1/10W 1% 0402
R25, R26 ERJ-2RKF1001X 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-2RKF1OROX 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 B39921B3588U410 Signal Conditioning
915MHz
39
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
50ohms 2.9dB
55 U6 1 Microchip IC OPAMP GP 14KHZ RRO
MCP6041T-I/OT S0T23-5
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 Y1, Y4 2 Abracon ABS06-32.768KHZ- CRYSTAL 32.768KHZ 12.5PF
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
[00172] 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 CIM 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.
[00173]
Line Designator Quantity Manufacturer Part Description
Item Number
1 BUZZER MAGN 5VDC 2.7KHZ
BZ1 1 PUI AUDIO AI-1027-TWT-5V-R PCB
2 T495D337K010ATE CAP TANT 330UF by 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 OAUF 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 C1005C0G1H680J05 CAP CER 68PF 50V 5% NPO
C13 1 TDK Corporation OBA 0402
7 C14 1 TDK Corporation C1005X7R1H103K0 CAP CER 10000PF 50V 10%
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
=
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
14 C26, C30,
C49, C50, CAP CER 20PF 50V 1% NPO
C51, C52 6 Kemet CBRO4C200F5GAC 0402
C31, C57, C1005X5R1A104K0 CAP CER 0.1UF 10V 10% X5R
C60 3 TDK Corporation 50BA 0402
16 C1005X5R1C105K0 CAP CER 1UF 16V10% 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, C1005COGIH470J05 CAP CER 47PF 50V 5%
NPO
C64 3 TDK Corporation OBA 0402
19 C1005COGIHOIOCO CAP CER 1PF 50V 0.25PF
NPO
C46 1 TDK Corporation 50BA 0402
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 CGJ2B2COGIH030C
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
OSRAM Opto LED SIDELED RED 625NM
Dl 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
Ll 1 Panasonic ELL-6RH8R2M SMD
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 MLG1005S12NJ 12NH 0402
33 L6, L8 2 TDK Corporation MLG1005518NJ INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
41
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
18NH 0402
34 Pulse Electronics INDUCTOR WW RF 68NH
L9 1 Corporation PE-0603CD680JTT 600MA 0603
35 INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
L10 1 TDK Corporation MLG1005S3N3S 3.3NH 0402
36 INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
L11 1 TDK Corporation MLK1005S2N2S 2.2NH 0402
37 INDUCTOR MULTILAYER
L12 1 TDK Corporation MLG1005S6N2S 6.2NH 0402
38 P1 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
42 Q1, 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 RI, 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 i%0603
R6 1 Panasonic ERJ-3EKF5102V 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
RI I 1 Panasonic ERJ-3EKFlOROV 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 I Panasonic ERJ-3EKF1502V SMD
53 R25, R44, RES 1K OHM 1/10W 1% 0603
R45, R46 4 Panasonic ERJ-3EKF1001V SMD
54 RES 2K OHM 1/10W 1% 0603
R26 I Panasonic ERJ-3EKF2001V , SMD
55 RES 100K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R27 1 Panasonic ERJ-3EKF1003V SMD
-
56 R28, R40, RES 10K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R41, R42, 9 Panasonic ERJ-3EKF1002V SMD
_
42
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
R43, R47,
R48, R49,
R50
57 R33, R37, RES 100 OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R38, R39 4 Panasonic ERJ-3EKF1000V SMD
58 RES 2.7K OHM 1/10W 1%
0603
R51 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF270IX 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-3EKF2803V SMD
61 R55, R56, RES 47K OHM 1/10W 1%0603
R57, R58 4 Panasonic ERJ-3EKF4702V SMD
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-2RKF22ROX SMD
64 RES 56K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
R61 1 Panasonic ERJ-2RKF5602X SMD
65 RES 3.3K OHM 1/10W 1%
0402
R62 1 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ332X SMD
66 C&K SWITCH TACTILE SPST-NO
Sl, 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 LT4356IS-1#PBF SOIC
69 IC VREF SERIES PREC 2.5V
U3 1 Microchip MCP1525T-I/TT S0T23-3
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 SC70-6
72 IC LOAD SW LVL SHIFT 20V
U6 1 Vishay Siliconix 5I1869DH-T1-E3 SC70-6
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 MCP1826S-
U9 1 Microchip 3002E/DB IC REG LDO 3V IA S01223-
3
76 Microchip PIC24FJ64GA004- IC MCU 16BIT 64KB
FLASH
U10 1 Technology I/PT 44TQFP
77 Ull, U13, IC BUS TRANSCVR 2BIT N-
U15 3 Texas Instruments SN74LVC2T45DCT INV SM8
78 IC SRAM 256KBIT 20MHZ
U12 1 MICROCHIP 23K256-I/ST 8TSSOP
79 Microchip IC OPAMP GP 14KHZ RRO
U14 1 Technology MCP6041T-E/OT SOT23-5
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
43
CA 02866032 2016-06-03
82 U18 1 Texas Instruments CC1190RGVT RF Front End 850 -
950MHz
83 SN74LVC1G332DC IC GATE OR 1CH 3-INP SC-70-
U101 1 Texas Instruments KR 6
84
SN74LVC1G11DCK IC GATE AND 1CH 3-INP SC-
U102 1 Texas Instruments R 70-6
85 TXC CRYSTAL 12.288MHZ 8PF
Yl 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
[00174]
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.
[00175]
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.
[00176]
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
