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Mine Personnel Locator and Mine Activity Controller. Final Report.

Farstad AJ; Robinson LR; Saum GH

NTIS: PB/82-235979 :187 pages

10002435

Recent advances in microcomputer technology have opened the way for systems that can track the location of underground mining personnel from the surface. A computerized system was designed that is capable of not only tracking the location of the miner but also of monitoring underground parameters, communicating between work stations, and sounding alarms when underground conditions are judged to be unsafe. In this report the locations of underground personnel are detected by a network of underground terminals that routinely emit radiofrequency (rf) pulses to interrogate miniature transponders worn by the miners. Each transponder is uniquely programed to delay its response so that the rf terminal can identify the individual transponders by the time slots in which the responding pulses are received. The underground terminals are then interrogated by the host computer on the surface that keeps a running account on underground mine conditions and personnel. The underground portion of the system is designed to operate even during mine emergencies, deriving its power from rechargeable battery supplies that are float charged during normal operation.

19810101

CP; Final Contract Report;

1981

PB82-235979

A10

OFR 80-82

SRC;

NTIS: PB/82-235979

Nelson & Johnson Eng., Inc.