Patent · US Expired

Long range multiple point wireless control and monitoring system

US5087099A · kind A · utility

86Cited by
9References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 16, 1990
Grant dateFeb 11, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 16, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG08C2201/51
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A method for remotely monitoring conditions such as carbon monoxide or methane gas concentration, longwall roof support pressure, machine parameters or uncut coal, trona or potash layer thickness in a natural resource mining system such as a longwall or continuous mine system. The method utilizes a plurality of sensors connected to low magnetic moment transmitters, e.g. 0.1 ATM.sup.2, or high magnetic moment transmitters, e.g. 2.5 ATM.sup.2, that transmit collected data during multiple short burst transmission periods. Prior to transmission, the data is converted to a digital word format. An algorithm in the transmitter microcomputer ensures that random time intervals exist between data transmission bursts thus preventing a data transmission clash at the central receiver. A microcomputer algorithm in the central receiver protects against data contention caused by simultaneous transmission from several sensors. The data is transmitted to the central receiver either through a natural waveguide pathway or through a utility conductor that is magnetically coupled to the transmitter and central receiver by properly oriented electrically short magnetic dipole antennas. The method can be u…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.