Inventions for Improved Mining Safety and Life-saving Devices

Date: January 31, 2006
Object: RFID (Radio Frequency Idenfication) Device “Lifeline” for Mining Safety
Inventor: George Koprowicz (GK Consulting)
Notebook #: © 2006 62005-4
Rights: © 2006 Copyright/patent pending
Scope: To describe the invention/idea for developing a portable, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device, miniature or otherwise) for maintaining radio frequency connection and transmission and location to underground personnel (e.g., miners, etc.). The current national tragedies in recent mining disasters have generated /created a recognized need for this type of technology.
The Invention: RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology currently consists of a radio frequency “chip” used to identify and locate wholesale pallet, containers, etc. shipments of material, merchandise, etc.
Current technology could potentially be adapted into a tape, sticker, tag or “marker” type of device consisting of a virtual “lifeline” consisting of a “line” of RFID devices and transponders between underground crews and personnel with above-ground counterparts and control.
In essence, an “unbroken” almost direct chain of miniature radio communication transmitters and transponders could be used to link underground personnel with above-ground counterparts, emergency rescue teams, etc..
Current thinking and theory posits the development of a microscopic RFID chip using new, developing dendritic polymer technology. See Invention Number 62005-2 (below).
Drawbacks: Technology is undeveloped and untested. Will power of the radio signal be sufficient to merit development based on size of the tag, sticker, label, wire, device, etc.? Will communications be maintained in an adequate space and timeframe? Funding for such development is not known to be available. No interest has been demonstrated by the organizations and agencies (and others) listed below.
Benefits: Current RFID tagging technology is cost-prohibitive ($ 0.50 to $ 1.00 estimated per unit) and limits its application to “bulk” or “wholesale” level. A lower cost technology (described in Koprowicz’s notes 62005-1 and 62005-2) has the potential to drive technology cost down (for example, to $ 0.02 to $ 0.05 estimated per unit) and could be used at “retail” and “individual” or “mass-media” levels.
Potential for reduction and mitigation of mining, underground accidents and tragedies etc. through the use of this new and developing technology. Potential for abatement of terrorist-funded activity via cessation and intercession of counterfeit media and currency (homeland security). Deprivation of terrorist-funded activity through use of RFID “tagged” media, paper and currencies. Submissions: U.S. Bureau of Printing and Engraving, June 9, 2005
Brady Corp., June 20, 2005
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
Institute for Scientific Research, June 24, 2005
National Institute for Standards and Technology, June 24, 2005
Avery-Dennison, June 24, 2005
Bostik, July 5, 2005
Date: June 9, 2005
Object: Low-Cost RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) “Labels”/”Tapes”/”Tags”/”Devices”
Inventor: George Koprowicz (GK Consulting)
Notebook #: © 2005 62005-2
Rights: Copyright/patent pending
Scope: To describe the invention/idea of a “label” (or “sticker”) made with a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) and the potential benefits arising from this invention/device/embodiment.
The Invention: Would consist in the form of a “circuit” for a miniature – even microscopic – radio frequency emitter based on a conductive polymer. The conductive polymer compound would be based on dendritic-polymers coupled/”doped” with an electrically conductive metal ion or ligand. The compound would be applied as a liquid solution (or even a “melt”) through a stencil and then dried mechanically or even UV-light radiation cured. Stencil media and excess polymer compound would then be removed mechanically, chemically or otherwise. A “circuit” pattern of the cured compound would be left behind on a substrate. This miniature circuit could then be embedded in the currency paper during formation, or prior to printing, or after printing. In all cases, the miniature/microscopic emitter could be used individually (or combined with other similar emitters or with other technologies – such as bar-coding) to verify and authenticate any paper product, notes, currency that the micro-RFID Label was embedded in, stenciled on or otherwise applied to.
Alternately, the same process for applying the conductive polymer compound could be used as a tape form technology. Tape could then be applied anywhere in the process it allows.
Drawbacks: Technology is undeveloped and untested. Will power of the radio signal be sufficient to merit development based on size of the tag?
Benefits: Current RFID tagging technology is cost-prohibitive ($ 0.50 to $ 1.00 estimated per unit) and limits its application to “bulk” or “wholesale” level. A lower cost technology (described above) has the potential to drive technology cost down (for example, to $ 0.02 to $ 0.05 estimated per unit) and could be used at “retail” and “individual” or “mass-media” levels.
Potential for reduction counterfeit media entering in the USA cash flow and finance sector. “Immediate” physical verification (“counts”) and authentication of tendered/ received paper and paper currencies and all other media (“verification procedures”, “anti-counterfeiting strategies/initiatives”) and mitigation of law enforcement action concerning counterfeit media and paper and currency.
Potential for abatement of terrorist-funded activity via cessation and intercession of counterfeit media and currency (homeland security). Deprivation of terrorist-funded activity through use of RFID “tagged” media, paper and currencies. Submissions: U.S. Bureau of Printing and Engraving, June 9, 2005
Brady Corp., June 20, 2005
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
Institute for Scientific Research, June 24, 2005
National Institute for Standards and Technology, June 24, 2005
Avery-Dennison, June 24, 2005
Bostik, July 5, 2005

Date: January 31, 2006
Object: Flexible, Fluorescent Miner “Life Net” for Underground Crew Safety and Rescue
Inventor: George Koprowicz (GK Consulting)
Notebook #: © 2006 62005-5
Rights: © 2006 Copyright/patent pending
Scope: To describe the invention/idea for developing a portable, flexible, fluorescent polymer based net for use by underground personnel (e.g., miners, etc.) in all situations, including emergencies, search and rescue, etc. The current national tragedies in recent mining disasters have generated /created a recognized need for this type of technology.
The Invention: Is a proposal for the development of a self-powered, fluorescent, polymer based net (or “grid” or fabric) to be deployed by mining and or emergency personnel in all situations, including emergencies, search and rescue, etc.
The described fabric, net or “grid” would be built, woven, constructed, etc. from a self lighting-emitting dendritice based polymer. Mining personnel could deploy the fabric, net or “grid” during non-emergency or emergency situations. The self light-emitting polymer fabric, net or “grid”. The fabric, net or “grid” would then be deployed to provide additional or emergency fluorescent lighting in almost all underground scenarios, except in case of fire.
New and developing and dendritic polymer technology might allow for the development of such a fluorescent-light emitting polymer strand or filament that could be formed, woven or constructed into a fabric, net or “grid”.
Dendritic polymer plastic might even be grafted with (a) superconducting material(s) capable of providing power or energy to fluorescent-light emitting polymer under low temperature conditions.
Drawbacks: Technology is undeveloped and untested. Will power and intensity of the light provided by such a fabric, net or “grid” be sufficient? Will tensile and tear strength of the net, fabric or “grid” be sufficient for use in rugged conditions? A feasibility study is suggested.
Benefits: Potential for reduction and mitigation of mining, underground accidents and tragedies etc. through the use of this new and developing technology. Potential for use of this new technology for life-sustaining activities of underground personnel, emergency personnel, search and rescue teams, etc.