Integrated mining cap lamp and communications system
Object No. 2006/58/1
This Integrated Communications Cap Lamp was designed and made in Sydney in 2004 to reduce the burden of equipment carried by underground miners. It is an Australian innovation which combines a through-the-earth communication system, lithium-ion battery and cap lamp controller in a lightweight unit worn on a miner's belt. An electric cable connects the unit to a lamp worn on the miner's helmet. In 1990 its maker, Mine Site Technologies had developed the world's first through-the-earth mine communication system, saving mine owners the cost of installing and maintaining wired systems. Debbie Rudder The Integrated Communications Cap Lamp (ICCL) represents continuing innovation in mining communications technology by the Australian company Mine Site Technologies. This product integrates a number of devices that were once worn by miners as separate items on their belt into a single unit. It combines a through-the-earth communications system, lithium-ion battery and cap lamp power into a lightweight unit. The system can be configured with a number of different communications and power options, and is compatible with existing cap lamps and charging systems. Mine Site Technologies was established in 1989 and has grown to be one of the largest specialised mining communication companies in the world. Its technologies are operating in over 250 mines in Australia, Canada, the United States and China. One of the company's most successful technologies is the PED or Personal Emergency Device system which is an ultra low frequency 'through-the-earth' paging, control and blasting system. This 'through the earth' paging system has been incorporated into the ICCL. In 2005 the ICCL was awarded an Australian DesignMark and a Powerhouse Museum Selection Award.
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Summary
Object Statement
Miner's cap lamp with base station, 'Integrated Communications Cap Lamp' (ICCL), plastic / metal / cardboard, designed by Tiller + Tiller, made by Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2004
Physical Description
Consists of an orange battery pack with a LCD screen and the text 'ICCL Integrated Communications Cap Lamp' printed in black. The pack has a black electric cord which is connected to a small yellow and black plastic lamp. The lamp has a metal hook which enables it to be attached to a helmet. This product integrates a number of devices that were once worn by miners as separate items on their belt into a single unit. It combines a through-the-earth communications system, lithium-ion battery and cap lamp power into a lightweight unit. The system can be configured with a number of different communications and power options, and is compatible with existing cap lamps and charging systems.
DIMENSIONS
Height
185 mm
Width
150 mm
Depth
65 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The mining cap lamp and base station was designed by Tiller+Tiller and made by Mine Site Technologies in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2004 ICCL is an Integrated Communications Cap Lamp for the mining industry. The cap lamp base station includes a range of communication and personal potective equipment options previously worn by miners as separate items on their belt. This is the first time Mine Site Technologies 'through the earth' paging, control and blasting system, new lithium ion battery technology and cap lamp power take off points, have been integrated into a single unit. ICCL has reduced the size, weight and burden on miners who need access to a range of critical technologies and information during a working shift. ICCL is the first integrated device to include critical features commonly seen as separate devices worn by miners. ICCL is not only smaller (by almost half) than its nearest competitor, but it is also much lighter. Various options can be included - such as PED personal pager, an electronic tag, or radio. The ICCL has built in power take off points around the enclosure, allowing left or right side cap lamp positioning, or the addition of other devices in need of a portable power supply. ICCL fits into existing mining infrastructure, which means no new charge racks or cap lamps are needed. This means the change to ICCL is an easy step. It is a simple case of keeping your cap lamp, keeping your charging system and dropping the ICCL into current mining practices and procedures. The system uses lithium ion battery technology to reduce weight without compromising the need to run for 12-hour shifts.
HISTORY
Notes
This cap lamp and base station were lent to the Museum for display in the 2005 Australian Design Awards exhibition from July 2005 - June 2006. The ICCL system was awarded an Australian DesignMark and the Powerhouse Museum Selection Award in 2005. Over 190 products were entered in the Australian Design Awards in 2005. The judging panel recommended 49 of these products receive an Australian Design Mark and of these, 20 products for an Australian Design Award. The products receiving the Australian Design Award were announced at a dinner and awards ceremony on 22nd April at Melbourne Museum. At this ceremony the recipients of the Powerhouse Museum Selection awards for 2005 were also announced. Mine Site Technologies was established in 1989 and has grown to be one of the largest specialized mining communication companies in the world. Their technologies are operating in over 250 mines in Australia, Canada, the United States and China. One of their most successful technologies is the PED or Personal Emergency Device system which is an ultra low frequency "through-the-earth" paging, control and blasting system. This through the earth paging system has been incorporated into the ICCL. Tiller+Tiller is an industrial design consultancy based in Sydney, Australia
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd, 2006
Acquisition Date
2 May 2006
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