Patent US3571609A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3571609A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Ignition apparatus selectively operable at different levels of discharge energy
Assignee: GEN LAB ASSOCIATES Inc
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Filing: 1969-08-20
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Granted: 1971-03-23
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Expires: 1989-08-20
Abstract
Abstract Ignition apparatus selectively operable to produce sparks at any of a plurality of energy levels. The apparatus includes a chargeable and dischargeable network having one common terminal, a plurality of other terminals, and a plurality of capacitors. The capacitors may have different capacitances and are connected to the terminals so as to provide substantially different effective capacitances between different pairs of terminals. A plurality of selectively actuatable energy supply sources are provided, each connected between different pairs of terminals of the networks. The means for discharging the network includes a potential responsive breakdown impedance means and an igniter. Preferably, an inductive element is connected in series with the igniter and a diode is connected in parallel with the series branch circuit including the inductive element and the igniter. The diode is effective to maintain the discharge from the capacitive network through the igniter as a unidirectional flow, instead of allowing it to oscillate. Since the discharging currents in the capacitors flow only in one direction, the switching of the various capacitors may then be performed by diodes rather than by more complex switching devices. Combinations of capacitors in the network may be selected by selection of one or more of the energy sources, so as to supply the igniter with energy at any plurality of different levels. In certain modifications all the capacitors in the network are utilized for every energy discharge, the energy level being determined by the selection of the pair of terminals at which the network is charged. Such a network may deliver energy to one or more igniters.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis I Knudson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 13:55
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/30; H05B41/32; F; F02; F02P; F02P9/00; F02P9/002; F02P9/007; H03; H03K; H03K3/00; H03K3/02; H03K3/53; H03K3/537
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
225 words
Apparatus for controlling the distribution of electrical energy from plural energy supply means comprising: a. a chargeable and dischargeable electrical network, including: 1. at least three network terminals; 2. a plurality of capacitors, each having two electrodes; 3. means connecting each terminal to at least one electrode; 4. said capacitors having different capacitances and being connected to the terminals to provide substantially different effective capacitances between different pairs of terminals; b. first and second selectively actuatable energy supply means for charging the network; c. an electrical load; d. potential-responsive breakdown impedance means having two terminals and shiftable from a high impedance condition to a low impedance condition when the potential between said terminals exceeds a predetermined value; e. network-discharging means including said potential-responsive means and said load; wherein the improvement comprises: f. means connecting the first energy supply means between one pair of network terminals for charging the network with a first quantity of energy; g. means connecting the second energy supply means between another pair of network terminals for charging the network with a second substantially different quantity of energy; and h. means connecting at least part of said network discharging means between first and second network terminals and effective to discharge the network when the potential between said terminals exceeds a value determined by the characteristics of said part of the network-discharging means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
225 words
Apparatus for controlling the distribution of electrical energy from plural energy supply means comprising: a. a chargeable and dischargeable electrical network, including: 1. at least three network terminals; 2. a plurality of capacitors, each having two electrodes; 3. means connecting each terminal to at least one electrode; 4. said capacitors having different capacitances and being connected to the terminals to provide substantially different effective capacitances between different pairs of terminals; b. first and second selectively actuatable energy supply means for charging the network; c. an electrical load; d. potential-responsive breakdown impedance means having two terminals and shiftable from a high impedance condition to a low impedance condition when the potential between said terminals exceeds a predetermined value; e. network-discharging means including said potential-responsive means and said load; wherein the improvement comprises: f. means connecting the first energy supply means between one pair of network terminals for charging the network with a first quantity of energy; g. means connecting the second energy supply means between another pair of network terminals for charging the network with a second substantially different quantity of energy; and h. means connecting at least part of said network discharging means between first and second network terminals and effective to discharge the network when the potential between said terminals exceeds a value determined by the characteristics of said part of the network-discharging means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
8 words
a plurality of capacitors, each having two electrodes;
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
8 words
a plurality of capacitors, each having two electrodes;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
means connecting a common terminal of the network to one electrode of each of two of the three capacitors;
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
means connecting a common terminal of the network to one electrode of each of two of the three capacitors;
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
193 words
means connecting a second network terminal to the other terminal of the potential-responsive means; f. first electrical energy supply means connected between one pair of network terminals for charging the network with a first quantity of energy while increasing the potential between said first and second network terminals to said predetermined value; g. second electrical energy supply means connected between another pair of network terminals for charging the network with a second quantity of energy while increasing the potential between said first and second network terminals to said predetermined value; and h. means for selectively actuating said first and second electrical energy supply means; wherein the improvement comprises: i. first diode means connecting said first network terminal and said one terminal of the potential-responsive means, said first diode means being effective to maintain the discharge current through said igniter in a predetermined direction; and j. second diode means connected between at least one of said first and second netwOrk terminals and the third terminal of the network, and poled to pass current from said third terminal toward said discharging means only in a direction to pass through said igniter in said predetermined direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
193 words
means connecting a second network terminal to the other terminal of the potential-responsive means; f. first electrical energy supply means connected between one pair of network terminals for charging the network with a first quantity of energy while increasing the potential between said first and second network terminals to said predetermined value; g. second electrical energy supply means connected between another pair of network terminals for charging the network with a second quantity of energy while increasing the potential between said first and second network terminals to said predetermined value; and h. means for selectively actuating said first and second electrical energy supply means; wherein the improvement comprises: i. first diode means connecting said first network terminal and said one terminal of the potential-responsive means, said first diode means being effective to maintain the discharge current through said igniter in a predetermined direction; and j. second diode means connected between at least one of said first and second netwOrk terminals and the third terminal of the network, and poled to pass current from said third terminal toward said discharging means only in a direction to pass through said igniter in said predetermined direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
8 words
a plurality of capacitors, each having two electrodes;
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
8 words
a plurality of capacitors, each having two electrodes;
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
6 words
another terminal connected to said load.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
6 words
another terminal connected to said load.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
79 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which: a. said network-discharging means comprises first diode means connecting one network terminal and one terminal of the potential-responsive means, said diode means being effective to maintain the discharging current through said igniter in a predetermined direction; and b. second diode means connected between pairs of terminals of the network and poled to pass current toward said diScharging means only in a direction to pass through said igniter in said predetermined direction.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2, in which: a. one electrode of each capacitor is connected to a common terminal of the network; b. the other electrode of each capacitor is connected to an individual energy supply means and to one of the other terminals of the network; and c. diode means are connected between each pair of said other terminals and poled to pass current toward said network-discharging means only in a direction to pass through said load means in a predetermined direction.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
means connecting each of said network terminals to at least one of said electrodes; e. means for discharging the network, including:
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
means connecting each of said network terminals to at least one of said electrodes; e. means for discharging the network, including:
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
127 words
means connecting the other terminals of the network to other electrodes of said two capacitors and to one electrode of the third capacitor; c. first and second selectively actuatable energy supply means for charging the network and connected respectively to other terminals of the network. d. first and second potential-responsive breakdown impedance means, each having two terminals and shiftable from a high impedance condition to a low impedance condition when the potential between its terminals exceeds a predetermined value, the said predetermined value being separately determined for each of said impedance means; e. means connecting one terminal of each of said impedance means to one of said other terminals of the network; f. means connecting the other terminals of both said impedance means to said igniter means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
127 words
means connecting the other terminals of the network to other electrodes of said two capacitors and to one electrode of the third capacitor; c. first and second selectively actuatable energy supply means for charging the network and connected respectively to other terminals of the network. d. first and second potential-responsive breakdown impedance means, each having two terminals and shiftable from a high impedance condition to a low impedance condition when the potential between its terminals exceeds a predetermined value, the said predetermined value being separately determined for each of said impedance means; e. means connecting one terminal of each of said impedance means to one of said other terminals of the network; f. means connecting the other terminals of both said impedance means to said igniter means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
9 words
means connecting each terminal to at least one electrode;
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
9 words
means connecting each terminal to at least one electrode;
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
177 words
said capacitors having different capacitances and being connected to the terminals to provide substantially different effective capacitances between different pairs of terminals; b. first and second selectively actuatable energy supply means for charging the network; c. an electrical load; d. potential-responsive breakdown impedance means having two terminals and shiftable from a high impedance condition to a low impedance condition when the potential between said terminals exceeds a predetermined value; e. network-discharging means including said potential-responsive means and said load; wherein the improvement comprises: f. means connecting the first energy supply means between one pair of network terminals for charging the network with a first quantity of energy; g. means connecting the second energy supply means between another pair of network terminals for charging the network with a second substantially different quantity of energy; and h. means connecting at least part of said network discharging means between first and second network terminals and effective to discharge the network when the potential between said terminals exceeds a value determined by the characteristics of said part of the network-discharging means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
177 words
said capacitors having different capacitances and being connected to the terminals to provide substantially different effective capacitances between different pairs of terminals; b. first and second selectively actuatable energy supply means for charging the network; c. an electrical load; d. potential-responsive breakdown impedance means having two terminals and shiftable from a high impedance condition to a low impedance condition when the potential between said terminals exceeds a predetermined value; e. network-discharging means including said potential-responsive means and said load; wherein the improvement comprises: f. means connecting the first energy supply means between one pair of network terminals for charging the network with a first quantity of energy; g. means connecting the second energy supply means between another pair of network terminals for charging the network with a second substantially different quantity of energy; and h. means connecting at least part of said network discharging means between first and second network terminals and effective to discharge the network when the potential between said terminals exceeds a value determined by the characteristics of said part of the network-discharging means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2, in which said network comprises: a. a common terminal connected to one electrode of each of said capacitors; b. a plurality of other terminals, each connected to an individual source of energy; and c. a plurality of diodes, each connecting one of said other terminals to a second common terminal of said network.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, including: a. a further plurality of energy supply means; and b. a plurality of diodes for each of said further plurality of energy supply means, each said plurality of diodes connecting its associated energy supply means to a preselected combination of said other network terminals.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which: a. said network comprises three capacitors; b. means connecting a common terminal of the network to one electrode of only two of the three capacitors; and c. means connecting each other terminal of the network to the other electrode of one of said two capacitors and to an electrode of the third capacitor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 6, including two potential-responsive breakdown impedance means, each having:
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 6, including: a. two electrical loads; and b. two potential-responsive breakdown impedance means, each connected between one of said other terminals of the network and one of said loads.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
46 words
Ignition apparatus, including: a. an igniter; b. inductive impedance means; c. potential-responsive means having two terminals and shiftable from a high impedance condition to a low impedance condition when the potential between said terminals exceeds a predetermined value; d. a chargeable and dischargeable electrical network, comprising:
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
46 words
Ignition apparatus, including: a. an igniter; b. inductive impedance means; c. potential-responsive means having two terminals and shiftable from a high impedance condition to a low impedance condition when the potential between said terminals exceeds a predetermined value; d. a chargeable and dischargeable electrical network, comprising:
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 8, in which each said network comprises: a. a common terminal connected to one electrode of each capacitor; b. a plurality of other terminals, each connected to the other electrode of one of said capacitors; and c. a corresponding plurality of energy supply means, each connected to one of said other terminals.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 9, in which said network includes: a. a common terminal connected to one electrode of each capacitor; b. a plurality of other terminals, each connected to one other electrode of a capacitor; and c. a corresponding plurality of diodes connected between one of said other terminals and a second common terminal of the network.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 8, including: a. a further plurality of energy supply means, corresponding in number to predetermined combinations of said other electrodes: b. a plurality of diodes for each of said further plurality of energy supply means, and connecting its associated energy supply means to a predetermined combination of said other terminals.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
Ignition apparatus for delivering a spark selectively at either of two energies, comprising: a. igniter means; b. a chargeable and dischargeable electrical network including:
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
Ignition apparatus for delivering a spark selectively at either of two energies, comprising: a. igniter means; b. a chargeable and dischargeable electrical network including:
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 13, in which said igniter means comprises a single igniter connected to both said breakdown impedance means and operable at either of two energies, depending upon the selection of the energy supply means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 13, in which said igniter means comprises two igniters, each connected to the other terminal of one of said two breakdown impedance means, either of said igniters being selectable for operation by selection of one of said energy supply means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-22 | 1974-09-21 | 1975-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-22 | 1978-09-21 | 1979-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-22 | 1982-09-21 | 1983-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |