US3577030A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inductive energizing circuit for arc plasma generator
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1967-10-30
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Granted: 1971-05-04
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Expires: 1987-10-30
Abstract
Abstract The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the running, as well as the starting and shut-down operations, of a shutdown arc plasma generator or the like whose spaced-apart electrodes are energized from a circuit including an inductor which is connected in series with the electrodes and their energizing voltage source and which functions to damp out current pulsations, particularly those occurring at high mass flow rates within the arc plasma generator. Moreover, by maintaining the electrode arc discharge current constant, the arc rotation rate is also more uniform. Due to the fact that the series inductor causes current buildup in the electrode energizing circuit to be a function of time, suitable means are provided for delaying the establishment of the electrode arc discharge until such time as the circuit current has been built up sufficiently to insure that the arc discharge will be sustained. Moreover, means are also provided for decoupling the inductor from the remainder of the electrode energizing circuit, prior to the time when the electrode energizing circuit is open-circuited, so as to prevent arcing at the switch or circuit breaker means utilized to open the electrode energizing circuit.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard T Cusick
- 👤 Edgar A Bunt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:33
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/30; B; B23; B23K; B23K10/00; H05H; H05H1/00; H05H1/24; H05H1/26; H05H1/32; H05H1/34; H05H1/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for controlling the starting and shut-down of a DC arc plasma generator or the like having a pair of spaced-apart elecTrodes which are energized by a circuit including a DC voltage source and a series-connected inductor, comprising the steps of, closing said electrode energizing circuit, delaying the initiation of an arc discharge between said electrodes until the voltage available across said electrodes is sufficient to sustain said arc discharge, short circuiting said inductor to dissipate the stored energy thereof when it is desired to shut down said arc plasma generator or the like, and subsequently opening said electrode energizing circuit to deenergize said electrodes.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for controlling the starting and shut-down of a DC arc plasma generator or the like having a pair of spaced-apart elecTrodes which are energized by a circuit including a DC voltage source and a series-connected inductor, comprising the steps of, closing said electrode energizing circuit, delaying the initiation of an arc discharge between said electrodes until the voltage available across said electrodes is sufficient to sustain said arc discharge, short circuiting said inductor to dissipate the stored energy thereof when it is desired to shut down said arc plasma generator or the like, and subsequently opening said electrode energizing circuit to deenergize said electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method specified in claim 1 wherein the step of delaying the initiation of said electrode arc discharge is accomplished by shunting the electrodes for a predetermined time interval.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
143 words
In combination with a DC arc plasma generator having a pair of spaced-apart electrodes, a DC voltage source operably connected across said electrodes for establishing an arc discharge current between said electrodes, an inductor connected in a series circuit with said voltage source and said electrodes for maintaining said arc discharge current at a substantially constant magnitude, a first switch means connected in circuit series with said voltage source, said inductor and said electrodes for opening and closing said series circuit, second switch means connected in circuit multiple with said inductor for shorting out said inductor prior to opening of said series circuit by said first switch means, and means connected in circuit parallel with said spaced-apart electrodes for delaying the establishment of an arc discharge between said electrodes until the voltage available across said electrodes is sufficient to maintain said arc discharge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
143 words
In combination with a DC arc plasma generator having a pair of spaced-apart electrodes, a DC voltage source operably connected across said electrodes for establishing an arc discharge current between said electrodes, an inductor connected in a series circuit with said voltage source and said electrodes for maintaining said arc discharge current at a substantially constant magnitude, a first switch means connected in circuit series with said voltage source, said inductor and said electrodes for opening and closing said series circuit, second switch means connected in circuit multiple with said inductor for shorting out said inductor prior to opening of said series circuit by said first switch means, and means connected in circuit parallel with said spaced-apart electrodes for delaying the establishment of an arc discharge between said electrodes until the voltage available across said electrodes is sufficient to maintain said arc discharge.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
The combination specified in claim 3 wherein said arc delaying means comprises, a fused horn gap means connected in circuit parallel with said electrodes and including a fusing wire selected to delay the establishment of an arc discharge between said electrodes until the voltage available across said electrodes is sufficient to maintain said arc discharge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination specified in claim 4 further including a starting wire means connected across said electrodes to facilitate the establishment of said arc discharge.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
The combination specified in claim 5 wherein said starting wire means is provided with a discontinuity adapted to relay the establishment of said arc discharge and further including, a monitoring resistor connected across the discontinuity in said starting wire to permit detection that the ends of said starting wire are in electrical contact with said electrodes.
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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) | 1974-05-03 | 1974-11-02 | 1975-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-03 | 1978-11-02 | 1979-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-03 | 1982-11-02 | 1983-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |