US3617813A — Intervalometer and timing oscillator

Claim 1

Independent Claim 252 words

An intervalometer for providing electrical firing signals in a selected sequence and at a selected frequency to a group of ordnance devices, said intervalometer comprising: a power supply, a solenoid-operated stepping switch for sequentially supplying electrical pulses from said power supply to said ordnance devices, a solenoid-coil-energizing switch for controlling application of energizing electrical power to said solenoid-operated switch, and a timing oscillator for operating said solenoid-coil-energizing switch with a controlled turn on delay and thereafter with a preselected steady-state repetition rate, said oscillator comprising an oscillator switch having an output connected to actuate said solenoid-coil-energizing switch, and having a triggering input, an oscillator storage device for initially effecting a substantially instantaneous transmission of power supply voltage to said triggering input of said oscillator switch when said power supply is turned on, said storage device including means for effecting a charging thereof at a selected rate and to a value sufficient to again trigger said oscillator switch, said oscillator storage device being connected to be discharged by said oscillator switch when the latter is operated, means for effecting a controlled initial delay of the application of a voltage from said power supply to said oscillator switch through said storage device, whereby said oscillator switch is triggered after a relatively short interval following initial turn on of the power supply and is thereafter triggered at relatively longer intervals each determined by the time required to charge said storage device, and whereby said solenoid-coil-energizing switch is actuated each time said oscillator switch is triggered.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 252 words

An intervalometer for providing electrical firing signals in a selected sequence and at a selected frequency to a group of ordnance devices, said intervalometer comprising: a power supply, a solenoid-operated stepping switch for sequentially supplying electrical pulses from said power supply to said ordnance devices, a solenoid-coil-energizing switch for controlling application of energizing electrical power to said solenoid-operated switch, and a timing oscillator for operating said solenoid-coil-energizing switch with a controlled turn on delay and thereafter with a preselected steady-state repetition rate, said oscillator comprising an oscillator switch having an output connected to actuate said solenoid-coil-energizing switch, and having a triggering input, an oscillator storage device for initially effecting a substantially instantaneous transmission of power supply voltage to said triggering input of said oscillator switch when said power supply is turned on, said storage device including means for effecting a charging thereof at a selected rate and to a value sufficient to again trigger said oscillator switch, said oscillator storage device being connected to be discharged by said oscillator switch when the latter is operated, means for effecting a controlled initial delay of the application of a voltage from said power supply to said oscillator switch through said storage device, whereby said oscillator switch is triggered after a relatively short interval following initial turn on of the power supply and is thereafter triggered at relatively longer intervals each determined by the time required to charge said storage device, and whereby said solenoid-coil-energizing switch is actuated each time said oscillator switch is triggered.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 36 words

The intervalometer of claim 1 wherein said oscillator switch comprises a unijunction transistor having an emitter, and wherein said oscillator storage device comprises a parallel resistance capacitance circuit connected between the power supply and said emitter.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 65 words

The intervalometer of claim 2 wherein said solenoid-coil-energizing switch comprises a silicon-controlled rectifier having an anode connected with a coil of the solenoid, having a cathode connected to a common line, and having a control electrode, and wherein said unijunction transistor includes a base one electrode connected to said power supply and a base two electrode connected to said control electrode of the silicon-controlled rectifier.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 43 words

The intervalometer of claim 3 wherein said means for effecting a controlled delay of the first application of said supply voltage to the oscillator-switching device comprises a delay capacitor connected between said common line and one side of said parallel resistance capacitance circuit.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 22 words

The intervalometer of claim 4 wherein said delay capacitor is connected between said common line and the emitter of said unijunction transistor.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 65 words

The intervalometer of claim 4 wherein said delay capacitor is connected between said common line and the junction of said power supply with said resistance capacitance circuit, and wherein a unidirectional device is connected between said power supply and said delay capacitor, whereby in the event of temporary power supply dropout, said delay capacitor will retain a charge sufficient to continue operation of said oscillator.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 163 words

An electronically timed mechanical intervalometer for sequentially firing a group of ordnance devices, said intervalometer comprising: a plurality of banks of switches, a solenoid connected to drive said banks of switches, said solenoid having an energizing coil and a set of self-interrupting contacts therefor, a coil-energizing switch for repetitively energizing said solenoid coil, and an oscillator for repetitively closing said coil-energizing switch, said oscillator comprising a unijunction transistor having a base one electrode connected to said power supply, having a base two electrode connected to a controlling terminal of said solenoid-coil-energizing switch, and having an emitter electrode, a main timing capacitor having one side thereof connected to said emitter electrode of said unijunction transistor, a first resistor connected between one side of said power supply and the other side of the timing capacitor, a second resistor connected in parallel with said capacitor, and a delay capacitor connected between the other side of said power supply and one side of said main timing capacitor.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 163 words

An electronically timed mechanical intervalometer for sequentially firing a group of ordnance devices, said intervalometer comprising: a plurality of banks of switches, a solenoid connected to drive said banks of switches, said solenoid having an energizing coil and a set of self-interrupting contacts therefor, a coil-energizing switch for repetitively energizing said solenoid coil, and an oscillator for repetitively closing said coil-energizing switch, said oscillator comprising a unijunction transistor having a base one electrode connected to said power supply, having a base two electrode connected to a controlling terminal of said solenoid-coil-energizing switch, and having an emitter electrode, a main timing capacitor having one side thereof connected to said emitter electrode of said unijunction transistor, a first resistor connected between one side of said power supply and the other side of the timing capacitor, a second resistor connected in parallel with said capacitor, and a delay capacitor connected between the other side of said power supply and one side of said main timing capacitor.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 46 words

The intervalometer of claim 7 wherein said capacitors comprise a capacitive voltage divider connected between a junction of said first and second resistors and said other side of the power supply, said voltage divider having a tap connected to said emitter electrode of the unijunction transistor.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 27 words

The intervalometer of claim 7 wherein said delay capacitor is connected between said other side of said timing capacitor and said other side of said power supply.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 201 words

In an intervalometer having a stepping switch connected to fire a group of ordnance devices in sequence, said stepping switch having a solenoid and solenoid-energizing coil adapted to be energized through a coil-energizing switch from a power supply for incrementally rotating the switch, the improvement comprising a timing oscillator for periodically energizing said solenoid coil at a selected repetition rate in a sequence of energizations that begins substantially instantaneously on application of power from said power supply, said timing oscillator comprising an oscillator switch having an output connected to operate said coil-energizing switch and having a triggering electrode connected to be substantially isolated from steady-state levels of said power supply and to respond to sharply rising increases thereof as occur upon turn on of the power supply, an RC timing circuit connected to be charged from said power supply and to provide a triggering signal to said triggering electrode upon attainment of a predetermined voltage level, said timing circuit connected to be discharged by actuation of said oscillator switch, whereby said oscillator switch and said coil energizing switch are actuated substantially instantaneously upon turn on of the power supply and intermittently thereafter each time said timing circuit attains said predetermined charge.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 201 words

In an intervalometer having a stepping switch connected to fire a group of ordnance devices in sequence, said stepping switch having a solenoid and solenoid-energizing coil adapted to be energized through a coil-energizing switch from a power supply for incrementally rotating the switch, the improvement comprising a timing oscillator for periodically energizing said solenoid coil at a selected repetition rate in a sequence of energizations that begins substantially instantaneously on application of power from said power supply, said timing oscillator comprising an oscillator switch having an output connected to operate said coil-energizing switch and having a triggering electrode connected to be substantially isolated from steady-state levels of said power supply and to respond to sharply rising increases thereof as occur upon turn on of the power supply, an RC timing circuit connected to be charged from said power supply and to provide a triggering signal to said triggering electrode upon attainment of a predetermined voltage level, said timing circuit connected to be discharged by actuation of said oscillator switch, whereby said oscillator switch and said coil energizing switch are actuated substantially instantaneously upon turn on of the power supply and intermittently thereafter each time said timing circuit attains said predetermined charge.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 230 words

In an intervalometer having a stepping switch connected to fire a group oF ordnance devices in sequence, said stepping switch having a solenoid-energizing coil adapted to be energized through a coil-energizing switch, the improvement comprising a timing oscillator for periodically initiating energization of the solenoid coil at a selected repetition rate in a sequence of energizations that begins substantially instantaneously upon application of power from said power supply, said oscillator comprising an oscillator switch having an output electrode connected to actuate said coil-energizing switch, and having an input electrode arranged to trigger said oscillator switch upon attainment of a predetermined signal level at said input electrode, a capacitor connected in series circuit with said power supply and said input and output electrodes of said oscillator switch, whereby a sudden increase in voltage of said power supply, as occurs upon turn on of the circuit, is transmitted to said input electrode of the oscillator switch substantially instantaneously, and said capacitor is discharged by current conducted from said input to said output electrodes of said oscillator switch, and a charging circuit connected to charge the capacitor from said power supply when said oscillator switch is nonconducting, whereby after the first actuation of the oscillator switch that occurs substantially instantaneously upon turn on of the power supply, the oscillator switch will be operated periodically upon recharging of the capacitor through said charging circuit.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 230 words

In an intervalometer having a stepping switch connected to fire a group oF ordnance devices in sequence, said stepping switch having a solenoid-energizing coil adapted to be energized through a coil-energizing switch, the improvement comprising a timing oscillator for periodically initiating energization of the solenoid coil at a selected repetition rate in a sequence of energizations that begins substantially instantaneously upon application of power from said power supply, said oscillator comprising an oscillator switch having an output electrode connected to actuate said coil-energizing switch, and having an input electrode arranged to trigger said oscillator switch upon attainment of a predetermined signal level at said input electrode, a capacitor connected in series circuit with said power supply and said input and output electrodes of said oscillator switch, whereby a sudden increase in voltage of said power supply, as occurs upon turn on of the circuit, is transmitted to said input electrode of the oscillator switch substantially instantaneously, and said capacitor is discharged by current conducted from said input to said output electrodes of said oscillator switch, and a charging circuit connected to charge the capacitor from said power supply when said oscillator switch is nonconducting, whereby after the first actuation of the oscillator switch that occurs substantially instantaneously upon turn on of the power supply, the oscillator switch will be operated periodically upon recharging of the capacitor through said charging circuit.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 39 words

The intervalometer of claim 11 including a second capacitor connected with said first-mentioned capacitor to form a capacitive voltage divider connected across said power supply and having a tap thereof connected to said input electrode of said oscillator-switching device.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 53 words

The intervalometer of claim 11 including a second capacitor connected to momentarily delay the sharp rise of voltage transmitted through said first capacitor to said input electrode of the oscillator-switching device upon turn on of the power supply, said second capacitor being connected between said input electrode of the oscillator-switching device and ground.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 90 words

The intervalometer of claim 11 including a second capacitor connected to momentarily delay the sharp rise of voltage transmitted through said first capacitor to said input electrode of the oscillator-switching device upon turn on of the power supply, said second capacitor being connected between ground and said power supply, and a unidirectional conducting device series connected between said second capacitor and said power supply to enable said second capacitor to store and retain a charge sufficient to power said oscillator in the event of temporary dropout of said power supply.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 175 words

An intervalometer for providing electrical firing signals at a selected frequency and in a selected sequence that starts substantially instantaneously upon a firing command for firing a group of ordnance devices, said intervalometer comprising: a power supply and a firing switch connected thereto, a stepping switch including a driving coil connected to be energized by said power supply through said firing switch, an interrupter switch in circuit with said coil between said firing switch and the coil for momentarily disconnecting the coil from the power supply after the coil has been energized and upon substantial completion of one step of the stepping switch, an externally actuated coil energizing switch connected in series circuit with said coil and power supply to initate energization of the coil upon actuation of said coil-energizing switch and to maintain such energization until said interrupter switch is operated to disconnect said coil from said power supply and firing switch, whereby the coil is energized by each actuation of said coil-energizing switch and is self deenergized by operation of said interrupter switch.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 175 words

An intervalometer for providing electrical firing signals at a selected frequency and in a selected sequence that starts substantially instantaneously upon a firing command for firing a group of ordnance devices, said intervalometer comprising: a power supply and a firing switch connected thereto, a stepping switch including a driving coil connected to be energized by said power supply through said firing switch, an interrupter switch in circuit with said coil between said firing switch and the coil for momentarily disconnecting the coil from the power supply after the coil has been energized and upon substantial completion of one step of the stepping switch, an externally actuated coil energizing switch connected in series circuit with said coil and power supply to initate energization of the coil upon actuation of said coil-energizing switch and to maintain such energization until said interrupter switch is operated to disconnect said coil from said power supply and firing switch, whereby the coil is energized by each actuation of said coil-energizing switch and is self deenergized by operation of said interrupter switch.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 84 words

The intervalometer of claim 15 including an oscillator connected to be energized from said power supply and fire control switch for providing a cyclically repetitive output trigger at the beginning of each cycle of the oscillator and for providing a first output trigger signal substantially immediately upon application of power to the oscillator from the power supply and fire control switch, the output of said oscillator being connected to actuate said coil-energizing switch into conductive condition to thereupon initiate energization of said solenoid coil.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 68 words

The intervalometer of claim 16 wherein said oscillator has a natural frequency considerably less than the natural frequency of said stepping switch whereby after each energization of the stepping switch coil that occurs upon actuation of the coil energizing switch, the coil is self deenergized by operation of the interrupter switch and remains deenergized until the coil-energizing switch is once again actuated by the output of said oscillator.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 56 words

The intervalometer of claim 17 wherein said coil-energizing switch comprises a silicon-controlled rectifier having an anode and cathode connected in series circuit with said solenoid coil and having a control electrode, and wherein said oscillator comprises a unijunction transistor relaxation oscillator that includes a base two electrode connected to the control electrode of the silicon-controlled rectifier.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 95 words

The intervalometer of claim 17 wherein said coil energizing switch comprises a silicon-controlled rectifier having an anode and cathode in series circuit with the solenoid coil and having a control electrode, and wherein said oscillator comprises a unijunction transistor having a base one electrode connected to said power supply and fire control switch, and having a base two electrode connected to said control electrode of the silicon-controlled rectifier and having an emitter electrode, a capacitor connected between said emitter electrode and the power supply and firing switch, and a charging resistor connected across the capacitor.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 103 words

The intervalometer of claim 19 including a second capacitor connected between said power supply and ground, and a second resistor series connected between said second capacitor and said power supply and firing switch, whereby the sharp rise in voltage occurring upon closing of the firing switch is applied to said emitter electrode substantially instantaneously across said first capacitor, but is momentarily delayed in application to the emitter by means of the delaying action of the second resistor and second capacitor so as to prevent operation of said unijunction transistor for a short period in the order of the time required for switch bounce.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 60 words

The intervalometer of claim 20 including a voltage-regulating transistor connected between said s second resistor and said firing switch, said voltage-regulating transistor having a base electrode, a zener diode connected to said base electrode for establishing a substantially constant voltage level at such base electrode, and a third resistor connected across the collector and base electrodes of the voltage-regulating transistor.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 97 words

The intervalometer of claim 20 including a spurious voltage protection circuit connected between the said oscillator and said power supply and firing switch, said protection circuit comprising a protection transistor having emitter and collector electrodes connected between said second resistor and said firing switch and having a base electrode, and a zener diode connected between the base electrode and ground, whereby said protection transistor will not conduct until a signal at one of said collector and emitter electrodes rises above a predetermined potential level established by said zener diode and the voltage drop across said protection transistor.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1974-11-01	1975-05-03	1975-11-02	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1978-11-01	1979-05-03	1979-11-02	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1982-11-01	1983-05-03	1983-11-02	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Intervalometer and timing oscillator

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