US3624445A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electric system for firing a gaseous discharge device
Assignee: Revvity Inc
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Filing: 1970-05-08
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Granted: 1971-11-30
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Expires: 1990-05-08
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to circuits for initiating discharge of gaseous discharge devices having a trigger electrode. These circuits are arranged to apply a high-voltage trigger pulse between a trigger electrode and a main electrode of the discharge device and simultaneously to add a high-voltage pulse derived from the trigger pulse in series with the voltage on the main discharge capacitor to accelerate breakdown between the main electrodes of the discharge device.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph L Cadwallader
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 09:19
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/16; H05B41/18; H05B41/19
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
179 words
In an electric system for firing a gaseous discharge device having two main electrodes and at least one trigger electrode, the system having a main discharge capacitor connected in series with the main electrodes, a power supply for charging the discharge capacitor to a predetermined voltage, and a trigger circuit having a pulse transformer with a secondary winding in which a trigger pulse is induced which is applied between the trigger electrode and one main electrode to initiate breakdown of the gas in the gaseous discharge device thereby permitting discharge of the main discharge capacitor between the main electrodes, the improvement comprising: a semiconductor type diode connected in series with the discharge capacitor and main electrodes and poled to conduct the discharge energy when the main discharge capacitor is discharged through the gaseous discharge device; and circuit means connecting the secondary winding in parallel with the semiconductor diode, the secondary winding being so poled that the induced trigger pulse creates a boost voltage across the semiconductor diode in series with and in the same polarity as the predetermined voltage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
179 words
In an electric system for firing a gaseous discharge device having two main electrodes and at least one trigger electrode, the system having a main discharge capacitor connected in series with the main electrodes, a power supply for charging the discharge capacitor to a predetermined voltage, and a trigger circuit having a pulse transformer with a secondary winding in which a trigger pulse is induced which is applied between the trigger electrode and one main electrode to initiate breakdown of the gas in the gaseous discharge device thereby permitting discharge of the main discharge capacitor between the main electrodes, the improvement comprising: a semiconductor type diode connected in series with the discharge capacitor and main electrodes and poled to conduct the discharge energy when the main discharge capacitor is discharged through the gaseous discharge device; and circuit means connecting the secondary winding in parallel with the semiconductor diode, the secondary winding being so poled that the induced trigger pulse creates a boost voltage across the semiconductor diode in series with and in the same polarity as the predetermined voltage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The electric system as in claim 1 in which the gaseous discharge device has a plurality of trigger electrodes, and the trigger pulse is applied between the plurality of trigger electrodes and one main electrode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The electric system as in claim 1 in which: the gaseous discharge device has a single trigger electrode and the trigger pulse is applied between the single trigger electrode and one main electrode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
As electric system as in claim 1 in which: the circuit means further comprises means to limit discharge of the main discharge capacitor through the secondary winding.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
136 words
An electric system, comprising: a gaseous discharge device having a pair of principal electrodes and at least one trigger electrode; a semiconductor diode; a capacitor chargeable to a predetermined voltage through a first path and discharged through a second path; the second path having the principal electrodes of the discharge device, the diode and the discharge capacitor connected in series, the diode being poled to be conductive when the capacitor discharges through the discharge path; a trigger transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding connected between the trigger electrode and one principal electrode, the diode being connected in parallel with the secondary winding; and means for inducing a trigger pulse in the secondary winding to produce a boost voltage, across the diode, so poled as to add to the predetermined voltage of the capacitor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
136 words
An electric system, comprising: a gaseous discharge device having a pair of principal electrodes and at least one trigger electrode; a semiconductor diode; a capacitor chargeable to a predetermined voltage through a first path and discharged through a second path; the second path having the principal electrodes of the discharge device, the diode and the discharge capacitor connected in series, the diode being poled to be conductive when the capacitor discharges through the discharge path; a trigger transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding connected between the trigger electrode and one principal electrode, the diode being connected in parallel with the secondary winding; and means for inducing a trigger pulse in the secondary winding to produce a boost voltage, across the diode, so poled as to add to the predetermined voltage of the capacitor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
An electric system as in claim 5 further comprising means to limit discharge of the main discharge capacitor through the secondary winding.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The electric system as in claim 5 in which: the gaseous discharge device has a plurality of trigger electrodes; and the secondary winding is connected between the plurality of trigger electrodes and one principal electrode.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The electric system as in claim 6 in which: the gaseous discharge device has a single trigger electrode and the secondary winding is connected between the single trigger electrode and one principal electrode.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-29 | 1975-05-31 | 1975-11-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-29 | 1979-05-31 | 1979-11-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-29 | 1983-05-31 | 1983-11-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |