US3639773A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal battery initiation sequencer
Assignee: Catalyst Research Corp
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Filing: 1970-03-20
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Granted: 1972-02-01
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Expires: 1990-03-20
Abstract
Abstract Electrical circuitry for initiating or firing a series of thermal batteries in sequence at predetermined time intervals, thereby enabling a series of small thermal batteries to deliver a fixed voltage output over a period of time equal to a multiple of the operating time of each individual battery. Small batteries capable of delivering a high-current density may thus be used in place of a more expensive larger battery which cannot produce the current density of a smaller battery.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank J Ayd
- 👤 Stephen E Long
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 05:09
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M6/00; H01M6/50; H01M6/5011; H02; H02J; H02J9/00; H02J9/04; H02J9/06; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/28; H03K17/292; H01M2200/00; H01M6/30; H01M6/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
In apparatus for sequentially delivering power from a series of thermal batteries to a pair of output terminals, the combination of means connecting all of said batteries in parallel between said output terminals, normally deenergized heating means for each of said batteries which will cause its associated battery to deliver power to said output terminals when energized, means for energizing the heating means for the first of said batteries in said series, and electrical time delay means including resistance-capacitance networks connected to at least all but the last of said batteries in said series and actuable upon the delivery of power from its associated battery for energizing the heating means for the next succeeding battery in said series at the termination of a predetermined time following the initial delivery of power from said associated battery.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
In apparatus for sequentially delivering power from a series of thermal batteries to a pair of output terminals, the combination of means connecting all of said batteries in parallel between said output terminals, normally deenergized heating means for each of said batteries which will cause its associated battery to deliver power to said output terminals when energized, means for energizing the heating means for the first of said batteries in said series, and electrical time delay means including resistance-capacitance networks connected to at least all but the last of said batteries in said series and actuable upon the delivery of power from its associated battery for energizing the heating means for the next succeeding battery in said series at the termination of a predetermined time following the initial delivery of power from said associated battery.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said heating means for each battery comprises an electrical igniter, at least some of said electrical igniters being energized by the next preceding battery in said series.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least some of said electrical igniters are connected between the output terminals of an associated one of said batteries through a semiconductive-controlled rectifier having a control electrode, and means for connecting said time delay means to the control electrode of said semiconductive-controlled rectifier to cause it to fire after said predetermined time delay.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus of claim 3 including a plurality of switch devices, each switch device connecting a resistance-capacitance network of one time delay means to the control electrode of the semiconductive-controlled rectifier for a succeeding battery, said switch device being responsive to a predetermined voltage across the capacitor in said resistance-capacitance network for connecting said capacitor to the control electrode of said semiconductive-controlled rectifier for the succeeding battery.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said switch device comprises a Zener diode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said predetermined time is a time less than the period of time during which a battery delivers power to said output terminals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means connecting all of said batteries in parallel between said output terminals includes unidirectional current devices which prevent current from an energized battery from flowing through a preceding battery in said series of batteries.
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) | 1975-01-31 | 1975-08-02 | 1976-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-31 | 1979-08-02 | 1980-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-31 | 1983-08-02 | 1984-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |