US3660757A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flash tube potential indicator
Assignee: WEFCO Inc
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Filing: 1970-02-02
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Granted: 1972-05-02
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Expires: 1990-02-02
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure describes a flash tube potential indicator that indicates whether or not a high voltage line is energized. Rectifiers convert a.c. microamps to direct current to charge capacitors. When the capacitors reach a predetermined voltage level, they are discharged through a photoflash tube. The resultant flash indicates the existence of a high voltage on the high voltage line. The various electric circuit components are mounted in a tubular structure which may or may not be directly attached via a suitable clamp to a high voltage line. In addition, to increase the safety of the invention, barium titanate rods capacitively couple the rectifiers to the high voltage line.
Inventors
- 👤 Willis M Winslow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:06
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R19/00; G01R19/145; G01R19/155
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A flash tube potential indicator suitable for indicating whether or not a high voltage line is energized, said flash tube potential indicator comprising: capacitive coupling means for coupling a high voltage line to an indicator circuit; an indicator circuit comprising: a rectifying means d.c.; to said capacitive coupling means for converting a.c. to d.c. capacitor storage means connected to said rectifying means for storing the d.c. energy; indicator means for providing a flash indication; and, trigger means connected between said capacitor storage means and said indicator means for triggering said indicator means to cause said flash indication when said capacitor storage means reaches a predetermined voltage level; and a housing for housing said capacitive coupling means and said indicator circuit so that said indicator means is viewable.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A flash tube potential indicator suitable for indicating whether or not a high voltage line is energized, said flash tube potential indicator comprising: capacitive coupling means for coupling a high voltage line to an indicator circuit; an indicator circuit comprising: a rectifying means d.c.; to said capacitive coupling means for converting a.c. to d.c. capacitor storage means connected to said rectifying means for storing the d.c. energy; indicator means for providing a flash indication; and, trigger means connected between said capacitor storage means and said indicator means for triggering said indicator means to cause said flash indication when said capacitor storage means reaches a predetermined voltage level; and a housing for housing said capacitive coupling means and said indicator circuit so that said indicator means is viewable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A flash tube potential indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said capacitive coupling means is formed of barium titanate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A flash tube potential indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rectifying means is a rectifying bridge formed of four diodes and said capacitor storage means is formed of first and second capacitors connected in series between opposite terminals of said diode bridge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A flash tube potential indicator as claimed in claim 3 wherein said indicator means is a photoflash tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
A flash tube potential indicator as claimed in claim 4 wherein said trigger means comprises: a triggerable element connected to the junction between said first and second capacitors; a switch connected to said triggerable element; a third capacitor connected at one end to said switch and the junction between said first and second capacitors; and, a transformer connected to the other end of said third capacitor and to said photoflash tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A flash tube potential indicator as claimed in claim 5 wherein said capacitive coupling means is formed of barium titanate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A flash tube potential indicator as claimed in claim 6 wherein said barium titanate is formed in rods.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
A flash tube potential indicator as claimed in claim 7 wherein said housing is cylindrical in shape and said barium titanate rods are mounted in one end and attached to a metallic tip, said housing also including a handle at its other end connected to said indicator circuit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A flash tube potential indicator as claimed in claim 8 including attachment means for attaching the tip forming a portion of said housing to a high voltage line.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A flash tube potential indicator as claimed in claim 9 wherein said attachment means is a clamp.
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) | 1975-05-02 | 1975-11-01 | 1976-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-02 | 1979-11-01 | 1980-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-02 | 1983-11-01 | 1984-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |