US3666960A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reverse bias pulsing of junction diodes to reduce deterioration
Assignee: AT&T Inc
•
Filing: 1970-05-22
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Granted: 1972-05-30
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Expires: 1990-05-22
Abstract
Abstract The rate at which certain types of forward-biased p-n junction diodes deteriorate is significantly reduced by the periodic application of reverse bias pulses.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert William Dawson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 05:20
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S5/00; H01S5/06; H01S5/062; H01S5/06209; H01S5/06216
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of operating a p-n junction diode of the kind which normally is subject to degradation with use, so as to minimize the rate at which said diode degrades when operated in a forwardbiased state, comprising the steps of: forward biasing said diode to the desired operating point; and simultaneously applying regularly spaced reverse biasing pulses to said diode.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of operating a p-n junction diode of the kind which normally is subject to degradation with use, so as to minimize the rate at which said diode degrades when operated in a forwardbiased state, comprising the steps of: forward biasing said diode to the desired operating point; and simultaneously applying regularly spaced reverse biasing pulses to said diode.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of operating a luminescent p-n junction diode, of the kind which normally is subject to degradation with use, so as to minimize the rate at which said diode degrades when operated in a forward-biased state, comprising the steps of: forward biasing said diode to the desired operating point; and simultaneously applying reverse biasing pulses to said diode.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of operating a luminescent p-n junction diode, of the kind which normally is subject to degradation with use, so as to minimize the rate at which said diode degrades when operated in a forward-biased state, comprising the steps of: forward biasing said diode to the desired operating point; and simultaneously applying reverse biasing pulses to said diode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of operation according to claim 2 wherein said pulses are regularly spaced.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of operation according to claim 2 wherein said pulses convey information.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
32 words
The method of operating a p-n junction diode so as to minimize the rate of deterioration, comprising the steps of: reverse biasing said diode; and simultaneously applying regularly spaced forward biasing pulses.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
32 words
The method of operating a p-n junction diode so as to minimize the rate of deterioration, comprising the steps of: reverse biasing said diode; and simultaneously applying regularly spaced forward biasing pulses.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
31 words
The method of operating a luminescent p-n junction diode so as to minimize the rate of deterioration, comprising the steps of: reverse biasing said diode; and simultaneously applying forward biasing pulses.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
31 words
The method of operating a luminescent p-n junction diode so as to minimize the rate of deterioration, comprising the steps of: reverse biasing said diode; and simultaneously applying forward biasing pulses.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of operation according to claim 6 wherein said pulses are regularly spaced.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of operation according to claim 6 wherein said pulses convey information.
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) | 1975-05-30 | 1975-11-29 | 1976-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-30 | 1979-11-29 | 1980-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-30 | 1983-11-29 | 1984-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |