US4017767A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser lightning rod system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-12-10
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Granted: 1977-04-12
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Expires: 1993-12-10
Abstract
Abstract A system utilizing ionization produced by beams from laser and laser-like devices to pre-determine the course of stepped leader and lightning channel development, thereby affording protection of life and property. The applications of such a capacity to harmlessly discharge thunderclouds include forest fire prevention, protection of aircraft, protection of missiles and spacecraft (particularly at time of launch), protection of electric power transmission and distribution networks, protection of communication networks, and (to the extent that Vonnegut's electrical theory of tornadoes may be valid) reduction of the destructive force of tornadoes.
Inventors
- 👤 Leonard M. Ball
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 03:48
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02G; H02G13/00; H01; H01J; H01J17/00; H01T; H01T2/00; H02G13/20; B; B64; B64C; B64C27/00; B64C27/04; B64D; B64D45/00; B64D45/02; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/52; H01J2893/00; H01J2893/0059
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of establishing an ionized conductive path of substantial length through air and thereby predetermining the course of a stepped leader and resultant lightning channel, such method comprising: a. mode locking a laser; b. determining the probable presence of a stepped leader and activating said mode-locked laser to produce a laser beam composed of clusters of photons before said lightning channel is established; c. passing the beam produced from said mode-locked laser through said air and establishing by multi-photon ionization an ionization path of sufficient concentration and length to guide said stepped leader toward a predetermined location; and d. electrically coupling said ionization path to ground.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of establishing an ionized conductive path of substantial length through air and thereby predetermining the course of a stepped leader and resultant lightning channel, such method comprising: a. mode locking a laser; b. determining the probable presence of a stepped leader and activating said mode-locked laser to produce a laser beam composed of clusters of photons before said lightning channel is established; c. passing the beam produced from said mode-locked laser through said air and establishing by multi-photon ionization an ionization path of sufficient concentration and length to guide said stepped leader toward a predetermined location; and d. electrically coupling said ionization path to ground.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 further including producing said beam at a harmonic frequency from said laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said laser is a Neodymium-glass laser, including the step of causing fourth harmonic generation from said laser.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step (c) includes establishing said ionization path in a time shorter than that required for evolution of significant laser beam self-extinction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step (c) includes establishing said ionization path at least one-tenth kilometer in length.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step (b) further includes sensing the probable location of said stepped leader and aiming said laser beam at said location.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of mounting said laser on or in a mobile vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7 including the step of mounting said laser on or in an aircraft.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 including the further step of impeding the conduction of electrical current from said ionization path to said laser so as to protect said laser from lightning-caused damage.
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) | 1980-04-11 | 1980-10-11 | 1981-04-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-04-11 | 1984-10-11 | 1985-04-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-04-11 | 1988-10-11 | 1989-04-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |