US4044281A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High voltage glow discharge power source
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1976-04-20
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Granted: 1977-08-23
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Expires: 1996-04-20
Abstract
Abstract A high voltage glow discharge power source providing a plurality of glow discharges by gas ignition within at least one elongated electrically insulating member having a central bore along the axis of elongation of the member. Electrodes are positioned along the outer surface along the length of the member to which current sources and sinks are connected in alternation. A DC power supply provides the energy for the current sources and sinks. End plates covering the bore are transparent to optical frequencies. Glow discharges occur within the bore so that when a laser generator beam is diverted into the bore through the end plates, the gas in the bore being ignited to provide the glow, discharges and effects a power gain in the laser signal at the other end of the bore.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert D. Washburn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 15:16
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/23; H01S3/2308; H01S3/2316; H01S3/02; H01S3/03; H01S3/038; H01S3/05; H01S3/06; H01S3/07; H01S3/073; H01S3/076; H01S3/09; H01S3/097
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
55 words
In a glow discharge power source, the combination comprising: at least one elongated electronically insulating member having a bore therethrough, said bore retaining a gaseous mixture therein; electrodes positioned at predetermined locations of and attached to the outer surface of the member; and active electronic current sources and sinks connected in alternation to said electrodes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
55 words
In a glow discharge power source, the combination comprising: at least one elongated electronically insulating member having a bore therethrough, said bore retaining a gaseous mixture therein; electrodes positioned at predetermined locations of and attached to the outer surface of the member; and active electronic current sources and sinks connected in alternation to said electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention as stated in claim 1, wherein said member has apertures extending from the bore to the electrodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as stated in claim 1, wherein the gaseous mixture comprises carbon dioxide, nitrogen and helium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as stated in claim 1, including at least one DC power supply connected to the current sources and sinks.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention as stated in claim 1, said at least one elongated member being a plurality of said members, and a beam director, optically coupled to said members, the beam director being positioned adjacent the plates of a contiguous pair of said members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention as stated in claim 5, including a DC power supply for each said members feeding their respective current sources and sinks.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as stated in claim 1, including a plate at each of two locations of the member blocking said bore, said plate being transparent to optical wavelengths.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as stated in claim 3, including a laser generator optically coupled to one of the plates.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as stated in claim 8, wherein said power source provides glow discharges within said bore between said electrodes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as stated in claim 9, wherein said glow discharges enhances power amplification of the output power of said laser generator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3868593A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-08-22 | 1981-02-21 | 1981-08-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-22 | 1985-02-21 | 1985-08-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-22 | 1989-02-21 | 1989-08-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |