US4604554A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Triggered spark gap discharger
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1984-06-05
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Granted: 1986-08-05
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Expires: 2004-06-05
Abstract
Abstract A triggered spark gap discharger having a small auxiliary gap in the trigger pulse path. The auxiliary gap provides ultraviolet radiation to liberate electrons at the trigger probe and allow prompt firing of the trigger gap and primary gap, particularly in aged discharger units.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy E. Wootton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:04
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01T; H01T2/00; H01T2/02; H01J; H01J17/00; H01J17/38; H01J17/40; H01J17/44; H01J17/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A triggered spark gap discharger comprising: means forming a chamber; first and second primary electrodes having opposed electrode surfaces and defining a primary arc gap within said chamber; an ionizable gaseous medium in said chamber; a trigger electrode assembly having a trigger probe defining a trigger gap between itself and said first primary electrode, said trigger gap being smaller than said primary gap; said trigger electrode assembly having a metallic member insulated from said trigger probe defining an auxiliary gap between itself and said trigger probe, said auxiliary gap being shorter than said trigger gap; means for applying a high voltage between said primary electrodes; and means for connecting a trigger pulse source between said metallic member and said first primary electrode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A triggered spark gap discharger comprising: means forming a chamber; first and second primary electrodes having opposed electrode surfaces and defining a primary arc gap within said chamber; an ionizable gaseous medium in said chamber; a trigger electrode assembly having a trigger probe defining a trigger gap between itself and said first primary electrode, said trigger gap being smaller than said primary gap; said trigger electrode assembly having a metallic member insulated from said trigger probe defining an auxiliary gap between itself and said trigger probe, said auxiliary gap being shorter than said trigger gap; means for applying a high voltage between said primary electrodes; and means for connecting a trigger pulse source between said metallic member and said first primary electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 and further comprising: a first capacitance means electrically connected between said metallic member and said first primary electrode; a second capacitance means electrically connected between said trigger probe and said first primary electrode; and a third capacitance means electrically connected between said metallic member and said trigger pulse source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said ionizable gaseous medium is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said means forming a chamber comprises a cylindrical porcelain insulator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said first and second primary electrodes have a substantially hemispherical shape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said first primary electrode has an axial hole therethrough and wherein said trigger probe is axially disposed with said first primary electrode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said metallic member comprises a metallic band surrounding said trigger probe.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
119 words
A triggered spark gap device comprising: means forming a chamber; a pair of primary electrodes having opposed electrode surfaces and defining a primary arc gap within said chamber; an ionizable gaseous medium in said chamber; a trigger electrode assembly having a trigger probe defining a trigger gap between itself and one of said primary electrodes, said trigger gap being smaller than said primary gap; an auxiliary electrode assembly defining an auxiliary gap within said chamber, said auxiliary gap being smaller than said trigger gap; said auxiliary gap being in series with said trigger gap; means for applying a high voltage between said primary electrodes; and means for applying a trigger pulse through said auxiliary gap and said trigger gap.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
119 words
A triggered spark gap device comprising: means forming a chamber; a pair of primary electrodes having opposed electrode surfaces and defining a primary arc gap within said chamber; an ionizable gaseous medium in said chamber; a trigger electrode assembly having a trigger probe defining a trigger gap between itself and one of said primary electrodes, said trigger gap being smaller than said primary gap; an auxiliary electrode assembly defining an auxiliary gap within said chamber, said auxiliary gap being smaller than said trigger gap; said auxiliary gap being in series with said trigger gap; means for applying a high voltage between said primary electrodes; and means for applying a trigger pulse through said auxiliary gap and said trigger gap.
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) | 1989-08-04 | 1990-02-03 | 1990-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-08-04 | 1994-02-03 | 1994-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-08-04 | 1998-02-03 | 1998-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |