US4794261A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radiation protection circuit for protection against gamma ray and neutron radiation
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1987-04-24
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Granted: 1988-12-27
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Expires: 2007-04-24
Abstract
Abstract A circuit for protecting a protected circuit against radiation has a PIN diode series coupled to a laser, which is optically coupled to a photodiode. The photodiode is coupled to the protected circuit. When radiation occurs, the resistance of the PIN diode increases, which causes the laser to cease emitting light. In turn, the resistance of the photodiode increases, thereby decreasing the current from a power supply through the protected circuit.
Inventors
- 👤 Arye Rosen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:03
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02H; H02H5/00; H02H5/005; H10; H10F; H10F55/00; H10F55/10; H10F55/15; H10F55/20; H10F55/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A protection circuit for protecting a protected circuit adapted to be coupled to a first power supply against gamma ray and neutron radiation, said protection circuit comprising: a photodiode adapted to be coupled to said protected circuit and said first power supply; a laser optically coupled to said photodiode; a PIN diode coupled to said laser; and a second power supply coupled to said PIN diode and to said laser.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
A protection circuit for protecting a protected circuit adapted to be coupled to a first power supply against gamma ray and neutron radiation, said protection circuit comprising: a photodiode adapted to be coupled to said protected circuit and said first power supply; a laser optically coupled to said photodiode; a PIN diode coupled to said laser; and a second power supply coupled to said PIN diode and to said laser.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A circuit comprising: a radiation sensitive circuit to be protected against gamma ray and neutron radiation; and protection means, series coupled to said protected circuit, for providing an impedance that increases with increases in gamma ray and neutron radiation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A circuit comprising: a radiation sensitive circuit to be protected against gamma ray and neutron radiation; and protection means, series coupled to said protected circuit, for providing an impedance that increases with increases in gamma ray and neutron radiation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 2, wherein said impedance comprises a resistance that increases with increases in radiation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 2, wherein said circuit to be protected comprises at least one PIN diode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 2, wherein said protection means comprises a photodetector.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A circuit as claimed in claimed 2, wherein said protection means comprises a threshold device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 2, wherein said protection means comprises a radiation sensitive element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 6, wherein said threshold device comprises a laser diode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 7, wherein said element comprises a PIN diode.
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) | 1991-12-27 | 1992-06-27 | 1992-12-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-12-27 | 1996-06-27 | 1996-12-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-12-27 | 2000-06-27 | 2000-12-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |