US4939418A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gas mixture for triggerable spark gaps
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1986-03-12
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Granted: 1990-07-03
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Expires: 2006-03-12
Abstract
Abstract A particular gas mixture (90% N 2 +10% Xe) in a triggerable spark gap discharger is disclosed which allows the spark gap to be triggered with a low main-gap voltage over a much wider range of trigger voltages (e.g., 16-30 or more kV), than with nitrogen (e.g., 19-22 kV) or other commonly used gases and mixtures. The improvement is important where triggerable spark gaps are used in protective circuits.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy E. Wootton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 12:40
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J17/00; H01J17/02; H01J17/20; H01T; H01T2/00; H01T2/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
In a triggerable spark gap discharger containing three electrodes with a spark gap therebetween, said spark gap being filled with a gas mixture which serves as an insulator and allows the triggerable spark gap discharger to be triggered over a range of trigger voltages, the improvement comprising a selection of about 90 percent nitrogen, and about 10 percent xenon as the gas mixture to widen the range of trigger voltages of the triggerable spark gap discharger.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
In a triggerable spark gap discharger containing three electrodes with a spark gap therebetween, said spark gap being filled with a gas mixture which serves as an insulator and allows the triggerable spark gap discharger to be triggered over a range of trigger voltages, the improvement comprising a selection of about 90 percent nitrogen, and about 10 percent xenon as the gas mixture to widen the range of trigger voltages of the triggerable spark gap discharger.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A triggerable spark gap discharger, as defined in claim 1, wherein the range of trigger voltages comprises about 16-30 kV with the selection of 90 percent nitrogen and 10 percent xenon as the gas mixture.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-07-02 | 1994-01-01 | 1994-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-07-02 | 1998-01-01 | 1998-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-07-02 | 2002-01-01 | 2002-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |