US3629582A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Timepiece with radioactive timekeeping standard
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1969-04-24
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Granted: 1971-12-21
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Expires: 1989-04-24
Abstract
Abstract A timepiece wherein the frequency standard takes the form of a radioactive source having a prolonged half-life, the alpha particulate emanations from the source being converted into electrical pulses, the pulses then being scaled down to produce low-frequency control pulses at a constant rate, which operate a time indicator.
Inventors
- 👤 Dale R Koehler
- 👤 John T Grissom
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 08:03
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04F; G04F5/00; G04F5/16; G21; G21G; G21G4/00; G21G4/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A compact timekeeping system operated by a battery whose voltage is less than 15 volts comprising: A. a timekeeping standard including a mass of radioactive material having a prolonged half-life, and emitting alpha particles at a relatively high statistical rate, a solid-state detector to detect said alpha particles to produce a corresponding number of electrical pulses, the bias voltage, if any, applied to said detector, being no greater than the voltage of said battery, and means to amplify all of said pulses, B. scaler means coupled to said standard to produce for a predetermined number of said electrical pulses a single control pulse, the control pulses being yielded at a constant low rate, and C. a time register coupled to said scaler means and responsive to said control pulses to produce time indications.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A compact timekeeping system operated by a battery whose voltage is less than 15 volts comprising: A. a timekeeping standard including a mass of radioactive material having a prolonged half-life, and emitting alpha particles at a relatively high statistical rate, a solid-state detector to detect said alpha particles to produce a corresponding number of electrical pulses, the bias voltage, if any, applied to said detector, being no greater than the voltage of said battery, and means to amplify all of said pulses, B. scaler means coupled to said standard to produce for a predetermined number of said electrical pulses a single control pulse, the control pulses being yielded at a constant low rate, and C. a time register coupled to said scaler means and responsive to said control pulses to produce time indications.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said radioactive mass has a half-life of at least 103 years.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said radioactive mass is Uranium-233.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said radioactive mass is Plutonium-242.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said radioactive mass is Neptunium-237.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said mass is selected from the group consisting of U-238, Th-230, Th-232, Pa-231 and Pu-239.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said standard is encapsulated in a shield which prevents light from entering the detector and which prevents radiation particles from penetrating said shield.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said mass is directly mounted on said solid-state detector.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein a scintillator is interposed between said mass and said solid-state detector, said detector being formed of photosensitive material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 9, wherein said mass is uniformly dispersed in said scintillator.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as set forth in claim 10, wherein said scintillator is of plastic material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said scaler is formed by a series of binary stages.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the scale of said binary stages is adjustable to provide a desired output for a given mass.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as set forth in claim 13, wherein said adjustment is effected by an ''''AND'''' gate coupled to selected stages of the scaler.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, further including an adjustable mask to vary the exposure of the detector to said mass.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said scaler is formed by integrated circuits.
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) | 1974-12-20 | 1975-06-21 | 1975-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-20 | 1979-06-21 | 1979-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-20 | 1983-06-21 | 1983-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |