Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Safety and protection of systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-07
2001-06-05
Perkey, W. B. (Department: 2851)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Safety and protection of systems and devices
C073S170240
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243242
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices for detecting lightning events and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for photographing and detecting lightning.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Lightning photography is a popular form of artistic expression commonly found in pictorial books and magazines. Such dramatic photographs of bolts of lightning have great visual impact.
Scientific uses of lightning photography are also well known to those skilled in the art. Lightning photography with conventional cameras is restricted to the well-known practice of using long exposure times, usually at night or in low ambient light levels. The lightning event is captured on film during the time period when the camera shutter is held open, which is typically five to ten minutes, requiring the use of a camera tripod.
However, the methods of the prior art are tedious and time consuming and do not provide for lightning photography during normal daylight hours. Further, the photographer must remain out of doors with the camera equipment and be exposed to the hazards of lightning.
Thus, the present invention has been developed to provide a lightning trigger device capable of interfacing with many commercially available cameras having sufficiently fast shutter lag times during both daylight and nighttime conditions.
In addition, the present camera triggering method can be practiced by utilizing the camera's remote shutter release, thereby photographing lightning events from a safe distance. Further, the cost of the present lightning trigger device is substantially lower in comparison to other automated methods of photographing lightning.
The present invention may also be utilized to detect the initiation of the stepped leader phase of the lightning event for preemptively disconnecting susceptible electronic and electrical devices via fast acting relays before the incipient and destructive return stroke occurs. Devices that may benefit by preemptive protection from the damaging effects of the return stroke and subsequent electromagnetic pulses (EMP) include electronic and electrical devices such as computers, telephones, household and industrial appliances, and the like. Back up power supplies may be incorporated with the lightning trigger detection device to ensure continuous operation and protect against a loss of service, data or critical operation.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED PRIOR ART
U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,215 to Barker discloses an automated system for detecting and recording lightning strikes in the vicinity of power lines. In one embodiment of the invention, the automated system includes a toroid surge sensor; a phototransistor optical sensor located within a pole mounted housing; a magnetic loop sensor; a control circuit for one or more cameras and/or video camcorders; and a power supply all contained within a weather-tight housing. Such a system clearly lacks portability and is designed specifically for the monitoring of electrical power transmission utilities.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,161 to Byerley et al. discloses an optical radiation detector for lightning or other light signals such as pulses, bursts, flashes, and steady fluctuations. A silicon photodiode or other light-sensitive silicon device is arranged to receive light signals in the infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and wide-band ranges, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,152 to Fletcher discloses a system for monitoring and recording lightning strikes within a predetermined area with a camera having an electrically operated shutter and means for advancing the film in the camera after activating the shutter. The system includes an antenna for sensing electrical field changes which generate a signal that is fed to an electronic circuit for operating the shutter of the camera.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,195 to Harvey discloses an apparatus for photographing meteors in a selected area of the sky only at times meteors are likely to be passing through the area. A photo multiplier is pointed in the direction of the designated area. When a meteor passes through the area, the signal output of the photo multiplier increases, activating a camera.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,700,336 to Clegg discloses a method for optically detecting lightning radiation in both daylight and nighttime conditions. A silicon solar cell receives light radiation, converting them to electrical signals which are amplified and electronically processed for recording purposes. However, this apparatus is not used in conjunction with photographic equipment.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,259 to Krider discloses an all-sky camera apparatus for time-resolved lightning photography. This invention utilizes a pair of all-sky cameras which are disposed with their respective lenses pointing vertically. One of the cameras is rotated about an axis passing through the zenith while the other is maintained in a stationary disposition to determine the time development of lightning discharge.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,038 to Suzuka discloses a remote control apparatus of a camera having a camera body with a finder eyepiece window including an infrared receiver which is associated with the shutter of a camera body. A remote release signal emitted from an infrared transmitter is received by the infrared receiver to release the shutter of the camera body.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,127 to Goedken discloses an auto-wireless shutter release control that will allow the user to take a photograph by remote control.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,496 to Iida et al. discloses a remote control camera having a fitting member for mounting thereon a signal receiving device to receive a remote control signal, the body of the signal receiver, when fitted on the camera body, serving to cover the entire eye-piece on the camera body to intercept light entering into the camera body through the eye-piece.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,284 to Eugenio discloses a lightning protection device for directly sensing a predetermined critical electrostatic field intensity of the stepped leader to prevent the formation of the return stroke. The device uses a charge storing sphere and a varistor grounding device to dissipate the charge of the otherwise incipient return strokes.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,521,603 and 5,297,208 to Young disclose are electric field sensing devices for lightning detection and method for deactivating electrical equipment.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,276,576 to Uman discloses a lightning protection device utilizing electric or magnetic field responsive detectors and means for isolating or grounding electrical equipment.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,820 to Markson et al. discloses an optical warning system for distinguishing between strobe light flashes and lightning flashes and providing audio and visual indication of detection to an operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
After much study of the above described problems, the present invention has been developed to provide a photographic lightning trigger and detection device which will provide the artistic and/or recreational photographer with a compact, lightweight device which allows the user to safely obtain lightning photographs using a handheld camera while inside a car, house, or other protected structure.
The user may also use the lightning trigger device attached to such a handheld camera mounted on a camera tripod when photographing lightning events from a safe distance utilizing the camera's remote electronic or infrared shutter release.
The lightning trigger and detection device can also be used as a sensor for utilizing the initiation of the stepped leader for preemptive protection of electrical and electronic devices before the damaging return strokes can occur.
More particularly, the photographic lightning trigger and detection device functions to detect an unregulated, omni-directional flash of light by the use of a photodiode sensor and a trans-impedance amplifier with an automatic variable gain control which causes the camera shutter to be released in response to the lightning flash. The device further incorporates a timing finction for preventing undesirable repetitive film exposures when through
Mills Law Firm PLLC
Perkey W. B.
LandOfFree
Photographic lightning trigger devices does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Photographic lightning trigger devices, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Photographic lightning trigger devices will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2478583