Paul Robert Atkinson

US Patent:

44383657, Mar 20, 1984

Filed:

Feb 16, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/348640

Inventors:

Paul J. Atkinson - Buffalo Grove IL

Assignee:

Zenith Radio Corporation - Glenview IL

International Classification:

H02H 104
H02H 906

US Classification:

313325

Abstract:

An improved spark gap device and configuration for coupling the device in circuit with equipment such as television receivers are disclosed. The spark gap device includes three conductive pads, the first and second of which are separated by a first gap. The third pad is separated from the other pads by a second gap which intersects the first gap. By coupling the first and second pads across A. C. power lines in the equipment, and by coupling the third pad to earth ground, the energy associated with a high voltage transient on the power lines causes the air in one of the gaps to ionize. Hence, a spark jumps the gap to shunt the transient energy to ground. The intersection of the gaps causes ionization to spread to the second gap and thereby provide an additional path to ground for the energy associated with the transient, thereby protecting components within the equipment.