AUTOMATIC LIGHTNING DETECTION AND PHOTOGRAPHIC SYSTEM

• US 3,759,152 A
• Filed: 09/27/1972
• Issued: 09/18/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Jimmie L. Gray, Larry D. Holley, Robert B. Hoover, Ronald J. Wojtasinski
• Original Assignee: Jimmie L. Gray, Larry D. Holley, Robert B. Hoover, Ronald J. Wojtasinski
• Inventors: Wojtasinski, Ronald J., Holley, Larry D., Gray, Jimmie L., Hoover, Robert B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Horan, John M.
• Application Number:
  US05/292,682
• Time in Patent Office: 356 Days
• Field of Search: 95/11,11.5
• US Class Current: 396/263
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/38 Releasing-devices separate from shutter integral with shutter G03B9/08

Abstract

A system for monitoring and recording lightning strokes within a predetermined area with a camera having an electrically operated shutter with means for advancing the film in the camera after activating the shutter. The system includes an antenna for sensing lightning strikes which, in turn, generates a signal, that is fed to an electronic circuit which generates signals for operating the shutter of the camera. Circuitry is provided for preventing activation of the shutter as the film in the camera is being advanced.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring and recording lightning strikes within a predetermined area with a camera having an electrically operable shutter with means for advancing the film in the camera after activating said shutter comprising:

A. an antenna for generating a signal responsive to a lightning strike;

B. a first electronic means coupled to said antenna for generating a shutter activating signal;

C. means for coupling said camera to said first electronic means for receiving said shutter activating signal to activate said shutter for taking a picture of said lightning strike; and

D. a second electronic means coupled to said first electronic means for generating a disenabling signal responsive to receiving said shutter activating signal for disenabling said first electronic means for a predetermined period of time after said first electronic means generates said shutter activating signal;

whereby said camera has sufficient time between activation of said shutter for advancing the film therein.

2. The system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising:

A. an differentiating circuit interposed between said first electronic means and said antenna for passing signals generated by a lightning strike while preventing the passage of spurious signals.

3. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first and second electronic means are monostable multivibrators.

4. A system for monitoring and recording lightning strikes within a predetermined area with a camera having a lens facing skyward, an electrically operable shutter, and means for automatically advancing film carried in said camera after activating said shutter the system comprising:

A. an antenna for generating an electrical signal responsive to a lightning strike;

B. an amplifier means coupled to said antenna for amplifying said electrical signal;

C. a source of electrical power;

D. relay means coupled between said source of electrical power and said electrically operable shutter for supplying power to said shutter responsive to being energized;

E. a first monostable multivibrator coupled between said amplifier means and said relay means for producing a pulse for energizing said relay means responsive to receiving said amplified electrical signal; and

F. a second monostable multivibrator coupled to said first monostable multivibrator for generating a disenabling pulse responsive to receiving said pulse from said first monostable multivibrator for disenabling said first monostable multivibrator for a predetermined period of time after said shutter has been activated;

whereby said camera has sufficient time between motivatiOn of said shutter for advancing the film therein.