US3753110A - Timing apparatus using electrochemical memory device - Google Patents

Timing apparatus using electrochemical memory device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3753110A
US3753110A US00211022A US3753110DA US3753110A US 3753110 A US3753110 A US 3753110A US 00211022 A US00211022 A US 00211022A US 3753110D A US3753110D A US 3753110DA US 3753110 A US3753110 A US 3753110A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
charging
discharging
anode
timing apparatus
accordance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00211022A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
H Ikeda
Y Ooe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP12756670A external-priority patent/JPS507463B1/ja
Priority claimed from JP12756770A external-priority patent/JPS507464B1/ja
Priority claimed from JP9171371A external-priority patent/JPS4856470A/ja
Application filed by Sanyo Electric Co Ltd filed Critical Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3753110A publication Critical patent/US3753110A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/28—Modifications for introducing a time delay before switching
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H43/00—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed
    • H01H43/32—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed with timing of actuation of contacts due to electrolytic processes; with timing of actuation of contacts due to chemical processes

Definitions

  • An electrochemical potential memory device comprising a cathode mainly comprising silver, an anode mainly comprising silver chalcogenide, and a silver ion conductive solid state electrolyte sandwiched therebetween is connected to a current source for selectively driving the device in a charging state or discharging state and to a high input impedance direct current amplifier responsive to the terminal voltage of the device, and a timing operation signal proportional to the lapse of the charging or discharging time is obtained from the amplifier.
  • the potential memorydevice comprises a main cathode for supply of the charging or discharging current and an auxiliary cathode for detecting .the terminal voltage of the device, the latter being connected to the high input impedance amplifier.
  • the timing apparatus employing such device eliminates disadvantageous influence caused by an overvoltage as occurs at the time of current conduction in the device.
  • This invention relates to a solid state timing apparatus using an electrochemical potential memory device. More specifically, this invention relates to such a solid state timing apparatus that can provide visual indication of the passing of any preset time.
  • a timing apparatus or atimer has been widely used to control the operation of any given apparatus after a preset time interval.
  • One such type timer is of a mechanical structure.
  • Such a mechanically built timer usually comprises a timing mechanism driven by motor, spring or the like.
  • a mechanical timer is disadvantageous in that a reduction gear mechanism inevitably employed in the timer for this purpose is complicated, with the result that miniaturization is difficult, the mechanism is readily vulnerable to troubles and furthermore the motor, if employed, must be of relatively high power.
  • a solid state type timer was also proposed and has already been commercially employed.
  • the typical type of such existing solid state timer usually uses the charging or discharging time constant of an RC circuit, or the resistor-capacitor circuit.
  • a timing output signal is provided as a function of the charged or discharged voltage of the capacitor present in such RC circuit. It is apparent that such capcitor voltage changes exponentially and therefore is unsuitable for any prolonged timing operation.
  • such capacitor voltage is merely applicable to a short timing operation that cannot exceed a few minutes at most. Accordingly, it is highly desirable to provide such solid state timing apparatus that can precisely set to any given time to relatively longer duration.
  • this device comprises an Ag electrode as a cathode, an Ag-Te alloy electrode as an anode, and a solid state electrolyte having high ion conductivity, such as RbAgrI; sandwiched between both electrodes.
  • This device termed this state of operation as discharging.” Study disclosed by the inventors of this device indicates that the electromotive force generated by the aforementioned charging or discharging current can cause linear change to some extent with respect to the charging or discharging time.
  • this device makes it possible as an outstanding characteristic tddo write-in and non-destructive read-out operation while preserving relatively linear relation between the charging or dischrging time and terminal voltage, and inaddition, it can hold the memory condition for a relatively longer period of time.
  • this invention comprises a solid state electrochemical potential memory device comprising a cathode including an active metal, an anode including an alloy including said metal, and a solid state electrolyte having high ion conductivity sandwiched therebetween, said device showing a voltage between said anode and cathode linearly changing as a function of the charging or discharging quantity of electricity supplied to said device in a direction of the anode being positive or the anode being negative, respectively; a means for charging or discharging said device by substantially a constant current flowing therethrough in a selected direction; and a means for providing a signal that is proportional to the lapse of the time of charging or discharging operation of said device in response to the terminal voltage of said device.
  • substantially a constant current flows through the aforementioned electrochemical potential memory device when a given voltage is applied in a charging or discharging manner, and the terminal voltage or electromotive force of this device increases or decreases in proportion to the flowing time.
  • signal proportional to said charging or discharging time is practically applicable to the purpose of timing operation such as performed by a timer, sequence programmer or the like.
  • This signal is also available for the energization of such indicator that is provided with a timing scale along with the aforementioned operation and provides visual indica tion of the lapse of time.
  • timing a'p paratus of the invention is of a solid state type and thus may be built in. small dimensions and is economical in power consumption, and makes the timing operation possible for a relatively longer period of time.
  • the terminal voltage of the potential memory device is sensed by means of an amplifier having a high impedance input, such as a field effect transistor.
  • an amplifier having a high impedance input such as a field effect transistor.
  • memory device comprises a main cathode for the V charging and discharging operation and an auxiliary cathode available for the sensing of terminal voltage,-
  • charging cycle of the device is rapidly carried out for the purpose of time setting, whereas the discharging cycle of the device is slowly carried out for the purpose of timing operation.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a solid state timingapparatus that is capable of performing timing operation for a relatively longer period of time.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a solid state timing apparatus that provides visual indication of the lapse of time.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a timing. apparatus incorporating a solid state potential memory device that generates a terminal voltage proportional to the quantity of electricity passing therethrough.
  • Still a further object of this invention is to enable precise timing operation of the timing apparatus using a solid state potential memory device.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic sectional view of an electrochemical potential memory device for use in a timing apparatus of this invention
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a graph showing characteristics between the terminal voltage and the charging or dis- 7 charging time of the device shown in FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the basic concept of an embodiment of this invention in a block form
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
  • FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of this invention that has been developed, based in part on the embodiment shown in FIG. 4,
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the electrochemical potential memory device whcich is particularly suitable for the embodiment of this invention
  • FIG. 7 illustrates, partially. in a block form, a schematic diagram of an embodiment of this invention that incorporates the device shown in FIG. 6,
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a graph showing voltage holding characteristics after the cutting of the current of the device shown in FIG. 6,
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a graph showing voltage holding characteristics after the cutting of the current of a similar structural and yet more preferred embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 6, I
  • FIG. 10. illustrates a schematic diagram of the timing apparatus of another embodiment of this invention, and w t FIG. 11 illustrates a graph fonexplainingthe operations of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.
  • this invention u't'ilizes the prior art electrochemical potential memory device including a solid state electrolyte. As described already, this device has a significant characteristic'of the terminal voltage or electromotive force changing in an approximately linear way with respect to the charging or diseharing quantity of electricity passing therethrough. Accordingly, prior to a detailed description of this invention, it would be appropriate to give a more detailed description of such electrochemical potential memory device.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic sectional view of an electrochemical potential memory device 1 which is used in the apparatus of this invention.
  • this device is a kind of cell which comprises a solid state electrolyte 4 of high ion conductivity, such as RbAgJ; or Ag SI, sandwiched between a cathode 2 mainly including silver (Ag) and an anode 3 mainly including an alloy of silver and a member selected from the group consisting of sulfur (S), selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te), preferably an Ag-Te alloy.
  • FIG. 2 is'a graph which indicates the relation between the charging or discharging time and the electromotive fprce of the aforementioned device by taking the cur atfor charging or discharging the device as a parameteri
  • the electromotive force of this device as a cell indicates the value dependent upon the activity of silver contained in the Ag-Te alloy of cathode 3
  • the activity of silver varies to a large measure by any slight charging or discharging performance when the atomic composition ratio of silver and tellurium contained in the Ag-Te alloy approximates to a value of 2
  • the relation between the aforementioned electromotive force and the charging or discharging quantity of electricity it where i is 'a current value and t is time, generally indicates a linear relation during the charging or discharging period in case of the electromotive force of relatively low voltage range (from 0 (zero) to IOOmV.
  • this device has an additional characteristic capable of holding the potential established immediately before cutting the current even after the cutting of the current supplied tothis device for the aforementioned voltage range (from 0 (zero) to- I OOmV. as per the embodiment illustrated inv the FIG. 2').
  • this invention is directed to providing such timing apparatus as to function to indicate the passing of the preset time by detecting the terminal voltage of the. device by the use of the advantageous linear characteristic in a preselected region obtainable between the supplied quantity of electricity it, where t is the lapse of time and the terminal voltage of this device.
  • FIG. 3' illustrates a block diagram that indicates the most fundamental structure-of the timing apparatus of this invention.
  • the timing apparatus illustrated in the FIG. 3 basically comprises the aforementioned electro- 2 chemical memory device 1, a power source and switch ing circuit II for switching the polarity of the voltage being applied to the device 1 for the charging or discharging performance, a high input impedance initial step amplifier 12, preferably adifferential amplifier comprising a. pair of field effect transistors, a latter step amplifier 13, such as a differential amplifier comprised of'a pair of bipolar transistors, and. an indicating device 14 like an analogue indicating device such as ammeter or like. anappropriate digital indicating device.
  • the initial amplifier l2- apparently functions to detect' the voltage of the device I-. It is preferable to use an amplifying device of high input impedance, such as a field effect'device, so as to prevent the drop of potential in this device caused by formation of a closed circuitwith respect to the the attached. circuit.
  • an amplifying device of high input impedance such as a field effect'device
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodimerit of this invention for implementation of the block diagramshown in FIG. 3.
  • portions corresponding to those of a block form in FIG. 3 are designated by thesame'reference characters.
  • the potential memory device 1 has its anode 3: connected to the ground and the cathode 2 connectedto the negative voltage bus Vcc through a charge contact 210 of a switch 21 (as shown) altematively. connected to the positive voltage bus +Vcc through adischarge contact 21d, thereby allowing the switch to be switched'to the charge, discharge or open (atja. contact Zl'n) position.
  • a variable resistor 22' is provided in the charge/discharge circuit for setting a value of the constant current fed to the device during thelcharging or discharging period. Adjustment of the variable resistor 22, for example by means of a rotatableknob or push button, permits the selective setting ofthe operation time range in the graph shown in FIG.
  • the charging operation of. the device 1 will be considered.
  • the switch 21 is turned from the open position-Zlnto thecharge position 21c and at the same time. anapparatus being controlled (not shown) is caused to start-itsoperation, the voltage of the device 1 increaseslinearly as illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • This potentialfiisithenfed to the input of the initial stage differenpotential of this device throughv tial amplifier comprising field effect transistors TRl and TR2 through the-resistor 23.
  • This potential is detected by the gate of said transistor TRI, while the gate of the other FET TRZ is connected to the ground through the high value resistor 24.
  • These two transistors TRl and TR2 are so connected as to function as a differential amplifier for effecting impedance conversion and voltage amplification.
  • Outputs at both drains of the transistors TRl and TRZ are fed to bases of bipolar transistors TR3 and TR4', respectively, of the succeeding stage differential amplifier 13.
  • ammeter 14 is inserted between the collectors of said transistors TR3 and TR4 through the regulating resistors 25 for regulating the balance so as to amplify the device voltage linearly. Accordingly, passing of the operating time can be indicated by the ammeter 14'.
  • indicator means 14 a number of" indicating lamps may be used in place of said ammeter for indicating the operating time in a digital manner by flickering these lamps in successive order in response to the device voltage.
  • the collector of one transistor TR3 of both transistors in the latter stage amplifier 13 is connected to an output transistor TRS through an appropriate base bias resistor so as to provide a is then taken out through the output OUT as an output for load driving or for program controlling.
  • the charging is I switch 21 to a position tial' proportional to the so far fed to the device and accordingly, it is possible to retain the indication of the indicator means 14, or to keep a needle of ammeter or indicating lamps for dig'ital indication in the indicated position or state.
  • the switch is turned to the discharging position after the required charging operation, the voltage of the device 1 linearly decreases contrary to the preceding case along the characteristic curve as illustrated'in FIG. 2,.and accordingly, it is also feasible to operate the indicator means 1:4 so as to indicate the detected voltage'of the device, as in the preceding case.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit of another embodiment of i the embodiment shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 5 prises a circuit for effecting DC amplification of the output of said transistor TRS by trol a transistor TR8 for driving a tions are the same as those of FIG. tions are indicated by the same reference characters.
  • FIG. 5 which such relay is utilized for a specifically,
  • the device 1 holds a poten-j charging quantity of electricity additionally com means of transistors TR6 and TR7 arranged in successive order so as to con relay 26. Other por ⁇ 4 and the same poi-j 1 on/off operation of eri said relay. Ifa plurality of output 3 shows an example in specific purpose. More a normally closed switch 27 engageable with said relay.26 is inserted in the charging circuit as shown in FIG. in order that the charging may be effected only within a range in which the voltage characteristic of the device 1 is substantially linear. The above-mentioned relay 26 is so adjusted that the aforementioned normally closed switch 27 may be opened when the device voltage exceeds the voltage range that indicates relatively desirable linear character as mentioned with reference to FIG. 2, for example, when the device voltage reaches a range between 100 to 120 rnV. Thus, regulation is effective to permit the charging operation only within a range in which the voltage characteristic of the device 1 is linear, and prevents the device 1 from excessive charging thereupon.
  • each of the embodiments describedwith reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 includes a common terminal corresponding to a single cathode by means of which the charging or discharging current is supplied and also the terminal voltage of the device 1 is detected.
  • the device shown in FIG. 1 can be considered as a cell, as mentioned previously. Therefore, in case of such device as comprising the common cathode for supply of the current and for detection of the terminal voltage, the detected output voltage is a total of an electromotive force of the device and of an overvoltage of the device as a cell.
  • the overvoltage as occurs in the electrochemical potential memory device causing a voltage drop after the cutting of the current conduction into the device may be classified as follows:
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of an improved electrochemical potentialmemory device 30 for eliminating the IR drop across the resistance in the electrolyte as described in the above subsection .(l) and the overvoltage caused by dissolution or deposition of Ag as described in the above subsection (2).
  • the device 30 shown in FIG. 6 is basically characterized by the provision of an auxiliary cathode that comprises an output terminal for detecting the potential separately from the aforementioned cathode available for the input terminal for the current conduction. More specifically, the device 30 shown in FIG. 6 essentially comprises a solid state electrolyte 31 composed of Ag,SI, an anode 33 composed of an Ag-Te alloy, a cathode composed of Ag, and an auxiliary cathode 34 composed also of Ag. 7
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram that describes the basic concept of the timing apparatus of this invention using an electrochemical memory device that has such auxiliary cathode 34 as described above.
  • the cathode 32. of the device 30 is connected to the switch 21 through a variable resistor 22, while the auxiliary cathode 34 is connected to the first stage amplifier 12, and the anode 33 is connected to the ground.
  • Circuit connections of FIG. 7 are basically the same as those which are described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, and the same or corresponding portions are designated by the same or corresponding reference characters. Operation of the timing apparatus using said memory device that has an auxiliary electrode will be described in more detail later with reference to a specific embodiment of such circuit shown in FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a graph that indicates the potential holding characteristic of the device of FIG. 6 in com parison with that of the device of FIG. 1, and the curve (a) therein shown indicates the case of FIG. 1 embodiment and the curve (b) therein shown indicates the case of FIG. 6 embodiment, respectively.
  • Another solution of avoiding the disadvantageous influence by the overvoltages may be directed to the overvoltage caused by diffusion of Ag ion into the anode, as mentioned in the previous subsection (3). It has been found that the charging or discharging by an increased current fed to the device gives rise to a disadvantageously increased overvoltage, resulting in more aggravated degradation of the voltage holding characteristic of the device. Thus, it is also desired to provide such an electrochemical potential memory device as satisfactory in the potential holding characteristic even in case of charging or discharging the device by a greater current in a shorter period of time.
  • anode material comprising a mixture of Ag Te powder of 200 mesh (as the main), graphite and Ag SI powder is put onto the abovementioned planed material to plane the surface thereof, followed by pressing with approximately 2 tons/cm pressure for molding.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a graph that indicates the correlation between the thickness of the anode 33 and the potential holding characteristic of the device prepared in accordance with the above-mentioned process.
  • Curve (a) shown in'the graph indicates the characteristic of the device of the embodiment just described and the curve (b) indicates that of the device described in connection with FIG. 1.
  • Table 1 indicates the correlation between the thickness and the weight of the embodiment shown as a parameter in FIG. 19.
  • the characteristic of the device is remarkably improved.
  • One possible reason may be considered as follows. As soon as the electric current starts to flow through the device, activity of silver at the anode portion in contact with the solid state electrolyte starts to change in the first step and then the silver activity becomes uniform by diffusive migration of the silver ion. However, in case of a greater current flowing through the device, stronger influence can be caused by the migrative diffusion, or diffusive migration, of silver ions because the charging is completed within a shorter time by the greater current. It is considered that the distance or width of said migrative diffusion would be about l.00 mm.
  • anode less than 1 mm in thickness including an Ag-Te alloy, graphite and a solid state electrolyte
  • electrochemical potential memory device showing a linear change in the output voltage with respect to the supplied quantity of electricity wherein even such a great current as 1 mA per cell only causes an overvoltage less than one fifth of that of FIG. 1 embodiment, for example.
  • This considerable improvement in the potential holding characteristic of such device would apparently be a great contribution to the applications of such device.
  • FIG. 10 A detailed circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of the timing apparatus in accordance with this invention is illustrated in FIG. 10, wherein some blockes constituting this apparatus are encompassed 'by dot-dash lines.
  • the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 comprises the timing apparatus 40 that functions to make off-delay control, i.e., delayed turn-on of the load 48 such as electronic equipment energized by the source 49, or to turn ofi such equipment after a preset period of time.
  • the load 48 is connected to the source 49 through the main source switch SW5 and a manualautomatic switch SW1.
  • the off-delay control of the load 48 is not desired, in other words, when manual J,
  • switch SW1 may be turned over to the manual contact MAN, thereby allowing the energization of the load 48 to be controlled by manual opening or closing of the switch SW5 as desired.
  • switch sw1 may be turned over to the AUTO contact. The following is a description of the structure of the timing apparatus 40 and such off-delay control operation thereof.
  • the timing apparatus 40 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 comprises a switching circuit 47 for switching energization of the timing apparatus 40, a chargingldischarging circuit 41 for charging or discharging the potential memory device 30, an amplifying circuit-42 for amplifying the terminal potential of the device 30,
  • a reference voltage source 44 for providing the refer- 1 ence voltage to make comparison with the output of the amplifying circuit 42
  • an indicator circuit 43 for providing visual indication of a time to be preset and also visual analog indication of the passing state of the preset time by comparing the output of the aforementioned amplifying circuit 42 and the reference voltage of the reference voltage source 44
  • a control circuit 45 for enabling or disabling a load switching circuit 46 after the lapse of a preset time, to be explained later
  • the embodiment of FIG. 10 utilizes the charging/disconstrued by way of limitation.
  • the anode 33 of the device 30 is connected through the resistor 50 to, and the cathode 32 is connected through the resistor 52 to and also through the resistor 53 and the switch SW4 to the positive potential bus +Vcc.
  • the anode 33 is also con- 'nected through the discharge contact CD of the charging/discharging switch SW3 and the cathode 32 is also connected through the charge contact CC of the switch SW3 to the negative potential bus Vcc.
  • the auxiliary cathode 34 is connected to the input electrode of a field effect transistor TRl l.
  • the amplifying circuit 42 comprises transistor TRll and TR12.
  • a high input impedance transistor preferably a field effect transistor is appropriate for the transistor TRl l for the reason mentioned previously.
  • the reference voltage source 44 comprises a potential divider comprising resistors 57 and 58.
  • a variable resistor 59 and an ammeter 14 are connected in series between the junction E of the output load resistor 55 of the amplifying circuit 42 and the resistor junction F of the reference voltage source 44.
  • the control circuit 45 comprises transistors TR13 and TRI4.
  • the switching circuit 46 comprises a switching transistor TRIS which is connected to the load 48 in series and also to the switch SW1 in parallel.
  • the energization switch circuit 47 comprises a transistor TR17 which is connected in series with the positive voltage bus +Vcc and a transistor TRI6 which is connected between the input electrode of the transistor TR17 and the negative voltage bus -Vcc, and the transistor TR16 is shunted by the switch SW2 which is provided to start the operation of the timing circuit 40.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates the relation between the terminal voltage of the device during the charging and discharging operation of the potential memory device 30 used in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. and the charging and discharging operation time. This graph will be referred to in conjunction with the following description of the operation of the timing apparatus.
  • the switch SW1 is turned to the AUTO contact position so as to place the timing apparatus in the operating state.
  • the switch SW5 is kept as being closed.
  • the timing apparatus is at first so controlled as to drive the device 30 in the charging condition.
  • the starting switch SW2 is at first depressed.
  • the source switching transistor TR17 becomes conductive due to a short circuit formed between the emitter and the collector of the transistor TR16, thereby energizing or supplying the power to the timing apparatus 40.
  • Such energizing state is self-held in an electronic manner in response to the subsequent switching of the switch SW3 over to the contact CC, the detail of which will be described later on;
  • the switch SW3 is also depressed to close the charging contact CC.
  • the device 30 is supplied with the current flowing through the resistor 50 in a direction of the anode 33 being positive in other words, the device 30 is charged.
  • the terminal voltage of the device 30 varies from the point a to the point b along the curve illustrated in FIG. 1 1 in proportion to the charging quantity of electricity it as supplied to the device 30.
  • the variation of the potential is detected by the cathode 34 for driving the transistors TRll and TR12, resulting in indication by means of the ammeter 14 of a value that is proportional to'such voltage variation.
  • This ammeter is provided with the timing scale to indicate the timing operation of the timing apparatus 40. Accordingly, when the ammeter or the time meter 14 reaches a voltage indication level corresponding to the time T (time required to reach the point c from the point b for discharging) to be preset, depression of the switch SW3 is released to complete the desired charging, or setting of the desired time.
  • resistance of the resistors 56, 55, 57 and 58 is selected so that the potential difference between the junctions'E and F becomes zero volt and so that the needle of the ammeter 14 can indicate zero and thus the transistor TR13 can be turned on, when the voltage of the detecting electrode 34 of the device 30 is 0 (zero). Accordingly, while the starting switch SW2 is depressed with the terminal voltage of the device 30 at 0V, transistors TR13 and TR14 remain on and the transistor TR16 remains off. It is thus apparent that the opening of the switch SW2 will turn the transistor TR17 off and discontinue the supply of the source.
  • the circuit functions to self-hold the transistor TR17 on, irrespective of the subsequent opening of the switch SW2. More specifically, the potential at the junction E becomes higher than that of the junction F simultaneously with the starting of the charging of the device 30 to cause the needle of the indicator to move by influence of the current flow produced by the potential difference between E and F, and to turn off the transistors TR13 and TR14 in the switching circuit 45 and also to turn on the transistor TR16, and consequently, the transistor TR17 remains on even after the circuit of the starting switch SW2 is opened, and thus power continues to be supplied to the apparatus 40.
  • the transistor TRIS in the load control circuit 46 also remains on at the same time and load 48 continues to be supplied with the power.
  • the time-setting switch SW3 While the time-setting switch SW3 is kept turned to the charge contact CC after the starting switch SW2 is closed, the device 30 is charged, and the negative potential develops at the detecting auxiliary cathode 34 in proportion to the quantity of electricity passing through the device 30.
  • the said negative potential is fed to the gate of the transistor TRl 1.
  • the needle of the time indicator 14 comprised of an ammeter moves in accordance with the current that flows between the junctions E and F, and accordingly, the charging quantity of electricity can be selected based on the indication of the indicator 14, thereby permitting any desired time setting easily.
  • the charging operation for the device 30 is completed within a short time. It is to be pointed out that for this purpose the resistor 50 has been selected to be of a negligible value.
  • the transistor TR13 is subjected to a reverse bias simultaneously with the start of charging the device 30, the transistor TR13, and thus the transistor TR14 are turned off, and accordingly, the transistors TRIS and TR16 are turned on to set out the load 48 in operation.
  • the device 30 Simultaneously with the release of the depression of the switch SW3, the device 30 conducts the current in a direction of the anode 33 being negative through the discharge resistor 52, and the timing operation begins simultaneously with the starting of the discharging operation.
  • the potential of the device 30 gradually decreases towards the point e from the point b along the curve illustrated inFIG. 11 along with the decrease of the quantity of electricity (1''!) stored in the device 30.
  • the needle of the indicator l4 swings from an indication point T, to an indication point in proportion to the above-mentioned decrease.
  • the needle of the ammeter or of the time indicator 14 moves towards the 0 point of the scale, thereby indicating the passing of time.
  • the needle of the indicator 14 indicates the completion of the passed time previously set by returning to the 0 point.
  • the transistor TR13 turns on as a function of the forward bias given by the resistor 56,
  • the transistor TR14 also turns on, so that the transistor TRIS turns off to discontinue the energization of the load 48, and likewise, the transistor TR16 also turns off to turn the transistor TR17 off, and consequently, supply of the electric power to the apparatus 40 is discontinued.
  • the discharging time and thus the delay operation time of the apparatus 40 may be determined by a value of the resistor 52. It is desirable that the discharging may be effected at a relatively slow rate so that the device 30 in the apparatus 40 may be rapidly charged in order that the preparation for the timing operation may be quickly completed and also any desired prolonged timing operation may be provided.
  • the resistor 50 of a small value and the resistor 52 of a large value have been selected.
  • FIG. further provides an additional means that facilitates resetting of the required timing rapidly within a shorter period than the timing operation time left after the lapse of a given time in the course of passing of a given preset time for the timing operation or for the delaying operation. It is readily understood that such means is often necessary in the practical use of the apparatus. If any change is desired as regards the preset time after the timing once has been set in such manner as described above by the use of the aforementioned switch SW3, or in the course of the timing process, such change may be attained by operating the second operating switch SW4 that is con nected to the discharge resistor 52 in parallel through the resistor 53.
  • the potential of the device 30 again gradually decreases towards the point h from the point g as affected by normal discharging, and thus, timing operation for the newly set time that has been already changed is effected. It is needless to emphcsize that the aforementioned rapid discharge switch SW4 may also be used to bring back the preset time to the desired time rapidly in case the time has been set in excess of the said desired value.
  • a timing apparatus comprising:
  • a solid state electrochemical potential memory device comprising:
  • an anode comprising an alloy including said metal
  • said device exhibiting a terminal voltage between said anode and said cathodes linearly changing as a function of the charging or discharging quantity of electricity fed to said device in accordance with the anode being positive or negative, respectively, means connected to said main cathode for providing a substantially constant current therethrough to said device in a selected direction, thereby selec tively charging or discharging said device,
  • a direct current amplifier having a high impedance: input connected to said auxiliary cathode and reaux-' sponsive to the voltage between the anode and iliary cathode of said device, and
  • an output means coupled to said direct current am plifier for providing a timing operation signal, said signal being proportional to the lapse of time of, selectively, the charging or discharging operation of said device.
  • said current providing means comprises a means for relatively quickly charging said device in a charging cycle
  • said current providing means further includes means selectively operable for relatively quickly discharging said device in a quick discharge cycle, said quick discharge cycle being used for resetting the time theretofore set in a charging cycle.
  • a timing apparatus in accordance with claim 4, in which said indicator provides visual indication of the voltage of said device as a function of the time.
  • the anode of said device is less than 1 mm in thickness.

Landscapes

  • Battery Electrode And Active Subsutance (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)
US00211022A 1970-12-24 1971-12-22 Timing apparatus using electrochemical memory device Expired - Lifetime US3753110A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP12756670A JPS507463B1 (enExample) 1970-12-24 1970-12-24
JP12756770A JPS507464B1 (enExample) 1970-12-24 1970-12-24
JP9171371A JPS4856470A (enExample) 1971-11-16 1971-11-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3753110A true US3753110A (en) 1973-08-14

Family

ID=27306819

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00211022A Expired - Lifetime US3753110A (en) 1970-12-24 1971-12-22 Timing apparatus using electrochemical memory device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US3753110A (enExample)
DE (1) DE2164470C2 (enExample)
FR (1) FR2126990B1 (enExample)
GB (1) GB1343629A (enExample)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2404498A1 (de) * 1973-08-30 1975-04-17 Sanyo Electric Co Automatische tuner-vorrichtung
JPS514303U (enExample) * 1974-06-27 1976-01-13
US3965288A (en) * 1973-06-08 1976-06-22 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Automatic tuning apparatus
US4003815A (en) * 1973-03-12 1977-01-18 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Apparatus for measuring stray current electrolytic corrosion
US4209376A (en) * 1974-05-08 1980-06-24 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Apparatus for integrating electrolytic corrosion associated voltage
US4693119A (en) * 1986-01-17 1987-09-15 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Lithium battery energy monitor
WO1989001228A1 (en) * 1987-07-28 1989-02-09 Maxdem Incorporated Electrically settable resistance device
US20030155589A1 (en) * 2002-02-20 2003-08-21 Campbell Kristy A. Silver-selenide/chalcogenide glass stack for resistance variable memory
WO2003079443A3 (en) * 2002-03-14 2004-04-01 Micron Technology Inc Manufacturing methods for resistance variable material cells
US20060261676A1 (en) * 2005-05-02 2006-11-23 Nathaniel Robinson Timer switch
US20080031043A1 (en) * 2006-07-05 2008-02-07 Hideaki Aochi Non-volatile memory device
US20080089121A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-04-17 Hideaki Aochi Semiconductor memory device and method of controlling the same
US20110266118A1 (en) * 2007-06-21 2011-11-03 Johnson Richard F Oxidative opening switch assembly and methods
US20150261192A1 (en) * 2014-03-17 2015-09-17 Zambala Lllp Electrical timer attachable to perishable goods

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3382417A (en) * 1965-07-30 1968-05-07 Bourns Inc Time delay relay device
DE1513697A1 (de) * 1966-02-17 1969-07-24 Varta Ag Verfahren und Schaltungsanordnung zur automatischen Zeitsteuerung von Schaltvorgaengen
US3566161A (en) * 1966-09-20 1971-02-23 Gulf & Western Industries Electronic timer circuit including linear ramp function generator and/or progress pointer
US3518501A (en) * 1968-03-07 1970-06-30 Bissett Berman Corp Electrochemical cell circuits

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Kennedy et al., Journ. Elec. Chem. Soc.; pp. 263 267, Feb. 1970. *

Cited By (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4003815A (en) * 1973-03-12 1977-01-18 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Apparatus for measuring stray current electrolytic corrosion
US3965288A (en) * 1973-06-08 1976-06-22 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Automatic tuning apparatus
DE2404498A1 (de) * 1973-08-30 1975-04-17 Sanyo Electric Co Automatische tuner-vorrichtung
US3967057A (en) * 1973-08-30 1976-06-29 Sanyo Electric Co. Automatic tuning apparatus
US4209376A (en) * 1974-05-08 1980-06-24 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Apparatus for integrating electrolytic corrosion associated voltage
JPS514303U (enExample) * 1974-06-27 1976-01-13
US4693119A (en) * 1986-01-17 1987-09-15 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Lithium battery energy monitor
US4945257A (en) * 1987-07-28 1990-07-31 Maxdem Incorporated Electrically settable resistance device
WO1989001228A1 (en) * 1987-07-28 1989-02-09 Maxdem Incorporated Electrically settable resistance device
US20070102691A1 (en) * 2002-02-20 2007-05-10 Campbell Kristy A Silver-selenide/chalcogenide glass stack for resistance variable memory
US20030155589A1 (en) * 2002-02-20 2003-08-21 Campbell Kristy A. Silver-selenide/chalcogenide glass stack for resistance variable memory
US8466445B2 (en) 2002-02-20 2013-06-18 Micron Technology, Inc. Silver-selenide/chalcogenide glass stack for resistance variable memory and manufacturing method thereof
WO2003071614A3 (en) * 2002-02-20 2004-04-15 Micron Technology Inc Silver-selenide/chalcogenide glass stack for resistance variable memory
US8080816B2 (en) 2002-02-20 2011-12-20 Micron Technology, Inc. Silver-selenide/chalcogenide glass stack for resistance variable memory
US20100140579A1 (en) * 2002-02-20 2010-06-10 Campbell Kristy A Silver-selenide/chalcogenide glass stack for resistance variable memory
US7646007B2 (en) 2002-02-20 2010-01-12 Micron Technology, Inc. Silver-selenide/chalcogenide glass stack for resistance variable memory
US7151273B2 (en) 2002-02-20 2006-12-19 Micron Technology, Inc. Silver-selenide/chalcogenide glass stack for resistance variable memory
US7030405B2 (en) 2002-03-14 2006-04-18 Micron Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for resistance variable material cells
US6849868B2 (en) 2002-03-14 2005-02-01 Micron Technology, Inc. Methods and apparatus for resistance variable material cells
US20040149980A1 (en) * 2002-03-14 2004-08-05 Campbell Kristy A. Method and apparatus for resistance variable material cells
WO2003079443A3 (en) * 2002-03-14 2004-04-01 Micron Technology Inc Manufacturing methods for resistance variable material cells
EP1720188A3 (en) * 2005-05-02 2008-02-20 Acreo AB Timer switch
US7626893B2 (en) 2005-05-02 2009-12-01 Acreo Ab Timer switch
US20060261676A1 (en) * 2005-05-02 2006-11-23 Nathaniel Robinson Timer switch
US20080031043A1 (en) * 2006-07-05 2008-02-07 Hideaki Aochi Non-volatile memory device
US20080089121A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-04-17 Hideaki Aochi Semiconductor memory device and method of controlling the same
US7791060B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2010-09-07 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Semiconductor memory device and method of controlling the same
US20110266118A1 (en) * 2007-06-21 2011-11-03 Johnson Richard F Oxidative opening switch assembly and methods
US8686825B2 (en) * 2007-06-21 2014-04-01 JPA, Inc. Oxidative opening switch assembly and methods
US20150261192A1 (en) * 2014-03-17 2015-09-17 Zambala Lllp Electrical timer attachable to perishable goods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2126990B1 (enExample) 1974-04-05
GB1343629A (en) 1974-01-16
DE2164470A1 (de) 1972-06-29
DE2164470C2 (de) 1983-10-13
FR2126990A1 (enExample) 1972-10-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3753110A (en) Timing apparatus using electrochemical memory device
US4082998A (en) Dual slope integration circuit
US4968941A (en) Apparatus for monitoring the state of charge of a battery
US4041691A (en) Electronic timepiece battery monitoring circuit
US3849786A (en) Light integrating type light detector circuit with photovoltaic cell
US4387977A (en) Power supply device for camera
DE2346245A1 (de) Schaltungsanordnung fuer photoelektrische belichtungsmesser
US4003815A (en) Apparatus for measuring stray current electrolytic corrosion
US4075623A (en) Reference voltage circuit
US3558866A (en) Proof stress indicator
GB2059612A (en) Shutter speed control for a camera
US3855603A (en) Shutter operating circuits for photographic cameras
Lingane Multipurpose electroanalytical servo instrument
US4324462A (en) Exposure time control circuit for camera
US4209376A (en) Apparatus for integrating electrolytic corrosion associated voltage
DE2521945C2 (de) Belichtungszeit-Steuereinrichtung für einen elektrischen Kameraverschluß
DE2812911C2 (de) Verfahren und Anordnung zum Wiederaufladen eines Akkumulators
US4117307A (en) Control system for charging and discharging an electric storage heater
DE2546823A1 (de) Einrichtung zur belichtungsmessung, -steuerung und -anzeige fuer eine fotografische kamera
DE2917920C2 (de) Informationsanzeige - Vorrichtung für Kameras
DE2147680C3 (de) Kinematografische Kamera mit einem Elektromotor
US4149786A (en) Camera exposure time control circuitry
US4053908A (en) Exposure multiple setting device for programming electric shutter
DE2523543C3 (de) Belichtungszeitgeber
DE1027315B (de) Schaltungsanordnung fuer die verzoegerte Betaetigung von Relais