Method of controlling discharge of stored electric charge in plastic objects and forming Lichtenberg figures in plastic objects
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
InventorJose M. Mendonca, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of preventing the spontaneous discharge of charged dielectric objects such that the surface of the objects are polished smooth to remove down to microscopic surface faults thereon. A maximum charge is storable therein having only loss by corona leakage from edges of the object. This method allows for a controlled discharge to create Lichtenberg figures therein. Artistic objects are also made by a method of coloration of the figure in the objects.
Claims6
A method of preventing Lichtenberg figures by the spontaneous discharge of charged object, said method comprising the steps of:
- a. forming an object of a preselected shape of a dielectric material;
- and
- b. removing surface faults on said object to a microscopic size whereby the surface has a glass-like appearance.
A method of providing an object with multiple Lichtenberg figures therein, said method comprising the steps of:
- a. forming an object of a preselected shape of a dielectric material;
- b. removing surface faults on said object to a microscopic size whereby the surface has a glass-like appearance;
- c. determining a maximum input charge before damage occurs;
- d. inputting said charge into said object;
- and
- e. initiating the discharge of said object by pricking a surface of said object at a desired location.
- f. heating said object for a predetermined time;
- and
- g. repeating steps "a" to "f" for each new figure.
A method of coloring Lichtenberg figures within a clear object, said method comprising the steps of:
- a. applying a vacuum means over an initiation point being a exit point upon discharge;
- b. holding a vacuum on said initiation point;
- c. selecting a dye color;
- d. allowing a dying means to flow into said initiation point;
- e. disconnecting said object from said vacuum means and said dye means;
- f. repeating steps "a" to "f" for each initiation point as necessary.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.