Method and apparatus for transmitting information using arc

An information transmission method, comprising:

• (a) supplying an arc current to an arc generating device shielded by inert gas so as to generate an arc column;
• (b) modulating said arc current supplied by a signal based on information output from a controller;
• (c) vibrating air with the arc column due to change in said arc current modulated by said signal;
• and
• (d) transmitting the information with one of audible waves, ultrasonic waves, and arc light.

An information transmission apparatus comprising

• (a) an arc generating device including a cylindrical shield nozzle having a gas inlet disposed in the proximity of one end thereof, an electrode disposed along the central axis of said shield nozzle and having one end thereof extending near the other end of said shield nozzle, an insulator peg having a side surface fitted into the upper end of said shield nozzle, an electrode holding member passing through said insulator peg and holding the other end of the electrode, and an electrode plate with its surface facing the said electrode;
• (b) a D.C. current source for supplying an arc current to said arc generating device so as to generate an arc column;
• and
• (c) a luminescent color controller for supplying an inert gas, or a mixture of inert gas of alkali metal and/or alkali earth metal, to said gas inlet of said shield nozzle, so that said inert gas or a gas mixture constituting the required information is supplied to generate an arc light having a given color.