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                     PFM1 - Pocket Sized Flame Thrower
                  First Published by Information Unlimited
      Transcribed to the electronic media by Thallion of WUFO MCMXCIV.

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        The following plans show how to construct a hand-held device
intended for burning out insect nests such as wasps, ant hills, cocoons,
maggots, tent caterpillars, gypsy moths etc. It may also be used to ignite
rubbish piles, brush, leaves etc. This device like many with similar use
and capability can be a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. It should not
be assembled unless the builder is thoroughly aware of the hazards
involved.
        Range of this device is dependent on the chemical and the nozzle
heads used. Usually a tight stream can have a range in excess of 20 inches,
(similar to a toy water pistol) while a wide vaporous stream may only be
effective up to five inches, but can create a virtual wall of fire and
flame. *DANGER* A wind or stiff breeze blowing towards the user can produce
disastrous results with the stream being in the form of a mist.
        Example of fuel for the device can be the highly flammable diethyl
ether. This is often used for starting stubborn gas engines and is
extremely hazardous both to the user and his surroundings. Ether has a low
flash temperature and is highly explosive and flammable.


Theory of Operation: REF FIG 1, 2, 3, 4 [See GIFs (POCFLAM1-4.GIF)]
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Construction is shown as a pistol configuration with fuel source (FUC1)
being placed in the handle (HA1). The electronic ignition (PSHK10)
[Schematics in GIF 5] along with the battery is housed in the rear of the
barrel (BR1). When (AA1) actuator arm activates (S1) contact along with the
valve on the fuel source (FUC1) the fuel now spews out of nozzle (NOZ1).
(S1) energizes the ignitor and a spark discharge at electrodes (EL1,2)
ignites the fuel stream.

The mechanical parts are indicated on a separate sheet [Found as GIF 1-4]
and are those used for our laboratory prototype. Rather than explain the
particular pieces we will describe their function instead so that the
builder may use his own ingenuity in his implementation when constructing
various configurations of the device.

FUC1   - The fuel can may be a fresh can of the appropriate size depending
         on the builder's desires. We used a [number missing] oz can of
         WD40 available through your local hardware store.

*DANGER* We must warn the builder of the hazards involved using WD40 or
         other similar chemicals. Certain low flash point solvents and
         fuels must be treated with caution! Fig 1 [= GIF 1] shows a
         reusable can fitted with a pressure valve for recharging. For
         maximum results a freon gas must be used as propellant, as
         compressed air will not liquefy at the low pressures used.

CO1    - Small piece of copper soldered to can as shown in Fig 1, 2, 3
         [= GIF 1-2-3] for switch contact abutting screw and spring
         combination.

AA1    - Actuation arm can be any suitable insulating material that can be
         easily worked as shown in Fig 2 [= GIF 2]. We used a plastic
         electronic tuning tool and fabricated it as required.

CA1, 2 - Shims so that FUC1 can will fit into appropriate enclosure. May
         use layers of glass fiber tape etc. to allow a snug fit.

SPR1   - Small spring and screw/nut combination for contacting CO1 copper
         abutment. We used a spring found inside a ballpoint pen.

BLK1   - PVC head block must be insulating material and snugly fit into BR1
         barrel. We used a block of PVC drilled and tapped for nozzle screw
         and plastic tube TUB1 from fuel can.

NOZ1   - Nozzle screw 6-32 x 1/4" soft metal for drilling a 0.05 hole
         lengthwise. The metal face protects the plastic head block from
         the flame.

HA1    - Handle appropriate of plastic and metal tubing. We used a 2" OD
         plastic pipe with 1/4" wall.

BR1    - Main enclosure, same material as handle. Select for easy
         fabrication.
                 
Ŀ
                        MECHANICAL PARTS LIST                            
Ĵ
 Note: These are the materials we used for the lab prototype -           
       You may use your own ingenuity.                                   
Ĵ
 Part   Qt. Description                                                
Ĵ
 FUC1    1  Fuel can (see text, Fig1)                                  
 CV1     1  Check valve for pressurizing - Also obtain removal tool    
            for insert. Use tire type or mating fittings to charging   
            supply, such as sir hose etc.                              
 CO1     1  Copper contact plate - small piece of thin copper          
 CA1,2   2  1-1/2" Plastic caps                                        
 AA1     1  Plastic actuator arm - use tuning wand or equivalent       
 SPR1    1  Small spring from ballpoint pen or equivalent              
 SW1/NU1 1  4-40 x 3/4" Screw and nut                                  
 LUG1    1  Small solder lug                                           
 WR1     1  #24 Hook up wire                                           
 WR2     1  #18 Buss wire for spark gap electrodes EL1,2               
 BLK1    1  PVC block 3/4 x 1 x 1-1/4" Fabricated per text Fig3        
 NOZ1    1  6-32 x 1/4 Aluminum or brass screw. Fabricated per text    
            as shown in Fig3                                           
 HA1     1  Handle                                                     
 BR1     1  Enclosure                                                  
 BK1     1  Bracket                                                    
 SW2     1  Screw                                                      
Ĵ
 *Reference* US Patent # 4.220.443                                       

  
PART 2: The electronic ignition (PSHK10)
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Circuit Description:

A high frequency self oscillating inverter circuit comprised of switching
transistor (Q1) and step up transformer (T1) produces a high voltage high
frequency at the secondary winding. This high voltage AC is rectified by
diode (D2) and charges up storage capacitor (C3 or C4) thru current
limiting resistor (R4). When this voltage charges up to breakdown potential
of SIDAC (SID1), the energy stored in the capacitors is "dumped" into the
primary of high voltage pulse transformer (T2) producing a high voltage
pulse at the output terminal.

A charging circuit consisting of current limit resistor (R1) and rectifier
diode (D1) allows external charging of battery (B1) when NiCad or other
rechargeables are used.

The oscillator circuit utilizes a winding on T1 to produce the necessary
positive feedback to the base of Q1 to sustain oscillation. Resistor R2
initiates Q1 turn on while resistor R3 and C2 controls the base current and
operating point.


Test unit as per the following:
-------------------------------

A  Position bare end of ground return lead (GRD RTN) so as to allow a
   1/2" to 3/4" air gap between output pin of T2.

B  Connect 10V (8 AA NiCads at 1.25 volt each) to battery.

C  Note with S1 open you should note a fast pulsing action producing a mild
   bluish discharge. This can cause a very mild electrical shock and could
   be safely used within reason as a prank etc.

D  Note with S1 closed a thick slow pulsing discharge. This can produce a
   painful shock and is intended for use against animals etc. For use in
   this Pocket Flame Thrower, you could exclude S1, and put a permanent
   electrical lead there so that it is always set to "On", thus always
   producing a better spark.

E  Current draw with unit properly operating should be approximately
   250 mA.

F  Check power tabs of both Q1 and SID1. These should be cool to warm to
   the touch. Are they really hot, then something is wrong.

G  You may verify proper operation using a oscilloscope noting the
   waveshapes as shown in [GIF 5].

Note: Input is shown operated with 8 NiCad cells in series for a total of
      10 VDC. Unit however reliably operates within 6-14 VDC.

      If the circuit does not oscillate, try reversing one of the windings
      connections on the primary windings on T1.

Ŀ
 (See POCFLAM5.GIF)          PSHK1 - PARTS LIST                              
Ĵ
 R1       100 ohm 1/4 watt resistor                                         
 R2       4.7 Kohm 1/4 watt resistor                                        
 R3       470 ohm 1/4 watt resistor                                         
 R4       2 x 47 Kohm 1 watt in parallel for approx. 24 Kohm.               
 C1       10 MFD 16volt Electrolytic Capacitor                              
 C2       0.047 MFD 25volt Paper Capacitor                                  
 C3       3.9 MFD 350volt Paper Capacitor                                   
 C4       0.47 MFD 250volt Polyester Capacitor                              
 D1       1N4001 50volt Diode                                               
 D2       1N4007 1KV Diode                                                  
 Q1       MJE3055T NPN Power Transistor (Any 3055 will do)                  
 SID1     SIDACTOR K3000 FL 300 volts                                       
 T1       Self wound ferrite transformer Prim: 2x8T Sec: 1x350T             
 T2       25KV pulse transformer                                            
 (S1)     (Small SPST slider switch)                                        
 J1       3.5mm Jack for recharger                                          
 CL1      Battery Clip                                                      
 PB1      Perfboard 3-1/4 x 1-1/4                                           
 WR1      #24 Vinyl hook up wire                                            


