Orientation independent ignitron with grooved cathode
US4970440A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 1988 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J13/54
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An orientation independent ignitron (OII) has an anode, a cathode with a plurality of spaced grooves facing the anode, and a cooling mechanism which causes liquid metal vapor to condense as a film which is retained on the grooved cathode surface by surface tension and forms reservoirs within the grooves. The cathode and anode are preferably cylindrical and coaxial, with the inner surface of the cathode having parallel annular grooves facing the outer anode surface. Igniters are preferably introduced into convex areas between adjacent grooves along radial lines, with individual igniters providing ignition for a pair of adjacent grooves. The igniters can be operated simultaneously or in sequence, depending upon the desired repetition rate and current capacity. A liquid metal film is initially formed by placing the OII on its side, introducing liquid metal into the lower ends of the grooves, and causing arcing between the anode and liquid metal to flow the liquid metal and wet the adjacent groove surface. Some of the liquid metal also evaporates and re-condenses on other portions of the cathode, establishing a continuous film.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.