System incorporating current path between conductive members
US9627780B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E40/60
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical system having a current path formed in a region between first and second electrodes. When a low pressure is sustained in the region, and a plasma is generated in a portion of a gap between the electrodes, current flows across the gap from the first electrode to the second electrode. In one embodiment the system is operable as a motor or a generator, having a first electrode and a member including a second electrode which is rotatable with respect to the first electrode. In another embodiment a first conductor is positioned to carry current toward or away from a first terminal at a high temperature, and a second conductor is spaced apart from the first terminal to carry current toward or away from a second terminal when the second conductor is at a low temperature relative to the temperature of the first region.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.