Abstract:
There are described dispensers (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60) of alkali or alkaline-earth metals, comprising deposits of getter materials (13; 23; 33; 43; 53; 63) and alkali or alkaline-earth metal sources (12, 22; 32; 42; 53; 63), in which the sources of alkali or alkaline-earth metal are protected from environmental gases by said deposits of getter materials.
Abstract:
A fluorescent lamp has an amalgam chamber that is in communication with the interior of the lamp through an exhaust tube. The amalgam chamber is constructed as a three-way junction with the exhaust tube and is formed at a supplementary angle of 180 degree or less with respect to the exhaust tube. The construction of the chamber utilizes the force of gravity to keep the amalgam away from the opening of the exhaust tube leading to the interior of the lamp. The amalgam chamber is capable of effectively retaining the amalgam within the chamber and preventing it from penetrating into the interior of the lamp regardless of mounting direction.
Abstract:
A mercury-dispensing device is disclosed that includes a mercury dispenser comprising an intermetallic compound including mercury and a second metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, and mixtures thereof; and a promoter that comprises copper, tin and at least a third metal selected among the rare earth elements. A getter material selected among titanium, zirconium, tantalum, niobium, vanadium and mixtures thereof, and alloys of these metals with nickel, iron or aluminum can be included in the device. The mercury dispenser, promoter and optional getter material are provided preferably in the form of powders compressed as a pellet, or contained in a ring-shaped metallic support or rolled on the surfaces of a metallic strip. Also disclosed is a process for introducing mercury into electron tubes by making use of the above-mentioned mercury-dispensing devices.
Abstract:
A device for releasing water vapor in electron tubes comprises a holder and a water vapor releasing material carried by said holder. In one embodiment the water vapor releasing material is a hydroxide or hydrated oxide of a metallic element in combination with a binder. In another embodiment it is hydrated alumina.
Abstract:
A chamber for processing fluorescent lamp cathodes has a dividing wall with openings receiving the unsealed exhaust tube of the glass stem on which the cathode is supported. Adjacent each opening are conductors connecting the cathode leads to an adjustable source of heating current. While heating the cathodes at scheduled currents, a controlled flow of inert gas, e.g. nitrogen, enters the inlet portion of the chamber on one side of the wall thence through the exhaust tube of each stem past the cathode on the stem in the outlet portion of the chamber on the other side of the wall. The controlled flow of gas allows a carbon dioxide atmosphere at the cathode during reduction of alkaline earth metal carbonate on the cathode to its oxide, while the gas flow provides an otherwise inert environment.
Abstract:
In the absence of appropriate means for controlling the gas pressure, the time during which a crossed-field electrical switch can conduct is limited by the rapid pumping action of the discharge. The present invention discloses a crossed-field discharge switch in which pressure control is accomplished by selection of gas and electrode materials to minimize gas losses, and means is provided for adding additional gas, if needed. This structure permits a crossed-field electrical switch device to conduct for reasonable lengths of time without off-switching due to gas losses.
Abstract:
An RF fluorescent lamp, comprising a bulbous vitreous portion of the RF fluorescent lamp comprising a vitreous envelope filled with a working gas mixture, a power coupler to induce an alternating electric field within the vitreous envelope, an electronic ballast, and a mercury amalgam accommodating structure mounted within the lamp envelope and adapted to absorb power from the electric field to rapidly heat and vaporize an amalgam of mercury to rapidly illuminate the lamp envelope during a turn-on phase of the RF fluorescent lamp, wherein the structure is comprised of a substrate material coated with a mixture of indium and gold.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for replacing coolant of an x-ray tube assembly having a closed cooling system include a service port that is operatively installed in the cooling system and a vacuum assisted service kit that is operatively coupled to the service port. Used coolant is drained from the x-ray tube assembly, and thereafter a vacuum is drawn on the x-ray tube assembly via the service kit. Replacement coolant within a vacuum tank of the service kit is degassed under a vacuum. The degassed replacement coolant is provided into the cooling system from the vacuum tank, preferably by pushing under pressure with an inert gas to prevent the introduction of any air into the replacement coolant. The replacement coolant may be pressurized in the cooling system with the inert gas. Thereafter, the service port is closed, and the service kit may be disconnected from the service port.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for preventing or substantially minimizing unwanted deposits on dielectric covers of an antenna by effectively providing an inert (non-depositing) gas at the surface of the antenna cover is provided.