Abstract:
A cold cathode ionization vacuum gauge includes an extended anode electrode and a cathode electrode surrounding the anode electrode along its length and forming a discharge space between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The vacuum gauge further includes an electrically conductive guard ring electrode interposed between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode about a base of the anode electrode to collect leakage electrical current, and a discharge starter device disposed over and electrically connected with the guard ring electrode, the starter device having a plurality of tips directed toward the anode and forming a gap between the tips and the anode.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an ionisation vacuum gauge for measuring the residual pressure of a gaseous material remaining in a container (10), more particularly after operation of a vacuum pump. The gauge comprises an electron-emitting cathode (17), a grid (13) for accelerating the electrons emitted by the cathode and a plate (15) collecting the ions and/or the ionised positive molecules of the gas, wherein said plate is placed outside said grid. Measuring the plate current by a galvanometer allows determining the value of the residual pressure inside the container.
Abstract:
A penning type gauge head with an electrode system comprising an anode and a cathode disposed in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet, including an ignition aid for the electrode system. In order to provide rapid and reliable ignition, the ignition aid consists of a least one metal strip attached on the anode, and the free end of the ignition aid extends in the direction toward the cathode.
Abstract:
The disclosed ionizers are of the orbitron type utilizing a high voltage anode in the form of a wire or rod extending axially within an outer generally cylindrical electrode which may be in the form of a cylindrical conductive screen connected to the negative terminal of the power supply. One or more of the ionizers are mounted within a vacuum space containing residual gas molecules to be ionized. The resulting ions may be propelled by electrostatic field forces to the cylindrical screen and also to the walls of the vacuum chamber where the ions may be absorbed or gettered by freshly deposited titanium or some other gettering material. By this mechanism of ion getter pumping, gas molecules are effectively removed from the vacuum space so as to improve the vacuum. In accordance with the present invention, electrons are injected into the space between the axial anode and the outer cylindrical electrode by an electron-emitting electrode which is typically in the form of a generally circular loop or ring encircling the axial anode and spaced inwardly from the cylindrical outer electrode in the radial electric field beween the inner and outer electrodes. The electron-emitting electrode is preferably energized with a direct current which causes heating of the electron-emitting electrode so that electrons are emitted thermionically therefrom. The current also produces an axial magnetic field in the space between the electron-emitting electrode and the anode. The combination of the radial electric field and the axial magnetic field causes a high percentage of the emitted electrons to go into orbits around the anode so that the electrons have extremely long mean-free paths before finally being attracted to the anode. In this way, the orbiting electrons produce a high degree of ionization of the residual gas molecules in the vacuum space. The axial magnetic field may be enhanced by an electromagnet or a permanent magnet disposed near the circular electron-emitting electrode and preferably aligned axially therewith. The electromagnet may take the form of a loop having one or more turns disposed near the electron-emitting electrode or a coil having a multiplicity of turns and preferably having a core of magnetic material. The permanent magnet may be generally cylindrical in shape and disposed axially. The ionizer may also be used to provide an ion gage in which the ion current to the cylindrical electrode is measured.
Abstract:
An energy conversion device of the alternating current electrofluid dynamic type uses the electric field coupling between a spatio-temporally periodic charge distribution in a fluid stream and a plurality of electrodes at different points along the stream to interchange alternating current electrical energy at the electrodes with the flow energy of the stream. Energy can flow in either direction. If the device is used to supply an electrical load connected to the electrodes it is an alternating current electrofluid dynamic generator and can also be used as an amplifier, oscillator, flow meter, and the like. If the device is supplied alternating current electrical energy in order to accelerate the fluid it is an alternating current electrofluid dynamic pump and can also be used as a compressor, thrust engine, and the like. A nozzle and charging electrode arrangement is used to produce the spatio-temporally periodic charge distribution.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for measuring pressure in vacuum interrupters in which electrical connection to the metallic shield provided within the interrupter is not available. Transverse electrostatic and electromagnetic fields are generated within the interior of the vacuum interrupter so as to cause stray electrons within the interior space of the vacuum interrupter to travel in cycloidal or elliptical paths. The tortuous route assumed by the electrons greatly enhances the propability of an ionizing collision The pressure measurements are taken by measuring the number of positive ions collected at the negative electrode and comparing the measurement to a calibration chart on which pressure versus current has been plotted. The measurements may be taken by measuring the time required to charge a capacitor whose charging rate is determined by the vacuum interrupter resistance which is the unknown quantity being measured.