公开(公告)号：US4396865A

公开(公告)日：1983-08-02

申请号：US288354

申请日：1981-07-30

Applicant: Edward J. Britt ,  Gary O. Fitzpatrick ,  Lorin K. Hansen ,  Mario Rabinowitz

Inventor： Edward J. Britt ,  Gary O. Fitzpatrick ,  Lorin K. Hansen ,  Mario Rabinowitz

IPC: H01J17/00 ,  H01J7/44

CPC classification number: H01J17/00

Abstract: A thermionic fault current limiter utilizes either a vacuum or plasma environment for a plurality of spaced conduction electrodes. The electrode can be supported by insulative spacers with the electrode providing shadow shields for the supporting spacers. Electrode spacing, power density, temperature gradients, and control grids can be utilized for optimum operation and in establishing self-absorption of energy for a desired operating environment. Cesium desorption from the electrode surfaces can be utilized to enhance current termination.

Abstract translation: 热离子故障电流限制器利用真空或等离子体环境用于多个间隔的导电电极。 电极可以由绝缘间隔件支撑，电极为支撑间隔件提供阴影屏蔽。 电极间距，功率密度，温度梯度和控制栅可用于最佳操作和建立对于所需操作环境的能量的自吸收。 来自电极表面的铯解吸可用于增强电流终止。

公开(公告)号：US5200141A

公开(公告)日：1993-04-06

申请号：US741790

申请日：1991-08-06

Applicant: Gary O. Fitzpatrick

Inventor： Gary O. Fitzpatrick

IPC: G21D7/04

CPC classification number: G21D7/04

Abstract: An improvement is set forth in a thermionic fuel element which includes a collector base supporting a collector adjacent and closely spaced from an emitter which is supported by an emitter base, the emitter base being adapted to be heated by a heat source. In accordance with the invention a thermal shield structure is located between a portion of the emitter and the collector. The shield structure insulates that portion of the collector opposite the shield structure from receiving at least a portion of the radiation developed by the heat source.

Abstract translation: 在热离子燃料元件中提出了一种改进，该热电子燃料元件包括支撑与由发射极基座支撑的发射极相邻并紧密间隔的集电极的集电极基座，发射极基座适于被热源加热。 根据本发明，热屏蔽结构位于发射器的一部分和收集器之间。 屏蔽结构将集电体的与屏蔽结构相对的部分绝缘接收由热源显影的辐射的至少一部分。

公开(公告)号：US5028835A

公开(公告)日：1991-07-02

申请号：US419903

申请日：1989-10-11

Applicant: Gary O. Fitzpatrick

Inventor： Gary O. Fitzpatrick

IPC: H01J45/00

CPC classification number: H01J45/00

Abstract: A thermionic energy converter comprises an emitter, a transparent collector support generally parallel to an emitting surface of the emitter, a conductive film collector from about 10 to about 3,000 Angstroms in thickness covering a support surface of the collector support, and an enclosure for maintaining a controlled atmosphere in the gap between the conductive film collector and the emitting surface. According to another embodiment an improvement is set forth in a thermionic energy converter comprising an emitter, a collector and an enclosure adapted to maintain a controlled atmosphere in the emitter-collector gap. The improvement comprises an insulator post supportingly attaching the emitter and the collector. The embodiments are advantageously used together.

Abstract translation: 热电子能量转换器包括发射极，大体上平行于发射极的发射表面的透明收集器支撑件，覆盖收集器支撑件的支撑表面的约10至约3,000埃的导电膜收集器，以及用于保持 在导电膜收集器和发射表面之间的间隙中控制气氛。 根据另一个实施例，在包括发射极，集电极和外壳的热电子能量转换器中阐述了一种改进，其适于保持发射极 - 集电极间隙中的受控气氛。 该改进包括支撑附接发射器和收集器的绝缘体柱。 实施例有利地一起使用。

公开(公告)号：US4667126A

公开(公告)日：1987-05-19

申请号：US444736

申请日：1982-11-26

Applicant: Gary O. Fitzpatrick

Inventor： Gary O. Fitzpatrick

IPC: H01J45/00 ,  H02N3/00 ,  H02N7/00

CPC classification number: H01J45/00 ,  H02N3/00

Abstract: A thermionic converter (10) is set forth which includes an envelope (12) having an electron collector structure (22) attached adjacent to a wall (16). An electron emitter structure (24) is positioned adjacent the collector structure (22) and spaced apart from opposite wall (14). The emitter (24) and collector (22) structures are in a common chamber (20). The emitter structure (24) is heated substantially only by thermal radiation. Very small interelectrode gaps (28) can be maintained utilizing the thermionic converter (10) whereby increased efficiency results.

Abstract translation: 提出了一种热离子转换器（10），其包括具有邻近壁（16）附接的电子收集器结构（22）的外壳（12）。 电子发射器结构（24）邻近收集器结构（22）定位并且与相对的壁（14）间隔开。 发射器（24）和集电极（22）结构在共同的腔室（20）中。 发射极结构（24）基本上仅通过热辐射加热。 利用热离子转换器（10）可以保持非常小的电极间间隙（28），从而提高效率。

公开(公告)号：US4151438A

公开(公告)日：1979-04-24

申请号：US825518

申请日：1977-08-17

Applicant: Gary O. Fitzpatrick ,  Edward J. Britt

Inventor： Gary O. Fitzpatrick ,  Edward J. Britt

IPC: H01J45/00

CPC classification number: H01J45/00

Abstract: In a thermionic converter, means are provided for coupling an electrical lead to at least one of the electrodes thereof. The means include a bus bar and a plurality of distributed leads coupled to the bus bar each of which penetrates through one electrode and are then coupled to the other electrode of the converter in spaced apart relation.

Abstract translation: 在热离子转换器中，提供了用于将电引线耦合到其电极中的至少一个的装置。 该装置包括母线和耦合到总线的多个分布引线，每个引线穿过一个电极，然后以间隔的关系耦合到转换器的另一个电极。