US4496881A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of cold cathode replenishment in electron beam apparatus and replenishable cold cathode assembly
Assignee: Tetra Pak Developpement SA
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Filing: 1982-09-29
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Granted: 1985-01-29
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Expires: 2002-09-29
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure is concerned with automatically replenishable cold cathode structures and the like wherein the monitoring of a predetermined variation in electron beam performance caused by erosion of the cathode material generates control signals for advancing reserve cathode material into operative position.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard N. Cheever
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:27
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J3/00; H01J3/02; H01J3/021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for generating an electron beam of elongated cross-section, said apparatus comprising an elongated evacuated housing having an elongated cathode structure extending longitudinally therein and elongated anode means extending longitudinally of said housing and spaced from said cathode structure, said apparatus being characterized in that said cathode structure has a plurality of substantially parallel cathode rods spaced along the length of said cathode structure with the length of the rods transverse to said cathode structure, said rods having means for advancing the same toward said anode means in response to a control signal to provide replacement of eroded cathode material, and in that said apparatus includes means for monitoring variations in electron beam performance and for producing said control signal, whereby the electron beam performance may be maintained substantially constant.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for generating an electron beam of elongated cross-section, said apparatus comprising an elongated evacuated housing having an elongated cathode structure extending longitudinally therein and elongated anode means extending longitudinally of said housing and spaced from said cathode structure, said apparatus being characterized in that said cathode structure has a plurality of substantially parallel cathode rods spaced along the length of said cathode structure with the length of the rods transverse to said cathode structure, said rods having means for advancing the same toward said anode means in response to a control signal to provide replacement of eroded cathode material, and in that said apparatus includes means for monitoring variations in electron beam performance and for producing said control signal, whereby the electron beam performance may be maintained substantially constant.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said cathode structure is of the cold-cathode type.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said anode means comprises an elongated electron permeable window.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said monitoring means comprises means for monitoring cathode current.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said advancing means comprises a pair of roller means between which said rods extend.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein said cathode structure comprises an elongated cylinder from which said rods are advanced.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein said roller means are disposed between said cylinder and said anode means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-01-29 | 1988-07-30 | 1989-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-01-29 | 1992-07-30 | 1993-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-01-29 | 1996-07-30 | 1997-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |