Abstract A resistor assembly capable of withstanding mechanical stresses and high frequency as well as d.c. electrical surges greater than the aggregate voltage rating of its component resistor elements. A plurality of resistor elements are divided into sections, each section bridged by a spark gap. The spark gaps are series connected in a linear sequence between the terminals of the assembly and electrically connected to their respective resistor elements by leads positioned orthogonal to the line of spark gaps. The resulting configuration has a ratio of impedance along the spark gaps to impedance along the resistor elements which is high for steady state low frequency voltage applications and low for large, high-frequency voltage surges. The resistor elements are encapsulated in a thermally conductive, electrically insulating block of epoxy, and advantageously employed as a voltage divider in high voltage charged particle accelerators.
In a charged particle accelerator having an acceleration tube and a plurality of equipotential rings for grading an applied voltage along the length of the tube, a surge protected resistor assembly for maintaining the voltage between two adjacent rings, said resistor assembly comprising: a. a pair of terminals adapted to be held in electrical communication between said adjacent equipotential rings, b. one or more series connected spark gaps, said spark gaps disposed in substantially a straight line between said terminals, the outer pole of one of the outermost spark gaps electrically connected to one of said terminals and the outer pole of the other outermost spark gap electrically connected to the other of said terminals, c. each of said spark gaps having a resistor element associated therewith bridging its poles, each said resistor element electrically connected to the poles of its associated spark gap by conducting means stemming from said spark gap at substantially a right angle to said line of spark gaps.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
In a charged particle accelerator having an acceleration tube and a plurality of equipotential rings for grading an applied voltage along the length of the tube, a surge protected resistor assembly for maintaining the voltage between two adjacent rings, said resistor assembly comprising: a. a pair of terminals adapted to be held in electrical communication between said adjacent equipotential rings, b. one or more series connected spark gaps, said spark gaps disposed in substantially a straight line between said terminals, the outer pole of one of the outermost spark gaps electrically connected to one of said terminals and the outer pole of the other outermost spark gap electrically connected to the other of said terminals, c. each of said spark gaps having a resistor element associated therewith bridging its poles, each said resistor element electrically connected to the poles of its associated spark gap by conducting means stemming from said spark gap at substantially a right angle to said line of spark gaps.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The charged particle accelerator of claim 1 wherein said resistor elements are encapsulated in a block of solid electrically insulative material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The charged particle accelerator of claim 2 wherein said resistor assemblies are immersed in an insulating gas having a dielectric constant less than that of said insulative material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The charged particle accelerator of claim 1 wherein the terminals of said resistor assemblies are provided with conducting toriodal collars of sufficient size to leave a small gap between the corresponding collars of adjacent assemblies.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The charged particle accelerator of claim 3 wherein said gap between toroidal collars is approximately 0.10 inch.