US3840748A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electron and x-ray generator
Assignee: Bendix Corp
•
Filing: 1973-06-04
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Granted: 1974-10-08
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Expires: 1993-06-04
Abstract
Abstract Electrons are generated by heating in a vacuum pyroelectric material, such as a crystal of Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) or Barium Titanate (BaTiO3), to a temperature sufficient to polarize the material and generate an electric field at its surface sufficient for emitting electrons therefrom. A grounded electrode forms a capacitor with the surface of the pyroelectric material. The electrons may be converted to X-Rays by bombarding a suitable target associated with the electrode.
Inventors
- 👤 P Braunlich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 18:29
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J27/00; H01J27/02; H01J27/26; H01J35/00; H01J35/02; H01J35/16; H01J35/18; H01J35/04; H01J35/08; H01J35/112; H01J35/116; H01J35/186
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
42 words
A device for generating electrons comprising an evacuated envelope, pyroelectric material in the envelope, and a heater for heating the pyroelectric material to a temperature to polarize the material and generate an electric field at its surface sufficient for emitting electrons therefrom.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
42 words
A device for generating electrons comprising an evacuated envelope, pyroelectric material in the envelope, and a heater for heating the pyroelectric material to a temperature to polarize the material and generate an electric field at its surface sufficient for emitting electrons therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as described in claim 1 having an electrode associated with the pryoelectric material for collecting emitted electrons.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device as described in claim 2 in which the electrodE is metallic and is grounded and cooperates with the crystal to form a capacitor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device as described in claim 1 having a target plate for converting the electrons to X-Rays.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device as described in claim 4 in which the target plate is grounded and cooperates with the crystal to form a capacitor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device as described in claim 1 in which the pyroelectric material is Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device as described in claim 1 in which the pyroelectric material is Barium Titanate (BaTiO3).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device as described in claim 2 in which the electrode is a window of the Lenard type for passing electrons from the envelope.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device as described in claim 1 in which the heater is of the Peltier type.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device as described in claim 1 including a power source for operating only the heater.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device as described in claim 1 in which the heater is in contact with the pyroelectric material to replenish electrons to the material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as described in claim 1 in which the pyroelectric material is heated to a temperature below the Curie temperature.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device as described in claim 1 in which the pyroelectric material is mounted so that the direction of polarization is perpendicular to the surface of the material remote from the heater.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
33 words
A method of generating electrons comprising heating pyroelectric material in a vacuum to a temperature to polarize the material and generate an electric field at its surface sufficient for emitting the electrons therefrom.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
33 words
A method of generating electrons comprising heating pyroelectric material in a vacuum to a temperature to polarize the material and generate an electric field at its surface sufficient for emitting the electrons therefrom.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of generating electrons as described in claim 11 in which the material is positioned adjacent an electrically ground electrode to form a capacitor for receiving the electrons.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as described in claim 11 in which the material is heated while contacting the heater to replenish electrons to the material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-07 | 1978-04-08 | 1978-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-07 | 1982-04-08 | 1982-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-07 | 1986-04-08 | 1986-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |