Series-connected thermionic energy converters

Claim 2

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical spaced apart axially aligned heated cathodes; a series of tubular axially aligned cooled anodes each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; a series of interelectrode leads electrically connecting said anodes to said cathodes of adjacent said devices; and a series of conductive back emission shields, each joined to a respective one of said anodes at one end thereof and extending into the spaces between adjacent cathodes and between said interelectrode leads and their adjacent higher potential said cathodes, said shields remaining substantially cooler than said cathodes by virtue of their conductivity and their connections to said cooled anodes.

Claim 3

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced-apart and axially aligned heated cathodes; a series of tubular axially aligned cooled anodes each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; at least one insulating support member for supporting and centering said cathodes within said anodes with interelectrode gaps therebetween: interelectrode connectors connected from the anode of each device to the cathode of the next succeeding device, said connectors developing a substantial thermal gradient thereacross by virtue of the direct connections between a heated electrode at one end and a cooled electrode at the other; and a series of conductive metallic shields, each joined to a respective one of said anodes at one end thereof and extending into the spaces between adjacent cathodes and between said interelectrode connectors and their adjacent higher potential said cathodes, said shields remaining substantially cooler than said cathodes by virtue of their conductivity and their connections to said cooled anodes.

Claim 4

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced-apart and axially aligned heated cathodes; a series of tubular axially aligned cooled anodes each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; at least one insulating support member for supporting and centering said cathodes within said anodes with interelectrode gaps therebetween: interelectrode connectors connected from the anode of each device to the cathode of the next succeeding device, said connectors developing a substantial thermal gradient thereacross by virtue of the direct connections between a heated electrode at one end and a cooled electrode at the other; and a series of conductive metallic shields, each joined to a respective one of said anodes at one end thereof and extending into the spaces between adjacent cathodes and between said interelectrode connectors and their adjacent higher potential said cathodes, said shields remaining substantially cooler than said cathodes by virtue of their conductivity and their connections to said cooled anodes.

Claim 5

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced-apart and axially aligned heated cathodes; a series of tubular axially aligned cooled anodes each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; a series of conductive metallic shields, each joined to a respective one of said anodes at one end thEreof and extending into the spaces between adjacent cathodes, said shields remaining substantially cooler than said cathodes by virtue of their conductivity and their connections to said cooled anodes; at least one insulating support member mounted on a central portion of each of said shields for supporting and centering said cathodes within said anodes with interelectrode gaps therebetween; interelectrode connectors separate from said shields connected from the anode of each device to the cathode of the next succeeding device, said connectors developing a substantial thermal gradient thereacross by virtue of the direct connections between a heated electrode at one end and a cooled electrode at the other.

Claim 6

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced-apart and axially aligned heated cathodes; a series of tubular axially aligned cooled anodes each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; a series of conductive metallic shields, each joined to a respective one of said anodes at one end thEreof and extending into the spaces between adjacent cathodes, said shields remaining substantially cooler than said cathodes by virtue of their conductivity and their connections to said cooled anodes; at least one insulating support member mounted on a central portion of each of said shields for supporting and centering said cathodes within said anodes with interelectrode gaps therebetween; interelectrode connectors separate from said shields connected from the anode of each device to the cathode of the next succeeding device, said connectors developing a substantial thermal gradient thereacross by virtue of the direct connections between a heated electrode at one end and a cooled electrode at the other.

Claim 7

The combination, with a plurality of substantially identical thermionic energy conversion devices for the generation of electrical power each including a tubular cooled anode, a cylindrical heated cathode mounted within said anode, and an interelectrode gap between said anode and cathode filled with an ionization-promoting vapor in operation, comprising: at least one support member of insulating material centering the cathodes on the axis of symmetry of said anodes and electrically insulated therefrom; an interelectrode metallic connector connected from the cooled anode of each device to the heated cathode of the next succeeding device; and a disc-like conductive back emission shield connected to one end of each of said anodes and inwardly extending therefrom so as to be positioned between said interelectrode metallic connectors and their adjacent higher potential said cathodes, said shield remaining substantially cooler than said cathode by virtue of its conductivity and its connection with said cooled anode.

Claim 8

The combination, with a plurality of substantially identical thermionic energy conversion devices for the generation of electrical power each including a tubular cooled anode, a cylindrical heated cathode mounted within said anode, and an interelectrode gap between said anode and cathode filled with an ionization-promoting vapor in operation, comprising: at least one support member of insulating material centering the cathodes on the axis of symmetry of said anodes and electrically insulated therefrom; an interelectrode metallic connector connected from the cooled anode of each device to the heated cathode of the next succeeding device; and a disc-like conductive back emission shield connected to one end of each of said anodes and inwardly extending therefrom so as to be positioned between said interelectrode metallic connectors and their adjacent higher potential said cathodes, said shield remaining substantially cooler than said cathode by virtue of its conductivity and its connection with said cooled anode.

Claim 9

In combination, a plurality of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power, said devices being connected electrically in series and each comprising: a tubular anode; a cylindrical cathode concentrically positioned within said anode and separated therefrom by an interelectrode gap; insulating support means engaging and centering said cathode within said anode; means for heating said cathode to an elevated temperature above that of said anode; an interelectrode connecting member joined to said anode and extending inwardly and axially into engagement with the cathode in the next succeeding thermionic device; and an annular metallic shield connected at one end of said anode and extending inwardly therefrom between said cathode and said interelectrode connecting member.

Claim 10

In combination, a plurality of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power, said devices being connected electrically in series and each comprising: a tubular anode; a cylindrical cathode concentrically positioned within said anode and separated therefrom by an interelectrode gap; insulating support means engaging and centering said cathode within said anode; means for heating said cathode to an elevated temperature above that of said anode; an interelectrode connecting member joined to said anode and extending inwardly and axially into engagement with the cathode in the next succeeding thermionic device; and an annular metallic shield connected at one end of said anode and extending inwardly therefrom between said cathode and said interelectrode connecting member.

Claim 11

A series-connected assembly of thermionic diodes for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical spaced-apart and axially aligned heated athodes; a series of tubular axially aligned cooled anodes each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; at least one insulating support member for supporting and centering said cathodes within said anodes with interelectrode gaps therebetween; an ionization-promoting vapor filling each of said interelectrode gaps in operation; interelectrode connectors electrically connecting the anode of each diode to the cathode of the next succeeding diode, said connectors developing a substantial thermal gradient thereacross by virtue of the direct connections between a heated electrode at one end and a cooled electrode at the other; and a series of conductive metallic shields, each joined to a respective one of said anodes at one end thereof and extending into the spaces between adjacent cathodes and between said interelectrode connections and their adjacent higher potential said cathodes, said shields remaining substantially cooler than said cathodes by virtue of their conductivity and their connections to said cooled anodes, there further being an open pathway between successive interelectrode gaps for the flow of said ionization promoting vapor therethrough.

Claim 12

A series-connected assembly of thermionic diodes for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical spaced-apart and axially aligned heated athodes; a series of tubular axially aligned cooled anodes each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; at least one insulating support member for supporting and centering said cathodes within said anodes with interelectrode gaps therebetween; an ionization-promoting vapor filling each of said interelectrode gaps in operation; interelectrode connectors electrically connecting the anode of each diode to the cathode of the next succeeding diode, said connectors developing a substantial thermal gradient thereacross by virtue of the direct connections between a heated electrode at one end and a cooled electrode at the other; and a series of conductive metallic shields, each joined to a respective one of said anodes at one end thereof and extending into the spaces between adjacent cathodes and between said interelectrode connections and their adjacent higher potential said cathodes, said shields remaining substantially cooler than said cathodes by virtue of their conductivity and their connections to said cooled anodes, there further being an open pathway between successive interelectrode gaps for the flow of said ionization promoting vapor therethrough.

Claim 13

The combination, with a plurality of substantially identical tHermionic energy conversion devices for the generation of electrical power each including a tubular cooled anode, a cylindrical heated cathode mounted within said anode, and an interelectrode gap between said anode and cathode filled with an ionization-promoting vapor in operation, of means for connecting said devices electrically in series with substantially equipotential connections between the anode of one device and the cathode of the next succeeding device and for accurately centering the cathode within the anode of each of said devices to provide a preselected interelectrode gap therebetween, said means comprising: at least one axially mounted support member of insulating material, each of said cathodes having at at least one end a configuration mating with that of said support member to center the cathodes on the axis of symmetry of said anodes and electrically insulated therefrom; a disc-like conductive back emission shield of metal connected to one end of each of said anodes and inwardly extending therefrom, said shield remaining substantially cooler than said cathode by virtue of its conductivity and its connection with said cooled anode; and an interelectrode metallic connector separate from said shield connected from the cooled anode of each energy conversion device to the heated cathode of the next succeeding device, there being a tortuous path communicating between the interelectrode gaps of succeeding devices for the circulation therethrough of the aforesaid ionization-promoting vapor.

Claim 14

The combination, with a plurality of substantially identical tHermionic energy conversion devices for the generation of electrical power each including a tubular cooled anode, a cylindrical heated cathode mounted within said anode, and an interelectrode gap between said anode and cathode filled with an ionization-promoting vapor in operation, of means for connecting said devices electrically in series with substantially equipotential connections between the anode of one device and the cathode of the next succeeding device and for accurately centering the cathode within the anode of each of said devices to provide a preselected interelectrode gap therebetween, said means comprising: at least one axially mounted support member of insulating material, each of said cathodes having at at least one end a configuration mating with that of said support member to center the cathodes on the axis of symmetry of said anodes and electrically insulated therefrom; a disc-like conductive back emission shield of metal connected to one end of each of said anodes and inwardly extending therefrom, said shield remaining substantially cooler than said cathode by virtue of its conductivity and its connection with said cooled anode; and an interelectrode metallic connector separate from said shield connected from the cooled anode of each energy conversion device to the heated cathode of the next succeeding device, there being a tortuous path communicating between the interelectrode gaps of succeeding devices for the circulation therethrough of the aforesaid ionization-promoting vapor.

Claim 15

In combination, a plurality of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power, said devices being connected in series and each comprising: a tubular anode; a tubular cathode having an electron-emissive surface concentrically positioned within said anode and separated therefrom by an interelectrode gap; insulating support means engaging and centering said cathode within said anode; means for heating said cathode to an elevated temperature above that of said anode; an ionization-promoting vapor filling said interelectrode gap in operation; an interelectrode connecting member joined to said anode and extending inwardly and axially into engagement with the cathode in the next succeeding thermionic device; an annular metallic shield connected at one end of said anode and extending inwardly therefrom so as to be positioned between said interelectrode connecting member and its adjacent higher potential said cathode; and means defining pathway between the interelectrode gaps of successive devices for the circulation therethrough of said ionization-promoting vapor.

Claim 16

In combination, a plurality of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power, said devices being connected in series and each comprising: a tubular anode; a tubular cathode having an electron-emissive surface concentrically positioned within said anode and separated therefrom by an interelectrode gap; insulating support means engaging and centering said cathode within said anode; means for heating said cathode to an elevated temperature above that of said anode; an ionization-promoting vapor filling said interelectrode gap in operation; an interelectrode connecting member joined to said anode and extending inwardly and axially into engagement with the cathode in the next succeeding thermionic device; an annular metallic shield connected at one end of said anode and extending inwardly therefrom so as to be positioned between said interelectrode connecting member and its adjacent higher potential said cathode; and means defining pathway between the interelectrode gaps of successive devices for the circulation therethrough of said ionization-promoting vapor.

Claim 17

In combination: a plurality of axially aligned thermionic diodes for the generation of electrical power, said diodes being connected in series and each comprising: a tubular cooled anode; a tubular heated cathode having an electron-emissive surface concentrically positioned within said anode and separated therefrom by an interelectrode gap; at least one insulating support member engaging and centering said cathode within said anode; a metallic shield at one end of said anode extending inwardly therefrom and cooled by contact with said anode; an interelectrode connecting member joined to said cooled anode extending inwardly and axially into engagement with the heated cathode in the next succeeding thermionic diode; and means defining a torluous pathway between the interelectrode gaps in adjacent diodes for control of the composition and pressure of vapors in said interelectrode gaps.

Claim 18

In combination: a plurality of axially aligned thermionic diodes for the generation of electrical power, said diodes being connected in series and each comprising: a tubular cooled anode; a tubular heated cathode having an electron-emissive surface concentrically positioned within said anode and separated therefrom by an interelectrode gap; at least one insulating support member engaging and centering said cathode within said anode; a metallic shield at one end of said anode extending inwardly therefrom and cooled by contact with said anode; an interelectrode connecting member joined to said cooled anode extending inwardly and axially into engagement with the heated cathode in the next succeeding thermionic diode; and means defining a torluous pathway between the interelectrode gaps in adjacent diodes for control of the composition and pressure of vapors in said interelectrode gaps.

Claim 19

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced-apart and axially aligned heated cathodes; a series of tubular axially aligned cooled anodes each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; at least one insulating support member supporting and centering said cathodes within said anodes with interelectrode gaps therebetwwen; a serIes of conductive metallic shields, each joined to a respective one of said anodes at one end thereof and extending into the spaces between adjacent cathodes, said shields remaining substantially cooler than said cathodes by virtue of their conductivity and their connections to said cooled anodes; an ionization-promoting vapor filling each of said interelectrode gaps in operation; and annular interelectrode connectors separate from said shields, each connected at its periphery to the anode of one of said devices and extending into contact with the cathode of the next succeeding device, said connectors developing a substantial thermal gradient thereacross by virtue of the direct connections between a heated electrode at one end and a cooled electrode at the other, there being an open pathway between successive interelectrode gaps following a tortuous route through each of the structures comprising an anode, a shield and an interelectrode connector for the flow of ionization-promoting vapors therethrough.

Claim 20

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced-apart and axially aligned heated cathodes; a series of tubular axially aligned cooled anodes each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; at least one insulating support member supporting and centering said cathodes within said anodes with interelectrode gaps therebetwwen; a serIes of conductive metallic shields, each joined to a respective one of said anodes at one end thereof and extending into the spaces between adjacent cathodes, said shields remaining substantially cooler than said cathodes by virtue of their conductivity and their connections to said cooled anodes; an ionization-promoting vapor filling each of said interelectrode gaps in operation; and annular interelectrode connectors separate from said shields, each connected at its periphery to the anode of one of said devices and extending into contact with the cathode of the next succeeding device, said connectors developing a substantial thermal gradient thereacross by virtue of the direct connections between a heated electrode at one end and a cooled electrode at the other, there being an open pathway between successive interelectrode gaps following a tortuous route through each of the structures comprising an anode, a shield and an interelectrode connector for the flow of ionization-promoting vapors therethrough.

Claim 21

The combination, with a plurality of substantially identical axially aligned thermionic energy conversion diodes for the generation of electrical power each including a tubular cooled anode, and a cylindrical heated cathode mounted within said anode, with an interelectrode gap between said anode and cathode filled with an ionization-promoting vapor in operation, of means for connecting said diodes electrically in series with substantially equipotential connections between the anode of one diode and the cathode of the next succeeding diode and for accurately centering the cathode within the anode of each of said diodes to provide a predetermined interelectrode gap therebetween, said means comprising: at least one axially mounted support member of insulating material, each of said cathodes having at at least one end a configuration mating with that of said support member to center the cathode on the axis of symmetry of said anode and electrically insulated therefrom; a disc-like conductive back emission shield of metal connected to one end of each of said anodes and inwardly extending therefrom, said shield remaining substantially cooler than said cathode by virtue of its conductivity and its connection with said cooled anode; and annular interelectrode metallic connectors separate from said shields, each connected at its periphery to the cooled anode of one diode and extending into contact with the heated cathode of the next succeeding diode, there being a tortuous path communicating between the interelectrode gaps of succeeding diodes for the circulation therethrough of the aforesaid ionization-promoting vapor.

Claim 22

The combination, with a plurality of substantially identical axially aligned thermionic energy conversion diodes for the generation of electrical power each including a tubular cooled anode, and a cylindrical heated cathode mounted within said anode, with an interelectrode gap between said anode and cathode filled with an ionization-promoting vapor in operation, of means for connecting said diodes electrically in series with substantially equipotential connections between the anode of one diode and the cathode of the next succeeding diode and for accurately centering the cathode within the anode of each of said diodes to provide a predetermined interelectrode gap therebetween, said means comprising: at least one axially mounted support member of insulating material, each of said cathodes having at at least one end a configuration mating with that of said support member to center the cathode on the axis of symmetry of said anode and electrically insulated therefrom; a disc-like conductive back emission shield of metal connected to one end of each of said anodes and inwardly extending therefrom, said shield remaining substantially cooler than said cathode by virtue of its conductivity and its connection with said cooled anode; and annular interelectrode metallic connectors separate from said shields, each connected at its periphery to the cooled anode of one diode and extending into contact with the heated cathode of the next succeeding diode, there being a tortuous path communicating between the interelectrode gaps of succeeding diodes for the circulation therethrough of the aforesaid ionization-promoting vapor.

Claim 23

In combination: a plurality of axially aligned thermionic diodes for the generation of electrical power, said diodes being connected electrically in series and each comprising: a tubular anode; a cylindrical cathode having an emitter surface thereon concentrically positioned within said anode and separated therefrom by an interelectrode gap; insulating support means engaging and centering said cathode within said anode; means for heating said cathode to an elevated temperature above that of said anode; an ionization-promoting vapor filling said interelectrode gap in operation; an annular metallic shield connected at one end of said anode and extending inwardly therefrom; an interelectrode connecting member joined to said anode adjacent the region of juncture between said anode and said shield and extending inwardly and axially into engagement with the cathode in the next succeeding thermionic diode; and means defining a tortuous path through the structure between adjacent diodes in communication with the interelectrode gaps thereof for the circulation therethrough of said ionization-promoting vapor.

Claim 24

In combination: a plurality of axially aligned thermionic diodes for the generation of electrical power, said diodes being connected electrically in series and each comprising: a tubular anode; a cylindrical cathode having an emitter surface thereon concentrically positioned within said anode and separated therefrom by an interelectrode gap; insulating support means engaging and centering said cathode within said anode; means for heating said cathode to an elevated temperature above that of said anode; an ionization-promoting vapor filling said interelectrode gap in operation; an annular metallic shield connected at one end of said anode and extending inwardly therefrom; an interelectrode connecting member joined to said anode adjacent the region of juncture between said anode and said shield and extending inwardly and axially into engagement with the cathode in the next succeeding thermionic diode; and means defining a tortuous path through the structure between adjacent diodes in communication with the interelectrode gaps thereof for the circulation therethrough of said ionization-promoting vapor.

Claim 25

In combination: a plurality of axially aligned thermionic diodes for the generation of electrical power, said diodes being connected electrically in series and each comprising: a tubuLar anode; a cylindrical cathode having an emitter surface thereon concentrically positioned within said anode and separated therefrom by an interelectrode gap; means for heating said cathode to an elevated temperature above that of said anode; an ionization-promoting vapor filling said interelectrode gap in operation; an annular metallic shield connected at one end of said anode and extending inwardly therefrom; insulating support means borne by said shield at a central portion thereof, said insulating support means engaging and centering said cathode within said anode; an interelectrode connecting member joined to said anode adjacent the region of juncture between said anode and said shield and extending inwardly and axially into engagement with the cathode in the next succeeding thermionic diode; and means defining a tortuous path through the structure between adjacent diodes in communication with the interelectrode gaps thereof for the circulation therethrough of said ionization-promoting vapor.

Claim 26

In combination: a plurality of axially aligned thermionic diodes for the generation of electrical power, said diodes being connected electrically in series and each comprising: a tubuLar anode; a cylindrical cathode having an emitter surface thereon concentrically positioned within said anode and separated therefrom by an interelectrode gap; means for heating said cathode to an elevated temperature above that of said anode; an ionization-promoting vapor filling said interelectrode gap in operation; an annular metallic shield connected at one end of said anode and extending inwardly therefrom; insulating support means borne by said shield at a central portion thereof, said insulating support means engaging and centering said cathode within said anode; an interelectrode connecting member joined to said anode adjacent the region of juncture between said anode and said shield and extending inwardly and axially into engagement with the cathode in the next succeeding thermionic diode; and means defining a tortuous path through the structure between adjacent diodes in communication with the interelectrode gaps thereof for the circulation therethrough of said ionization-promoting vapor.

Claim 27

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced apart, axially aligned, heated cathodes; a series of tubular, axially aligned, cooled anodes, each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; a series of interelectrode leads electrically connecting said anodes to said cathodes of adjacent said devices; and means for preventing electrons emitted from said interelectrode leads and said cathodes from arcing to their adjacent higher potential said cathodes.

Claim 28

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced apart, axially aligned, heated cathodes; a series of tubular, axially aligned, cooled anodes, each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; a series of interelectrode leads electrically connecting said anodes to said cathodes of adjacent said devices; and means for preventing electrons emitted from said interelectrode leads and said cathodes from arcing to their adjacent higher potential said cathodes.

Claim 29

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced apart, axially aligned, heated cathodes; a series of tubular, axially aligned, cooled anodes, each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; a series of interelectrode leads electrically connecting said anodes to said cathodes of adjacent said devices; and means positioned between said interelectrode leads and their adjacent higher potential said cathodes for preventing electrons arcing from said interelectrode leads to said adjacent higher potential said cathodes.

Claim 30

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced apart, axially aligned, heated cathodes; a series of tubular, axially aligned, cooled anodes, each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; a series of interelectrode leads electrically connecting said anodes to said cathodes of adjacent said devices; and means positioned between said interelectrode leads and their adjacent higher potential said cathodes for preventing electrons arcing from said interelectrode leads to said adjacent higher potential said cathodes.

Claim 31

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced apart, axially aligned, heated cathodes; a series of tubular, axially aligned, cooled anodes, each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; a series of interelectrode leads electrically connecting said anodes to said cathodes of adjacent said devices; and means, including an insulating support member, axially engaging the end of each said cathode for supporting and centering said cathodes within said anodes with uninterrupted interelectrode gaps therebetween.

Claim 32

A series-connected assembly of thermionic devices for the generation of electrical power comprising: a series of cylindrical, spaced apart, axially aligned, heated cathodes; a series of tubular, axially aligned, cooled anodes, each surrounding a respective one of said cathodes; a series of interelectrode leads electrically connecting said anodes to said cathodes of adjacent said devices; and means, including an insulating support member, axially engaging the end of each said cathode for supporting and centering said cathodes within said anodes with uninterrupted interelectrode gaps therebetween.