US4259575A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Directional gamma detector
Assignee: United States Department of Energy
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Filing: 1980-04-04
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Granted: 1981-03-31
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Expires: 2000-04-04
Abstract
Abstract An improved directional gamma radiation detector has a collector sandwichedetween two layers of insulation of varying thicknesses. The collector and insulation layers are contained within an evacuated casing, or emitter, which releases electrons upon exposure to gamma radiation. Delayed electrons and electrons entering the collector at oblique angles are attenuated as they pass through the insulation layers on route to the collector.
Inventors
- 👤 Francis E. LeVert
- 👤 Samson A. Cox
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T3/00; G01T3/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A directional detector of gamma rays comprising: an electrically conductive collector having first and second surfaces; at least one emitter which emits electrons upon exposure to gamma rays; a first insulator of predetermined resistance disposed between said first surface of said collector and said emitter; a second insulator disposed between said second surface of said collector and said emitter, said second insulator having a resistance greater than the resistance of said first insulator; means for completing an electrical circuit between said emitter and said collector; and means for measuring the electric current in the circuit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A directional detector of gamma rays comprising: an electrically conductive collector having first and second surfaces; at least one emitter which emits electrons upon exposure to gamma rays; a first insulator of predetermined resistance disposed between said first surface of said collector and said emitter; a second insulator disposed between said second surface of said collector and said emitter, said second insulator having a resistance greater than the resistance of said first insulator; means for completing an electrical circuit between said emitter and said collector; and means for measuring the electric current in the circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said collector includes confronting surfaces which contact said first and said second insulators, respectively.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said confronting surfaces of said collector are planar.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and said second insulators are formed of a homogeneous dielectric material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first insulator has a predetermined substantially uniform thickness and said second insulator has a substantially uniform thickness greater than the thickness of said first insulator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said dielectric material is beryllia.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the thickness of said second insulator is in the range of three to six time the thickness of said first insulator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said collector comprises nickel foil.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said emitter is a vacuum enclosure encasing said collector and said first and said second insulators.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said collector comprises a sheet of nickel foil approximately 0.5 mil thick; said emitter is formed of stainless steel approximately 5/16 of an inch in thickness; said first insulator includes a sheet of beryllia approximately 0.05 inches thick; and said second insulator includes a sheet of beryllia approximately 0.2 inches in thickness.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-03-30 | 1984-09-29 | 1985-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-30 | 1988-09-29 | 1989-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-30 | 1992-09-29 | 1993-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |