Field generator for generating an electrostatic field in a body of liquid

Claim 1

An electrode adapted for use in generating a high voltage electrostatic field, said electrode having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising an electrically conductive tubed adapted to extend in use within a vessel containing a liquid medium; an insulating sleeve overlying in insulating sealing relation a major portion of the outer surface of said tube; a mounting boss secured in sealing relation with said sleeve and enclosing the proximal end of said electrode, having attachment means for securing the electrode in sealed entered relation within said vessel; conductor means extending toward the distal end of the electrode from within said mounting boss making electrical connection with said tube; a protective distal end cap mounted in sealing relation over the distal end of said sleeve and said tube; an insulative end member inserted in the distal end of the tube, said end member having a first peripheral groove into which the tube is swaged in mechanically engaging relation, a second peripheral groove thereby being formed in the outer surface of the tube and overlying sleeve, the distal end cap overlying said second peripheral groove; and seal means interposed between said distal end cap and said second peripheral groove in mechanically securing relation to substantially preclude axial displacement of said distal end cap from off said insulating sleeve, whereby said distal end of said electrode is maintained electrically insulated and mechanically protected against ingress of said liquid into contact with said tube.