Thermionic converter emitter support arrangement

Patent · Tue Oct 16 04:00:00 EDT 1990

OSTI ID:5771201

Allen, D T

A support is presented for use in a thermionic converted to support an end of an emitter to keep it out of contact with a surrounding collector while allowing the emitter end to move axially at its temperatures changes. The emitter end is supported by a spring structure that includes a pair of Belleville springs, and the spring structure is supported by a support structure fixed to the housing that includes the collector. The support structure is in the form of a sandwich with a small metal spring-engaging element at the front end, a large metal main support at the rear end that is attached to the housing, and metal main support. The spring structure can include a loose wafer captured between the Belleville springs.

• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (USA)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4963319
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-480462
• OSTI ID: 5771201
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300401* -- Thermionic Converters-- Design & Development
300403 -- Thermionic Converters-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
SUPPORTS
THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
THERMIONIC EMITTERS