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US2141654A - Voltage regulator device - Google Patents

Voltage regulator device Download PDF

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US2141654A
US2141654A US1595235A US2141654A US 2141654 A US2141654 A US 2141654A US 1595235 A US1595235 A US 1595235A US 2141654 A US2141654 A US 2141654A
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electrodes
voltage
volts
discharge
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Kott Hermann
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ION CORP
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ION CORP
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J17/00Gas-filled discharge tubes with solid cathode
    • H01J17/38Cold-cathode tubes
    • H01J17/40Cold-cathode tubes with one cathode and one anode, e.g. glow tubes, tuning-indicator glow tubes, voltage-stabiliser tubes, voltage-indicator tubes
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J21/00Vacuum tubes
    • H01J21/36Tubes with flat electrodes, e.g. disc electrode

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  • This invention relates to a gaseous conduction discharge device and more particularly to such a device adapted for use as a voltage regulating device.
  • One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a means to regulate the voltages of a work circuit drawing current from a line circuit of varying voltage.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide means to supply relatively small electric current at substantially constant voltage to a work circuit from a line circuit of varying voltage.
  • Still another object is to provide means to regulate the voltages of an alternating current circuit and of a rectified electric current.
  • a further object is to provide an improved gaseous conduction discharge device adapted to be used in the regulation of the voltage 01' work circuits.
  • Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive schematically illustrate various modified forms of the present invention and also illustrate schematically the various electrical circuits adapted for use therewith;
  • Figs. 8 and '9 illustrate one specific embodiment of the novel gaseous conduction discharge device of the present invention
  • Fig. 10 illustrates a second embodiment thereof
  • Fig. 11 illustrates a third embodiment thereof
  • Fig. 12 illustrates graphically the operating characteristics of the gaseous conduction discharge device of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 1-3 to 16 other specific embodiments of the gaseous conduction discharge device of the present invention.
  • I have further found that by providing a pluample, the desired current or amperage in the rality of such spaced electrodes in parallel spaced and series relationship with the gaseous discharge therebetween confined and restricted as above noted, I may divide or by-pass the voltage drop across the device into a plurality of shunt circuits 5 of regulated voltages.
  • the determined area of the electrode upon which the discharge is directed or confined must be adapted to the purposes in view, as for exwork cireuit electrically in shunt with the discharge device.
  • I will describe the same as it he ls been developed for the regulation of the v0 tage in work circuits drawing very low amperage (or current) which is to be utilized in the operation of photo-tubes, pyrometers, recording and measuring devices of various types. In such devices the electric current is usually measured in terms of milliamperes or microamperes and hence any fluctuation in the voltage of over 1 or 2% is highly undesirable.
  • Fig. 1 I have schematically illustrated the structural features of my improved gaseous conduction discharge device and the circuit diagram showing the manner of electrically connecting the same between a line circuit and work circuit to regulate the voltage in the work circuit.
  • Electrodes l and 2 are preferably disc shaped plates substantially as indicated.
  • the surface area of the electrodes may vary widely depending upon the desired current consumption in the said work circuit but the two spaced surfaces of the electrodes which preferably are in parallel spaced relationship are of approximately equal areas.
  • the gaseous discharge between electrodes I and 2 is confined to the two front or facing surfaces of the electrodes I and 2 by means 6 which comprises substantially a tubular refractory and insulating member identified by numeral 6 which extends in any convenient manner around the back surfaces of the electrodes I and 2 andalong the length of the lead wires 3 and l to the enclosing envelop 5, thus effectively sealing of! the electrode and lead wire surfaces except for the front faces thereof, from the atmosphere within the envelop thereby preventing the gaseous discharge from locating thereon. It is not necessary that member 6 be gas impervious. It is necessary, however, that the back face of the electrode and the lead wires be insulated so that the gaseous discharge cannot locate thereon.
  • the spacing between electrodes I and 2 and the areas of the front or facing surfaces thereof are designed to obtain suitable breakdown and operating voltages and current carrying capacity with the particular gas composition and gas pressures within envelop 5.
  • Electrodes I and 2 preferably comprise electrodes I and 2 of very pure iron although other electrode compositions may be employed if desired, such as nickel, tungsten, molybdenum or various iron or nickel alloys. Electrodes I and 2 may be surfaced with, or comprised at least in part of, one or more of the alkali or alkaline earth metals to lower the voltage drop therebetween and to augment the current carrying capacity of the device.
  • the gaseous atmosphere within envelop 5 may be comprised of any one or any desired combination of the so-called monatomic gases within certain ranges of pressures, and I have found it advantageous in some instances to incorporate therewith a small proportion of one of the molecular gases hydrogen and nitrogen which appear to increase the current carrying capacity of the device as well as to lower the operating voltage of the same.
  • a vapor pressure of mercury also has been found advantageous in some instances in increasing the current carrying capacity of the device and in lieu thereof I may utilize other metal vapors such as zinc.
  • the surfaces of electrodes I and 2 are preferably covered with barium obtained, for example, by thermal decomposition of barium azide painted thereon before assembling the electrodes I and 2 in refractory dielectric housing 6.
  • this housing 5 performs another function than that of confining the gaseous discharge to the opposing parallel faces of electrodes I and 2.
  • the surfaces of the electrodes are subjected to bombardment which progressively erodes away the surface.
  • the metal so eroded tends to vaporize or project beyond the field of discharge and deposit along the inner face of the enclosing envelop.
  • This finely divided material has relatively high gas absorbing or adsorbing properties and tends to reduce the gas pressure within the device thereby rendering the operating characteristics of the device unstable.
  • the surface of the electrode is covered with a readily vaporizable metal such as barium, this metal is similarly removed from the electrode surfaces and the operating characteristics of the device thereby altered.
  • the refractory housing 6 substantially prevents this dissipation of the electrode surface or of the barium and confines the same to the area included within the discharge path thus substantially eliminating this source of varying operating characteristics heretofore observed with this type of device.
  • the surface area. of electrodes I and 2 upon which the discharge is located may vary with respect to the desired current carrying capacity of the device.
  • the required surface area may be greatly reduced, so also when a proportion of a molecular gas such as hydrogen or nitrogen is employed.
  • One of the operating characteristics of the device of the present invention which is distinctive from that of prior art devices is that by thus confining or restricting the discharge to determined surfaces of the electrodes and by preventing loss in gas pressures incident to electrode sputtering by the use of housing 6, the burning voltage of the device becomes a constant over relatively wide ranges of gas pressure.
  • a phenomena occurs which is not quite understood at present.
  • the gas pressure within the device increases markedly and to such an extent that it is necessary in order to obtain stable operation to limit the gas pressure within certain ranges which varies with each gas and mixture of gases employed, which range can be broadly defined as being a range of stable operation above and below which the operating characteristics of the device are variable.
  • Fig. 12 I have indicated in the chart the voltage-pressure characteristics of the gaseous conduction discharge device of the present invention, in which two types of electrodes are employed in combination with several gaseous fillings.
  • the left vertical numerals indicate voltages and the bottom horizontal numerals indicate pressure in millimeters of mercury.
  • Curves a, b and 0 show the characteristics of substantially pure iron electrodes with argon (A), helium (He) and neon (Ne) respectively.
  • Curves d, e, f and 9' show the characteristics of substantially pure iron surfaced or coated with barium (Ba) with helium (He) neon (Ne), argon plus 1 m. m. of helium (A-l-l m/m. He) and argon (A) respectively.
  • each curve exhibits a flattened section :c-u.
  • the operating voltage between the spaced electrodes drops to a certain minimum 1: and holds constant thereafter through a range of pressure to the point 3 thereafter the operating voltage abruptly changes.
  • the gas pressure of the device must be adjusted to not exceed the pressure at point 11. As above indicated the gas pressure increases during operation probably as a result of heating effects in the electrical discharge.
  • the gas pressure that is present in the device cannot be in excess of that pressure which on increase in pressure incident to operation substantially alters the voltage-pressure characteristics of the device.
  • the initial gas pressure should not be in excess of 10 to 12 millimeters.
  • the range of initial gas pressures may approximate 20 to 25 millimeters as the rise in pressure is of relatively greater range; up to approximately millimeters.
  • the maximum initial pressure should approximate 20 millimeters and the maximum operating pressure should not exceed about 35 millimeters.
  • the gas filling offering the most flexibility for the purposes of the present invention is neon, particularly when used in combination with barium surfaced iron electrodes as may be noted from curve c (Fig. 12). Any pressure of this gas over about 1'7 to 20 mm. and below about 40 mm. appears to satisfactorily produce the constant operating characteristics desired of the gaseous conduction device of the present invention. Any of the other gases and various combinations oi these gases may be employed however if desired without departing from the present invention provided the maximum gas pressure during operation lies within the pressure ranges defined by points a: and y as indicated on the curves of Fig. 12.
  • FIG. l I have schematically illustrated the voltage regulator circuit useful in connection with the present invention in its simplest form.
  • the gaseous conduction device A constructed as hereinabove described is shown electrically connected in parallel or in shunt with load or work circuit terminals I and 8 drawing current from line voltage terminals 9 and I0 carrying alternating current.
  • the voltage in the load circuit is dependent upon the voltage drop through device A.
  • device A has been designed to give a voltage drop of about 65 volts during operation.
  • the starting voltage is somewhat higher depending upon the electrode spacing, electrode surface, gas composition and gas pressure, but is less than volts.
  • Limiting resistance R (or condenser C or both in series) is connected electrically in series with device A to regulate the voltage and current flow through the device A and the load circuit in shunt therewith. By increasing or decreasing the resistance R a higher or lower current thereby may be obtained in the load circuit.
  • the voltage in line circuit 9 and II) may vary from a minimum of 90 volts to a maximum of volts. Due to the relatively low A. C. resistance through device A as compared to that in the load circuit substantially all of this fluctuation is taken up by device A, the voltage drop across terminals I and 8 in the load circuit remaining substantially constant within 1 or 2%.
  • Fig. 2 I have indicated a modification of this circuit wherein two of the devices A are utilized in series to split up the voltage of an alternating current source into two work circuits of substantially constant voltage.
  • Devices A-A are electrically in series giving a combined voltage drop therebetween of volts which is split by a mid-tap connection II into two work circuits of 65 volts each.
  • the line voltage on terminals 8 and II) is 220 volts fluctuating ordinarily from volts to 240 volts.
  • Mid-tap connection I I obvious y can be omitted if desired and a regulated voltage of approximately 130 volts thereby obtained.
  • Limiting resistance R is replaced by condenser C which operates in the same manner as resistance R to take up the excess voltage across the line terminals 9 and I I and in addition serves to reduce the voltage loss in the circuit besides condenser C evidences substantially constant voltage drop where resistance R may vary depending upon the current consumption. Obviously resistance R and condenser C may be employed in series if desired.
  • FIG. 3 the circuit utilizing the present invention in combination with a transformer is illustrated.
  • the primary (P) of transformer (TR) having a secondary (S) in 4 to 1 ratio, for example. is connected to terminals 9 and Ill of a 110 volt alternatin current line circuit.
  • the voltage on the secondary (S) of transformer (TR) approximates 400 volts.
  • Device A of the present invention as schematically illustrated in Fig. 3 has the modified structure hereinabove described whereby a plurality of work circuits may be energized.
  • a plurality of intermediate electrode elements a. b. c are inserted between electrodes I and 2, each electrically connected to separate lead wires extending through envelop 5 and isolated within the envelop from the electrical discharge substant ally as has heretofore been described with respect to electrodes I and 2.
  • the spacings between adlacent electrodes are substantially as ind cated in F g. l. and the voltage drop between each electrode remains the same.
  • the result obtained is a success on cf a eous discharges operating in series within a single dev ce. Substantially the same result will be obta ned if a plural ty of devices A were c nnected in series as indicated in Fig. 2.
  • Load terminals 1 and 8 can then be connected to any two of these electrodes to obtain 65 volts or any multiple thereof depending upon the number of intermediate electrodes a, b and c employed. As indicated terminal "I may be connected to electrode (a) and terminal 8 to electrode (0) thereby obtaining 130 volts in the load circuit or, if desired, this may be further split into two load circuits by intermediate tap H.
  • Fig. 4 means to obtain a double regulation of the voltage to eliminate the small variation remaining from the use of one device A is indicated.
  • the voltage on line circuit terminals 8Ifl is amplified by transformer (TR) to 300 volts (approximately) and thereafter is regulated by multiple electrode device A to 130 volts which is further regulated by a second device A substantially as indicated in Fig. l to volts on load terminals I and 8.
  • Fig. 5 the use of device A to regulate the voltage in the secondary of a transformer (TR) is indicated.
  • the device A is connected in parallel with the primary winding P of the transformer and an induction I2 is connected in series therewith to reduce the voltage across device A. Most simply this may be obtained by tapping the primary of the transformer (TR).
  • the amplified current in secondary S will be substantially regulated to within relatively small variations depending upon the ratio between P and S. In the drawings the ratio is indicated as being 1 to 2 and the voltage on secondary S therefore will be twice that across device A and such variations of 1 to 2% will be amplified accordingly.
  • a further regulation as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4 may be obtained.
  • the circuit diagram for use in regulating the alternating current to be applied to a rectifier device is indicated.
  • the volt A. C. from line terminals 9 and III (varying from 90 to volts) is amplified by transformer (TR) and the amplified current is passed through multiple electrode device A employing resistances RI and R2 in series therewith to limit the voltage thereon.
  • the total voltage drop across device A (showing five separate gaseous discharges) is approximately 325 volts. Any intermediate voltage which is a multiple of 65 volts can be obtained from device A.
  • Blocking condenser C is used as heretofore to suppress any A. C. surges in the rectified D. C.
  • the use of choke coils is substantially unnecessary in this circuit arrangernent.
  • a circuit diagram wherein a plurality of devices A are employed in parallel with the work circuit terminals 1 and 8 in shunt therewith whereby the current available in the work circuit may be increased.
  • Main limiting resistance R in this case is proportionately less than when a single device A is employed, and auxiliary resistances RI, R2 and R3 must be employed with each tube and each of these auxiliary resistances must be larger than main resistance R in proportion to the number of devices A employed in parallel.
  • I may employ disc electrodes as above described, enclosed in a tubular housing 8 as indicated schematically in Figs. 1 to 7 and specifically in Figs. 10 and 11, or I may employ concentric tubular electrodes as indicated in Figs. 13 and 14 or nested cylindrical or dish shaped electrodes as indicated Figs. 8 and 9, 15 and 16, or 17 and 18 respectively.
  • Electrodes I and 2 are seated at the ends of tubular envelop 5 in dielectric insulating material 8 which entirely fills the tapered end of envelop 8 leading to press II through which extend lead wires 3 and 4 connected respectively to electrodes I and 2. In this manner the entire discharge is limited to the facing surfaces of electrodes I and 2. Where relatively close spacing of electrodes I and 2 is desired however, the assembly indicated in Fig. 11 is preferred.
  • Fig. 11 the disc electrodes I and 2 with any number of intermediate electrodes 0, b, c, etc., are piled one above the other with spacer elements 30 therebetween to give the desired spacing.
  • the bottom electrode I rests upon the plate insulator 3
  • Tubular insulator 6 encloses the pile of electrodes I, 2, a, b, c and is sealed or otherwise joined to plate insulator 3
  • is supported by support wires I5 above press II and lead wires for each of the electrodes pass through the press to the respective electrodes through small openings in tubular insulator 6, each lead wire being insulated its entire length from electrical discharges. The entire assembly then is sealed within an enclosing envelop 5 in a manner heretofore known in the art.
  • housing 6 is flat rather than tubular as with disc electrodes, and is provided with concentric grooves I2 into which the open ends of the electrodes are inserted and sealed therein as indicated at II.
  • Lead wires I4 of the electrodes extend through press II and housing 6' and are electrically connected to the electrodes in any convenient manner as by spot welding and the entire length of said lead wires I4 down to the press II is insulated in any suitable manner from the gaseous atmosphere so as to confine any electrical discharge to the metal surfaces of the electrodes.
  • Support wires I5 are provided to support the assembly of nested electrodes and housing 6 above the press II.
  • the press II is sealed at I6 as heretofore practiced in the art with enclosing envelop 5 and exhaust tube I1 is provided through the press to evacuate the interior of the envelop and to fill the same with a desired gaseous filling at the desired pressure.
  • exhaust tube I1 is provided through the press to evacuate the interior of the envelop and to fill the same with a desired gaseous filling at the desired pressure.
  • the surfaces thereof are coated with barium azide and during the exhaust procedure the electrodes are heated by induction to break down the azide leaving pure barium on the said surfaces.
  • the precise spacing of the nested electrode surfaces and the gas pressures within the envelop are selected as hereinabove described to give the desired operating characteristics.
  • a gaseous conduction discharge device comprising a hermetically sealer" envelope, an electrically conductive gas within said envelope, electrodes of the cold eiectrode type enclosed within said envelope, each said electrode being substantially identical in size, shap: and configuration, means to sustain said electrodes within said envelope with substantially equal surface areas thereof in opposite spaced relation, lead wires extending through the envelope and connected to each said electrode, and dielectric insulating material enclosing the length'of said lead wires within the said envelope and part of said electrodes to restrict any gaseous conduction discharge between said electrodes to the said opposite surfaces of substantially equal surface areas.
  • the device of claim 1 the said gas being comprised of neon at a pressure above about 17 mm. and not in excess of about 35 mm.
  • said electrodes consist of a plurality of substantially identic: 31y shaped electrodes nesting one within the other in spaced relation, the opposing surfaces of said nested electrodes being surfaced with barium and the said gas consisting of neon at a pressure in excess of about 17 mm. but not in excess of about mm.

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Dec. 27, 1938. H. KOTT 2,141,654
VOLTAGE REGULATOR DEVICE Filed April 12, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet l @J-M L040 I NVENTOR.
J'QE-ZEMANN 0T7? ATTORNEYS Dec. 27, 1938. H. KOTT VOLTAGE REGULATOR DEVI CE Filed April 12, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ZO/ID INVENTOR fYZ'EMAN/Vfi fi ATTORNEYS H. KOTT VOLTAGE REGULATOR DEVICE Dec. 27, 1938.
Filed April 12, 1935 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 v WW INVENTOR.
ATTORNEYS Dec. 27, 1938. KOTT 2,141,654
VOLTAGE REGULATOR DEVICE Filed April 12, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 5 1o 2o .50 a5 5 PAEJSU,5//V% INVENTOR.
HEEMHN/VA/O-TTI ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 27, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,141,654 VOLTAGE REGULATOR DEVICE Application April 12, 1935. Serial No. 15,952
4 Claims.
This invention relates to a gaseous conduction discharge device and more particularly to such a device adapted for use as a voltage regulating device.
One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a means to regulate the voltages of a work circuit drawing current from a line circuit of varying voltage.
Another object of this invention is to provide means to supply relatively small electric current at substantially constant voltage to a work circuit from a line circuit of varying voltage.
Still another object is to provide means to regulate the voltages of an alternating current circuit and of a rectified electric current.
A further object is to provide an improved gaseous conduction discharge device adapted to be used in the regulation of the voltage 01' work circuits.
Other objects and advantages will be apparent as the invention is more fully disclosed.
Before disclosing the present invention reference should be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:-
Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive schematically illustrate various modified forms of the present invention and also illustrate schematically the various electrical circuits adapted for use therewith;
Figs. 8 and '9 illustrate one specific embodiment of the novel gaseous conduction discharge device of the present invention;
Fig. 10 illustrates a second embodiment thereof;
Fig. 11 illustrates a third embodiment thereof;
Fig. 12 illustrates graphically the operating characteristics of the gaseous conduction discharge device of the present invention; and
Figs. 1-3 to 16 other specific embodiments of the gaseous conduction discharge device of the present invention.
In the device of the present invention, I have found that by spacing the electrodes a desired distance apart to obtain a required breakdown potential therebetween, and by enclosing the said spaced electrodes so as to limit the electrical discharge therebetween to a restricted path between determined and approximately equal surface areas on the said electrodes which surface areas are arbitrarily selected to give the approximate current carrying capacity desired and by further regulating the gas pressures therein within certain limits more fully hereinafter disclosed, I am able to stabilize the gaseous discharge in said device over a relatively long operating life at a substantially constant operating voltage.
I have further found that by providing a pluample, the desired current or amperage in the rality of such spaced electrodes in parallel spaced and series relationship with the gaseous discharge therebetween confined and restricted as above noted, I may divide or by-pass the voltage drop across the device into a plurality of shunt circuits 5 of regulated voltages.
With respect to these structural modifications I have found that the character and stability of the arc or glow discharge maintained between the spaced electrodes in a gaseous conduction discharge device is dependent primarily on the area of the electrode surfaces upon which the discharge locates. Where it is desired to regulate the voltage of an alternating current work circuit it is highly essential that the discharge resultant from the passage of the electric current through the gaseous conduction discharge device should be constant and stable. It is also essential that the superposing of any rectified or direct current in the work circuit should be avoided.
In order to accomplish both of these results I have found that the gaseous conduction discharge must be located and confined to a determined area of the electrodes and that the respective areas of the two electrodes must be approximately equal.
The determined area of the electrode upon which the discharge is directed or confined must be adapted to the purposes in view, as for exwork cireuit electrically in shunt with the discharge device. As a specific embodiment of the present invention I will describe the same as it he ls been developed for the regulation of the v0 tage in work circuits drawing very low amperage (or current) which is to be utilized in the operation of photo-tubes, pyrometers, recording and measuring devices of various types. In such devices the electric current is usually measured in terms of milliamperes or microamperes and hence any fluctuation in the voltage of over 1 or 2% is highly undesirable.
Referring to the drawings Fig. 1 I have schematically illustrated the structural features of my improved gaseous conduction discharge device and the circuit diagram showing the manner of electrically connecting the same between a line circuit and work circuit to regulate the voltage in the work circuit.
Electrodes l and 2 are preferably disc shaped plates substantially as indicated. The surface area of the electrodes may vary widely depending upon the desired current consumption in the said work circuit but the two spaced surfaces of the electrodes which preferably are in parallel spaced relationship are of approximately equal areas.
The gaseous discharge between electrodes I and 2 is confined to the two front or facing surfaces of the electrodes I and 2 by means 6 which comprises substantially a tubular refractory and insulating member identified by numeral 6 which extends in any convenient manner around the back surfaces of the electrodes I and 2 andalong the length of the lead wires 3 and l to the enclosing envelop 5, thus effectively sealing of! the electrode and lead wire surfaces except for the front faces thereof, from the atmosphere within the envelop thereby preventing the gaseous discharge from locating thereon. It is not necessary that member 6 be gas impervious. It is necessary, however, that the back face of the electrode and the lead wires be insulated so that the gaseous discharge cannot locate thereon.
The spacing between electrodes I and 2 and the areas of the front or facing surfaces thereof .are designed to obtain suitable breakdown and operating voltages and current carrying capacity with the particular gas composition and gas pressures within envelop 5.
I preferably comprise electrodes I and 2 of very pure iron although other electrode compositions may be employed if desired, such as nickel, tungsten, molybdenum or various iron or nickel alloys. Electrodes I and 2 may be surfaced with, or comprised at least in part of, one or more of the alkali or alkaline earth metals to lower the voltage drop therebetween and to augment the current carrying capacity of the device.
The gaseous atmosphere within envelop 5 may be comprised of any one or any desired combination of the so-called monatomic gases within certain ranges of pressures, and I have found it advantageous in some instances to incorporate therewith a small proportion of one of the molecular gases hydrogen and nitrogen which appear to increase the current carrying capacity of the device as well as to lower the operating voltage of the same. A vapor pressure of mercury also has been found advantageous in some instances in increasing the current carrying capacity of the device and in lieu thereof I may utilize other metal vapors such as zinc.
The surfaces of electrodes I and 2 are preferably covered with barium obtained, for example, by thermal decomposition of barium azide painted thereon before assembling the electrodes I and 2 in refractory dielectric housing 6.
I have found that the provision of this housing 5 performs another function than that of confining the gaseous discharge to the opposing parallel faces of electrodes I and 2. During the passage of the gaseous discharge the surfaces of the electrodes are subjected to bombardment which progressively erodes away the surface. The metal so eroded tends to vaporize or project beyond the field of discharge and deposit along the inner face of the enclosing envelop. This finely divided material has relatively high gas absorbing or adsorbing properties and tends to reduce the gas pressure within the device thereby rendering the operating characteristics of the device unstable. Moreover, when as indicated the surface of the electrode is covered with a readily vaporizable metal such as barium, this metal is similarly removed from the electrode surfaces and the operating characteristics of the device thereby altered. The refractory housing 6 substantially prevents this dissipation of the electrode surface or of the barium and confines the same to the area included within the discharge path thus substantially eliminating this source of varying operating characteristics heretofore observed with this type of device.
As hereinabove indicated the surface area. of electrodes I and 2 upon which the discharge is located may vary with respect to the desired current carrying capacity of the device. By the use of barium surfaced electrodes or by the use of mercury vapor in association with the gaseous atmosphere the required surface area may be greatly reduced, so also when a proportion of a molecular gas such as hydrogen or nitrogen is employed.
In a work circuit wherein a maximum current of 200 milliamperes is desired, I have found that the area of electrodes I and 2 when comprised of pure iron may safely approximate square centimeters each. When barium surfaced iron electrodes are employed this area may be reduced somewhat if desired. The surface area employed for any given desired output will vary with respect to the composition of the electrode.
One of the operating characteristics of the device of the present invention which is distinctive from that of prior art devices is that by thus confining or restricting the discharge to determined surfaces of the electrodes and by preventing loss in gas pressures incident to electrode sputtering by the use of housing 6, the burning voltage of the device becomes a constant over relatively wide ranges of gas pressure. However, a phenomena occurs which is not quite understood at present. During operation the gas pressure within the device increases markedly and to such an extent that it is necessary in order to obtain stable operation to limit the gas pressure within certain ranges which varies with each gas and mixture of gases employed, which range can be broadly defined as being a range of stable operation above and below which the operating characteristics of the device are variable.
In Fig. 12 I have indicated this stable operating range of temperatures with respect to several different gases as I have experimentally determined the same.
Referring to Fig. 12, I have indicated in the chart the voltage-pressure characteristics of the gaseous conduction discharge device of the present invention, in which two types of electrodes are employed in combination with several gaseous fillings. The left vertical numerals indicate voltages and the bottom horizontal numerals indicate pressure in millimeters of mercury.
Curves a, b and 0 show the characteristics of substantially pure iron electrodes with argon (A), helium (He) and neon (Ne) respectively.
Curves d, e, f and 9' show the characteristics of substantially pure iron surfaced or coated with barium (Ba) with helium (He) neon (Ne), argon plus 1 m. m. of helium (A-l-l m/m. He) and argon (A) respectively.
Referring to curves a, b and c, it will be noted that each curve exhibits a flattened section :c-u. As will be seen from the curves, with increase in gas pressure the operating voltage between the spaced electrodes drops to a certain minimum 1: and holds constant thereafter through a range of pressure to the point 3 thereafter the operating voltage abruptly changes. To obtain a constant operating voltage accordingly the gas pressure of the device must be adjusted to not exceed the pressure at point 11. As above indicated the gas pressure increases during operation probably as a result of heating effects in the electrical discharge.
Accordingly, the gas pressure that is present in the device cannot be in excess of that pressure which on increase in pressure incident to operation substantially alters the voltage-pressure characteristics of the device.
When argon is employed, for example, I have found that to prevent the operating gas pressure from exceeding about 25 millimeters the initial gas pressure should not be in excess of 10 to 12 millimeters. With helium the range of initial gas pressures may approximate 20 to 25 millimeters as the rise in pressure is of relatively greater range; up to approximately millimeters. With neon the maximum initial pressure should approximate 20 millimeters and the maximum operating pressure should not exceed about 35 millimeters.
Referring to curves d, c, f and g, the effect of a surface coating of barium on the iron electrodes is apparent. The initial efiect is to lower the operating voltage markedly. Contrasting, for example, curve I) with curve 11, it may be seen that the barium surface has lowered the operating voltage between the electrodes in a helium atmosphere from 150 volts down to 82 volts and coincidentally therewith has lowered the pressure of the gas between points a: and y from the range 20 to 45 mm. down to about 12 to 20. With neon (curve e) however, the minimum pressure a: re-
'mains about the same (17 /2 mm.) while the upper limit has been extended to above 55 mm. as contrasted to 35 mm. in curve 0, and the operating voltage has been lowered to about 70 volts as contrasted to 140 volts (curve c). With argon (curve g) the operating voltage has been lowered from 175 volts (curve a) to about 68 or 69 volts and the gas pressure range from stable operation reduced to between about 4 mm. and 8 mm.
Various mixtures of these gases have been heretofore proposed in the art for use as gaseous fillings in gaseous conduction discharge devices. Each of these mixtures will exhibit a characteristic voltage-pressure curve readily determinable by one skilled in the art. For example, argon containing 1 mm. pressure of helium will exhibit a curve characteristic indicated in curve f. The gas pressure for stable operation will range from about '7 mm. to about 14 mm. and the operating voltage will approximate 70 volts.
The gas filling offering the most flexibility for the purposes of the present invention is neon, particularly when used in combination with barium surfaced iron electrodes as may be noted from curve c (Fig. 12). Any pressure of this gas over about 1'7 to 20 mm. and below about 40 mm. appears to satisfactorily produce the constant operating characteristics desired of the gaseous conduction device of the present invention. Any of the other gases and various combinations oi these gases may be employed however if desired without departing from the present invention provided the maximum gas pressure during operation lies within the pressure ranges defined by points a: and y as indicated on the curves of Fig. 12.
Referring again to Fig. l, I have schematically illustrated the voltage regulator circuit useful in connection with the present invention in its simplest form. The gaseous conduction device A constructed as hereinabove described is shown electrically connected in parallel or in shunt with load or work circuit terminals I and 8 drawing current from line voltage terminals 9 and I0 carrying alternating current.
The voltage in the load circuit is dependent upon the voltage drop through device A. In the particular instance shown device A has been designed to give a voltage drop of about 65 volts during operation. The starting voltage is somewhat higher depending upon the electrode spacing, electrode surface, gas composition and gas pressure, but is less than volts.
Limiting resistance R (or condenser C or both in series) is connected electrically in series with device A to regulate the voltage and current flow through the device A and the load circuit in shunt therewith. By increasing or decreasing the resistance R a higher or lower current thereby may be obtained in the load circuit.
The voltage in line circuit 9 and II) may vary from a minimum of 90 volts to a maximum of volts. Due to the relatively low A. C. resistance through device A as compared to that in the load circuit substantially all of this fluctuation is taken up by device A, the voltage drop across terminals I and 8 in the load circuit remaining substantially constant within 1 or 2%.
Referring to Fig. 2, I have indicated a modification of this circuit wherein two of the devices A are utilized in series to split up the voltage of an alternating current source into two work circuits of substantially constant voltage. Devices A-A are electrically in series giving a combined voltage drop therebetween of volts which is split by a mid-tap connection II into two work circuits of 65 volts each. The line voltage on terminals 8 and II) is 220 volts fluctuating ordinarily from volts to 240 volts. Mid-tap connection I I obvious y can be omitted if desired and a regulated voltage of approximately 130 volts thereby obtained.
Limiting resistance R is replaced by condenser C which operates in the same manner as resistance R to take up the excess voltage across the line terminals 9 and I I and in addition serves to reduce the voltage loss in the circuit besides condenser C evidences substantially constant voltage drop where resistance R may vary depending upon the current consumption. Obviously resistance R and condenser C may be employed in series if desired.
Referring to Fig. 3. the circuit utilizing the present invention in combination with a transformer is illustrated. The primary (P) of transformer (TR) having a secondary (S) in 4 to 1 ratio, for example. is connected to terminals 9 and Ill of a 110 volt alternatin current line circuit. The voltage on the secondary (S) of transformer (TR) approximates 400 volts.
Device A of the present invention as schematically illustrated in Fig. 3 has the modified structure hereinabove described whereby a plurality of work circuits may be energized. A plurality of intermediate electrode elements a. b. c are inserted between electrodes I and 2, each electrically connected to separate lead wires extending through envelop 5 and isolated within the envelop from the electrical discharge substant ally as has heretofore been described with respect to electrodes I and 2. In this construction the spacings between adlacent electrodes are substantially as ind cated in F g. l. and the voltage drop between each electrode remains the same. The result obtained is a success on cf a eous discharges operating in series within a single dev ce. Substantially the same result will be obta ned if a plural ty of devices A were c nnected in series as indicated in Fig. 2.
Load terminals 1 and 8 can then be connected to any two of these electrodes to obtain 65 volts or any multiple thereof depending upon the number of intermediate electrodes a, b and c employed. As indicated terminal "I may be connected to electrode (a) and terminal 8 to electrode (0) thereby obtaining 130 volts in the load circuit or, if desired, this may be further split into two load circuits by intermediate tap H.
Referring to Fig. 4, means to obtain a double regulation of the voltage to eliminate the small variation remaining from the use of one device A is indicated. In this instance the voltage on line circuit terminals 8Ifl is amplified by transformer (TR) to 300 volts (approximately) and thereafter is regulated by multiple electrode device A to 130 volts which is further regulated by a second device A substantially as indicated in Fig. l to volts on load terminals I and 8.
Referring to Fig. 5, the use of device A to regulate the voltage in the secondary of a transformer (TR) is indicated. The device A is connected in parallel with the primary winding P of the transformer and an induction I2 is connected in series therewith to reduce the voltage across device A. Most simply this may be obtained by tapping the primary of the transformer (TR). The amplified current in secondary S will be substantially regulated to within relatively small variations depending upon the ratio between P and S. In the drawings the ratio is indicated as being 1 to 2 and the voltage on secondary S therefore will be twice that across device A and such variations of 1 to 2% will be amplified accordingly. By placing a second device A in the secondary a further regulation as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4 may be obtained.
Referring to Fig. 6, the circuit diagram for use in regulating the alternating current to be applied to a rectifier device is indicated. As indicated the volt A. C. from line terminals 9 and III (varying from 90 to volts) is amplified by transformer (TR) and the amplified current is passed through multiple electrode device A employing resistances RI and R2 in series therewith to limit the voltage thereon. The total voltage drop across device A (showing five separate gaseous discharges) is approximately 325 volts. Any intermediate voltage which is a multiple of 65 volts can be obtained from device A. As indicated volts rectified A. C. is desired on terminals 1-8 of the work circuit which is obtained by connecting electrodes (a) and (d) to the plates P-P of rectifier B, the filament or cathode F of the rectifier being connected to the positive terminal "I of the work circuit and the negative terminal 8 of the work circuit being connected back to the mid-tap of the secondary on transformer TR. Blocking condenser C is used as heretofore to suppress any A. C. surges in the rectified D. C. The use of choke coils is substantially unnecessary in this circuit arrangernent.
Referring to Fig. 7, I have schematically indicated a circuit diagram wherein a plurality of devices A are employed in parallel with the work circuit terminals 1 and 8 in shunt therewith whereby the current available in the work circuit may be increased. Main limiting resistance R in this case is proportionately less than when a single device A is employed, and auxiliary resistances RI, R2 and R3 must be employed with each tube and each of these auxiliary resistances must be larger than main resistance R in proportion to the number of devices A employed in parallel.
In the practical construction of device A I may employ disc electrodes as above described, enclosed in a tubular housing 8 as indicated schematically in Figs. 1 to 7 and specifically in Figs. 10 and 11, or I may employ concentric tubular electrodes as indicated in Figs. 13 and 14 or nested cylindrical or dish shaped electrodes as indicated Figs. 8 and 9, 15 and 16, or 17 and 18 respectively.
In comprising device A of disc Shaped electrodes I have found that the assembly indicated in Fig. 10 is satisfactory where only a pair of spaced electrodes I and 2 are desired. Electrodes I and 2 are seated at the ends of tubular envelop 5 in dielectric insulating material 8 which entirely fills the tapered end of envelop 8 leading to press II through which extend lead wires 3 and 4 connected respectively to electrodes I and 2. In this manner the entire discharge is limited to the facing surfaces of electrodes I and 2. Where relatively close spacing of electrodes I and 2 is desired however, the assembly indicated in Fig. 11 is preferred.
In Fig. 11 the disc electrodes I and 2 with any number of intermediate electrodes 0, b, c, etc., are piled one above the other with spacer elements 30 therebetween to give the desired spacing. The bottom electrode I rests upon the plate insulator 3| and is connected to lead wire 3 passing therethrough, Tubular insulator 6 encloses the pile of electrodes I, 2, a, b, c and is sealed or otherwise joined to plate insulator 3| and the upper surface of electrode 2 is coated with insulation 82 serving to hold the entire structure rigidly. Plate insulator 3| is supported by support wires I5 above press II and lead wires for each of the electrodes pass through the press to the respective electrodes through small openings in tubular insulator 6, each lead wire being insulated its entire length from electrical discharges. The entire assembly then is sealed within an enclosing envelop 5 in a manner heretofore known in the art.
When nested electrodes are employed housing 6 is flat rather than tubular as with disc electrodes, and is provided with concentric grooves I2 into which the open ends of the electrodes are inserted and sealed therein as indicated at II. Lead wires I4 of the electrodes extend through press II and housing 6' and are electrically connected to the electrodes in any convenient manner as by spot welding and the entire length of said lead wires I4 down to the press II is insulated in any suitable manner from the gaseous atmosphere so as to confine any electrical discharge to the metal surfaces of the electrodes. v
Support wires I5 are provided to support the assembly of nested electrodes and housing 6 above the press II. The press II is sealed at I6 as heretofore practiced in the art with enclosing envelop 5 and exhaust tube I1 is provided through the press to evacuate the interior of the envelop and to fill the same with a desired gaseous filling at the desired pressure. Before assembling the nested electrodes in the manner shown the surfaces thereof are coated with barium azide and during the exhaust procedure the electrodes are heated by induction to break down the azide leaving pure barium on the said surfaces. The precise spacing of the nested electrode surfaces and the gas pressures within the envelop are selected as hereinabove described to give the desired operating characteristics.
In the construction shown in Figs. 13 and 14 the ends of the concentric tubular electrodes are closed by plug members I8 comprised of dielecrelationship. The plugs it are supported by support wires 20 over press H and lead wires 2| extend through the press II and are electrically connected to the electrodes 1 and 2 but the length thereof inside of envelop 5 is insulated from any .electrical discharge locating thereon.
The modifications of [5 and I6 respectively of the electrode structure of Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate different shapes of nested electrodes applicable in the present invention.
Having broadly and specifically described the present invention and indicated several modifications thereof, it is apparent that the same may be widely adapted and modified without departing from the nature and scope thereof as may be included within the accompanying claims.
What I claim is:
1. A gaseous conduction discharge device comprising a hermetically sealer" envelope, an electrically conductive gas within said envelope, electrodes of the cold eiectrode type enclosed within said envelope, each said electrode being substantially identical in size, shap: and configuration, means to sustain said electrodes within said envelope with substantially equal surface areas thereof in opposite spaced relation, lead wires extending through the envelope and connected to each said electrode, and dielectric insulating material enclosing the length'of said lead wires within the said envelope and part of said electrodes to restrict any gaseous conduction discharge between said electrodes to the said opposite surfaces of substantially equal surface areas.
2. The device of claim 1, the said gas being comprised of neon at a pressure above about 17 mm. and not in excess of about 35 mm.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the said equal surfaces of said electrodes are comprised of substantially pure iron and the said equal surface areas of the said electrode are covered with barium and the said gas consists of neon at a pressure above about 17 mm. and not in excess of about 55 mm.
4; The device of claim 1, wherein said electrodes consist of a plurality of substantially identic: 31y shaped electrodes nesting one within the other in spaced relation, the opposing surfaces of said nested electrodes being surfaced with barium and the said gas consisting of neon at a pressure in excess of about 17 mm. but not in excess of about mm.
HERMANN KO'I'I.
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Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE742265C (en) * 1939-01-20 1943-11-26 Graentzel Alfred Glow path controller with high load capacity to keep voltages constant
US2415360A (en) * 1943-10-22 1947-02-04 Frank H Mcintosh Method of making electron discharge devices
US2415980A (en) * 1943-03-09 1947-02-18 Westinghouse Electric Corp Electronic discharge device
US2419236A (en) * 1943-06-08 1947-04-22 Raytheon Mfg Co Electrical gaseous discharge device having constant starting characteristics
US2425593A (en) * 1945-06-15 1947-08-12 Gen Electric Electric discharge device and electrode assembly therefor
US2446379A (en) * 1944-12-29 1948-08-03 Gen Electric Electron tube structure
US2451297A (en) * 1944-08-01 1948-10-12 Rca Corp Rugged gaseous discharge triodes
US2524325A (en) * 1947-07-11 1950-10-03 Pennsylvania Res Corp Multivoltage regulated power supply
US2526911A (en) * 1943-05-20 1950-10-24 Albert M Stone Electrical breakdown device of the cavity resonator type
US2613253A (en) * 1946-12-07 1952-10-07 Electronic Res And Mfg Corp Electrical control
US2644088A (en) * 1945-03-22 1953-06-30 Us Sec War Radar power supply system
US2702355A (en) * 1948-02-26 1955-02-15 Centre Nat Rech Scient Adjustable voltage glow discharge device
US2887614A (en) * 1957-10-17 1959-05-19 Gen Electric Gaseous discharge device
US2896096A (en) * 1953-03-17 1959-07-21 Schwarzer Fritz Power supply
US3292026A (en) * 1962-12-07 1966-12-13 Tung Sol Electric Inc Voltage regulator discharge device
US3379910A (en) * 1965-07-09 1968-04-23 Navy Usa Plasma extraction guns and applications therefor

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE742265C (en) * 1939-01-20 1943-11-26 Graentzel Alfred Glow path controller with high load capacity to keep voltages constant
US2415980A (en) * 1943-03-09 1947-02-18 Westinghouse Electric Corp Electronic discharge device
US2526911A (en) * 1943-05-20 1950-10-24 Albert M Stone Electrical breakdown device of the cavity resonator type
US2419236A (en) * 1943-06-08 1947-04-22 Raytheon Mfg Co Electrical gaseous discharge device having constant starting characteristics
US2415360A (en) * 1943-10-22 1947-02-04 Frank H Mcintosh Method of making electron discharge devices
US2451297A (en) * 1944-08-01 1948-10-12 Rca Corp Rugged gaseous discharge triodes
US2446379A (en) * 1944-12-29 1948-08-03 Gen Electric Electron tube structure
US2644088A (en) * 1945-03-22 1953-06-30 Us Sec War Radar power supply system
US2425593A (en) * 1945-06-15 1947-08-12 Gen Electric Electric discharge device and electrode assembly therefor
US2613253A (en) * 1946-12-07 1952-10-07 Electronic Res And Mfg Corp Electrical control
US2524325A (en) * 1947-07-11 1950-10-03 Pennsylvania Res Corp Multivoltage regulated power supply
US2702355A (en) * 1948-02-26 1955-02-15 Centre Nat Rech Scient Adjustable voltage glow discharge device
US2896096A (en) * 1953-03-17 1959-07-21 Schwarzer Fritz Power supply
US2887614A (en) * 1957-10-17 1959-05-19 Gen Electric Gaseous discharge device
US3292026A (en) * 1962-12-07 1966-12-13 Tung Sol Electric Inc Voltage regulator discharge device
US3379910A (en) * 1965-07-09 1968-04-23 Navy Usa Plasma extraction guns and applications therefor

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