Patent ID: 8580079
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An electrode carrier assembly comprising an electrode carrying annulus and a plurality of electrode mounting members, wherein: the electrode carrying annulus comprises an electrode containment sidewall that forms an inner or outer radius of the electrode carrying annulus; the electrode containment sidewall is configured to limit radial movement of an electrode carried by the electrode carrying annulus; the electrode carrying annulus further comprises a plurality of radial sidewall projections that project radially away from the electrode containment sidewall; the radial sidewall projections each comprise an upward-facing tapered spacer; the upward-facing tapered spacer comprises an upward-facing micro-mesa, such that the upward-facing tapered spacer projects upwardly from the radial sidewall projections and defines an upward-decreasing cross sectional area that culminates at the upward-facing micro-mesa; the radial sidewall projections are configured to support the electrode carried by the electrode carrying annulus and resting upon the upward-facing micro-mesa; the electrode mounting members each comprise a downward-facing tapered spacer; the downward-facing tapered spacer comprises a downward-facing micro-mesa, such that the downward-facing tapered spacer projects downwardly from the electrode mounting members and defines a downward-decreasing cross sectional area that culminates at the downward-facing micro-mesa; the electrode mounting members are rotatably engaged with the electrode carrying annulus, such that the electrode mounting members are configured to rotate between a free position and a bracketed position; in the free position, the downward-facing micro-mesa circumvents an upward projection of the electrode containment sidewall; and in the bracketed position, the downward-facing micro-mesa breaches the upward projection of the electrode containment sidewall and limits upward movement of the electrode carried by the electrode carrying annulus.