Patent ID: 6548946
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
An electron beam generator having a filament circuit that includes a filament, a forward leg to the filament, and a return leg from the filament, the electron beam generator comprising:a guide tube having an axial passage; a conductor rod disposed within the axial passage, the conductor rod having a distal end; a center conductor member having a first end and an oppositely-disposed second end, the first end being secured to the distal end of the conductor rod, the second end having an integrally-formed flange extending radially therefrom; a first tower secured and electrically connected to the flange of the center conductor member; an outer conductor member secured to the guide tube; a second tower adjacent the first tower and electrically connected to the outer conductor member; the filament mounted to and between the first and second towers; and a member adjacent to the filament for generating an electron beam when a sufficient current is applied to the filament via the forward leg of the filament circuit that comprises the conductor rod, the center conductor member, the flange and the first tower, the return leg of the filament circuit comprising the second tower and the guide tube interconnected by the outer conductor member.