Patent ID: 6037697
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: H01J,H02N

Abstract:
A multiple cell thermionic converter comprising:an inner generally tubular support member of refractory metal having a body of thermally conductive, electrically insulating ceramic material attached to an exterior surface thereof,an outer tubular support member of refractory metal disposed in surrounding relationship to said inner support member and having a body of thermally conductive, electrically insulating ceramic material attached to an interior surface thereof,a plurality of electron emitters of refractory metal supported upon said ceramic material on either said interior surface or said exterior surface, in axially spaced-apart relationship to one another,a plurality of electron collectors of refractory metal supported upon said ceramic material on the other of said interior surface and said exterior surface, in axially spaced-apart relationship to one another,said emitters and said collectors being juxtaposed in pairs with an annular gap therebetween to form a plurality of thermionic cells, anda plurality of connectors which connect the collector of one said thermionic cell to the emitter of an adjacent said cell,said ceramic material bodies each including a central region of substantially pure refractory metal oxide and flanking regions each in the form of a mixture of said refractory metal oxide and particulate refractory metal.