GB505474A - Improvements in and relating to electric discharge devices - Google Patents

Abstract

505,474. Discharge apparatus. BRITISH THOMSON-HOUSTON CO., Ltd. Sept. 14, 1938, No. 26848. Convention date, Sept. 16, 1937. [Class 39 (i)] A ring for anchoring the cathode spot is partially irnmersed in the liquid cathode, close to the lateral walls of the cathode metal ,pot, and thermal radiating means are provided on the walls to cool the cathode. The container comprises a seamless tube closed by a header 11, which supports anodes 12 through insulators 16. Baffles 20, 21 are provided between the anodes, and are secured to one another by angle irons 24. The cathode, which comprises mercury, cadmium or tin, may be placed in the bottom of the container, but is preferably contained within a metal vessel 25 which is connected to the main container through a thin stainless steel portion 47. The mercury is introduced through a tube 28 the edge of which is protected by a glass coating 29. A high-resistance starting electrode 31, which may consist of silicon carbide coated with iron nitrate, is provided. Vanes 35 of copper are secured to a ring, and the space between the ring and the vessel 25 is filled with solder; an asbestos gasket prevents the solder escaping. A copper plate 41 is attached to the bottom of the vessel 25, and cooling may be increased by forced draught. The anchoring ring 43 consists of molybdenum which has been cleaned in an acid bath end fired in hydrogen; radial members may be provided on the ring. The ring may be in continuous contact with the vessel 25 or may be spaced therefrom.