Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Litton Systems, Inc.

L-3 Communications Corporation

Holger Schult

John C Cipolla

John Charles Cipolla

The invention relates to linear beam amplification devices having an electron emitting cathode and an RF modulated grid closely spaced therefrom, and more particularly, to a novel support structure for the grid that accommodates thermal expansion while maintaining an optimum grid-to-cathode spacing.

Temperature compensated gun

An oil-cooling system is provided for a multi-staged depressed collector of a linear beam device, such as an inductive output tube or klystron. The multi-staged depressed collector comprises a plurality of electrode stages adapted to have respective electric potentials applied thereto. The electrode stages are separated from one another by respective electrical insulators. The electrode stages are provided with a plurality of channels that extend axially along the outer surfaces of the electrodes. An inner sleeve is disposed in contact with the outer surface of the electrode stages and substantially encloses the plurality of channels. An outer sleeve encloses the inner sleeve with a space defined therebetween. The inner sleeve further includes an opening at an end thereof providing an oil communication path between the space between the inner and outer sleeves, and the plurality of axially extending channels. An oil source is coupled to one of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve in order to provide a flow of oil therethrough. In an embodiment of the invention, the outer sleeve is comprised of steel, and the inner sleeve is comprised of TEFLON. The oil-cooling system provides cooling to the entire surface of the collector, including the electrode stages and the electrical insulators. The oil resists voltage breakdown, and permits a cooling structure that takes up less space than air or water-cooling systems.

Oil-cooled multi-staged depressed collector having channels and dual sleeves

A grid support structure is provided for a linear beam device having an axially centered cathode, an anode spaced therefrom and a grid disposed between the cathode and anode. The grid support structure maintains a proper grid-to-cathode spacing across an operating temperature range of the linear beam device. The grid is comprised of pyrolytic graphite, and includes a central active portion and a peripheral portion, with the peripheral portion comprising a plurality of evenly spaced elongated mounting holes. The grid support structure includes an inner grid support and an outer grid support. The inner grid support may include a plurality of axially extending posts that engage the mounting holes of the grid. The grid may further include resilient tabs that engage corresponding ramped surfaces to bias the grid into position.

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Montoursville, PA, United States of America

Holger Schult