Litton Systems, Inc.

Ion Laser Technology

John C Cipolla

Guilford R MacPhail

Chris L Wheeland

Gregory T Schaeffer

Holger Schult

Joseph C Musheno

James L Barry

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.

Grid support structure for an electron beam device

A portable, high power arc lamp system for composite curing and tooth whitening applications utilizes battery cells to power a lamp, such as a short-arc xenon lamp. The use of battery power allows for a high power system without the need for costly components required if ac power were used. Battery power is acceptable for low duty cycle applications such as composite curing and tooth whitening. The batteries may be recharged using either standard 110 V or 220 V house current and a charging circuit is included to charge the batteries. An elliptical reflector is used to direct the light from the xenon lamp to a flexible light guide. The system of the present invention is particularly suited to the curing of dental composites and tooth whitening procedures. Significantly improved methods of curing and whitening may be realized through the use of a high power light source of the present invention.

Portable high power arc lamp system and applications therefor

An apparatus and method for multiplexing a light beam such as a laser beam with one or more optical surfaces such as mirrors is taught. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an electromagnet, an armature, and an optical device. The optical device is mounted on the armature. The armature and the electromagnet preferably form part of an electromagnetic relay, so that actuating the electromagnet creates an electromagnetic force which moves the armature from a rest position into a responsive position near the electromagnet, thereby moving the optical device into an active position wherein the optical device engages the light beam. In a presently preferred embodiment, the apparatus also includes a leaf spring which urges the armature, and hence the optical device, away from the electromagnet when the electromagnetic force is absent. According to the method of the present invention, the optical device engages the light beam at a substantially constant angle and at a substantially constant distance from the light beam's origin, thereby reducing or eliminating misdirection of the beam as the optical device travels between the active and passive positions.

Apparatus and method for light beam multiplexing

The present invention provides a double helix coupled vane forward wave crossed-field amplifier utilizing individually cooled vanes in the RF slow-wave circuit. Specifically, a double helix coupled vane is machined to create a channel in the shape of a 'U' on one side of the vane. A vane coolant tube formed in a corresponding U-shape is inserted and brazed to the machined vane. The vane assembly is then attached to the anode body of which the backwall has holes formed to accept the coolant tubes from each vane. Divided backwall coolant channels are brazed to the outside of the anode, thereby placing in fluid communication the coolant channels to the vane coolant tube. Accordingly, coolant is cycled through each vane tube and individual vanes of the anode are thus cooled.

Internally cooled forward wave crossed field amplifier anode vane

The present invention discloses an enhanced secondary electron emitter cathode suitable for use in a typical crossed-field amplifiers. The emitter surfaces of the cathode are formed into protuberances or knurls. The cathode's secondary emission characteristics are enhanced by providing protuberances with more surface area for electrons to bombard and for electrons to be emitted from. The protuberances increase the variety of angles of incidence of bombarding electrons thereby increasing the probability that bombarded electrons can escape the cathode's surfaces.

Growing community of inventors

Trout Run, PA, United States of America

John C Cipolla