Location History:
- Bellevue, WA (US) (1987)
- Euless, TX (US) (1991)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1987-1991
Title: Rodney A. Petr: Innovator in High Voltage Technology
Introduction
Rodney A. Petr is a notable inventor based in Bellevue, WA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of high voltage technology, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approach to electrical engineering.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents is for high voltage insulators for long, linear switches. This invention features a high voltage linear switch assembly that utilizes a hollow quartz tube as the insulator. The assembly houses the anode, cathode, and switch within the insulator tube, ensuring that the anode and cathode remain fixed on opposite sides without physical contact. A chamber filled with either hydrogen or helium, along with a metal electrode screen, acts as the switch. In its normal state, the gas-filled chamber functions as an open circuit. When a charge is conducted by the metal electrode screen, the gas ionizes, allowing electrical contact between the anode and cathode.
Another significant patent is the linear geometry thyratron. This low-pressure gas-filled thyratron is designed to be scalable in the long dimension. The tube is structured as a tetrode, with an auxiliary grid positioned between the cathode and the control grid. A DC or pulsed power source drives the auxiliary grid to ensure uniform cathode emission and to create a grid-cathode plasma prior to commutation. The high voltage holdoff structure includes the anode, control grid, electrostatic shielding baffles, and a main quartz insulator. This thyratron provides a low inductance, high current, long lifetime switch configuration, making it useful for switch-on applications involving large-scale lasers and similar loads.
Career Highlights
Rodney A. Petr works for the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force. His work focuses on advancing high voltage technologies that have practical applications in various fields.
Collaborations
He has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Stanley R. Byron and Thomas Burkes, contributing to the development of innovative technologies in his field.
Conclusion
Rodney A. Petr's contributions to high voltage technology through his patents demonstrate his expertise and innovative spirit. His work continues to influence advancements in electrical engineering and related applications.