The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 15, 2002
Filed:
May. 31, 2000
Don Mark Lipkin, Niskayuna, NY (US);
Carl Edward Erikson, Schenectady, NY (US);
Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Schenectady, NY (US);
Dennis Joseph Dalpe, Schenectady, NY (US);
General Electric Company, Schenectady, NY (US);
Abstract
A filament comprises a generally thin metal component, such as a sheet, ribbon, or foil. The filament comprises at least one emitter, at least one current-condensing structure and a tab on each end of the at least one emitter. Each tab is connectable to a support system, comprising for example a lead and attachment post. When a current is passed through the filament, the current-condensing structure establishes current flow through the filament resulting in a desired temperature distribution across the emitter, for example a substantially uniform temperature distribution. A predictive tool for determining a geometry of a filament to provide a desired temperature distribution is set forth. The filament may be curved, and methods and systems for providing a curved filament are also provided. Attachment systems are further disclosed for attaching an emitter to a support structure.