Patents by Inventor Christopher D. Cothran

Christopher D. Cothran has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Apparatus and method for regulating the output of a plasma electron beam source
    Patent number: 8288950
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling electron flow within a plasma to produce a controlled electron beam is provided. A plasma is formed between a cathode and an acceleration anode. A control anode is connected to the plasma and to the acceleration anode via a switch. If the switch is open, the ions from the plasma flow to the cathode and plasma electrons flow to the acceleration anode. With the acceleration anode suitably transparent and negatively biased with a DC high voltage source, the electrons flowing from the plasma are accelerated to form an electron beam. If the switch is closed, the ions still flow to the cathode but the electrons flow to the control anode rather than the acceleration anode. Consequently, the electron beam is turned off, but the plasma is unaffected. By controlling the opening and closing of the switch, a controlled pulsed electron beam can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Scott G. Walton, Christopher D. Cothran, Richard F. Fernsler, Robert A. Meger, William E. Amatucci
  • Apparatus and Method for Regulating the Output of a Plasma Electron Beam Source
    Publication number: 20110080093
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling electron flow within a plasma to produce a controlled electron beam is provided. A plasma is formed between a cathode and an acceleration anode. A control anode is connected to the plasma and to the acceleration anode via a switch. If the switch is open, the ions from the plasma flow to the cathode and plasma electrons flow to the acceleration anode. With the acceleration anode suitably transparent and negatively biased with a DC high voltage source, the electrons flowing from the plasma are accelerated to form an electron beam. If the switch is closed, the ions still flow to the cathode but the electrons flow to the control anode rather than the acceleration anode. Consequently, the electron beam is turned off, but the plasma is unaffected. By controlling the opening and closing of the switch, a controlled pulsed electron beam can be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Scott G. Walton, Christopher D. Cothran, Richard F. Fernsler, Robert A. Meger, William E. Amatucci