Abstract: An electron accelerator for generating an electron beam includes a vacuum chamber having an outer perimeter and an electron beam exit window. The exit window has a central region and a first end region. An electron generator is positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons. The electron generator and the vacuum chamber are shaped and positioned relative to each other to accelerate the electrons in an electron beam out through the exit window. The electrons pass through the central region of the exit window substantially perpendicular to the exit window and through the first end region of the exit window angled outwardly relative to the exit window. At least a portion of the outwardly angled electrons are directed beyond the perimeter of the electron accelerator.

Abstract: A filament for generating electrons for an electron beam emitter where the filament has a cross section and a length. The cross section of the filament is varied along the length for producing a desired electron generation profile.

Abstract: An X-ray irradiation apparatus includes an enclosure and an X-ray beam system positioned within the enclosure for directing X-ray beams into an irradiation region. The X-ray beam system has more than one X-ray beam emitter for directing the X-ray beams into the irradiation region from different directions. Each X-ray beam emitter includes a vacuum chamber having a target window and an electron generator positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons that are directed at the target window for forming X-rays which pass through the target window as an X-ray beam. The target window is supported by a support plate having a series of holes therethrough which allow passage of the electrons therethrough to reach the target window.

Abstract: An electron beam irradiation apparatus includes an electron beam system for directing electrons into an irradiation zone. The electron beam system and the irradiation zone are configured for irradiating outwardly exposed surfaces of a 3-dimensional article passing through the irradiation zone from different directions with the electrons from the electron beam system.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating surfaces includes an electron beam generator for generating a beam of electrons. The beam of electrons exits the electron beam generator through an exit window. A robotic device moves the beam of electrons over the surfaces to irradiate selected regions of the surfaces. The robotic device includes a propulsion system for propelling the robotic device.

Abstract: An exit window for an electron beam emitter through which electrons pass in an electron beam includes a structural foil for metal to metal bonding with the electron beam emitter. The structural foil has a central opening formed therethrough. A window layer of high thermal conductivity extends over the central opening of the structural foil and provides a high thermal conductivity region through which the electrons can pass.

Abstract: A filament for generating electrons for an electron beam emitter where the filament has a cross section and a length. The cross section of the filament is varied along the length for producing a desired electron generation profile.

Abstract: A fluid sterilization apparatus including a sterilization chamber having a cavity therein, and a nozzle for receiving pressurized fluid and directing a spray of the fluid into the cavity. An electron beam generator having an exit window is mounted to the sterilization chamber for directing a beam of electrons through the exit window and into the cavity of the sterilization chamber to irradiate the spray of fluid. The nozzle is configured to direct the spray of fluid substantially parallel and proximate to the exit window.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing an electron beam includes a vacuum chamber having an electron permeable window for allowing electrons from the electron beam to enter vacuum chamber. An electrode extends within the vacuum chamber for receiving at least a portion of the electrons entering the vacuum chamber. The intensity of the electron beam is capable of being determined from the amount of electrons received by the electrode.

Abstract: An X-ray beam emitter including a vacuum chamber having a target window. An electron generator is positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons that are directed at the target window for forming X-rays. The X-rays pass through the target window in an X-ray beam.

Abstract: A filament for generating electrons for an electron beam emitter where the filament has a cross section and a length. The cross section of the filament is varied along the length for producing a desired electron generation profile.

Abstract: A gas conversion system for removing carbon dioxide from gases includes a duct through which gases are circulated. The duct has a port for introducing a reaction agent into the duct to the gases. An electron beam emitter is positioned relative to the duct for directing an electron beam into the duct to cause components of the carbon dioxide and the reaction agent to react to remove carbon dioxide from the gases and release oxygen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of decontaminating surfaces on a living creature. A beam of electrons is generated with an electron beam generator operating in the range of about 40 kv to 60 kv. The beam of electrons exit the electron beam generator through an exit window. The surfaces on the living creature are irradiated with the beam of electrons. The beam of electrons are of an energy sufficient to decontaminate the surfaces without damaging living tissue.

Abstract: An exit window for an electron beam emitter through which electrons pass in an electron beam includes an exit window foil having an interior and an exterior surface with a series of holes formed therethrough. A corrosion resistant layer having high thermal conductivity extends over the exterior surface and the holes of the exit window foil for resisting corrosion and increasing thermal conductivity. The layer extending over the holes of the exit window foil provide thinner window regions which allow easier passage of the electrons through the exit window.

Abstract: An electron accelerator for generating an electron beam includes a vacuum chamber having an outer perimeter and an electron beam exit window. The exit window has a central region and a first end region. An electron generator is positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons. The electron generator and the vacuum chamber are shaped and positioned relative to each other to accelerate the electrons in an electron beam out through the exit window. The electrons pass through the central region of the exit window substantially perpendicular to the exit window and through the first end region of the exit window angled outwardly relative to the exit window. At least a portion of the outwardly angled electrons are directed beyond the perimeter of the electron accelerator.

Abstract: A filament for generating electrons for an electron beam emitter where the filament has a cross section and a length. The cross section of the filament is varied along the length for producing a desired electron generation profile.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing air includes an air duct for flowing the air therethrough. A first electron beam generator is positioned relative to the duct for irradiating the air flowing therethrough with a first electron beam. The first electron beam for disabling microorganisms within the air.

Abstract: A gas conversion system for removing carbon dioxide from gases includes a duct through which gases are circulated. The duct has a port for introducing a reaction agent into the duct to the gases. An electron beam emitter is positioned relative to the duct for directing an electron beam into the duct to cause components of the carbon dioxide and the reaction agent to react to remove carbon dioxide from the gases and release oxygen.

Abstract: An electron accelerator for generating an electron beam includes a vacuum chamber having an outer perimeter and an electron beam exit window. The exit window has a central region and a first end region. An electron generator is positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons. The electron generator and the vacuum chamber are shaped and positioned relative to each other to accelerate the electrons in an electron beam out through the exit window. The electrons pass through the central region of the exit window substantially perpendicular to the exit window and through the first end region of the exit window angled outwardly relative to the exit window. At least a portion of the outwardly angled electrons are directed beyond the perimeter of the electron accelerator.

Abstract: An X-ray beam emitter including a vacuum chamber having a target window. An electron generator is positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons that are directed at the target window for forming X-rays. The X-rays pass through the target window in an X-ray beam.