Abstract: A glass-to-metal hermetic seal device which is adapted for suppressing or dissipating electrostatic energy comprises an improved glass-to-metal hermetic seal, with the interior of the device incorporating and creating a gas-filled electrical discharge tube. The gas is an ionizable gas and may conveniently comprise a mixture of nitrogen and Argon. The devices of the present invention utilize one or more electrodes which enter the gas-filled chamber, and when the electrical field of sufficiently high potential is created within the gas-filled chamber, the gas ionizes and becomes conductive so as to effectively dissipate the field.

Abstract: A glass-to-metal hermetic seal device which is particularly adapted for application in high pressure and other hostile environments for suppressing or dissipating electrostatic energy incorporating an improved glass-to-metal hermetic seal. The interior of the device incorporates and creates an in-situ gas-filled electrical discharge tube. The gas is an ionizable gas and may conveniently comprise a mixture of nitrogen and Argon, although other ionizable gases such as Xenon may be used. The devices of the present invention utilize one or more electrodes which enter the gas-filled chamber, and when the electrical field of sufficiently high potential is created within the gas-filled chamber, the gas ionizes and becomes conductive so as to effectively dissipate the field.