Abstract: This invention relates to a supported getter device comprising a metallic support structure consisting of a three-dimensional network defining a multiplicity of inter-connecting free cells and a particulate getter material substantially filling at least some of said free cells. This invention also relates to a getter device comprising at least one attachment zone of a compressed three-dimensional metal network attached to at least one supported getter material zone comprising a three-dimensional metal network. Methods of making the getter devices are described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nuclear reactor fuel element which contains a pre-activated non-evaporable getter material such that the getter material starts to sorb gases at a temperature lower than the temperature at which the fuel element walls start to sorb gas. The invention is further directed to a getter device which can be employed in a nuclear fuel element and the nuclear fuel element per se.

Abstract: A means for connecting a vacuum pump to a chamber to be evacuated comprises an outer wall of low gas permeability and a gas sorptive means substantially coextensive with the inner surface of said outer wall.

Abstract: A wall structure comprising a first surface defining the commencement of a thickness of a metal or ceramic sheet, and a second surface defining the end of said thickness of said sheet said second surface also defining the commencement of a thickness of a three dimensional network defining a multiplicity of interconnecting free cells and a third surface defining the end of said thickness of said three dimensional network.

Abstract: A charged particle collecting body forming part of an electrode comprises a three dimensional network defining a multiplicity of interconnecting free cells.The dimensions of the cells are selected to permit a major portion of charged particles incident thereon to penetrate a number of free cells before impinging on a strut of the three-dimensional network.

Abstract: A getter pump comprising two getter elements wherein the first getter element comprises a metallic substrate having a nonevaporable getter metal embedded therein. The second getter element employs a getter metal having a lower hydrogen equilibrium vapor pressure than that of the first getter element.