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: 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: 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.

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 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: 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 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. A corrosion resistant layer having high thermal conductivity is formed over the exterior surface of the exit window foil for resisting corrosion and increasing thermal conductivity.

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: 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: An electron accelerator includes a vacuum chamber having an electron beam exit window. The exit window is formed of metallic foil bonded in metal to metal contact with the vacuum chamber to provide a gas tight seal therebetween. The exit window is less than about 12.5 microns thick. The vacuum chamber is hermetically sealed to preserve a permanent self-sustained vacuum therein. An electron generator is positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons. A housing surrounds the electron generator. The housing has an electron permeable region formed in the housing between the electron generator and the exit window for allowing electrons to accelerate from the electron generator out the exit window in an electron beam when a voltage potential is applied between the housing and the exit window.

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 includes a vacuum chamber having an electron beam exit window. An electron generator is positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons. A housing surrounds the electron generator and has a first series of openings formed in the housing between the electron generator and the exit window for allowing electrons to accelerate from the electron generator out the exit window in an electron beam when a voltage potential is applied between the housing and the exit window. The housing also has a second series and third series of openings formed in the housing on opposite sides of the electron generator for causing electrons to be uniformly distributed across the electron beam by flattening electrical field lines between the electron generator and the exit window.

Abstract: A novel parallel-filament type electron gun for electron beam irradiation accelerators or generators and the like having a plurality of longitudinally extending parallel transversely spaced substantially co-planar similar filaments for generating electrons and disposed between a lower co-extensive extractor grid and an upper co-extensive electrostatic lens surface for shaping the electron beam profile, and with constructional features that enable variable width and extremely wide guns to be achieved and with improved beam uniformity.

Abstract: A novel heatable filament wire support is provided embodying flexible and rigid support and current-providing bracket beams terminating in inherent resilient clip springs for accurately clamping the ends of the filament with mechanical and electrical reliability, enabling facile filament wire alignment and replacement, and accommodation for thermal displacement upon filament heating.

Abstract: A novel technique and apparatus for shielding electron beam and similar product irradiation zones with a separable shielding housing extending transversely of the longitudinal line of product flow and slidably openable in a transverse direction orthogonal to both the electron beam and the direction of product flow, both in passing the beam and along the line, resulting in substantial space saving, more facile accelerating to the irradiation and product feed zone and less costly and sizeable shielding apparatus.

Abstract: A novel electron beam apparatus and technique wherein a plurality of longitudinally extending heated filaments is employed, each similarly offset laterally of a central longitudinal axis, but with successive filaments alternately disposed on opposite sides of said axis and cooperating with a first low velocity accelerating stage comprising staggered grid slots and openings, and a high velocity second accelerating stage to provide long uniform longitudinal electron beams.

Abstract: A high power window for an evacuated electron beam generator and the like which comprises one or more pluralities of conductive successive fins parallelly and closely spaced arcuately extending transversely across the electron beam foil window and held by the vacuum pressure to the inner surface thereof, with the fin cross-section preferably tapering in thickness inwardly.