GB391645A - Improvements in or relating to photo-electric devices - Google Patents

Abstract

391,645. Discharge apparatus. GENERAL ELECTRIC CO., Ltd., Magnet House, Kingsway, London, and WINCH, G. T., c/o General Electric Co., Wembley, Middlesex. July], 1932, No. 18681. [Classes 39 (i) and 40 (iii).] A photo-electric unit consists of one or more cells and one or more valves, each having its own envelope, and a completely sealed envelope enclosing the cells and valves and evacuated during manufacture of the unit ; the outer envelope may be filled with a dry gas or an insulating liquid. The cells may be of the discharge type or of the type depending on photo - conductivity. As shown, a pinch 26, in which the leads are sealed, carries two members 27 with a clamp 28 embracing the valve envelope 29. The grid terminal 32 is connected with a terminal 33 of a cell 34 by a rigid connecting member 35 supporting the cell. The valve and cell are also supported by members having resilient arms 31, 37 respectively, engaging with the outer envelope 25. High resistances 38 are connected at one end with the member 35, and at the other end with a lead through the pinch. The other lead 39 to the cell is insulated by a glass tube. The envelope 25 is sealed to the pinch by fusion ; when made of metal, the envelope is provided with a window. The valve my be used as an electrometer in known manner, the grid being highly insulated and adapted to be connected with earth or a high potential by means of a switch operated from outside the envelope 25, for example, magnetically. In another arrangement, the cell is supported on a valve which is carried by a base of insulating material having a groove in which the outer envelope is secured by wax. In a modification of this arrangement, a cell and two valves are mounted on sockets on its base. Specification 323,041, [Class 39 (i), Electric lamps, Arc &c.], is referred to.