Chain of pellets transfers charge in electrostatic accelerator

A new way of transferring charge in an electrostatic accelerator has been developed by the National Electrostatics Corp in Middleton, Wisconsin. Instead of using the traditional Van de Graaff belt‐charging system, the “Pelletron” system consists of an endless chain of metal pellets joined by solid links of insulating material such as molded nylon; the pellets carry charge to the high‐voltage terminal. Other charge‐transfer devices used in electrostatic machines of the past include the rotating glass disc of the Wimshurst machine and the rotating plastic cylinder of the SAMES machines. Pelletron machines offer improved dependability and voltage stability over belt‐charged electrostatic machines, according to Raymond G. Herb, president of the corporation.