Tube socket assembly with corona disrupter

A tube socket assembly having spark gap means for dissipating high voltage transients occurring at the terminal pins of an associated electron beam tube comprising, in combination:

• a housing of dielectric material having an opening for receiving the terminal pins of the associated tube;
• high voltage spark gap means;
• dielectric means forming a high voltage spark gap chamber within said housing for receiving said high voltage spark gap means;
• ledges extending inwardly from the walls of said chamber;
• a hollow spacer of dielectric material and conforming to the interior dimensions of said chamber positioned on said ledges;
• said high voltage spark gap means including first and second ball-type electrodes;
• a plug module of dielectric material and conforming to the interior dimensions of said chamber positioned on said spacer;
• said first electrode embedded in said plug;
• said second electrode mounted within said chamber in spaced relation to said first electrode, with the spacing between said electrodes relating to said spacer;
• and
• said spacer having a rim extending inwardly into said chamber for providing a barrier for interrupting the corona ionizing path track to thereby inhibit corona discharge.