Abstract: Diode for providing X-rays. A diode for generating X-rays is adapted for connection to a source of high electrical energy with the diode having a first end from which the X-rays are emitted, a second end, and axis extending between the ends. The diode includes a ring cathode connected to the electron source and an intermediate anode spaced from the cathode with at least a portion of this anode being disposed between the ring cathode and the diode first end. The intermediate anode decelerates electrons to cause the generation of X-rays emitted from the diode first end. The diode also includes an intermediate cathode disposed radially outwardly of the intermediate anode and connected to this anode. The diode further includes an inverse anode spaced from the intermediate cathode and positioned radially outwardly of the intermediate cathode and between the intermediate cathode and between the intermediate cathode and the diode second end.

Abstract: A tunable laser includes a laser medium (24), a resonant cavity (27, 28), at least one Faraday rotation element (26), and a polarization sensitive attenuator (25). Waves of laser energy produced by the laser medium resonate in the resonant cavity between a 100% reflective surface (27) and a partially transmitting mirror surface (28). The waves pass through the attenuator (25) and are linearly polarized. The linearly polarized waves pass through the Faraday rotation element (26) and the polarization sensitive attenuator (25) on each pass through the resonant cavity. The Faraday rotation element includes a permanent magnet (54) and a trim coil (56) for generating both fixed and variable components of a magnetic field. The polarized wave is rotated by an amount proportional to the intensity of the total magnetic field and the wavelength of the polarized wave. The polarization sensitive attenuator allows only waves of a prescribed polarization angle to pass therethrough without attenuation.

Abstract: A method for economically creating useful thermal energy and decontaminating an aqueous stream containing dissolved organic pollutants which may be present in total concentration of 1 or 2 weight percent or as low as even less than 10 ppm. The stream of contaminated water is extracted with a once-through countercurrent stream of substantially water-immiscible, non-polar mixed C.sub.10 to C.sub.20 hydrocabons to dissolve and remove organic pollutants and create a treated water stream which meets environmental standardes for re-use or for discharge to a municipal treatment facility or to the environment. The contaminated mixed hydrocarbon stream is transferred to an on-site power or heat-generating facility where it and its contaminants are burned at a temperature of at least about 1000.degree. F. and a residence time of at least about 1 second to oxidize the contaminants and generate useful thermal energy, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for food product preservation by inactivation of microorganisms and/or enzymes by applying pulses of very intense, very short duration pulses of light in the visible and near visible frequencies to the surface of food products to be preserved. Also disclosed are packaging methods and apparatus utilizing such intense, short pulses of polychromatic, incoherent light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for food product preservation by inactivation of microorganisms and/or enzymes by applying pulses of very intense, very short duration pulses of light in the visible and near visible frequencies to the surface of food products to be preserved. Also disclosed are packaging methods and apparatus utilizing such intense, short pulses of polychromatic, incoherent light.

Abstract: As a method of decontaminating a surface covered with a chemical contaminant, a light-absorption agent providing a relatively high neutral density is applied to the surface in intimate contact with the contaminant. Then one or more flashes of high intensity, broad-band frequency, incoherent light is applied to the surface, whereupon, the light-absorption agent converts the absorbed light energy to heat, resulting in vaporization and/or decomposition of the contaminant. The heat generated by the short duration flash is localized at the material on the surface and at a very thin surface layer, and vaporization of the surface material dissipates the heat that is generated, whereby, the surface is substantially unaffected by the process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preserving fluid food products by subjecting the fluid foodstuffs such as diary products, fruit juices and fluid egg products to controlled, pulsed, high voltage electric field treatment. The methods and apparatus further contemplate the utilization of treatment for storage temperature control in the preservation of perishable fluid foodstuffs.

Abstract: Filter apparatus for use in x-ray equipment including a repetitively pulsed x-ray source, a window for transmitting x-rays generated by the source to an object to be irradiated, and a vacuum chamber containing the x-ray source and the filter apparatus. The filter apparatus includes a baffle for diffusing hot gases and directing them away from the window. The filter apparatus further includes an ultraviolet light absorber which overlies the window with respect to the x-ray source whereby undesirable components generated with the x-rays by the x-ray source are substantially eliminated prior to reaching the window. Also disclosed is a method of eliminating undersirable by-products of x-ray generation.

Abstract: A high voltage bushing for use in a plasma environment. The bushing is adapted for mounting through a wall of a pressure vessel or the like and includes an elongate insulator having a central bore receiving an electrical conductor. The insulator has a lower portion extending through an opening in the wall and an upper portion extending away from the wall. Mounting hardware is included for retaining the lower portion in the opening. A terminal is held adjacent the free end of the insulator upper portion with the terminal connected to the conductor. The bushing further includes a number of resistive rings positioned about the upper portion of the insulator and a number of annular metallic fins also positioned about the upper portion of the insulator. One of the fins is disposed between each pair of adjacent rings, and the fins extend outwardly beyond the rings.

Abstract: In a method for removing an inorganic pollutant from contaminated waters, the pollutant is extracted by contact with a chelating agent to form a metal chelate complex. The metal chelate complex is then contacted with a regenerating agent which regenerates the chelating agent for reuse and prepares the inorganic pollutant for removal.

Abstract: An electrical precipitator which uses a combination of field charging, diffusion charging, and electron charging for the enhancement of fine particle charging and collection. A precipitator is described for the collection of fine particles of less than 1.0 micron in diameter from an effluent by enhancing the charge thereon by electrons of high kinetic energy. Another feature of the invention describes a precharging stage which can be added to the electron charging stage, or other conventional precipitator stage, that operates the basis of ion bombardment or diffusion of thermally active ions. The precharging stage charges the fine particles and they can later be increased in charge and precipitated by the electron charging stage. Another feature of the invention describes disposing a conventional stage for coarse particulates over 1.0 micron in diameter between the diffusion charging stage and the electron charging stage.

Abstract: A saturable inductor switch. The switch includes a number of spaced cores disposed adjacent one another with each core being made of ferromagnetic material. An insulative layer is disposed about each core and each core has an electrical winding about the insulative layer for that core. Each winding has a first end and a second end and is electrically connected to its respective core intermediate the ends. The windings are connected in series. All the cores have substantially the same size and shape, and all windings have substantially the same number of turns.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preserving fluid food products by subjecting the fluid foodstuffs such as dairy products, fruit juices and fluid egg products to controlled, pulsed, high voltage electric field treatment. The methods and apparatus further contemplate the utilization of treatment for storage temperature control in the preservation of perishable fluid foodstuffs.

Abstract: A circuit for generating a relatively high voltage, fast rise time pulse for a load. The circuit includes first and a second pulse-forming networks with each network including shunt capacitance and series inductance, and with each network having an input end and an output end. The circuit also includes first and second charging circuits with one charging circuit connected to the input end of a respective one of the pulse-forming networks. Additionally, the circuit of the present invention includes switch means connected across the input end of the first network to short-circuit the input end of the first network when the switch is closed so that after interconnection of the network output ends with one another and with the load and after the capacities of the networks have been charged, operation of the switch results in a pulse of high voltage to be developed across the load due to superimposition of voltage waves.

Abstract: A body part of an animal afflicted with malignant cells is disposed within a magnetic coil and subjected to a plurality of magnetic field pulses, the pulses having intensities of between about 1 and about 100 Tesla and characteristic frequencies of between about 5 and about 1000 kHz. The pulsed magnetic field selectively inactivates and/or destroys malignant cells with relatively little damage to normal tissue as compared to conventional radiation therapy procedures.

Abstract: A system for generating soft X rays. This system includes valve apparatus for repetitively providing bursts of a gas of brief duration and a magnetic pulse compression power supply for providing high current pulses. The system further includes a transmission line connected to the power supply for transmitting power pulses from the supply to discharge through bursts of gas. The power supply includes a plurality of series saturable inductor magnetic switches and a plurality of shunt capacitors. Thus, upon synchronized provision of a burst of gas from the valve apparatus and a power pulse from the power supply, a high current discharge generates plasma and an intense magnetic field which radially compresses the plasma, resulting in a dense, high temperature plasma which is an intense source of soft X rays.

Abstract: A transmission line connecting a power supply, for supplying power pulses, to a load disposed inside of a vacuum chamber. Electrically conductive debris in both gaseous and non-gaseous forms is generated in response to the application of the power pulse to the load. The transmission line includes first and second conductors electrically connecting the power supply to the load. An insulator extends between the conductors and partially defines the vacuum chamber. A dump for debris in non-gaseous form is disposed between load and the insulator and the transmission line further includes a system for ejecting gaseous debris from between the conductors so that substantial debris is prevented from accumulating on the insulator, which accumulation, if allowed to form, could result in flashover of the transmission line.

Abstract: An electromagnetic forming apparatus having an expandable electromagnetic forming coil supported within an associated clamping press and having a pulse power system continuously operatively associated therewith to facilitate magnetic forming or swaging of conductive work pieces together. The forming coil employs a pair of conductive shaper halves conductively connected together in a single turn coil, the shaper halves being supported for relative movement therebetween while maintained in substantially parallel relation. The shaper halves have mutually cooperating forming recesses which receive the work pieces when the shaper halves are in open position and which define electromagnetic forming areas to swage the work pieces together when the shaper halves are closed and subjected to one or more power pulses.

Abstract: Material having relatively high electrical resistivity, such as food products and containers, is disposed within a magnetic coil and subjected to one or more pulses of an oscillating magnetic field having an intensity of between about 2 and about 100 Tesla and a frequency of between about 5 and about 500 kHz. A single pulse of the magnetic field generally decreases the microorganism population by at least about two orders of magnitude, and substantially complete sterility is more closely approached by subjecting the material to additional pulses.

Abstract: In a method for removing an organic contaminant from process waters, the contaminant is extracted from the water in a countercurrent extractor by a low-boiling water-immiscible solvent. The solvent extract is sparged with an inert gas to vaporize the solvent, and the raffinate is sparged with an inert gas to vaporize any dissolved solvent therefrom. Solvent is condensed from the vapors and returned to the extractor.