Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating and dissociating gases involves generating an activated gas with a plasma located in a chamber. A downstream gas input is positioned relative to an output of the chamber to enable the activated gas to facilitate dissociation of a downstream gas introduced by the gas input, wherein the dissociated downstream gas does not substantially interact with an interior surface of the chamber.

Abstract: An improved plasma vessel (i.e., plasma applicator) that provides effective cooling includes a plurality of generally linear tubes having a dielectric interior fluidly connected together by dielectric connectors. The tubes and connectors are joined together to form a leak-tight plasma vessel. A cooling system surrounding the improved plasma vessel includes a rigid cooling plate and a deformable thermal transfer material disposed between the plasma vessel and the cooling plate. After use or at an operator's discretion, the plasma vessel can be removed from the cooling system and a new vessel may be inserted in its place. Alternatively, the used vessel may be refurbished and re-inserted into the cooling system. The new or refurbished vessel may or may not be of the same size or configuration as the used vessel. Thermal contact between the cooling system and the new or refurbished vessel, however is maintained through the deformable thermal transfer material.

Abstract: A power holdup circuit including a monitoring circuit and a power holdup circuit. The monitoring circuit includes an average voltage comparator and an absolute voltage comparator which cooperate to detect a voltage drop in the voltage supplied by the power supply. The monitoring circuit also includes a timer to determine the time period of the voltage dropout. If a predetermined voltage dropout event occurs, the monitoring circuit generates a control signal to a switching component which activates a holdup power source. The holdup power source includes an energy storage device that stores energy to maintain the supply voltage during dropout periods.

Abstract: A power holdup circuit including a monitoring circuit and a power holdup circuit. The monitoring circuit includes an average voltage comparator and an absolute voltage comparator which cooperate to detect a voltage drop in the voltage supplied by the power supply. The monitoring circuit also includes a timer to determine the time period of the voltage dropout. If a predetermined voltage dropout event occurs, the monitoring circuit generates a control signal to a switching component which activates a holdup power source. The holdup power source includes an energy storage device that stores energy to maintain the supply voltage during dropout periods.

Abstract: A distributed control system controlling a plurality of subprocesses wherein each of the process control computers (44, 46, 48) executes a preprogrammed set of instructions (50-62) identical to the preprogrammed set of instructions (50-62) in the other process control computers (44, 46, 48) in the distributed control system. Inputs from field devices (76, 78, 80) are connected between each subprocess and the process control computer (44, 46, 48) providing control therefor as well as between each subprocess and the process control computer (44, 46, 48) providing redundant safety backup of the operational safety. One or more of the process control computer (44, 46, 48) in the distributed control system executes some preprogrammed set of instructions (50-62) as part of the preprogrammed set of instructions for which there are no inputs from field devices (76, 78, 80) or output control signals to field devices (76, 78, 80).

Abstract: A distributed control system controlling a plurality of energize-to-start, energize-to-stop subprocesses is designed for on-line maintenance. One or more of the process control computers (86) forming the distributed control system (86-100) can be removed from service and the input and output connections (130) thereto switched to another of the process control computers that remains on-line. A bumpless transfer of control is achieved by reconstructing the status of the latches in the process control computer (86) removed from service that are history dependent and establishing that status in the latches of control circuits of the process control computer (96) assuming control. The status that the history dependent latches should have is derived based upon the operating status of the subprocess at the time switching is complete. Control functions dependent on the status of a latch are delayed until the reconstructed status of latches are complete.

Abstract: A programmable controller (41) based logic system places two electronic output converters (14,18) in series for redundant protection against the inadvertent energization, due to the failure of an image register (66,68) or due to the shorted failure of a triac (10,12) on the output converters (14,18), of an energize-to-start, deenergize-to-stop field device (28). A control and monitor circuit monitors the image registers (66,68) and the output converter (14,18) triacs (10,12) that switch power on and off to the field device (28) to assure that the triacs (10,12) have not failed in an unsafe mode or that the image registers (66,68) have not failed. The monitor circuit continuously monitors both image registers (66,68), the first triac (10) and the series combination of the two triacs (10,12). The monitor circuit intermittently monitors the second image register (66) and the second triac (12). A failure of either or both triacs (10,12) or either or both image registers (66,68) energizes an alarm.

Abstract: A plurality of first logic processors are interconnected in a "ring" type network and individually exercise control over similar equipment group subsystems which individually contribute to the operation of an overall system. Each of the interconnected processors, in addition to its primary control function, monitors the safety of operation of the equipment group with which associated and the safety of operation of a "neighboring" equipment group. Redundant safety checks are thus performed on each equipment group and any discrepancies in the results of such safety checks are enunciated. A pair of further logic processors, in addition to performing other control functions including scheduling the operation of the individual equipment groups, redundantly check the safety of operation of the overall system.