Abstract: A pulsed-output power supply having a high input power factor. The rate at which energy is transferred from a power supply unit (PSU) to an energy storage element such as a capacitor is monitored and adjusted such that the charging rate substantially matches the time interval between output pulses. In this manner, input power to the PSU is smoothed to a substantially constant level, thereby eliminating input power surges traditionally associated with pulsed-output power supplies and providing a high input power factor (PF). In an embodiment of the invention, energy transfer from the PSU to the capacitor is sensed by a current sensor. The period of current flow to the capacitor is compared to the historical or predicted period between capacitor discharge pulses. The rate of energy transfer from the power supply is automatically adjusted to make these two periods approximately equal.

Abstract: A novel field emitter device for cold cathode field emission applications, comprising a multi-layer resistive carbon film.The multi-layered film of the present invention is comprised of at least two layers of a resistive carbon material, preferably amorphous-tetrahedrally coordinated carbon, such that the resistivities of adjacent layers differ. For electron emission from the surface, the preferred structure comprises a top layer having a lower resistivity than the bottom layer. For edge emitting structures, the preferred structure of the film comprises a plurality of carbon layers, wherein adjacent layers have different resistivities. Through selection of deposition conditions, including the energy of the depositing carbon species, the presence or absence of certain elements such as H, N, inert gases or boron, carbon layers having desired resistivities can be produced.

Abstract: A multi-layer resistive carbon film field emitter device for cold cathode field emission applications. The multi-layered film of the present invention consists of at least two layers of a conductive carbon material, preferably amorphous-tetrahedrally coordinated carbon, where the resistivities of adjacent layers differ. For electron emission from the surface, the preferred structure can be a top layer having a lower resistivity than the bottom layer. For edge emitting structures, the preferred structure of the film can be a plurality of carbon layers, where adjacent layers have different resistivities. Through selection of deposition conditions, including the energy of the depositing carbon species, the presence or absence of certain elements such as H, N, inert gases or boron, carbon layers having desired resistivities can be produced.

Abstract: Gelable or gelled compositions are disclosed which comprise a liquid medium, agar, and a combination of natural gum gel-forming agents including xanthan gum and locust bean gum. The gelable dispersions are easily gelled by heating to the gel-critical temperature and subsequently cooling them below the setting temperature. In the gelled state, these compositions are useful as carriers for many types of liquids including photo-processing solutions and therapeutic solutions.