Abstract: A resonant power supply (900) for use with high inductive loads includes an input rectifier (903) and a switching inverter formed using a plurality of parallel connected half bridge networks for switching the voltage provided from the input rectifier (903). A transformer (927) is used whose primary is connected to the switching inverter and whose secondary is connected to load such as a crucible (931). A capacitor (929) is used in series with the primary of the transformer (927) for resonating the inductance in the secondary circuit at the frequency of the switching inverter to provide maximum power transfer to the crucible (931).

Abstract: An analytical induction furnace and method for combusting conductive sample materials (500) utilizing a crucible for holding a sample within the induction furnace. Less than one gram of accelerator material is then inserted into the crucible with the sample and the induction furnace is activated for a predetermined time period (503) for thoroughly combusting the sample and accelerator. In some instances, no accelerator is required with the sample at frequencies of approximately 4.5 MHz. The invention provides for the induction furnace that is actuated in an RF frequency range between 2-9 MHz with little to no accelerator for thoroughly melting the sample for use in an analytical instrument.

Abstract: A transformer assembly (300) for use with an internal load (307) includes a transformer core (323) having a primary winding (405). A first electrode (303) and second electrode (319) are used for contacting an internal load (307). A secondary circuit is formed that includes the first electrode (303), the second electrode (319) and conductors (301,313, 317) positioned between the first electrode (303) and second electrode (319). The transformer assembly (300) is arranged so that the conductors (301, 313, 317) surround the primary winding (405), transformer core (323), the first electrode (301) and second electrode (319). The transformer assembly (300) may be used in an electrode furnace or other high current and voltage applications requiring high efficiency in a small package.

Abstract: A transformer assembly (300) for use with an internal load (307) includes a transformer core (323) having a primary winding (405). A first electrode (303) and second electrode (319) are used for contacting an internal load (307). A secondary circuit is formed that includes the first electrode (303), the second electrode (319) and conductors (301,313, 317) positioned between the first electrode (303) and second electrode (319). The transformer assembly (300) is arranged so that the conductors (301, 313, 317) surround the primary winding (405), transformer core (323), the first electrode (301) and second electrode (319). The transformer assembly (300) may be used in an electrode furnace or other high current and voltage applications requiring high efficiency in a small package.

Abstract: A power supply (300) includes a rectification means (303) for providing a voltage from an AC mains input (301). An inverter (307) is used for supplying a switched AC voltage at high frequency from the rectified voltage to a transformer (311) for modifying the amplitude and/or providing galvanic isolation of the switched AC voltage. Output rectification (313) is used to convert the switched AC voltage at the secondary of the transformer back to a rectified voltage. An inductor (309) is used in series with the primary of the transformer (311) for reducing the peak and ripple current in both the primary and secondary of the transformer while minimizing or eliminating the need for an inductive component in the output filter of the supply.

Abstract: A resonant power supply (900) for use with high inductive loads includes an input rectifier (903) and a switching inverter formed using a plurality of parallel connected half bridge networks for switching the voltage provided from the input rectifier (903). A transformer (927) is used whose primary is connected to the switching inverter and whose secondary is connected to load such as a crucible (931). A capacitor (929) is used in series with the primary of the transformer (927) for resonating the inductance in the secondary circuit at the frequency of the switching inverter to provide maximum power transfer to the crucible (931).

Abstract: An analytical induction furnace and method for combusting conductive sample materials (500) utilizing a crucible for holding a sample within the induction furnace. Less than one gram of accelerator material is then inserted into the crucible with the sample and the induction furnace is activated for a predetermined time period (503) for thoroughly combusting the sample and accelerator. In some instances, no accelerator is required with the sample at frequencies of approximately 4.5 MHz. The invention provides for the induction furnace that is actuated in an RF frequency range between 2-9 MHz with little to no accelerator for thoroughly melting the sample for use in an analytical instrument.

Abstract: A pulse jitter reduction circuit employs a low jitter system clock coupled to synchronize a pulse generating device and an ultra low jitter flip-flop to generate substantially jitter-free trigger signals employed to generate high voltage pulses for a flight tube of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. By eliminating time fluctuations due to jitter in the triggering signal, the predictability of the arrival time of ions along a flight tube of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer is greatly improved, thereby improving the resolution of the mass spectrometer.