Abstract: Large values of avalanche current are avoided in a gas discharge display panel by "staggering" in time the application of the sustain voltage waveforms to different portions of the display panel. A plurality of individual sustain circuit modules each having two 100 v FET's are connected to a common sustain circuit module having another two 100 v FET's. The "staggered" sustain operation is provided by selectively controlling the individual sustain circuit modules. The individual and common sustain circuit modules combine to alternatively produce 0-200 v square wave or a 0-100-200 v return-to-midpoint waveform by selectively controlling the FET's.

Abstract: A singled-sided sustain voltage generator provides a 0 to 200 volt swing using only four 100 volt FET's. The output of the circuit is applied to one side of the display panel, the other side being applied to ground potential. The circuit can provide either a 200 volt peak-to-peak square wave, or a return to midpoint waveform by selectively controlling the four FET's.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing coal by wet oxidation to produce recoverable heat energy without generating gaseous sulfur-containing by-products. A slurry containing 0.5 or more weight percent coal particles and a stream of oxygen-containing gas are charged to a reaction zone maintained at 475.degree. to 650.degree. F. with pressures of 1400 to 3000 psig.

Abstract: A plasma discharge display device is operated at a high frequency above the response range of the inherent wall charge storage phenomenon and utilizes a refresh buffer. The vertical drive selection includes a pair of shift registers operated in parallel into which data from the host or associated controller is loaded, with an individual driver associated with each register stage. The horizontal lines are addressed through associated shift registers in an even-odd interlace sequence to generate a display on a horizontal scan basis. The horizontal drivers are referenced at the level and frequency of the high frequency energizing signals, while the vertical drivers are selectively set to ground or a positive a.c. voltage according to the state of associated register cells. By using the high frequency signal in the horizontal axis as a floating reference and unique selection techniques, the display is operated by low voltage signals.

Abstract: An arrangement for slow-speed recording of video signals on magnetic tape. Long recording time capacity and economy of tape are achieved by a reduction of tape speed without a sacrifice of head-to-tape velocity. The arrangement is particularly applicable to various uses in the video and instrumentation fields where the quality of recording is not critical but long recording time capacity and tape economy are desirable attributes. Examples are the continuous televising of airport traffic control radar or the interiors of banks and retail establishments and other surveillance situations where video recording or periodic photography are practiced today. A simple arrangement of staggered heads is employed to accomplish the desired results.