Abstract: A hardware configuration and related control strategy is disclosed that accepts an electric power input typical of space flight systems and converts that energy into a spark pulse train with fixed/predetermined performance metrics for the following system parameters: time to first spark, peak breakdown voltage amplitude, spark repetition rate and energy delivered per spark, which have all been optimally chosen to reliably ignite certain fuel mixtures, which have been proven to be beneficial for use in aerospace applications.

Abstract: A hardware configuration and related variable control strategy is disclosed that accepts an electric power input typical of space flight systems and converts that energy into a spark pulse train with variable performance metrics for the following system parameters: time to first spark, peak breakdown voltage amplitude, spark repetition rate and energy delivered per spark, which have all been optimally chosen to reliably ignite certain fuel mixtures and which have been proven to be beneficial for use in aerospace applications.

Abstract: A hardware configuration and related control strategy is disclosed that accepts an electric power input typical of space flight systems and converts that energy into a spark pulse train with fixed/predetermined performance metrics for the following system parameters: time to first spark, peak breakdown voltage amplitude, spark repetition rate and energy delivered per spark, which have all been optimally chosen to reliably ignite certain fuel mixtures, which have been proven to be beneficial for use in aerospace applications.

Abstract: An integrated exciter-igniter architecture is disclosed that integrates compact, direct-mounted exciter electronics with an aerospace designed igniter to reduce overall ignition system complexity. The integrated exciter-igniter unit hermetically seals exciter electronics within a stainless steel enclosure or housing. The stainless enclosure enables the exciter electronics to remain near atmospheric pressure while the unit is exposed to vacuum conditions. The exciter electronics include a DC-DC converter, timing circuitry, custom-designed PCBs, a custom-designed main power transformer, and a high voltage ignition coil. All of which are packaged together in the stainless steel enclosure. The integrated exciter-igniter unit allows for efficient energy delivery to the spark gap and eliminates the need for a high voltage cable to distribute the high voltage, high energy pulses.

Abstract: A virtual technical networking architecture is disclosed that allows a user to locate resources, seek expertise and collaborate with identified experts located within a virtual city in order to mentor, teach and resolve problems or fill a need. The virtual city offers a gaming technology environment to users, wherein the users and experts are depicted as avatars within the virtual city and different levels of expertise and different affiliations are identified by different avatar accessories. The virtual city connects users for learning and problem resolution and also recognizes the accomplishments of experts and memorializes these accomplishments in the virtual city. Accordingly, an entire city of experts in a wide variety of fields can be built, that brings large groups of people and resources together for intellectual capital and knowledge management. The virtual city can then be used to educate, train and disseminate information.

Abstract: An integrated exciter-igniter architecture is disclosed that integrates compact, direct-mounted exciter electronics with an aerospace designed igniter to reduce overall ignition system complexity. The integrated exciter-igniter unit hermetically seals exciter electronics within a stainless steel enclosure or housing. The stainless enclosure enables the exciter electronics to remain near atmospheric pressure while the unit is exposed to vacuum conditions. The exciter electronics include a DC-DC converter, timing circuitry, custom-designed PCBs, a custom-designed main power transformer, and a high voltage ignition coil. All of which are packaged together in the stainless steel enclosure. The integrated exciter-igniter unit allows for efficient energy delivery to the spark gap and eliminates the need for a high voltage cable to distribute the high voltage, high energy pulses.

Abstract: A virtual technical networking architecture is disclosed that allows a user to locate resources, seek expertise and collaborate with identified experts located within a virtual city in order to mentor, teach and resolve problems or fill a need. The virtual city offers a gaming technology environment to users, wherein the users and experts are depicted as avatars within the virtual city and different levels of expertise and different affiliations are identified by different avatar accessories. The virtual city connects users for learning and problem resolution and also recognizes the accomplishments of experts and memorializes these accomplishments in the virtual city. Accordingly, an entire city of experts in a wide variety of fields can be built, that brings large groups of people and resources together for intellectual capital and knowledge management. The virtual city can then be used to educate, train and disseminate information.