Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fire suppression composition, comprising a propellant comprising a fuel and an oxidizer, said propellant capable of generating inert gas; and a fire suppression additive selected from the group consisting of iron-containing compounds, non-halide potassium salts, and combinations thereof. Useful iron-containing compounds include ferric oxide, ferric carbonate, ferric oxalate, and iron cyanide dyes. Useful potassium salts include potassium acetate, potassium acetylacetonate, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium carbonate. The invention is also directed to a fire suppression apparatus that utilizes the above fire suppression composition.

Abstract: A specially designed magnetic shunt is provided encircling the anode region and/or annular gas distribution area of an ion accelerator with closed electron drift. The magnetic shunt is constructed to concentrate the magnetic field at the ion exit end, such that the location of maximum magnetic field strength is located downstream from the inner and outer magnetic poles of the accelerator. The specially designed shunt also results in desired curvatures of magnetic field lines upstream of the line of maximum magnetic field strength, to achieve a focusing effect for increasing the life and efficiency of accelerator. The anode of the accelerator can diffuse ionizable gas through a porous plate for an even distribution of the gas in the distribution area.

Abstract: A specially designed magnetic shunt is provided encircling the anode region and/or annular gas distribution area of an ion accelerator with closed electron drift. The magnetic shunt is constructed to concentrate the magnetic field at the ion exit end, such that the location of maximum magnetic field strength is located downstream from the inner and outer magnetic poles of the accelerator. The specially designed shunt also results in desired curvatures of magnetic field lines upstream of the line of maximum magnetic field strength, to achieve a focusing effect for increasing the life and efficiency of accelerator.

Abstract: In space exploration, an attitude control engine or a thruster may have an extended period, such as years, of inactivity prior to being required to complete a desired mission. The fuel for this mission is contained in a fuel tank for the same extended period of time and tends to corrode elastomeric components. To isolate the fuel from elastomeric components during the storage period, the fuel tank has a metallic shear seal. When actuated, a piston ruptures the shear seal and delivers the fuel to a power plant. A shear seal that is unitary with the inner walls of the fuel tank eliminates the need for an interfacial weld that may constitute a shear seal failure site.