Abstract: A shutter assembly including first and second flexible layers and first and second coupling rings. Both the first and second flexible layers have a plurality of slits. When the shutter assembly is in a closed position, the first and second flexible layers are substantially planar, the second flexible layer is located adjacent to the first flexible layer, a longitudinal axis perpendicularly passes through the first flexible layer, the first flexible layer's slits meet at a first location, and the second flexible layer's slits meet at a second location, laterally spaced from the first location. Both the first and second flexible layers are located between the first and second coupling rings, which support the flexible layers with a sealed space located behind the flexible layers. Both the first and second flexible layers form a seal with a optical device when the shutter assembly is in an open position.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector configured to couple high-voltage signals with minimal risk of corona discharge includes a plug assembly having a cylindrical nose and a receptacle assembly having a cylindrical cavity, with a cup-shaped resilient seal carried either in the cavity or on the nose. The seal is sized such that the nose can be manually inserted fully into the cavity while encountering only minimal mechanical resistance. Thereafter the seal's cylindrical side wall is longitudinally compressed, to increase its radial thickness and thereby substantially fill the annular space between the nose the cavity side wall. The connector thus can be coupled and uncoupled with only minimal insertion forces and with substantially reduced risk of mechanical damage.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a receptacle assembly and a plug assembly with electrically connectable contact pins, from which atmospheric air is essentially excluded by an arrangement of dielectric seals. A first contact pin, in the plug assembly, is encased by a first dielectric sleeve of relatively non-resilient material, and a second dielectric sleeve, of resilient material, is installed in the receptacle assembly and is dimensioned to provide a continuous dielectric seal between the first dielectric sleeve and the body of the receptacle assembly, which is also of a dielectric material. The connector is coupled by inserting the first dielectric sleeve of the plug assembly into the second dielectric sleeve of the receptacle assembly, thereby completing the continuous dielectric seal, but avoiding abrasive contact with the receptacle body and minimizing the axial force needed to effect coupling and uncoupling.

Abstract: An exploding foil detonator for explosives in which an exploding bridge shears a foil and drives a piece of that foil against an explosive to detonate the latter.

Abstract: A spark gap device adapted for a direct, low-inductance connection to a foil strip transmission line having a pair of foil conductor strips located on the opposite sides of an insulator strip. The device includes a pair of electrodes spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other such that an arc discharge current can selectively flow from one electrode to the other. One electrode includes an integral threaded shaft projecting from its back side through a hole in the transmission line, where a clamp ring and retaining nut make electrical contact with the foil conductor strip on the transmission line's far side. The other electrode includes an integral cylindrical wall surrounding the first electrode and terminating in a ring-shaped surface that makes electrical contact with the foil conductor on the transmission line's near side.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge apparatus of the kind having a spark gap device for discharging a capacitor to provide a current impulse for conduction through a load. The capacitor and spark gap device both include flat terminals for connecting them directly to a foil strip transmission line. The capacitor is relatively thin and configured such that electrical current flows through it along a short, substantially uni-directional path. The current path of the apparatus is configured such that it retraces itself in a closely-spaced relationship, whereby the magnetic field created by current flowing through each segment of the path is substantially canceled by the magnetic field of the oppositely-directed current flowing through the corresponding, closely-spaced path segment. This substantially reduces the apparatus' inductance, such that it provides an increased peak electrical current and a faster current rise time.

Abstract: A low-inductance capacitor, and related method for manufacturing it, of a type that includes two foil strips and two dielectric strips interleaved together and wound into a spiral capacitor roll. The two foil strips are offset laterally with respect to each other and the roll is flattened such that its two sides are defined by oblong spiral projections of the foil strips. Two separate U-shaped clamps compressively grip the two oblong spiral projections, to form electrical terminals for the capacitor roll, each terminal in secure electrical contact with all of the successive windings of the corresponding foil strip. The capacitor roll is adapted for mounting on a foil strip transmission line, the combination providing an extremely low inductance.

Abstract: A cable connector including a plug and a receptacle, the plug having a resilient inner insulator with its rear portion surrounded by a non-resilient body which restrains resilient sealing deformation of the insulator as an electrical cable and attached contact are inserted into the insulator. A plurality of sealing rings extending into the inner diameter of the insulator are resiliently deformed to form a positive seal around the cable. A raised seal on the forward portion of the insulator sealingly engages the receptacle bore as the plug is inserted therein. Additional seals are formed between a forward end of the insulator and the bottom of the bore and between a shoulder on the insulator and an outer lip of the receptacle bore as the plug and receptacle are coupled.