Abstract: An ignition apparatus for a combustor includes a microwave energy source that emits microwave energy into the combustor at a frequency within a resonant response of the combustor, the combustor functioning as a resonant cavity for the microwave energy so that a plasma is produced that ignites a combustible mixture therein. The plasma preferably is a non-contact plasma produced in free space within the resonant cavity spaced away from with the cavity wall structure and spaced from the microwave emitter.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for a combustor includes a microwave energy source that emits microwave energy into the combustor at a frequency within a resonant response of the combustor, the combustor functioning as a resonant cavity for the microwave energy so that a plasma is produced that ignites a combustible mixture therein. The plasma preferably is a non-contact plasma produced in free space within the resonant cavity spaced away from with the cavity wall structure and spaced from the microwave emitter.

Abstract: Apparatus for igniting fuel in a combustor includes an injector having an electrostatic fuel atomization nozzle and an igniter. The injector produces an initial combustion process that ignites the main fuel supply from a fuel nozzle. Alternatively, a main fuel nozzle is provided which includes a plurality of electrostatic fuel nozzles disposed about a centrally located igniter. In one embodiment, the igniter is a laser igniter.

Abstract: Apparatus for igniting fuel in a combustor includes an injector having an electrostatic fuel atomization nozzle and an igniter. The injector produces an initial combustion process that ignites the main fuel supply from a fuel nozzle. Alternatively, a main fuel nozzle is provided which includes a plurality of electrostatic fuel nozzles disposed about a centrally located igniter. In one embodiment, the igniter is a laser igniter.

Abstract: An oscillatory discharge exciter includes an input connectable to a power supply; an output connectable to an igniter; at least two energy storage elements for producing an oscillatory discharge of energy during an exciter discharge period; a unidirectional gated switch and a rectifier coupled in reverse parallel with each other such that the switch and rectifier control, during respective alternating half cycles, oscillatory discharge energy at the exciter output; and a circuit for gating the switch in response to voltage transitions across the switch. The gating circuit can also be used as a snubber circuit to add gate drive to slow devices, as well as to trigger a series of switching devices with the application of only a single external trigger signal to one of the devices. In an alternative embodiment, the gating circuit is replaced with a circuit for maintaining holding current through the switch to prevent the switch from recovering to a blocking condition.

Abstract: An ignition system for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of igniters, an energy storage capacitance, a charging circuit for charging the capacitance, a plurality of gated switches, with at least one switch connected between each igniter and the capacitance, and control means for discharging respective amounts of energy from the capacitance to each respective igniter at respective spark rates.

Abstract: An exciter for an internal combustion engine igniter plug includes a charging circuit and a discharge circuit; the charging circuit being connectable to a power supply and the discharge circuit being connectable to the plug to produce sparks; the discharge circuit comprising a storage capacitor connected to the charging circuit, a gated solid state switching device connected between the capacitor and the plug, and a trigger means for gating the switching device on and off; the capacitor being discharged when the switching device is gated on and the capacitor being charged by the charging circuit after the switching device is gated off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semi-permanent backshell and connector assembly for use with a harness having a plurality of conductors. More particularly, the invention relates to a connector and backshell assembly that inhibits unauthorized service and repair. The invention comprises a connector, an annular adapter sleeve, and a backshell. The adapter sleeve defines a locking surface that has at least on dog extending therefrom. The dog engages tooth-like projections on the connector. The adapter sleeve can rotate relative to the cylindrical extension before the backshell is installed due to the at least one dog being displaceable away from the tooth-like projections, and the adapter sleeve cannot rotate relative to the cylindrical extension after the backshell is installed due to the stopping surface preventing the at least one dog from displacing away from the tooth-like projections.

Abstract: A programmed PWM controller for controlling an inverter is provided which includes memory means for storing a plurality of drive data words representing a pulsewidth modulation sequence, each drive data word including a driveword and a drivetime word, the drivewords being used to operate the inverter; first digital means for selectively retrieving each of the plurality of drive data words from the memory means according to the pulsewidth modulation sequence in response to a next drive data word request signal; and second digital means governed by the drivetime word for generating the next drive data word request signal.

Abstract: An electrical connector segment, for use in industrial and transportation application, which provides engagement to another complementary coupler segment with fine incremental adjustment and prevents disengagement from vibration, jarring and shock and by those unfamiliar with its function, including a backshell assembly for joining an electrical cable to the connector segment, with the same features plus means by which ready access is provided to the juncture, of the wire leads of the cable, with the connector elements within the connector segment for maintenance, repair and modification.

Abstract: A fiber optic harness assembly having reduced weight and bulk comprises a plurality of optical fibers and loose tube protective buffers therefor. At least two of the optical fibers and corresponding buffers are routed commonly along a first branch of the harness and respectively along the second and third branches of the harness. Similarly, strength elements extending parallel to corresponding optical fibers are routed commonly along the first branch to the intersection whereat the strength elements are divided into separate portions for extension respectively along the second and third branches. The strength elements and buffered optical fibers coextending along the harness branches are surrounded and held bundled together in contiguous relationship by respective branch portions of an outer jacket or sheath.

Abstract: This alternator includes a stator comprising an armature winding and a rotor comprising a permanent magnet field. A sleeve is located between the rotor and stator and comprises on its periphery alternating ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic segments. When the ferromagnetic segments are aligned with the poles of the stator, the flux linkage between the rotor and stator is maximum. When the nonmagnetic segments are aligned with the stator poles, the flux linkage is a minimum. The sleeve is shiftable through 90 electrical degrees by means of a motor. The output of the alternator may be regulated between maximum and minimum values by so shifting the sleeve.