Abstract: A superconducting coil conductor composed of a plurality of strands (10) twisted together to form a cylindrical structure, each strand (10) being composed of a core (2) composed of a plurality of parallel filaments of a superconducting material, enclosed by a metal sheath (4) forming a matrix in which at least some of the filaments are embedded, and a tubular member (6) enclosing the sheath (4) so as to be in intimate electrical contact with the sheath (4) and support the core (2).The conductor is held in support plates (16) each presenting a U-shaped conductor support channel (20) spaced inwardly from an exterior surface of the support plate (16) which is in contact with the cryogen, and a conductor compression wedge (18) inserted in the channel (20) for holding the conductor in place.The solenoid coil further includes insulating members (38) interposed between the support plates (16) and projecting radially beyond the conductor support system.

Abstract: An inductor with high inductance to resistance ratio capable of handling megamp currents. Sixteen coil assemblies are radially arranged into four quadrants of four coil assemblies each and jumpers are utilized to connect the quadrants in different configurations for different inductance values. Each coil assembly is made up of a plurality of nested essentially D-shaped copper conductors collectively nested within an aluminum structural support plate in which eddy currents are minimized by a interruption in the plate. The individual conductors of each coil assembly are transposed throughout a quadrant for balanced current flow. Coil bus bars as well as an input and output bus bar are connected to predetermined ones of the coil assemblies with the input and output bus bars being connected to system input and output leads. The unit is operated at cryogenic temperatures by immersion in a liquid nitrogen filled cryostat.

Abstract: The trip mechanism of a molded case type circuit breaker is actuated by a plunger that is integral with and axially extends from the end of a reciprocally-movable core member of a solenoid mounted within the breaker housing. The free end of the plunger strikes the trip bar of the breaker when the solenoid is energized in response to a current overload condition in the circuit being protected. The solenoid core member and plunger are mechanically locked in NO-TRIP position by spring-biased keeper means that is automatically released from its "lock" position by the magnetic field generated by the solenoid coil when it is energized. A spring automatically resets the trip-actuating assembly when the current-overload condition has been corrected and the solenoid coil is deenergized.

Abstract: An electronic sensing and triggering circuit including an integrated overvoltage protection circuit is used in conjunction with an energy storage capacitor as well as output transistors for providing a vigorous voltage pulse supplied through a current pulse transformer to the gate of an SCR in a brushless excitation circuit discharge circuit branch.

Abstract: A brushless dynamoelectric machine with a molded insulating control wheel having a rim on whose inner surface the rectifiers and other components of the starting control circuitry are directly mounted. Proximate the central hub of the control wheel is mounted a resistor wheel of metal having axial apertures in which are located cartridge heater-type resistors that are interconnected to provide the starting resistor of the control circuitry. The resistor wheel has external fins that aid in dissipating heat from the resistors and also blow air onto the components mounted on the wheel rim.

Abstract: A magnetically operated circuit breaker characterized by a circuit breaker structure including first and second separable contacts operable between open and closed positions, a releasable mechanism movable when released to a tripped position to effect automatic opening of the contacts, the first contact being connected to the releasable mechanism, the second contact being movable between open and closed positions of the first contact, and electromagnetic actuating means for moving the second contact between open and closed position in response to a control signal generated remotely from the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor for high speed motors and generators is constructed to minimize tensile stress on the magnet material by preloading the material with a radially inward compressive force. In the two-pole configuration, this force is provided by wedges inserted into a dovetail connection between a pole piece and a nonmagnetic support structure. In a configuration having four or more poles, drive wedges are inserted between a magnetic pole piece and a retaining wedge to produce a compressive force on bar magnets which produce a circumferentially oriented magnetic field.

Abstract: An electromagnetic projectile launching system is provided with an electromagnetic launcher portion and a chemically driven launcher portion. The electromagnetic launcher portion includes a pair of generally parallel conductive rails, a source of high current connected to the rails, and means for conducting current between the rails and for propelling a projectile along the rails. The powder driven portion includes a rifled barrel adjacent one end of the conductive rails and axially aligned with the conductive rails, and means for chemically propelling a projectile through the rifled barrel and into the bore of the electromagnetic launcher portion while causing the projectile to spin prior to its entry into the bore.

Abstract: An electromagnetic projectile launcher is provided with a cartridge-type switch for commutating current from a high current source to a pair of generally parallel conductive rails. A conductive cartridge switch in sliding electrical contact with the rails at the breech end includes a pressure chamber and aperture for receiving a projectile. An increase in pressure in the pressure chamber forces the projectile forward while forcing the cartridge rearward. Current is commutated from the cartridge to a conductive armature which subsequently propels a projectile along the conductive rails.

Abstract: A brushless dynamoelectric machine is provided with a molded insulating control wheel having a rim on whose inner surface the rectifiers and other components of the starting control circuitry are directly mounted and an outer surface on which a wire-wound starting resistor can be provided with provision for good support and adequate ventilation of the resistor so as to achieve a more compact and less expensive to assemble control wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for overvoltage protection of the field winding of a synchronous dynamoelectric machine. A protective spark gap device is electrically connected in parallel across the field winding of the machine and is designed to weld itself into a short-circuit when the voltage across the field winding increases to an unacceptable value. The weldable spark gap provides a positive indication of problems in the field circuit and at the same time protects the field circuit from damage from continued operation. The protective spark gap is not self-restoring and therefore must be removed and replaced before operation is resumed.

Abstract: A static control system for applying excitation to synchronous motors, especially of the brushless type, by firing a semiconductor switch to apply direct current excitation to the field of the motor. A post-synchronization firing circuit is provided for firing the switch in response to the voltage across the switch if the motor pulls into synchronism before the switch is fired. A control circuit is provided for inhibiting the operation of the post-synchronizing firing circuit during subsynchronous operation.