Abstract: A highly accurate, predictable and stable magnetic voltage and/or current reference that is substantially impervious to potentially hazardous radiation including neutrons, single or multiple particles, ionizing doses, particle beams and the like. The magnetic reference includes a stable permanent magnet which functions as a primary magnetic reference and generates a magnetic field. A magnetic field detector, comprising a second harmonic null detector (or fluxgate), senses the magnetic field generated by the magnet. A fed back current applied to control windings of the magnetic field detector cancels the magnetic field generated by the magnet and, in so doing, produces an AC error signal. This AC error signal is processed by an electronic control amplifier which provides the current that is fed back to the magnetic field detector.

Abstract: A magnetically controlled variable transformer comprising magnetic cores and windings by which to accurately and reliably control electrical AC output power. The cores and windings act as a continuously variable turns-ratio transformer for use primarily at high power frequency applications (e.g. 400 KHz or higher), such as in aircraft and aerospace vehicles. The transformer of the present invention is implemented by coupling a 2-core variable saturable transformer to a fixed turns ratio linear transformer. By varying a DC control current to a DC control winding which is magnetically coupled to the saturable transformer, the AC output voltage at a resistive or reactive load can be varied from zero to full power, whereby the control range of the transformer can be maximized.

Abstract: A combination cup and plate holder to enable a user to easily and convenienty carry, with a single hand, a cup or glass into which a beverage has been poured and a plate upon which food, or the like, has been placed so that the user may keep his second hand free. The cup and plate holder includes a flat platform by which to support the plate and a hollow, cylindrical retaining collar in which to receive the cup or glass. When not in use, the platform is adapted to be rotated towards and received within the collar, whereby to form a compact arrangement that is especially suitable for easy transport and/or efficient storage.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing alternating current electrical energy to a load wherein an alternating current energy source includes one or more direct current energy sources coupled to one or more inverters each having at least one switching element therein. Switching elements are controlled to provide alternating current waveforms having a relatively low harmonic content. A preferred embodiment has two alternating current sources. The two alternating current sources are coupled to the load in a manner which causes their output voltages to be summed vectorially across the load. The phase difference between the output voltages of the two sources is controlled to regulate the resultant load voltage by controlling the operation of the switching elements in the inverters.