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.