Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in an energy extraction system that includes a decelerator cavity coupled to a transport line for a charged particle beam and an energy conversion device coupled to the decelerator cavity. The decelerator cavity is configured to extract energy from the charged particle beam traveling through the decelerator cavity as RF energy. The energy conversion is configured to convert the RF energy into electrical current and supply the electrical current to an electric power grid. The charged particle beam includes charged particles with individual rest masses greater than the rest mass of an electron.

Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in an energy extraction system that includes a decelerator cavity coupled to a transport line for a charged particle beam and an energy conversion device coupled to the decelerator cavity. The decelerator cavity is configured to extract energy from the charged particle beam traveling through the decelerator cavity as RF energy. The energy conversion is configured to convert the RF energy into electrical current and supply the electrical current to an electric power grid. The charged particle beam includes charged particles with individual rest masses greater than the rest mass of an electron.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for circuit breakers with integrated safety, control, monitoring, and protection features. In one aspect, a circuit breaker includes, an input and an output, a switch coupled between the input and the output, a sensor configured to measure the current flowing from the input to the output, and a control system coupled to the sensor and the switch, wherein the control system is configured to perform operations including comparing a rate of change of the current measured by the sensor to a threshold rate of change of current, determining that the rate of change of the current measured by the sensor exceeds the threshold rate of change of current for at least a predetermined period of time, and as a consequence of determining that the rate of change of current exceeds the threshold rate of change, opening the switch, thereby disconnecting the input from the output.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for circuit breakers with integrated safety, control, monitoring, and protection features. In one aspect, a circuit breaker includes, an input and an output, a switch coupled between the input and the output, a sensor configured to measure the current flowing from the input to the output, and a control system coupled to the sensor and the switch, wherein the control system is configured to perform operations including comparing a rate of change of the current measured by the sensor to a threshold rate of change of current, determining that the rate of change of the current measured by the sensor exceeds the threshold rate of change of current for at least a predetermined period of time, and as a consequence of determining that the rate of change of current exceeds the threshold rate of change, opening the switch, thereby disconnecting the input from the output.

Abstract: This specification describes direct current (DC) power distribution systems. One of the systems includes a DC power distribution bus that includes a plurality of sector distribution buses. Each sector distribution bus is coupled to a respective sector power source. A plurality of sector isolation switches are coupled between the sector distribution buses and configured to individually isolate each sector distribution bus from the DC power distribution bus. At least one load is coupled to at least two different sector distribution buses of the DC power distribution bus.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for circuit breakers with integrated safety, control, monitoring, and protection features. In one aspect, a circuit breaker includes, an input and an output, a switch coupled between the input and the output, a sensor configured to measure the current flowing from the input to the output, and a control system coupled to the sensor and the switch, wherein the control system is configured to perform operations including comparing a rate of change of the current measured by the sensor to a threshold rate of change of current, determining that the rate of change of the current measured by the sensor exceeds the threshold rate of change of current for at least a predetermined period of time, and as a consequence of determining that the rate of change of current exceeds the threshold rate of change, opening the switch, thereby disconnecting the input from the output.

Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a solid-state interrupter that is operable to open a circuit within a specified response time upon detection of a fault current state. A mechanical interrupter is connected in series with the solid-state interrupter. The mechanical interrupter is operable to open the circuit subsequent to the opening operation of the solid-state interrupter. A controller is coupled with the solid-state interrupter and the mechanical interrupter. The controller is operable to detect the fault current state in the circuit and to control the mechanical interrupter for coordinated operation with the solid-state interrupter. In some implementations, the response time is between two microseconds and twenty microseconds. The mechanical circuit breaker can safely physically open the circuit at a low breaking current (e.g., the solid-state interrupter quickly opens the circuit and prevents current from surging to dangerous levels).

Abstract: A pulse width modulated half bridge dimming controller is provided for dimming a lighting ballast is described. The top half of the bridge is comprised of two switches, the top switch set, and the bottom half of the bridge is comprised of two switches, the bottom switch set. Each switch also has a diode in parallel with it. The drivers for the switches are configured so that each of the switches can be turned on and off independently of all of all the other switches. Preferably, the controller is capable of operating in all four quadrants. In one preferred embodiment the switches are IGBTs. The switches are controlled in a manner so that when one of the switches sets changes states, the second switch set has one switch on and one switch off, so that one of the diodes in the second switch set is disposed to block shoot through and provide a path to allow current to continue flowing in the inductive load.

Abstract: A force sensing touchpad comprises a substantially rigid touch surface; a substantially rigid frame; a plurality of spring structures formed integrally with the touch surface and mechanically connected to the reference frame; and a circuit for deriving force information from capacitances proportional to the distances between predetermined portions of the touch surface and portions of the frame in response to a force applied to the touch surfaces.