Abstract: A plasma generating system uses three electrodes inside a chamber, connected to a low voltage three-phase AC supply. A high voltage AC plasma generator produces an ionized oscillator gas which is injected into the gap between the electrodes. A continuous arc is produced inside the chamber. The arc moves along the electrodes and then superheats and ionizes a working gas which is tangentially injected from a pneumatic ring.

Abstract: A liquid decontamination method and apparatus uses a series of pulsed electrical arcs across electrodes placed within a liquid stream which passes through a decontamination module. Sufficient energy is delivered by a pulse generator to the electrodes whereby lethal ultraviolet radiation and mechanical shock waves are created by the arcs within the decontamination module. A plurality of modules can be operated in parallel or in series to vary the capacity of the apparatus. Gas is injected through one of the electrodes to facilitate the generation of arcs within the liquid.

Abstract: A water decontamination method and apparatus uses a series of pulsed electrical arcs across electrodes placed within a water stream which passes through a decontamination module. Sufficient energy is delivered by a pulse power unit to the electrodes whereby lethal ultraviolet radiation and mechanical shock waves are created by the arcs within the decontamination module. A plurality of modules can be operated in parallel or in series to vary the capacity of the apparatus.

Abstract: An air cushion-optical data read head that includes an optical pick-up system for reading data stored on the walls of an engraved V-groove disc or record, air means for causing the read head to hover above the surface of the record, and air jet means for guiding the head about the V-groove of the record.

Abstract: A passive voltmeter that measures pulses of high voltage by periodically charging a condensor through a spark gap. The frequency at which the spark gap breaks down is a function of the voltage being measured and is detected and displayed in volts. Radioactive material within the chamber is used to insure a constant breakdown voltage by supplying the necessary free electrons. This insures constant breakdown time for the arc with minimum jitter.

Abstract: The monitor system consists of a voltage controlled oscillator for produc an acoustic wave whose frequency is proportional to the voltage being measured. An acoustic waveguide is used for transmitting the wave to an electrically isolated acoustic to electrical transducer. The output of the transducer is amplified and then displayed on an appropriate readout calibrated in volts.

Abstract: A buried reed, extra-short pulse width pulser is an extra fast rise and fall time short pulse width pulser with very high voltage output. A typical pulser may have a 10 picosecond rise and fall time, a 500 picosecond flat top time, and up to a 1000 volt output. The output impedance of the pulser is normally 50 ohms. A reed switch provides switching between a center conductor of a charged line and an output line to provide the output pulses. The reed switch is buried within the pulser forming an integral part of the center conductors.