Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating and dissociating gases involves generating an activated gas with a plasma located in a chamber. A downstream gas input is positioned relative to an output of the chamber to enable the activated gas to facilitate dissociation of a downstream gas introduced by the gas input, wherein the dissociated downstream gas does not substantially interact with an interior surface of the chamber.

Abstract: An improved plasma vessel (i.e., plasma applicator) that provides effective cooling includes a plurality of generally linear tubes having a dielectric interior fluidly connected together by dielectric connectors. The tubes and connectors are joined together to form a leak-tight plasma vessel. A cooling system surrounding the improved plasma vessel includes a rigid cooling plate and a deformable thermal transfer material disposed between the plasma vessel and the cooling plate. After use or at an operator's discretion, the plasma vessel can be removed from the cooling system and a new vessel may be inserted in its place. Alternatively, the used vessel may be refurbished and re-inserted into the cooling system. The new or refurbished vessel may or may not be of the same size or configuration as the used vessel. Thermal contact between the cooling system and the new or refurbished vessel, however is maintained through the deformable thermal transfer material.

Abstract: A power holdup circuit including a monitoring circuit and a power holdup circuit. The monitoring circuit includes an average voltage comparator and an absolute voltage comparator which cooperate to detect a voltage drop in the voltage supplied by the power supply. The monitoring circuit also includes a timer to determine the time period of the voltage dropout. If a predetermined voltage dropout event occurs, the monitoring circuit generates a control signal to a switching component which activates a holdup power source. The holdup power source includes an energy storage device that stores energy to maintain the supply voltage during dropout periods.

Abstract: A power holdup circuit including a monitoring circuit and a power holdup circuit. The monitoring circuit includes an average voltage comparator and an absolute voltage comparator which cooperate to detect a voltage drop in the voltage supplied by the power supply. The monitoring circuit also includes a timer to determine the time period of the voltage dropout. If a predetermined voltage dropout event occurs, the monitoring circuit generates a control signal to a switching component which activates a holdup power source. The holdup power source includes an energy storage device that stores energy to maintain the supply voltage during dropout periods.