Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the prevention of arcing in vacuum sputtering installations. This device comprises a pulse generator which brings the cathode of the sputtering installation at predetermined intervals to a positive potential, whereby a deposing of layers on a target takes place. This deposing prevents the building-up of high voltages which can lead to arcing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the suppression of arcs in gas discharge arrangements having two cathodes (6, 7) and one anode (4) supplied from an electric energy source (10). Between the electrical terminals of this electric energy source (10) and the cathode (6, 7) is provided a circuit configuration having two switching elements (15, 25) which upon the occurrence of arcs are through-switched.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (20) for a unipolarly operated component (9) capable of storing energy. This device (20) can be applied, for example, in an asymmetrical half bridge circuit (1). It compensates the dc magnetic flux which originates due to the unipolar operation and, hence permits making relatively small in size the component (9) capable of storing energy. Using a current converter (25, 32) with suitable winding ratio as an automatic and load-dependent compensation device, moreover, permits very flexible adaptation to load changes. Such adaptation is, in particular, required when very high pulsating current occurs on the primary side with simultaneous secondary no-load operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a d.c.-a.c. converter with an asymmetric half-bridge circuit (1) that has an energy-storing component (6). The controllable switching means (2, 5) of the asymmetric half-bridge circuit (1) are driven by means of phase-shifted control pulses, the control pulses partly overlapping in time. The pulse width of the phase-shifted control pulses is substantially 180 electrical degrees.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inverter with a direct-voltage source and a chopper section, the chopper section having push-pull switching at a frequency f.sub.0. A parallel tuned circuit, the resonant frequency of which is 2f.sub.0 is provided between the direct-voltage source and the chopper section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a converter (2) provided with GTO thyristors the frequency and characteristic shape of its output voltage (U.sub.A) being constrained by a load (3). The frequency of the converter (2) is matched to the constrained output voltage (U.sub.A) with the aid of a regulating circuit (4). Non-simultaneously switched GTO thyristors are switched on and off in a predetermined timed relation to each other (FIG. 3).

Abstract: In an auxiliary-voltage DC source for supplying an electric circuit and, more particularly, one at a high potential in an electron gun without an isolation transformer, the primary winding of a current transformer is located in an alternating-current section of the electric circuit. The current transformer has at least one secondary winding which is connected through a rectifier to a parallel regulator for providing the auxiliary-voltage.