Abstract: A topology for combining an array of low voltage, low current components to form a high voltage, high current pulse modulator. Each module of the MIA is composed of an inductive adder cell and a plurality of energy storage capacitors, a plurality of solid-state switches, and ancillary components to form a high current but a low voltage modulator. By using a large number of energy-storage/switch combinations in parallel, a highly redundant (reliable) module is formed. High voltage is obtained by inductively adding the voltage of a plurality of modules. Each module drives a single turn primary of a transformer (inductive adder cell). Each transformer has a single turn secondary. The single turn secondary of each transformer is connected in series. The advantage to this transformer topology (as opposed to a multi-turn secondary) is greatly reduced secondary capacitance which allows the transformer to operate at much higher bandwidth than otherwise possible.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for logging the media of an earth formation wherein repetitive bursts of x-rays are emitted that penetrate the media with a portion of these x-rays to be scattered and picked up by a plurality of detectors to detect certain physical properties of the media such as density and lithology. The x-rays are produced by an electron beam striking an x-ray target. This electron beam is produced electrically within an electron beam generator and then accelerated through a linear induction accelerator. The linear induction accelerator, in contrast to other alternatives, is of simple design and inherently insensitive to mechanical shock and vibration and to variations in operating temperature.

Abstract: Organically contaminated earth-bound material is treated in-situ by positioning one or more x-ray converters in chambers formed in an earth and/or water site containing such earth-bound material and irradiating the contaminated material in-situ adjacent to each chamber with x-radiation from the x-ray converter to decompose the organic compounds. A high energy electron beam from a electron beam source is directed to the x-ray converter to produce the x-radiation. The electron beam source, such as a linear induction accelerator or an RF linear accelerator may be positioned either within the chamber near the x-ray converter or above ground.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for plugging an access hole in a steam generator, having a shell, a wrapper, and an annulus positioned between the shell and the wrapper, includes attaching a plate, having a first mating connection and at least one aperture, to the wrapper of the steam generator. A plug, having a second mating connection and at least one aperture, is positioned within a bore of the plate. The plug is rotated approximately 90.degree. for engaging the first mating connection of the plate with a second mating connection of the plug and for aligning the aperture of the plug with the aperture of the plate. A sleeve, having a bore therethrough and at least one aperture, is positioned on the plug and the aperture of the sleeve is aligned with the apertures of the plate and the plug. A pin is installed in the aligned apertures of the plate, the plug, and the sleeve. A retaining nut is positioned on the plug after installation of the sleeve.

Abstract: A thin wall, generally round wrapper or liner is installed within a heavy wall, rolled heat exchanger shell which has greater out-of-round tolerances than the wrapper and the wrapper is maintained in its round state by utilizing a plurality of different types of jacks disposed adjacent the tube support plates disposed within the wrapper.

Abstract: Orientation independent ignitron 10 has a cooled cathode 28 which carries thin mercury film 58 which is held in place by surface tension forces so that it is independent of orientation. Ignitor 48 starts conduction which continues until mercury exhaustion or shut off by an external circuit. During nonconductive portions of the duty cycle, the mercury recondenses on the cooled cathode 30.

Abstract: The separated ion source combines an ion source and a magnetic mass separator within a single magnetic field geometry. The preferred ion source has a low voltage Penning discharge configuration and produces a charged particle beam in the form of a ribbon with a rectangular cross section.

Abstract: Surface breakdown igniter comprises a semiconductor of medium resistivity which has the arc device cathode as one electrode and has an igniter anode electrode so that when voltage is applied between the electrodes a spark is generated when electrical breakdown occurs over the surface of the semiconductor. The geometry of the igniter anode and cathode electrodes causes the igniter discharge to be forced away from the semiconductor surface.

Abstract: A support structure and electrode design geometry for a compact high voltage feedthrough, which is used in low-pressure gas discharge devices. The high voltage coaxial cable which applies voltages to the various electrodes within the discharge device is fed through an insulating structure and supported therein by means of field shaping electrodes. The space between the field shaping electrodes is filled with an electronegative gas. The electrodes insure that the electrical field lines merge smoothly from the low pressure region, across which high voltage is applied, into the dielectric of the coaxial cable. The structure minimizes local electrical stresses while maintaining a high voltage electrode separation in the low pressure region which is less than that at which Paschen breakdown occurs. The advantage of the present invention is its compactness of size and that it minimizes the probability of vacuum, surface, and bulk breakdown as well as Paschen breakdown.

Abstract: Ceramic support is mounted between the housing and an electrode to physically support the electrode with respect to the housing. Mechanical support is provided in an environment of high electrical potential in a gaseous environment where Paschen breakdown, vacuum breakdown and surface breakdown are significant failure modes which result in electric conduction between the housing and electrode.

Abstract: Plasma chamber maintained ionized by thin wire discharge continuously supplies ionized plasma into the interelectrode space of a low pressure gas discharge device such as a crossed-field switch tube to eliminate dependence on statistical electrons for initiation of discharge.