Abstract: A power supply having a low ripple component to minimize waste power and improve efficiency. In a full wave power supply, additional circuitry is provided for decreasing the time between charging episodes of the output capacitor. The circuitry is comprised of additional capacitors and diodes, and is connected between taps on the transformer and the output capacitor.

Abstract: A high efficiency diode detector for detecting low amplitude signal levels. A junction diode is biased by a stable current source to operate in a substantially square law region of the diode. A signal source having an impedance much less than the diode forward resistance in the square law region is connected to drive the diode. Signal levels in the 18 MV rms range are detected at efficiencies approaching 20%.

Abstract: An arc interrupter for heavy surge currents in power systems is provided in hich a self-biasing, spring helix conductor is fixed between two frangible and/or fusible elements which are in turn integrally fastened to the edges of respective eddy-current rings canted to effect a horn gap for magnetic blow-out of any ensuing arc in the area of the helix. The helix generates magnetic forces in addition to its spring force to break the fusible and/or frangible elements in response to predetermined surge currents and will then drop out of the gap between the eddy-current rings by gravity action. The circuit is thus broken and any ensuing arc is extinguished.