Abstract: A resonant cavity combined solid-state amplifier system including a resonant cavity having at least one output port coupled to a high-power transmission line. A plurality of high-power transistors are each configured to generate a variable amount of power input directly into the resonant cavity. The plurality of high-power transistors may be configured such that a failure of one or more of the plurality of high-power transistors does not substantially impede operation of the resonant cavity. A plurality of output impedance matching networks each coupled to one of the plurality of high-power transistors and extending into the resonant cavity are configured to match an impedance of each transistor to an impedance of the resonant cavity and configured to electromagnetically couple power from each of the plurality of high-power transistors into the resonant cavity to provide a combined high-power output to the high-power transmission line.

Abstract: A resonant cavity combined solid-state amplifier system including a resonant cavity having at least one output port coupled to a high-power transmission line. A plurality of high-power transistors are each configured to generate a variable amount of power input directly into the resonant cavity. The plurality of high-power transistors may be configured such that a failure of one or more of the plurality of high-power transistors does not substantially impede operation of the resonant cavity. A plurality of output impedance matching networks each coupled to one of the plurality of high-power transistors and extending into the resonant cavity are configured to match an impedance of each transistor to an impedance of the resonant cavity and configured to electromagnetically couple power from each of the plurality of high-power transistors into the resonant cavity to provide a combined high-power output to the high-power transmission line.

Abstract: A compact transformer coupled modulator is described. The modulator includes a transformer comprising a primary and a plurality of secondary windings, where each secondary winding has an output terminal. The modulator also includes a plurality of switches, where each switch is associated with a respective secondary winding and has input and output terminals and a control terminal. The control terminal of each switch is in electrical communication with a respective output terminal of the plurality of secondary windings. Each of the plurality of switches is substantially simultaneously switched by an input signal applied to the primary.

Abstract: A coaxial inductive power transfer and distribution apparatus includes a stationary primary conductor and a mobile secondary coil magnetically coupled together to provide for inductive power transfer therebetween. A return conductor that is stationary is mechanically coupled to the primary conductor and ensures the position stability of the primary conductor with respect to the moveable secondary coil. The return conductor also includes an air gap in which a support member for the mobile secondary coil is disposed within. The mobile secondary winding includes a high permeability toroidal core that is coaxially disposed about, and spaced apart from, the primary conductor. A multi-turn coil is radially disposed about the high permeability toroidal core. The support member for the mobile secondary winding extends through the air gap in the return conductor to the exterior of the return conductor, where it may be coupled to an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A coaxial inductive power transfer and distribution apparatus is disclosed that includes a primary conductor that is stationary and a mobile secondary coil magnetically coupled to the stationary primary conductor to provide an inductive power transfer therebetween. The primary and secondary coils are disposed within a return conductor that is stationary and acts as a return path for current flowing in the primary center conductor. The primary conductor is mechanically connected to the interior surface of the return conductor to ensure the position stability of the primary conductor with respect to the secondary coil. The return conductor also includes an air gap in which a support member for the mobile secondary coil and structure is disposed within. The mobile secondary coil and structure includes a toroidal core composed of a high permeability material that is coaxially disposed about, and spaced apart from, the primary conductor.

Abstract: A method of coating an article wherein the method includes placing a large number N of non-industrial stock pieces in a vacuum chamber where N is a function of the cost of each stock piece, generating a plasma about the stock pieces, and supplying a current to the stock pieces at a level tailored to sufficiently coat each of the plurality of stock pieces with ion from the plasma and wherein the current level depends on the number N of stock pieces.

Abstract: A voltage transient suppression circuit includes a capacitor, a diode, and a voltage limiter. The negative terminal of the capacitor can be coupled to the negative terminal of a variable voltage circuit element (e.g., a switching device, a series impedance, or a load). The anode of the diode can be coupled to the positive terminal of the variable voltage circuit element, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the positive terminal of the capacitor. The voltage limiter is connected in parallel with the capacitor. When the voltage applied across the voltage limiter is above a predetermined voltage, current is allowed to conduct through the voltage limiter and a voltage potential drop across the voltage limiter is substantially independent of the current conducted therethrough. When the voltage applied across the voltage limiter is below the predetermined voltage, current is substantially prevented from passing through the voltage limiter.

Abstract: Apparatus, and related method, for remotely measuring at 1east one environmental condition includes an electromagnetically resonant sensor having a measurable resonance characteristic (e.g., center resonance frequency, quality factor, or bandwidth) that varies in correspondence to changes in the environmental condition present at the sensor. The sensor emits an electromagnetic return signal representative of a state of the resonance characteristic when an electromagnetic excitation signal impinges on the sensor. The electromagnetic excitation signal is generated by a generator located separate and away from the sensor, and the excitation signal is then directed at the remote sensor. The sensor thus remotely detects and measures the environmental condition. In one embodiment, the sensor is an electromagnetically resonant electrical circuit. In another embodiment, the sensor is an antenna resonator (e.g., a half-wavelength antenna) made of a conductive material.

Abstract: A remotely-operated unmanned vehicle attached to the hull of a marine vessel by electromagnets surveys the hull for damage. The vehicle attached to the hull is electronically controlled from a remote location. An imaging system on the vehicle provides an operator with images of the vessel's hull and the surrounding environment. Once damage has been found and assessed, the vehicle applies a patch over the damaged opening in the hull to prevent cargo outflow and water inflow. The patch, which resists puncturing and tearing, is constructed from one or more sheets of flexible material having dimensions appropriate to cover most openings.

Abstract: Apparatus and related method for deriving, from voltage across a power switch, power for a gate drive which opens and closes the power switch in response to a control signal includes a first voltage converter connected in parallel with the power switch and a series combination also connected in parallel with the power switch. The first voltage converter converts a high input voltage which appears across the power switch when the power switch is open to a low output voltage. The series combination includes a second voltage converter for receiving the low output voltage from the first voltage converter, converting it, and providing the converted voltage to the gate drive. The series combination also includes a high-voltage switch, connected in series with the second voltage converter, for opening and closing when the power switch is opened and closed by the gate drive in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A remotely-operated unmanned vehicle attached to the hull of a marine vessel by electromagnets surveys the hull for damage. The vehicle attached to the hull is electronically controlled from a remote location. An imaging system on the vehicle provides an operator with images of the vessel's hull and the surrounding environment. Once damage has been found and assessed, the vehicle applies a patch over the damaged opening in the hull to prevent cargo outflow and water inflow. The patch, which resists puncturing and tearing, is constructed from one or more sheets of flexible material having dimensions appropriate to cover most openings.

Abstract: A high-power modulator includes a plurality of means for limiting voltage and a plurality of controllable switches. Each of the switches is connected in parallel with a different one of the voltage limiting means to form a plurality of parallel pairs. Each of the parallel pairs is connected to each other in a series combination. A first parallel pair in the series combination can be connected to a main power source, and a last parallel pair in the series combination can be connected to a load. Each of the switches is switchable from an off or open position to an on or closed position.

Abstract: A microwave plasma generator for producing an axisymmetric plasma, having a waveguide apparatus, means for introducing a microwave source into the waveguide apparatus, and means for generating a circular axisymmetric microwave field from the microwave source. There are means for tuning the field to match the impedance of a plasma load. Further included is a vacuum chamber for containing a gas to be ionized to form the plasma, means for introducing this gas into the vacuum chamber, and means for coupling the microwave field to the vacuum chamber to form the plasma.