Abstract: Generators and methods for igniting a plasma in a plasma chamber are disclosed. The generator includes an ignition profile generator that includes a data interface configured to receive a specification for voltage as a function of time and an ignition data generator configured to create an ignition profile from the specification. The generator also includes an ignition profile datastore to store the ignition profile and a waveform generator configured to apply a waveform with the ignition profile to an output of the generator.

Abstract: Generators and methods for igniting a plasma in a plasma chamber are disclosed. The generator includes an ignition profile generator that includes a data interface configured to receive a voltage value and a time value for each of N data points and an ignition data generator configured to create an ignition profile from the N data points. The generator also includes an ignition profile datastore to store the ignition profile and a waveform generator configured to apply a waveform with the ignition profile to an output of the generator.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for reducing ripple in a pulsed waveform power generation system, often for use providing power to a plasma processing chamber. A snubber can be provided between a DC power supply and a switching circuit. A buck converter can also be provided between the snubber and the switching circuit, where the buck converter takes its input from within the snubber and in particular from between a rectifying and capacitive component of the snubber. In this way, the buck converter can be isolated from the DC power supply via an input inductor on a high-input line from the DC power supply.

Abstract: Generators and methods for igniting a plasma in a plasma chamber are disclosed. The generator includes an ignition profile generator that includes a data interface configured to receive a voltage value and a time value for each of N data points and an ignition data generator configured to create an ignition profile from the N data points. The generator also includes an ignition profile datastore to store the ignition profile and a waveform generator configured to apply a waveform with the ignition profile to an output of the generator.

Abstract: A method for limiting fitting distortion when welding a fitting to an in-service pipeline—where the fitting includes a thick, longitudinally extending, seam located between fitting halves—involves welding, on each side of the fitting, a middle third section of the seam in a pyramid-like fashion using an inward progression starting from an end of the middle third section along a profile of a seam bevel, and welding outer third sections of the seam using an outward progression from an end adjacent to the middle third section along a profile of the seam bevel. The welding of each of the three sections per side includes a temper bead welding technique of at least two layers to provide stress relief in lieu of traditional post weld heat treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for synthesis of condensed, nano-carbon materials to create nanoparticles. In one embodiment the system may have a source of liquid precursor, a flow control element and a shock wave generating subsystem. The flow control element is in communication with the source of the liquid precursor and creates a jet of liquid precursor. The shock wave generating subsystem drives a shock wave through at least a substantial portion of a thickness of the jet of liquid precursor to sufficiently compress the jet of liquid precursor, and to increase a pressure and a temperature of the jet of liquid precursor, to create solid state nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for synthesis of condensed, nano-carbon materials to create nanoparticles. In one embodiment the system may have a source of liquid precursor, a flow control element and a shock wave generating subsystem. The flow control element is in communication with the source of the liquid precursor and creates a jet of liquid precursor. The shock wave generating subsystem drives a shock wave through at least a substantial portion of a thickness of the jet of liquid precursor to sufficiently compress the jet of liquid precursor, and to increase a pressure and a temperature of the jet of liquid precursor, to create solid state nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for limiting fitting distortion when welding a fitting to an in-service pipeline—where the fitting includes a thick, longitudinally extending, seam located between fitting halves—involves welding, on each side of the fitting, a middle third section of the seam in a pyramid-like fashion using an inward progression starting from an end of the middle third section along a profile of a seam bevel, and welding outer third sections of the seam using an outward progression from an end adjacent to the middle third section along a profile of the seam bevel. The welding of each of the three sections per side includes a temper bead welding technique of at least two layers to provide stress relief in lieu of traditional post weld heat treatment.

Abstract: A method of retrieving supplementary data related to audio-video content with reference to a reference version of that content involves deriving an audio signature from audio-video content. The audio signature is searched against reference audio signatures of reference versions of the audio-video content. If a match is found, supplementary data related to the reference audio-video content is retrieved. The search is a directed search using data extracted from the transmission route by which the audio-video content is to be delivered to a consumer. The search process is thereby more efficient as the search may be started at an appropriate location or conducted in an appropriate direction, rather than searching blindly.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system, method and apparatus are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a photovoltaic array, a distribution system that distributes power within a premises of a demand-side energy consumer, an inverter coupled to the distribution system that is configured to convert DC power from the photovoltaic array to AC power and apply the AC power to the distribution system, a damping portion configured to damp high frequency voltages derived from the inverter, and trapping circuitry coupled to the damping portion that is configured to reduce a level of low frequency current traveling through the damping portion.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for converting DC power to AC power. The system includes a master controller that couples to a phase of a power distribution system and provides a synchronization signal, the phase of the power distribution system having a phase voltage. The system also includes a plurality of DC-to-AC series-connectable power converters, that receive and use the synchronization signal to convert a variable DC voltage from a corresponding one a plurality of photovoltaic panels to a variable AC voltage so that a plurality of corresponding variable AC voltages are generated by the plurality series-connectable power converters, and collectively the plurality of corresponding variable AC voltages add up the phase voltage, and each of the series-connectable power converters controls, responsive to the synchronization signal, the variable AC voltage so that the plurality of corresponding variable AC voltages are in phase.

Abstract: A combustor for a turbine engine includes an outer liner and an inner liner circumscribed by the outer liner to form a combustion chamber therewith in which an air and fuel mixture is combusted to form streamlines of combustion gases. A first plurality of effusion cooling holes is formed in at least one of the inner or outer liners, with the first plurality of effusion cooling holes being oriented as a function of the streamlines.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system, method and apparatus are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a photovoltaic array, a distribution system that distributes power within a premises of a demand-side energy consumer, an inverter coupled to the distribution system that is configured to convert DC power from the photovoltaic array to AC power and apply the AC power to the distribution system, a damping portion configured to damp high frequency voltages derived from the inverter, and trapping circuitry coupled to the damping portion that is configured to reduce a level of low frequency current traveling through the damping portion.

Abstract: A controller area network (CAN) data link is provided including a first node, a second node, and a transformer circuit connected between the first and second nodes to provide electrical isolation. The transformer circuit provides the requisite electrical isolation and is reliable under high temperatures.

Abstract: A controller area network (CAN) data link is provided including a first node, a second node, and a transformer circuit connected between the first and second nodes to provide electrical isolation. The transformer circuit provides the requisite electrical isolation and is reliable under high temperatures.