Abstract: A fluid compression system is disclosed. The fluid compression system may include a first compressor disposed in a first fluid conduit, a first valve disposed in the first fluid conduit upstream of the first compressor, a second valve disposed in the first fluid conduit downstream of the first compressor, a second compressor in fluid communication with the first compressor and configured to selectively pump fluid from the first compressor.

Abstract: A power switching apparatus is provided with a plurality of power switching elements in which each power switching element is configured to receive an input signal, a carry-in signal and two partial duty cycle signals. The power switching element is also configured to provide an output signal and a carry-out signal. A power switching apparatus made in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of such power switching elements associated together with each power switching element having it carry-in signal being provided by the carry-out signal of another preceding power switching element and, additionally, having it carry-out signal being associated with the carry-in signal of a subsequent associated power switching element. The combination of power switching elements provides a power switching apparatus with a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs wherein the plurality of outputs are generally equally distributed between two alternative wave forms.