Abstract: A method of producing an economical DC/DC converter that efficiently produces a relatively low output voltage and operates in a high ionizing radiation dose environment such as found in spacecraft and particle accelerator applications. That is, the converter comprises two P-channel FETs, a switching means for switching conductivity between the two P-channel FETs, and output means for outputting an output voltage. The output voltage being a step-down voltage that is unaffected by high-ionizing radiation such that is found in space or particle accelerators.

Abstract: A radiation tolerant high-power DC/DC converter is disclosed. The converter does not incorporate radiation-hardened parts, but instead uses p-channel FET switches that have a negative gate threshold voltage. With exposure to radiation, the gate threshold voltage decreases, becoming more negative. Thus, the gate is still controllable.

Abstract: A non-radiation hardened N-channel transistor used in a power switching circuit functioning in a high-ionizing, radiation-dose environment. The circuit including at least one non-radiation hardened N-channel MOSFET switching transistors, the transistor having a gate, drain and a source. The circuit also includes a stored voltage source. The stored voltage source is in series with the gate of the at least one non-radiation hardened N channel MOSFET switching transistors. A high impedance bleeder resistor is connected to the stored voltage source for returning the positive terminal of the stored voltage source to the channel MOSFET source terminal.

Abstract: A method of producing an economical DC/DC converter that efficiently produces a relatively low output voltage and operates in a high ionizing radiation dose environment such as found in spacecraft and particle accelerator applications. That is, the converter comprises two P-channel FETs, a switching means for switching conductivity between the two P-channel FETs, and output means for outputting an output voltage. The output voltage being a step-down voltage that is unaffected by high-ionizing radiation such that is found in space or particle accelerators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-tolerant-solid-state-relay without radiation-hardened parts. A p-channel MOSFET provides power-switching functionality. In further detail, the solid-state-relay comprises a bias section, a control section, and a power-switch section. The bias section provides a voltage bias to the control section, the control section provides a control voltage to the power switch section as a function of the voltage bias, and the power switch section provides a switching voltage to the P-channel MOSFET as a function of the control voltage.

Abstract: A radiation tolerant electrical component is provided without a radiation hardened material FET. A p-channel MOSFET provides switching capabilities in radiated environments because its gate voltage starts at a negative value and becomes more negative with exposure to radiation. Therefore, the gate is still controllable when exposed to radiation.

Abstract: A system and methodology are provided for providing car wash services according to a voucher code. The system obtains the voucher code from a voucher and determines whether the voucher code is expired or has been previously used. Based on the validity determination, car wash services are selectively provided according to desired wash service information obtained from the voucher code, as well as additional or upgraded services desired by a car wash customer at the time the voucher is presented. The system determines the validity of a voucher code by accessing a network or chain management system which maintains a database of voucher code usage information, thus allowing a determination at any site in the network or chain of whether the voucher has expired or has been previously used. The system further provides the capability of obtaining voucher code usage reports from any site in the chain.

Abstract: A high voltage power supply having a low voltage input comprising a transformer having a primary winding, an input switching means coupled to the primary, first and second groups of secondary windings each of which are sub-divided into a plurality of component windings, and voltage converters coupled to each of the component windings for producing series output voltages of opposite polarities across the groups of secondary windings. First and second output switching means alternately switch the series output voltages to provide an intermediate voltage at a common point which is the input of a diode capacitor multiplier circuit thereby producing at its output a high voltage output.

Abstract: A portable high pressure sodium lamp lighting system is mounted on a mobile cart, the cart carrying a mobile power supply in the form of a automotive type battery. The portable lighting system employs a standard high pressure sodium luminaire designed to be driven by 115 volt 60 cycle utility generated power. A DC to AC converter is employed which converts the DC battery supply to a 115 volt simulated 60 cycle supply. The AC characteristic is simulated by generating a quasi-square wave form which approximates a 60 cycle characteristic when driving the luminaire.

Abstract: A portable high pressure sodium lamp lighting system is mounted on a mobile cart, the cart carrying a mobile power supply in the form of an automotive type battery. The portable lighting system employs a standard high pressure sodium luminaire designed to be driven by 115 volt 60 cycle utility generated power. A DC to AC converter is employed which converts the DC battery supply to a 115 volt simulated 60 cycle supply. The AC characteristic is simulated by generating a quasi-square wave form which approximates a 60 cycle characteristic when driving the luminaire.

Abstract: A digital tachometer arrangement in which pulses resulting from rotation of a shaft, are counted over a predetermined time interval. The time interval is established by counting pulses from a high frequency oscillator. The counting of pulses from the high frequency oscillator is begun only at a predetermined instant when the pulses from the rotating shaft attain a positive edge. Relating the beginning of the time interval precisely to a predetermine edge of the pulses from the rotating shaft, provides for a stabilized display which counts the pulses from the shaft during the preset time interval. The count of the pulses from the rotating shaft over the preset time interval, is proportional to the rotational speed of the shaft, and is displayed on a digital readout connected to a binary-coded decimal counter receiving pulses from the rotating shaft.