Abstract: A compact high-power pure-sinewave inverter amenable to mass manufacturing techniques. Methods for increasing the power rating, power density and/or power conversion efficiency of a sinewave-modulated pulse-width-modulated (PWM) inverter having a either half-bridge or full-bridge topology, including minimizing uncoupled inductances and loop inductances in the primary winding(s) by employing either ribbon-like conductors having a high crossectional aspect ratio or litz-wire. A compact linear heatsink adapted to cool a row of semiconductor devices (such as inverter switches) mounted on a high-current printed circuit board. Methods for inexpensive manufacture of a fluid-cooled linear heat sink. A transformer including a filter inductor core.

Abstract: A compact high-power pure-sinewave inverter amenable to mass manufacturing techniques. Methods for increasing the power rating, power density and/or power conversion efficiency of a sinewave-modulated pulse-width-modulated (PWM) inverter having a either half-bridge or full-bridge topology, including minimizing uncoupled inductances and loop inductances in the primary winding(s) by employing either ribbon-like conductors having a high crossectional aspect ratio or litz-wire. A compact linear heatsink adapted to cool a row of semiconductor devices (such as inverter switches) mounted on a high-current printed circuit board. Methods for inexpensive manufacture of a fluid-cooled linear heat sink. A transformer including a filter inductor core.

Abstract: A method and structure for electric power management that economically satisfies peak power demand and immediately satisfies a sudden substantial increase in power demand. An electric power management system comprises a first circuit element in parallel with a second circuit element, and a load in parallel with the first circuit element. The first circuit element includes a first direct current (DC) energy source in series with a first diode that prevents current backflow into the first energy source. The first energy source may comprise a conventional energy source such as fossil fuel, natural gas, hydroelectric power, etc. Alternatively, the first energy source may comprise an alternative energy source such as, inter alia, fuel cells, solar cells, wind power, and biomass power.

Abstract: A linear reciprocating machine has a tubular outer stator housing a coil, a plunger and an inner stator. The plunger has four axially spaced rings of radially magnetized permanent magnets which cooperate two at a time with the stator to complete first or second opposite magnetic paths. The four rings of magnets and the stators are arranged so that the stroke of the plunger is independent of the axial length of the coil.

Abstract: In a locking system, a combination of mechanical tumblers which are moved into a release position by the shape of the key and at least one magnetic tumbler which is drawn into the release position by a visually nondiscernible magnet placed on the key. The lock style being standard in that it includes inner and outer cylinders wherein the inner cylinder rotates between an open and locked position. In an alternate embodiment of the subject invention, an additional tumbler made from a magnetically attractible material is placed in the cylinders and biased to the open position. Should the key being used to open the lock contain a magnet substantially adjacent to this additional magnetic tumbler, the tumbler will be drawn to the locked position thereby preventing the rotation and opening of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: A stability control system for a free piston Stirling engine/alternator power unit whose engine power is an exponential function on the engine piston stroke and whose alternator power demand is also an exponential function of the piston stroke, and wherein the engine exponent is normally equal to or greater than the alternator exponent, includes a connection through a rectifier between the alternator output terminals and the alternator field windings. This increases the alternator exponent above the engine exponent to make the system stable. The large time constant of the field winding inductance, which would tend to slow the response time during transients, can be avoided by adding a suitable resistance in series with the field winding.

Abstract: A linear electrodynamic machine is disclosed having permanent magnet excitation and an end flux leakage control. A flux carrying body having a plurality of annular magnets of alternating radially oriented polarities is disposed concentrically with respect to a stator having a plurality of annular wound coils. Relative axial reciprocation of the body and stator causes a reversal of the flux linking the coils while the flux in the body remains substantially constant. Focusing magnets provided on each end of the body and axial extensions provided on the stator insure uniformity of the alternating flux linking the coils and a constant flux intensity in the body to achieve high efficiencies.

Abstract: An inherent shutdown system for a nuclear reactor having neutron absorbing rods affixed to an armature which is held in an upper position by a magnetic flux flowing through a Curie temperature material. The Curie temperature material is fixedly positioned about the exterior of an inner duct in an annular region through which reactor coolant flows. Elongated fuel rods extending from within the core upwardly toward the Curie temperature material are preferably disposed within the annular region. Upon abnormal conditions which result in high neutron flux and coolant temperature, the Curie material loses its magnetic permeability, breaking the magnetic flux path and allowing the armature and absorber rods to drop into the core, thus shutting down the fissioning reaction. The armature and absorber rods are retrieved by lowering the housing for the electromagnet forming coils which create a magnetic flux path which includes the inner duct wall. The coil housing then is raised, resetting the armature.

Abstract: A multipole circuit breaker including a latch release actuator having a trip coil and a hold-in coil coaxially surrounding a plunger and mounted within a hollow cylindrical actuator support frame. The actuator is mounted in association with a latch mechanism and includes a spring biasing the plunger toward release of the latch mechanism. The hold-in coil is responsive to voltage conditions on an external control line and serves to oppose the action of the bias spring and maintain the plunger in a position to prevent release of the latch mechanism when the voltage on the control line is above a predetermined level.

Abstract: A plurality of single phase arrays have disc-type rotors and stators and are supported in tandem with adjacent arrays separated by magnetic partitions. Polyphase operation is achieved by time shifting the dynamic magnetic field induced within the N.sup.th array with respect to the dynamic magnetic field induced within the (N-1).sup.st array. A static magnetic field structure provides optimum power factor with respect to maximum average torque. A disc structure is provided which realizes maximum available starting torque regardless of rotor position.