Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of direct current (DC) power connectors and methods to manufacture the same. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a connector plug with improved power capacity and structural rigidity. The connector plug includes an inner body and an outer body coupled to transmit power through the DC power connector, wherein the inner body is concentrically arranged within the outer body, and an insulating barrel that is coupled between the inner body and the outer body to electrically isolate the inner body from the outer body. The inner body and outer body comprise a base metal or metal alloy having an electrical conductivity ranging between 30% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS) and greater than or equal to 99% IACS.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for igniting a fuel mixture. Set apparatus comprises an ignition system for generating a high-voltage ignition voltage as well as a circuit device comprising a circuit for superimposing a high-frequency signal on to the high-voltage ignition voltage. The apparatus further comprises a spark plug in an engine block as well as a transmission element for transmitting the ignition voltage, onto which the high-frequency signal has been superimposed, to the spark plug. The transmission element includes a contact element which is provided with an electrically conductive coating along at least one portion of the longitudinal axis of the contact element, the impedance of the coding being lower than the impedance of the contact element.

Abstract: An igniter apparatus which generates a high speed buoyancy induced vortex to funnel hydrogen and air from the surrounding onto the “igniter core” where an “igniter core” heats up to the auto ignition temperature by the exothermic catalytic oxidation of hydrogen on its surface. Water (vapor) is formed as the product, which inhibits the oxidation reaction, if not stripped away from the catalyst surface. The high velocity of the vortex ensures the stripping of the boundary layer of steam that is formed by the reaction, thus ensuring more active sites are available for hydrogen oxidation. The vortex is formed by channeling an upward draft into a vortex by guided fins. The upward draft is formed by a plate, which is also coated with a hydrogen recombination catalyst. The plate becomes hot by the same catalytic oxidation reaction in the presence of air containing hydrogen.

Abstract: An ignition system having a spark plug, a discharge power supply, and an AC power supply. Voltage from the discharge power supply and AC power from the AC power supply are supplied to a spark discharge gap through an electrode of the spark plug. The AC power from the AC power supply is applied to a spark generated by the voltage from the discharge power supply in the spark discharge gap.

Abstract: An ignition plug that promotes expansion of flame and enhances spark corrosion resistance, said plug includes a center electrode; a tubular insulator holding the center electrode; a tubular metallic shell holding the insulator; and a ground electrode having a bent portion and a facing end surface. A plurality of peak voltages can be applied to the center electrode after application of a voltage for trigger discharge thereto. When a forward end surface of the center electrode and the facing end surface are projected onto a plane orthogonal to axial direction of the center electrode, the projection of the center of the forward end surface and the projection of the facing end surface overlap with each other, and the projection of a remote-side edge portion of the facing end surface which is located on the side remote from the bent portion is located within the projection of the forward end surface.

Abstract: The plasma generation device 30 is provided with a high frequency generation device 37 that generates a high frequency wave, and a high frequency radiator 15 that radiates the high frequency wave outputted from the high frequency generation device 37 to a target space 10, and generates plasma by supplying energy of the high frequency wave to the target space 10. In the plasma generation device 30, the high frequency generation device 37 is provided with an oscillator 41 that oscillates a high frequency wave, and an amplifier 42 that amplifies and outputs the high frequency wave oscillated by the oscillator 41 to the high frequency radiator 15. In the high frequency generating device 37 the amplifier 42 alone is integrated with the high frequency radiator 15, from among the oscillator 41 and the amplifier 42.

Abstract: An ignition coil device includes a primary coil, a switching member, a secondary coil and a parallel circuit. The primary coil is to be connected to an external power source. The switching member switches an on state and an off state of electric power supply from the power source to the primary coil. The secondary coil generates a voltage that causes spark discharge at a spark plug as the electric power supply from the power source is switched from the on state to the off state by the switching member. The parallel circuit includes a series coil and a resistor. The series coil is connected in series with a conducting section that electrically connects the secondary coil to the spark plug. The resistor is connected to the conducting section in parallel with the series coil and having a fixed electric resistance value.

Abstract: A device for quick closing of an electric circuit having a main spark gap with main electrodes and a triggering device. The triggering device has an auxiliary spark gap with auxiliary electrodes for igniting an arc in the main spark gap. The auxiliary electrodes are shielded from the main spark gap by a shielding unit having channel means extending therethrough from an auxiliary spark gap facing side to a main spark gap facing side of the shielding unit. The device further includes a nozzle with a first end being most close to the auxiliary spark gap and a second end most close to the main spark gap. The first end has an inlet opening that is in connection with the channel means and the second end has an outlet opening. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and to a use of the device.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing pulse voltage energy and electromagnetic wave energy in the same transmission line is provided with a first input terminal to which an electromagnetic wave is inputted, a second input terminal to which pulse voltage is inputted, a mixing output terminal from which the pulse voltage and the electromagnetic wave are outputted, a bar-shaped first conductive member of which one end is electrically connected to the second input terminal and the other end is electrically connected to an inner conductor of the mixing output terminal, a cylindrical second conductive member which surrounds the first conductive member with a gap therebetween and is disposed coaxially with the first conductive member and electrically connected to an inner conductor of the first input terminal, and a cylindrical third conductive member which houses the first conductive member and the second conductive member with a gap between the second conductive member and the third conductive member and is disposed coaxially with t

Abstract: The disclosure relates methods and related systems for controlling corona discharge in a combustion chamber without causing an arc strike. The methods can include measuring a baseline impedance of a circuit in electrical communication with an electrode, measuring an actual impedance of the circuit, determining an impedance setpoint based at least in part on the baseline impedance, comparing the actual impedance to the impedance setpoint, and adjusting the actual impedance based at least in part on the comparison between the actual impedance and the impedance setpoint. The electrode is arranged to deliver a corona discharge to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An ignition system that sufficiently utilizes the energy output from a power supply, to thereby realize excellent ignition performance. The ignition system includes an ignition plug having a spark discharge gap formed between a center electrode and a ground electrode, and a power supply for supplying electric energy to the spark discharge gap. Electric energy output from the power supply for producing spark discharge of one unit is set to 100 mJ or greater. S1?[{?30 (mm?1)×G1+60}/100]×S2 and G1<2.0 are satisfied wherein G1 represents the size (mm) of the spark discharge, S1 represents an area (mm2) defined with a region obtained by removing, from a projection region of the center electrode, a region where the projection region overlaps with a projection region of the ground electrode and S2 represents an area (mm2) defined with the projection region of the center electrode.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus is provided with an ignition plug (101) including a first electrode (101a) that generates a high voltage by means of energy supplied by an ignition coil device (102), a second electrode (101b) that faces the first electrode (101a) through a first gap and causes in the first gap a spark discharge for igniting a fuel, and a third electrode (101c) that faces the first electrode through a second gap that is smaller than the first gap, and is connected with the second electrode (101b) by way of an electric conductor (302) having a predetermined resistance value; a control apparatus drives the ignition coil device (102) twice or more times in a single ignition process so that the ignition plug causes a spark discharge.

Abstract: A device for electrical distribution in an ignition system of an engine of an aircraft provided with a primary electrical supply and a secondary electrical supply, a primary igniter, and a secondary igniter, is provided with an electrical supply system adapted to supply at least one of the igniters alternately via one or the other of the electrical supplies. The electrical supply system is provided with a switch adapted to supply one of the igniters to which it is connected via one or the other of the electrical supplies. A detecting means detects if the igniter that is connected to the switch is also connected to the other electrical supply. The switch may have a relay supplied via one of the electrical supplies so that, in the event of defect of this supply, the igniter to which the switch is connected will be connected to the other electrical supply.

Abstract: An integrated exciter-igniter architecture is disclosed that integrates compact, direct-mounted exciter electronics with an aerospace designed igniter to reduce overall ignition system complexity. The integrated exciter-igniter unit hermetically seals exciter electronics within a stainless steel enclosure or housing. The stainless enclosure enables the exciter electronics to remain near atmospheric pressure while the unit is exposed to vacuum conditions. The exciter electronics include a DC-DC converter, timing circuitry, custom-designed PCBs, a custom-designed main power transformer, and a high voltage ignition coil. All of which are packaged together in the stainless steel enclosure. The integrated exciter-igniter unit allows for efficient energy delivery to the spark gap and eliminates the need for a high voltage cable to distribute the high voltage, high energy pulses.

Abstract: A corona igniter (20) includes an ignition coil (26) providing a high voltage energy to an electrode. The coil (26) is disposed in a housing (34) and electrically isolated by a coil filler (36) and a capacitance reducing component (38) which together improve energy efficiency of the system. The coil filler (36) includes an insulating resin permeating the coil (26). The capacitance reducing component (38) has a permittivity not greater than 6, for example ambient air, pressurized gas, insulating oil, or a low permittivity solid. The capacitance reducing compound (38) surrounds the coil (26) and other components and fills the remaining housing volume. The coil filler (36) has a filler volume and the capacitance reducing component (38) has a component volume greater than the filler volume.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device for an igniter comprises: a first semiconductor switching device; and an integrated circuit, wherein the integrated circuit includes: a second semiconductor switching device connected in parallel with the first semiconductor switching device and having a smaller current capacity than a current capacity of the first semiconductor switching device; a delay circuit delaying a control input signal so that the second semiconductor switching device is energized prior to the first semiconductor switching device; a third semiconductor switching device including a thyristor structure connected to a high voltage side main terminal of the second semiconductor switching device and being made conductive by a part of a main current flowing through the energized second semiconductor switching device; and a first excess voltage detection circuit stopping the first semiconductor switching device when voltage on the high voltage side main terminal is equal to or more than a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for exothermic welding comprising a mold which is formed of a material which withstands exothermic welding temperatures and includes a weld cavity therein for positioning at least two members which are to be exothermically welded together, and an ignition cavity communicating with the weld cavity. The mold is capable of accommodating any one of several exothermic welding procedures which may involve either a flint igniter or the use of an electrical igniter which is readily accommodated by the mold in the performance of several of the procedures. The electrical igniter is formed of a pair of flat, longitudinally extending conductor strips with a sheet of insulation laminated therebetween, a filament adjacent one end of the strips, and one or more positioning tabs adjacent one end of the strips. A cartridge is also provided which contains the weld metal and the electrical igniter and which may be positioned in the ignition cavity of the mold.

Abstract: In aspects of the invention, there is provided an igniting semiconductor device that can prevent burning of an IGBT or ignition coil, and erroneous ignition, even when reducing the size of a capacitor that generates a self-interrupting circuit time constant. In some aspects, a semiconductor device of the invention is configured of an IGBT and a current control circuit. The current control circuit can be configured of a first series circuit wherein an IGBT and a sense resistor are connected in series, a drive signal control circuit, and a self-interrupting circuit. At a time of abnormal operation, the self-interrupting circuit can output a voltage whose amplitude temporally drops in stages toward 0V to the drive signal control circuit. The drive signal control circuit can control the amplitude of a drive control signal so that the voltage across the sense resistor is equivalent to the output voltage of the self-interrupting circuit.

Abstract: An ignition system having a spark plug, a discharge power supply, and an AC power supply. Voltage from the discharge power supply and AC power from the AC power supply are supplied to a spark discharge gap through an electrode of the spark plug. The AC power from the AC power supply is applied to a spark generated by the voltage from the discharge power supply in the spark discharge gap.

Abstract: A flare ignition apparatus for igniting a flare having a power supply, a flare igniter, and a power-out cable for providing a spark. The flare igniter can be solar powered, and can have a water-tight enclosure, an actuating member, a coil, a condenser, and time-delay relays. The power-out cable can be disposed proximate a designated flare point on a flare stack.

Abstract: A corona igniter 20 includes a central electrode 34 for receiving a high radio frequency voltage from a power source and emitting a radio frequency electric field to ionize a fuel-air mixture and provide a corona discharge 22. The corona igniter 20 includes an insulator 38 extending along the central electrode 34 longitudinally past the central electrode 34 to an insulator firing end 40. The insulator tiring surface 42 and the center axis A present an angle ? of not greater than 90 degrees therebetween, for example the insulator firing surface may be concave. The central electrode 34 may also include a firing tip 50, in which case the insulator firing surface 42 surrounds all sides of the firing tip 50. The geometry of the insulator firing surface 42 concentrates and directs the corona discharge 22.

Abstract: A system for operating a flame sensing device to obtain readings of increased accuracy without degrading the life of the sensor. There may be levels of a flame requiring a precise measurement. One improvement of accuracy uses higher voltage on the sensor, but this degrades the sensor and thus shortens it life. Further improvement may be achieved by limiting the time that the sensor is operated at a higher voltage. Readings, as if the sensor were operated at a higher voltage, may be inferred from actual readings of the sensor operated at a lower voltage.

Abstract: A system for generating a high DC voltage for a spark to ignite a flame in a combustion device, and a high AC voltage for a flame rod to sense a flame in the device, from a low voltage for combustion device control. The system may be an inexpensive mechanism.

Abstract: An ignition plug having a center electrode, an insulator holding the center electrode in an axial bore, and a ground electrode disposed in contact with a front end portion of the insulator and having a through-hole whose center coincides with the axis of the center electrode. A semiconductor layer in contact with the center electrode and the ground electrode is formed in a portion of the surface of the insulator.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing pulse voltage energy and electromagnetic wave energy in the same transmission line is provided with a first input terminal to which an electromagnetic wave is inputted, a second input terminal to which pulse voltage is inputted, a mixing output terminal from which the pulse voltage and the electromagnetic wave are outputted, a bar-shaped first conductive member of which one end is electrically connected to the second input terminal and the other end is electrically connected to an inner conductor of the mixing output terminal, a cylindrical second conductive member which surrounds the first conductive member with a gap therebetween and is disposed coaxially with the first conductive member and electrically connected to an inner conductor of the first input terminal, and a cylindrical third conductive member which houses the first conductive member and the second conductive member with a gap between the second conductive member and the third conductive member and is disposed coaxially with t

Abstract: A corona ignition system 20 includes a corona drive circuit 26 and an auxiliary energy circuit 28. The energy circuit 28 stores energy during a standard corona ignition cycle. When arc discharge occurs or corona discharge switches to an arc discharge, the energy circuit 28 discharges the stored energy to the electrode 30 to intentionally maintain a robust arc discharge 29 and thus provide reliable ignition. The stored energy is transmitted to the electrode 30 over a predetermined period of time. The arc discharge is detected and an arc control signal 60 is transmitted to the energy circuit 28, triggering discharge of the stored energy to the electrode 30. The stored energy can be transmitted to the electrode 30 along a variety of different paths. The voltage of the stored energy is typically increased by an energy transformer 70 before being transmitted to the electrode 30.

Abstract: An ignitor semiconductor apparatus can include an output stage IGBT that controls the ON and OFF of the primary current of ignition coil, a sensing IGBT and a sensing resistance for detecting the current flowing through output stage IGBT, gate resistance and a current control circuit that detects the voltage across sensing resistance and controls the current flowing through output stage IGBT. First and second gate control circuits separately control the gate voltages of IGBT's such that the gate voltage of the output stage IGBT is higher than the gate voltage of the sensing IGBT, when the current flowing through output stage IGBT is larger than a predetermined current value, and such that the gate voltage of output stage IGBT is lower than the gate voltage of sensing IGBT, when the current flowing through output stage IGBT is smaller than the predetermined current value.

Abstract: A flame rod drive signal generator and system for producing a flame rod drive signal for a flame rod of a combustion system. In one illustrative embodiment, the flame rod drive signal generator may include a voltage source, an input signal having a frequency, an LC oscillator and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may be powered by the voltage source, and may have an output coupled to the LC oscillator. The drive mechanism may receive the input signal, and produces a current in the LC oscillator that has a frequency that is related to the frequency of the input signal. The LC oscillator may then provide a flame rod drive signal to a flame rod that has an amplitude that is larger than the amplitude of the voltage source. In some cases, a controller may monitor the amplitude of the flame rod drive signal and adjust the frequency, duty cycle, or both, of the input signal to achieve a desired amplitude of the flame rod drive signal.

Abstract: The device for electrical distribution in an ignition system of an engine (100) of an aircraft provided with a primary electrical supply (105) and a secondary electrical supply (115), a primary igniter (110) and a secondary igniter (120) is provided with an electrical supply system (205, 225) adapted to supply at least one of the said igniters alternately via one or the other of the said electrical supplies. The electrical supply system is provided with a switch (205) adapted to supply the igniter to which it is connected via one or the other of the electrical supplies, and to simulate a defect of the electrical supply of these supplies. A detecting means makes it possible to detect if the igniter that is connected on the one hand to the switch is connected on the other hand to the other electrical supply.

Abstract: An integrated exciter-igniter architecture is disclosed that integrates compact, direct-mounted exciter electronics with an aerospace designed igniter to reduce overall ignition system complexity. The integrated exciter-igniter unit hermetically seals exciter electronics within a stainless steel enclosure or housing. The stainless enclosure enables the exciter electronics to remain near atmospheric pressure while the unit is exposed to vacuum conditions. The exciter electronics include a DC-DC converter, timing circuitry, custom-designed PCBs, a custom-designed main power transformer, and a high voltage ignition coil. All of which are packaged together in the stainless steel enclosure. The integrated exciter-igniter unit allows for efficient energy delivery to the spark gap and eliminates the need for a high voltage cable to distribute the high voltage, high energy pulses.

Abstract: A generator of a pseudoperiodic logic signal of mean period Tmean includes: a reference clock of period Tref, a logic memory, changing state on receipt of a pulse, a first mechanism producing a normal pulse on completion of a base time interval Tsec=K×T ref, with K an integer, a second mechanism producing a shifted pulse on completion of a modified time interval T?sec=(K±1)×Tref, and a selector capable of selecting the mechanism that produces the pulse, in such a way as to regularly include a shifted pulse so as to correct the mean period, to generate a pseudoperiodic signal. Such a generator may find application, as an example, to driving a resonator for producing a plasma spark for radiofrequency ignition.

Abstract: An electrode is provided that is adapted to both pierce a barrier and providing an over-air discharge of electrical energy. In this regard, an over air discharge of electrical energy may be provided to an opposing side of a barrier. In one arrangement, the electrode includes a tapered point, which may be a hardened material, to facilitate piercing a barrier. In a further arrangement, the electrode incorporates an insulative shaft. In this arrangement, the insulative shaft electrically isolates a conductor of the electrode from a conductive barrier. Accordingly, the electrode may be utilized to pierce metallic enclosures and provide an electrical discharge for the purpose of altering the operation of electronic device within such enclosures.

Abstract: A low voltage power supply circuit for intermittent pilot and/or direct spark ignition systems utilized in gas burning appliances is provided. The circuit utilizes a single transformer and a resonant circuit to supply power to both a flame sense circuit as well as the spark generation circuit. The resonant circuit allows the use of low power sources such as batteries or self-supplied voltage systems such as thermopiles or hydro generators. Recognizing that power draw from the low power source is high during a sparking event and recharging of a sparking capacitor, the flame sensing is suspended during the sparking event and for a short recharge time thereafter.

Abstract: An embodiment of a control circuit is proposed for turning on a power switching device, the switching device turning on in response to a control signal exceeding a threshold value. The control circuit includes pre-charging means for providing the control signal at a pre-charging value not reaching the threshold value, and soft turn-on means for gradually increasing the control signal from the pre-charging value to a turn-on value exceeding the threshold value; the pre-charging means includes means for sensing an indication of the threshold value, and means for setting the pre-charging value according to the sensed threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for initiation and control of a sustained metal plasma and nano plasma (macroparticulate) deposition methods for preparing modified metal coatings are provided. The plasma deposition process can be tightly controlled by virtue of a device that incorporates a plasma arc initiator component and an internal power supply that is capable of controlling dwell time on the target and the size range of particles ejected in the plasma arc.

Abstract: The ignition system is for use in a gas turbine engine. It comprises an ignition plug having a triggered spark gap therein.

Abstract: An ignition plug having a center electrode, an insulator holding the center electrode in an axial bore, and a ground electrode disposed in contact with a front end portion of the insulator and having a through-hole whose center coincides with the axis of the center electrode. A semiconductor layer in contact with the center electrode and the ground electrode is formed in a portion of the surface of the insulator.

Abstract: An optical emission spectrometry device is provided. In the optical emission spectrometry device, a discharge path is formed by connecting an ignition circuit to a discharge gap, and further connecting in parallel a plurality of sets of coils and driving circuits, each set having one coil and one driving circuit. Each driving circuit has two operation modes: an increasing operation mode of applying a predetermined potential difference to the corresponding coil of the set to increase the current passing through the corresponding coil, and a sustaining operation mode of directly connecting the corresponding coil of the set to the discharge path to sustain the current passing through the corresponding coil. Moreover, each driving circuit is controlled in such a way that the timing for the increasing operation mode in which the current passing through the coil increases alternates with the timing for the increasing operation mode of other driving circuit.

Abstract: A folding lighter that does not injure a finger or inadvertently ignite at pressing of the operating button at time of folding the swingarm to make the lighter compact. A folding lighter comprising body 2 housing a fuel tank 106 and a piezoelectric unit 102 and possessing on a side surface operating button 8, and swingarm 4 connected with free swinging to one end of body 2, and possessing a safety mechanism to prevent folding of swingarm 4 when foreign object 134 interposes between swingarm 4 and operating component 8 at time when swingarm 4 is being folded. The safety mechanism possesses swing preventer 120 that oscillatingly shifts by operation of operating component 8, and swing preventer 120 possesses first arm 121 that is pressed by pressing inward operation of operating component 8, and on the opposite side of axle socket 122 possesses second arm 123 that prevents swingarm 4 from being folded when first arm 121 is pressed by pressing inward operation of operating component 8.

Abstract: In the case of an ignition system for a gas turbine engine, the power (P1, P2) intended for the two ignition units (1, 2) is supplied via a power supply bus (10, 14) each comprising a standard bus (11, 11?; 15, 15?) and an emergency bus (12, 12?; 16, 16?), and a relay (13, 17) connected to the respective power supply line to the corresponding ignition unit. In the event of failure of power supply in a supply line for power P1 or P2, the corresponding relay will automatically (mechanically) switch over to the respective other power supply line, thus ensuring that the function of the ignition unit is maintained, even if—for whatever reasons—power supply to one or the other ignition unit is interrupted.

Abstract: A retractable igniter having a safety mechanism to retract the source of ignition during an inactive period, avoiding unnecessary contact with said source of ignition is described, such igniter comprises: an ignition chamber, an electrode, an electrical high voltage assembly, an external pipe, an internal pipe and an activation lever.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a device to be activated by electrical energy and a micro-switch that includes conductors and an element between the first and second conductors selected from the group consisting of: a dielectric element capable of being modulated to provide a conductive path in response to receipt of electrical energy; and an element moveable in response to application of an electrical energy. The micro-switch may be formed of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology or microelectronics technology.

Abstract: An electrode for an ignition device is made from a dilute nickel alloy which has improved resistance to high temperature oxidation, sulfidation, corrosive wear, deformation and fracture and includes at least 90% by weight of nickel; zirconium; boron and at least one element from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, silicon, chromium, titanium and manganese. The weight ratio of Zr/B may range from about 0.5 to 150, and may include amounts of, by weight of the alloy, 0.05-0.5% zirconium and 0.001-0.01% boron. The oxidation resistance of the alloy may also be improved by the addition of hafnium to the alloy in an amount that is comparable to the amount of zirconium, which may include an amount of, by weight of the alloy, 0.005-0.2% hafnium. Electrodes of dilute nickel alloys which include aluminum and silicon, as well as those which include chromium, silicon, manganese and titanium, are particularly useful as spark plug electrodes.

Abstract: A power switching control device for electric systems such as an ignition device for internal combustion engines has a control circuit IC and a switching IC. A temperature sensor is provided in the switching IC. The control circuit IC is joined to a grounding terminal through a conductive layer provided therebetween. Thus, the substrate potential of the control circuit IC is stabilized to the ground potential so that the temperature sensor is prohibited to operate erroneously due to electromagnetic noise.

Abstract: A ballast according to the present invention operates in an ignition state, a warm-up state, and a steady state for igniting and powering a lamp. The ballast comprises an igniter that ignites the lamp during the ignition state and a switching power inverter, for example, a full bridge DC-AC inverter implemented with MOSFET switching transistors, that powers the lamp during the warm-up and steady states. The switching power inverter, which drives the igniter, operates at a first switching frequency during the ignition state and operates at a second switching frequency during the steady state. Preferably, the first switching frequency, which in one exemplary embodiment is in the kHz range, is higher than the second switching frequency.

Abstract: In trigger/firing arrangement in a Marx generator comprising n stage capacitors—n being a natural number greater than 1-, the same amount of spark gaps and 2(n?1) charging branches, with the spark gaps operating in a self-breakdown mode, the trigger-/firing arrangement comprises at least a pulse transformer connected to an pulse generator in at least one of the charging branches of the Marx-generator, which with the associated stage capacitor bridges a spark gap—except for the output end spark gap—a pulse transformer is disposed, whose output winding operates during charging as a charging winding and whose input winding is connected to the pulse generator in such a way that the voltage pulse generated with this pulse transformer during triggering of the pulse generator is added to the charge voltage of the associated stage capacitor and, with a corresponding polarity, generates an over-voltage sufficient for initiating self-breakdown at this spark gap.

Abstract: A partitioned exciter system for use with an igniter in an aircraft engine. The exciter has low-energy charging circuit and a high-energy discharge circuit that are remotely located from each other and that are connected by a low-energy coaxial cable. The charging circuit can be located within the aircraft fuselage and the discharge circuit mounted at the engine. The discharge circuit contains passive components that do not need special environmental protection, and the remotely located charging circuit can utilize existing electrical circuitry protection measures already in place in the fuselage to protect against lightning and other potentially-damaging environmental factors. Also disclosed is a housing arrangement for the discharge circuit that allows it to be directly attached to the igniter.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a device to be activated by electrical energy and a micro-switch that includes conductors and an element between the first and second conductors selected from the group consisting of: a dielectric element capable of being modulated to provide a conductive path in response to receipt of electrical energy; and an element moveable in response to application of an electrical energy. The micro-switch may be formed of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology or microelectronics technology.

Abstract: An exciter circuit for a gas turbine engine delivers a first single high-energy spark followed by subsequent sparks of relatively lower energy to ensures start reliability by specifically clearing ice build-up at the ignition plugs.

Abstract: An arc gage (30) includes a non-electrically conductive housing (42) and a first electrically conductive pin (44) that is disposed therein. The first pin (44) has a first end (44A) disposed within the housing (42) and a second end (44B) disposed outside the housing (42). A second electrically conductive pin (46) that has a third end (46A) within the housing (42) and spaced apart from the first end (44A) forms a gap (52) therebetween. A fourth end (46B) of the second electrically conductive pin (46) is disposed outside the housing (42). The arc gage (30) may be a stand alone device or used as part of a spark checking device that includes a device housing a voltage generator and a wand (26) that is electrically coupled to the power terminal of a voltage generator (34) disposed within the device housing (28).