Olin Corporation

Aerojet-general Corporation

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.

Primex Technologies, Inc.

Steven D Meyer

David Q King

Robert J Kay

An apparatus is disclosed for simultaneously measuring the rotational speed and/or direction of a shaft, and providing control power in accordance with the shaft rotation. The apparatus includes a permanent magnet machine (PMM) having a multipole rotor and a stator. The rotor has a plurality of permanent magnet poles and connection to the rotating shaft; the stator includes a winding and electrical connections, so that motion of the rotor with respect to the stator causes a voltage signal at the electrical connections. The apparatus also includes a circuit including a power conversion portion and a speed/direction sensing portion. The circuit receives the voltage signal from the PMM, and simultaneously outputs control power from the power conversion portion and a signal indicating the rotational speed and/or direction of the shaft from the sensing portion.

Dual purpose permanent magnet speed sensor and generator

A method and apparatus for using a magnetic field generated by a thruster magnet to control electron current emitted by a cathode assembly. The magnetic field reduces leakage current drawn by an inactive anode by producing a magnetic field in proximity to the inactive anode. This magnetic field increases the impedance to the anode for electron current which is produced in the cathode assembly. This reduction in leakage current reduces the amount of electron current produced by the cathode assembly. This control system can be implemented by connecting all thruster anodes and cathodes in parallel to an anode power supply.

Method and apparatus for magnetic voltage isolation

A single power control circuit selectively distributes power from a power supply to cathode heater, cathode keeper and thruster magnets of a thruster. The power control circuit utilizes a plurality of switching devices to direct power to one or more of the heater, keeper, and magnet components.

Method and apparatus for selectively distributing power in a thruster

There is disclosed an arcjet starter for igniting and sustaining an electric arc in an arcjet thruster. The arcjet starter is capable of delivering a short duration, high voltage pulse for igniting the arc and then providing a continuous low voltage, high amperage current for sustaining the arc. The starter has two separate magnetics, one for initiating breakdown in the arcjet and another for sustaining breakdown during steady state operation.

Parallel arcjet starter system

A control for an electroluminescent panel which utilizes a resonant switch, preferably comprising two silicon-controlled rectifiers mounted anti-parallel. The amplitude of the output voltage of the resonant switch going the panel is changed by changing the voltage at which the switch is turned on. The voltage in the panel is resonated from one polarity through zero to the opposite polarity.

Growing community of inventors

Snohomish, WA, United States of America

Steven D Meyer