Method and apparatus for selectively distributing power in a thruster system
First Claim
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1. A control system comprising:
- a thruster assembly for producing a discharge;
a cathode assembly for producing an electron beam, the cathode assembly having emitter, heater and keeper elements;
at least one magnetic device operatively associated with the thruster assembly for generating a magnetic field to control the discharge;
a power supply for supplying power to the system; and
a power distribution circuit coupled to the cathode assembly, the at least one magnetic device, and the power supply, for selectively providing power to the keeper, the heater and the at least one magnetic device.
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Abstract
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.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A control system comprising:
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a thruster assembly for producing a discharge; a cathode assembly for producing an electron beam, the cathode assembly having emitter, heater and keeper elements; at least one magnetic device operatively associated with the thruster assembly for generating a magnetic field to control the discharge; a power supply for supplying power to the system; and a power distribution circuit coupled to the cathode assembly, the at least one magnetic device, and the power supply, for selectively providing power to the keeper, the heater and the at least one magnetic device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A control apparatus comprising:
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a power supply for providing a source of power; a power distribution circuit coupled to the power supply; and a cathode assembly coupled to the power distribution circuit for discharging an electron beam, the cathode assembly enclosing heater, emitter and keeper elements; wherein the power distribution circuit receives power from the power supply and selectively distributes the received power to one or both of the heater and the keeper elements. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for controlling discharge components comprising:
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providing an electron beam generating device; providing a magnetic field generating device; providing a power source; and distributing power from said power source to the electron beam generating device and/or the magnetic field generating device by operation of a plurality of switching devices. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification