The Technology
Extremely Ingenious Engineering high voltage technology can control the formation and direction of an electric arc. This application is useful in manufacturing processes and is a basis for other EIE technologies.

• Arcs can be formed in air.
• Arcs terminate in air – only one electrode!
• No vacuum or exotic gases required.

How it works
A high voltage is generated through use of novel Resonant Transformers. These transformers are a centerpiece of EIE technology.

The resonant transformers are driven at relatively high frequencies, made possible by advances in solid state power transistors. An arc formation electrode terminates several stages of coil windings, for the formation of the arc. Control of the arc is provided through manipulation of the electric field. The arc propagates through air at standard temperature and pressure. Arc termination occurs in air, without using a termination electrode. Control of the electric field essentially sets up the surrounding atmosphere as a capacitor, controlled arc discharge occurs between the electrode and an air 'capacitor’ plate.

• Arcs are controlled and follow a straight path.

The initial arc formation follows the field lines, generated by the multistage resonant
transformer. An alternative arrangement is to use a laser to provide an ionization path for the arc for finer control.

Application
We envision this technology as useful to various manufacturing processes. It may also be useful toward novel displays and similar devices. The high voltage generation and field control technology from this device is also widely used in other EIE applications.