Hyperspanner

The hyperspanner is an invaluable tool for all Engineering and Operations Officers. While somewhat similar in both use and appearance to the magnetic probe, hyperspanners are both considerably safer and easier to use. This device monitors, calibrates, and adjusts the plasma flow in the plasma injectors used in the electroplasma systems (EPS). It also helps control the plasma flow inside the EPS conduits.

Since EPS systems are the primary power generation system on both starships and starbases, and serve as an integral portion of all impulse drives, taking the EPS system completely offline for maintenance and repair is usually impractical unless a ship is berthed in a repair facility. Engineers most often use hyperspanners to regulate the EPS plasma flow without shutting down critical systems. They also reroute the plasma flow around damaged components and precisely measure compression stresses in the plasma if the internal EPS monitors are damaged or offline. This device can also temporarily shut off small portions of the EPS flow without compromising the integrity or the function of the rest of the system.

Hyperspanners use a miniature array of polarized gravimetric projectors to create and direct several different sets of force fields. The unit's primary force field activates when its xynium-based sensors detect significant plasma density. This field protects both the unit and the user's arm from actually encountering the plasma. Failure of the primary field can result in severe plasma burns. The secondary force fields actually measure and manipulate the plasma flow. If the primary field fails, the secondary fields automatically compensate to provide protection for the device and its user while manipulating the plasma. Unfortunately, the secondary field can operate in this dual mode for approximately two minutes only.

Reference(s)

• Isaacs, Ross A., et al. Starfleet Academy Handbook, New York: Last Unicorn Games, 1999.