US3783227A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fully energized plasma jet
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-04-15
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Granted: 1974-01-01
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Expires: 1991-04-15
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for generating a more efficient, fully energized plasma are disclosed. The gas is introduced into an enclosed channel where it is subjected to an electromagnetic field. The field is adjusted to energize the gas close to its ionization potential. The energized gas is then passed through a nozzle and into and through a high voltage electrical arc where it is converted to a plasma. In another embodiment, the gas passing through the nozzle is first subjected to a high voltage electrical field where it is further energized prior to being subjected to an electric arc and thus converted to a plasma.
Inventors
- 👤 M Aitken
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:40
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K10/00; H; H05; H05H; H05H1/00; H05H1/24; H05H1/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of converting a gas to a plasma comprising flowing the gas in a channel means, electromagnetically exciting the gas in the channel means to energize it at least partially, passing the energized gas through a nozzle means, and subjecting the energized gas to an electric arc whereby the gas is converted to a plasma.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of converting a gas to a plasma comprising flowing the gas in a channel means, electromagnetically exciting the gas in the channel means to energize it at least partially, passing the energized gas through a nozzle means, and subjecting the energized gas to an electric arc whereby the gas is converted to a plasma.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the gas is electromagnetically excited by a high frequency wave source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the gas is energized close to its ionization potential in the channel means.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of converting a gas to a plasma comprising flowing the gas in a channel means, electromagnetically exciting the gas in the channel means to energize it at least partially, flowing the energized gas through a nozzle means, subjecting the energized gas to an electrical field downstream of the nozzle means to further energize the gas, and converting the gas to a plasma by means of an electric arc.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of converting a gas to a plasma comprising flowing the gas in a channel means, electromagnetically exciting the gas in the channel means to energize it at least partially, flowing the energized gas through a nozzle means, subjecting the energized gas to an electrical field downstream of the nozzle means to further energize the gas, and converting the gas to a plasma by means of an electric arc.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the gas is electromagnetically excited by a high frequency wave source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the gas is energized close to its ionization potential at least in the channel means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
103 words
A plasma jet apparatus comprising enclosed channel means, means for introducing a gas into the channel means, a plurality of first electrodes disposed in the channel means, an electromagnetic field source connected to the first electRodes to energize the gas in the channel means, a nozzle in communication with the channel means, a plurality of second electrodes in communication with the channel means and positioned downstream of the nozzle, and a power source attached to the second electrodes whereby an electric arc is generated between the second electrodes and the gas is converted to a plasma as it flows past the second electrodes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
103 words
A plasma jet apparatus comprising enclosed channel means, means for introducing a gas into the channel means, a plurality of first electrodes disposed in the channel means, an electromagnetic field source connected to the first electRodes to energize the gas in the channel means, a nozzle in communication with the channel means, a plurality of second electrodes in communication with the channel means and positioned downstream of the nozzle, and a power source attached to the second electrodes whereby an electric arc is generated between the second electrodes and the gas is converted to a plasma as it flows past the second electrodes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the nozzle is comprised of a non-conductive material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the electromagnetic field source is a high frequency wave source.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising means to cool the second electrodes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a heat shield adjacent to the channel means, the heat shield having cooling means therein.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the electromagnetic field source is connected to the first electrodes by detachable connecting means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the power source is connected to the second electrodes by detachable connecting means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein at least one of the first electrodes is adapted to be adjusted in the channel means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the plurality of second electrodes are disposed in a cap means which is releasably connected to the channel means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the high frequency wave source generates waves in the range of 1 to 45 megacycles.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the channel means comprises a tube of Teflon, the nozzle is comprised of carbon, and the second electrodes are comprised of tungston.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
152 words
A plasma jet apparatus comprising enclosed channel means, means for introducing a gas into the channel means, a plurality of first electrodes disposed in the channel means, a first electromagnetic field source connected to the first electrodes to energize the gas in the channel means, a nozzle in communication with the channel means, a plurality of second electrodes in communication with the channel means and positioned downstream of the nozzle, a second electromagnetic field source attached to the nozzle and the second electrodes whereby the gas is further energized as it flows through the nozzle and past the second electrodes, a plurality of third electrodes in communication with the channel means and positioned downstream of the second electrodes, and a power source attached to the third electrodes whereby an electric arc is generated between the third electrodes and the gas is converted to a plasma as it flows past the third electrodes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
152 words
A plasma jet apparatus comprising enclosed channel means, means for introducing a gas into the channel means, a plurality of first electrodes disposed in the channel means, a first electromagnetic field source connected to the first electrodes to energize the gas in the channel means, a nozzle in communication with the channel means, a plurality of second electrodes in communication with the channel means and positioned downstream of the nozzle, a second electromagnetic field source attached to the nozzle and the second electrodes whereby the gas is further energized as it flows through the nozzle and past the second electrodes, a plurality of third electrodes in communication with the channel means and positioned downstream of the second electrodes, and a power source attached to the third electrodes whereby an electric arc is generated between the third electrodes and the gas is converted to a plasma as it flows past the third electrodes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the nozzle is comprised of a conductive material.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first electromagnetic field source is a high frequency wave source.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the second electromagnetic field source is a high frequency wave source.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising means to cool the second and third electrodes.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a heat shield adjacent to the channel means, the heat shield having cooling means therein.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein at least one of the first electrodes is adapted to be adjusted in the channel means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-31 | 1977-07-02 | 1978-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-31 | 1981-07-02 | 1982-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-31 | 1985-07-02 | 1986-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |