US4745338A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electromagnetically sustained plasma reactor
Assignee: University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Filing: 1986-04-22
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Granted: 1988-05-17
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Expires: 2006-04-22
Abstract
Abstract An improved plasma arc reactor is provided with variably positionable electrodes, including a cylindrical anode electrode having an inner, frustoconical cavity providing a reaction chamber and a spherical cathode ball electrode mounted therein. Between these electrodes an arc discharge is induced and sustained to heat and ionize an inert gas to produce an arc plasma for refining raw material introduced into the reaction chamber. A magnetic induction coil is mounted around the outer diameter of the anode electrode to thereby establish a magnetic field to rotate the arc discharge and plasma within the reaction chamber.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel L. Hollis, Jr.
- 👤 Jerry T. McLendon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:54
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J37/00; H01J37/32; H01J37/32009; H01J37/32055; C; C22; C22B; C22B4/00; C22B4/005; C22B9/00; C22B9/16; C22B9/22; C22B9/226; H05; H05B; H05B7/00; H05H; H05H1/00; H05H1/24; H05H1/48; H05H1/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A plasma arc reactor for refining raw materials comprising: spaced electrode means including at least one anode electrode defining a reaction chamber and at least one cathode electrode mounted within said reaction chamber and variably spaced from said anode electrode; electrical circuit means connected to said anode and cathode electrodes for creating a plasma arc within said reaction chamber; and an induction coil means externally mounted circumferentially about said reaction chamber for producing a magnetic field therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
A plasma arc reactor for refining raw materials comprising: spaced electrode means including at least one anode electrode defining a reaction chamber and at least one cathode electrode mounted within said reaction chamber and variably spaced from said anode electrode; electrical circuit means connected to said anode and cathode electrodes for creating a plasma arc within said reaction chamber; and an induction coil means externally mounted circumferentially about said reaction chamber for producing a magnetic field therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The plasma arc reactor of claim 1, wherein said anode electrode comprises a hollow elongated cylinder having a central vertical longitudinal axis and opposed first and second closed ends.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The plasma reactor of claim 2, wherein said anode electrode defines a reaction chamber comprising a frusto-conical interior cavity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The plasma reactor of claim 2, wherein said reaction chamber comprises a frusto-conical interior cavity which tapers from a small interior diameter at said first end to a larger interior diameter at said second end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The plasma reactor of claim 4, wherein said reactor includes support means secured to said anode electrode, said support means operating to move said anode electrode along the longitudinal axis thereof relative to the cathode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The plasma arc reactor of claim 1, wherein said induction coil means operates to impose a magnetic field within said reaction chamber to rotate said plasma arc.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The plasma arc reactor of claim 3, wherein said induction coil means operates to impose a magnetic field within said reaction chamber to rotate said plasma arc produced between said anode electrode and said cathode electrode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The plasma arc reactor of claim 7, wherein said cathode electrode comprises a spherical, cathode ball electrode spaced from said anode electrode within said reaction chamber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The plasma arc reactor of claim 8, wherein said reactor incudes support means secured to said anode electrode, said support means operating to move said anode electrode along the longitudinal axis thereof relative to said cathode ball electrode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The plasma arc reactor of claim 9, wherein said cathode ball electrode is mounted within said reaction chamber, on a cathode stem, said cathode stem extending out said first closed end of said reaction chamber.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The plasma arc reactor of claim 10, wherein said cathode stem is rotatably mounted to allow rotation of said cathode ball electrode within said reaction chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The plasma arc reactor of claim 1, wherein said plasma sustaining gas is an inert gas.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The plasma arc reactor of claim 12, wherein said reactor includes means for admitting said gas to said reaction chamber in a flow counter to the force of gravity.
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) | 1991-05-17 | 1991-11-16 | 1992-05-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-05-17 | 1995-11-16 | 1996-05-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-05-17 | 1999-11-16 | 2000-05-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |