Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
353 words
Apparatus for the dissociation of waste material, comprising: a source of waste material to be processed; a source of gas capable of forming free electrons in a plasma when excited to a high temperature; combining means for combining the waste material with the gas; a reactor chamber; means for transporting the combination of the waste material and the gas through the reactor chamber; excitation means for exciting the gas in the reactor chamber with electromagnetic energy to form a plasma including free electrons, wherein the excitation means comprises an RF plasma torch and the chamber is formed by a cylindrical wall and has inlet means adjacent one end thereof for the introduction of the waste material and the source of free electrons, and outlet means adjacent the other end thereof for the removal of the dissociated waste material, wherein the plasma torch comprises an antenna disposed around the circumference of and extending a predetermined length of the chamber, wherein the antenna is in the form of a tube wound around the chamber circumference and formed as a first helix and a second helix, both co-axial with the chamber axis, wherein the first helix is wound in a first direction and extends from a first point adjacent the one end of the chamber to a second point adjacent the center of the length of the chamber, and the second helix is wound in a second direction opposite the first direction and extends from a third point adjacent the center of the length of the chamber to a fourth point adjacent the other end of the chamber, the plasma torch further including means connecting the antenna to a radio frequency (RF) power source, including means for connecting an output terminal of the RF power source to the first and second helixes adjacent the second and third points, and for connecting the first and second helixes to ground potential adjacent the first and forth points; and timing means for maintaining the free electrons at the raised temperature level in the reactor chamber for a sufficient time to enable the free electrons to dissociate the waste material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
353 words
Apparatus for the dissociation of waste material, comprising: a source of waste material to be processed; a source of gas capable of forming free electrons in a plasma when excited to a high temperature; combining means for combining the waste material with the gas; a reactor chamber; means for transporting the combination of the waste material and the gas through the reactor chamber; excitation means for exciting the gas in the reactor chamber with electromagnetic energy to form a plasma including free electrons, wherein the excitation means comprises an RF plasma torch and the chamber is formed by a cylindrical wall and has inlet means adjacent one end thereof for the introduction of the waste material and the source of free electrons, and outlet means adjacent the other end thereof for the removal of the dissociated waste material, wherein the plasma torch comprises an antenna disposed around the circumference of and extending a predetermined length of the chamber, wherein the antenna is in the form of a tube wound around the chamber circumference and formed as a first helix and a second helix, both co-axial with the chamber axis, wherein the first helix is wound in a first direction and extends from a first point adjacent the one end of the chamber to a second point adjacent the center of the length of the chamber, and the second helix is wound in a second direction opposite the first direction and extends from a third point adjacent the center of the length of the chamber to a fourth point adjacent the other end of the chamber, the plasma torch further including means connecting the antenna to a radio frequency (RF) power source, including means for connecting an output terminal of the RF power source to the first and second helixes adjacent the second and third points, and for connecting the first and second helixes to ground potential adjacent the first and forth points; and timing means for maintaining the free electrons at the raised temperature level in the reactor chamber for a sufficient time to enable the free electrons to dissociate the waste material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where the tube is positioned external to the chamber wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where the tube is positioned internal to the chamber wall.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
284 words
Apparatus for the dissociation of waste material, comprising: a source of waste material to be processed; a source of gas capable of forming free electrons in a plasma when excited to a high temperature; combining means, for combining the waste material with the gas; a reactor chamber; means for transporting the combination of the waste material and the gas through the reactor chamber; excitation means for exciting the gas in the reactor chamber with electromagnetic energy to form a plasma including free electrons, wherein the excitation means comprises an RF plasma torch and the chamber is formed by a cylindrical wall and has inlet means adjacent one end thereof for the introduction of the waste material and the source of free electrons, and outlet means adjacent the other end thereof for the removal of the dissociated waste material, wherein the plasma torch comprises an antenna disposed around the circumference of and extending a predetermined length of the chamber, wherein the antenna is in the form of a plurality of tubes, each formed as a curved rectangle, wherein the long sides of each rectangle are substantially parallel with the chamber centerline, the short sides of each rectangle curve around the chamber wall for a predetermined number of circumferential degrees, and the ends of each tube extend substantially parallel outwardly from the rectangle at a point substantially in the middle of one long side of the corresponding rectangle, the plasma torch further including means for connecting the antenna to a radio frequency (RF) power source; and timing means for maintaining the free electrons at the raised temperature level in the reactor chamber for a sufficient time to enable the free electrons to dissociate the waste material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
284 words
Apparatus for the dissociation of waste material, comprising: a source of waste material to be processed; a source of gas capable of forming free electrons in a plasma when excited to a high temperature; combining means, for combining the waste material with the gas; a reactor chamber; means for transporting the combination of the waste material and the gas through the reactor chamber; excitation means for exciting the gas in the reactor chamber with electromagnetic energy to form a plasma including free electrons, wherein the excitation means comprises an RF plasma torch and the chamber is formed by a cylindrical wall and has inlet means adjacent one end thereof for the introduction of the waste material and the source of free electrons, and outlet means adjacent the other end thereof for the removal of the dissociated waste material, wherein the plasma torch comprises an antenna disposed around the circumference of and extending a predetermined length of the chamber, wherein the antenna is in the form of a plurality of tubes, each formed as a curved rectangle, wherein the long sides of each rectangle are substantially parallel with the chamber centerline, the short sides of each rectangle curve around the chamber wall for a predetermined number of circumferential degrees, and the ends of each tube extend substantially parallel outwardly from the rectangle at a point substantially in the middle of one long side of the corresponding rectangle, the plasma torch further including means for connecting the antenna to a radio frequency (RF) power source; and timing means for maintaining the free electrons at the raised temperature level in the reactor chamber for a sufficient time to enable the free electrons to dissociate the waste material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 4 in which the antenna includes two rectangles, the short sides of each extending in semi-circular fashion around the chamber 180 circumferential degrees or more, and further including means for connecting the tubes corresponding to each rectangle to the RF power source in a series arrangement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 4 in which the antenna includes four rectangles, the short sides of each extending in quadrants around the chamber 90 circumferential degrees or more, and further including means for connecting the tubes corresponding to rectangles in opposing quadrants to the RF power source in a series arrangement.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
178 words
An apparatus for the dissociation of waste material, comprising: a source of a gas, which in turn is a source of a substantial number of free electrons, for establishing a plasma in a reaction chamber; a reaction chamber apparatus, including means for directing the gas into the reaction chamber; means for exciting the free electrons in the gas in the reaction chamber to a temperature which is high enough to produce a dissociation of the waste material while exciting the remainder of the gas only to a temperature which is substantially lower than the temperature of the excited free electrons, wherein the gas, including the high temperature free electrons, defines a plasma in the reaction chamber; means for moving the waste material into the plasma; and means for controlling the density and temperature of the free electrons in the plasma and the residence time of the waste material in the plasma such that the waste material is dissociated while the temperature of the waste material remains substantially lower than the temperature of the free electrons in the plasma.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
178 words
An apparatus for the dissociation of waste material, comprising: a source of a gas, which in turn is a source of a substantial number of free electrons, for establishing a plasma in a reaction chamber; a reaction chamber apparatus, including means for directing the gas into the reaction chamber; means for exciting the free electrons in the gas in the reaction chamber to a temperature which is high enough to produce a dissociation of the waste material while exciting the remainder of the gas only to a temperature which is substantially lower than the temperature of the excited free electrons, wherein the gas, including the high temperature free electrons, defines a plasma in the reaction chamber; means for moving the waste material into the plasma; and means for controlling the density and temperature of the free electrons in the plasma and the residence time of the waste material in the plasma such that the waste material is dissociated while the temperature of the waste material remains substantially lower than the temperature of the free electrons in the plasma.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus of the claim 7 wherein the reaction chamber is at approximately at least atmospheric pressure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus of claim 7 wherein the excitation means excites the free electrons in the plasma in the reaction chamber sufficiently that the free electrons emit a substantial amount of ultraviolet energy, which aids significantly in the dissociation of the waste material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the temperature of the waste material is at least an order of magnitude lower than the temperature of the free electrons.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus of claim 10, wherein the temperature of the free electrons is significantly greater than 3000° C.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus of claim 10, wherein the temperature of the free electrons is approximately at least 10,000° C.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the gas is an inert gas.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein said moving means includes means using said gas to carry the waste material into the plasma.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the exciting means includes an electrodeless, radio frequency antenna, which in operation couples RF energy into the reaction chamber.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus of claim 15, wherein the antenna is a balanced, center-fed antenna, grounded at both ends thereof, the antenna surrounding the reaction chamber.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus of claim 15, wherein the RF energy has a frequency in the range of 0.1-15 MHz.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus of claim 7, further including separating means in communication with an output end of the reaction chamber for separating the dissociated waste material while the dissociated waste material is still in a plasma condition.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus of claim 18, wherein the separating means includes means for applying magnetic and electric fields to the dissociated waste material, said fields being so oriented as to spin the dissociated waste material so as to separate heavy elements from the remainder of the dissociated waste material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus of claim 19, wherein the electric field is applied radially to the dissociated waste material while the magnetic field is applied axially.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus of claim 19, including scrubber means communicating with the separating means for further treatment of said remainder of the dissociated waste material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
88 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the excitation means includes an antenna assembly which surrounds the reaction chamber and means for driving the antenna so that a radio frequency electric field is coupled into the reaction chamber to produce the plasma, wherein the RF field is such as to produce a ponderomotive field potential within the chamber, which produces a force on the plasma proportional to the gradient of the electric potential across the chamber, the ponderomotive field potential producing a boundary for the plasma within the chamber.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus of claim 22, wherein the plasma is maintained approximately central of the reaction chamber, the boundary for the plasma being slightly inboard of the reaction chamber from the walls thereof, the boundary producing a stable plasma within the reaction chamber.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus of claim 7, including computer means for automatically monitoring operating conditions in the reaction chamber and the flow of gas and waste material into the reaction chamber.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the controlling means includes means for controlling the flow of gas into the reaction chamber and the amount of excitation applied to the gas in the reaction chamber.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the controlling means includes means for establishing regions of different free electron temperatures along the length of the reaction chamber.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
185 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the excitation means includes antenna means arranged around the circumference of and extending a predetermined length of the chamber and means connecting the antenna to a radio frequency (RF) power source, wherein the antenna is in the form of a tube wound around the chamber circumference, formed as a first helix and a second helix, both coaxial with the chamber axis, wherein the first helix is wound in a first direction and extends from a first point adjacent one end of the chamber to a second point adjacent the center of the length of the chamber, and the second helix is wound in a second direction opposite the first direction, extending from a third point adjacent the center of the length of the chamber to a fourth point adjacent the other end of the chamber, and further includes connecting means for connecting an output terminal of the RF power source to the first and second helixes adjacent the second and third points, and for connecting the first and second helixes to ground potential adjacent the first and fourth points.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus of claim 27, wherein the antenna is positioned external to the chamber wall.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus of claim 27, wherein the antenna is positioned internal to the chamber wall.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
117 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the excitation means includes antenna means arranged around the circumference of and extending a predetermined length of the chamber and means connecting the antenna to a radio frequency (RF) power source, wherein the antenna is in the form of a plurality of tubes, each formed as a curved rectangle, wherein the long sides of each rectangle are substantially parallel with the chamber center line, and wherein the short sides of each rectangle curve around the chamber wall for a predetermined number of circumferential degrees, the ends of each tube extending substantially parallel outwardly from the rectangle at a point substantially in the middle of one long side of the corresponding rectangle.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus of claim 30, wherein the antenna includes two rectangles, the short sides of each rectangle extending in semicircular fashion around the chamber 180 circumferential degrees or more, and further including means for connecting the tubes corresponding to each rectangle to the RF power source in a series arrangement.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus of claim 30, wherein the antenna includes four rectangles, the short sides of each rectangle extending in quadrants around the chamber 90 circumferential degrees or more, and further including means for connecting the tubes corresponding to rectangles in opposing quadrants to the RF power source in a series arrangement.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the controlling means includes means for varying the angle of the reaction chamber so as to vary the residence time of the waste material in the plasma.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
160 words
A method for the dissociation of waste material, comprising: providing a gas, which is a source of a substantial number of free electrons, for establishing a plasma within a reaction chamber; directing the gas into the reaction chamber; exciting the free electrons in the gas in the reaction chamber to a temperature which is high enough to produce a dissociation of the waste material while exciting the remainder of the gas only to a temperature which is substantially lower than the temperature of the free electrons, wherein the gas, including the high temperature free electrons, defines a plasma in the reaction chamber; moving the waste material into the plasma; and controlling the density and temperature of the free electrons in the plasma and the residence time of the waste material in the plasma such that the waste material is dissociated while the temperature of the waste material remains substantially lower than the temperature of the free electrons in the plasma.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
160 words
A method for the dissociation of waste material, comprising: providing a gas, which is a source of a substantial number of free electrons, for establishing a plasma within a reaction chamber; directing the gas into the reaction chamber; exciting the free electrons in the gas in the reaction chamber to a temperature which is high enough to produce a dissociation of the waste material while exciting the remainder of the gas only to a temperature which is substantially lower than the temperature of the free electrons, wherein the gas, including the high temperature free electrons, defines a plasma in the reaction chamber; moving the waste material into the plasma; and controlling the density and temperature of the free electrons in the plasma and the residence time of the waste material in the plasma such that the waste material is dissociated while the temperature of the waste material remains substantially lower than the temperature of the free electrons in the plasma.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method of claim 34, wherein the gas is an inert gas.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method of claim 34, wherein the method is carried out at approximately at least atmospheric pressure.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method of claim 34, including the step of exciting the free electrons in the plasma in the reaction chamber sufficiently that the free electrons emit a substantial amount of ultraviolet energy which aids significantly in the dissociation of the waste material.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method of claim 34, wherein the temperature of the waste material is at least an order of magnitude lower than the temperature of the free electrons.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method of claim 38, wherein the temperature of the free electrons is substantially greater than 3000° C.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method of claim 38, wherein the temperature of the free electron is approximately at least 10,000° C.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method of claim 34, including the step of separating the dissociated waste material in a predetermined manner while the dissociated waste material is still in a plasma condition.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method of claim 41, wherein the step of separating includes the step of applying both magnetic and electric fields to the dissociated waste material so as to spin the dissociated waste material, thereby separating the heavy elements from the remainder of the dissociated waste material.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method of claim 42, wherein the electric field is applied radially to the dissociated waste material, while the magnetic field is applied axially.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method of claim 42, including the step of further treating the remainder of the dissociated waste material by scrubbing.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method of claim 34, including the step of moving the waste material into the plasma with said gas.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method of claim 34, wherein the step of exciting includes the step of coupling radio frequency (RF) energy into the reaction chamber from an antenna to which is connected a source of RF energy, such that an RF field is established in the reaction chamber.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method of claim 46, wherein the RF field in the reaction chamber is such as to produce a ponderomotive field potential within the chamber, which produces a force on the plasma proportional to the gradient of the electric potential across the chamber, the ponderomotive force producing a boundary for the plasma within the chamber.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method of claim 47, wherein the RF field is such as to center the plasma within the chamber, the boundary for the plasma being slightly inboard of the reaction chamber from the walls thereof, thereby maintaining the plasma away from chamber walls, and producing a stable plasma within the reaction chamber.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method of claim 46, wherein the RF energy has a frequency in the range of 0.1 MHz-15 MHz.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method of claim 34, including the step of volatilizing the waste material prior to its movement into the plasma.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method of claim 50, including the further step of separating particles which exceed a predetermined size from the remainder of the volatilized waste material, and diverting such particles from the plasma.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method of claim 34, including the step of automatically monitoring operating conditions in the reaction chamber and the flow of gas and waste material into the reaction chamber.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method of claim 34, including the step of controlling the flow of gas into the reaction chamber and the amount of excitation applied to the gas in the reaction chamber.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
231 words
A system for the dissociation of waste material, comprising: means for initially processing waste material to reduce the particulate size of the waste material; means for separating out particles from the preliminarily processed waste material which exceed a predetermined size; a source of a gas, which in turn is a source of a substantial number of free electrons, for establishing a plasma in a reaction chamber; a reaction chamber; means for directing the gas to the reaction chamber; mean for exciting the free electrons in the gas in the reaction chamber to a temperature which is high enough to dissociate the waste material while exciting the remainder of the gas only to a temperature which is substantially less than the temperature of the free electrons, wherein the gas, including the high temperature free electrons, defines a plasma in the reaction chamber; means for moving the waste material into the plasma; means for controlling the density and temperature of the free electrons in the plasma and the residence time of the waste material in the plasma such that the waste material is dissociated, to produce dissociated products, while the temperature of the waste material remains substantially lower than the temperature of the free electrons in the plasma; and a separator means for separating the products of dissociation in a predetermined manner while the products of dissociation are still in a plasma condition.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
231 words
A system for the dissociation of waste material, comprising: means for initially processing waste material to reduce the particulate size of the waste material; means for separating out particles from the preliminarily processed waste material which exceed a predetermined size; a source of a gas, which in turn is a source of a substantial number of free electrons, for establishing a plasma in a reaction chamber; a reaction chamber; means for directing the gas to the reaction chamber; mean for exciting the free electrons in the gas in the reaction chamber to a temperature which is high enough to dissociate the waste material while exciting the remainder of the gas only to a temperature which is substantially less than the temperature of the free electrons, wherein the gas, including the high temperature free electrons, defines a plasma in the reaction chamber; means for moving the waste material into the plasma; means for controlling the density and temperature of the free electrons in the plasma and the residence time of the waste material in the plasma such that the waste material is dissociated, to produce dissociated products, while the temperature of the waste material remains substantially lower than the temperature of the free electrons in the plasma; and a separator means for separating the products of dissociation in a predetermined manner while the products of dissociation are still in a plasma condition.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system of claim 54, wherein the exciting means includes an antenna and a source of radio frequency (RF) energy connected thereto, such that in operation, RF energy is coupled into the reaction chamber.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system of claim 54, wherein the system operates approximately at least at atmospheric pressure.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system of claim 54, wherein the free electrons are sufficiently excited to emit a substantial amount of ultraviolet energy, which aids significantly in the dissociation of the waste material.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system of claim 54, wherein the temperature of the waste material in the plasma is at least an order of magnitude lower than the temperature of the free electrons.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system of claim 54, wherein the preliminary processing means includes a burner for processing the waste material by heat.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system of claim 54, wherein the separating means includes a precipitator means for separating particles of said predetermined size.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system of claim 54, wherein the separator means includes means for applying both a magnetic field and an electric field to the products of dissociation so that the products of dissociation are rotated at a sufficiently high velocity to separate heavy elements from the other dissociation products.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system of claim 61, including scrubber means communicating with the separating means for further treatment of said other dissociation products.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system of claim 54, wherein the controlling means includes means for controlling the flow rate of the gas into the reaction chamber and for controlling the amount of excitation applied to the gas in the reaction chamber.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system of claim 54, wherein the controlling means includes means for varying the angle of the reaction chamber so as to vary the residence time of the waste material in the plasma.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system of claim 54, wherein the excitation means is arranged so that there are a plurality of temperature profiles of the plasma along the length of the reaction chamber.