Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to sustain a capacitively coupled plasma. In some examples, a capacitive device can be used to sustain a capacitively coupled plasma in a torch in the absence of any substantial inductive coupling. In certain embodiments, a helium gas flow can be used with the capacitive device to sustain a capacitively coupled plasma.

Abstract: Provided is a microwave heating apparatus capable of effectively preventing the generation of sparks when an object containing a conductor (including a metal precursor such as a metal oxide) or a semiconductor is subjected to microwave heating. A microwave heating apparatus supplies a microwave so that the direction of the electrical flux line of the microwave is identical with the direction substantially parallel with a surface of a plate-like substrate and having thereon a pattern containing a conductor, a metal oxide, or a semiconductor, the substrate being arranged in the waveguide. The microwave heating apparatus also controls a pulse width of the microwave so that pulsed microwaves are supplied to the surface having the pattern thereon.

Abstract: A welding gun assembly having a connection between a diffuser and the inner gun tube which provides increased strength between the diffuser and the gun tube to prevent inadvertent damage to the welding torch and upstream components. The diffuser comprises an engagement portion which engages with, and overlaps, at least a part of a sturdier portion of the inner gun tube. This engagement provides a stronger and more stable connection between the gun tube and the diffuser.

Abstract: A welding gun assembly having a connection between a diffuser and the inner gun tube which provides increased strength between the diffuser and the gun tube to prevent inadvertent damage to the welding torch and upstream components. The diffuser comprises an engagement portion which engages with, and overlaps, at least a part of a sturdier portion of the inner gun tube. This engagement provides a stronger and more stable connection between the gun tube and the diffuser.

Abstract: A welding gun assembly having a connection between a diffuser and the inner gun tube which provides increased strength between the diffuser and the gun tube to prevent inadvertent damage to the welding torch and upstream components. The diffuser comprises an engagement portion which engages with, and overlaps, at least a part of a sturdier portion of the inner gun tube. This engagement provides a stronger and more stable connection between the gun tube and the diffuser.

Abstract: Systems for presenting electrically supported devices and methods for assembling the same are provided. A platform assembly may be equipped with one or more features for enabling a support module assembly to be easily removed from a bottom table surface of a table and replaced with another support module subassembly (e.g., to physically upgrade the support module assembly) while maintaining the position of a user device and/or cable assembly with respect to the table).

Abstract: A method of severing a tubular structure can include producing a stream of plasma between a plasma arc cutter and the tubular structure, and displacing the plasma arc cutter relative to the tubular structure, thereby cutting through the tubular structure. A plasma arc cutting apparatus can include a transport vehicle, a boom extending from the transport vehicle, at least one plasma arc cutter, and at least one actuator that displaces the plasma arc cutter relative to the boom. Another method of severing a tubular structure can include conveying a plasma arc cutter to the tubular structure with a transport vehicle, and displacing the plasma arc cutter relative to the transport vehicle.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a emission control system that includes a emission control substrate having a plurality of passages to facilitate at least one catalytic reaction in an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine. A magnetic field generator responds to a control signal by generating a magnetic field to inductively heat the emission control substrate. A magnetic shield is configured to direct at least a portion of the magnetic field to the emission control substrate. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In a water stop structure of a shield connector, a rear holder includes a main body disposed at a position facing the inner circumferential surface of the end portion of a shield shell in the connector extraction direction, and a protrusion formed to protrude from the main body along the electric wire in the connector extraction direction between the electric wire and the braided body. The braided body is disposed to cover the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion such that the end portion in the connector insertion direction reaches the connecting part. The tape is wrapped around the braided body in a spiral shape to cover at least the portion from the end portion of the rear holder in the connector extraction direction to the connecting part.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes: a refrigerating cycle including a refrigerant passage, a compressor, and a condenser, all of which are coupled in this order, and through which a refrigerant flows in this order, the refrigerant passage being disposed inside a sample stage and through which the refrigerant flows to serve as an evaporator; first and second expansion valves which are interposed between the condenser and the refrigerant passage and between the refrigerant passage and the compressor respectively in the refrigerating cycle; a vaporizer that is interposed between the second expansion valve and the compressor in the refrigerating cycle and which heats and vaporizes the refrigerant; and a controller which regulates opening and closing of the first and second expansion valves and regulates a refrigerant heat exchange amount of the condenser or vaporizer based on a refrigerant temperature between the condenser and the second expansion valve.

Abstract: A hand warmer is disclosed herein. The hand warmer has a central pocket defined by a cylindrical housing and a sealing member proximate an anterior end of the housing, wherein the sealing member is configured switch positions from a closed position to an open position with an application of a pulling or pushing force by the user in a direction parallel an arm of the user. A method of warming a user's hands is also provided.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to devices, methods, and/or systems that use electrical machines.

Abstract: A system (100), apparatus (110), and method (900) for monitored thermal spraying. One or more sensors (610) are used to capture one or more types of measurements (650) to monitor the thermal spraying process. A processor (710) can analyze a waveform (750) of measurements (650), such as electrical measurements (652). The processor (710) can then initiate a response (770) such as a warning (772) or an automatic adjustment (790) that is triggered by an identified operating condition (800).

Abstract: In some aspects, electrodes can include a front portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the front portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a rear portion thermally connected to a second end of the front portion, the rear portion shaped to slidingly engage with a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: an annular mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the rear portion of the electrode to define a first annular width to interface with the swirl ring, the annular mating feature comprising a sealing member configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring to inhibit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the annular mating feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature.

Abstract: A plasma cutting system is provided. The system includes a power source configured to generate a plasma arc, and a plasma arc torch connected to the power source for delivering the plasma arc to a workpiece. The plasma arc torch defines a multi-function fluid flow path for sustaining the plasma arc and cooling the plasma arc torch such that the plasma cutting system has a power-to-gas flow ratio of at least 2 kilowatts per cubic feet per minute (KW/cfm). The power-to-gas flow ratio comprises a ratio of power of the generated plasma arc to a total gas flow supplied to the plasma arc torch.

Abstract: A plasma spraying apparatus includes a cathode, a first gas nozzle surrounding a head of the cathode therewith to form a first gas path outside of the cathode, and a second gas nozzle surrounding the first gas nozzle therewith to form a second gas path outside of the first gas nozzle. The second gas nozzle is formed with a wire path through which a wire is inserted such that a distal end of the wire is disposed in front of a nozzle opening of the second gas nozzle. The wire path has a substantially rectangular cross section having a longer side extending in a direction in which a plasma flame extends, the wire path causing the wire to bend within an elastic limit of the wire.

Abstract: In some embodiments an apparatus for treating an exhaust gas in a foreline of a substrate processing system may include a dielectric tube configured to be coupled to the foreline of the substrate processing system to allow a flow of exhaust gases from the foreline through the dielectric tube; an RF coil wound about an outer surface of the dielectric tube, the RF coil having a first end to provide an RF input to the RF coil, the first end of the RF coil disposed proximate a first end of the dielectric tube and a second end disposed proximate a second end of the dielectric tube; a tap coupled to the RF coil to provide an RF return path, the tap disposed between the first end of the dielectric tube and a central portion of the dielectric tube.

Abstract: A three stage power source for an electric arc welding process comprising an input stage having an AC input and a first DC output signal; a second stage in the form of an unregulated DC to DC converter having an input connected to the first DC output signal and converts the first DC output signal to a second DC output signal of the second stage; and a third stage to convert the second DC output signal to a welding output for welding wherein the input stage and the second stage are assembled into a first module within a first housing structure and the third stage is assembled into a second module having a separate housing structure connectable to the first module with long power cables. The second module also includes wire feeding systems and electronics.

Abstract: Provided are a systems and methods for continuously providing a metal wire to a welding torch in the correct orientation with respect to the heat source of the welding torch for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication to provide continuous deposition of metal to the freeform object, especially objects made with titanium or titanium alloy, or nickel or nickel alloy, wire.

Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma generating device is configured to include a plasma torch, a high frequency induction coil and a high frequency power source. In addition, a heat transfer member, in which a first terminal is connected to the high frequency induction coil and a second terminal is connected to a cooling block, is disposed in the inductively coupled plasma generating device. The second terminal of the heat transfer member is located above the first terminal, thereby causing condensed operating fluid to fall and move toward the first terminal due to the action of gravity. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve excellent cooling capacity by improving circulation and mobility of the operating fluid.

Abstract: A remote plasma generator includes a body, a driver, and a protection tube. The body includes a gas injection port, a plasma exhaust port, and a plasma generation pipe through which discharge gas or plasma flow. The driver is coupled to the body and generates a magnetic field and plasma in the body. The protection tube is at an inner side of the plasma generation pipe to protect the plasma generation pipe from plasma.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for treating a liquid by providing a santitary type stainless steel hydrocyclone, flowing the liquid through the hydrocyclone, and turning on a plasma torch attached to the hydrocyclone such that a plasma arc irradiates the liquid. The hydrocyclone can be a forward flow hydrocyclone, a reverse flow hydrocyclone, a through flow hydrocyclone, a hydrocyclone pump or a volute.

Abstract: A method for plasma cutting a workpiece comprises providing a plasma cutting system having a plasma current source and a plasma torch, the plasma torch having an electrode and nozzle where the nozzle is a small distance from the electrode at a lower end of the plasma torch, forming a plasma chamber between the nozzle and the electrode. A current is produced with a plasma current source and the current flows through the plasma torch during the plasma cutting process. The current is then brought to pulsation during at least a partial time period during the plasma cutting process, with the pulsation occurring in a targeted or controlled manner with a freely selectable frequency.

Abstract: Nozzle for thermal spray gun, thermal spray gun and method of optimizing nozzle of thermal spray gun. The nozzle includes a central bore comprising a conical bore and a cylindrical bore. The conical bore is delimited by a conical wall surface in a conical bore section, the cylindrical bore is delimited by a cylindrical wall surface in a cylindrical bore section, and the conical bore section and the cylindrical bore section are structured so that heat is removed more rapidly from the conical wall than from the cylindrical wall.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus using a laser. The laser processing apparatus includes a light source for generating a hollow laser beam in a first direction; a reflection member for changing a path of the hollow laser beam toward the first direction into a second direction toward the substrate; a lens for collecting the hollow laser beam reflected by the reflection member; and an air supply unit for supplying air toward particles generated while the substrate is processed by the hollow laser beam, wherein the lens has a first hole passing through the lens, the reflection member has a second hole passing through the reflection member, and the first and second holes form a discharge path of the particles.

Abstract: A nozzle for attachment to a cold plasma device configured to maintain delivery of a stable cold plasma. The nozzle can have many different shaped apertures to support different applications requiring different shaped cold plasma plumes. Use of a disc of foam material within a nozzle can expand the size of aperture of a nozzle while maintaining delivery of a stable cold plasma. The nozzle can be an elongated cannula tube for internal delivery of a cold plasma treatment. The cannula tube can provide an aperture at its distal end or one or more apertures along its length. A shroud can partially enclose the distal aperture of the nozzle. A sterile sleeve can be used in conjunction with a nozzle to provide a sterile means of attachment and operation of the nozzle with a cold plasma device. In addition, various shaped apertures may be deployed to provide selective targeting of the cold plasma to a treatment area, while shielding other biological structures from cold plasma exposure.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to sustain a low flow plasma. In certain examples, the low flow plasma can be sustained in a torch comprising an outer tube and an auxiliary tube within the outer tube. In some examples, the auxiliary tube comprises an effective length to match the shape of a low flow plasma sustained in the torch using a flat plate electrode. Methods and systems using the torches are also described.

Abstract: A method for plasma treatment of wet metal-containing wastes in which a plasma treatment unit comprises an electrically conductive hearth for holding a layer of slag and optionally a layer of metal produced by the plasma treatment. A graphite electrode is arranged above the hearth, so that, in use, a plasma arc is formed between the electrode and the hearth. One or more inlets for the particulate metal-containing waste are arranged adjacent to the electrode and sufficiently close to the electrode so that, in use, the particulate metal-containing waste fed into the plasma treatment unit falls close to the arc formed between the electrode and the hearth and is heated by the plasma arc before contacting the slag layer such that moisture present in the particulate metal-containing waste is completely volatilized in a head space of the furnace.

Abstract: A first bridge fixed resistor (211) of a combustible gas detection apparatus (1) is composed of a resistor element which is less likely to deteriorate as compared with a second bridge fixed resistor (212) and a variable resistor section (213). The combustible gas detection apparatus (1) can judge a deteriorated state of at least one of the second bridge fixed resistor (212) and the variable resistor section (213) on the basis of the absolute value of a difference temperature ?T which is the difference between a detection-time judgment temperature T1 and a reference judgment temperature T0. The combustible gas detection apparatus (1) obtains a corrected high-temperature-time voltage VH? and a corrected low-temperature-time voltage VL? through use of a voltage error ?V1. Thus, a decrease in the accuracy in detecting the hydrogen concentration can be suppressed even when the resistance of the resistor section changes.

Abstract: A turbine according to an embodiment includes: a formation object member; a facing member; and a seal part. A formation object member is one of a static part and a rotation part. A facing member is the other of the static part and the rotation part. A seal part at the formation object member is configured to reduce combustion gas leaking between the formation object member and the facing member. The seal part including a ceramics layer. The ceramics layer has a heat conductivity lower than that of the formation object member, and has a concave and convex shape at a surface thereof. The ceramics layer is not in contact with the facing member, or has hardness higher than that of the facing member so that the facing member is preferentially abraded when the facing member and the ceramics layer are in contact with each other.

Abstract: An electrical discharge, suitable for heating optical fibers for processing, is made in a controlled partial vacuum, such that saturation of available ionizable gas molecules is reached. The workpiece temperature is thereby made to be a stably controlled function of the absolute air pressure and is insensitive to other conditions. A system and method accomplishing the foregoing are provided.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to sustain a capacitively coupled plasma. In some examples, a capacitive device can be used to sustain a capacitively coupled plasma in a torch in the absence of any substantial inductive coupling. In certain embodiments, a helium gas flow can be used with the capacitive device to sustain a capacitively coupled plasma.

Abstract: A movable symmetric chamber liner in a plasma reaction chamber, for protecting the plasma reaction chamber, enhancing the plasma density and uniformity, and reducing process gas consumption, comprising a cylindrical wall, a bottom wall with a plurality of openings, a raised inner rim with an embedded heater, heater contacts, and RF ground return contacts. The chamber liner is moved by actuators between an upper position at which substrates can be transferred into and out of the chamber, and a lower position at which substrate are processed in the chamber. The actuators also provide electrical connection to the heater and RF ground return contacts.

Abstract: Provided are a plasma stream generation method, a plasma processing method, a plasma generation apparatus, and a plasma processing apparatus using same, which enable plasma processing with rotating plasma to be controllably performed with stability and thereby improved in quality. The frequencies in four quadrants Z1-Z4 are set at 7, 15, 6, and 20 Hz, respectively. This frequency variability can realize different rotational velocity of plasma in the four-portion partitioned rotational angle regions. The rotational velocities of plasmas P2, P4 are greater than those of plasmas P1, P3. Thus, the rotating plasma, which rotates at a periodically varied rotational velocity as plasma P1, plasma P2, plasma P3, and plasma P4 in that order while traveling in a circular orbit C, can be used for irradiation therewith, thereby performing uniform film formation treatment in first quadrant Z1 to fourth quadrant Z4.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems, apparatus and methods of plasma spraying and plasma treatment of materials based on high specific energy molecular plasma gases that may be used to generate a selected plasma. The present disclosure is also relates to the design of plasma torches and plasma systems to optimize such methods.

Abstract: In an inductively coupled plasma processing apparatus, it is possible to control a plasma density distribution while suppressing a wavelength effect within a RF antenna. Provided at a ceiling of a chamber 10 or above a dielectric window 52 is a circular ring-shaped RF antenna 54 for generating inductively coupled plasma within the chamber 10. This RF antenna 54 includes two coil segments 84(1) and 84(2) each having a semicircular arc shape. The coil segments 84(1) and 84(2) are electrically connected to each other in parallel with respect to a high frequency power supply unit 62. On the dielectric window 52, a circular ring-shaped floating coil 60 having a variable capacitor 58 coupled to the RF antenna 54 by an electromagnetic induction is provided. The variable capacitor 58 is varied in a certain range by a capacitance varying unit 82 under the control of a main controller 80.

Abstract: Cartilage and other tissues are treated by generating a plasma in an interior space of a probe and exposing the tissue to the plasma. The plasma is released through a gap in a working end of the probe.

Abstract: A device for the excitation of a gas medium (10) contained in a casing (12), the device being coupled to the casing (12) and disposed outside same and including an applicator that can generate lateral excitation inside the casing (12) over at least a portion thereof. The device is characterized in that the casing (12) is a hollow-core photonic dielectric structure (16), in which the core has a diameter smaller than 300 ?m, and in that the applicator is of the microwave type and can be used to generate a surface wave that can create and confine a microplasma from the gaseous medium contained in the casing (12).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a distal end electrode assembly for use in connection with electrosurgical devices, particularly those adapted for the modification, sculpting, resection, removal, or vaporization of tissue, configured for coagulation, cauterization or hemostasis purposes, or utilized for thermal treatment of normal and tumorous tissues. In the context of the present invention, mechanical fastening means, epoxies and other high-temperature adhesives connecting electrode(s) to insulator(s) are replaced with brazed joints to yield electrosurgical devices capable of safely and reliably operating at high power densities and elevated temperatures without thermal failure of the bonds between the electrode and the insulator.

Abstract: A method of starting a multi-gas plasma arc torch for cutting a workpiece is provided that includes directing a pre-flow gas within the plasma arc torch and switching the pre-flow gas to a plasma gas before a pilot arc is transferred to the workpiece. The plasma gas is supplied initially at a first gas pressure when the pre-flow gas is switched to the plasma gas. The gas pressure is switched to a second gas pressure that is different than the first gas pressure after the pilot arc is transferred. The method provides a smooth transition from the pre-flow gas to the plasma gas and reduces the time delay in replacing the pre-flow gas with the plasma gas in the plasma arc torch, thereby improving cut or marking quality.

Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma device includes a rotary furnace tube and an inductively coupled plasma source. The rotary furnace tube has a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis. In a first embodiment, the inductively coupled plasma source is disposed proximate to the first end of the rotary furnace tube and is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rotary furnace such that the inductively coupled plasma source discharges a plasma into the rotary furnace tube. In a second embodiment, the inductively coupled plasma source is a ground electrode disposed within and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rotary furnace tube, and a second electromagnetic radiation source disposed around or within the rotary furnace tube that generates a wave energy. The inductively coupled plasma source discharges a plasma within the rotary furnace tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for synergistically combining a plasma with a comminution means such as a fluid kinetic energy mill (jet mill), preferably in a single reactor and/or in a single process step is provided by the present invention. Within the apparatus of the invention potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and subsequently into angular momentum by means of wave energy, for comminuting, reacting and separation of feed materials. Apparatuss of use of the apparatus in the practice of various processes are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention include microplasma jet devices and arrays in various materials, and low temperature microplasma jet devices and arrays. These include preferred embodiment single microplasma jet devices and arrays of devices formed in monolithic polymer blocks with elongated microcavities. The arrays can be densely packed, for example having 100 jets in an area of a few square centimeters. Additional embodiments include metal/metal oxide microplasma jet devices that have micronozzles defined in the metal oxide itself. Methods of fabrication of microplasma jet devices are also provided by the invention, and the methods have been demonstrated as being capable of producing tailored micronozzle contours that are unitary with the material insulating electrodes.

Abstract: Plume shield shroud (10) for a plasma gun (30) includes a substantially tubular member (14) comprising an axial length, a plume entry end (11), and a plume exit end (13). The shroud (10) is adapted to be mounted to a plasma gun (30). A method of protecting, confining or shielding of a gas plume of a plasma gun (30) includes mounting (20) a gas plume shroud (10) on the plasma gun (30) such that the shroud (10) is sized and configured to substantially surround at least a portion of the gas plume.

Abstract: The technology features an apparatus and a method for sensing the length of a lead that connects to a power source to a thermal processing system such as a plasma torch system. Components disposed in the thermal processing system enable the length of the lead to be sensed. In addition, the time for contact starting a thermal processing system enables determination of the length of the lead.

Abstract: Material treatment is effected in a treatment region by at least two energy sources, such as (i) an atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma and (ii) an ultraviolet (UV) laser directed into the plasma and optionally onto the material being treated. During processing, the material being treated may remain substantially at room temperature. Precursor materials may be dispensed before, and finishing material may be dispensed after treatment. Precursors may be combined in the plasma, allowing for in situ synthesis and dry treatment of the material. Electrodes (e1, e2) for generating the plasma may comprise two spaced-apart rollers which, when rotating, advance the material through a treatment region. Nip rollers adjacent the electrode rollers define a semi-airtight cavity, and may have a metallic outer layer. Loose fibers and fragile membranes may be supported on a carrier membrane, which may be doped. Individual fibers may be processed. Electrostatic deposition may be performed. Topographical changes may be effected.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling temperatures in plasma processing chamber via pulsed application of heating power and pulsed application of cooling power. In an embodiment, temperature control is based at least in part on a feedforward control signal derived from a plasma power input into the processing chamber. In further embodiments, fluid levels in each of a hot and cold reservoir coupled to the temperature controlled component are maintained in part by a passive leveling pipe coupling the two reservoirs. In another embodiment, digital heat transfer fluid flow control valves are opened with pulse widths dependent on a heating/cooling duty cycle value and a proportioning cycle having a duration that has been found to provide good temperature control performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting a position of a plasma arc torch. The apparatus includes an elevation apparatus configured to raise and lower the plasma arc torch with respect to molten silicon, a rotary apparatus configured to circumferentially rotate the plasma arc torch with respect to the molten silicon, and an angle adjustment apparatus configured to adjust an angle of the plasma arc torch with respect to the molten silicon. In addition, a plurality of plasma arc torches is provided and radially disposed at predetermined intervals. Therefore, time consumed to melt solid silicon to form the initial molten silicon is reduced, and casting speed is increased. In addition, fusibility of a source material can be improved, the source material can be stably melted, and economic continuous casting and a high quality silicon ingot for a solar cell can be manufactured.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for detecting an incomplete cutting action when cutting a workpiece with a high-energy beam are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes taking an image of a region of the workpiece to be monitored, the region including an interaction region of the high-energy beam with the workpiece, evaluating the image taken in order to detect pooled slag at an end of the interaction region opposite a cutting front, and detecting whether a related cutting action is incomplete based on an occurrence of detection of pooled slag.

Abstract: An object is to provide a plasma processing device capable of properly monitoring a state of plasma discharge and detecting a precursor to abnormal discharge, and a method of monitoring the state of discharge in the plasma processing device.