Abstract: An apparatus is utilized for producing colloidal dispersions of nanoparticles of electrically conducting materials. The colloidal dispersions are produced in a dense media plasma reactor comprising at least one static electrode and at least one rotating electrode. The plasma reaction sputters off minute particles of the electrically conducting material from which the electrodes are made. Methods of using the colloidal dispersions thus made are also described. Colloidal dispersions of silver produced in this manner are highly effective for bactericidal purposes.

Abstract: A reactor includes a reaction vessel having an inlet for to-be-reformed gas and an outlet for reformed gas, a pair of electrodes for plasma generation, disposed in the internal space of the reactor vessel so as to face each other, a power source for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes, and a catalyst for promoting the reforming reaction of to-be-reformed gas, wherein one of the pair of electrodes is a linear electrode, the other of the pair of electrodes is a honeycomb electrode made of a conductive ceramics, the catalyst is loaded on the partition walls of the honeycomb electrode, and the ratio of the maximum outer diameter d1 of each cell-opening end face of the honeycomb electrode to the length L1 of the honeycomb electrode in the cell-extending direction is in a range of 0.50 to 1.2.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods combine reactant materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. The reactant materials can sodium silicide or sodium silica gel. The hydrogen generation devices are used in fuels cells and other industrial applications. One system combines cooling, pumping, water storage, and other devices to sense and control reactions between reactant materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. Multiple inlets of varied placement geometries deliver aqueous solution to the reaction. The reactant materials and aqueous solution are churned to control the state of the reaction. The aqueous solution can be recycled and returned to the reaction. One system operates over a range of temperatures and pressures and includes a hydrogen separator, a heat removal mechanism, and state of reaction control devices. The systems, devices, and methods of generating hydrogen provide thermally stable solids, near-instant reaction with the aqueous solutions, and a non-toxic liquid by-product.

Abstract: Reactor 1A includes a reaction vessel 10 having an inlet 4 for a to-be-reformed gas 2 and an outlet 8 for a reformed gas 6, a pair of electrodes 12 for plasma generation, a power source 14 for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes 12, and a catalyst for promoting a reforming reaction, wherein one of the pair of electrodes 12 is a linear electrode 32, the other of the pair of electrodes 12 is a honeycomb electrode 34 made of a conductive ceramics, and the catalyst is loaded on the partition walls of the honeycomb electrode 34, which reactor further includes shielding members 30A placed between the linear electrode 32 and the honeycomb electrode 34, which are protruded toward the gas-introducing end face side of the honeycomb electrode 34 and prevent the inflow of the to-be-reformed gas 2 passing through a zone other than a plasma-generating zone 42.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas processing unit adapted for generating a surface plasma in the vicinity of a photocatalyst, that has a planar configuration. The photocatalyst is deposited in the form of a thin layer on a dielectric substrate and at least one plasma supply electrode is formed above the photocatalyst thin layer. Such a configuration increases the interaction between the plasma and the photocatalyst. The unit can be used for a gas processing of the pollution-control, odour reduction or bactericidal treatment type with a high efficiency.

Abstract: An impedance matching device is provided with a basic element having variable characteristic parameters for impedance matching, and an auxiliary element having variable characteristic parameters. At the time of generating plasma by using the impedance matching device, the characteristic parameters of the basic element of each antenna element are fixed, respectively, and the characteristic parameters of the auxiliary element are adjusted for each antenna element. Thus, in an adjusted status where impedance matching for each antenna element is adjusted, each antenna element of an antenna array is fed with a high frequency signal, an electromagnetic wave is radiated from the antenna element, the characteristic parameters of the basic element of each antenna element are synchronized and adjusted, and the impedances of the whole antenna array are matched.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma or corona discharge is generated at multiple points and distributed to decontaminate surfaces and objects contaminated with chemical or biological agents. The corona discharge can be generated using very short high voltage pulses. The pulsed corona discharge can be directed at a contaminated surface through the unbraided strands at an end of a dielectric covered conductor. Another pulsed discharge embodiment incorporates a primary coil surrounding a chamber having a void filled with a plurality of secondary coils. A silent corona discharge can be generated using a variety of different configurations of a dielectric coated electrode and a bare electrode. The silent discharge is produced at all intersections between the dielectric covered electrode and the bare electrode. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a blanket-like structure that is useful for decontaminating surfaces or decontaminating a fluid passing between spaced-apart bare electrodes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system for producing a signal, in particular an electric signal, or a substance having a coagulating or anticoagulant effect. The method is characterised in that it is based on a source substance with coagulating effect, in particular, Ca++ ions, or an anticoagulant affect, in particular heparin. The method consists in: transforming the electromagnetic field derived from said source substance located in the chamber, into a signal, in particular an electric signal, using a transducer-receiver sensing the electromagnetic field; applying to a receiving substance located in the chamber, in particular water or a water-ethanol mixture or homeopathic granules, said signal derived from said transducer-receiver, using a transducer-transmitter. After said treatment, the receiving substance, initially inactive, has a coagulating or anticoagulant effect.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and method for influencing the morphology of aggregates. The present disclosure also provides for aggregates formed using the disclosed system and method. According to one disclosed method, a plurality of monomers are provided and an electric field is applied proximate the monomers. The applied fields helps influence the shape of an aggregate formed from the monomers.

Abstract: An aseptization apparatus 1 includes a sealed container 11 forming an aseptization space 191, a nitrogen gas supplying system 12 for converting atmosphere of the aseptization space 191 into nitrogen atmosphere, an electrode pair 13 disposed in the aseptization space 191, a pulse power supply 14 for repeatedly applying an electric pulse to the electrode pair 13, and a mirror 15 for returning a short-wavelength ultraviolet ray going from inside of the aseptization space 191 to outside to inside of the aseptization space 191.

Abstract: A system and process for upgrading hydrocarbons such as heavy oils includes a high temperature plasma reactor apparatus, in one or more vessels, into which the oils are introduced along with water, such as steam, to produce lighter hydrocarbon fractions, along with carbon monoxide and hydrogen, that flows to an additional stage where more hydrocarbons and water are introduced for further fractionating reactions facilitated by reaction of carbon monoxide and water to produce carbon dioxide and nascent, or prompt, free radicals of hydrogen. Heavy hydrocarbons upgraded can include heavy oils in the form of tar sands, oil shale, and oil residuals. The vessel or vessels can each contain a carbonaceous bed facilitating the described reactions and example embodiments include one vessel with the reactions performed in a single bed and, also, two vessels with the reactions performed in a carbonaceous bed portion in each vessel.

Abstract: A method for continuously growing carbon nanotubes may include providing a melt comprising carbon and a catalyst at a temperature between about 1,200 degrees Celsius and about 2,500 degrees Celsius, selecting a carbon nanotube seed having at least one of a semiconductor electrical property and a metallic electrical property from a plurality of carbon nanotube seeds, contacting the selected carbon nanotube seed to a surface of the melt, and moving the selected carbon nanotube seed away from the surface of the melt at a rate operable to continuously grow a carbon nanotube, and continuously growing the carbon nanotube having the selected electrical property. Method for continuously growing a graphene sheet, and apparatus for continuously growing carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for producing high power microwave plasmas. The device comprises at least one microwave feed that is surrounded by at least one dielectric tube. A dielectric fluid flows through the space between the microwave feed and the outer dielectric tube. The dielectric fluid has a small dielectric loss factor tan ? in the region of between 10?2 to 10?7. A fluid cools at least the outer dielectric tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a plant for producing hydrocarbon based fuels from waste and biomass including wood and/or other cellulose containing biomass, where biomass and/or waste is gasified in anaerobic conditions, heating the formed syngas in for decomposition and subsequent condensation in anaerobic conditions, subjecting the heat treated biosyngas to cleaning measures for removing elements/compounds which are poisonous towards the catalysts of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and passing the cleaned heat treated biosyngas through a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for production of biofuels.

Abstract: Provided are a plasma sterilizing device and a method for generating a plasma in an elongated thin tube constituting a sterilizing object, and performing the sterilizing treatment of the interior of the elongated thin tube. The plasma sterilizing device and a method can sterilize even an elongated thin tube of an internal diameter of 5 mm or less efficiently, can prevent the inner wall of the elongated thin tube from being damaged, can suppress the danger of a secondary infection, and can suppress the contamination of the elongated thin tube by the sputtering of an electrode. The plasma sterilizing device comprises a container (2) capable of housing an elongated thin tube (1) or a sterilizing object and adjusting the internal pressure, and an electrode (5) arranged in at least one end portion of the elongated thin tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a plasma reactor to generate power and novel hydrogen species and compositions of matter comprising new forms of hydrogen via the catalysis of atomic hydrogen and to generate a plasma and a source of light, the reactor comprising: a plasma forming energy cell for the catalysis of atomic hydrogen to form novel lower-energy hydrogen species and compositions of matter comprising new forms of lower-energy hydrogen, a source of catalyst for catalyzing the reaction of atomic hydrogen to form the lower-energy hydrogen and release energy, a source of atomic hydrogen, and a source of intermittent or pulsed power to at least partially maintain the plasma.

Abstract: A power source, power converter, and a radio and microwave generator are provided. The power source comprises a cell for the catalysis of atomic hydrogen to release power and to form novel hydrogen species and compositions of matter comprising new forms of hydrogen. The compounds comprise at least one neutral, positive, or negative hydrogen species having a binding energy greater than its corresponding ordinary hydrogen species, or greater than any hydrogen species for which the corresponding ordinary hydrogen species is unstable or is not observed. The energy released by the catalysis of hydrogen produces a plasma in the cell such as a plasma of the catalyst and hydrogen. The power converter and radio and microwave generator comprises a source of magnetic field which is applied to the cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for producing silicon nanocrystals, which can minimize plasma diffusion by finely adjusting a plasma region created by an ICP coil. The apparatus includes a reactor having an ICP coil wound around an outer wall thereof and a tube inserted into the reactor, wherein a primary gas for forming silicon nanocrystals and a secondary gas for surface reaction of the silicon nanocrystals are separately supplied to the reactor through an inner side and an outer side of the tube, respectively.

Abstract: A variety of reactors that are arranged to treat aerosol particulates that are carried in a fluid stream passing through the reactor is described. In one aspect, the reactor includes a plasma chamber arranged to receive the fluid stream and subject particulates carried in the fluid stream to a cold plasma that has a sufficiently high concentration of reactive species to treat at least some of the particulates passing therethrough. A catalyst is provided downstream of the plasma chamber. The catalyst is arranged to enhance the conversion of reactive species that are contained in the fluid stream before the stream emerges from the reactor. In another aspect, a catalyst electrode is described. The catalyst electrode may include a catalyst material carried on an electrode. A potential may be applied to the electrode during use to attract charged species towards the catalyst.

Abstract: A method for treating air flow containing particulates and oxidized compounds of carbon, sulfur, iron, and other elements. The method includes supplying an air flow to a reaction zone formed between an electrically insulated electrode node having a plurality of point source electrodes and a grounded receptor. A continuous film of electrically grounded water is supplied on the receptor. The water is filtered after traveling over the receptor and collecting elemental materials formed in the reaction zones.

Abstract: An air conditioning device comprises a substantially thin collector electrode capable of forming ions at a front and/or rear edge when charged. The thin collector electrode preferably having an insulating material disposed on the front and/or rear edge to prevent ions from being emitted therefrom. The collector electrode capable of being in the form of a thin elongated blade whereby an emitter electrode is upstream of the front edge or alternatively downstream of the front edge. The collector electrode alternatively in the form of a cylindrical structure or a porous grid having a plurality of air passageway cells therethrough.

Abstract: There is provided an ignition or plasma generation apparatus that eliminates the need for resonance means in a combustion chamber and simplifies the electrode structure within the combustion chamber in an instance where energy from each of a spark discharge and microwaves is used to ignite an air-fuel mixture gas in an internal combustion engine. The ignition or plasma generation apparatus includes a mixing circuit for mixing a high-voltage pulse from a high-voltage pulse generator and microwave energy from a microwave generator; and an ignition plug into which an output from the mixing circuit is supplied, the plug used for introducing the output into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The output supplied from the mixing circuit to the ignition plug is supplied in a manner in which the microwave energy and the high-voltage pulse are superimposed on each other on a same transmission line.

Abstract: A personal electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone, and includes a water retaining element to increase humidity of the output air flow. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first electrode array includes first and second pointed electrodes, and the second electrode array includes annular-like electrodes having a central opening coaxial with the associated pointed electrode. The surface of the annular-like electrodes is smooth and continuous through the opening and into a collar region through which the air flows. A water retaining member is disposed surrounding the output airflow to increase humidity of the output air, which is substantially cleansed of particulate matter, and contains safe amounts of ozone.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an air transporter-conditioner having a housing with an inlet and an outlet. An ion generator is disposed within the housing, the ion generator being adapted to create an airflow between the inlet and the outlet. The ion generator can comprise a emitter electrode array and a collector electrode array, with a voltage generator electrically connecting the arrays. A grid having a photocatalytic coating can further be disposed within the housing such that the grid is upstream of the arrays, and within an airflow generated by the ion generator. An activator, for example a UV lamp, can still further be disposed within the housing and upstream of the arrays, and positioned such that the grid is irradiated by UV light from the UV lamp, activating the photocatalyst and causing VOCs to breakdown in the presence of the photocatalyst.

Abstract: A Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Generation Cell includes a plurality of hot electrodes interspersed with a plurality of ground electrodes whereby a power supply connected between the hot and ground electrodes creates a non-thermal plasma between the electrodes. The hot electrodes are hermetically sealed by a rubber material such as a siloxane material surrounding portions of the hot electrodes. The cells are useful in odor removal systems to neutralize odors and VOC emissions in commercial and/or industrial air streams and in gas purification and sterilizing systems which utilizes Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) to create a range of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to cause the oxidation and/or reduction of odor causing molecules, VOC's, and other contaminants. Where a plurality of cells are electrically connected in parallel, shorts in a cell can be detected by sensing the difference in currents feed to each of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: A non thermal plasma reactor for treating gases. The reactor has a tubelike housing, which contains four concentric channels. A central channel is a gas inlet channel. Two inner channels are a non thermal plasma reactor channel and a catalytic channel. The outer channel is a gas outlet channel.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to novel methods and novel devices for the continuous manufacture of nanoparticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s). The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e.g., created and/or the liquid is predisposed to their presence (e.g., conditioned)) in a liquid (e.g., water) by, for example, preferably utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. At least one subsequent and/or substantially simultaneous adjustable electrochemical processing technique is also preferred. Multiple adjustable plasmas and/or adjustable electrochemical processing techniques are preferred.

Abstract: The system, method and apparatus involves the control of microbiological contamination of food processing equipment such as a commercial freeze dryer using oxidation gases. An oxidative gas generator such as a REME system produces low levels of ozone, vaporized hydrogen peroxide and other oxidative gases. These compounds act as anti-microbial agents and systematically inactivate bacteria, viruses, yeast and mold in the air and on surfaces around and inside the food processing equipment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of sterilization and/or inactivation of at least one surface of at least one contaminated object. The method being characterized in that one subjects the surface to the discharge plasma generated from an applicator of electromagnetic field of linear type, the plasma having a temperature and an absorbed power per unit of volume predetermined by the operating conditions, so as to sterilize the surface without significantly degrading it. The invention also concerns a device enabling the sterilization and/or inactivation of at least one surface of at least one contaminated object by means of a plasma. This method and this device can be used to sterilize or inactivate several types of objects, such as packages, films, metal plates, dielectric plates, prosthesis used in the medical field, etc.

Abstract: An ion generator can generate clean ionized gas, in which no foreign matters are mixed, and apply the same to a treated object. Ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet generating source 15 are irradiated to a photo receiver 11a provided with a coating layer 14 made of titanium oxide, and air surrounding the photo receiver is electrically separated to generate positively charged particles and negatively charged particles. An electric field is created by the electrode 17 in a space containing the electrically separated air to ionize the charged particles. The ionized charged particles are blown toward the treated object W by a blower 20.

Abstract: A noncontact stirring method, a noncontact stirring apparatus, a method and apparatus for reacting nucleic acid hybridization using the apparatus, a method for detecting nucleic acid in a sample, an apparatus for detecting nucleic acid, a method for detecting antibodies in a sample, and an apparatus for detecting antibodies in minute droplets 1 ?mL or less in an electric field are proposed that can be utilized to speed up biodetection processes, hybridization processes in DNA analysis, ELISA antigen fixing processes, blocking processes, antibody-antigen reaction processes and color reaction processes; and pathogen identification, CRP tests, methods of propagating cells or bacilli such as colon bacilli in a liquid culture medium, and chemical analyses.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting gas using gliding plasma. The apparatus includes: a reaction chamber; an electrode member inside the reaction chamber and insulated from the reaction chamber; a power source applying electricity to the reaction chamber and the electrode member; a magnetic field generating unit installed outside the reaction chamber to rotate plasma induced inside the reaction chamber in a circumferential direction of the electrode member for forming a plasma region; and a gas supplying unit supplying material gas into the reaction chamber to allow the material gas to pass through the plasma region for converting the material gas into a different gas by energy received from the plasma. In the gas conversion apparatus, the plasma region can be widely formed in the reaction chamber to increase gas conversion rate.

Abstract: To gasify carbonaceous material into gas containing CO and H2, the drying and/or the heating and the pyrolysis of the carbonaceous material are performed using microwave irradiation and thermal irradiation and the pyrolysis products and/or the carbonaceous material are then gasified. For this purpose the carbonaceous material is irradiated in a microwave station with a heating unit, and then passed on into a reactor for gasification. The gasification occurs with the aid of a water-steam plasma source.

Abstract: The invention is based on the aim of developing a device and a method for the plasma-enhanced synthesis of halogenated polysilanes and polygermanes, wherein at least one reaction partner is present in a gaseous form and is excited by reactive particles from a plasma zone, and is subsequently reacted by means of at least one further reaction partner which is present in the reaction chamber in vaporous or gaseous form. Reactions of halogen silanes or germanes of the group SiCl4, SiF4, GeCl4, GeF4 with H2 are possible.

Abstract: Opposite sides of an article are irradiated to sterilize the article. The cumulative irradiation should be above a first value, and below a second value greater than the first value, at all of the positions in the article to provide the article with desired radiation benefits. Any amount of cumulative radiation between the first and second values is considered as optimal values. For a first range of article thicknesses, the cumulative radiation in the article is at the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a second range greater than in the first range, the cumulative radiation at positions in the article is greater than the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a third range greater than the second range, the cumulative radiation at the different positions in the article is at the optimal values. For the thicknesses in the second range, a member disposed in the radiation path weakens the radiation passing to the article, thereby reducing the cumulative radiation to an optimal value.

Abstract: An air treatment system includes a filter and heating element, a plasma device, and a photocatalyst and UV light that cooperate to purify an air stream flowing through the air treatment system and protect the photocatalyst from passivating effects of certain contaminants. The air treatment system operates in two different modes. In the first mode, the air treatment system primarily draws air from and returns air to a space, and the heating element and plasma device are selectively shut off. In the second mode, the air treatment system regenerates the filter using the heating element to selectively heat the filter and release adsorbed contaminants. The plasma device is selectively turned on and chemically transforms the released contaminants into solid contaminant products. The solid contaminant products are deposited on a biased electrode of the plasma device. The UV light is turned off to ensure that the photocatalyst is inoperable during the release and transformation of the contaminants.

Abstract: A population of nanowires can be prepared by a method involving electric field catalyzed growth and alteration based on surface charge density.

Abstract: An infection control device includes a plurality of air inlets spaced around the device's peripheral skirt. A negative ion ozone generator having a plurality of spaced pointed projections is inwardly of the peripheral skirt with a ground disk inwardly of the generator. Air flows through the inlets to the generator, to the disk and to a catheter exit site.

Abstract: A soft X-ray photoionization charger includes a housing having a chamber and an aperture formed on one side surface of the housing and joined to the chamber. The chamber forms a flow path of an aerosol containing particles. A photoionizer is fixed to the aperture of the housing. The photoionizer includes a head for irradiating soft X-rays into the chamber to neutralize the particles. A transparent window is mounted between the chamber and the head. The transparent window is made of a material permitting passage of the soft X-rays. The photoionization charger further includes a soft support ring arranged around the transparent window and tightly fitted to the aperture.

Abstract: Provided is a plasma generator which can eliminate breakage due to thermal stress without deteriorating plasma generating efficiency. A plasma generator 1 has an base member 3 provided with a discharge space 5 and a pair of electrodes 9 provided on the base member 3 while sandwiching the discharge space 5 therebetween, wherein at least one electrode 7 of the pair of electrodes 9 has a plurality of electrode layers 15 provided at positions different from each other in a facing direction of the pair of electrodes 9.

Abstract: A plasma generating electrode 1 of the present invention includes two or more electrodes 2 disposed to face each other, and holding members 3 for holding electrodes 2 at a predetermined interval, and can generate plasma by applying voltage between electrodes 2. At least one of electrodes facing each other 2 has a plate-shaped ceramic body 6 serving as a dielectric body, and a conductive film 7 disposed inside the body 6, and the holding members 3 fix the opposite side end portions 5 (fixed end portions 5a) of electrodes facing each other 2 in the state of a cantilever in such a condition that electrodes 2 are held by holding members in the state of cantilevers of the different directions alternately at a predetermined interval as a whole. This relaxes the thermal stress and effectively prevents distortion and breakage of electrodes caused by to a temperature change.

Abstract: A plasma reactor is provided with two or more plasma generating electrodes which are installed in series inside a gas passage in a casing, with each plasma generating electrode being electrically controlled independently. The surface area of the conductor on each unit electrode forming the plasma generating electrode installed on the upstream side of the gas passage is smaller than the surface area of the conductor on the unit electrode forming the plasma generating electrode installed on the downstream side of the gas passage. Plasma can be generated between each of the unit electrodes by supplying each of the plasma generating electrodes with independently controlled electric power. The plasma reactor can efficiently react specific components contained in the gas passing through the gas passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus and system for sorting ions. According to some embodiments of the present invention, ions may be sorted to produce hydrogen gas from water. The apparatus may include a first electric field source, an insulation layer to electrically isolate the first field sources from the water, a first deionization surface within a field line of the first field source; and a conductor connected to the first deionization surface and adapted to discharge charge built up due to attracted ions at the first deionization surface.

Abstract: A discharge unit (30) and a heat exchanger (20) are disposed in an air passageway (15). In the discharge unit (30), a rod-like discharge electrode (31) and a plate-like counter electrode (32) are disposed perpendicular to the flow of air, and lie along the heat exchanger (20). Upon application of voltage to both the electrodes (31, 32), streamer discharge is performed between the electrodes (31, 32), whereby an active species capable of decomposition of a component to be processed is produced.

Abstract: A method capable of synthesizing carbon nanotubes at low cost and large quantities, an apparatus usable for carrying out the method, and carbon nanotubes densely aligned on and firmly bonded to a Si substrate over, and oriented perpendicular to, an entire surface thereof are provided. Highly oriented, aligned carbon nanotubes are synthesized from an organic liquid by forming a substrate with a buildup thereon of a thin film or fine insular particles composed of at least one metallic element; exposing the substrate (3) having the buildup to a hydrogen plasma; and heating the substrate (3) exposed to the hydrogen plasma in the organic liquid (10) to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: In an aspect, a perturbation is applied to a system comprising an enzymatic chemical reaction and/or an organic catalytic chemical reaction with the perturbation being non-directional (average of the force applied by the perturbation being zero) with respect to a variable of the system. A directional effect is caused with respect to the said enzymatic or organic catalytic chemical reaction as a result of the perturbation and an asymmetry of the perturbed system. The present invention also embodies an apparatus comprising a site for an enzymatic or organic catalytic chemical reaction and a device controlled to perturb a system that includes the enzymatic or organic catalytic chemical reaction, the average of the force applied by the perturbation being zero, a directional effect being caused with respect to the chemical reaction as a result of the perturbation and an asymmetry of the perturbed system.

Abstract: A device for locally producing microwave plasma. The device comprises at least one microwave feed that is surrounded by at least one dielectric tube. At least one of the dielectric tubes, such as an outer dielectric tube, is partially surrounded by a metal jacket. A locally delimited plasma is produced by the device by shielding microwaves.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a device and method for non-contact inactivation of undesirable and/or harmful microorganisms in products using high-voltage nanosecond pulsed electrical field. In certain embodiments, a product may be packaged into a container which is made from a dielectric material and placed between electrodes to be processed by a pulsed electrical field. In certain embodiments, the electrodes, together with the container, may be placed into a treatment assembly filled with a high dielectric permeability media that allows the formation of a quasi-uniform electrical field inside the product and prevents the electrical breakdown of the dielectric material of the container. The electrodes may be connected to a high voltage generator, which forms nanosecond pulses that allow an electrical field of high intensity to penetrate the dielectric material of container walls and gaps between the electrodes and the container's walls to the product without significant energy losses.

Abstract: A strongly-ionized plasma generator includes a chamber for confining a feed gas. An anode is positioned inside the chamber. A cathode assembly is positioned adjacent to the anode inside the chamber. An output of a pulsed power supply is electrically connected between the anode and the cathode assembly. The pulsed power supply comprising solid state switches that are controlled by micropulses generated by drivers. At least one of a pulse width and a duty cycle of the micropulses is varied so that the power supply generates a multi-step voltage waveform at the output having a low-power stage including a peak voltage and a rise time that is sufficient to generate a plasma from the feed gas and a transient stage including a peak voltage and a rise time that is sufficient to generate a more strongly-ionized plasma.

Abstract: A hydrogen mixed gas supplying apparatus, consists of: a lead flow pipe, an atomizer, a liquid storage tank and a plasma heater; wherein, the lower end of lead flow pipe is linked to the liquid storage tank through a tube such that the methanol mixed liquid stored in the liquid storage tank is lead into the lead flow pipe; at the bottom end of lead flow pipe is the atomizer that atomizes the methanol mixed liquid into mixed liquid micro particles having average diameter not over 2 ?m; lead air from one end of the lead flow pipe pushes the mixed liquid micro particles to plasma heater that dissolved the mixed liquid micro particles into hydrogen ions, hydroxide ions and the corresponding free radicals;and finally, the mixed gas of low temperature hydrogen gas, carbon monoxide, methane, carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas is then generated.