Abstract: A plasma arc torch is disclosed which has the ability to be configured for operation in either the transfer arc mode or the non-transfer arc mode. The torch includes a rear housing section which mounts a rear electrode, a gas vortex generator, and releasable mounting means. The releasable mounting means is adapted to mount either an electrode assembly for operation of the torch in the non-transfer arc mode, or a collimating nozzle assembly for operation in the transfer arc mode. The torch also includes a coolant passageway which is constructed and arranged so as to mate with cooperating passageways in either the electrode assembly or the collimating nozzle assembly, for removing heat from the internal components of the torch.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is disclosed which comprises a rear electrode, an aligned front tubular electrode, and vortex generating means for generating a vortical flow of gas between the rear and front electrodes. The torch further includes an inner shroud which is electrically connected to the front electrode, and an outer shroud which is electrically insulated from both of the electrodes and from the inner shroud. A power supply is operatively connected to the rear electrode and the outer shroud, which is adapted to generate an arc which extends axially from the rear electrode through the vortical flow of gas and through the front electrode, with the front electrode and inner shroud thereby electrically "floating" with respect to the power supply. A water cooling system is also provided which includes a coolant flow path which extends serially from the rear electrode through an insulator to the front electrode, then to the inner shroud, and then through an insulator to the outer shroud.

Abstract: A fuel gas burner produces a short fan-shaped flame and has primary utility in oil-to-gas furnace conversions. The burner includes swirl generating blades disposed in an annulus between a burner barrel carrying the bulk of the combustion gas and a mixing tube carrying approximately a 1.1 air/gas mixture. The blades induce a violent, turbulent action to the combustion gas to encourage formation of the short flame. The flame is preferably formed with a fan shape.

Abstract: A modified internal combustion engine of the carburetor type and method of modification enables low and medium BTU fuels in gaseous form to be utilized either as the sole fuel or in conjunction with other relatively high BTU fuels in liquid or gaseous form.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for gasification of carbonaceous matter by plasma arc pyrolysis are disclosed. In one embodiment, a refractory-lined furnace is provided with a depression along its base for holding a pool of molten metal which acts as the external electrode for a bank of long arc column plasma torches which provide a heat mass for the process. The plasma arc pressure imparts momentum to the surface of the melt and causes it to flow in cusping eddy currents during the process. Crushed coal is deposited through the roof of the furnace by a rotary feeder in continuous plural streams. The coal is devolatilized in a matter of milli seconds and the volatiles are cracked as the coal falls by gravity through the interior of the furnace. The remaining carbon-rich char collects at plural sites on the surface of the melt and the mounds of char are rotated by the eddy currents. Steam is continuously injected into the furnace to produce hydrocarbon gases through reaction with the carbon-rich char.

Abstract: An apparatus for gasification of carbonaceous matter by plasma arc pyrolysis is disclosed. In one embodiment, a refractory-lined furnace is provided with a depression along its base for holding a pool of molten metal which acts as the external electrode for a bank of long arc column plasma torches which provide a heat mass for the process. The plasma arc pressure imparts momentum to the surface of the melt and causes it to flow in cusping eddy currents during the process. Crushed coal is deposited through the roof of the furnace by a rotary feeder in continuous plural streams. The coal is devolatilized in a matter of milliseconds and the volatiles are cracked as the coal falls by gravity through the interior of the furnace. The remaining carbon-rich char collects at plural sites on the surface of the melt and the mounds of char are rotated by the eddy currents. Steam is continuously injected into the furnace to produce hydrocarbon gases through reaction with the carbon-rich char.

Abstract: A method for heat treatment, i.e, annealing or softening, of metal materials in the nature of coiled rod, wire, strip sheet, and the like, utilizes a conventional batch type furnace with a controlled atmosphere heated by an electric arc source, i.e., a plasma generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treatment, i.e., annealing or softening, of metal materials in the nature of coiled rod, wire, strip sheet, and the like, utilizes a conventional batch-type furnace with a controlled atmosphere heated by an electric arc source, i.e., a plasma generator.