Abstract: A device and method for selectively establishing predetermined orbits, relative to an axis, for ions of a first mass/charge ratio (m1), requires crossing an electric field with a substantially uniform magnetic field (E×B). The magnetic field is oriented along the axis and the electric field has both a d.c. voltage component (∇&PHgr;0) and an a.c. voltage component (∇&PHgr;1). In operation, voltage &PHgr;0 is fixed to place the ions m1 on confined orbits around the axis when &PHgr;1 is zero. On the other hand, when &PHgr;1 is tuned to a predetermined value, the ions m1 are ejected away from the axis. With E×B established in a chamber, the ions m1 will pass through the chamber when on confined orbits (&PHgr;1=0), and they will be ejected into the wall of the chamber when on unconfined orbits (&PHgr;1=predetermined value).

Abstract: A high throughput plasma mass filter includes a substantially cylindrical shaped plasma chamber with structures for generating a magnetic field (B) that is crossed with an electric field (E) in the chamber (E×B). An injector introduces into the chamber a multi-species plasma having ions of different mass to charge ratios. To obtain high throughput (&Ggr;), the initial density of this multi-species plasma is considerably greater than a collisional density wherein there is a probability of “one” that an ion collision will occur within a single rotation of the ion under the influence of E×B. The length of the chamber is chosen to insure heavy ions can make their way to the wall before transiting the device.

Abstract: A method for vitrifying a plurality of nuclear waste kernels includes coating the kernels with a glass layer, and mixing the glass-coated kernels in a glass melt. Subsequent cooling solidifies the glass melt and vitrifies the nuclear waste kernels in bulk vitrification glass. Importantly, the glass layer has a softening temperature that is higher than the softening temperature of the glass melt. The glass layer also has a variable thermal expansion coefficient across the layer. Additionally, the glass melt has substantially the same specific gravity as the glass-coated kernels in order to effect a uniform distribution of the glass-coated kernels throughout the bulk vitrification glass.

Abstract: An isotope separator includes a cylindrical chamber having first and second ends, and a length “L.” Inside the chamber, an E×B field is applied to produce plasma rotation. The energy in the plasma rotation is chosen to be much higher than the electron temperature which is clamped by radiation. As the plasma then transits the chamber through the length “L”, the electrons cool the thermal temperature of the isotope ions while maintaining the rotation. Under these conditions, the minority and majority isotopes become substantially separated from each other before they exit the chamber. To achieve this result, E×B is determined using mathematically derived expressions and, in compliance with these parameters, the length “L” of the chamber is determined so that the plasma residence time in the chamber, &tgr;1, will be greater than the cooling time, &tgr;2 (&tgr;1>&tgr;2) necessary to affect isotope separation.

Abstract: Food products and methods for synthesizing food products for reducing naturally occurring radioactive potassium isotope (40K) in the human body requires separating the radioactive potassium isotope (40K) from the non-radioactive isotopes (i.e. 39K) in potassium. Various food products can then be prepared using the 39K. These food products include manufactured products, such as sports drinks, baking soda, and dietary tablets, as well as altered liquid food products, such as orange juice and tomato juice.

Abstract: A device and method for selectively establishing predetermined orbits, relative to an axis, for ions of a first mass/charge ratio (m1), requires crossing an electric field with a substantially uniform magnetic field (E×B). The magnetic field is oriented along the axis and the electric field has both a d.c. voltage component (∇&PHgr;0) and an a.c. voltage component (∇&PHgr;1). In operation, voltage &PHgr;0 is fixed to place the ions m1 on confined orbits around the axis when &PHgr;1 is zero. On the other hand, when &PHgr;1 is tuned to a predetermined value, the ions m1 are ejected away from the axis. With E×B established in a chamber, the ions m1 will pass through the chamber when on confined orbits (&PHgr;1=0), and they will be ejected into the wall of the chamber when on unconfined orbits (&PHgr;1=predetermined value).

Abstract: An electro-osmotic pump, for transporting aqueous solutions in micro-fluidics, has a tubular-shaped pumping section which includes a pump tube that is connected in fluid communication with an extension tube. A thread of silica fibers is positioned in the lumen of the pump tube, and an aqueous solution that will interact with the thread is introduced into the pump tube lumen to charge the aqueous solution. In operation, a voltage potential is selectively applied between the pump tube and the extension tube to establish a ground-potential-ground electric field along the pumping section. This creates a force on the charged aqueous solution that moves it through the pump tube and, consequently, also moves fluid through the extension tube. Various embodiments of the electro-osmotic pump are envisioned, including the serial connection of several pumping sections, for use as valves, switches or pumps.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing selected metal ions from a plasma includes a plasma chamber and at least one silica substrate mounted inside the chamber. More specifically, the substrate is exposed in the chamber so that when metal ions from the plasma contact the substrate they diffuse into the substrate to create a liquified layer. A receptacle is also provided to receive the liquid from the layer as it flows from the substrate.

Abstract: A device for separating high-mass ions (having cyclotron frequency &OHgr;h) from low-mass ions (having cyclotron frequency &OHgr;l) in a plasma includes a chamber. Coils are provided to generate a substantially uniform magnetic field in the chamber. An antenna is provided to launch a left-hand elliptically polarized electromagnetic wave into the chamber along the stationary magnetic field that is evanescent in the multi-species plasma. Importantly, the E vector of the elliptically polarized electromagnetic wave rotates at a frequency, &ohgr;, where &OHgr;h<&ohgr;<&OHgr;l. Ponderomotive forces are generated by the electromagnetic wave that cause the low-mass ions to move toward the antenna while causing the high-mass ions to move away from the antenna.

Abstract: A plasma mass filter having features to prevent plasma loss through one end of the filter and thereby increase energy efficiency includes a cylindrical wave guide to surround a plasma. Coil(s) and electrode(s) are provided to establish crossed electric and magnetic fields within the wave guide to separate plasma ions according to their mass. A circularly polarized electromagnetic wave having specific characteristics is launched through a first end of the wave guide and into the plasma to generate ponderomotive forces on the plasma particles via photon reflection. These forces cause the plasma particles to move towards the second end of the wave guide and thus prevent plasma loss through the first end of the wave guide. This structure allows feed plasma to be continuously introduced into the first end of the wave guide for separation therein. A resonance cavity is provided to redirect the reflected photons back into the plasma.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for imaging a malignancy in a patient, in situ, requires feeding the patient a nutrient that is enriched with carbon 13 (13C). This feeding step can be accomplished either orally or intravenously, and can last for approximately 24 hours. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques are then used on the patient with rf energy that is tuned to the nuclear resonance of 13C. An image of selected tissue in the patient is thereby created, and this image is thereafter evaluated for any concentrations of 13C that will delineate a malignancy. If present, the malignancy can then be treated. A subsequent (feeding)/(MRI imaging) procedure may be performed. The image that is created in this subsequent procedure can then be compared with the image that was created in the first procedure to determine the efficacy of the treatment, or to determine a growth rate for the malignancy.

Abstract: An electro-osmotic pump, for transporting aqueous solutions in micro-fluidics, has a tubular-shaped pumping section which includes a pump tube that is connected in fluid communication with an extension tube. A thread of silica fibers is positioned in the lumen of the pump tube, and an aqueous solution that will interact with the thread is introduced into the pump tube lumen to charge the aqueous solution. In operation, a voltage potential is selectively applied between the pump tube and the extension tube to establish a ground-potential-ground electric field along the pumping section. This creates a force on the charged aqueous solution that moves it through the pump tube and, consequently, also moves fluid through the extension tube. Various embodiments of the electro-osmotic pump are envisioned, including the serial connection of several pumping sections, for use as valves, switches or pumps.

Abstract: A plasma mass filter for separating low-mass particles from high-mass particles in a multi-species plasma includes a substantially cylindrically shaped barrier surrounding a chamber and defining a longitudinal axis. Helically shaped coils are mounted on the barrier to establish a magnetic field in the chamber. Conducting rings are provided to establish a radially directed electric field in the chamber. The plasma is injected into the chamber for interaction with the electric and magnetic fields, placing the high-mass particles onto trajectories rotating about a guiding center that travels within a surface having a hyperbolic shape. The low-mass particles are placed onto trajectories rotating about a guiding center that travels within a surface having an elliptical shape. The fields create an axial force directing the particles away from the injection point. As such, the high-mass particles strike the inner wall of the barrier, while the low-mass particles transit through the chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for imaging a malignancy in a patient, in situ, requires feeding the patient a nutrient that is enriched with carbon 13 (13C). This feeding step can be accomplished either orally or intravenously, and can last for approximately 24 hours. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques are then used on the patient with rf energy that is tuned to the nuclear resonance of 13C. An image of selected tissue in the patient is thereby created, and this image is thereafter evaluated for any concentrations of 13C that will delineate a malignancy. If present, the malignancy can then be treated. A subsequent (feeding)/(MRI imaging) procedure may be performed. The image that is created in this subsequent procedure can then be compared with the image that was created in the first procedure to determine the efficacy of the treatment, or to determine a growth rate for the malignancy.

Abstract: A stochastic cyclotron ion filter for separating ions in a multi-species plasma according to mass uses an electrical field (E) crossed with a magnetic field (B). In particular, the electric field is stochastically generated by an amplified noise source with a band pass filter that passes only frequencies in an interval between &ohgr;1 and &ohgr;2. The filter also includes a cylindrical chamber for receiving the multi-species plasma, and coils are used to generate the magnetic field inside the chamber. In operation, the stochastically generated electric field resonates with particles in the plasma that have a cyclotron frequency &OHgr; in the frequency interval (&ohgr;1<&OHgr;<&ohgr;2). In one embodiment, an electrode is mounted at one end of the chamber, and the electrode is connected with the amplifier to establish the electrical field in the chamber.

Abstract: A plasma mass filter for separating low-mass particles from high-mass particles in a multi-species plasma includes a substantially cylindrically shaped barrier surrounding a chamber and defining a longitudinal axis. Helically shaped coils are mounted on the barrier to establish a magnetic field in the chamber. Conducting rings are provided to establish a radially directed electric field in the chamber. The plasma is injected into the chamber for interaction with the electric and magnetic fields, placing the high-mass particles onto trajectories rotating about a guiding center that travels within a surface having a hyperbolic shape. The low-mass particles are placed onto trajectories rotating about a guiding center that travels within a surface having an elliptical shape. The fields create an axial force directing the particles away from the injection point. As such, the high-mass particles strike the inner wall of the barrier, while the low-mass particles transit through the chamber.

Abstract: A plasma torch for vaporizing a molten salt containing a volatile component and a refractory component injects the molten salt into a device that includes a cylindrical shaped outer member and a cylindrical shaped inner member coaxially positioned inside the outer member to surround a chamber. An induction coil positioned between the inner and outer members generates r.f. power which is initially used to vaporize the volatile component of the molten salt to create a carrier gas having an elevated temperature. The carrier gas then heats the refractory component, under an increased vapor pressure from the carrier gas. This action, in turn, breaks down the refractory component of the molten salt into fine droplets. These fine droplets are maintained in the chamber until they also vaporize. In one embodiment, the plasma torch includes a nozzle for spraying droplets of the molten salt into said chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for pumping an electrolyte solution includes a conduit having a first end, a second end and a lumen for containing the electrolyte solution. An opening at each end of the conduit allows electrolyte solution to enter and exit the lumen of the conduit. The device further includes a ferroelectric member that is positioned along a portion of the conduit. The ferroelectric member is formed with a contact surface for interaction with the electrolyte solution. An electrode is positioned adjacent to the ferroelectric member to polarize the ferroelectric member and charge the contact surface. Driving electrodes are positioned to establish a potential difference in the electrolyte solution across the portion of the conduit containing the ferroelectric member.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for imaging a malignancy in a patient, in situ, requires feeding the patient a nutrient that is enriched with carbon 13 (13C). This feeding step can be accomplished either orally or intravenously, and can last for approximately 24 hours. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques are then used on the patient with rf energy that is tuned to the nuclear resonance of 13C. An image of selected tissue in the patient is thereby created, and this image is thereafter evaluated for any concentrations of 13C that will delineate a malignancy. If present, the malignancy can then be treated. A subsequent (feeding)/(MRI imaging) procedure may be performed. The image that is created in this subsequent procedure can then be compared with the image that was created in the first procedure to determine the efficacy of the treatment, or to determine a growth rate for the malignancy.

Abstract: A filter and a method for separating ions in a partially ionized plasma according to their mass includes a chamber with crossed electric and magnetic fields established therein. A feed, including metal atoms having ionization potentials in a low range, and gas atoms having an ionization potential in a high range, is introduced into the chamber. An electron temperature below the low range is generated to partially ionize the feed by dissociating the metal atoms from the gas atoms, and by ionizing the metal atoms into light and heavy ions according to their mass to charge ratio. The light and heavy ions are then influenced by the crossed electric and magnetic fields to separate the light ions from the heavy ions.