Patents by Inventor Todd Foret

Todd Foret has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110062071
    Abstract: The system has a storage tank and two or more arc whirl devices disposed in a top of the storage tank. Each arc whirl device includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone, (b) a throat connected to the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector having a vertex, a focus and an opening at the vertex, wherein the opening is connected to the throat such that the vertex and focus are axially aligned with the central axis and the focus is not located within the throat, and (d) a wave energy source that irradiates the liquid using a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends into the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20110062089
    Abstract: A method for treating a liquid is disclosed using an apparatus having: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone, (b) a throat connected to the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector having a vertex, a focus and an opening at the vertex, wherein the opening is connected to the throat such that the vertex and focus are axially aligned with the central axis and the focus is not located within the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends into the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The liquid is supplied to the pump volute or hydrocyclone head and is irradiated by the wave energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 7897053
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid using a wave energy uses a gas-sparged pipe configured to create a flow of the fluid in a thin film along a vortex path from a first end to a second end of the gas-sparged pipe, a first electrode and a second electrode that are at least partially disposed within the gas-sparged pipe, spaced apart from one another, and axially aligned with one another along a central axis of the gas-sparged pipe from the first end to the second end. The electrodes are used to create an open electrical arc to provide the wave energy directly exposing the fluid as the fluid flows along the vortex path in close proximity to and surrounding the electrical arc such that only a gas separates the fluid from the open electrical arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 7857972
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for treating a liquid by providing a wave energy source and creating a thin film of the liquid whirling around the wave energy source such that one or more wave energies irradiate the liquid. Likewise, the present invention provides a method of treating a liquid by providing three zones of wave energy and passing the liquid through the three zones of wave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20100044477
    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. Methods of use of the apparatus in the practice of various processes are also provided by the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20100044483
    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. Methods of use of the apparatus in the practice of various processes are also provided by the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20090277771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid using a wave energy uses a cyclone separator configured to create a flow of the fluid in a thin film along a vortex path from a first end to a second end of the cyclone separator, a first electrode and a second electrode that are at least partially disposed within the cyclone separator, spaced apart from one another, and axially aligned with one another along a central axis of the cyclone separator from the first end to the second end. The electrodes are used to create an open electrical arc to provide the wave energy directly exposing the fluid as the fluid flows along the vortex path in close proximity to and surrounding the electrical arc such that only a gas separates the fluid from the open electrical arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20090277774
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid using a wave energy uses a gas-sparged pipe configured to create a flow of the fluid in a thin film along a vortex path from a first end to a second end of the gas-sparged pipe, a first electrode and a second electrode that are at least partially disposed within the gas-sparged pipe, spaced apart from one another, and axially aligned with one another along a central axis of the gas-sparged pipe from the first end to the second end. The electrodes are used to create an open electrical arc to provide the wave energy directly exposing the fluid as the fluid flows along the vortex path in close proximity to and surrounding the electrical arc such that only a gas separates the fluid from the open electrical arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20090235637
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma arc torch that can be used for lean combustion. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel, an electrode housing connected to the first end of the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and (c) can be moved along the longitudinal axis, a linear actuator connected to the first electrode to adjust a position of the first electrode, a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel such that the center line of the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and wherein the tangential inlet and the tangential outlet create a vortex within the cylindrical vessel, and the first electrode and the hollow electrode nozzle crate a plasma the discharges through the hollow electrode nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 7578937
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20090206721
    Abstract: The present invention provides a glow discharge cell comprising an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, and at least one inlet and one outlet; a hollow electrode aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel and extending at least from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical vessel, wherein the hollow electrode has an inlet and an outlet; a first insulator that seals the first end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode and maintains a substantially equidistant gap between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode; a second insulator that seals the second end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode and maintains the substantially equidistant gap between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode; a non-conductive granular material disposed within the gap, wherein the non-conductive granular material (a) allows an electrically conductive fluid to flow between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20090200032
    Abstract: The present invention provides system, method and apparatus for creating an electric glow discharge that includes a first and second electrically conductive screens having substantially equidistant a gap between them, one or more insulators attached to the electrically conductive screens, and a non-conductive granular material disposed within the gap. The electric glow discharge is created whenever: (a) the first electrically conductive screen is connected to an electrical power source such that it is a cathode, the second electrically conductive screen is connected to the electrical power supply such that it is an anode, and the electrically conductive fluid is introduced into the gap, or (b) both electrically conductive screens are connected to the electrical power supply such they are the cathode, and the electrically conductive fluid is introduced between both electrically conductive screens and an external anode connected to the electrical power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Foret Plasma labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20080315115
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly exposes the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20080314843
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly exposes the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 7422695
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20070253874
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20070240975
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for treating a liquid by providing a wave energy source and creating a thin film of the liquid whirling around the wave energy source such that one or more wave energies irradiate the liquid. Likewise, the present invention provides a method of treating a liquid by providing three zones of wave energy and passing the liquid through the three zones of wave energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20070062801
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly exposes the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20050061378
    Abstract: A multi-stage eductor apparatus includes a first stage eductor with an inlet, an outlet, and a venturi throat between the inlet and outlet into which a driving fluid is injected to flow from the outlet and create a suction at the inlet for drawing material into the inlet and through the first stage eductor with the driving fluid, and at least a second stage eductor of the same or similar configuration, with the inlet of the second stage eductor connected directly to the outlet from the first stage eductor, thereby increasing the suction at the inlet to the first stage eductor and maintaining the suction at the inlet to the first stage eductor through a wide range of driving fluid flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventor: Todd Foret