Abstract: Filters for removing particulate and gaseous organic and inorganic materials from a fluid stream are disclosed. The filters may contain a polymer matrix and optional sequestering agents. Methods of making filters are also disclosed. Methods of using filters to remove one or more materials from a fluid stream, such as an air stream, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming brine waste in a water softener having an inlet, a service water outlet, a wastewater outlet, and having a brine/rinse cycle in which brine solution is directed through a resin bed and to a drain, includes measuring a TDS or specific ion level of the solution exiting the wastewater outlet during the brine/rinse cycle, comparing the measured TDS or specific ion level with a preset value, and diverting the flow of water out the outlet to a reclamation location once the measured TDS exceeds the preset value. A waste reclamation unit includes a housing in fluid communication with the water softener and at least one waste reservoir, a compressor, a compressor coil, a control unit configured for sensing the introduction of liquid into the reservoir and for triggering the compressor; and a collection pan configured for collecting water condensing on the coil and preventing the entry of water into the waste reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for land improvement (soil reclamation), preferably for soil remediation comprising the steps of (i) placing a material useful for improving soil, and an explosive in the soil, and (ii) mixing the materials useful for reclaiming the soil and the polluted soil by explosion. The invention also relates to methods methods for providing microorganisms useful for decomposing hydrophobic pollutants, mineral oil components and derivatives by selection and isolation from soil, the microorganisms, their uses and kits for land improvement and soil remediation. The invention is useful in particular for remediation of soil polluted with oil components and derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of a fluorosurfactant present in an aqueous solution, in a gaseous effluent or in both involving a) obtaining an aqueous solution or gaseous elffluent comprising 1 to 1,000 ppm of surfactant, b) removing any suspended solids, c) optionally concentrating the solution, d) passing the aqueous solution over a stationary bed of granular active charcoal such that all the surfactant is adsorbed without any solvents being adsorbed, e) halting the passage of the solution over (B1) and the passage of the gaseous effluent over (B2), and (B1) and (B2) are eluted with a solution comprising a solvent and an inorganic acid, and then f) treating the solution recovered in stage e) to regenerate the fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: The present multi-stage photo-catalytic oxidation fluid treatment system that uses a plurality of modules to implement an efficient, scalable and cost effective fluid treatment process to remove contaminants from a fluid. The multi-stage photo-catalytic oxidation fluid treatment system relies on mechanical and electronic elements, instead of chemicals, to treat the fluid that is input to the system and provide enhanced treatment of the contaminated fluid. The use of ozone and ions causes reactions with the contaminants that are contained in the fluid to purge the contaminants from the fluid or convert the contaminants to a form where they can be removed from the fluid or are rendered harmless.

Abstract: A method of treating animal manure yielding a final liquid fraction and solid fractions whereby the final liquid fraction has a suspended solids (SS) content of about 3 g/L or lower comprising subjecting at least a part of said manure to a first biological passive flotation step in a flotation unit having a hydraulic residency time (HRT) of about 4 to about 24 hours with a polymer to yield a first flotation solid fraction and a first flotation liquid fraction, said method comprising a further treatment.

Abstract: A method of separating suspension, in particular for treatment of waste water, wherein the flocculating suspension is separated from the liquid by filtration in a fluidized layer in a sludge blanket wherein the flocks are created from the separated suspension and the fluidization is maintained by the rising stream of liquid, while the liquid with suspension enters the fluidized layer from the bottom and the liquid freed from suspension is discharged above the surface of the sludge blanket represented by the interface between the fluidized layer and the liquid without suspension. The thickened separated suspension in form of flocks from a sludge blanket is withdrawn from the zone of the fluidized layer, the velocity of upward flow in the fluidized layer essentially decreasing in the upward direction.

Abstract: A method of treating, in wastewater purification, sludge containing organic matter, divalent iron and phosphorus, in which the sludge that is treated is made to contain dissolved iron and phosphorus at a molar ratio Fe:P of above 1:1, the sludge is treated at 0-100° C. with an acid at a pH of 1-5 for dissolution of divalent iron and phosphorus from the sludge, the sludge is supplied with an oxidiser selected from hydrogen peroxide and percompounds, wherein divalent iron is oxidised by Fenton's reaction to trivalent iron, and (i) trivalent iron is precipitated as trivalent iron phosphate (ii) free radicals with a deodorisation and sanitation effect are formed by Fenton's reaction, the sludge is then dewatered at a pH of at most 7, and the aqueous solution obtained in dewatering is recirculated to the wastewater purification.

Abstract: Compositions including pellets of alum, a smectite mineral material and optionally sodium or calcium carbonate that can be delivered to a phosphate impoundment located at the bottom of a body of water at the bottom. The pellets of alum, smectite mineral material and optionally sodium or calcium carbonate are dropped through the body of water so that the alum is released when the pellet reaches the bottom of the impoundment thereby treating the phosphates.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a compact aggregation precipitation method and an apparatus therefor which prevent the outflow of flocs and do not deteriorate the turbidity elimination performance even in start-up early stages. As the means to accomplish such an object, the present invention provides a method of adding an inorganic flocculant and, optionally, an organic polymer flocculent to the water to be treated and agitating the resulting mixture to effect aggregation precipitation treatment which comprises introducing the agitated solution into a first chamber of a separation tank where flocs are allowed to grow to effect solid-liquid separation and, simultaneously, the separated water is discharged out of the separation tank.

Abstract: A disinfectant treatment for self-contained potable water systems. A lamp or lamps within the interior of at least one component system in which water is resident. During operation of the system. As the water tank, water heater, water filter, or other component which holds a volume of water. By putting a radioactive and a microbial effect in response to exposure to UV radiation may be formed of the vessel or other component. The radioactive material may be tin dioxide, titanium dioxide, or other material that produces hydroxyl ions in response to UV exposure. The hydroxyl ions flow from the vessel or other component into the piping and other components so as to attack/inhibit microbial action throughout the system. The lamps are mounted within quartz sleeves for immersion in water or other components. The quartz sleeves to prevent vibration damage. May also be used to of the system so as to prevent friction freeze damage.

Abstract: A components separation device including well (2) for containing a sample, being an object of separation, which well (2) is disposed on stage (1). Well (2) is fixed at only one point of the bottom on stage (1). Base (13) formed on stage (1) is further provided with an actuator for vibrating well (2).

Abstract: A system for exposing a fluid to UV energy for treatment of the fluid is provided. The system includes a fluid passageway at least partially defined by a UV energy transmissive barrier. The system also includes at least one UV energy source positioned to transmit UV energy through the UV energy transmissive barrier and into the fluid passageway. Additionally, at least one UV energy sensor is positioned to sense UV energy transmitted through the UV energy transmissive barrier. The at least one sensor is configured to detect a reduced amount of UV energy transmitted through the UV energy transmissive barrier.

Abstract: The method is for treating a liquid or slurry with an ultrasonic energy. A first rotatable member being permeable to a medium and a first vibrating device are provided. The first vibrating device and the first member have a first gap formed therebetween so that the first gap represents a first distance. A guide member aligned with the first member exerts a pressure on the medium. The guide member breaks up fiber flocculation close to the upper surface of the medium. The medium is fed between the first member and the guide member. The first vibrating device generates pulses through the first member to form imploding bubbles in the medium. The bubbles have a critical diameter prior to implosion that is greater than the first distance to prevent the bubbles from growing in the first gap to a size greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A method of abating water pollution wherein the body of polluted water generally has a plurality of regions. At least one of the characteristics of the pollution or the movement of the water is different in the different regions. An inventory of functional agents is maintained. Each functional agent has the ability to remediate at least one form of pollution. The functional agents are placed in a case member to form a pollution abatement package. The package is placed in the body of water and is allowed to move unattended within the body of water. The characteristics of the package are selected so that the package will move unattended to the region where the characteristics of the package are matched to the characteristics of the region. Different regions may require packages with different characteristics. The case member is composed of separate case elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for the throughflow sterilization of biologically contaminated liquids.

Abstract: A system for extracting a liquid by pressing a humid mass, said system comprising at least one extraction channel, which extraction channel being provided with at least one inlet allowing to feed the extraction channel with the humid mass to be treated; with walls provided with holes allowing the flow of the liquid contained in the humid mass being pressed; and with at least one outlet allowing the discharge of the dehydrated mass obtained by pressing in the extraction channel, wherein said system is characterized in that the outlet of said channel, positioned between the walls provided with holes and the exterior, is free of constraints or only comprises weak constraints whose level is controlled as a function of physical parameters. This system is suitable for the efficient continuous dewatering treatment of a feeding source with a composition, consistency and nature of the solid particles present in the feeding source susceptible to vary during the processing.

Abstract: A screen raking system having two or more rakes spaced along the length or height of the screen having longitudinal slots therein. The rakes are commonly displaceable along the length of the screen by a ram such as a single hydraulic, double acting, cylinder. The tines of each rake are displaceable between an extended position where they intedigertate with the bars of the screen, and a retracted position. The rakes are moved up and down the screen and the tines are extended and retracted so that solids deposited on the screen as a lower rake begins to descend are collected by a next-above rake as the latter begins to rise.

Abstract: The present invention employs cross-flow to extend operation time of filtration devices and to increase filtration efficiency. The filtration device with cross-flow function consists of a filter, a case for containing the filter and a diffuser. There are an inlet and an outlet set on the case. The diffuser is set inside the filter along longitudinal direction. The diffuser consists of a reducing section, a throat section and a flared section for producing cross-flow so as to prevent the impurities and particles in the fluid to form cake on the inner surface of filter, so the operation time is therefore greatly increased. A drain outlet is set for adjusting the impurities and particles concentrations of the fluid inside the filter for further extending the effective operation time.

Abstract: A lint trap, including a housing having a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall and a front wall, and the bottom wall defining an aperture; at least one attachment mechanism joining the housing to a utility sink; a lint collection plate slot defined in the side walls; a lint collection plate, the lint collection plate being slidably received within the lint collection plate slot; and an adapter having a hose end and a trap end, the hose end being adapted to join to a hose of a washing machine and the trap end being joined relative to the aperture defined in the bottom wall and a method of use including the steps of flowing water into a flow rate control chamber of a lint trap; flowing water from the flow rate control chamber to a water release chamber; flowing water from the water release chamber through a lint collection plate; removing the lint collection plate from the lint trap; wiping lint off the lint collection plate; and reconnecting the lint collection plate to t

Abstract: A desk organizer having a horizontally disposed rail is mounted over a desk by use of a support base secured to the desk, or a support base secured to walls surrounding the desk, such as those found in office cubicles. The desk support base includes an elongated rod carrying a spindle which extends vertically from the support base. The spindle and rod have several receptacles at different levels above the support surface and are rotatably mounted on the support base. The rail can support numerous receptacles along the length thereof by use of slots located on either side surface of the rail. In addition, a slot located along the top surface of the rail permits the placement of self supporting items such as envelopes, cards, notes and the like.

Abstract: A wooden shoe rack constructed either as a unit hung on a door or as a self-standing unit. Frame sides connect with support arms at special dado joints. Shoe support bars extend between the joints on the opposite sides of the frame to support shoes. A single mechanical fastener is used at each joint to connect the frame sides, arms and shoe bars together.

Abstract: A space-saving compact disk holder holds compact disks in thin, transparent sheaths without jewel cases. Each compact disk fits in a sheath that is connected to a stack segment by a connector. The stack segments have annular bodies that rotate about a common axis. In one embodiment, the stack segments are modular and interlock with one another. In another embodiment, a shaft passes through an axial core of each stack segment, such that the stack segments form a column. The stack segments rotate about a common axis such that compact disks above a selected compact disk can be moved out of the way to view and/or remove the selected compact disk from the column. The compact disk holder is a base for a desk lamp.

Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.

Abstract: A stacking device and system. A stacking device can include a stacking surface having a configuration for supporting a supported article of manufacture stacked on top of the stacking surface. The stacking device further can include a support surface opposite the stacking surface. The support surface can have a configuration for direct communication with a supporting article of manufacture below the support surface.

Abstract: A display for a casket selection room comprises a wall; a plurality of casket portions displayed on the wall, the plurality of casket portions representing a plurality of casket choices from which a customer may select; and a plurality of casket information modules displayed on the wall, each of the information modules corresponding to one of the plurality of casket portions and including at least one of a photo of the casket, a portion of a cap panel of the casket and a fabric swatch of the casket, the photo, portion of the cap panel or fabric swatch being visible to the customer without opening the information module.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for semi-automatically feeding and inserting spherically and non-spherically shaped members into pre-drilled holes on an architectural sign face corresponding to the pattern of Braille letters designed to be formed in the sign. A device is disclosed for holding a reservoir of spherically or non-spherically shaped members, delivering the members from the cylindrical storage tube to a delivery end whereby the member is forcibly inserted into the pre-drilled hole on the sign face by pressure from the user in an arrangement desired for accurately duplicating Braille letters.

Abstract: A material-rack system comprises an offset safety netting, a perimeter cable suspension system for the netting, offset brackets to anchor the perimeter cable suspension system away by adjustable amounts, and vertical extension posts that bolt to the face of the upper frame parts of a pallet rack. The curtain netting is supported around its edges by attachments to taut wire ropes that are supported by the offset brackets. Such offset brackets slip over the vertical frame parts of the pallet rack. The brackets are always flush ended with the netting, and include several mounting points for the frame attachment.

Abstract: A conversion kit and method of using a conversion kit is provided which converts a metal shipping crate into a transporting apparatus. In one preferred embodiment, the conversion kit utilizes a hinge and locking mechanism to angle the trailer for loading of a cargo vehicle and lock the trailer into a horizontal transport position. In another preferred embodiment, the conversion kit utilizes a locking ramp which is lowered for loading of a cargo vehicle and then locked in a vertical position to keep a cargo vehicle in place. A method for using the conversion kit is also provided.

Abstract: A toy figure resembling an animate being is attached to any suitable nursing bottle. The toy figure is oriented with its belly towards the nursing bottle, and its head facing towards the nursing end of the bottle, as if looking towards the nipple. The toy figure has a plurality of appendages, for example, legs, arms, or flippers, that may be posed at least partly around the circumference of the bottle, so that the figure appears to be embracing or riding on the bottle. The nursing bottle with attached toy figure is useful for stimulating interest and a desire to nurse in a nursing child. It may also be used to distinguish between bottles intended for different children.

Abstract: A closure (10) is provided and includes a tamper-evident band (40). The band (40) has a plurality of retaining flaps (60) which engage under a container neck annular retaining bead (23) when the closure is first applied. The flaps have a ratchet surface (86a, 190) for engaging a complimentary surface on the container neck (20). The flaps also have spacer means (85a, 85b, 186) for pushing them into a more vertical inclination under the bead (23). The ratchet arrangement and spacer means ensure reliable separation of the tamper-evident band (40).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a structure comprised of alternating layers of metal and sacrificial material built up using standard CMOS processing techniques, a process for building such a structure, a process for fabricating devices from such a structure, and the devices fabricated from such a structure. In one embodiment, a first metal layer is carried by a substrate. A first sacrificial layer is carried by the first metal layer. A second metal layer is carried by the sacrificial layer. The second metal layer has a portion forming a micro-machined metal mesh. When the portion of the first sacrificial layer in the area of the micro-machined metal mesh is removed, the micro-machined metal mesh is released and suspended above the first metal layer a height determined by the thickness of the first sacrificial layer. The structure may be varied by providing a base layer of sacrificial material between the surface of the substrate and the first metal layer.

Abstract: An etching mask includes a pass-through aperture for exposing only a surface to be etched, a protruding periphery portion that protrudes at the periphery of the pass-through aperture, and a recessed portion enclosed by the protruding periphery portion.

Abstract: A piezoelectric member and an electrode are formed over a silicon substrate. The piezoelectric member and the electrode are patterned by photolithography. The silicon substrate is etched to form a body. A protective film is formed on at least one surface of the body. Another surface having no protective film thereon is etched to obtain a resonant device. The body is etched in its thickness direction accurately while a resonance frequency of the body is measured. The manufacturing processes allow the resonance frequency and a gap frequency of the resonant device to be adjusted to predetermined values.

Abstract: An isotropic deposition method for trench narrowing of thin film magnetic write head features to be created by reactive ion etching. According to the method, a photolithographically defined photoresist trench is formed over a hardmask and underlying polymer layer as part of tri-layer resist process. Instead of performing the usual hardmask and polymer etching steps using the photoresist mask pattern, a spacer layer is deposited isotropically or directionally at an angle to cover the vertical side walls of the trench. The spacer layer is etchable by the hardmask etch process but resistant to the polymer etch process. When the hardmask etch process is performed, the spacer layer material applied to the trench side walls remains intact, thereby defining a narrowed trench that is extended by the subsequent base layer etch process.

Abstract: The invention includes methods by which the size and shape of photoresist-containing masking compositions can be selectively controlled after development of the photoresist. For instance, photoresist features can be formed over a substrate utilizing a photolithographic process. Subsequently, at least some of the photoresist features can be exposed to actinic radiation to cause release of a substance from the photoresist. A layer of material is formed over the photoresist features and over gaps between the features. The material has a solubility in a solvent which is reduced when the material interacts with the substance released from the photoresist. The solvent is utilized to remove portions of the material which are not sufficiently proximate to the photoresist to receive the substance, selectively relative to portions which are sufficiently proximate to the photoresist. The photoresist features can be exposed to the actinic radiation either before or after forming the layer of material.

Abstract: A system and method for that allows one part of an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process sequence to occur at a first temperature while allowing another part of the ALD process sequence to occur at a second temperature. In such a fashion, the first temperature can be chosen to be lower such that decomposition or desorption of the adsorbed first reactant does not occur, and the second temperature can be chosen to be higher such that comparably greater deposition rate and film purity can be achieved. Additionally, the invention relates to improved temperature control in ALD to switch between these two thermal states in rapid succession. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. [37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b)].

Abstract: The method of making a diamond product in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of forming a diamond substrate (50) with a mask layer (52), and etching the diamond substrate (50) formed with the mask layer (52) with a plasma of a mixed gas composed of a gas containing an oxygen atom and a gas containing a fluorine atom, whereas the fluorine atom concentration is within the range of 0.04% to 6% with respect to the total number of atoms in the mixed gas.

Abstract: A processing gas constituted of CH2F2, O2 and Ar is introduced into a processing chamber 102 of a plasma processing apparatus 100. The flow rate ratio of the constituents of the processing gas is set at CH2F2/O2/Ar=20 sccm/10 sccm/100 sccm. The pressure inside the processing chamber 102 is set at 50 mTorr. 500 W high frequency power with its frequency set at 13.56 MHz is applied to a lower electrode. 108 on which a wafer W is placed. The processing gas is raised to plasma and thus, an SiNx layer 206 formed on a Cu layer 204 is etched. The exposed Cu layer 204 is hardly oxidized and C and F are not injected into it.

Abstract: An etching method and etching device are provided, enabling uniform rendering of the thickness of a film for processing on a wafer regardless of the film thickness profile thereof, and thereby enabling global planarizing of the wafer surface. In an etching method, the film thickness profile of the film for processing formed on the wafer is ascertained in advance, and wet etching is performed by discharging an etchant liquid L1 at a thick portion of the film for processing; simultaneously with the discharge of the etchant liquid L1, a diluting liquid L2 for the etchant liquid L1 is discharged at a thin portion of the film for processing.

Abstract: An improvement in a polishing apparatus for planarizing substrates comprises a tenacious coating of a low-adhesion material to the platen surface. An expendable polishing pad is adhesively attached to the low-adhesion material, and may be removed for periodic replacement at much reduced expenditure of force. Polishing pads joined to low-adhesion materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) by conventional adhesives resist distortion during polishing but are readily removed for replacement.

Abstract: An etching method for use in integrated circuit fabrication includes providing a metal nitride layer on a substrate assembly, providing regions of cobalt silicide on first portions of the metal nitride layer, and providing regions of cobalt on second portions of the metal nitride layer. The regions of cobalt and the second portions of the metal nitride layer are removed with at least one solution including a mineral acid and a peroxide. The mineral acid may be selected from the group including HCl, H2SO4, H3PO4, HNO3, and dilute HF (preferably the mineral acid is HCl) and the peroxide may be hydrogen peroxide. Further, the removal of the regions of cobalt and the second portions of the metal nitride layer may include a one step process or a two step process. In the one step process, the regions of cobalt and the second portions of the metal nitride layer are removed with a single solution including the mineral acid and the peroxide.

Abstract: The processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises an object holding unit for holding a processing object, a tool holding unit for holding a tool for processing the processing object, and a relative movement mechanism for causing relative movement of the processing object held in the object holding unit and the tool held in the tool holding unit, while maintaining contact therebetween. The object holding unit and/or the tool holding unit are composed of a plurality of support plates of almost flat shape having elastic property which are arranged in a row.

Abstract: The contact finger module (1) according to the invention, for mounting in a high-power switchgear, for example in a disconnctor, includes at least one contact finger (2) having a contact piece (4) and a flexible contact piece support (5) which extends along a longitudinal direction and has an attachment end (51) and a contact-making end (52), with the contact piece (4) overhanging the contact piece support (5) in the opposite direction to a deflection direction (z), and being connected to the contact piece support (5) at the contact-making end (52), and at least one leaf spring (3) which extends along the longitudinal direction (x) and has an attachment end (31) at which it is connected to the attachment end (51) of the contact piece support (5) in the mounted state. The leaf spring (3) can produce a force which counteracts any deflection of the contact piece (4) in the deflection direction (z).

Abstract: A method of producing grate structures includes forming of a workpiece from elements placed tightly parallel against one another (rods, windings of a spiral or closed rings), their arc winding in a protective atmosphere with seams of a predetermined length locally in predetermined points that determine a character of a pattern of a grate and a strength of connections of elements; a subsequent stretching with a required coefficient. It is possible before stretching to bend the welded wire in a direction which is perpendicular to the placed rods, for example, by rolling and after the stretching to bend the place for obtaining a surface with a double curvature. During stretching it is possible to use auxiliary elements which limit a coefficient of stretching in predetermined regions of the structure for obtaining grate structures of a complicated shape. The device is proposed for automatically producing of flat and volume workpieces of different types of grate structures (FIG.

Abstract: A welder having an integrated gas cylinder is disclosed. The welder has a power source constructed to condition and output an electrical signal suitable to welding and a gas cylinder disposed in an enclosure.

Abstract: A design of a copper welding electrode is disclosed. The electrode can be used in successive spot welding operations on assembled aluminum alloy sheet parts of widely varying thicknesses, e.g., from 0.9 to 4+ mm. The electrode has a round body terminating in a truncated cone with a crowned face. The face has a diameter of about eleven millimeters up to the diameter of the body and the radius of the crowned face is about twenty to thirty five millimeters. The dimensions and shape of the electrode provide robust welding performances despite varying part thicknesses and off angle electrode positioning, and the textured surface provides good electrical contact.

Abstract: Vented shield systems for plasma arc torches are provided that comprise a shield cup body defining a distal end portion, a vented retainer secured to the distal end portion of the shield cup body, and a shield cap secured to the vented retainer. The vented retainer defines at least one vent passageway that directs a flow of secondary gas inward toward the shield cap, and the vented shield system blocks at least a portion of molten metal from contacting components, such as a tip or nozzle, of the plasma arc torch. The shield cap may comprise a mechanized cap, a drag cap, a gouging cap, or a deflector cap, among others. Accordingly, various shield caps may be employed without removal or replacement of the vented retainer. The same vented retainer may be used throughout a variety of plasma arc torch applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device and a heating method, by which a object subject to heating is heated using glow discharge. The constitution is that the heating device comprises (i) a structural body having (a) a first conductive substance, and (b) a second conductive substance provided so as to surround said first conductive substance, where said conductive substances form a space substantially isolated from outside air; and (ii) an exhaust port formed on said structural body to decompress said space, wherein electric power is applied between said first conductive substance and said second conductive substance to generate electric discharge in said decompressed space, the electric discharge is maintained to increase the temperature of said second conductive substance, and said second conductive substance is used as means for heating an object subject to heating.

Abstract: A system and method for synthesizing nanopowder which provides for precursor material ablation from two opposing electrodes that are spaced apart within a gaseous atmosphere, where a plasma is created by a high power pulsed electrical discharge between the electrodes, such pulse being of short duration to inertially confine the plasma, thereby creating a high temperature and high density plasma having high quench and/or reaction rates with the gaseous atmosphere for improved nanopowder synthesis.