Melting Patents (Class 219/121.37)
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Patent number: 11021781Abstract: Plasma spray apparatus for coating substrates, including at least a working chamber including a plasma torch and at least a substrate support, in which an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases is contained at a pressure which is close to the normal pressure, and at least a gas circuit, in communication with said working chamber, including recirculating means of the inert gases contained in said working chamber. The recirculating means include a closed loop, including a blower and a first heat exchanger communicating with said working chamber for extracting the inert gases and supplying a first fraction of the cooled inert gases back into a first portion of the working chamber, and at least a path, communicating with said closed loop and including a compressor and a second heat exchanger for supplying a second fraction of the cooled inert gases into a second portion of the working chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: LINCOTEK TRENTO S.P.A.Inventors: Nelso Antolotti, Girolamo Coppelletti
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Patent number: 9682379Abstract: The invention relates to a wear-resistant roller for crushing of particulate material, such as crude ore for use in the cement or minerals industry comprising a roller body, a wear surface on the roller body. The wear surface comprises welding beads comprising a primary fraction of carbide material and a secondary fraction of material selected from the group consisting of Nickel, Nickel alloys, mixtures of Nickel and Nickel alloys and mixtures of Nickel containing refractory hard materials, Cobalt, Cobalt alloys, mixtures of Cobalt and Cobalt alloys and mixtures of Cobalt containing refractory hard materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: FLSmidth A/SInventors: David Dam Olsson, Niels Ole Cedargaard, Mads Wraa Hyttel
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Patent number: 9057032Abstract: The problems of the prior art are overcome by the apparatus and method disclosed herein. The reactor vessel of a plasma gasifier is operated at high pressure. To compensate for the negative effects of high pressure, various modifications to the plasma gasifier are disclosed. For example, by moving the slag, more material is exposed to the plasma, allowing better and more complete processing thereof. In some embodiments, magnetic fields are used to cause movement of the slag and molten metal within the vessel. An additional embodiment is to add microwave heating of the slag and/or the incoming material. Microwave heating can also be used as an alternative to plasma heating in a high pressure gasification system.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: InEnTec Inc.Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, Daniel R. Cohn, Jeffrey E. Surma, James A. Batdorf, David A. Lamar
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Patent number: 8981251Abstract: An atmospheric pressure plasma source includes a body including a distal end, a blade extending from the distal end and terminating at a blade edge, a plasma-generating unit, and a plasma outlet communicating with the plasma-generating unit and positioned at the distal end. The plasma outlet is oriented at a downward angle generally toward the blade edge, wherein the plasma outlet provides a plasma path directed generally toward the blade edge. The plasma may be applied to the coating at an interface between the coating and an underlying substrate. While applying the plasma, the blade is moved into contact with the coating at the interface, wherein the blade assists in separating the coating from the substrate while one or more components of the coating react with energetic species of the plasma.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: AP Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Peter Joseph Yancey, Jeffrey Kingsley
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Patent number: 8941025Abstract: Plume shield shroud (10) for a plasma gun (30) includes a substantially tubular member (14) comprising an axial length, a plume entry end (11), and a plume exit end (13). The shroud (10) is adapted to be mounted to a plasma gun (30). A method of protecting, confining or shielding of a gas plume of a plasma gun (30) includes mounting (20) a gas plume shroud (10) on the plasma gun (30) such that the shroud (10) is sized and configured to substantially surround at least a portion of the gas plume.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Oerlikon Metco (US) Inc.Inventors: Richard McCullough, Mark F. Spaulding, Robert F. Savill, Jr., Ronald J. Molz
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Publication number: 20140202995Abstract: A plasma heat treatment apparatus, provided for enabling a control of temperature distribution within electrode surfaces, without accompanying an increase of an electric power to be inputted therein, even in case when heating is made on a sample to be heated, having a large diameter thereof, with applying plasma, comprises a treatment chamber 100 for heat the sample 101 to be treated therein, a first electrode 102, which is disposed within the treatment chamber, a plate-shaped second electrode 103, which is disposed opposing to the first electrode 102, a radio-frequency power supply 111 for supplying radio-frequency electric power to the first electrode 102 or the second electrode 103, and a gas introducing means 113 for supplying a gas within the treatment chamber, wherein the first electrode 102 has an opening portion therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Masatoshi MIYAKE, Ken'etsu YOKOGAWA, Takashi UEMURA, Hiromichi KAWASAKI
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Publication number: 20140116996Abstract: A plasma generation device assembly includes a base includes an interior portion and a top surface defining a plurality of apertures that extend through the top surface. The plasma generation device assembly also includes a plasma generation device and a plurality of coupling members. The plasma generation device is positioned on the top surface and is configured to emit ablative plasma when the plasma generation device is activated. The plurality of coupling members extends through the plurality of apertures and is configured to couple the plasma generation device to the top surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Srinivas Naga Palvadi, Dharamveer Surya Parkash Bathla, Ravi Kumar
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Patent number: 8642917Abstract: A cathode electrode for plasma generation. The cathode is made of graphite with highly ordered structure such as Pyrolitic Graphite or Carbon-Carbon composites. Furthermore, carbon containing gases will be used as plasma gas. The cathode will allow for theoretically an unlimited lifetime of the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Inventors: Valerian Pershin, Javad Mostaghimi, Liming Chen
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Patent number: 8610024Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a device and method for producing a lunar agglutinate simulant in which batch material is supported and moved through a plasma arc at a rate which partially reacts the batch material.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignees: Zybek Advanced Products, Inc., U.S. Geological SurveyInventors: Michael Weinstein, Stephen A. Wilson
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Patent number: 8598486Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating return ores using plasma, capable of treating sintered return ores generated in a sintering process in a steel maker or return ores (iron ores) employed in other ironmaking process such as FINEX. The method of treating return ores using plasma includes: providing return ores sorted out by a sorting process; and bonding the return ores by fusing and agglomerating the return ores using plasma. Also, an apparatus for treating return ores using plasma includes a plasma heating device used to fuse and agglomerate sorted return ores. The return ores of a predetermined grain size are fusion-bonded and agglomerated using a flame of a plasma heating device. Particularly, the return ores can be treated in a massive amount to enhance productivity of a fusion-bonding process of the return ores. Furthermore, a great amount of sintered return ores generated in the sintering process can be subjected to a fewer number of re-treatment processes.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: PoscoInventors: Shin Il Kim, Joo Kang, Jong Nam Lee, Won Hee Lee
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Patent number: 8546719Abstract: A plasma arc torch both cutting and marking of metal workpieces includes a plasma nozzle having a plasma nozzle orifice through which an electric arc from an electrode and a stream of plasma gas are emitted toward a workpiece, and a liquid-injection shield cup that injects liquid tangentially inwardly to the arc and stream of plasma gas. A power supply is operable to selectively deliver electrical power to the electrode at either a low power level suitable for marking of a workpiece or a high power level suitable for workpiece cutting. The torch may be selectively operated to mark at the low power level, with a plasma marking gas being delivered to the plasma gas passage, or to cut at the high power level, with a plasma cutting gas being delivered to the plasma gas passage, and liquid being delivered to the liquid injection passage for both cutting and marking.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.Inventors: Joseph V. Warren, Jr., Koustubh Dnyandeo Ashtekar
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Patent number: 8491836Abstract: A melting furnace for smelting scrap includes a heating device extending through a wall of the furnace in order to supply melting energy, wherein the heating device including a tubular body, which encloses a flow channel. Further, the furnace includes a heating zone formed by a longitudinal section of the tubular body configured as an electrodeless plasma torch including an inductive heating coil which encloses the flow channel coaxially. An injection pipe is disposed in a central manner in the flow channel extending up or into to the heating zone, wherein the injection pipe is enclosed by a gas guiding pipe coaxially and at a radial distance. An annular channel is arranged between the injection pipe and the wall of the flow channel for supplying a cooling gas.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Matschullat
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Patent number: 8471170Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus for producing a set of Group IV semiconductor nanoparticles from a precursor gas is disclosed. The apparatus includes an outer dielectric tube, the outer tube including an outer tube inner surface and an outer tube outer surface, wherein the outer tube inner surface has an outer tube inner surface etching rate. The apparatus also includes an inner dielectric tube, the inner dielectric tube including an inner tube outer surface, wherein the outer tube inner surface and the inner tube outer surface define an annular channel, and further wherein the inner tube outer surface has an inner tube outer surface etching rate. The apparatus further includes a first outer electrode, the first outer electrode having a first outer electrode inner surface disposed on the outer tube outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Innovalight, Inc.Inventors: Xuegeng Li, Christopher Alcantara, Maxim Kelman, Elena Rogojina, Eric Schiff, Mason Terry, Karel Vanheusden
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Patent number: 8357873Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 10, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLCInventor: Todd Foret
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Patent number: 8343253Abstract: A method for producing conductor fine particles in which the advantages of conventional vapor phase method and liquid phase method are utilized while eliminating the drawbacks of both methods remarkably. Furthermore, definite guidelines and measure for improvement are given to the greatest problems common to the vapor phase method and liquid phase method, i.e., enhancement in quality of the unit fine particle and a fine particle production method controllably temporarily and regionally. The method for producing conductor fine particles comprises a step for applying a voltage to a pair of electrode consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode arranged in conductive liquid and generating plasma in the vicinity of the negative electrode, and a step for producing conductor fine particles by melting the metal material of the negative electrode and then re-solidifying.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Kankyou Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiichi Watanabe, Yu Toriyabe, Shigeo Yatsu, Tamaki Shibayama, Tadahiko Mizuno
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Patent number: 8324523Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLCInventor: Todd Foret
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Patent number: 8294060Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming layers on a target. The apparatus and method employ a direct current plasma apparatus to form at least one layer using a plasma jet containing precursors. In some embodiments, the direct current plasma apparatus utilizes axial injection of the precursors through the cathode (in an upstream and/or downstream configuration) and/or downstream of the anode. In some embodiments, the direct current plasma apparatus can comprise a laser source for remelting the layer using a laser beam to achieve in-situ densification thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Pravansu S. Mohanty, Nicholas Anton Moroz
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Patent number: 8283593Abstract: A wire cleaning guide for guiding a wire in a feed direction and to clean the wire, including a gas supply nozzle for supplying plasma generating gas, a plasma generating chamber with plasma generating gas supplied from the gas supply nozzle thereto for transforming the plasma generating gas into plasma by energizing a bonding wire that passes there through to clean the wire by means of the plasma gas, and wire-feeder-side and bonding-tool-side guide holes for guiding the wire in the feed direction, the diameter of the wire-feeder-side guide hole is greater than that of the bonding-tool-side guide hole so that the outflow rate of gas after wire cleaning flowing between the wire-feeder-side guide hole and the wire is greater than that of gas after wire cleaning flowing between the bonding-tool-side guide hole and the wire.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ShinkawaInventors: Masayuki Horino, Kazuo Fujita
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Patent number: 8148661Abstract: A DC plasma torch which includes a long lasting thermionic cathode and has a high thermal efficiency. The DC plasma torch employs a solid cathode made of graphite with highly ordered structure such as Pyrolitic Graphite or Carbon-Carbon composites. Furthermore, carbon containing gases will be used as plasma gas. The cathode will allow for theoretically an unlimited lifetime of the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Inventors: Valerian Pershin, Javad Mostaghimi, Liming Chen
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Patent number: 7929127Abstract: There is provided a laser energy measuring unit whose laser energy measuring range is widened. The laser energy measuring unit has a filter provided within an optical path of a laser to attenuate energy of the laser, a calculating section for measuring the energy of the laser passing through the filter, and a condenser lens provided on one side of the filter for condensing the laser. The filter has a shading portion for blocking a center part of the laser beam from being transmitted through the filter at a position coincident with the center of the laser. The center part of the laser where its energy is large is cut by the shading portion, and the calculating section measures the part where its energy is not so large. Thereby, it is possible to widen the laser energy measuring range.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Hitachi Via MechanicsInventors: Fumio Watanabe, Katsurou Bukawa
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Publication number: 20100320176Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming layers on a target. The apparatus and method employ a direct current plasma apparatus to form at least one layer using a plasma jet containing precursors. In some embodiments, the direct current plasma apparatus utilizes axial injection of the precursors through the cathode (in an upstream and/or downstream configuration) and/or downstream of the anode. In some embodiments, the direct current plasma apparatus can comprise a laser source for remelting the layer using a laser beam to achieve in-situ densification thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: PRAVANSU S. MOHANTY, Nicholas Anton Moroz
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Patent number: 7807049Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for extracting kerogen oil from oil shale without adverse environmental impacts. A first plasma reactor is employed for creating a syngas from a carbon-based fuel. A turbine uses the syngas to produce electricity after the syngas' sensible heat passes through a heat exchanger to heat recycling gases used to pyrolyze the oil shale. A kiln receives the oil shale and heats the oil shale to a temperature at which hydrocarbons from the oil shale are released and captured. The hydrocarbons are sent to a distillation tower to produce a usable fuel. A second plasma reactor vitrifies the spent shale to produce an environmentally inert byproduct. The second plasma reactor is powered by electricity produced by the syngas turbine. Carbon dioxide generated by the process is captured and stored to prevent its release into the environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: Raymond L. Ridge
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Publication number: 20100226613Abstract: A multi-electrode system comprises a fiber support configured to hold at least one optical fiber and a set of electrodes disposed about the at least one optical fiber and configured to generate arcs between adjacent electrodes to generate a substantially uniform heated field to a circumferential outer surface of the at least one optical fiber. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: 3SAE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Brett Clark, Robert Wiley, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
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Patent number: 7736471Abstract: A system for treating a feedstock for the purposes of waste destruction, energy generation, or the production of useful chemicals is disclosed and includes a reactor vessel. A heating lance is configured to outflow the products of a partial oxidation reaction into a reaction chamber in the vessel. The hot reaction products heat and pyrolyze the feedstock in the chamber generating a process effluent which typically includes gases (e.g. syn-gas) and carbon solids. Glasses and metals in the feedstock accumulate in the chamber in a molten state. The molten materials store thermal energy and provide thermal stability to the treatment system. A recycle loop uses carbon solids from the process effluent as an input to the lance for reaction with an oxidant therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: General AtomicsInventor: David A. Hazlebeck
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Publication number: 20100078409Abstract: A method for treating hazardous waste comprising: providing a plasma reactor, waste to be treated and a glass-forming host slag material; contacting within the plasma reactor the waste and the host slag material; and treating the waste and the host slag material using a plasma treatment to melt the host slag material and incorporate inorganic components of the waste within the host slag material, wherein the plasma is generated using an arc and the arc is passed through the host slag material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: TETRONICS LIMITEDInventors: David Deegan, Chris Chapman, Saeed Ismail
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Patent number: 7619178Abstract: An igniter for use in aircraft gas turbine and rocket engines that derives its energy from a directly connected magnetron. The igniter is intended to be mounted exterior of the engine, and to protrude into the engine's combustion chamber. The magnetron energy is conductively connected to one end of a coaxial transmission line. The other end of the transmission line is at a region of high potential, and there is a small gap between the inner and outer transmission line conductors in that region. A gas comprised of either an oxidizer or fuel is flowed past the gap, and into the combustion chamber of the engine. The high potential causes a plasma to be formed in the gas, which plumes into the combustion chamber and ignites the propellants flowing therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Inventor: William P. Peschel
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Patent number: 7591957Abstract: Reactive atom plasma processing can be used to shape, polish, planarize and clean the surfaces of difficult materials with minimal subsurface damage. The apparatus and methods use a plasma torch, such as a conventional ICP torch. The workpiece and plasma torch are moved with respect to each other, whether by translating and/or rotating the workpiece, the plasma, or both. The plasma discharge from the torch can be used to shape, planarize, polish, and/or clean the surface of the workpiece, as well as to thin the workpiece. The processing may cause minimal or no damage to the workpiece underneath the surface, and may involve removing material from the surface of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: RAPT Industries, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey W. Carr
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Patent number: 7507934Abstract: A plasma generation electrode capable of subjecting predetermined components contained in a fluid to be treated to their respective reaction treatments with plasmas having different intensities optimized on a reaction basis, by passing merely once the fluid to be treated, is provided. In the plasma generation electrode, a unit electrode is composed of a tabular ceramic material serving as a dielectric material and an electrically conductive film disposed in the inside of the ceramic material, a plurality of unit electrodes are layered at a constant spacing, the distance between the electrically conductive films disposed in the unit electrodes adjacent to each other is varied partly or the dielectric constant of the ceramic material constituting the unit electrode is varied partly, and plasmas having different intensities can be generated partly in the spaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsuo Kondou, Yasumasa Fujioka, Masaaki Masuda, Kenji Dosaka, Keizo Iwama
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Patent number: 7348515Abstract: A solder dispenser provides a cylindrical dispensing container which has a solder inlet for introducing a solder member, and an opening portion for discharging the above-mentioned solder member to the external, and forms an internal space where the solder member can fall between the above-mentioned solder inlet and the above-mentioned opening portion, and a solder supply portion which is detachably mounted in the dispensing container and holds the solder member, wherein, in a state that a lid member is mounted in the above-mentioned dispensing container, the above-mentioned solder supply portion holds the above-mentioned solder member in the opening region of the above-mentioned solder inlet and the above-mentioned internal space becomes a closed space except the above-mentioned opening portion, and wherein, when holding of the solder member is released, the solder member falls inside a closed space to arrive at the opening portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: TDK CorporationInventors: Tatsuya Wagou, Toru Mizuno, Osamu Shindo
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Publication number: 20070221633Abstract: A plasma generation electrode capable of subjecting predetermined components contained in a fluid to be treated to their respective reaction treatments with plasmas having different intensities optimized on a reaction basis, by passing merely once the fluid to be treated, is provided. In the plasma generation electrode, a unit electrode is composed of a tabular ceramic material serving as a dielectric material and an electrically conductive film disposed in the inside of the ceramic material, a plurality of unit electrodes are layered at a constant spacing, the distance between the electrically conductive films disposed in the unit electrodes adjacent to each other is varied partly or the dielectric constant of the ceramic material constituting the unit electrode is varied partly, and plasmas having different intensities can be generated partly in the spaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicants: NGK INSULATORS, LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsuo Kondou, Yasumasa Fujioka, Masaaki Masuda, Kenji Dosaka, Keizo Iwama
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Patent number: 7252744Abstract: A method of treating a fluorocarbon feedstock includes generating, in a high temperature zone, an electrical arc between at least one cathode and at least one anode, generating in the high temperature zone and by means of the electrical arc and a plasma gas, an upwardly burning thermal plasma having a tail flame, allowing a solid particulate fluorocarbon feedstock comprising at least on fluorocarbon compound to form a reactive thermal mixture with the thermal plasma tail flame, with the fluorocarbon compound dissociating into at least one fluorocarbon precursor or reactive species, and cooling the reactive thermal mixture to form, from the fluorocarbon precursor of reactive species, at least one more desirable fluorocarbon compound.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignees: South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Limited, 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Izak Jacobus Van Der Walt, Klaus Hintzer, Gernot Löhr
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Patent number: 7138599Abstract: An electrical conductor and a gas-filled layer are located at or near the surface of an object being deiced. The conductor carries an AC voltage that generates an alternating electric field in the gas-filled layer. A conductive layer increases the electric field strength in the gas-filled layer between the electrical conductor and the conductive layer. The alternating electric field causes electric breakdown of gas and plasma-formation in the gas-filled layer. The plasma absorbs energy released during electric discharge through the plasma, which heats ice, causing it to melt. The alternating electric field typically has a field strength in a range of about from 1 to 100 kV/cm. The AC voltage typically has an amplitude in a range of about from 10 kV to 1300 kV, and a frequency in a range of about from 50 Hz to 1 MHz. The gas-filled layer includes a plasma-forming gas selected from, among others, air, nitrogen and argon.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth CollegeInventor: Victor F. Petrenko
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Patent number: 7125525Abstract: An apparatus and method for the production of nanotubes, fullerene and their derivatives where, in an environment where an inert gas flows at or below atmospheric pressure, a high frequency electromagnetic field is generated and a pure or doped graphite element is subjected to the electromagnetic field and heated to vaporization to form a plasma.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Inventor: Schiavon Mauro
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Patent number: 6911618Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a producing method by which minute metal balls having a high sphericity or roundness and a uniform diameter. The present invention provides a method of producing minute metal balls, comprising the steps of cutting a wire material having a diameter ? at predetermined distances to provide metal pieces having a cut length L equal to or smaller than 2 mm and a ratio L/? in a range of 0.1?L/??3.0, and introducing the metal pieces into a plasma flame to spheroidize the metal pieces. In the present invention, it is preferable that the metal pieces are made of any metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, Au and Al, or an alloy as a main of any of these metals. It is also preferable that the metal pieces are made of any metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ti, W, Ni and Cr, or an alloy as a main of any of these metals.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.Inventor: Nobuhiko Chiwata
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Patent number: 6817388Abstract: A waste processing system is provided herein which entails the use of at least one fixed-position plasma arc generator for primary processing and at least one moveable plasma arc generator for secondary processing assistance and/or final conditioning of the slag prior to exit from the reactor vessel. This optimum processing environment is provided by control of reactor vessel configuration and real time control of processing characteristics to ensure maximum processing efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: RCL Plasma, Inc.Inventors: Andreas V. Tsangaris, George W. Carter, Jesse Z. Shen, D. Michael Feasby, Kenneth C. Campbell
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Patent number: 6737604Abstract: The system includes a source of solid, liquid or sludge waste and a source of waste gas. A waste conversion device receives the solid, liquid or sludge waste and converts it into a hydrogen-rich gas. An internal combustion engine receives as fuel the hydrogen-rich gas and the waste gas and burns them to produce mechanical work. A generator is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine to generate electricity. Some of the generated electricity may be used to power the waste conversion device. The system allows for high-efficiency, lean-burn operation while reducing the amount of waste converted to hydrogen-rich gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Integrated Environmental Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeffrey E. Surma, Daniel R. Cohn
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Patent number: 6624380Abstract: A device and method for producing sodium (Na) from a feed material such as a mixture of methane (CH4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) includes a plasma torch configured to heat the feed material to a temperature sufficient to reduce and ionize sodium (Na). As such, a plasma jet is created by the plasma torch that contains ionized sodium (Na) and non-ionized neutrals such as hydrogen (H) and carbon monoxide (CO). From the plasma torch, the plasma jet is introduced into a chamber where a magnetic field has been established. Once inside the chamber the heated mixture of ions and neutrals interacts with the magnetic field in the chamber to cause the sodium ions to travel substantially along the magnetic field lines while the neutrals travel on paths that are essentially unaffected by the magnetic field. A collector is positioned to receive and accumulate sodium (Na).Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Archimedes Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: Stephen F. Agnew, Sergei Putvinski
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Publication number: 20030042231Abstract: The system includes a source of solid, liquid or sludge waste and a source of waste gas. A waste conversion device receives the solid, liquid or sludge waste and converts it into a hydrogen-rich gas. An internal combustion engine receives as fuel the hydrogen-rich gas and the waste gas and burns them to produce mechanical work. A generator is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine to generate electricity. Some of the generated electricity may be used to power the waste conversion device. The system allows for high-efficiency, lean-burn operation while reducing the amount of waste converted to hydrogen-rich gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Jeffrey E. Surma, Daniel R. Cohn
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Patent number: 6489584Abstract: A near-surface defect in a nickel-base superalloy article having a nil-ductility range is weld repaired with a low-power, directional, spatially confined heat source. During the weld repair procedure, the body of the article is maintained at room temperature. Simultaneously, the surface of the article is locally melted in the region of the near-surface defect using the heat source to form a melted region, and thereafter the melted region is allowed to solidify. The heat source produces a shallow weld pool that allows the near-surface defect to be floated to the surface in the case of an inclusion, or welded closed in the case of a surface crack or near-surface void.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Thomas Joseph Kelly
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Publication number: 20020100751Abstract: Reactive atom plasma processing can be used to shape, polish, planarize and clean the surfaces of difficult materials with minimal subsurface damage. The apparatus and methods use a plasma torch, such as a conventional ICP torch. The workpiece and plasma torch are moved with respect to each other, whether by translating and/or rotating the workpiece, the plasma, or both. The plasma discharge from the torch can be used to shape, planarize, polish, and/or clean the surface of the workpiece, as well as to thin the workpiece. The processing may cause minimal or no damage to the workpiece underneath the surface, and may involve removing material from the surface of the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventor: Jeffrey W. Carr
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Patent number: 6380507Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for generating energy from the essentially complete disassociation of organic matter in a plasma arc furnace operating under pyrolytic conditions. Energy is produced by the disassociation in the form of synthesis gases such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide that can be used to generate electricity, and heat energy from the process and from burning the synthesis gasses are also used to generate electricity. In addition, inorganic matter that is input to the furnace is rendered ecologically and biologically safe and is extracted from the furnace to be re-cycled into new uses such as insulation and road paving material. Organic matter, along with non-organic matter, is pre-processed and sized before being input to the plasma arc furnace. The pre-processed matter is fed into a molten silica bath in the furnace through hollow electrodes that are inserted into the silica bath to create the plasma arc.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventor: Wayne F. Childs
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Patent number: 6355904Abstract: A waste treatment system is provided, including a waste melter system and an air pollution control system. Hazardous and/or radioactive waste in drums is conducted through a waste feed system into a plasma chamber where the waste is exposed to heat from a plasma torch. A part of the waste volatilizes and leaves the plasma chamber for a secondary reaction chamber, in which the waste is combusted to form a waste gas stream. The air pollution control system treats the waste gas stream through quenching, filtering and scrubbing, to produce a clean gas stream suitable for release to the atmosphere. Offgas may be recirculated through the waste treatment system as desired. The waste remaining inside the plasma chamber melts and drops onto sloped processing surfaces inside a hearth located below the plasma torch. The hearth includes ground electrodes configured for electrical contact with waste held in the hearth so that the melted waste in the hearth may be further heated by the plasma torch.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1996Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: James A. Batdorf, John D. Dalton, Raymond M. Geimer, Robert L. Gillins, Milo M. Larsen, Gary L. Leatherman, Steven D. Poling, William P. Wolfe
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Publication number: 20010041035Abstract: The present invention provides a screening mechanism for an optical fiber fusion-splicer including two holder tables for holding two optical fibers to be fusion-spliced in an opposed relationship, a connection table disposed between the holder tables and having guide grooves into which tip end portions, from which coatings are removed, of the two optical fibers held by the holder tables are fitted, and fiber clamps capable of rotating from their waiting positions to positions above the guide grooves and adapted to press the tip end portions of the optical fibers into the guide grooves, the screening mechanism comprising a sensor capable of detecting the fact that the pressing of the tip end portions of the optical fibers effected by the fiber clamps is released, and wherein, when the releasing is detected by the sensor, one or both of the holder tables are automatically shifted in directions opposite to optical fiber abutting directions to pull the optical fibers, thereby effect screening.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Takaaki Uchida, Hideki Watanabe
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Publication number: 20010004980Abstract: A method for locally heating objects, in particular thin sheet metal, by charging the objects by means of a plasma ignited between two electrodes. In order to keep the thermal stress of a subject as low as possible outside of the zone to be heated it is provided that the machining such as spot welding or burning through a breakthrough occurs with merely one plasma pulse which is produced by applying a voltage pulse exceeding the arc-over voltage of the gap between the electrodes (15′, 19′).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2001Publication date: June 28, 2001Applicant: INOCON TECHNOLOGIE GESELLSCHAT M.B.H.Inventor: Gerhard Schwankhart
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Patent number: 6236013Abstract: A process and an automatic installation for plasma-jet marking and for cutting or welding various materials. A carrying structure carries both a plasma-marking torch and at least one torch for plasma or laser cutting, oxycutting or plasma or laser welding. A drive system make it possible to move the torches in one or more directions of motion, and control means make it possible to control the movement of the torches relative to the workpieces to be marked. The torches are supplied with coolant, such as demineralized water, with a plasma gas or gas mixture, and with electric current. The plasma-marking installation according to the invention can be used for marking metals, metal alloys or plastics.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: La Soudure Autogene FrancaiseInventor: Michel Delzenne
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Patent number: 6182585Abstract: Thermal destruction of waste includes forming a bath of a melted slag, heating the waste and introducing the waste onto a surface of the bath, passing produced off-gasses through the melted slag, discharging the off-gasses, releasing produced metal and slag from the bath, forming in the closed volume a plasma hose over the surface of the bath by a coaxial electric arc plasma torch by two tubular electrodes located one inside the other, and introducing the waste through an interior of the inner electrode and then through the plasma hose.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: General Phosphorix LLCInventors: Adam Gonopolsky, Yakov Goldshtein, Nikolai Doniants, Sergei Panfilov, Edward Tilman