Abstract: A hybrid plasma device includes a power supply; a manipulation unit configured to receive at least two skin treatment programs; a gas supply unit configured to supply at least one inert gas; a control unit configured to control the gas supply unit to supply one species of inert gases or to supply at least two species of inert gases; a gas output unit configured to be controlled to output one species of inert gases or to output a mixture of at least two species of inert gases; a plasma handpiece configured to receive said one species of inert gases or the mixture of at least two species of inert gases from the gas output unit and to generate plasma from said one species or mixture to and to eject the generated plasma out of the handpiece; and a plasma driver unit configured to apply power to the plasma handpiece.

Abstract: Feed material comprising uniform solution precursor droplets is processed in a uniform melt state using microwave generated plasma. The plasma torch employed is capable of generating laminar gas flows and providing a uniform temperature profile within the plasma. Plasma exhaust products are quenched at high rates to yield amorphous products. Products of this process include spherical, highly porous and amorphous oxide ceramic particles such as magnesia-yttria (MgO—Y2O3). The present invention can also be used to produce amorphous non oxide ceramic particles comprised of Boron, Carbon, and Nitrogen which can be subsequently consolidated into super hard materials.

Abstract: Apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable may include a containment structure having a first compartment that is configured to receive a device therein and a movable member configured to receive a cartridge having reactant material therein. The movable member is configured to be inserted into the first compartment of the containment structure and to ignite the reactant material within the cartridge. Methods of rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable may include disposing the device into the first compartment of the containment structure, inserting the movable member into the first compartment of the containment structure, igniting the reactant material in the cartridge, and expelling molten metal onto the device.

Abstract: A method for treating hazardous waste comprising the steps of 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.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an endless metal ring by cutting an annular member made of maraging steel containing molybdenum into a ring element having a predetermined width, wherein a melted-solidified layer is formed on an outer circumference of the annular member, and the melted-solidified layers are arranged to be continuous in a circumferential direction of the ring element.

Abstract: The present concept is a method of cladding and fusion welding of superalloys and includes the steps of firstly application of a composite filler powder that consists of 5-50% by weight brazing powder which includes melting point depressants, and 50-95% by weight high temperature welding powder, to a superalloy base material. Secondly there is simultaneous heating of the base material and the composite filler powder by a welding heat source that is movable relative to the base material. There is heating to a temperature that will fully melt the brazing powder and at least partially melt the high temperature welding powder and also melt a surface layer of the base material, thereby forming a weld pool. Thirdly upon solidification and cooling of the weld pool, there is coalescence between the weld bead and the base material.

Abstract: In a method for controlling pulse arc welding where an arc is created between a wire and a base material, a pulse waveform different from the pulse waveform for steady-state welding is outputted when a predetermined time has passed since short-circuit welding control was started at arc start, and after a sufficiently large melt pool is formed, the pulse waveform for the steady-state welding is outputted. This reduces the generation of spatters after an arc is created and until the arc is stabilized.

Abstract: A process and related apparatus for the treatment of hazardous waste and an initially separate waste stream, the process comprising gasifying the waste stream in a gasification unit to produce an offgas and a char material; and plasma treating the offgas, and optionally the char material, in a plasma treatment unit to produce a syngas; and blending hazardous waste with the waste stream at a point in the process determined by the relative chemical and/or physical properties of the hazardous waste and the waste stream.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a device for producing nanoparticles of a low melting point material such as gold at more than 10 times faster the rate of conventional technology while maintaining the time-averaged temperature of pulse-modulated atmospheric-pressure plasma at a temperature that is low enough so as not to damage a heat-sensitive material disposed downstream. This method of preparing nanoparticles of a low melting point inorganic material in which a wire made of a low melting point inorganic material is inserted into a plasma-generating capillary tube or a plasma-generating nozzle and atmospheric-pressure high frequency plasma is generated in the capillary tube or nozzle is characterized by generating the plasma by applying a high frequency voltage possessing a waveform which exhibits its maximum value when it rises and then immediately falls, and which is pulse-modulated so that the duty ratio thereof is 10% or less.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste, the process comprising either a gasification step or a pyrolysis step to produce an offgas and a non-airborne, solid char material; followed by a a plasma treatment step. An associated apparatus having a plasma treatment unit which is separate from the gasification unit or pyrolysis unit.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste, the process comprising either a gasification step or a pyrolysis step to produce an offgas and a non-airborne, solid char material; followed by a plasma treatment step. An associated apparatus having a plasma treatment unit which is separate from the gasification unit or pyrolysis unit.

Abstract: An insertion device is disclosed. The insertion device includes a base portion, a top portion slidably connected to the base portion, an introduction needle, a catheter in slidable relation to the introduction needle, and a substantially cylindrical flash chamber, the flash chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the introduction needle. The flash chamber is connected to the base portion, the top portion slidably engages with the flash chamber, and the catheter and the top portion slidably advance with respect to the introduction needle and the base portion.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste, the process comprising either a gasification step or a pyrolysis step to produce an offgas and a non-airborne, solid char material; followed by a plasma treatment step. An associated apparatus having a plasma treatment unit which is separate from the gasification unit or pyrolysis unit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for generating a plasma field, including: arranging the points of discharge of a plurality of electrodes into a plane, applying voltage to each electrode, providing at least one grounded electrode, and controlling the path between the electrodes and corresponding temperature of the plasma formed between the electrodes by controlling the signal and phase to the high voltage generators.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste, the process comprising: (i) either (a) a gasification step comprising treating the waste in a gasification unit in the presence of oxygen and steam to produce an offgas and a char, or (b) a pyrolysis step comprising treating the waste in a pyrolysis unit to produce an offgas and a char; and (ii) a plasma treatment step comprising subjecting the offgas and the char to a plasma treatment in a plasma treatment unit in the presence of oxygen and, optionally, steam.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing metal oxide nanoparticles. The process includes the steps of: a) providing at least two precursor metal salt materials, b) passing the at least two precursor metal salt materials through a plasma torch forming a vaporized material, and then c) condensing the vaporized material forming a metal oxide nanoparticle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating materials or substances in an oven at an oven temperature below their melting and/or vaporization points to either melt and/or vaporize the substance. Substances are inserted into a substantially spherical envelope. The envelope is sealed at a preset pressure. The solid is heated in an oven at an oven temperature substantially below the melting or vaporization temperature of the substance at the preset pressure for a time sufficient to either melt or vaporize the substance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating materials or substances in an oven at an oven temperature below their melting and/or vaporization points to either melt and/or vaporize the substance. Substances are inserted into a substantially spherical envelope. The envelope is sealed at a preset pressure. The solid is heated in an oven at an oven temperature substantially below the melting or vaporization temperature of the substance at the preset pressure for a time sufficient to either melt or vaporize the substance.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An article comprises a heat source, a heat sink, and a high-efficiency diamond material interposed between and thermally coupled to the heat source and the heat sink. The heat source and the high-efficiency diamond material have a contact area greater than 1 square centimeter.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating materials or substances in an oven at an oven temperature below their melting and/or vaporization points to either melt and/or vaporize the substance. Substances are inserted into a substantially spherical envelope. The envelope is sealed at a preset pressure. The solid is heated in an oven at an oven temperature substantially below the melting or vaporization temperature of the substance at the preset pressure for a time sufficient to either melt or vaporize the substance.

Abstract: A solid-waste conversion plant produces useful products and electrical energy in a closed system with zero emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. The plant is characterized by catalytic ionic-impact chambers having a pair of electrodes that establish an electric arc. The electric arc breaks down solid waste molecules into a plasma of atomic constituents which exothermically recombine into simple molecules upon leaving the plasma. A primary chamber converts carbon-based waste into solidifiable metal, sulfur and glassy slag extractable from the bottom of the chamber, and into gas containing CO, H2, and CH4. A second chamber contains high carbon waste input that is converted by the arc into incandescent coke, which converts CO2 and H2O in the gas from the first chamber into more CO, H2 and CH4, thereby forming a fuel gas. The fuel gas is combusted in gas turbine generators to produce electricity for operating the electric arcs, plus a sellable surplus.

Abstract: A process for operating a plasma torch having an improved start up and shut down sequence to substantially increase electrode element life. The first shut down mode is controlled such that plasma gas flow through the swirl ring and nozzle prevents the formation of an oxide layer upon the electrode. The shut down method is especially useful for torches which operate at 100 amps or greater. The inclusion of an aluminum jacket surrounding the electrode outer walls has been found to contribute to the ability to avoid formation of oxide layers on the electrode.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of producing nanocrystalline ceramic powder by creating a plasma stream in a reactor vessel, and physically converting a ceramic precursor material into ceramic particles suspended in the vessel, using the plasma stream. A metallic reactant may additionally be introduced into the vessel using the plasma stream, wherein the metallic reactant forms ceramic particles having the same composition as the ceramic particles of the physical converting step. The plasma stream is created using an electrothermal gun. The gun may use a ceramic barrel which is eroded by the plasma stream. Alternatively (or additionally), the ceramic precursor material may be injected as particulates into the plasma stream, wherein the ceramic precursor particulates are micron-sized or larger. A novel electrothermal gun design may optionally use a replaceable insert constructed of the ceramic precursor material.

Abstract: 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.