Abstract: A novel plasma generation and containment system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, and an electromagnet. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled via a wire to form an open circuit. The voltage is asserted on the open circuit to form a spark between the first electrode and the second electrode to form a closed circuit. Then, a current is asserted on the closed circuit to form a plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electromagnet provides a magnetic field to contain and compress the plasma.

Abstract: An electric heater includes a substrate (an insulating material capable of forming a conductor pattern on a surface of an insulating substrate), a first plane heating element formed on one surface of the substrate, and a second plane heating element formed on one surface of the substrate to be located outside the first plane heating element. The first plane heating element includes a first pattern portion connecting a start point with an end point located in a first zone, a pair of first electrodes located outside the first zone, and a pair of first connectors connecting the first pattern portion with the first electrodes. The second plane heating element includes a second pattern portion located in a second zone surrounding the first zone and connecting a start point with an end point, and at least some of the first connectors are located in the second zone.

Abstract: A practical plasma processing machine is provided, in which attachment mechanism is provided for attaching plasma head to attachment section of a head moving device that moves the plasma head. Since the plasma head can be attached or detached, for example, it is easy to exchange it with a different type of plasma head, remove for maintenance, attaching after maintenance, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating lance for a plasma process, the lance comprising a plasma shaft, a plasma neck, and a plasma head, the plasma shaft comprising a longitudinal channel, which extends in an axial direction along an axis from a first shaft end to a second shaft end, the plasma neck comprising a shaft boss and a head boss and at least one neck channel, which extends from the shaft boss to the head boss, and the shaft boss being arranged on the second shaft end in such a way that the longitudinal channel leads into the at least one neck channel, the plasma head comprising a neck boss, a plasma opening, and at least one head channel, which extends from the neck boss to the plasma opening, and the neck boss of the plasma head being arranged on the head boss of the plasma neck in such a way that the at least one neck channel leads into the head channel.

Abstract: According to certain aspects, an electric-propulsion thruster is used as part of a base or platform which also includes a power converter, having a plurality of inductors and other electrical components, and a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB includes a layer at which the other electrical components and printed circuit inductor traces, for the plurality of inductors, are secured. The electric-propulsion thruster includes a housing (e.g., as part of the base or platform) providing a cavity and having at least one structurally-rigid side wall along the cavity, where the PCB is integrated with the electric-propulsion thruster for a compact arrangement which can be used to propel the apparatus. Such a compact design might be used as an important part of thruster spacecraft architecture such as micro-satellites (e.g., CubeSats).

Abstract: A discharge apparatus, a forming apparatus, a method of operating the discharge apparatus, and a method of producing a formed body are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a discharge apparatus is used to collide a particle with a fixed surface to fix the particle to the fixed surface, the discharge apparatus includes a first dispenser for discharging an aerosol containing the particle toward the fixed surface at a first discharge rate, and a second dispenser for discharging a gas toward the fixed surface at a second discharge rate faster than the first discharge rate, and the second dispenser discharges the gas so that the gas at least partially overlaps with the aerosol to accelerate at least a portion of the aerosol toward the fixed surface to fix the particle to the fixed surface.

Abstract: An annealing system is provided that includes a chamber body that defines a chamber, a support to hold a workpiece and a robot to insert the workpiece into the chamber. The annealing system also includes a first gas supply to provide a hydrogen gas, a pressure source coupled to the chamber to raise a pressure in the chamber to at least 5 atmospheres, and a controller configured to cause the robot to transport a workpiece having a metal film thereon into the chamber, where the metal film contains fluorine on a surface or embedded within the metal film, to cause the first gas supply to supply the hydrogen gas to the chamber and form atomic hydrogen therein, and to cause the pressure source to raise a pressure in the chamber to at least 5 atmospheres while the workpiece is held on the support in the chamber.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electrode by securing together an emitter of the electrode inside an emitter holder while at the same time securing together the emitter holder inside a distal end of a tubular body of the electrode. According to one implementation the securing together includes simultaneously applying a proximally directed force to the emitter and a distally directed force to the emitter holder to cause a bulging of the emitter inside the emitter holder and a bulging of the emitter holder inside the distal end of the tubular body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making carbon black. A plasma gas is flowed into a plasma forming region containing at least one, magnetically isolated, plasma torch containing at least one electrode, and forming a plasma. Collecting the plasma formed in a cooled header and flowing the plasma through at least one reaction region to heat the reaction region, and injecting carbon black forming feedstock into the reaction region, resulting in the formation of at least one grade of carbon black. An apparatus for making carbon black is also described including a plasma forming section containing at least one, magnetically isolated plasma torch containing at least one electrode, in fluid flow communication with at least one carbon black forming reactor section, the plasma section and reactor section separated by a plasma formed collection header.

Abstract: In an aspect, a direct-current plasma torch apparatus is provided. The plasma torch apparatus includes first and second electrodes and an insulating body, where the electrodes are electrically connected to an external power source to generate an arc discharge between the first and second electrodes. The plasma torch apparatus can be configured as a modular torch apparatus for simple removal and replacement of elements of the plasma torch apparatus. The plasma torch apparatus can also be configured as a cooled plasma torch apparatus to prolong the working life of elements of the plasma torch apparatus.

Abstract: A method of making and assembling together components of a plasma torch electrode inside an oxygen-free environment. According to one implementation the method includes machining an outer surface of an emitter to produce an oxide free outer surface and machining an opening in a distal end of a main body of the electrode, the opening being bound by an oxide-free inner surface of the main body after the machining. In the oxygen-free environment, the emitter is then secured inside the opening of the main body such that the oxide-free outer surface of the emitter is secured to the oxide-free inner surface of the main body.

Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch is provided. The consumable cartridge includes an outer component defining a substantially hollow body, an inner component disposed substantially within the hollow body of the outer component, and a hollow region between the rear portion of the inner component and the outer component. The inner component includes a forward portion configured to axially secure and rotatatably engage the outer component to the inner component and a rear portion substantially suspended within the hollow body of the outer component. The rear portion is axially secured and rotatably engaged with the outer component via the forward portion. The hollow region is configured to receive a torch head to enable mating between the rear portion of the inner component and a cathode of the torch head.

Abstract: A thermal fluid generator utilizes a plasma energy heat source to generate steam, and combine the steam with nitrogen gas. Combined flow streams of steam and heated nitrogen are injected downhole into subterranean reservoir to thermally stimulate the flow of hydrocarbons (such as, for example, residual oil) from a reservoir, while also increasing fluid pressure in the reservoir. The thermal fluid generator can be located at the earth's surface, or positioned downhole within a wellbore.

Abstract: A Fiber-fed Pulsed Plasma Thruster (FPPT) utilizes a motor to feed PTFE fiber to its discharge region, enabling high PPT propellant throughput and variable exposed fuel area. A highly parallel ceramic capacitor bank lowers system specific mass. Impulse bits (I-bits) from 0.057-0.241 mN-s have been measured on a thrust stand with a specific impulse (Isp) of 900-2400 s, representing an enhancement from state-of-the-art PPT technology. A 1 U (10 cm×10 cm×10 cm, or 1 liter) volume FPPT thruster package will provide 2900-7700 N-s total impulse, enabling 0.6-1.6 km/s delta-V for a 5 kg CubeSat. A 1 U design variation with 590 g propellant enables as much as ˜10,000 N-s and a delta-V of 2 km/s for a 5 kg CubeSat. Increasing the form factor to 2U increases propellant mass to 1.4 kg and delta-V to 10.7 km/s for an 8 kg CubeSat.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods of disengaging a plasma control circuit within a plasma arc torch of a plasma processing system to place the torch into a safety-locked mode can include providing: a plasma control circuit configured to convey a current from the plasma cutting system through the plasma arc torch to one or more consumables disposed in the torch and an operator interface switch connected to the plasma control circuit and configured to initiate generation of a plasma arc from the plasma arc torch; and activating a switch, separate from the operator interface switch, disposed on the torch and connected to the plasma control circuit to disconnect the plasma control circuit to limit the current, including pilot current, from flowing to the one or more consumables.

Abstract: A method for determining a length parameter of an electrode during operation of an electric arc furnace. An internal duct extends through the length of the electrode and is open at its lower end. A waveguide having a solid core is received in the internal duct and comprises a material having a low dielectric constant and high temperature resistance. The solid core of the waveguide includes at least one target. An electromagnetic radiation signal is emitted from a source and transmitted through the waveguide and the signal is diffracted and/or reflected from at least one target to produce at least one return signal which is transmitted back through the waveguide. A time or frequency difference between the emitted signal and the return signal is measured and the length parameter is calculated based on this difference.

Abstract: A silver-copper cutting electrode assembly, and method of manufacture is provided with optimized attributes to allow for improved durability, integrity and manufacturability. An electrode has a silver tip portion which is brazed to a copper body portion where the silver portion and joint have a particular structural relationship.

Abstract: A device includes a laser source, an amplifier, an optical sensor and a spectrometer. The laser source is configured to produce a seed laser beam. The amplifier includes gain medium and a discharging unit. The discharging unit is configured to pump the gain medium for amplifying power of the seed laser beam. The optical sensor is coupled to the amplifier and configured for sensing an optical emission generated in the amplifier while the gain medium is discharging. The spectrometer is coupled with the optical sensor and configured to measure a spectrum of the optical emission.

Abstract: The inventors have improved mass cytometer to facilitate its use for the analysis of particles.

Abstract: A connector component (102) is provided for assembly into a material processing torch head. The connector component (102) comprises a generally cylindrical body (104) that includes a proximal end (106) and a distal end (108) defining a longitudinal axis. At least two thread regions (112) are disposed at a radial location on a surface of the body near the proximal end. Each thread region includes at least one thread (114) disposed on the surface of the body. In addition, at least two non-thread regions (116) are oriented longitudinally at a radial location on the surface of the body (104).

Abstract: A CubeSat satellite has a solar cell and an arc propulsion system. The arc propulsion system includes a power source, a first lead coupled to the power source and to a cathode, and a second lead coupled to the power source and to an anode. The solar cell is used as the cathode of the propulsion system.

Abstract: A power distributor that is capable of distributing the high power from a DC generator to more than two targets sequentially and without the power output of the DC generator being interrupted. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sputter source that includes the power generator described above.

Abstract: A plasma generation system includes an anode having a generally cylindrical proximal portion and a generally cylindrical distal portion, the distal portion having a smaller diameter than the first portion; a connecting portion connecting the first and second portions and having walls oriented at approximately 45 degrees to center axis of the anode; a cathode having a generally cylindrical shape in its proximal portion and a tapering at approximately a 30 degree angle to the center axis of the anode in its distal portion, where a gap between the connecting portion of the anode and the distal portion of the cathode is at least twice as large as a gap between the proximal portion of the anode and the proximal portion of the cathode; and a high voltage power supply providing an operating voltage in a range of 800-2500 volts and a current of about 0.3-0.7 A to the cathode.

Abstract: An electrode for vapor deposition process may include: a body section mounted at a lower portion of the electrode and adapted to be electrically connected to an external electric source; and a head section integrally formed at an upper portion of the body section and coupled to a substrate, wherein the body section and the head section are formed through forging. According to the electrode, manufacturing cost is greatly lowered and electric conductivity and heat resistance are improved.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch is provided with features for improving electrode wear. An emissive insert is received into a cavity formed along one end of the torch body. A portion of the emissive insert is separated from the torch body by a sleeve positioned along the insert near the emission surface of the insert. The sleeve can operate to slow the erosion of the electrode body and thereby improve overall electrode life.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a plasma arc cutting torch and an electrode assembly used in the torch. The electrode assembly includes a high thermionic emissive insert and a high thermally conductive and high work function shell into which the insert is inserted. The shell aids in cooling the insert during operation and also has a design which ensures that the shell remains in a proper position during manufacture of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A transferred-arc plasma torch comprising a sheath cooled using a cooling fluid and an electrode inserted in said sheath. The electrode is made of a consumable material and the torch comprises means to supply the electrode with this material so as to offset its erosion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described that use an array of two or more cold plasma jet ports oriented to converge at a treatment area. The use of an array permits greater tissue penetration by cold plasma treatments. This approach enables treatment of deeper infections of soft and hard tissues without surgical intervention. For example, this approach can treat sub-integumental infections, such as those common to joint replacements, without surgically opening the issues overlying the deeper infection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described that use an array of two or more cold plasma jet ports oriented to converge at a treatment area. The use of an array permits greater tissue penetration by cold plasma treatments. This approach enables treatment of deeper infections of soft and hard tissues without surgical intervention. For example, this approach can treat sub-integumental infections, such as those common to joint replacements, without surgically opening the issues overlying the deeper infection.

Abstract: A plasma confinement tube for use in an induction plasma torch is disclosed. The plasma confinement tube defines a geometrical axis and an outer surface. The plasma confinement tube includes a capacitive shield comprising a film of conductive material applied to the outer surface of the plasma confinement tube and segmented into axial strips. The axial strips are interconnected at one end. Axial grooves are machined in the outer surface of the plasma confinement tube, and interposed between the axial strips. The conductive film may have a thickness smaller than a skin-depth calculated for a frequency of operation of the induction plasma torch and an electrical conductivity of the conductive material of the film.

Abstract: A multi-positional valve is used to control the destination of gas flows from multiple gas sources. In one valve position the gases flow to an isolated vacuum system where the flow rate and mixture can be adjusted prior to introduction into a sample vacuum chamber. In another valve position the pre-mixed gases flow from the isolated vacuum chamber and through a needle into the sample vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive plasma torch comprising: a cylindrical metal containment cage (1); a metal element solidly connected to the containment cage (1), extending radially from the periphery of one end thereof; and an inductor (5) surrounding the containment cage (1). The aforementioned containment cage (1) and element are divided along axial planes into regularly distributed sectors, and the sectors are rigidly connected to one another alternately by: a portion of the containment cage (1) on the side opposite the element, or by a portion of the element on the side opposite the containment cage (1).

Abstract: An arc ignition device of a plasma welding gun includes an igniter and a fixture. The igniter includes an arc ignition block (5), a spring (6) and a tungsten needle (3), and the fixture includes a fastening member (4), a tungsten needle clamp (7), a base (2) and a magnet (1). The arc ignition block and the tungsten needle are conductors. And the tungsten needle is clamped by the fixture with the fastening member cooperated with an arc surface of the tungsten needle clamp. Additionally, the magnet is embedded in the base, by means of which the arc ignition device can be attached to any position. Through the precise relative motion of the spring, the arc ignition device implements a high-requirement arc ignition function.

Abstract: An aerosol is produced by flowing a liquid sample through a gas-assisted nebulizer. The liquid exits from an outlet into a coaxial flow of gas. The outlet includes a sharp edge that inhibits or prevents accumulation of precipitates from the liquid, thereby reducing or eliminating clogging, which is particularly useful for a samples containing high concentrations of dissolved particles. The aerosol may be introduced into a plasma such that molecules are broken into atoms. The atomization may be followed by an analysis such as by optical emission spectrometry or mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems, apparatus and methods of plasma spraying and plasma treatment of materials based on high specific energy molecular plasma gases that may be used to generate a selected plasma. The present disclosure is also relates to the design of plasma torches and plasma systems to optimize such methods.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a tip having an improved life. The tip defines a first set of fluid passageways, a second set of fluid passageways and an internal cavity in fluid communication with the first and second fluid passageways. The internal cavity includes a base portion disposed proximate and surrounding a central orifice of the tip. A first set of fluid passageways allow for entry of a cooling fluid into the tip and a second set of fluid passageways allow for exit of the cooling fluid from the tip.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing a substrate is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a substrate support may include a substrate support having a support surface for supporting a substrate the substrate support having a central axis; a first electrode disposed within the substrate support to provide RF power to a substrate when disposed on the support surface; an inner conductor coupled to the first electrode about a center of a surface of the first electrode opposing the support surface, wherein the inner conductor is tubular and extends from the first electrode parallel to and about the central axis in a direction away from the support surface of the substrate support; an outer conductor disposed about the inner conductor; and an outer dielectric layer disposed between the inner and outer conductors, the outer dielectric layer electrically isolating the outer conductor from the inner conductor. The outer conductor may be coupled to electrical ground.

Abstract: A laser sustained plasma light source having a cell formed as a continuous tube with a circular cross section, a gas volume contained within the cell, at least one laser directed into the gas volume, for sustaining a plasma within the gas volume, the plasma producing a light, where the gas volume is heated as it leaves the plasma, cools as it circulates around the continuous tube of the cell, and reenters the plasma cooler than when it left the plasma and in a laminar flow, and a reflector for collecting the light and providing the light to a desired location.

Abstract: In some aspects, multi-metallic emissive inserts shaped to be disposed within an electrode for a plasma arc torch electrode can include an exposed emitter surface at a distal end of the emissive insert to emit a plasma arc from the electrode, wherein the emissive insert comprises a first emissive material and about 8 weight percent to about 50 weight percent yttrium.

Abstract: An electrode holder for an arc plasma torch includes an elongate holder body. The holder body includes a holder end for receiving an electrode and a hollow interior. An internal thread is positioned in the hollow interior for screwing in a rear end of said cooling tube. A cylindrical inner surface adjoins the internal thread for centering the cooling tube relative to the electrode holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode structure for plasma cutting torches, wherein a recess or borehole open at one side in the direction of a workpiece to be processed is formed in an electrode holder or in a holding element for receiving an emission insert, in which recess or borehole the inserted emission insert can be fastened in a force transmitting manner, in a shape-matching manner and/or with material continuity. At least one pressure equalization passage and/or an at least temporarily active pressure equalization passage is present between a hollow space formed in a recess or borehole and the emission insert and the environment through the emission insert and/or between an outer jacket surface region of the emission insert and the inner wall of the recess or borehole, which is formed in the holding element or in the electrode holder (7.1).

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for laser-supported plasma cutting or plasma welding of a workpiece. In one aspect, a method includes producing a plasma beam which extends in an expansion direction between an electrode and a processing location on the workpiece, the plasma beam having, with respect to a center axis of the plasma beam that extends in the expansion direction, an inner central region and an outer edge region, and supplying laser radiation to the outer edge region of the plasma beam. The laser radiation supplied to the outer edge region extends parallel with the center axis of the plasma beam.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to induction devices comprising an oxidation resistant material. In certain examples, the induction device comprises a coil of wire that is produced from the oxidation resistant material. In some examples, the oxidation resistant induction device can be used to sustain an inductively coupled plasma in a torch.

Abstract: A plasma system includes a plasma arc torch, a cylindrical tube and an eductor. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, a first tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the first end, a second tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the second end, an electrode housing connected to the first end such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel. The cylindrical tube is attached to the hollow electrode nozzle and aligned with the longitudinal axis, the cylindrical tube having a side inlet and a radio frequency coil disposed around or embedded within the cylindrical tube. The eductor is attached to the cylindrical tube and aligned with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An electrode is provided for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes a body having an elongated forward portion and a ring-shaped aft portion. The forward portion is configured to provide an electrically conductive path from the distal end to the proximal end. The forward portion comprises a first conductive material. The ring-shaped aft portion, defining a hollow center, is configured to substantially surround a portion of the forward portion when the forward portion is located inside of the hollow center. The aft portion includes a pneumatic reaction region for receiving a biasing flow of a pressurized gas. The aft portion comprises a second material. In some embodiments, the first conductive material is the same as the second material.

Abstract: A dual resistance heater for a phase change material region is formed by depositing a resistive material. The heater material is then exposed to an implantation or plasma which increases the resistance of the surface of the heater material relative to the remainder of the heater material. As a result, the portion of the heater material approximate to the phase change material region is a highly effective heater because of its high resistance, but the bulk of the heater material is not as resistive and, thus, does not increase the voltage drop and the current usage of the device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch includes a generally cylindrical elongated body formed of an electrically conductive material. The elongated body includes a proximal end that connects to a power supply and a distal end that receives an emissive element. The electrode can include a flange that is disposed about a surface relative to the distal end of the elongated body, extends radially from the surface of the elongated body, and is utilized to establish a uniform gas flow distribution of a plasma gas flow about the distal end of the elongated body. The electrode can include a contact element that is in electrical communication with the proximal end of the electrode. The contact element includes seating portion that has an outer width that is greater than the outermost diameter of the electrode body and is configured to position the contact element within the plasma arc torch.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch includes a generally cylindrical elongated body formed of an electrically conductive material. The elongated body includes a proximal end that connects to a power supply and a distal end that receives an emissive element. The electrode can include a flange that is disposed about a surface relative to the distal end of the elongated body, extends radially from the surface of the elongated body, and is utilized to establish a uniform gas flow distribution of a plasma gas flow about the distal end of the elongated body. The electrode can include a contact element that is in electrical communication with the proximal end of the electrode. The contact element includes seating portion that has an outer width that is greater than the outermost diameter of the electrode body and is configured to position the contact element within the plasma arc torch.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch includes a conductive body and a plurality of emissive inserts. The conductive body includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a cavity extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The distal end portion defines a distal end face. The plurality of emissive inserts extend through the distal end face. The conductive body further defines a dimple extending into the distal end face and at least partially into the emissive inserts. The dimple is positioned concentrically about a centerline of the conductive body.