Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to an electrode for a plasma arc torch, the electrode comprising a generally tubular outer wall, an end wall, and a protrusion. The end wall is joined to a distal end of the outer wall and supports an emissive element in a generally central region. The protrusion extends from the generally central region of the end wall and is configured to connect with an electrode holder by a releasable connection, wherein the protrusion is configured such that at least one coolant passage forms between the protrusion and the electrode holder when the electrode is connected with the electrode holder. In some embodiments, the releasable connection comprises a threaded connection, wherein the protrusion is threaded to releasably connect to a threaded coolant tube of the electrode holder. In other embodiments, at least one coolant passage is defined by the threaded connection.

Abstract: Electrodes are disclosed for use in a non-contact initiation plasma arc torch, the electrodes including an electrode body having a distal end opposing the outlet of the nozzle and a tapered section adjacent the distal end configured so that the electrode diameter decreases in the direction of the distal end. The electrode tapered section includes at least one discontinuity forming an edge, the edge being disposed as so to have an included angle of no greater than about 90 degrees. The configuration of the edge provides a localized enhancement of electrical field during non-contact initiation of a pilot arc using the electrode. The discontinuity and edge can be formed in various ways. Related torch designs including nozzles are disclosed.

Abstract: A cascade source provided with a cathode housing, a number of cascade plates insulated from each other and stacked on top of each other which together bound at least one plasma channel, and an anode plate provided with an outflow opening connecting to the plasma channel, wherein one cathode is provided per plasma channel, which cathode comprises an electrode which is adjustable relative to the cathode housing in the direction of the plasma channel, wherein the clamping provision is preferably of the collet chuck type. Also described is method for controlling the cascade source in use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inductively coupled plasma device with a cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical vessel is transparent or semi-transparent to a wave energy. A tangential inlet is connected to or proximate to the first end. A tangential outlet is connected to or proximate to the second end. An electrode housing is connected to the first end of the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel. A hollow electrode nozzle is connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel such that the center line of the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel. An electromagnetic radiation source that produces a wave energy and is disposed around or within the cylindrical vessel.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A nozzle for a plasma arc cutting torch includes a substantially hollow, elongated body capable of receiving an electrode. The nozzle body defines a longitudinal axis and has a length along the axis from a first end of the nozzle body to a second end of the nozzle body. The nozzle also includes a plasma exit orifice disposed at the first end of the body. The first end of the nozzle body has a width and a ratio of the length of the nozzle body to the width of the nozzle body is greater than about 3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasmatron structure for heating working gas in a DC arc discharge at the atmospheric or lowered pressures and can be used for different electronic, engineering, or vehicle-building industries and for medicine. An object of the invention is to provide improved effectiveness of process gas activation and increased completeness of plasma-chemical reactions. These objects are achieved in a DC arc plasmatron comprising a rod cathode, a nozzle anode having a body member and a through axial orifice, a power supply unit connected to both electrodes, and a gas system for feeding plasma-forming gas into inter-electrode space and supplying suitably selected technologic gas or gas mixture into the anode orifice through an internal opening communicating with said orifice and positioned between its inlet and outlet parts.

Abstract: An atomic oxygen generator/sprayer is invented. An array of three magnetized torches running at 60 Hz is used to generate non-thermal plasma; thus, the plasma effluent has relatively low temperature (touchable) and yet contains high energy electrons (>5 eV) capable to dissociate oxygen molecules to atomic oxygen. The emission spectroscopy of the torch indicates that the plasma effluent carries an abundance of reactive atomic oxygen (RAO), which can effectively kill all kind microbes. A cap holding three pairs of rectangular permanent magnets is used to spread torches laterally into fan shape, which extends to a width exceeding 100 mm. The flux of RAO exceeds 2×106 cm?2 sec?1; its flow speed exceeds 20 m/s and it reaches out more than 20 mm. This invention is suitable for applications such as sterilizing carpets, clothes, and bed sheets.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element is used for passing substantially all of a pilot arc current between a power supply, a power connection in electrical communication with the power supply, and the electrode body during pilot arc operation of the plasma arc torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface of the electrode body for passing substantially all of a transferred arc current between the power supply and the electrode body during transferred arc mode.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a bore defined by and disposed in the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the bore. The insert and/or the bore of the electrode are configured to improve retention of the insert in the electrode, thereby extending electrode life. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode. The method includes a step of positioning an insert into a bore of an electrode such that an exterior gap is established that is greater than a second gap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thermally processing a workpiece include directing a plasma arc to the workpiece and using a dielectric shield or dielectric coating to protect a forward portion (e.g., a torch head) of a plasma arc torch. The dielectric shield or dielectric coating covers a nozzle disposed within the torch head and protects the nozzle from the effects of slag and double arcing. The shield also improves operator visibility due to the spatial relationship between the dielectric shield and the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gas-cooled plasma arc torch. Components of the torch can include an electrode, nozzle and a shield, each of which can be gas-cooled. The nozzle can be disposed relative to the electrode and can include a generally hollow conductive body and a cooling gas flow channel defined by at least one fin disposed about an exterior surface of the body, the body providing a thermal conductive path that transfers heat between the nozzle to the cooling gas flow channel during operation of the torch. The shield can be disposed relative to the nozzle and can include a generally hollow conductive body and a cooling gas flow channel defined by at least one fin disposed about an exterior surface of the body, the body providing a thermal conductive path that transfers heat between the shield to the cooling gas flow channel during operation of the torch.

Abstract: A plasma apparatus is provided including a cathode module, an anode module, and at least one inter-electrode insert located between the cathode module and the anode module. The cathode module includes at least one cathode, and a pilot module may be provided adjacent to the cathode module. The pilot module may assist ignition of the plasma apparatus. The inter-electrode insert may have an upstream and a downstream transverse surface. Both the upstream transverse surface and the downstream transverse surface are angled in a downstream direction.

Abstract: Method of controlling the wear of at least one of the electrodes of a plasma torch including two electrodes having the same main axis, and being separated by a chamber designed to receive a plasma-generating gas, and at least one element for generating a magnetic field placed locally to the at least one electrode for which the control of wear is sought, in which the arc root is made to sweep longitudinally over a portion of the surface of this electrode from an initial position until the arc root reaches a defined final position of the portion, the longitudinal progression of the arc root being defined by a function dependent on at least the time, f(t), which is fixed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in mass spectrometry comprising an injector body, an injection tube coupled to the injector body, and a shielding assembly disposed between the injector body and the injection tube. The shielding apparatus is suitable for shielding the injector body from heat generated by a plasma source.

Abstract: Static neutralization of a charged object is provided by applying an alternating voltage having a complex waveform, hereinafter referred to as a “multi-frequency voltage”, to an ionizing electrode in an ionizing cell. When the multi-frequency voltage, measured between the ionizing electrode and a reference electrode available from the ionizing cell, equals or exceeds the corona onset voltage threshold of the ionizing cell, the multi-frequency voltage generates a mix of positively and negatively charged ions, sometimes collectively referred to as a “bipolar ion cloud”. The bipolar ion cloud oscillates between the ionizing electrode and the reference electrode. The multi-frequency voltage also redistributes these ions into separate regions according to their negative or positive ion potential when the multi-frequency voltage creates a polarizing electrical field of sufficient strength.

Abstract: A plasma treatment apparatus that can perform an excellent plasma treatment on a portion of a work which is to be used for producing products or parts, while preventing undesirable occurrence of discharge at that portion reliably is provided. The plasma treatment apparatus performs a plasma treatment on a plate-shaped work having an usable region to be used for producing products or parts and an unusable region other than the usable region.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to sustain a low flow plasma. In certain examples, the low flow plasma can be sustained in a torch comprising an outer tube and an auxiliary tube within the outer tube. In some examples, the auxiliary tube comprises an effective length to match the shape of a low flow plasma sustained in the torch using a flat plate electrode. Methods and systems using the torches are also described.

Abstract: An improved plasma vessel (i.e., plasma applicator) that provides effective cooling includes a plurality of generally linear tubes having a dielectric interior fluidly connected together by dielectric connectors. The tubes and connectors are joined together to form a leak-tight plasma vessel. A cooling system surrounding the improved plasma vessel includes a rigid cooling plate and a deformable thermal transfer material disposed between the plasma vessel and the cooling plate. After use or at an operator's discretion, the plasma vessel can be removed from the cooling system and a new vessel may be inserted in its place. Alternatively, the used vessel may be refurbished and re-inserted into the cooling system. The new or refurbished vessel may or may not be of the same size or configuration as the used vessel. Thermal contact between the cooling system and the new or refurbished vessel, however is maintained through the deformable thermal transfer material.

Abstract: An electrical pulse circuit is disclosed. The electrical pulse circuit is in connection with a first pair of electrodes defining a first gap between ends thereof and a second pair of electrodes defining a second gap between ends thereof. The second gap is disposed proximate to the first gap. The circuit includes a controller, a first electrical pulse source in power connection with the first pair of electrodes, and a second electrical pulse source in power connection with the second pair of electrodes. The first electrical pulse source is productive of a high voltage low current arc across the first gap in response to the controller and the second electrical pulse source is productive of a low voltage high current arc across the second gap in response to the controller and the high voltage arc.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch includes a hollow elongated body having an open end and a closed end and an end face located at the closed end inside of the hollow elongated body. The end face has a center portion. A plurality of heat exchanging elements are in thermal communication with the end face. The heat exchanging elements have side walls defining an elongated channel between adjacent heat exchanging elements. The elongated channel extends radially from the center portion to an inner surface of the elongated body. The elongated channel provides a thermally conductive path that transfers sufficient heat from the elongated body to a cooling fluid during an operation of the plasma arc torch to prevent premature failure of the electrode.

Abstract: An improved torch providing high visibility of the work zone to the operator, an increased viewing angle, and a reduced obstruction angle. The high visibility torch includes consumables adapted to maintain torch and consumables performance while reducing visual obstruction to the user, by coordinating, balancing, and optimizing design requirements and stack up tolerances. The invention also includes a related low-profile safety switch that promotes workpiece visibility and minimizes view obstruction.

Abstract: A microwave resonance plasma generating apparatus, a plasma processing system having the same and a method of generating a microwave resonance plasma are provided. The apparatus includes a microwave generating unit which generates a microwave, and a plasma producing unit which produces electrons and photons of high energy using the microwave generated from the microwave generating unit. The plasma producing unit includes a coaxial waveguide having an inner electrode disposed adjacent to the microwave generating unit, an outer electrode connected to the microwave generating unit and disposed to coaxially surround a portion of the inner electrode, the outer electrode being shorter than the inner electrode, and a dielectric tube disposed between the inner electrode and the outer electrode to insulate between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. The coaxial waveguide utilizes a principle of “cut or truncated electrode of coaxial waveguide” and a resonance phenomenon of Langmiur.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material that defines a longitudinal axis and a distal end for housing an emissive element. The electrode includes a second end positioned adjacent the electrode body. The second end defines an extensive portion having a first length along a first direction and a second length along a second direction. The second length is greater than the first length. A component for use with the electrode includes a hollow body element having an interior surface with one or more of a contour, step, or flange that defines a shaped opening capable of slideably receiving a complementary-shaped portion of an electrode body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating microwave plasma are disclosed. The present invention provides a microwave plasma nozzle (26) that includes a gas flow tube (40), and a rod-shaped conductor (34) that is disposed in the gas flow tube (40) and has a tip (33) near the outlet of the gas flow tube (40). A portion (35) of the rod-shaped conductor (34) extends into a microwave cavity (24) to receive microwaves passing in the cavity (24). These received microwaves are focused at the tip (33) to heat the gas into plasma. The microwave plasma nozzle (26) also includes a vortex guide (36) between the rod-shaped conductor (34) and the gas flow tube (40) imparting a helical shaped flow direction to the gas flowing through the tube (40). The microwave plasma nozzle (26) further includes a shielding mechanism (108) for reducing a microwave power loss through the gas flow tube (40).

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma torch and a plasma torch head comprise an elongated electrode holder with a front surface on the electrode tip and a hole arranged in the electrode tip along a central axis through the electrode holder, and an emission insert arranged iii the hole such that an emission surface of the emission insert is exposed. The emission surface is set back relative to the front surface of the electrode holder. An electrode for a plasma torch and a plasma torch head also comprise an electrode socket and an electrode holder, the electrode socket having an internal thread, and the electrode holder having an external thread and an O-ring in a groove in the cylindrical outer surface. The electrode holder is screwed together with the electrode socket via the external thread and the internal thread and sealed by means of the O-ring.

Abstract: A plasma spray apparatus in the form of a gun is utilized to apply an antifoulant coating to marine vessels. The apparatus includes a plasma generator, an electrophoresis element, a heating element, a shield gas element, a liquid cooling system, a forced air system, and a vacuum system. The plasma generator ionizes gas to create a plasma stream, which is utilized in part to supply energy to the heating element that heats a powder material. The heated powder material is exposed to the electrophoresis element to create a covalently bonded coating material. The coating material is injected into the plasma stream and is applied to a target surface. The shield gas element injects a gas flow to surround and protect the plasma and coating material stream as the stream is in flight to the target surface. The liquid cooling system cools portions of the plasma generator and heating element. The forced air system cools a portion of the target surface as the coating material is being applied.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus performs a specific plasma processing on a target substrate by disposing a first and a second electrode to face each other in a processing chamber, and supplying high-frequency electric power to at least one of the first and the second electrodes to thereby generate a plasma while introducing a processing gas onto the target substrate supported by the second electrode. The electrode for use as the first electrode includes: an electrode plate facing the second electrode; a support for supporting the electrode plate, wherein the support is in contact with a surface of the electrode plate and the surface is opposite to the second electrode; and a dielectric portion, provided on a contact surface of the support with the electrode plate, and having a shape in which a center portion thereof has a height different from that of an edge portion thereof.

Abstract: An improved torch providing high visibility of the work zone to the operator, an increased viewing angle, and a reduced obstruction angle. The high visibility torch includes consumables adapted to maintain torch and consumables performance while reducing visual obstruction to the user, by coordinating, balancing, and optimizing design requirements and stack up tolerances. The invention also includes a related low-profile safety switch that promotes workpiece visibility and minimizes view obstruction.

Abstract: An erosion resistant torch for use in a solid free form fabrication system for manufacturing a component from successive layers of metal feedstock material. The erosion resistant torch includes a torch structure defining a torch nozzle formed of a highly conductive bulk material. The erosion resistant torch further includes a gas flow channel and an orifice defined therein. An arc electrode is disposed within the gas flow channel. An erosion resistant material is disposed between the torch nozzle and the arc electrode in the form of a coating layer or an erosion resistant insert. The erosion resistant material is formed of one of a refractory material or a ceramic material.

Abstract: A two-electrode arc welding device and two-electrode arc welding method are provided for performing welding with improved penetration performance using two non-consumable electrodes. In a two-electrode arc welding device 1, a power-supply unit 11 outputs a straight-polarity voltage and a reverse-polarity voltage, which has a different electrical potential than the straight-polarity voltage. The straight-polarity voltage output from the power-supply unit 11 is applied to a non-consumable electrode 41 of a straight-polarity arc torch 14, whereby an arc is formed. The reverse-polarity voltage output from the power-supply unit 11 is applied to a non-consumable electrode 41 of a straight-polarity arc torch 15, whereby an arc is formed. An arc spacing distance L1, which is a distance between the ends of both the straight-polarity arc torch 14 and the reverse-polarity arc torch 15, is set to be at least a minimum distance at which an arc will not occur therebetween (arc spacing critical distance).

Abstract: An improved automatic feedback control scheme enhances plasma spraying of powdered material through reduction of process variability and providing better ability to engineer coating structure. The present inventors discovered that controlling centroid position of the spatial distribution along with other output parameters, such as particle temperature, particle velocity, and molten mass flux rate, vastly increases control over the sprayed coating structure, including vertical and horizontal cracks, voids, and porosity. It also allows improved control over graded layers or compositionally varying layers of material, reduces variations, including variation in coating thickness, and allows increasing deposition rate. Various measurement and system control schemes are provided.

Abstract: A device and a method for plasma spraying are disclosed. The device comprises, a cathode, an anode, a plasma channel formed by the anode and intermediate electrodes, and one or more flowable material injectors. The plasma channel has a throttling portion that divides the plasma channel into a high pressure portion near the cathode formed by at least one intermediate electrode and a low pressure portion near the anode. During operation, a plasma generating gas is heated by the arc maintained between the cathode and the anode, forming plasma. When the plasma passes through the throttling portion, its speed increases to a supersonic speed, and at the same time its static pressure drops. Flowable materials are injected in the plasma flow in the low pressure portion. The particles in the flowable materials are heated by the plasma and the resultant heated particles and plasma are output from the outlet of the plasma channel.

Abstract: A threaded connection for an electrode holder and an electrode in a plasma arc torch is provided. The threaded connection has relatively low height, and the engaged portion of a male threaded portion of the electrode and a female threaded portion of the electrode holder are positioned at least partially within a nozzle chamber. In one inventive aspect, the nominal pitch diameter of the electrode is less than the minor diameter of the electrode. In another, the width of the root area of the electrode thread is wider than the width of the root area of the electrode holder thread by at least about 35%. The width of the root area of the electrode is at least about 15% wider than the width of the crest portion of the electrode. As such, the less consumable of the two parts, the electrode holder, is provided with a thread that is less likely to be worn and damaged. In one particular embodiment, the crest profile of the electrode is that of a Stub Acme thread separated by a larger root profile.

Abstract: An adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus includes: a plasma spray gun body having a fore portion and an aft portion; and a first coupler configured to removably attach to the plasma spray gun body at the aft portion, the coupler including: a first portion having a first axial opening configured to removably attach to the plasma spray gun body at the aft portion; and a second portion having a second axial opening configured to removably attach to one of an electrode body or a second coupler.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a wear stop designed to detect wear of an electrode and prevent the use of the electrode once the electrode has experienced a certain amount of wear. Either the electrode or the nozzle is movable with respect to the main torch body, and the movable component defines a projection. The wear stop is positioned a predetermined distance from a nozzle of the torch, such that prior to experiencing an excessive amount of wear, the electrode is able to contact the nozzle and initiate a pilot arc for starting a torch operation. Once the length of the electrode becomes shorter than a predetermined length due to wear, the projection of the electrode engages the wear stop, and the wear stop prevents the electrode from contacting the nozzle. In this way, an electrode that is excessively worn cannot be used in subsequent torch operations.

Abstract: An improved plasma torch and method of starting the torch are provided. The torch may comprise a main torch body with an electrode assembly coupled to a piston therein. The piston and electrode assembly are moveable between a starting position whereby the electrode assembly contacts a nozzle, and an operating position whereby the electrode assembly does not contact the nozzle. The piston is moveable by directing fluid, which may comprise coolant, through the plasma torch either in a first direction which biases the piston to the starting position, or in an opposite second direction which biases the piston so as to retract the electrode assembly to the operating position. A reversing valve or reversible pump may be used to control the direction of the flow of the fluid. Thereby, the coolant supply may be used to both cool the torch and control the starting and operation of the torch.

Abstract: A method and structure use characteristics of a plasma discharge for verifying a hermetic seal. The plasma discharge is created in a hermetically sealed cavity by a pair of spaced electrodes that extend from tips inside the hermetically sealed cavity to contacts outside the sealed cavity. An electrical bias is applied to the contacts that is sufficient to create a plasma discharge in a properly hermetically sealed cavity but not in an unsealed cavity.

Abstract: A cascade source includes a cathode housing, a number of cascade plates insulated from each other and stacked on top of each other which together bound at least one plasma channel, and an anode plate provided with an outflow opening connecting to the plasma channel. One cathode is provided per plasma channel, which cathode includes an electrode which is adjustable relative to the cathode housing in the direction of the plasma channel. The clamp may be of the collet chuck type. At least a part of the housing of the source may be substantially transparent. A method for controlling the cascade source in use includes monitoring the electromagnetic radiation of the plasma through the substantially transparent housing part, and, dependent on the monitored radiation, controlling the plasma forming process in the source by variation of the gas supply, or variation of the potential difference between the cathode and the anode or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma reactor which can suppress deactivation of components (active components) activated by plasma when causing exhaust gas to flow through a plasma generating space to ensure efficient reaction between the active components and particulate matter, whereby the particulate matter can be efficiently purified via reaction. The plasma reactor includes a plasma reactor main body 1, a positive electrode 11 disposed on an inlet side 2 of the plasma reactor main body 1, a conductive honeycomb filter 21 disposed so that a filter inlet side 22 faces an outlet side 3 of the plasma reactor main body 1, and a pulse power supply 31 which is connected with the positive electrode 11 and the honeycomb filter 21 and is capable of applying a pulse voltage between the positive electrode 11 and the honeycomb filter 21 as plasma generating electrodes to generate plasma.

Abstract: This application relates to a plasma torch assembly comprising a plurality of tubes; a collar integral with at least one tube comprising a first abutment surface; a base for holding the tubes during operation of the torch comprising a portion for receiving the collar and a second abutment; and co-operating interlocking portions for removably urging the first and second abutment surfaces together by relative rotation of the interlocking portions wherein the first and second abutment surfaces comprise a complimentary taper for aligning the collar in concentric formation with at least one other tube on the base by co-operation of the interlocking portions.

Abstract: A system (10) for coating surfaces of a workpiece (12) comprises a biasing system (242) for connection to said workpiece (12) and an anode (76) such as to negatively bias the workpiece relative to the anode and a vacuum source (42, 44) for evacuating an interior of the workpiece (12). A gas supply (224, 226, 228) is employed for introducing a gas containing a treatment material to said workpiece and a control system (244) controls the biasing system (242), the vacuum source (42, 44) and the gas supply (224, 226, 228) so as to establish a hollow cathode effect within the workpiece (12). A pair of coupling heads (16, 18) are supported on articulated arms (22, 24, 26) movable in one or more of three axes and include removable shields (78) to protect the heads (16, 18) and an anode mount (74) for receiving an anode (76). The articulated arms allow the system to accommodate a plurality of different shaped and different sized workpieces while the shields protect the coupling heads during a deposition process.

Abstract: A adjustable upper coil or electrode for a reaction chamber apparatus useable in semiconductor processing, is constructed so that its shape may be selectively changed or so at least two portions thereof may be selectively driven at different power and/or frequencies. The adjustable upper coil or electrode, therefore, enables the plasma density distribution in the reaction chamber apparatus to be selectively controlled.

Abstract: In order that an object can be warmed through the use of thermoacoustic effect, the acoustic heating apparatus includes a first stack 3a sandwiched between a high-temperature-side heat exchanger 4 and a low-temperature input-side heat exchanger 5 in a first tube portion 2a and a second stack 3b sandwiched between a low-temperature-side heat exchanger 6 and a high-temperature output-side heat exchanger 7 in a second tube portion 2b. A standing wave and a traveling wave are generated through self excitation in the first tube portion 2a by cooling the low-temperature input-side heat exchanger 5 to minus 20° C. to 60° C. A temperature gradient is generated in the second stack 3b by propagating the resulting standing wave and the traveling wave to the second tube portion 2b, and high-temperature heat is output due to this temperature gradient from the high-temperature output-side heat exchanger 7 disposed on the second stack 3b side.

Abstract: A physical vapor deposition reactor includes a vacuum chamber with a sidewall, a ceiling and a retractable wafer support pedestal near a floor of the chamber, and a vacuum pump coupled to the chamber, the retractable wafer support pedestal having an internal electrode and a grounded base with a conductive annular flange extending from the base. A metal sputter target at the ceiling is energized by a high voltage D.C. source. The reactor has an RF plasma source power generator with a frequency suitable for exciting kinetic electrons is coupled to either the sputter target or to the internal electrode of the pedestal.

Abstract: A handheld air plasma spray is designed. Plasma is generated by a magnetized arc torch running at 60 Hz and is in non-equilibrium state; thus, the plasma effluent has relatively low temperature (touchable) and yet contains high energy electrons (>5 eV) capable to dissociate oxygen molecules to atomic oxygen. The emission spectroscopy of the torch indicates that the plasma effluent carries an abundance of atomic oxygen, which can effectively kill all kind microbes. Moreover, the experimental results show that this plasma can rapidly clot blood. This invention is for sterilization and blood coagulation applications.

Abstract: A system for producing plasma tubes that can withstand a wide variety of physical and environmental stressors within a plasma processing system is disclosed. Within such a plasma processing system, a plasma tube structure has a central body portion—having a fixed outer diameter. At a first end of the plasma tube structure, an outwardly extending flange may be provided. At a second end of the plasma tube, an edge portion is provided—having an outer diameter that is less than the fixed outer diameter of the central body portion. The edge portion is formed to facilitate easy and secure engagement of the plasma tube structure with a compression mechanism. The plasma tube structure is formed of material that provides sufficient structural integrity and degradation resistance.

Abstract: A plasma apparatus is provided including a cathode module, an anode module, and at least one inter-electrode insert located between the cathode module and the anode module. The cathode module includes at least one cathode, and a pilot module may be provided adjacent to the cathode module. The pilot module may assist ignition of the plasma apparatus. The inter-electrode insert may have an upstream and a downstream transverse surface. Both the upstream transverse surface and the downstream transverse surface are angled in a downstream direction.

Abstract: A device, method and system for generating a plasma is disclosed wherein an electrical arc is established and the movement of the electrical arc is selectively controlled. In one example, modular units are coupled to one another to collectively define a chamber. Each modular unit may include an electrode and a cathode spaced apart and configured to generate an arc therebetween. A device, such as a magnetic or electromagnetic device, may be used to selectively control the movement of the arc about a longitudinal axis of the chamber. The arcs of individual modules may be individually controlled so as to exhibit similar or dissimilar motions about the longitudinal axis of the chamber. In another embodiment, an inlet structure may be used to selectively define the flow path of matter introduced into the chamber such that it travels in a substantially circular or helical path within the chamber.

Abstract: A component for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that includes a continuously contoured surface extending along the component that directs a flow of shield gas at a predetermined angle to result in a specific pierce or cut location on a workpiece. In one form, the component is a shield cap that includes an exit orifice extending through a central portion of the shield cap, the exit orifice defining an inlet portion and an outlet portion, and a continuously contoured surface extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The continuously contoured surfaces may be convergent, divergent, or a combination of convergent and divergent according to the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, the shield cap may comprise a single, unitary piece or alternately a plurality of pieces or components.