Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a non-equilibrium plasma (NEP) system and method of refining syngas. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-equilibrium plasma system for refining syngas, the system comprising a reactor with a hollow chamber, having one or more inlet manifolds configured to promote an axially symmetric and swirling flow pattern, into which syngas and one or more gasifying agents are introduced for processing within the reactor, a high voltage electrode; and a ground electrode, wherein the system is configured to create a non-equilibrium plasma producing electric arc upon application of a high voltage potential across an arc initiating gap between the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode and wherein the system is configured such that the syngas, the one or more gasifying agent(s) and plasma producing electric arc come together concurrently in the reactor.

Abstract: A shower plate of a processing gas supply unit disposed in a processing chamber of a substrate processing apparatus to supply a processing gas into a processing space in the processing chamber. The shower plate is interposed between a processing gas introduction space formed in the processing gas supply unit for introduction of the processing gas and the processing space. The shower plate includes processing gas supply passageways which allow the processing gas introduction space to communicate with the processing space. The processing gas supply passageways include gas holes formed toward the processing gas introduction space and gas grooves formed toward the processing space, the gas holes and gas grooves communicating with each other. A total flow path cross sectional area of all the gas grooves is larger than a total flow path cross sectional area of all the gas holes.

Abstract: A dry heat sterilizing system for use in sterilizing non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic parts includes a sterilization chamber and at least one ferromagnetic structure within the sterilization chamber. At least one inductive EMF energy field generator inductively heats the at least one ferromagnetic structure during a sterilization operation. The at least one ferromagnetic structure is in thermal communication with the non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic part during a sterilization operation to transfer heat from the ferromagnetic structure to the non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic part.

Abstract: A system employs a closed electrolyzer vessel into which water is circulated, and an electrode plate assembly is immersed to dissociate water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Only water is used as the electrolyte fluid. An air injector in the water return line injects air bubbling for enhanced dissociation of water. The electrode plate assembly is formed by one or more unit stacks of 7-plates each, including two outer cathode plates, a middle anode plate, and spaced inner plates. The generated gases are maintained in a stable condition by an electromagnetic coil assembly that separates the hydrogen gas from oxygen gas. The system can obtain 180% reduction in fuel usage in a vehicle engine, and 20 times reduction in carbon exhaust. It can obtain a 500% increase in fuel efficiency in an electrical power generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.

Abstract: A continuous feed discharge surface treater for treating web materials has a discharge chamber where ionization of a process gas occurs defined and contained by one or more rollers. Enhanced chemical coronas and plasmas are achieved by limiting depletion of the gas chemistry from the discharge chamber and dilution or contamination from mixing with drawn in ambient air. Atmospheric coronas can also be achieved in which minimal or no ozone is exhausted from the treater. Various roller and electrode assemblies, including both fixed and rolling electrodes, can be employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tubular elements, such as fuel assembly tubes, which are designed to be used in high pressure and high temperature water in nuclear reactors, such as pressurized water nuclear reactors. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of improving wear resistance and corrosion resistance by depositing a protective coating having a depth of from about 5 to about 25 ?m on the surface of the tubular elements. The coating is provided by nitriding the tubular element at a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 440° C. The nitridation of the tubular element can be carried out for a duration of from about 12 hours to about 40 hours.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus including an annular filter surrounding a waste treatment chamber, a first turbine drawing liquid up within the chamber and a second turbine driving liquid outwardly through the filter. In the method of treating organic waste, the chamber includes an ultraviolet lamp and a cylindrical baffle surrounding the chamber having a mirrored surface. The disclosed apparatus further includes anodic and cathodic plates surrounding the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for generating ozone in water, purifying the water and making it drinkable. The device comprises a housing; at least two electrodes, including an anode and a cathode extending from the housing into the water and each having semi-rough or rough surfaces in contact with the water. The device also comprises a power supply operatively connected to the electrodes for generating between them a difference of potential creating a current and the hydrolysis of the water creating ozone that purifies the water. The electrodes may have a plate or a rode and tube configuration with a plurality of holes with rough edges. The roughness of the surfaces and of the edges of the holes leads to a coalescence of tiny hydrogen bubbles into larger hydrogen bubbles. The hydrogen may be also removed by absorption in a conductive material and regenerated for reuse.

Abstract: A micro structure for sensing a substance using light scattering includes a substrate, a first layer on the substrate, wherein the first layer comprises a metallic material, a second layer over the first layer, and a mask layer over the second layer. A plurality of nano holes are formed through the mask layer and the second layer, wherein the plurality of holes are defined in part by internal surfaces on the second layer and the mask layer. Two or more structure layers are formed on the mask layer and the internal surfaces in the plurality of holes. The two or more structure layers comprise different material compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are a germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include detectors to determine the position of the hand, the spread of the fingers, and whether the hand is covered by a glove.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.

Abstract: A germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include an orientation detector to determine the position of the user's hand and the spread of the user's fingers, and a surface detector to determine whether the user's hand is covered by a glove.

Abstract: A dry heat sterilizing system for use in sterilizing non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic parts includes a sterilization chamber and at least one ferromagnetic structure within the sterilization chamber. At least one inductive EMF energy field generator inductively heats the at least one ferromagnetic structure during a sterilization operation. The at least one ferromagnetic structure is in thermal communication with the non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic part during a sterilization operation to transfer heat from the ferromagnetic structure to the non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic part.

Abstract: A cold plasma device for large area decontamination that can function as a scrub brush to sterilize surfaces and areas that are otherwise difficult, time-consuming and/or may cause exposure hazards under convention sterilization methods.

Abstract: A plasma generating electrode of the present invention includes a pair of unit electrodes 2, each of the pair of unit electrodes 2 including a plate-like ceramic body 19 and a conductive film 12 disposed inside the ceramic body 19 and including a plurality of protrusions 13 on a front surface, the pair of unit electrodes 2 constituting a basic unit 1 by being hierarchically layered at intervals corresponding to thickness of the protrusion 13 in a state that a plurality of spaces which are open on each end in the arrangement direction of the protrusion are formed, the basic units 1 constituting an electrode unit in which the basic units 1 are hierarchically layered at intervals corresponding to the thickness of the protrusion 13, and the plasma generating electrode being capable of generating plasma in the three-dimensionally arranged spaces V upon application of voltage between the unit electrodes 2 constituting the electrode unit.

Abstract: Porous microparticles of high-purity tantalum may be processed in a vacuum plasmatron using a hollow cathode and spraying apparatus in which the coolant is in the form of a metal surface. In one embodiment, the initial powder of tantalum is introduced through a coaxial hole in a hollow cathode and supplied to a vertical column of plasma by inert gas and exposed to heating to temperatures close to he melting point of tantalum. The atomizing tantalum particles are directed through a hole in the anode and collide with a rotating inclined tantalum substrate and cooled from within water, thereby flattened and solidifying the particles.

Abstract: An air purifier provides various air purification functions relating to various environmental conditions by increasing a purification function relative to specific contaminants through replacement of a filter based on the environment to be purified. The air purifier includes a main body of a structure allowing air to pass therethrough. A replaceable filter is received into the main body and is replaceable on a basis of the environmental properties of a space to be purified, removing contaminants in the air passing through the main body. Further, the air purifier includes a dust collecting unit to charge dust particles electrically and to collect the dust particles by electrostatic attraction. In addition, a metal filter functions to collect the dust particles charged in the dust collecting unit, and a HEPA filter is used to collect micro-contaminants. The metal filter is positioned in front of the HEPA filter.

Abstract: A catalytic electrode, cell, system and process for absorbing and storing hydrogen (H2) and deuterium (D2) from the gaseous to the solid ionic form. The cell includes a non-conductive sealed housing and a conductive catalytic electrode positioned within the housing which absorbs H2 and/or D2 gas and stores it in a solid ionic form. These electrodes are formed of palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), or zirconium (Zr). Each end of the electrode is plated with a layer of gold and encapsulated with a curable resin to form a confinement zone for H± and/or D± storage. The process includes connecting an external d.c. electric power source to each confinement zone during H2 and/or D2 gas loading of the electrode to cause a plasma-like reaction to occur which drives the H2 and/or D2 in the electrode to each encapsulated confinement to effect long-term storage of the ion form H± and D± in a solid form for later use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the use of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to clean and sterilize the surfaces of liquid handling devices.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine, wherein the efficiency of exhaust gas purification is enhanced by optimally controlling the operating condition of a plasma generator mounted in an exhaust passage in accordance with the exhaust gas atmosphere. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting exhaust water content and exhaust temperature; and a control unit for controlling at least one of two factors, frequency or voltage of an AC voltage used to operate the plasma generator mounted in the exhaust passage, in accordance with the detected exhaust water content and exhaust temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the removal of harmful substances from various objects or materials. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for removing the harmful substances (i.e., toxins), from a variety of materials or objects by utilizing high-voltage electricity in conjunction with large surface charcoal, an electrical wire and water. The device of the present invention comprises a first conductive container which has large surface charcoal placed within it. This first container is then placed into a larger second conductive container which is filled with ordinary water (i.e., tap or faucet water). The electrical wire is immersed in the water filling the second container. Then the second container is sealed with a cover and insulated from the floor with insulating material. Finally, an electric source device generates 10,000 Volts at 1 Pico Ampere (10 micro watts) which is transferred to the purification device of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the use of ozone as a sterilant for many classes of surgical instruments which are at least partially metallic. Three features are the connection of a voltage carrying part of the instrument to be sterilized as the electrode of an ozone generating cell, which employs a glow discharge and maintaining the temperature of this electrode below 500° C., and that no solid dielectric exists between opposed electrodes in the ozone generating cell. Ozone is thereby localized about voltage carrying and any non-voltage carrying parts of the electrode connected instrument. The control of electrode heating helps to maintain the increasing atmospheric concentration of the ozone, which will however eventually reach a natural limit. Local heating of the electrode configuration is controlled where the instrument to be sterilized is connected at least periodically as the negative electrode.

Abstract: A plasma polymerizing apparatus is provided which comprises at least one chamber in which sheet to be coated can be moved continuously, at least one gas inlet supplying reactive gas into the chamber, and at least one gas outlet exhausting the reactive gas out of the chamber, wherein the gas inlet and the gas outlet are disposed on the chamber in such a way that reactive gas flows in substantially parallel with moving direction of the sheet.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing system includes a processing chamber system and an activated gas source coupled to the chamber system. The gas source includes a primary winding coupled to an RF generator and a secondary winding effectively formed by the conductance of a plasma filled passageway in a toroidal chamber. The primary winding and the secondary winding are coaxially aligned to provide a suitable inductive coupling between the windings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma processing apparatus having an electrode plate arranging therein, an upper electrode to which a dielectric member or a cavity portion is provided, a dimension or a dielectric constant of which is determined in such a manner that resonance is generated at a frequency of high-frequency power supplied to the center of the back side and an electric field orthogonal to the electrode plate is generated, and a susceptor as a lower electrode so as to be opposed to each other, in order to reduce unevenness of an electric field distribution on the surface of the electrode in a plasma processing using a high-density plasma capable of coping with further refinement.

Abstract: In a method of removing oxidized and discolored portions from a copper surface, a mixture of a reactive gas, such as NH3, and of a purge gas, such as N2, is used with a relatively low high-frequency power to substantially remove all of the copper oxide from the surface. Preferably, a silicon-containing capping layer is subsequently formed on the copper surface, wherein the deposition process can be performed immediately after the surface treatment step without any additional transition step, since the process conditions within the reaction chamber, required for the deposition, are already established.

Abstract: A process of catalytic ozonization with molecular ozone or with a gas containing ozone, for the purification of polluted waters, comprising the step of activating the ozone with a catalyst consisting at least of cobalt atoms, in order to achieve the advanced oxidation of the organic pollutants contained in the waters by converting the Total Organic Carbon of the waters into carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Method of treating a base material for obtaining one or more specific properties, excluding ionomeric properties by diffusing a specific substance into the base material. The base material can be a synthetic or natural polymer, a ceramic material, an oil or grease-like substance, a gel, a paste, a glass substance, a liquid, a coating, a composition of materials, comprising a multi-layer system of substances, a fractal composition of substances, or a composite. The base material is contacted with an electrically conductive medium, and the specific substance is diffused in the base material under the influence of an electric field being applied across the whole of base material, electrically conductive medium and specific substance.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing a controlled atmosphere having an oxygen partial pressure of below 10−13 Pa and an operating temperature above 1000° C. According to the invention a furnace is vented by a gas mixture having an oxygen partial pressure lower than 10−8 Pa but higher than that of said controlled atmosphere, and that a partial volume of said furnace is submitted to a static electric field having a strength of at least 6V/cm and reducing the oxygen partial pressure in this partial volume by orders of magnitude. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the removal of harmful substances from various objects or materials. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for removing the harmful substances (i.e., toxins), from a variety of materials or objects by utilizing high-voltage electricity in conjunction with large surface charcoal and water. The device of the present invention comprises a first conductive container which has large surface charcoal placed within it. This first container is then placed into a larger second conductive container which is filled with ordinary water (i.e., tap or faucet water), sealed with a cover and insulated from the floor with insulating material. Finally, an electric source device generates 10,000 Volts at 1 Pico Ampere (10 micro watts) which is transfered to the purification device of the present invention. The electric current is applied for an extended period of time, after which the object or material is “detoxified”.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of electrically conductive continuous material 3, like wire material, copper wire in particular, is proposed, wherein said treatment is effected during the movement of said continuous material in its direction of extension through said apparatus. Said apparatus can be used for heating, annealing or surface cleaning of said continuous material. Said apparatus includes contact means 15 for creating an electrical contact with the moved continuous material 3 and an electrode arrangement 17arranged with a distance to said continuous material 3 and at least partly encompassing it, wherein in a gas discharge chamber 11 located between said continuous material 3 and said electrode arrangement 17 and filled with a reaction gas an electrical gas discharge can be generated by applying an electrical voltage between said contact means 5 and said electrode arrangement 17 for treatment of said continuous material 3.

Abstract: Commercial sterilization of the interior surfaces of containers, cups or bottles by the use of energetic electrons is accomplished by directing electrons of moderate energies through the open mouth of such containers. Electrons which would normally illuminate the container beyond the inner diameter of the neck opening may be absorbed by a suitable electron-absorbing and cooled mask positioned above the container neck.