Patent · US Expired

Methods and apparatus for generating a plasma torch

US6329628A · kind A · utility

62Cited by
9References
42Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 10, 1999
Grant dateDec 11, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 10, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23K10/006
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A modular system for constructing an atmospheric pressure plasma source. A plasma torch module may be constructed by reassembling the structural components of two (2) different models of spark plugs. Each module can produce a plasma torch having a radius of about 1 cm or more, a height of about 6 cm, and a peak density exceeding 10.sup.13 cm.sup.-3. A set of modules, each connected in series, may be used with a ballasting capacitor such that an array can be operated while sharing a common power supply to produce a plasma having a relatively large volume and a relatively high density. A system having a number of plasma torch modules may be used in applications for absorbing radiation, reducing air drag and igniting fuel.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.