Patent · US Active

Plasma device driven by multiple-phase alternating or pulsed electrical current

US9721765B2 · kind B2 · utility

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56References
34Claims
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Key dates

Filing dateNov 16, 2015
Grant dateAug 1, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 16, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01J37/32568
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A plasma source is provided. The plasma source includes at least three hollow cathodes, including a first hollow cathode, a second hollow cathode, and a third hollow cathode, each hollow cathode having a plasma exit region. The plasma source includes a source of power capable of producing multiple output waves, including a first output wave, a second output wave, and a third output wave, wherein the first output wave and the second output wave are out of phase, the second output wave and the third output wave are out of phase, and the first output wave and the third output wave are out of phase. Each hollow cathode is electrically connected to the source of power such that the first hollow cathode is electrically connected to the first output wave, the second hollow cathode is electrically connected to the second output wave, and the third hollow cathode is electrically connected to the third output wave. Electrical current flows between the at least three hollow cathodes that are out of electrical phase. The plasma source is capable of generating a plasma between the hollow cathodes.

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