Richard A Crowe

US Patent:

6923890, Aug 2, 2005

Filed:

Aug 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/211980

Inventors:

Pascal J. Ricatto - Ridgewood NJ, US
Edward J. Houston - East Brunswick NJ, US
Richard Crowe - Hazlet NJ, US

Assignee:

PlasmaSol Corporation - Hoboken NJ

International Classification:

D06M011/00
C01G015/12
C01B003/24
B01J019/08

US Classification:

204164, 811551, 811552, 204165, 208 46, 423650, 423655

Abstract:

A method for activating chemical reactions using a non-thermal capillary discharge plasma (NT-CDP) unit or a non-thermal slot discharge plasma (NT-SDP) unit (collectively referred to as “NT-CDP/SDP”). The NT-CDP/SDP unit includes a first electrode disposed between two dielectric layers, wherein the first electrode and dielectric layers having at least one opening (e. g. , capillary or a slot) defined therethrough. A dielectric sleeve inserted into the opening, and at least one second electrode (e. g. , in the shape of a pin, ring, metal wire, or tapered metal blade) is disposed in fluid communication with an associated opening. A non-thermal plasma discharge is emitted from the opening when a voltage differential is applied between the first and second electrodes. Chemical feedstock to be treated is then exposed to the non-thermal plasma. This processing is suited for the following exemplary chemical reactions as (i) partial oxidation of hydrocarbon feedstock to produce functionalized organic compounds; (ii) chemical stabilization of a polymer fiber (e. g.

US Patent:

7029636, Apr 18, 2006

Filed:

Aug 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/211936

Inventors:

Pascal J. Ricatto - Ridgewood NJ, US
Edward J. Houston - East Brunswick NJ, US
Richard Crowe - Hazlet NJ, US

Assignee:

Plasmasol Corporation - Hoboken NJ

International Classification:

B01J 19/08

US Classification:

42218604, 204177, 60275

Abstract:

A device for the pre-treatment of combustion air by exposure to non-thermal plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure and a method for operating the same. The device includes an inner electrode having a longitudinal channel defined therein to receive a fuel. An outer dielectric layer is separated a predetermined distance from the inner electrode so as to form a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma region therebetween for receiving the combustion air to be treated. The outer dielectric has at least one opening (e. g. , capillaries or slots) defined therethrough from which the non-thermal plasma is emitted. At least one outer electrode (e. g. , in the shape of a pin or ring) is disposed in fluid communication with the at least one opening. The treated combustion air and fuel are combined in a mixing region. The pretreatment device may be disposed in an unsealed or a sealed combustion burner.

US Patent:

7098420, Aug 29, 2006

Filed:

Jul 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/188690

Inventors:

Richard Crowe - Hazlet NJ, US
Sergei Babko-Malyi - West Windsor NJ, US
Kurt Kovach - Highlands NJ, US
Seth Tropper - Old Bridge NJ, US

Assignee:

Plasmasol Corporation - Hoboken NJ

International Classification:

B23K 10/00

US Classification:

21912143, 21912157

Abstract:

A plasma emitter apparatus and method for using the same that includes a primary electrode and a secondary electrode. The secondary electrode is porous, that is, it is configured to permit the passage of plasma discharge therethrough. Accordingly, the plasma is received at one side of the secondary electrode and emitted from its opposing plasma exiting side. The secondary electrode may be a laminate of multiple insulating material layers with at least one conductive layer sandwiched therebetween. A plurality of apertures are defined through the laminate and a dielectric sleeve is inserted into and retained in the aperture. The generated plasma passes through one or more holes defined in each of the dielectric sleeves. Alternatively, the secondary electrode may be formed as a plurality of unidirectional high voltage wires strung substantially parallel across a frame or a plurality of bidirectional high voltage wires interwoven and secured by a perimeter frame.

US Patent:

7192553, Mar 20, 2007

Filed:

Nov 4, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/287771

Inventors:

Richard Crowe - Hazlet NJ, US
George Korfiatis - Basking Ridge NJ, US
Sergei Babko-Malyi - West Windsor NJ, US

Assignee:

Plasmasol Corporation - Hoboken NJ
Stevens Institute of Technology - Hoboken NJ

International Classification:

A61L 2/00

US Classification:

422 23, 422 22, 422 28, 422 29

Abstract:

A sterilization and decontamination system in which a non-thermal plasma discharge device is disposed upstream of a suspension media (e. g. , a filter, electrostatic precipitator, carbon bed). The plasma discharge device generates a plasma that is emitted through apertures (e. g. , capillaries or slits) in the primary dielectric. Plasma generated active sterilizing species when exposed to contaminants or undesirable particulate matter is able to deactivate or reduce such matter in contaminated fluid stream and/or on objects. Thus, the undesirable contaminants in the fluid to be treated are first reduced during their exposure to the plasma generated active sterilizing species in the plasma region of the discharge device. Furthermore, the plasma generated active sterilizing species are carried downstream to suspension media and upon contact therewith deactivate the contaminants collected on the suspension media itself. Advantageously, the suspension media may be cleansed in situ.

US Patent:

20080063577, Mar 13, 2008

Filed:

Feb 21, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/677378

Inventors:

Richard Crowe - Hazlet NJ, US
George Korfiatis - Basking Ridge NJ, US
Sergei Babko-Malyi - West Windsor NJ, US

Assignee:

STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - Hokoken NJ
PLASMASOL CORPORATION - Hokoken NJ

International Classification:

B01J 19/12
H05H 1/24

US Classification:

422186040

Abstract:

A sterilization and decontamination system in which a non-thermal plasma discharge device is disposed upstream of a suspension media (e.g., a filter, electrostatic precipitator, carbon bed). The plasma discharge device generates a plasma that is emitted through apertures (e.g., capillaries or slits) in the primary dielectric. Plasma generated active sterilizing species when exposed to contaminants or undesirable particulate matter is able to deactivate or reduce such matter in contaminated fluid stream and/or on objects. Thus, the undesirable contaminants in the fluid to be treated are first reduced during their exposure to the plasma generated active sterilizing species in the plasma region of the discharge device. Furthermore, the plasma generated active sterilizing species are carried downstream to suspension media and upon contact therewith deactivate the contaminants collected on the suspension media itself. Advantageously, the suspension media may be cleansed in situ. To increase the sterilization efficiency an additive, free or carrier gas (e.g., alcohol, water, dry air) may be injected into the apertures defined in the primary dielectric. These additives increase the concentration of plasma generated active sterilizing agents while reducing the byproduct of generated undesirable ozone pollutants. Downstream of the filter the fluid stream may be further treated by being exposed to a catalyst media or additional suspension media to further reduce the amount of undesirable particulate matter.