Forming fine particles
AssigneeBoard of Regents of the University of Nebraska
InventorDennis R. Alexander
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
To alter feedstock material, the material is exposed to laser radiation applied at a selected angle of incidence, intensity and wavelength related to the refractive index of the feedstock material. Fine uniform particles may be formed through vapor explosion and/or plasma formation and used by this method to coat surfaces, such as with paint or adhesive or to supply uniform small particles to a heat engine. Moreover, moving materials such as a column of liquid may be subjected to high internal pressure and temperature for creating physical and chemical changes.
Claims19
A process for forming and applying small particles to a patient comprising the steps of:
- selecting a feedstock material to be supplied to an interior part of the patient's body;
- irradiating the feedstock material with radiant energy having a predetermined angle of incidence to the material at a predetermined point, having a predetermined wavelength and having sufficient intensity to cause the material to be formed into particles while in the patient's body;
- and
- guiding a direction of movement of the particles, whereby they may be applied to a particular part of the patient's body;
- the step of forming fine particles including the step of vapor explosion and/or plasma formation of said material, whereby the particles are low velocity at least after moving a distance less than one inch from the predetermined point.
A process for forming and applying small particles comprising the steps of:
- selecting a feedstock material;
- irradiating the feedstock material with radiant energy having a predetermined angle of incidence to the material at a predetermined point, having a predetermined wavelength and having sufficient intensity to cause the material to be formed into particles by at least one of vapor explosion and plasma formation;
- and
- directing the particles into a carburetor of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fine particles are moved into the carburetor at a low velocity at least after moving a distance less than one inch from the predetermined point.
A process for forming and applying small particles comprising the steps of:
- selecting a feedstock material;
- irradiating the feedstock material with radiant energy having a predetermined angle of incidence to the material at a predetermined point, having a predetermined wavelength and having sufficient intensity to cause the material to be formed into particles by at least one of vapor explosion and plasma formation;
- and
- directing the particles into a boiler;
- wherein the fine particles are moved into the boiler at low velocity at least after moving a distance less than one inch from the predetermined point.
A process for chemically changing material comprising the steps of:
- selecting at least one feedstock material to be altered;
- illuminating the at least one feedstock material with radiant energy having a predetermined angle of incidence to the feedstock material at a predetermined point, having a predetermined wavelength and having an intensity lower than that required for any one of vapor explosion and plasma formation but high enough to cause a chemical reaction in the feedstock material from pressures and temperatures created therein;
- the pressure and temperature being at least 200 degrees Centigrade and two atmospheres respectively.
A process for forming and supplying small particles to an engine comprising the steps of:
- irradiating fuel with radiant energy having a predetermined angle of incidence to the fuel at a predetermined point, having a predetermined wavelength and having sufficient intensity to cause the fuel to be formed into particles;
- and
- controlling a direction of movement of the particles, wherein they are applied to a motor cylinder;
- the step of forming fine particles including the step of at least one of vapor explosion and plasma formation.
A process for forming and applying small particles to a gas chromatograph for analysis comprising the steps of:
- selecting a sample material to be broken into particles;
- irradiating the sample material with radiant energy having a predetermined angle of incidence to the sample material at a predetermined point, having a predetermined wavelength and having sufficient intensity to cause the sample material to be formed into particles;
- injecting the particles into a gas chromatograph;
- the step of irradiating the sample material including the step of vapor explosion and/or plasma formation of said sample material at the predetermined point.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.