Patent ID: 6700329
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
An apparatus for combination with a source of gas comprising:a conductive hollow elongate conduit having a longitudinal axis and an exit orifice; a voltage source of direct or low frequency current having a terminal electrically coupled to the conductive hollow elongate conduit; and an anode electrically coupled to the voltage source and positioned at least at one point in time longitudinally distanced from but proximate to the exit orifice of the conductive hollow elongate conduit to allow striking of a discharge between the exit orifice and the anode, where the conductive hollow elongate conduit is maintained by the voltage source at a potential lower than the anode; wherein the source of gas is communicated with the conductive hollow elongate conduit to supply gas to the conductive hollow elongate conduit, so that upon application of the voltage to the conductive hollow elongate conduit a plasma is formed at least within the conductive hollow elongate conduit, which plasma may be formed at atmospheric pressures.