Patent Publication Number: US-2015061496-A1

Title: System for Generating High Speed Flow of an Ionized Gas

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present patent document is a Continuation-in-Part application and claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/697,391, filed Sep. 6, 2012, and PCT International Application No. PCT/US13/058218, filed Sep. 5, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a system for generating a high speed flow of ions. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a system for generating a high speed ion flow which is useful for various applications. In one application, the high speed ion flow is used to excite nano-spheres of different metals such as silver, gold, platinum, etc. causing them to vibrate at a high frequency based on inherent properties of the element in a medium. One application for the technology is to inject nano-spheres of a certain type metal into a tumor of a human patient or animal. The externally applied high speed ion flow can be used to excite and heat the in-situ nano-spheres that will increase their temperature and destroy the tumor cells (or other tissue). 
     The system in accordance with this invention can be tuned to the characteristic frequencies of various elements such as gold, platinum, silver, etc. The high speed ion flow may be used for various medical or industrial purposes, for example in addition to the above-mentioned application, the ion stream may have the ability to sterilize surfaces and treat surfaces for various purposes. Ion system can be used to increase the surface wettability in seeds to make them germinate quicker. Another application is in surface treatment to clean plastics and metals and increase their surface wettability for applying coatings and glues. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a pictorial view of the ion generating system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a ion source system that is used in an ion generating system; 
         FIG. 3  is a detail view of a nozzle for a ion source system that is used in an ion generating system; 
         FIG. 4A  is a circuit diagram of driver electronics that is applied in an ion generating system; 
         FIG. 4B  is a continuation of the circuit diagram of  4   a  that is applied in the ion generating system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an ion generating system  2  in accordance with the present invention. The ion generating system  2  includes two primary systems, including an ion source system  4  and driver electronics  6 . The driver electronics  6  are designed to generate a high frequency alternating current (AC) at a range of frequencies. The driver electronics  6  drive a custom designed transformer implemented in the ion source system  2 . The driver electronics  6  are electronically connected with the ion source system via first primary coil conductors  8  and  12 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the ion source system  4  which includes a nozzle  14  operably coupled to the ion source system  4  via a conduit  16 . The nozzle  14  is configured to emit a high speed ion discharge from an ion outlet. The conduit  16  supplies high voltage power generated in a secondary coil  50  of the custom designed transformer to achieve ion production in the nozzle  14 . When a high voltage charge builds in the nozzle, a flow of ionized gas is used to generate the high speed flow of ions. In some implementations the high speed ion flow may be of an ionized helium gas. The conduit  16  includes a flexible conduit that enables the nozzle  14  to be selectively positioned to direct the ion gas discharge toward a target. The conduit  16  is preferably constructed of Mu-metal. The conduit  16  serves to limit electromagnetic radiation from passing into the environment surrounding the ion source system  4 . 
     In operation, the gas is energized to create a high speed flow of ionized gas, for example helium gas, is discharged from an ion gas supply  18  shown in  FIG. 1  through a first flow valve  20 . The ion gas supply may be stored in a compressed gas tank. The first flow valve  20  controls the flow rate of the ion gas into the ion gas supply line  22 . The ion gas supply line  22  is in fluid communication with the nozzle  14  and provides a controlled flow of the ion gas to the nozzle  14 . 
     Upon entry into the nozzle  14 , the ion generation gas is ionized in response to a high frequency/high voltage electric field in the nozzle  14 . A discharge of a high speed ionized gas from the nozzle  14  is formed into a stream of ionized gas. The stream of ions oscillates at a frequency corresponding to the high frequency field in the nozzle  14 . The high frequency/high voltage field causes the stream of ionized gas to oscillate at a frequency corresponding to the excitation of ionization of the ionized generation gas. In some embodiments of the invention, the oscillating frequency of ionized particles of the ion flow is configured to oscillate at a natural frequency of a material or substance, for example a metallic substance or solution thereof. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a dielectric gas, for example nitrogen, is supplied to the ion system  4  shown in  FIG. 2 , through the custom designed transformer, and through the conduit  16  to purge atmospheric air from the ion source system  4 . The dielectric gas serves to limit a possibility of arcing in the windings of the custom designed transformer and along the length of the conduit  16 . The dielectric gas is fed into the ion source system from a dielectric gas supply  24  in  FIG. 1 . Though referred to as a dielectric gas, the dielectric gas may include any inert or electrically insulating gas, compound, or other electrically insulating gases, for example nitrogen. The dielectric gas is supplied to the ion source system through a second flow valve  26 . The second flow valve  26  allows a controlled flow of the dielectric gas to pass through a dielectric gas supply line  28  to limit a potential of arcing in the ion source system  4  in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of an ion source system  4  used in the ion generating system  2  in  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention. The ion source system  4  as shown in  FIG. 2  is conveniently mounted on a baseplate  30  with a pair of upwardly extending structural supports  32 . The upwardly extending supports  32  mount to a tube  34 . In various embodiments, the tube  34  is formed of any electrically insulating material. 
     In  FIG. 2 , the tube  34  is closed by a pair of end caps defining a first end cap  36  and a second end cap  38 . The first end cap  36  closes the tube  34  at a proximal end  40  and the second end cap closes the tube  34  at a distal end  42 . The first end cap  36  and the second end cap  38  are preferably of an electrically insulating material. Affixed to the first end cap  36  is an inlet nipple  44  which is attached to an inlet valve  46  and the dielectric gas supply line  28 . The inlet nipple  44  is configured to allow a flow of the dielectric gas to enter the glass tube. The conduit  16  is affixed to the second end cap  38  and extends to the nozzle  14 . 
     In  FIG. 2  the center tube  45  is affixed to the first end cap  36  and extends along a central axis of tube  34 . The center tube  45  forms a flow path for the dielectric gas to enter the tube  34  through the inlet nipple  44  and the first end cap  36 . The dielectric gas from the dielectric gas supply  24  ( FIG. 1 ) flows through the dielectric gas supply line  28 , the inlet nipple  44  ( FIG. 2 ), and the inlet valve  46  and into the tube  34  through center tube  45 . The center tube  45  is preferably of a non-conductive material, such as plastic. The first end cap  36  positions the center tube  45  within an interior cavity of the tube  34 . 
     In  FIG. 2  the ion source system  4  is electrically excited through the driver electronics  6 . The driver electronics include an AC drive system for a custom designed transformer system. A primary coil  48  shown in  FIG. 2  is wrapped around the outside of the tube  34  and is electrically coupled to the driver electronics  6  via the first primary coil conductors  8  and  12 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the primary coil  48  includes small number of turns of 4 mm diameter copper tubing uniformly wrapped around a central portion of the length of the outside of the tube  34 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , secondary coil  50  of the custom designed transformer system includes windings wrapped around the outside of the center tube  45 . The number of turns in the secondary coil  50  may vary substantially based on a target frequency of the high frequency field. The target frequency of the high frequency field corresponds to a switching frequency induced in the secondary coil  50 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the secondary coil  50  includes a large number of turns of enameled copper wire uniformly wrapped closely together around the center tube  45 . The center tube  45  and the secondary coil  50  may also be interchangeable. In embodiments having interchangeable secondary windings, the secondary windings may be changed by removing the first end cap  36  to access the center tube  45 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , secondary coil  50  is wound around the center tube  45  and the windings should be in the middle of the center tube  45 . The first end of the secondary coil  50  is conductively connected to a first supply wire  52  that extends through the second end cap  38  through an internal passage  54  of the conduit  16 . The second end of the secondary coil  50  is conductively connected to a second supply wire  56  that also extends through the second end cap  38  through an internal passage  54  of the conduit  16 . In accordance with the custom transformer design, the turn&#39;s ratio between the primary coil  48  and the secondary coil  50  is very great, and the system is driven at high frequency. These systems are capable of providing extremely high voltage outputs from their secondary windings. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first supply wire  52  extends from a first end of the secondary coil  50  through the internal passage  54  of the conduit and into the nozzle  14 . The first supply wire  52  is conductively connected to a conductive rod  76  of conductive material positioned in the nozzle  14  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The conductive rod  76  is configured to provide a conductive path that passes energy to a ring  88  located proximate to the conductive rod in the nozzle  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the ring  88  is conductively connected to the second supply wire  56 . The second supply wire  56  extends back through the internal passage  54  of the conduit  16  and into the tube  34 . The second supply wire  56  extends through the tube where the second supply wire  56  is conductively connected to the second end of the secondary coil  50 . As the current oscillates through the secondary coil  50 , electrical potential energy fluctuates between the ring and the needle, generating a high frequency/high voltage electromagnetic field. Each of the first supply wire  52  and the second supply wire  56  consist of wires configured to transport high voltage from the secondary coil to the nozzle. The first supply wire  52  and the second supply wire  56  may include heavy insulation and a core of conductive heavy gauge stranded wire. 
     The passage from the inlet nipple  44  through the end of the tube  45 , through the internal passage  54  of the conduit  16 , and into the nozzle  14  forms a sealed passage for the flow of the dielectric gas from the dielectric gas supply  24 . As a safety precaution, prior to activation of the driver electronics  6 , the inlet valve  46  may be opened and the second flow valve  26  may be adjusted to allow a flow of the dielectric gas to enter the tube  45 . The dielectric gas displaces atmospheric air from the tube  45  into tube  34  and then passes into the internal passage  54  of the conduit  16 . The dielectric gas displaces atmospheric air from the internal passage  54  of the conduit  16  and exit through a purge valve  59  connected to the nozzle  14  proximate the connection of the conduit  16  and the nozzle  14 . The dielectric gas may continue to flow through the tube  34  and the internal passage  54  of the conduit during operation to limit the potential of arcing in the ion source system  4 . In some cases, the dielectric gas may also be sealed in the ion source system by closing the purge valve  59  after the atmospheric air is displaced. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a detail view of the nozzle  14  for the ion source system  4  in accordance with the present invention. The nozzle  14  generally includes a nozzle chamber  60 , a nozzle inlet  62 , and a nozzle tip  64 . A distal end of the conduit  16 , opposite the end connected to the second end cap  38  of the ion source system  4 , is connected to the nozzle inlet  62 . The nozzle tip  64  includes an ion outlet  66  forming an outlet passage from the nozzle chamber  60  to a region outside the nozzle. The nozzle outlet  66  extends along a longitudinal axis  68  of the nozzle  14 . The nozzle chamber  60  may be of an electrically insulating and flame retardant material. The nozzle inlet  62  and the nozzle outlet  64  may be of an electrically insulating and flame retardant material. 
     To transfer current from the secondary coil  50 , the first supply wire  52  is conductively connected to a first terminal  70  shown in  FIG. 3 . The first terminal  70  is conductively connected to a first stud  72 . The first stud  72  may be of a conductive metal and is threaded through an opening in the nozzle inlet  62 . The first stud  72  is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis  68  of the nozzle  14 . At one end, the first stud  72  forms a first internal cavity  74  configured to receive the conductive rod  76 . The conductive rod  76  is needle-like in shape and be of a thermally resistant, electrically conductive material. The conductive rod  76  is affixed in the first internal cavity  74  of the first stud  72  by a collet  78 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , the second supply wire  56  is conductively connected to a second terminal  80 . The second terminal  80  is conductively connected to a second stud  82 . The second stud  82  may be of a conductive metal and is threaded through an opening in the nozzle inlet  62 . The second stud  82  is offset from and parallel to longitudinal axis  68  of the nozzle  14 . At one end, the second stud  82  forms a second internal cavity  84  configured to receive a conductive ring assembly  86 . The conductive ring assembly  86  extends parallel to the conductive rod  76  and includes a ring  88  aligned with the conductive rod  76 . The ring  88  is aligned with the conductive rod  76  such that the longitudinal axis  68  of the nozzle  14  and a corresponding longitudinal axis of the conductive rod  76  pass centrally through an opening inside the ring  88 . The conductive ring assembly  86  is affixed in the second internal cavity  84  of the second stud  82  by a collet  87 . The conductive ring assembly  86  may be of a thermally resistant, electrically conductive material. 
     In operation, an ion generation gas, such as helium, flows into the nozzle from the ion gas supply  18  through an ion gas inlet  89 . The flow of the ion generation gas is regulated by the first flow valve  20  and flows through the ion gas supply line  22 . The ion generation gas passes into the nozzle chamber  60  and is acted upon by the high frequency/high voltage field produced by the secondary coil  50 . The high frequency/high voltage field is transmitted into the nozzle chamber  60  alternately via the first supply wire  52  and the second supply wire  56 . The alternating current in the secondary coil conducted through the first and second supply wires  52  and  56  causes the electrical potential energy to fluctuate between the ring  88  and the conductive rod  76 , generating the high frequency/high voltage field. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the high frequency/high voltage field passes between the conductive rod  76  and the ring  88 . As the ion generation gas passes through the high frequency/high voltage field, the ion generation gas is ionized, thereby generating an ion stream which is emitted from the ion outlet  66 . The ion stream may be defined as a micro-stream of ions capable of delivering charged ions to a target region. Generally, the ion stream may have multiple uses with one potential use being described as follows. 
     There are certain treatment situations for human and animal patients in which is desired to induce high temperatures in tissues which can lead to the destruction of cell membranes and therefore undesired cells and tissues, referred to generically as hyperthermia treatment. In one such therapeutic application, nano-spheres of gold, silver or other metals which can be homogeneous or in the form of coated nano-spheres can be introduced into tissues. This can be accomplished by direct injection or through a form of tissue or organ selective delivery systems. When the nano-spheres are accumulated within the desired target tissue the nano-spheres can be excited externally by applying the ion source in accordance with this invention. This excitation causes them to vibrate at a very high frequency which leads to a heating effect. 
     It is contemplated that nano-spheres of various sizes may be used. The excitation of the nano-spheres is accomplished by amplitude modulation of the field applied to the gas stream at a desired frequency. In some embodiments, the ion stream may be used without the excitation of nano-spheres for many applications including sterilization of items and surfaces, augmenting wound healing, and for dental applications. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates driver electronics  6  applied in the ion generating system  2  in accordance with the invention. The driver electronics  6  includes various electrical components and topographies configured to drive the primary coil  48  at a controlled voltage and frequency. The various circuits and components described herein may be substituted with a variety of similar components and alternate methods for generating a high frequency driving current similar to those disclosed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4A , in one preferred embodiment, the driver electronics  6  include a power supply  90  comprising two AC to DC converters  92  and  192 , a first DC voltage converter  94 , and a second DC voltage converter  96 . The first and second AC to DC converters  92  and  192  includes step down transformers  98  and  198  and two bridge rectifiers  100  and  200 . Current from the AC inputs  102  and  202 , such as 60 Hz line current with a 250VA capacity, as inputs are conducted through the two step down transformers  98  and  198 . The current passing through the two step down transformers  98  and  198  is rectified by the bridge rectifiers  100  and  200  to produce the DC outputs. For operating safety and the protection of the driver electronics  6 , an amp meter  104  may be placed in line with the DC voltage output from the AC to DC converter  92  to monitor the current delivered to the driver electronics  94 . 
     The first DC voltage converter  94  uses a buck-boost converter. The second DC voltage converter  96  uses a linear voltage regulator. The first DC voltage converter  94  is configured to deliver power to the primary coil  48 . In this particular embodiment, as shown  FIG. 4A , the first DC voltage converter  94  is operable to output voltage ranging from approximately 1 to 60 Volts. The voltage output is preferably set to a voltage output ranging from 20 to 45 Volts. The voltage supplied and specific power requirements for the primary coil  48  depend on a variety of design variables including the design of the primary and secondary coils  48  and  50 , the insulation of various components of the ion source system  4 , and a desired intensity of a generated ion stream. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B , a continuation of the circuit diagram of  FIG. 4   a  is shown in accordance with the invention. The second DC voltage converter  96  is configured to deliver supply power to a plurality of control and timing components  108 . The control and timing components include a timer  108 , a high-speed transistor driver  110 , and a FET  112 . The timer  108  is configurable to generate a timing signal at a variety of frequencies. For example, a frequency of the timing signal may range from 10 kHz to 3 MHz. In a preferred embodiment, the frequency of the timing signal ranges from 100 kHz and 3 MHz, and in some cases is configured to operate at a range of frequencies from 400 kHz and 4 MHz. The frequency of the timing signal may vary among the ranges described herein and is dependent on the specific design of the ion source system  4 , for example, the specific configuration of the primary coil  48 , the secondary coil  50 , and a desired intensity of a generated ion stream. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 4B , the timer  108  is operably coupled to the FET driver  110  and communicates the timing signal to the FET driver  110 . The FET driver  110  includes any transistor driver operable to achieve a desired frequency and voltage in response to the timing signal and is preferably capable of managing high sink/source currents, for example current in excess of 10 Amps. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the FET driver is a power FET driver operable to achieve switching speeds corresponding to the ranges of the timing signal. 
     The FET driver  110  is operably coupled to the FET  112 . The FET  112  may include a variety of devices configured to generate an electrical switching signal. The FET  112  is preferably operable to achieve switching speeds corresponding to the ranges of the timing signal previously described. The FET  112  is supplied power from the first DC voltage converter  94 . In operation, the FET  112  generates an output signal with a frequency corresponding to the timing signal from the timer  108 . The voltage of the output signal varies in response to the voltage supplied from the first DC voltage converter  94 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 4B , the output signal from the FET  112  is conducted through the first primary coil conductor  8  and into the primary coil  48  at a first primary coil end. To complete the circuit of the primary coil, the second primary coil conductor  12  is connected to a second primary coil end and returns to output voltage of power supply  94  of the driver electronics  6 . The frequency of the output signal from the FET  112  induces an electromagnetic field having varying magnetic flux. The varying magnetic flux induces a voltage in the secondary coil  50 . The voltage induced in the secondary coil  50  may be applied to generate the high frequency/high voltage field which is transmitted into the nozzle chamber  60  to generate the ion stream. 
     The frequency of the high frequency field used to generate the ion stream is a function of the configuration of the secondary coil  50 . As such, in an exemplary embodiment, the secondary coil  50 . The secondary coil that is discussed herein can be changed out for other secondary coils  50  of different amount of windings and wire gauges to change the frequency and voltage they will be used for. 
     The different frequencies are applied to generate ion streams oscillating at different frequencies. The different frequencies of the ion flow may be operable to excite different materials, for example nano-spheres of gold, silver or other metals which can be homogeneous or in the form of coated nano-spheres. Though heating of nano-spheres is discussed herein, the applications of the high speed ion streams generated at different frequencies provides for numerous applications for sterilization and therapy in accordance with the teachings of the invention. 
     Some applications of the ion generating system may include using an ion stream to sterilize items and surfaces, augmenting wound healing, and for dental applications. In one particular application, nano-spheres of gold, silver or other metals which can be homogeneous or in the form of coated nano-spheres can be introduced into tissue that is targeted for treatment. The delivery of the nano-spheres may be completed through injection into the tissue. When the nano-spheres are accumulated within the desired target tissue the spheres can be excited externally by applying the ion source in accordance with this invention. 
     The ion stream may be delivered from the nozzle of the ion source system and pass through tissue surrounding the injection site without affecting the tissue. Upon reaching the desired target tissue, the ion stream may induce high temperatures in the tissue which may provide for hypothermic treatment of the tissue. The excitation of the nano-spheres in response to the ion stream causes them to vibrate at a very high frequency which leads to a heating effect. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.