Patent ID: 7442271

Claim:
A microwave plasma torch (discharge) apparatus which comprises: (a) an elongate tuneable microwave applicator with opposed ends comprising inner and outer electrically conductive tubular members defining the microwave applicator, the applicator having an inlet port for the microwaves and the inner tubular member defining an inwardly tapering nozzle support having an opening on one of the ends of the applicator; (b) a first conduit member mounted through the applicator secured in the opening in the nozzle support for supplying a gas through an orifice isolated at the end at the first conduit member for generating the plasma torch (discharge) produced by the microwaves in the applicator; (c) a second conduit member mounted adjacent to the first conduit member defining an outlet near the nozzle end of and within the inner tubular member; (d) a finger coupling having latterally projecting fingers encircling and gripping the inner electrically conductive tubular member; wherein the second conduit member is operable to supply a cooling fluid throughout the inner tubular member and cool the inner tubular member, the nozzle and the first conduit member while the torch (discharge) is operating; wherein the cooling fluid exits out of the applicator through a cooling fluid exit port positioned adjacent the opposed end relative to the nozzle end; and wherein the applicator is tunable through a manual adjustment of the inner electrically conductive tubular member that is slidably mounted within the outer electrically conductive tubular member and adjustment of a stub cap that adjusts a sliding short positioned within the outer conductive member.