CA2669709A1

CA2669709A1 - Rf systems and methods for processing salt water

Info

Publication number: CA2669709A1
Application number: CA002669709A
Authority: CA
Inventors: John Kanzius; Rustum Roy
Original assignee: Kc Energy Llc; John Kanzius; Rustum Roy
Current assignee: KC Energy LLC
Priority date: 2006-11-13
Filing date: 2007-11-13
Publication date: 2008-05-29
Also published as: AU2007323906A1; EP2109500A2; WO2008064002A2; WO2008064002A3; MX2009005080A; JP2010509565A; BRPI0718921A2; AP2009004886A0; AU2007323906B2

Abstract

Systems and methods for processing salt water and/or solutions containing salt water with RF energy. Exemplary systems and methods may use RF energy to combust salt water, produce hydrogen from salt water or solutions containing salt water, to volatilize a secondary fuel present in solutions containing salt water, to produce and combust hydrogen obtained from salt water or solutions containing salt water, to volatilize and combust secondary fuel sources present in solutions containing salt water, to desalinate seawater, and to carry out the electrolysis of water are presented. An exemplary system may comprise a reservoir for containing a salt water solution or salt water mixture; a reaction chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a feed line operatively connecting the reservoir to the inlet of the reaction chamber; an RF transmitter having an RF generator in circuit communication with a transmission head, the RF generator capable of generating an RF signal absorbable by the salt water solution or the salt water mixture having a frequency for transmission via the transmission head; and an RF receiver; wherein the reaction chamber is positioned such that it is between the RF transmission head and the RF receiver.

Description

RF SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING SALT WATER

Related Cases [00011 This case claims priority to and any other benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/865,530, filed November 13, 2006, entitled RF SYSTEM
AND
METHODS FOR PROCESSING SALT WATER (Attomey Docket 30064/04004) ("the `530 Application"); U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/938,613, filed May 17, 2007, entitled RF SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING SALT WATER II (Attorney Docket 30064/04008) ("tlie `613 Application"); U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/953,829, filed August 3, 2007, entitled RF SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR
PROCESSING SALT
WATER III (Attorney Docket 30064/04009); and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/915,345, filed on May 1, 2007, and entitled FIELD GENERATOR FOR
TARGETED CELL
ABLATION (Attorney Docket 30274/04036), the entire disclosures of wliich, including all appendices, diagrains, figures, and photographs of which, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Field of the Invention [00021 The present invention relates to systems and methods for processing water utilizing radio frequency (RF) energy, such as, for example, RF systems and methods for combustion of salt water and/or solutions containing salt water, RF systems and methods for desalinating seawater, RF systems and methods for heating seawater, salt water, and/or solutioris containing salt water, RF systerris and methods for generating steam, RF systems and methods for volatilizing secondary fuels, RF systems and methods for the electrolysis of salt water and salt water rnixtures, RF systems and methods for producing hydrogen frorn salt salt water and salt water mixtures, RF systems and methods for producing hydrogen from salt water and/or solutions containing salt water, RF systems and metliods for combustion of volatiles produced from solutions containing salt water, and/or RF systenis and methods for combustion of hydrogen produced from salt water and/or solutions containing salt water.

Background of the Invention [00031 Hydrogen gas is combustible and is therefore a potentially viable fuel source particularly for use in internal combustion engines. Water can be a source of hydrogen gas and unlike ci-ude oil, which is used to produce gasoline, water and particularly seawater has an advantage over cnzde oil in that it is present on earth in great abundance.
Furthermore, the bui7ling of hydrogen produces water, an environmentally clean byproduct. Many other volatile organic compounds, such as ethanol for example, are also combustible and so they too are potentially viable fuel sources for use in internal combustion engines. Likewise, ethanol has an advantage over crude oil in that ethanol can be synthesized from fermentation of corn, sugar cane or other agricultural products and it is tlierefore a renewable resource, while by contrast crude oil is not.

Brief Description of the Drawings [00041 Figures 1-7 are high-level block diagrams of exemplary RF systems for RF
processing of salt water and/or solutions containing salt water, such as combusting salt water or solutions containing salt water, generating steam from salt water, producing and collecting hydrogen from salt water or solutions containing salt water, and desalinating seawater;

[ 0 0 0 51 Figures 8A-8C, 9A-9C are various views of exemplary RF
transrnission and RF
reception heads;

[ 0 0 0 6] Figures 10-12, 16, and 16a are schematic diagrams of exemplary RF
circuits for exerriplary RF systems for RF processing of salt water and/or solutions containing salt water, such as combusting salt water or solutions containing salt water, generating steam from salt water, producing and collecting hydrogen from salt water or solutions containing salt water, and desalinating seawater;

(00071 Figures 13-15 are top, top/side perspective, and side views of an exenrplary RF
coupling circuit for exemplary RF systems for RF processing of salt water and/or solutions containing salt water, such as combusting salt water or solutions containing salt water, generating steam from salt water, producing and collecting hydrogen from salt water or solutions containirrg salt water, and desalinating seawater;

[ 0 0 0 8] Figure 17 is a medium-level flowchart of an exemplary ernbodiment of an RF
rnethodology for producing and collecting hydrogen gas from salt water and sohztions containing salt water;

[ 0 0 0 9] Figure 18(a) and 18(b) are medium level flow charts of exemplary embodiments of an RF methodology for producing and combusting hydrogen gas from salt water and for producing and combusting hydrogen gas arrd producing and combusting other volatiles from solutions containing salt water;

[ 0 010 ] Figure 19(a) and 19(b) are medium level flow charts of exemplary embodiments of an RF methodology for producing and combusting hydrogen gas from salt water and for producing and combusting hydrogen gas and producing and combusting other volatiles frorn solutions containing salt water, and transferring the clremical energy generated by the combustion of the hydrogen gas and other volatiles into mechanical energy capable of moving a piston;

[00111 Figure 20 is a rnediurn level flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of an RF
methodology for desalinating seawater;

[00121 Figure 21 is a medium level flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of an RF
methodology for carryirrg out the electrolysis of water;

[00131 Figure 22 is a schematic illustration showing exemplary transmissiorr and reception enclosures with their top walls removed;

[ 0 014 ] Figure 23 is a high-level flowchart showing an exemplary method of combusting salt water and solutions containing salt water with RF energy;

[ 0 015 ] Figure 24 is a schematic illustration showing an exemplary sealed transmission enclosure which rnay be suitable for lowering into the ground; and (00161 Figures 25 - 26 are medium level flowcharts of exemplary embodiments of an RF
methodology for cornbusting gas generated from a liquid by a transmitted RF
signal.
Summary (00171 Systems are presented for using RF energy to combust salt water and/or various solutions containing salt water, to produce hydrogen from salt water, to produce volatiles from solutions containing salt water, to desalinate seawater, and/or to carry out the electrolysis of water. An exemplary system may comprise a reservoir for containing salt water that is a mixture comprising water and salt, the salt water having an effective amount of salt dissolved in the water; a reaction charnber having an inlet and an outlet; a feed line operatively connecting the reservoir to the inlet of the reaction chamber; an RF transmitter having an RF generator in circuit communication with a transmission head, the RF generator capable of generating an RF signal at least partially absorbable by the salt water having at least one frequency for transmission via the transmission head; and an RF
receiver; wherein the reaction chamber is positioned such that at least a portion of the reaction chamber is between the RF transmission head and the RF receiver. Other exemplary systems niay comprise a reservoir for containing a solution that is a mixture of water and salt arid optionally containirig (i) at least one additive, or (ii) at least one secondary fizel, or (iii) mixtures tllereof.

[ 0 018 ] Similarly, methods are presented for using RF energy to combust salt water and solutions containing salt water, to desalinate seawater, to produce hydrogen from salt water and solutions containing salt water, and/or to carry out the electrolysis of salt water. An exemplary method may comprise providing salt water comprising a mixture of water and at least one salt; or a salt water solution comprising a mixture of water and at least orie salt and optionally containing (i) at least one additive, or (ii) at least one secondary fuel, or (iii) inixtures thereof; the salt water or salt water sohztion having an effective amount of the salt dissolved in the water; providing an RF transmitter having an RF generator in circuit communication with a transmission head, the RF generator capable of generating an RF

signal at least partially absorbable by the salt water or salt water component of the solution containiiig salt water and having at least one frequency for transmission via the transmission head; arratiging the trailsmission head near the salt water or solution containing salt water such that the RF signal transmitted via the transmission head interacts with at least some of the salt water; and transmitting the RF signal via the transinission head for a time sufficient to combust the salt water or to heat the solution containing salt water to volatilize and to combust a secondary fuel source that may be optionally present. If hydrogen gas is created frorn the salt water or the solution containing salt water by the RF signal, the RF signal may also be transmitted via the transmission head sufficient to combust the hydrogen gas so produced.

Detaiied. Description [ 0 0191 In the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated, which, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to example principles of the invention.

General Terrns [ 0 0 2 0] "Additive" as used herein is a chemical compound having solubility, miscibility, or compatibility with various solutions of salt water (including sea water, salt water, or solutions containing salt water and optionally containing at least one secondary fuel) that furthermore is capable of altering the responsiveness of the various solutions of salt water to stimulation by RF energy.

[ 0 0 21 ] "Circuit communication" as used herein is used to indicate a communicative relationship between devices. Direct electrical, optical, and electromagnetic connections and indirect electrical, optical, and electromagnetic connections are examples of circuit communication. Two devices are in circuit communication if a signal from one is received by the other, regardless of whether the signal is modified by some other device. For example, two devices separated by one or more of the following - transformers, optoisolators, digital or analog buffers, analog integrators, other electronic circuitry, fiber optic transceivers, or even satellites - are in circuit communication if a signal from one reaches the other, even though the sigiial is modified by the inteimediate device(s). As a final example, two devices not directly connected to each other (e.g. keyboard and memory), but both capable of interfacing with a third device, (e.g., a CPU), are in circuit communication.

[ 0 02 21 "Combustion" as used herein indicates a process that rapidly produces heat and light (perliaps caused by a rapid chemical change and with or without "burning" or "oxidation" in the classic sense). Salt water and solutions containing salt water respond to RF energy in many of the various systems and methods taught herein witli rapid lieating and rapid generation of light, which may be visible, UV, IR, etc. This is considered "conibustion" herein, even though it may or may not be "burning" in the classic sense.
"Combustion" lierein also is used to indicate more typical incendiary "cornbustion," i.e., the process of buming in which a rapid chernical change occurs that produces heat and light, which includes burning in the classical sense of the products produced from salt water reacting with RF. For example, when hydrogen is combusted or burned in air the hydrogen is chemically oxidized into water and undergoes such a rapid reaction that a flame is produced and the water is discharged in the form of steam.

[ 002 3] "Desalinate" as used herein is used to indicate the process of removing salt and other chemicals from water. For example, when desalination of seawater is carried out through heating, e.g., boiling, steam is produced and collected. When the collected steam is subsequently condensed back into a liquid, pure water is obtained free of any salt or minerals. "Electrolysis" as used herein is used to indicate the process of applying energy to water in order to decompose the water into its constituent elements hydrogen and oxygen.
Energy can be applied in the fonn of either electrical energy, as for example in the application of an electric current, or in the form of heat energy.

[00241 "Operatively comiected" or "operatively comlecting" as used lierein is used to indicate that a functional connection (e.g., a mechanical or physical connection or an electrical or optical or electromagnetic or magnetic connection) exists between the components of a system.

[0 02 5] "Salt water" as used herein is used to indicate a mixture coinprising water and salt, the salt water having an effective amount of salt dissolved in the water. "Solution containing salt water" and "salt water solutions" are used intercliangeably and as used herein indicate a mixture comprising salt water and optionally containing one or more of the following: (i) at least one additive, (ii) at least one secondary fuel, or (iii) mixtures of both.
Hence, a solution containing salt water may coinprise only salt water. "Salt water mixture"
as used herein is used to indicate a rnixture containing salt water that is used in conducting electrolysis with the various systems and methods taught herein.

[ 0 02 6] "Secondary fuel" as used herein is used to indicate coinbustible organic compounds that can be made volatile and that have solubility, miscibility, or compatibility with various salt water solutions (including salt water, sea water, or salt water solutions containing salt water and optionally containing at least one additive). As used herein, a secondary fuel may be the only substance that is combusting; thus, use of the temi secondary fuel does not necessary require that there is a primary fuel also combusting.
Salt and salt solutions may be used to increase the combustion of secondary fuels without the salt or salt solution also combusting.

Systems [0 0 2 7] Referring to the drawings and to Figures 1-16A, various different views of exemplary systems and system components are shown. It is believed that these systems and components may be used with virtually all the various RF absorption enhancers and virtzzally all the various methods discussed herein.

[ 0 0 2 8] The exemplary systems of Figures 1-4 include an RF generator 102 in circuit communication with a transmission head 104 for transmitting through a reaction cliamber 106 an RF signal 108 generated by the RF generator 102 and transmitted by the transmitter head 104. The reaction chamber 106 may be open or closed, depending on the specific application. The reaction chamber may be, for example, a vessel or a cylinder with an associated piston.

Figure 1 [00291 Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a first exemplary erribodiment of an RF
system 100 that uses an RF sigrial 108 to process solutions containing salt water 110 in the reaction chamber 106. For example, the RF signal 108 rnay combust the solution containing salt water 110. As another example, the RF signal 108 rnay heat the solution containing salt water 110 for further processing, e.g., steam collection and condensing to desalinate a solution containing salt water 110. As yet another example, the RF signal 108 may produce hydrogen from the solution containing salt water 110 or the RF signal may heat the solution containing salt water and volatilize any secondary fuel that may be optionally contained in the solution. The hydrogen produced as well as any volatilized secondary fuel optionally present may be collected as a gas and stored for various uses, e.g., stored for use as a fuel.
Alternative, the hydrogen or any volatilized secondary fuel or both may be combusted in the reaction chamber 106. Exemplary system 100 cornprises an RF generator 102 in circuit communication with a transmission liead 104. A reaction chamber 106 is positioned such that at least a portion of the reaction chamber 106 is RF coupled to the transmission head 104. hi exemplary system 100, the RF generator 102 cornmunicates an RF signal for transmission to the transmission head 104. The RF signal 108 transmitted by the transmission head 104 passes through at least a portion of the reaction chamber 106. A
solution containing salt water (and also a solution optionally containing (i) at least one additive, (ii) at least one secondary fuel, or (iii) mixtures thereof) 110 contained within the reaction chamber 106 is positioned such that the solution containing salt water 110 (and in particular the salt water component of the solution) absorbs at least some of the RF signal 108. Optionally, the RF generator 102 may be controlled adjusting the frequency and/or power and/or envelope, etc. of the generated RF signal and/or may have a mode in which an RF signal at a predetermined frequency and power are transmitted via transmission head 104.
In addition, optionally, the RF generator 102 provides an RF signal 108 with variable amplitudes, pulsed amplitudes, multiple frequencies, etc.

[ 003 0] The solution containing salt water 110 absorbs energy as the RF
signal 108 travels tl-rrough the reaction chamber 106. The more energy that is absorbed by the salt water component of the solution containing salt water 110 the higher the temperature increase in the area which leads to water deconrposition and hydrogen production, and in instances where the solution containing salt water 110 also contains a secondary fuel, this rnay also lead to volatization and to combustion of the secondary fuel instead of or in addition to decomposition of the salt water and hydrogen production. As even more energy is absorbed by the salt water component of the solution containing salt water 110, combustion of the hydrogen that is being produced eventually occurs. The rate of energy absorption by the solution containing salt water 110 can be increased by increasing the RF
signal 108 streiigth, which increases the amount of energy traveling tlirough the reaction chamber 106. Other nieans of increasing the rate of energy absorption may include but are not liniited to concentrating the signal on a localized area of the solution containing salt water 110, or further mixing with the solution containing salt water at least one additive that is appropriately selected from various chemical species to be capable of altering the rate of energy absorption of the solution containing salt water 110 and as a result may be able to increase the rate of energy absorption by the solution containing salt water 110. Examples of additives that it is believed may be useful in this regard include surfactants, chemical species that form azeotropic mixtures with water, and chemical species that alter the freezing point of water.

Figures 2-4 [ 0 0 31 ] As shown in Figures 2-4, exemplary systems may also include a receiver head 112 and an associated current path 114 to permit the RF signal 108 to be coupled through the reaction chamber 106. The systems 200, 300, 400 also use an RF signal 108 to process solutions 110 in the reaction chainber 106. For example, the RF signal 108 may combust the solution containing salt water 110. As another example, the RF signal 108 may heat the salt water component of the solution containing salt water 110 in preparation for further processing (e.g.: in instances where the sohztion containing salt water 110 is salt water alone, steam collection and condensing to desalinate the salt water; in instances where the solution containing salt water contains a secondary fuel, the volatization of the secondary fuel). As yet another example, the RF signal 108 niay produce hydrogen from or may volatilize a secondary fuel contained within the solution containing salt water 110 and the liydrogen or the volatilized secondary fizel or both may be collected as a gas and stored for various uses, e.g., stored for use as a fuel. In the alternative, the hydrogen produced or the volatilized secondary fuel or both may be combusted in the reaction chamber 106.

[ 0 0 3 21 Referring to Figure 2, the exemplary system 200 has a transmission head 104 and receiver head 112 arranged proximate to and on either side at least a portion of the reaction chainber 106. This allows at least a portion of the solution containing salt water 110 in the reaction chamber 106 to be exposed to the RF signal 108 transmitted by the transmission head 104. Some portion of the RF system may be tuned so that the receiver head receives at least a portion of the RF signal 108 transmitted via the transmission head 104. As a result, the receiver head 112 receives the RF signal 108 that is transmitted via the transmission head 104.

[ 0 03 31 The heads 104, 112 may each or both have associated tuning circuitry such as pi-networks or tunable pi-networks, to increase throughput and generate a voltage in the area of the reaction chamber 106 and in the solution containing salt water salt 110 contained within.
Thus, as shown in Figure 3, the transmission head 104 may have an associated tuning circuit 116 in circuit communication between the RF generator 102 and the transmission head 104.
Additionally, or in the alternative, as shown in Figure 3, the current path 114 may comprise the receiver liead 112 being grounded.

[0 0341 Referring to Figure 3, the transmission head 104 and receiver head 112 may be insulated from direct contact with the reaction chamber 106. The transmission head 104 and receiver liead 112 may be insulated by means of an air gap 118. An optional means of insulating the transmission head 104 and receiver head 112 from the reaction charnber 106 is shown in Figure 4. The exemplary system 400 includes inserting an insulating layer or material 410 such as, for exarnple, Teflon between the heads 104, 112 and the reaction chamber 106. Other optional means include providing an insulation area on the heads 104, 112, and allowing the lieads to be put in direct contact with the reaction charnber 106. The transmission head 104 and the receiver head 112, described in more detail below, may include one or more plates of electrically conductive material.

[ 0 0 3 5] One optional method of inducing a higher temperature in the solution containing salt water 110 includes using a receiver head 112 that is larger than the transmission head 104 (although it was earlier believed that a smaller liead would concentrate the RF to enhance RF heating, a larger reception head was found to generate a higher temperature, perl-iaps because of the use of a high-Q resonant circuit described in more detail below). For exaniple, a single 6" circular copper plate may be used on the Tx side and a single square 9.5" copper plate inay be used on the Rx side. Optionally, an RF absorption ei-iliancer may be added to the solution containing salt water 110. An RF absorption enhancer is any means or method of increasing the tendency of the solution containing salt water 110 to absorb more energy from the RF signal that the salt water component of the solution containing salt water would otherwise absorb. Suitable RF absorption enhancers include, for example, suspended particles of electrically conductive material, such as rnetals, e.g., iron, various combination of metals, e.g., iron and other metals, or magnetic particles. The many types of RF absorption ei-dlancers are discussed in greater detail below.

[00361 The RF generator 102 may be any suitable RF signal generator, generating an RF
signal at any one or more of the RF frequencies or frequency ranges discussed herein. The RF signal 108 generated by the RF generator 102 and transniitted by the transrnission head 104 rnay have a fundamental frequency in the HF range or the VHF range or an RF signal at some other fundamental frequency. The RF signal 108 may be a signal having one or more fundamental frequencies in the range(s) of 1-2 MHz, and/or 2-3 MHz, and/or 3-4 MHz, and/or 4-5 MHz, and/or 5-6 MHz, and/or 6-7 MHz, and/or 7-8 MHz, and/or 8-9 MHz, and/or 9-10 MHz, and/or 10-11 MHz, and/or 11-12 MHz, or 12-13 MHz, or 13-14 MHz, or MHz. The RF signal 108 may have a fundamental frequency at 13.56 MHz. The RF
generator 102 may be an ENI Model No. OEM-12B (Part No. OEM-12B-07) RF
generator, which is marked with U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,329 and is known to be used to generate a 13.56 MHz RF signal for etching systems. Among other things, the ENI OEM-12B RF
generator has an RF power on/off switch to switch a high-power (0-1250 Watt) RF signal, has an RF
power output adjust to adjust the power of the signal generated, and has an RF
power meter to measure the power of the RF signal being generated that can be switched to select either forward or reverse power metering. The power meter in reverse rnode can be used to calibrate a tuning circuit, as explained above, by adjusting any variable components of the tuning circuit until rninirnum power is reflected back to the power meter (minimum VSWR).
The ENI OEM-12B RF generator may be cooled by a Thermo Neslab Merlin Series recirculating process chiller. A at 13.56 MHz RF signal from the ENI OEM-12B
RF
generator having a power of about 800-1000 Watts will combust salt water. In the altemative, the RF generator may be a commercial transmitter, e.g., the transmitter portion of a YAESU brand FT-1000MP Mark-V transceiver. An RF signal can be generated at about 13.56 MHz (one of the FCC-authorized frequencies for ISM equipnient) by the transmitter portion of a YAESU brand FT-1000MP Marlc-V transceiver by clipping certain blocking cornponents as Ialown to those skilled in the art. The RF generator and transmission head may have associated antenna tuner circuitry (not shown) in circuit communication therewith or integral therewith, e.g., automatic or rnanual antemla tuner circuitry, to adjust to the inrpedance of transmission head and the reaction chamber (and a receiver, if any). The transmitter portion of a YAESU brand FT-1000MP Mark-V transceiver has such integral antem7a tuner circuitry (pressing a "Tune" button causes the unit to automatically adjust to the load presented to the RF generator portion). The RF generator and transmission head may have associated antenna tuner circuitry (not slrowrr) in circuit communication therewith or integral tlrerewith, e.g., automatic or manual antenna tuner circuitry, to adjust to the cornbined inlpedance of the reaction chamber and the receiver and compensate for changes therein. The transmitter portiorr of a YAESTJ brand FT-1000MP Mark-V
transceiver has such integral anterma tuner circuitry. Various configurations for the transmission head and reception head are possible, as exemplified lrerein.

Figures 5-6 [ 0 0 3 7] The transmission head 104 may be any of a number of different transmitter head configurations, such as an electrically conductive plate having a coaxial coil in circuit conrrnunication therewith. In the alternative, as exemplified by Figure 5, the transmission head 104 may comprise (or consist of) an electrically conductive plate 502 (e.g., a 6"
dianreter, flat, planar plate made of 0.020" stainless steel) without a correspondirrg coil. The transrnission plate 502 may be circular and may be sized depending on the size of the target area and the desired voltage field generated by the plate. Similarly, as exemplified by Figure 6, the receiver head 112 may comprise (or consist of) an electrically conductive plate 602 (e.g., a 6" diameter, flat, planar plate made of 0.020" stainless steel) without a corresponding coil. The reception plate 602 may be circular and may be sized depending on the size of the target area arrd the desired voltage field generated by the plate. The reception plate 602 may be sized substantially smaller or substantially larger than the transmission plate 502 to change the field generated in the reaction chamber 106 by the coupled RF
signal 108. In the alternative, either the reception plate 602 or the transmission plate 502 (which includes both of them) rnay be parabolic plates with their convex side facing the target area (not shown).
The plates may be rnade of copper (e.g., 0.090" copper plate) instead of stainless steel.

Figure 7-9 (00381 In the alternative, the transmission head 104 or receiver head 112 may each or both be comprised of a series of spaced, stacked electrically conductive plates. The spaced, stacked electrically conductive plates may be coaxial, circular plates and may have sequentially decreasing diameters. Figure 7 shows an exemplary system 700 wherein the receiver head 112 comprising spaced, stacked, electrically conductive, coaxial, and circular plates that have sequentially decreasing diameters. The plates of exemplary receiver head 800 may be constructed as described in Figures 8A-8C (e.g., sized as shown with an Alumiiiuin base) and may be insulated from each other as described in Figures 8A-8C. The plates may be made of copper (e.g., 0.090" copper plate) instead of stainless steel.

[ 003 91 Similarly, the transmission head 104 may comprise a series of spaced, stacked electrically conductive plates. The spaced, stacked electrically conductive plates may be coaxial, circular plates and may have sequentially decreasing diameters.
Figures 9A-9C
show an exemplary transmission head 900 comprising spaced, stacked, electrically conductive, coaxial, and circular plates that have sequentially decreasing diameters. The plates of exemplary transmission head 900 may be constructed as described in Figures 9A-9C (e.g., sized as shown with a Teflon base) and may be insulated from each other as described in Figures 9A-9C. In the alternative, plates of exemplary receiver head 800 and/or the plates of exemplary transmission head 900 may be in circuit communication with each other, e.g., directly electrically coupled in their spaced configuration with electrically conductive fasteners. The plates may be made of copper (e.g., 0.090" copper plate) instead of stainless steel. A transmission head 900 with electrically insulated plates may be used with a receiver head 800 with electrically connected plates, arid vice versa.

Figures 10-16 [00401 The tuning circuit 116 may be in circuit communication between the RF
generator 102 and the transmission head 104 and may comprise and pi-network or a tunable pi-networlc. An exemplary tuning circuit 1000 is shown in Figure 10 formed with coinponents listed in that figure. Exemplary cornponent values for Figures 10-16a are shown in Table I.
Tuning circuit 1000 may be connected between an RF generator 102 and a transrnission head 104. Thus, as shown in Figure 11 an exemplary systeni may include an ENI OEM-generator in circuit communication with exemplary tuning circuit 1000, which is in circuit cornrnunication with exemplary transmission head 900 to generate an RF signal 108 through the reaction chamber 106 by coupling the RF signal 108 to a receiver head 112.
The receiver head 112 may be the same as exemplary receiver head 800, as shown in the exemplary system of Figure 11.

[00411 The exemplary implementation of the exeinplary tuning circuit 1000 used in Figures 10-15 appears to show a voltage gain of about 15-to-1 with respect to the voltage of the RF signal generated by the ENI RF generator. Thus exemplary tuning circuit 1000 may be considered to be a voltage step up transfonner. Voltages of the larger plate of the transmission head have been estirnated to be in excess of 40,000 volts per inch. Accordingly, some or all of the transmission head and/or the receiving head may be sealed, enclosed iri an enclosure, or otherwise encapsulated in an insulating material.

[0042] Figures 13-15 show different views of an exemplary implementation of portions of the exemplary system of Figure 12. As showri in those figures, in implementing the exemplary tuning circuit 1000 used in Figures 10-12, the larger inductor L2 may be positioned with its longitudinal axis substantially coaxial with the central axis of plates of transmission head FPI, and the central axis of the small inductor L, may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the larger inductor L2. Other components may be used to implemerit tuning circuit 1000 instead of the exemplary components listed on Figures 10-12. For example, the smaller inductor L, may be silver-coated or may be made of 12 turns of 5/16" copper tubing (or more turris of larger diameter copper tubing) for increased current carrying capacity (smaller inductor Ll can get relatively hot in exemplary embodiments), and the capacitor C, may be made from thirteen (13) 100 pF
capacitors instead of eleven (11) for a 1300 pF capacitor CI. As another example, the plates in the heads may be made of copper (e.g., made fi=om 0.090" copper plate) instead of stainless steel.
In the exemplary irnplementation shown in Figures 13-15, a region of the target area slightly closer to the transmission head (about 60/40 distance ratio) heats slightly more than dead center between the two heads. The grounded portion of the components of Figures 10-15 may be mounted to a copper sheet 1300 or other suitable conducting sheet, and the conducting stand of reception head FP2 may be mounted on a copper sheet 1500 or other suitable conducting sheet, as shown in Figure 15. The grounded plates 1300, 1500 may be connected by one or more copper straps 1302.

Figure 16 [ 0 0431 Figure 16 shows another exemplary system 1600 that is the same as system 1200 (shown in Figures 8A-8C, 9A-9C, 12-15 aiid as described above), except the transmission head FPI' has a single 6" plate, the one 6" circular plate of transmission head FPI, and the three 6" and 4" and 3" plates of receiver head FP2 are made from 0.090" thick copper, capacitor CI is 1300 pF instead of I100 pF, and the smaller inductor Lr is silver-coated and made of 12 turns of 5/16" copper tubing. Figure 16a shows another exemplary system 1600 that is the same as system 1600 except that the receiver head FP2' has a single 6" circular plate. The transmitting portion and the receiving portion may be enclosed in one or more suitable enclosures, e.g., enclosures 3502, 3504 in Figure 22. Open circuit voltage readings at the transmission head of exemplary physical embodiments have talcen. Open circuit voltages of the RF field at 100 W of transmitted power have been measured with a broadband oscilloscope at about 6000 volts (e.g., about 5800 V) peak-to-peak amplitude, which rises to about 22,000 volts at 1000 W of transmitted power (Figure 16A in the configuration of Figures 13-15). Additionally, it is believed that in these exemplary systems the voltage and current are not in phase (e.g., out of phase by a certain phase angle).
Additionally, perhaps improved RF heating efficiency and/or RF transmission efficiency may be realized by changing the phase relationship between the voltage and current to a predetermined phase angle or real-time detennined (or optimal) phase angle. In addition, the Q of exemplary pliysical embodiments have been estimated using bandwidth (S9 or 3 dB point) in excess of 250 (e.g., 250-290) (Figure 16A in the configuration of Figures 13-15). As should be apparent, the RF heating using these exemplary embodiments is significantly different than inductive heating (eveii substantially different from inductive heating at similar frequencies).
[00441 As shown in Figure 22, the circuits may be mounted in two enclosures: a transmission enclosure 3502 and a reception enclosure 3504, with a reaction charnber 3506 there between. Exemplary transmission enclosure 3502 has grounded metallic walls 3512 on all sides except the side 3513 facing the reception enclosure 3504 (only four sucli grounded walls 3512a-3512d of five such walls 3512 of exemplary transmission enclosure 3502 are shown; the top grounded wall has been removed). Similarly, exemplary reception enclosure 3504 lias grounded metallic walls 3514 on all sides except the side 3515 facing the traiisniission enclosure 3502 (only four such grounded walls 3514a-3514d of five such walls 3514 of exemplary reception enclosure 3504 are shown; the top grounded wall has been renioved). The grounded walls 3512 of transmission enclosure 3502 are in circuit cornmunication with the grounded walls 3514 of reception enclosure 3504.
Facing walls 3513 and 3515 may be made from TEFLON or anotlier suitable electrical insulator.
Transmission enclosure 3502 and/or reception enclosure 3504 rnay be movably mounted to pennit variable spacing between the transmission head and the reception head to accommodate create differently-sized reaction chambers 3506. Facing walls 3513 and 3515 may have associated openings (not shown) to which various racks and other structures can be connected to support a body part or other target structure between the transmission head and the reception head. Dispersive pads (not shown) may be provided for direct grounding of the target or capacitive grounding of the target structure, which grounding pads may be connected to the grounded walls 3512, 3514 (such direct or capacitive grounding pads may be help smaller target structures absorb relatively higher levels of RF and heat better). The transmission side components 3522 may be mounted inside exemplary transmission enclosure 3502 and the reception side components 3524 may be mounted inside exemplary reception enclosure 3504. Exemplary transmission enclosure 3502 and reception enclosure 3504 both may be cooled with temperature-sensing fans that turn on responsive to the heat inside the enclosures 3502, 3504 reaching a predetermined thermal level.
Exemplary transmission enclosure 3502 and reception enclosure 3504 also have a plurality of pass-through comiectors, e.g., permitting the RF signal to pass from the RF signal generator into the exemplary transmission enclosure 3502 (perhaps via a power meter) and permitting the received signal to pass outside exemplary reception enclosure 3504 to a power meter and back inside reception enclosure 3504. In this exemplary embodiment, the enclosures 3502, 3504 may be moved to vary the spacing between the distal, adjacent ends of the heads from about two inches to a foot or more apart. Various other embodiments may have different ranges of spacing between the distal, adjacent ends of the heads, e.g., frorn about 2" to about 20" or rnore apart or from about 2" to about 40" or more apart.

[00451 Each such enclosure may have grounded (e.g., aluminum) walls with a grounded (e.g., copper) base plate, except for the walls proximate the transmission head FPt' and the reception head FP2., which may be made from an electrical insulator such as ceramic or TEFLON brand PTFE, e.g., TEFLON brand virgin grade electrical grade PTFE, or another insulator. The walls may be grounded to the copper plate using copper straps and, if a plurality of enclosures are used, the enclosures may have copper strap between then to ground the enclosures together. A long standard fluorescent light bulb can be used to confinn effective grounding (e.g., by turning ori the RF signal and repeatedly placing the light bulb proxiniate the transmission head to illuminate the bulb and then moving the bulb to locations around the enclosure watching for the light bulb to cease illumination, which confirrns acceptable grounding). The grounded walls may have a layer of electrical insulator on the inside thereof, such as ceramic or TEFLON brand PTFE, e.g., TEFLON
brand virgin grade electrical grade PTFE, or another insulator.

[00461 The exemplary systems of Figures 12-16 are believed to generate a very high voltage field in the target area, which very high voltage field can be used to heat many different types of RF absorbing particles as part of RF absorption enhancers in connection with the various methods taught herein. For example, the exemplary systems of Figures 12-16 are believed to be capable of heating and combusting salt water solutions in connection with the various rnethods taught herein.

[00471 Figure 24 illustrates an exeinplary transmission arrangement 2400 that is adapted for at least partial submersion in a liquid. The enclosure includes a sealed circuit housing 2405 in whicli is enclosed a tuning circuit 2420 and a transmission head 2425.
The tuning circuit receives an RF signal from an RF generator 2410 that may be enclosed in the enclosure as shown or located outside of the enclosure 2405. An insulated region 2430, e.g, an air pocket or pocket of another gas, is disposed between the transmission head 2425 and the enclosure 2405. The enclosure may also include a mounting means, such as a hook or loop 2450, that is used to mechanically couple the enclosure to a cable or other similar mechanism for lowering the enclosure into a liole or confined treatment area, e.g., with a winch or crane (not shown) or other means for mowering. If the RF generator 2410 is located outside the sealed enclosure 2405, an insulated electrical conductor (not shown) may be provided to place the circuit 2420 in circuit communication with the RF
generator.
During construction, air from the portion of the enclosure 2405 surrounding the couplirig circuit may be evacuated and the enclosure 2405 filled with an inert gas, such as nitrogen or xenon and then sealed. The coupling circuit may be tunable or not (e.g., pre-tuned), and may be the same as any of the coupling circuits shown or described herein, with virtually any of the transmission heads shown herein. If the coupling circuit portion of the enclosure 2405 is filled with an inert gas, it is believed that much higher powered RF signals may be coupled using the various coupling circuits disclosed herein, e.g., Figures 13-15 or Figure 16a. In the alternative, if the coupling circuit portion of the enclosure 2405 is filled with an inert gas, it is believed that significantly smaller coupling circuits may be used vis-a-vis the exemplary coupling cireuit of Figures 13-15, because smaller components may be used (by increasing the voltage break down of the coupled components within the enclosure). If the coupling circuit is tunable, such tuning may be accomplished using remotely controllable tunable coniponents, e.g., variable capacitors having stepper motors configured to change the value of the capacitor, or with remote cables to remotely mechanically change the value of the capacitor. Thus, a control unit remove from the enclosure (not shown) may be used to send electrical signals to tune the circuit to reduce or remove reflected power or a user may mechanically remotely tune the circuit to reduce or remove reflected power.
Althougli a grounded reception head (not shown) may be used in this configuration (e.g., also mounted to the enclosure and configured to pennit water to flow between the transmission and reception heads or between the insulated region and the reception head) it is believed that it may be possible to tune the circuit without a reception head per se, using the target water as a receiver and a current path (as a sort of grounded reception head).

Methods [0 04 8] Solutions containing salt water and that optionally contain (i) at least one additive, or (ii) at least one secondary fuel, or (iii) mixtures thereof may be combusted using RF
signals by passing a high-voltage RF signal through the solution containing salt water. In a general sense, the methods may be characterized by providing a solution containing salt water and that may optionally contain (i) at least one additive, or (ii) at least arie secondary ftiel, or (iii) mixtures thereof and passing an RF signal tlirough the solution containing salt water to combust the solution containing salt water (Figure 23).
Alternatively, in a general sense the methods may be characterized as methods for adding salt to enhance the lieating of water or other liquids. Salt water has been combusted using an exemplary system that included a circuit implementation of the circuit of Figure 16 being used to transmit an RF
signal through the salt water to combust the salt water. A solution of OCEANIC
brand Natural Sea Salt Mix having a specific gravity of about 1.026 g/cm3 was used.
A 13.56 MHz RF signal from an ENI OEM-12B RF generator having a power of about 800-1000 Watts (e.g., about 900 Watts) was used to combust the salt water.

Figure 17 [00491 Figure 17 illustrates a high level exemplary methodology 1700 for producing hydrogen from salt water or from solutions containing salt water.

[ 0 0 5 0] The methodology begins at block 1702. At block 1704 the salt water is provided.
The salt water comprises water and at least one salt wherein an effective amount of salt is dissolved in the water. In certain embodiments salt is added to water or other liquids to efflhance heating. Optionally, a solution containing salt water may be used that contains salt water and (i) at least one additive, or (ii) at least one secondary fizel, or (iii) mixtures thereof.
The salt can be any type of useful salt which is water soluble. Several examples of useful salts are described in greater detail below. An effective amount of salt is the amount of salt necessary to absorb sufficient energy output from the RF signal such that salt water or a solution coritaining salt water undergoes decomposition to generate hydrogen.
OCEANIC
brand Natural Sea Salt Mix may be used to approximate the composition of naturally occurring seawater having an effective amount of salt, and that may be used further as either salt water or as the salt water component in a solution containing salt water that is used in the systerns and methods discussed and shown lierein. Such approximations of naturally occuiTing seawater may liave a specific gravity of about 1.02 g/cm3 to 1.03 g/cm3, e.g., between about 1.020-1.024 or about 28-32 PPT, as read off of a hydrometer. As an approximation of naturally occurring seawater, a mixture of water with the above-identified sea salt having a specific gravity of about 1.026 g/cm3 (as measured with a refractometer) was used in exemplary systems and methods. In the alternative, it is believed that actual seawater may be used in the systems and rnethods discussed and shown herein.

[ 0 0511 It is contemplated that a reservoir of salt water or a solution containing salt water could be made beforehand and stored in a tank such that it would be available upon demand.
For example, the storage tarik could be connected to the reaction chamber by means of a feed tube. In this manner, a supply of the previously prepared salt water or solution could be puinped from the storage tanlc into the reaction chamber via the feed tube;
wherein the feed tube has one end connected to the storage tank and the other end cormected to an inlet present on the reaction chamber. Again, it is believed that ordinary sea water may be used.

[00521 At bloclc 1706 an RF transmitter is provided. The RF transmitter may be any type of RF transmitter generating a suitable RF signal. RF transmitter may be a variable frequency RF transmitter. Optionally, the RF transmitter is also multi--frequency transmitter capable of providing multiple-frequency RF signals. Optionally the RF
transrnitter is capable of transmitting RF signals with variable amplitudes or pulsed amplitudes. One or more of a variety of different shapes and sizes of transrnission and reception heads may be provided.
[00531 The transmission head may be selected at block 1708. The selection of the transmission head may be based in part on the type of RF transmitter provided.
Other factors, such as, for example, the depth, size and shape of the general target area, or specific target area to be treated, and the number of frequencies transmitted may also be used in deteimining the selection of the transmission head.

[00541 The RF receiver is provided at block 1710. The RF receiver rnay be tuned to the frequency(s) of the RF transmitter. At block 1712, the desired receiver head may be selected.
Similarly to the selection of the transmission head, the receiver head may be selected to fit the desired characteristics of the particular application. For example, a receiver head that is larger than the transmission head can be selected to concentrate the RF signal on a specific area in the reaction chamber (although it was earlier believed that a smaller head would concentrate the RF to enhance RF heating, a larger reception head was found to generate a higher temperature). For example, a single 6" circular copper plate may be used on the Tx side and a single square 9.5" copper plate may be used on the Rx side. In this manner, selection of various sizes and shapes of the receiver heads allow for optimal concentration of the RF signal in the salt water mixture.

[0 05 5] At block 1714 the transmission head is arranged. Arrangement of the transmission head is accomplished by, for example, placing the transmission head proximate to and on one side of the reaction chamber. At block 1716 the receiver head is arranged.
AiTangement of the receiver head is similarly accomplished by, for example, placing the receiver head proximate to and on the other side of the reaction chamber so that an RF signal transmitted via the transmission head to the receiver head will pass through the reaction chamber and be absorbed by the salt water or the salt water component of the solution containirig salt water. The transmission head and reception heads are insulated from direct contact with the reaction chamber. The heads may be insulated from the reaction chamber by means of an air gap. Optionally, the heads may be insulated from the target area by means of another insulating material.

E 0 0 5 6] The RF frequency(s) may be selected at block 1718. In addition to selecting the desired RF frequency(s) at block 1718, the transmission time or duration may also be selected. The duration time is set to, for example, a specified length of time, or set to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the salt water or the solution containing salt water to a desired temperature/temperature range, or set to a desired change in temperature. In addition, optionally, other modifications of the RF signal may be selected at this time, such as, for exainple, amplitude, pulsed amplitude, an on/off pulse rate of the RF signal, a variable RF
signal where the frequency of the RF signal varies over a set time period or in relation to set temperatures, ranges or changes in temperatures.

(00571 At block 1720 the RF sigrial is transmitted from the transmission head to the receiver head. The RF signal passes through the reaction chamber and is absorbed by the salt water or the salt water component of the solution containing salt water that is contained within the reaction chamber. Absorption of the RF energy results in decomposition of the salt water or the salt water component of the sohxtion containing salt water to generate liydrogen.

[00581 At block 1722 the hydrogen produced by decomposition of a salt water or solution containing salt water is collected. Hydrogen may be collected by any means. An example of a nieans for collecting hydrogen would be to utilize a vacuum or pump apparatus to remove the hydrogen gas as it is produced and to then retain the hydrogen in a location physically separated from the reaction chamber. For example, such a vacuum or pump apparatus could have one end attached to an outlet present on the reaction chamber and the other end attached to a gas storage container. It is contemplated that the gas storage container may be fitted with valves, as for example a one way valve, such that gas could enter or be pumped into the tank but then the gas could not leave the tank.

[ 0 0 5 91 The methodology may end at block 1724 and may be ended after a predetermined time interval and/in response to a determination that a desired ainount of hydrogen production has been achieved. The method may be performed once or repeatedly, or continuously, or periodically, or intermittently.

Figures 18(a) and 18(b) [ 0 0 6 01 Figure 18(a) illustrates a high level exemplary methodology 1800 for producing hydrogen from salt water and subsequently for the combustion of the hydrogen produced.
Figure 18(b) illustrates a high level exemplary methodology 1800 for (i) sufficiently heating a solution containing salt water that may optionally contain a secondary fuel in order to volatilize and combust the secondary fixel; or (ii) decomposing the salt water component of the solution containing salt water to generate hydrogen and to subsequently coinbust the hydrogen produced; or (iii) both.

[0061] The methodology for both Figures 18(a) and 18(b) begins at block 1802.
At block 1804 either salt water or a solution containing salt water is provided.
In Figure 18(a) the salt water comprises water and at least one salt, wherein an effective amount of salt is dissolved in the water. In certain embodiments salt is added to water or other liquids to ei-fliance heating. In Figure 18(b) the salt water solution comprises the salt water of Figure 18(a) and optionally: (i) at least one additive, or (ii) at least one secondary fi,iel source, or (iii) inixtures thereof The salt used in Figures 18(a)-(b)can be any type of usefizl salt which is water soluble. Several exarnples of useful salts are described in greater detail below. An effective ainount of salt is the amount of salt necessary to allow suiTounding water to absorb sufficierit energy output from the RF signal such that it undergoes decomposition to generate hydrogen, or the amount of salt necessary to allow surrounding water to absorb sufficient energy output from the RF signal such that it undergoes sufficient heating to volatilize and combust any secondary fuel source optionally present. OCEANIC brand Natural Sea Salt Mix may be used to approximate the composition of naturally occurring seawater having an effective ainount of salt arid that may be used further as the salt water component of the salt water containing solution in the systems and methods discussed and shown herein. Such approximations of naturally occurring seawater may have a specific gravity of about 1.02 g/cm3 to 1.03 g/cm3, e.g., between about 1.020-1.024 or about 28-32 PPT, as read off of a hydrometer. As an approximation of naturally occurring seawater, a mixture of water with the above-identified sea salt having a specific gravity of about 1.026 g/cm3 (as rneasured with a refractorrieter) was used in exemplary systems and methods. In the alternative, it is believed that actual seawater may be used in the systems and methods discussed and shown herein.

[ 0 0 621 It is contemplated that a reservoir of salt water or a solution containing salt water could be made beforehand and stored in a tank such that it would be available upon demand.
For exainple, the storage tank could be connected to the reaction chamber by means of a feed tube. In this manner, a supply of the salt water or the salt water containing solution previously prepared could be pumped from the storage tank into the reaction chamber via the feed tube; wherein the feed tube has one end connected to the storage tank and the other end coru-iected to an inlet present on the reaction chamber.

[ 0 0 6 3] At block 1806 an RF transmitter is provided. The RF transmitter may be any type of RF transinitter generating a suitable RF signal. RF transmitter may be a variable frequency RF transmitter. Optionally, the RF transmitter may also be a multi-frequency transniitter capable of providing multiple-frequency RF signals. Still yet, optionally the RF
transmitter rnay be capable of transmitting RF signals with variable ainplitudes or pulsed amplitudes. A variety of different shapes and sizes of transmission and reception heads may be provided.

[ 0 0 6 4 1 The transmission head may be selected at block 1808. The selection of the transmission head may be based in part on the type of RF transmitter provided.
Other factors, such as, for example, the depth, size and shape of the general target area, or specific target area to be treated, and the number of frequencies transmitted may also be used in detei7nining the selection of the transmission head.

[00 6 51 The RF receiver is provided at block 1810. The RF receiver may be tuned to the fi=equency(s) of the RF transmitter. At block 1812, the desired receiver head may be selected.
Similarly to the selection of the transmission head, the receiver head may be selected to fit the desired characteristics of the particular application. For exainple, a receiver head that is larger than the transmission head can be selected to concentrate the RF signal on a specific area in the reaction chamber (although it was earlier believed that a smaller head would concentrate the RF to enhance RF heating, a larger rec,eption head was found to generate a higher temperature). Various sizes and shapes of the receiver heads allow for optimal concentration of the RF signal in the salt water and solutions containing salt water.

[ 0 0 6 61 At block 1814 the transmission head is arranged. Arrangernent of the transmission head is accomplished by, for example, placing the transmission head proximate to and on one side of the reaction chamber. At block 1816 the receiver head is arranged.
Arrangement of the receiver head is similarly accornplished by, for example, placing the receiver head proxirnate to and on the other side of the reaction chamber so that an RF signal transmitted via the transmission head to the receiver head will pass through the reaction chaniber and be absorbed by the salt water or the salt water component of a solution containing salt water. The transmission head and reception heads are insulated from direct contact with the reaction chamber. The heads may be insulated from the reaction chamber by means of an air gap. Optionally, the heads may be insulated from the target area by rneans of anotlier insulating material.

[ 0 0 671 The RF frequency(s) may be selected at block 1818. In addition to selecting the desired RF frequency(s) at block 1818, the transmission tirne or duration may also be selected. The duration time is set to, for example, a specified length of time, or set to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the salt water or the solution containing salt water to a desired temperature/temperature range, or set to a desired change in temperature. In addition, optionally, other modifications of the RF signal may be selected at this time, such as, for example, amplitude, pulsed amplitude, an on/off pulse rate of the RF signal, a variable RF
signal wliere the frequency of the RF signal varies over a set tirne period or in relation to set temperatures, ranges or changes in temperatures.

[0 0 6 8] At block 1820 the RF signal is transmitted from the transmission head to the receiver head. The RF signal passes tlrrough the reaction chamber and is absorbed by the salt water or the salt water component of the solution containing salt water that is present within the reaction chamber. In Figure 18(a), absorption of the RF energy initially results in decomposition of the salt water to produce hydrogen, while still further absorption of the RF
energy eventually leads to the combustion of the hydrogen produced by the decomposition of the salt water. In Figure 18(b), absorptiorr of the RF energy initially results in (i) sufficiently heating the solution containing salt water in order to volatilize arrd to combust arry secondary fuel that may be optionally present; or (ii) decomposition of the salt water component of the solution containing salt water to generate hydrogerr; or (iii) both.

[00691 The metlrodology may end at block 1822 and may be ended after a predetermined time interval and/in response to a deterrnination that a desired amount of hydrogen production and hydrogen combustion, or alternatively a desired amount of volatilization and combustion of the secondary fuel that may be optionally present is achieved.
The method may be performed once or repeatedly, or continuously, or periodically, or interrnittently.

Figures 19(a) and 19(b) [00701 Figure 19(a) illustrates a high level exemplary methodology 1900 for producing hydrogen from salt water, for the combustion of the hydrogen produced, and for the subsequent conversion of this chemical energy into mechanical energy that moves a piston.
Figure 19(b) illustrates a high level exemplary methodology 1900 for (i) sufficiently heating a solution contaiiiing salt water that may optionally contain a secondary fi.iel in order to volatilize and combust the secondary fuel; or (ii) decomposing the salt water component of the solution containing salt water to generate hydrogen and to subsequently combust the volatilized secondary fuel source or the hydrogen produced; or (iii) both; and for the subsequent conversion of the chemical energy that combustion releases into mechanical energy that moves a piston.

[00711 The methodology for both Figures 19(a) and 19(b) begins at block 1902.
At block 1904 either salt water or a solution containing salt water is provided.
In Figure 19(a) the salt water comprises water and at least one salt wherein an effective amount of salt is dissolved in the water. hl certain einbodiments salt is added to water or other liquids to enhance heating. In Figure 19(b) the solution containing salt water comprises the salt water from Figure 19(a) and optionally (i) at least one additive, or (ii) at least one secondary fuel, or (iii) mixtures thereof. The salt can be any type of useful salt which is water soluble.
Several examples of useful salts are described in greater detail below. An effective amount of salt is the amount of salt necessary to allow surrounding water to absorb sufficient energy output from the RF signal such that it undergoes decomposition to generate hydrogen, or the amount of salt necessary to allow surrounding water to absorb sufficient energy output from the RF signal such that it undergoes sufficient heating to volatilize and combust any secondary fuel source optionally present. OCEANIC brand Natural Sea Salt Mix may be used to approximate the composition of naturally occurring seawater having an effective amount of salt and that may be used further as the salt water component of the solutions containing salt water that are used in the systems and methods discussed and shown herein.
Such approximations of naturally occurring seawater may have a specific gravity of about 1.02 g/cm3 to 1.03 g/cm3, e.g., between about 1.020-1.024 or about 28-32 PPT, as read off of a hydrometer. As an approximation of naturally occurring seawater, a mixture of water with the above-identified sea salt having a specific gravity of about 1.026 g/cm3 (as measured with a refractorneter) was used in exemplary systems and rnethods. In the alternative, it is believed that actual seawater may be used in the systems and methods discussed and shown herein.

[ 0 0721 It is contemplated that a reservoir of the salt water or a solution containing salt water could be made beforehand and stored in a tank such that it would be available upon demand. For example, the storage tank could be cormected to the reaction chamber by means of a feed tube. In this manner, a supply of the salt water or the solution containing salt water previously prepared could be pumped from the storage taiik into the reaction chamber via the feed tube; wherein the feed tube has one end coimected to the storage tank and the other end connected to an inlet present on the reaction chamber. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a spray nozzle could be attached onto the end of the feed tube leading into the inlet present on the reaction chamber. In this arrarigement it is believed that the salt water or the solution contaiiiing salt water could be introduced into the reaction chamber in the form of a mist or spray.

[ 0 07 3] At block 1906 an RF transmitter is provided. The RF transmitter may be any type of RF transmitter generating a suitable RF signal. RF transmitter may be a variable frequency RF transrnitter. Optionally, the RF transmitter may also be a rnulti-frequency transmitter capable of providing multiple-frequency RF signals. Still yet, optionally the RF
transmitter may be capable of transmitting RF signals with variable amplitudes or pulsed amplitudes. A variety of different shapes arld sizes of transmission and reception heads inay be provided.

[00741 The transmission head may be selected at block 1908. The selection of the transmission head may be based in part on the type of RF transmitter provided.
Other factors, such as, for example, the depth, size and shape of the general target area, or specific target area to be treated, and the number of frequencies transmitted may also be used in determining the selection of the transmission head.

[ 0 0 7 5] The RF receiver is provided at block 1910. The RF receiver may be tuned to the frequency(s) of the RF transmitter. At block 1812, the desired receiver head rnay be selected.
Similarly to the selection of the transmission head, the receiver head is may be selected to fit the desired characteristics of the particular application. For example, a receiver head that is larger than the transmission head can be selected to concentrate the RF signal on a specific area in the reactiori chamber (although it was earlier believed that a smaller head would concentrate the RF to enhance RF heating, a larger reception head was found to generate a higher temperature). Various sizes and shapes of the receiver heads allow for optimal concentration of the RF signal in the salt water and solution containing salt water.

[00761 At block 1914 the transmission head is arranged. Ar-rangement of the transmission head is accomplished by, for example, placing the transmission head proximate to and on one side of the reaction chamber. At block 1916 the receiver head is arrarrged.
Arrangenient of the receiver head is similarly accomplished by, for example, placing the receiver head proximate to and on the other side of the reaction chamber so that an RF signal transmitted via the transmission head to the receiver head will pass tlirough the reaction charnber and be absorbed by the salt water or the salt water component of a solution containing salt water. The transmission head and receiving heads are insulated from direct contact with the reaction clramber. The heads may be insulated from the reaction chamber by nieans of an air gap. Optionally, the heads are insulated from the target area by means of another insulating material.

[ 0 0771 The RF fi=equency(s) may be selected at block 1918. In addition to selecting the desired RF frequency(s) at block 1918, the transmission time or duration may also be selected. The duration time is set to, for example, a specified length of time, or set to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the salt water or salt water solutiorr to a desired ternperature/temperature range, or set to a desired change in temperature. In addition, optionally, other modifications of the RF signal may be selected at this time, such as, for example, amplitude, pulsed amplitude, an on/off pulse rate of the RF signal, a variable RF
signal where the frequency of the RF signal varies over a set time period or in relation to set ternperatures, rarrges or changes in temperatures.

[ 0 07 8] At block 1920 the RF signal is transmitted from the transmission head to the receiver head. The RF signal passes tlu-ough the reaction chamber and is absorbed by the salt water or the salt water component of the salt water containing solution present witlrin the reaction chamber. In Figure 19(a), absorption of the RF energy initially results in decomposition of the salt water to produce hydrogen, while still further absorption of the RF
energy eventually leads to the combustion of the hydrogen produced by the decomposition of the salt water. In Figure 19(b), absorptiorr of the RF energy initially results in (i) sufficiently heating the solution containing salt water in order to volatilize and to combust any secondary fuel that may be optionally present; or (ii) decornposition of the salt water component of the aqueous solution to generate hydrogen; or (iii) both.

[ 0 07 9] Altenratively, it is contemplated that an igiiition source, for example a spark plug, could be attached to the reaction chamber. This ignition source would also be in circuit communication with a current source, such as for example a battery. The arrangement contemplated here would provide for a current going to the ignition source to be switched on and off when desired. This would result in generation of an ignition event, as for example with a spark plug a sparlc would be produced, on demand. It is believed that this ignition event would cause the combustion of the hydrogen that had been produced by the decornposition of the salt water, or would cause the combustion of either the hydrogen or any volatilized secondary fuel or both that is produced by RF treatement of a solution contairring salt water in the reaction chamber.

[ 0 0 8 0] At block 1922, the energy generated from the combustion of hydrogen, which is produced from the decomposition of the salt water (or more generally, the energy generated from either (i) combustion of the hydrogen produced from decomposition of the salt water, or (ii) the volatilization and combustiorr of any secondary fuel that may be optionally preserrt in a solution containing salt water, or (iii) both), is transmitted to a piston in order to perform rnechanical work. In any event, the combustion of either the hydrogen or any secondary fuel or both generates hot exhaust gases including steam. These hot exhaust gases expand and in doing so create an increase in pressure. It is contemplated that the head of a piston could be attaclred to the outlet present on the reaction chamber and the other end of piston attached to a lever ann. As expanding exhaust gases push against the piston head, the lever arrrr is moved transforming the chemical energy of expanding exhaust gases into mechanical energy and into the performance of inechanical work.

[ 0 0 811 It is further contemplated that this piston arrangement could be utilized together with the spray nozzle and ignition source described above, to allow one to convert chemical energy into rneclianical energy and subsequently into the performance of inechanical work, on demand. For example, this method could be used in such an arrangement in order to power an internal combustion engine. It is furtller contemplated that one example of how this niethod together with the appropriate system could be utilized, would be in providing an engine that would be fiieled by salt water or various solutions containing salt water, or even directly by seawater taken from the ocean without furtlier purification, rather than requiring gasoline or other water incompatible hydrocarbon fuels to operate.
Specifically, it is contemplated that this engine could be provided in an appropriate size and in a manner such that it could be used to power an automobile or other form of motorized vehicle.

[ 0 0 8 2] The methodology may end at block 1924 and may be ended after a predeterrnined time interval and/in response to a determination that a desired amount of hydrogen production and hydrogen coinbustion, or alternatively that a desired amount of volatilization and combustion of any secondary fizel source that is optionally present has been achieved.
The inethod may be perforined once or repeatedly, or continuously, or periodically, or intermittently.

Figure 20 [0 0 831 Figure 20 illustrates a high level exemplary methodology 2000 for desalinating seawater.

[00841 The methodology begins at block 2002. At block 2004 seawater is provided.
Any manner of seawater from any ocean or of any concentration or salinity would suffice.
Furthermore, it is contemplated that the seawater could be taken from the source in its natural occurring form and used directly without the need for any further purification or processing.
Examples of several sources for seawater are described below. It is also contemplated that an amount of seawater could be stored in a reservoir or storage tank such that it would be available to fill the reaction chamber upon dernand. For example, the storage tank could be coiuiected to the reaction chamber by means of a feed tube. In this manner, a supply of seawater could be pumped from the storage tank into the reaction chamber via the feed tube;
wherein the feed tube has one end connected to the storage tank and the other end connected to an inlet present on the reaction chamber.

[00851 At block 2006 an RF transmitter is provided. The RF transrnitter may be any type of RF transmitter generating a suitable RF signal. RF transmitter may be a variable frequency RF transmitter. Optionally, the RF transmitter may also be a nnilti-frequerrcy transmitter capable of providing multiple-frequency RF signals. Still yet, optionally the RF
transmitter may be capable of transmitting RF signals with variable amplitudes or pulsed amplitudes. A variety of different shapes and sizes of transmission and reception heads are provided.

[ 0 0 8 6] The transmission head may be selected at block 2008. The selection of the trarrsmissian liead rnay be based in par-t on the type of RF transmitter provided. Otlrer factors, such as, for example, the deptlr, size and shape of the general target area, or specific target area to be treated, and the number of frequencies transmitted may also be used in determining the selection of the transmission head.

[ 0 0 8 71 The RF receiver is provided at block 2010. The RF receiver may be tuned to the frequency(s) of the RF transmitter. At block 2012, the desired receiver head may be selected.
Similarly to the selection of the transmission head, the receiver head may be selected to fit the desired characteristics of the particular application. For example, a receiver head that is larger than the transmission head can be selected to concentrate the RF signal on a specific area in the reaction chamber (although it was earlier believed that a smaller head would concentrate the RF to enhance RF heating, a larger reception head was found to generate a higher temperature). Various sizes and shapes of the receiver heads allow for optimal concentration of the RF signal in the seawater.

[ 0 0 8 8] At block 2014 the transmission head is arranged. Arrangement of the transmission head is accomplished by, for example, placing the transmission head proximate to and on one side of the reaction chamber. At block 2016 the receiver head is arranged.
Arrangement of the receiver head is similarly accomplished by, for example, placing the receiver head proximate to and on the other side of the reaction chamber so that an RF signal transmitted via the transmission head to the receiver head will pass through the reaction chamber and be absorbed by the seawater. The transmission head and reception heads are insulated from direct contact with the reaction chamber. The heads may be insulated from the reaction chamber by means of an air gap. Optionally, the heads may be insulated from the target area by means of another insulating material.

[0 0 8 9] The RF frequency(s) may be selected at block 2018. In addition to selecting the desired RF frequency(s) at block 2018, the transmission time or duration may also be selected. The duration time is set to, for exainple, a specified length of tirne, or set to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the seawater to boiling. In addition, optionally, other modifications of the RF signal are selected at this time, such as, for example, amplitude, pulsed amplitude, an on/off pulse rate of the RF signal, a variable RF signal where the frequency of the RF signal varies over a set time period or in relation to set temperatures, ranges or changes in temperatures or desired phase transitions.

[00 9 0] At block 2020 the RF signal is transmitted from the transmission head to the receiver head. The RF signal passes through the reaction chamber and is absorbed by the seawater contained witliin the reaction chamber. Absorption of the RF energy results in heating of the seawater causing the seawater to undergo a phase change and produce steam.
The steain produced would be free of any salt, minerals, or any other nonvolatile impurities initially present in the seawater.

[00 91 ] At block 2022 the steam produced by heating the seawater to boiling is collected.
At block 2024 the collected steam is condensed to form purified water. The steam may be collected by any means. An example of a means for collecting and condensing steam would be to utilize a the natural tendency of hot gases, such as steam, to rise. For example, it is contemplated that an exhaust pipe having one end attached to the outlet present in the reaction chamber and positioned to be directly above the reaction chamber could conduct the steam, as it is produced, away from the reaction chamber. It is further contemplated that the other end of the exhaust pipe could be attached to a remotely positioned tank and that this tank would functioned as a condenser such that, upon entering the tank, the steam would cool and convert phases from steam into water. As a result, it is believed that purified water would be condensed and collect in such a condenser tank. It is contemplated that, optionally, the condenser tai-ik could be externally cooled in order to facilitate the rate of condensation of the steam.

[00921 The methodology may end at block 2026 and may be ended after a predetennined time inteival and/in response to a detennination that a desired amount of steam production and desalination has been achieved. The method may be performed once or repeatedly, or continuously, or periodically, or intermittently.

Figure 21 [0 0 931 Figure 21 illustrates a high level exemplary methodology 2100 of carrying out the electrolysis of water.

[00941 The methodology begins at block 2102. At block 2104 a salt water mixture is provided. The salt water mixture comprises water and at least one salt wherein an effective amount of salt is dissolved in the water. The salt should be water soluble and, in order to effectively fonn both hydrogen and oxygen gases, the salt should be selected such that the corresponding cation of the salt has a lower standard electrode potential tlian H+ and the corresponding anion of the salt has a higher standard electrode potential than OH". A rnore detailed description of various salts and their effective amounts which are useful in this regard is given below.

[ 0 0 9 5] At block 2106 an RF transmitter is provided. The RF transmitter may be any type of RF transmitter generating a suitable RF signal. RF transmitter may be a variable frequency RF transmitter. Optionally, the RF transmitter may also be a multi-frequency transmitter capable of providing rnultiple-frequency RF signals. Still yet, optionally the RF
transmitter may be capable of transmitting RF signals with variable amplitudes or pulsed ainplitudes. A variety of differerit shapes and sizes of transmission and reception heads may be provided.

[ 0 0 9 6] The transmission head may be selected at block 2108. The selection of the transmission head may be based in part on the type of RF transmitter provided.
Other factors, such as, for example, the depth, size and shape of the general target area, or specific target area to be treated, and the number of frequencies transmitted may also be used in determining the selection of the transmission head.

(00971 The RF receiver is provided at block 2110. The RF receiver may be turred to the frequency(s) of the RF transrnitter. At block 2112, the desired receiver head may be selected.
Similarly to the selection of the transmission head, the receiver head may be selected to fit the desired characteristics of the particular application. For example, a receiver head that is larger than the transmission head can be selected to concentrate the RF signal on a specific area in the reactiorr chamber (although it was earlier believed that a smaller head would concentrate the RF to enhance RF heating, a larger reception head was found to generate a higher temperature). Various sizes and shapes of the receiver heads allow for optimal concentration of the RF signal in the salt water mixture.

[0 0 9 8] At block 2114 the transmission head is arranged. Arrangement of the transrnission head is accomplislred by, for example, placing the transmission head proximate to and on orre side of the reaction clramber. At block 2116 the receiver head is arranged.
Arrangement of the receiver head is similarly accomplished by, for example, placing the receiver head proximate to and on the other side of the reaction chamber so that an RF signal transrnitted via the transmission head to the receiver head will pass through the reaction chamber and be absorbed by the salt water mixture. The transrnission head and reception heads are insulated from direct corrtact with the reaction chamber. The heads may be insulated fronr the reaction chamber by means of an air gap. Optionally, the heads are insulated froin the target area by means of another insulating material.

[ 0 0 9 9] The RF frequency(s) may be selected at block 2118. In addition to selecting the desired RF frequency(s) at block 2118, the transmissiorr tirne or duration may also be selected. The duration time is set to, for example, a specified length of time, or set to raise the ternperature of at least a portion of the salt water mixture to a desired temperature/temperature range, or set to a desired change in temperature. In addition, optionally, other modifications of the RF signal are selected at this time, such as, for example, amplitude, pulsed amplitude, an on/off pulse rate of the RF signal, a variable RF
sigrral where the frequency of the RF signal varies over a set time period or in relation to set ternperatures, ranges or changes in ternperatures.

[001001 At block 2120 the RF signal is transmitted from the transrnission head to the receiver head. The RF signal passes through the reaction chamber and is absorbed by the salt water mixture contained within the reaction chamber. Absoiption of the RF
energy results in decomposition of the salt water mixture to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

[ 0 0101 ] At block 2122 both the hydrogen and oxygen produced by decomposition of the salt water mixture is collected. Means for collecting and separating the hydrogen and oxygen produced by the electrolysis of the salt water mixture will be known to those skilled in the art. Such techniques may include using two evacuated, gas collection bells that are nested within one another; where the opening to the innermost gas collection bell is covered with a serni-permeable rnembrane. The semi-penneable membrane may be made from a material that has a greater permeability to hydrogen gas than it does to oxygen gas. In this regard, as the mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases are directed using a series of tubes and valves towards the two gas collection bells nested within one another, only hydrogen gas would be able to effectively pass through the inembrane covering the innermost gas collection bell. As such, the hydrogen gas would become concentrated in the imiermost gas collection bell, while the oxygen gas would become concentrated in the outermost gas collection bell. In this marmer, it is believed that the hydrogen gas could be isolated and collected separately from the oxygen gas.

(001021 The methodology ends at block 2124 and may be ended after a predetermined time inteival and/in response to a determination that a desired arnount of hydrogen production has been achieved.

Figure 25 [001031 Figure 25 illustrates a high level exemplary methodology 2500 of carrying out the combustion of a liquid. The methodology begins at block 2510. At block 2510 an RF
system is provided that is capable of generating an RF signal. The RF system may include an RF generator, transmitter and transmission head and be of the type described above such that it is capable of generating an ignitable gas from sea water in an open container proximate to the transmission head. At block 2520 a liquid is provided that includes an effective amount of at least one ion dissolved in the liquid for generation of an ignitable gas by the RF signal.

At block 2530 the RF signal is transmitted such that it interacts with at least some of the liquid. At block 2540 the ignitable gas generated from the liquid by the RF
signal is ignited.
At block 2550 the methodology ends and may be ended after a predetermined time interval and/in response to a detennination that a portion of the liquid has been combusted.

Figure 26 [001041 Figure 26 illustrates a high level exemplary metllodology 2600 of carrying out the combustion of a liquid. The methodology begins at block 2610. At block 2610 an RF
system is provided that is capable of generating an RF signal. The RF system may include an RF generator, transmitter, and transmission head and be of the type described above such that it is capable of generating an ignitable gas from sea water in an open container proximate to the transmission head. At block 2620 a liquid is provided that includes an effective amount of at least one ion dissolved in the liquid for generation of an ignitable gas by the RF signal.
At block 2630 the RF signal is transmitted and at block 2640 a portion of the liquid is colnbusted.

[ 0 010 5] Additioiial methods are contemplated using the systems described herein where a frequency for operation of the RF signal may be selected such that the frequency is the same as, or overlaps (either partially or completely)-or has harmonics that are the same as or overlaps-specific RF frequencies that are capable of stimulating or exciting any of the various energy levels of various ions, e.g., any of the various metal species that comprise the salts that are dissolved in the salt water solutions. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand how to determine and to measure RF frequencies that stimulate or excite various energy levels for various metal species. In this regard and based on empirical testing, we believe that 13.56 stimulates and/or excites Na ions better than any other ions herein so tested. As such, it is believed that useful embodiments of the methods described herein may therefore also include (i) selecting an RF signal having a preferred frequency, (ii) selecting a metal salt comprising a metal species capable of being stimulated or excited by the preferred frequency selected (or a harmonic thereof), (iii) transmitting the RF signal having the preferred frequericy through or to an aqueous solution of the metal salt for a sufficient time in order to stimulate or excite the rnetal species present in the aqueous solution to generate heat.

Alternatively, methods may also include (i) selecting a salt comprising a preferred metal species, (ii) selecting an RF signal having a frequency (or a harmonic thereof) capable of stimulating or exciting the preferred metal species, (iii) trarismitting the RF signal having the frequency to or through an aqueous solution of the rnetal salt comprising the preferred metal species for a sufficient time to generate heat.

[001061 Additional rnetliods are contemplated using the systems described herein where the RF sigiial may be used to process clays and soils to heat and sterilize the clays and soils, to directly generate hydrogen from the clays and soils, and for remediation of the clays or soils by removing or extracting organic contaminants and wastes. It is contemplated, as above, that a frequency for operation of the RF signal may be selected such that the frequency (or a harmonic thereof) is the same as or overlaps with (either partially or completely) specific RF frequencies capable of stimulating or exciting any of the various energy levels of any of the various metal species comprising metal salts or metal compounds that are dissolved or distributed within the soils. Since soils often contain moisture or the metal species present in the soils and clays have water molecules coordinated to them, it is therefore believed that the systems and methods described herein could be used to heat and process such metal-containing soils. As such, we believe the RF signal could be used (in any of the various manners herein described for treatment of salt water solutions) to produced heat and/or steam and/or hydrogen and oxygen free radicals in-situ within various soils, and in particular in clays and clay containing soils. The heat arrd/or the steam and/or the hydrogen arid oxygen free radical produced from the water molecules present in the soil would treat the surrounding soil, in particular the heat and/or the free radicals generated would perhaps sterilize the soil, killing any animal, vegetable or rnicrobial life that may also be present. It is further contemplated that steam produced in-situ in this manner niay also be used to volatize and extract any hydrocarbon pollutants that may also be present in the soils and clays. As such, it is contemplated that soils of contaminated commercial residential and industrial sites, hazardous waste dump sites, gas stations, etc. could be remediated using the systerns and methods described herein. One skilled in the art will understand how the RF
systerns and methods described herein could be coupled with known extraction and remediation processes and methods for in-situ treatment of contaminated soils.
Exenrplary hydrocarbon contaminants that could be extracted or rernoved would include but are not limited to organic solvents, oil and oil byproducts, insecticides, and polychlorinated biplienyls. Similarly, it is contemplated that clathrates, zeolites, and other materials containing or having various metal species adsorbed to their surfaces or in there sti-Lictures and containing either moisture or water nlolecules coordinated to the metal species present may be processed and heated in similar manners as has been described herein for soils and clays.

[001071 In accordance with the systems and methods of the present invention previously described, further embodiments are coritemplated of an RF system for selective disinfection of surfaces and materials is provided. The system includes an RF transmitter having an RF
generator and a transmission head, and an RF receiver having a resonant circuit and a reception head. When the transmission and reception heads are arranged proximate to and on eitlier side of a surface or material and an RF signal is transmitted from the transmission head, through the surface or material, to the reception head, at least a portion of the surface or rnaterial is disinfected without direct contact of the heads to the surface or material. It is contemplated, as above, that a frequency for operation of the RF signal may be selected such that the frequency (or harmonic thereof) is the same as or overlaps with (either partially or completely) specific RF frequencies that are capable of stimulating or exciting any of the various energy levels of any of the various metal species or inetal salts or rnetal compounds that iriay, for example, be present within various targeted microbes, bacteria, or viruses.
Since enviroiiments where microbes, bacteria, and viruses are found also often contain moisture, we therefore believe that the systems and methods described herein could be used to disinfect surfaces and materials through selectively heating and destroying various targeted microbes, bacteria, and viruses that are present on the surfaces or materials to be disinfected. The RF signal would be applied for a sufficient time to locally heat and destroy any targeted microbes, bacteria, and viruses that contain metals (metals that are either coordinated by water molecules or in an enviroiunent containing moisture) that are stimulated or excited by the RF signal having the particular frequency so selected.

[ 0 010 8] In accordance with the systems and methods of the present invention previously described, fizrther embodiments are contemplated of an RF system for affecting a change in the germination and growth of plant life is provided. The system includes an RF transmitter having an RF generator and a transmission head, and an RF receiver having a resonant circuit and a reception head. When the transmission and reception heads are arranged proximate to and on either side of a seed or a plant and an RF signal is transmitted from the transmission head, through the seed or plant, to the reception head, at least a portion of the seed or plant is processed without direct contact of the heads to the seed or plant. For example, a seed may be placed in a brackish enviromnent or a plant may be watered with brine solution and natural biological processes such as osrnotic pumping mechanisms may be taken advantage of in order to create a seed or plant having an internal environment with an increased salt concentration. We believe that any of the systerns or methods described herein may be used to then expose the so prepared seed or plant to an RF signal, wherein the RF
signal would affect a change in the rate of germination of the seed or affect a change in the rate of growth of the plant. We believed that that a frequency for operation of the RF
sigiial may be selected such that the frequency (or hannonic thereof) is the same as or overlaps with (either partially or completely) specific RF frequencies that are capable of either increasing or decreasing the rates of seed gennination and plant growth in order to affect such a cliange in the genniiiation and growth of plant life.

[0 010 9] In accordance with the systems and methods of the present invention previously described, further embodiments contemplating RF systems and methods for processing a fluid are provided. Processing a fluid includes but is not limited to heating and/or combusting the fluid. Fluids can be processed whether or not they contain any of the useful salts or ions (either cations or anions) herein described. An exeniplary fluid in this regard includes but is not limited to water that is extracted from oil wells and that is contaminated with oil residues and/or other hydrocarbon contaminants. Methods for processing (including heating and/or coinbustirig) a fluid involve using any of the systems previously described and (i) providing a fluid to be processed (including heating and/or cornbusting the fluid), (ii) adding an effective amount of salt to the fluid (e.g., by adding solid salt or by adding a salt solution), and (iii) passing RF through the fluid containing an effective amount of salt to process the fluid. In gerieral, useful systems may include an RF transmitter having an RF
generator and a transmission head, and an RF receiver having a resonant circuit and a reception head. When the transmission and reception heads are arranged proximate to and on either side of the fluid liaving an effective amount of salt added to it an RF
signal is transmitted froin the transmission head, through the fluid containing the salt, to the reception head, and at least a portion of the fluid is processed. Processing in this regard inay include heating the fluid and/or combusting the fluid and in such situations salt is added to enhance heating of the fluid.

Salt Water, Salt Water Solutions, and Salt Water Mixtures [ 0 0 110 ] Ordinary and naturally occurring seawater may be used. Generally, a salt wliich is useful as the salt water or in the solution containing salt water or in the salt water mixtures employed in these systems and methods disclosed herein include any salt which has solubility in water. For example, NaCl is a useful salt because NaCI is very soluble in water.
Other useful salts may include salts that have as their cation any element in cationic form, which may selected from the group consisting of Li+, Na+, K+> Rb+> Cs+, Be2+, Mg2+, Ca2+
, BaZ+> Sr2+> Mn2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Cuz+, Zn2+, Ag+, Au+, B3+, A13+, Ga3+, In3+ and that have as the anion any element in anionic form that is selected from the group consisting of Cl", Br", I", borate, citrate, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, carbonate, and hydroxide. The salt used in the systems and methods disclosed herein can be used as either a pure salt, the salt made from one type of cation and one type of anion that are those cations and anions listed above; or it can be a salt mixture, made from more than one type salt, made from one or rnore types of cations and/or one or more types of anions that are those cations and anions listed above.
Again, ordinary and naturally occurring seawater may be used.

[ 0 0111 ] Another useful salt water (or salt water component of either solutions containing salt water or salt water mixtures) for use in the systems and methods disclosed herein is seawater. This includes all types of seawater, including water taken from any of the oceans or other naturally salty bodies of water found on the earth. Using seawater as disclosed lierein includes using seawater in its natural occurring form, that is, seawater which is taken froin the ocean and used directly without any further processing or purification.

[001121 Another useful salt water or salt water solution for use in the systems and methods disclosed herein is brine water. Brine water may be water extracted from the ground (ground water) and includes water that is taken from water wells and oil wells. Using brine water as disclosed herein includes using brine water that lias been further processed or treated (for example, by addition of salt, e.g., adding solid salt or a salt solution) or that is in its naturally occurring forin and used directly without any further processing or purification.

[001131 OCEANIC brand Natural Sea Salt Mix may be used to approximate naturally occun-ing seawater having an effective aniount of salt and used as the salt water or salt water cornponent of solutions containing salt water and salt water mixtures employed in the systems and methods discussed and shown herein. Such approximations of naturally occui7=ing seawater may have a specific gravity of about 1.02 g/cm3 to 1.03 g/cnn 3, e.g., between about 1.020-1.024 or about 28-32 PPT, as read off of a hydrometer. A
mixture of the above-identified sea salt mix having a specific gravity of about 1.026 g/cm3 (as measured with a refractometer) was used in exemplary systems and inethods. In the alternative, it is believed that actual seawater may be used in the systems and methods discussed and shown herein. The precise alnount of salt in salt water or in the salt water component of the solutions containing salt water and salt water mixtures used and contemplated herein niay vary from specific application to specific application.

[001141 In order to form both hydrogen and oxygen gas, salts capable of forming salt water mixtures that are useful for use in the electrolysis systems and electrolysis methods disclosed lierein, should be water soluble salts and also should have a cation and an anion selected such that the cation has a lower standard electrode potential than H+
and the anion has a greater standard electrode potential than OH-. For example, the following cations have lower standard electrode potential than H+ and are therefore suitable for use as electrolyte cations: Li+ Rb+ K. Cs+ Ba2+ a+ a+ + z+
, , , , , Sr , Ca , Na , and Mg . For example, a useful anion would be S042- , because it has a greater standard electrode potential than OH" and is very difficult to oxidize. It is contemplated that Na2SO4 would be a useful salt for use with the electrolysis systems and methods disclosed here within because it is a water soluble salt that is composed of a cation (Na) that has a lower standard electrode potential than H+ and an anion (SO4Z-) that has a greater standard electrode potential than OHm.

Additive [001151 As previously indicated, as used herein an additive may be an organic, organometallic, or inorganic chemical compound having solubility, miscibility, or compatibility with salt water and solutions containing salt water and salt water mixtures (including seawater or solutions containing salt water and optionally containing at least one secoridary fiiel) and that is capable of altering the response of the salt water, various solutions containing salt water, and salt water mixtures in response to stimulation by RF energy. Both molecular and polymeric, species are contemplated as being usefizl additives.
It is further believe that useful amounts of additive include solutions containing salt water where the additive is present as at least one minor component in the solution containing salt water.
Embodiments contemplated in this regard would include solutions containing salt water and having from about 0.001 to about 10.0 weight % additive, and inore preferably from about 0.001 to about 1.0 weight % additive, and even more preferably from about 0.001 to about 0.1 weight % additive.

[001161 It is contemplated that a salt water solution or salt water mixture containing an additive will respond differently to RF stimulation versus comparable salt water solution or salt water mixture that does not contain any additive. We believe that the response of a salt water solution or salt water mixture to RF energy may be altered in a variety of ways. For example, an alteration in RF response that an additive may have may include but is not limited to increasing or decreasing the rate at which a solution or mixture containing the additive either heats, combusts, or both upon exposure to a fixed amount or flux of RF
energy; exhibiting a desired temperature change or level of combustion of a salt water solution containing an additive with exposure to a larger or a smaller amount of RF energy;
and decreasing the surface tension of a salt water solution containing an additive such that coinbustion of the salt water solution or mixture occurs upon application of an RF field without any need for externally perturbing the surface of the salt water solution. Surfactants, including soaps and detergents, are embodiments of useful additives in this regard since they are known to lower the surface tension of aqueous solutions. Furthermore, we believe that water soluble organic compounds that can lower the heat capacity of an aqueous solution or that can change the freezing point of water or that can fonn azeotropic mixtures with water would also be useful additives in this regard.

Secondar~~Fuels [001171 As previously indicated, as used herein a secondary fuel may be any combustible organic compound that has solubility, miscibility, or compatibility with salt water or various solutions containing salt water or salt water mixtures (including seawater, salt water or solutions containing salt water that optionally contain at least one additive). It is believe that a useful amount of secoiidary fttel includes solutions containing salt water were the secondary fuel is present as the minor component. Alternatively, it is also believe that a useful amount of secondary fuel includes solutions containing salt or salt water were the secondary fuel is present as the major component. In this regard, embodiments are contemplated of salt water solutions containing from about 0.01 to about 99.99 weight % of at least one alternative fuel, and preferably from about 1.0 to about 99.0 weight % of at least one alternative fuel, and more preferably from about 10 to about 90 weight %
of at least one alternative fuel, and even more preferably frorn about 30 to about 70 weight %
of at least one alternative fuel, and even more preferably from about 40 to about 60 weight %
of at least one alternative fuel.

[0 0118 ] It is contemplated that exposure to RF energy of a salt water solution containing at least one secondary fuel, wherein the secondary fuel is the minor constituent, may result in an enhanc.ement or in a boost in performance in terms of the combustibility of the salt water solution versus the results obtairied by a comparable salt water solution that does not contain any secondary fuel. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that exposure to RF
energy of a salt water solution containing at least one secondary fuel, where the secondary fuel is the major constituent of the mix, allows RF energy to be used to coinbust the secondary fuel even though the secondary fuel itself may be RF inert. Without intending to be bound by theory, we believe that the secondary fuel may be useful as either the minor or the major component in a salt water solution because the salt water component of the salt water solution is stimulated by the RF signal and absorbs energy. As such, absorption of RF
energy by the salt water component causes the temperature of the salt water solution to increase to the point where secondary fuel present in any amount volatilizes and becomes more capability of combustirig in the presence of a spark, flame, or any other incendiary source. In this regard, methanol, ethanol, and iso-propanol are useful as secondary fuels because they are conibustible organic solvents and are soluble with or have chemical compatibility with water. Furthermore, we believe that many additional organic solvents and compounds, which may have both volatility and solubility or miscibility with aqueous solutions, would also be useful as secondary fuels in this regard. For example, we contemplate that n-propanol, acetone, formaldehyde, acetic acid, and forniic acid may also be usefi.il secondary fixels.

RF Absorption Enhancers [001191 Salt water, solutions containing salt water, and salt water mixtures may be processed using RF as-is. In the alternative, it is also believed that RF
absorption enhancers inay be added to the salt water, solutions containing salt water, and salt water mixtures prior to processing with RF to enhance the effects of the RF energy on the salt water, e.g., enlianced heating, ei'dlanced, combustion, enhanced desalination, etc. The RF
absorption ei-diancers may be particles made from RF absorbing materials that absorb one or more frequencies of an RF electromagnetic signal substantially more than other materials. This niay perrnit the RF signal to heat salt water (or any solution containing salt water or salt water mixture) containing RF absorbing enhancers substantially more thaii it would salt water (or salt water solution or salt water mixture) that does not contain additional RF
absorption enhancers.

[ 0 012 0] Exemplary RF absorption enhancers include particles of electrically conductive material, such as silver, gold, copper, magnesium, iron, any of the other metals, and/or magnetic particles, or various combinations and permutations of gold, iron, any of the other inetals, and/or magnetic particles. Examples of other RF absorption enhancers include:
metal tubules (such as silver or gold nanotubes or silver or gold microtubes, which may be water-soluble), particles made of piezoelectric crystal (natural or synthetic), particles made of syntlietic materials, particles made of biologic materials, robotic particles, particles made of man made applied materials, like organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles.
Examples of yet other RF absorption enhancers that may be useful include RF
absorbing carbon molecules and compounds: fullerenes (any of a class of closed hollow aromatic carbon cornpounds that are made up of twelve pentagonal and differing numbers of hexagonal faces), carbon nanotubes, other molecules or compounds having one or more graphene layers, and other RF-absorbing carbon molecules and compounds e.g., C60 (also la'iown as a"buckyball" or a"buclaninsterfizllerene"), C70, C76, C84, buckytubes (single-walled carbon nanotubes, SWNTs), inulti-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and other nano-sized or micro-sized carbon cage molecules and compounds. Such carbon-based particles may be in water-soluble form. Such carbon-based particles may have metal atoiiis (e.g., nickel atoms) integral therewith, which may affect their ability to absorb RF energy arid heat in response thereto. Any of the foregoing (and subsequently listed) particles may be sized as so-called "nanoparticles" (microscopic particles whose size is measured in nanometers, e.g., 1-1000 nm) or sized as so-called "rnicroparticles"
(microscopic particles whose size is measured in micrometers, e.g., 1-1000 grn).

[ 0 0121 ] Additionally, RF absorbing carbon molecules and compounds may be fabricated as RF absorption enhancers to be particles with non-linear I-V characteristics (rectifying characteristics) and/or capacitance. Such non-linear I-V characteristics may result from, for example, nanotubes with a portion doped (e.g., by modulation doping) with a material giving n-type semiconducting properties adjacent a portion doped with p-type semiconducting properties to form a nanotube haviiig an integral rectifying p-n junction. In the alternative, nanotubes can be fabricated with an integral Schottky barrier. In either case, it may be helpful to use nanotubes having at least two conducting regions with a rectifying region tllerebetweeii. Accordingly, rectifying circuits for RF absorbing particles for RF absorption ei-Alancers may be fabricated from RF absorbing carbon molecules and cornpounds having non-linear I-V characteristics.

[001221 Any of the RF absorption enhancers described herein may be used alone or in virtually any combination of and/or permutation of any of the particle or particles described herein. For example, it may be beneficial to use a plurality of different RF
absorbing particles described herein for purposes of tuning the reaction kinetics of the various methods herein described. Accordingly, virtually any combination or permutation of RF
absorption eiihancers may be used in virtually any combination of and/or permutation of any RF
absorbing particle or particles described herein to create RF absorption enhancers for use in accordance with the teachings herein.

[001231 Of the RF absorption enhancers mentioned herein, some may be suitable for a 13.56 MHz RF signal, e.g., silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, magnesium nanoparticles, aqueous solutions of any of the metal sulfates rnentioned herein, and RF absorbing carbon molecules and compounds. RF absorption enhancers using these RF absorbing particles are also expected to be effective at slightly higher frequencies, such as those having a frequency on the order of the second or third harrnonics of 13.56 MHz.

RF Si nal [001241 The RF signals may have a frequency corresponding to a selected parameter of an RF enhancer, e.g., 13.56 MHz, 27.12 MHz, 915 MHz, 1.2 GHz. Several RF
frequencies have been allocated for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) equipment, e.g.: 6.78 MHz 15.01cHz; 13.56 MHz 7.0 kHz; 27.12 MHz 163.0 kHz; 40.68 MHz 20.0 kHz; 915 MHz 13.0 MHz; 2450 MHz 50.0 MHz. See Part 18 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These and other frequencies of the same orders of magnitude may be used in virtually any of the systems and methods discussed herein, depending on which RF absorbing particles are used. For exarnple, RF signals having a fundamental frequency of about 700 MHz or less miglit be suitable for many of the systems and methods described herein. RF
signals having a fundamental frequency in the high frequency (HF) range (3-30 MHz) of the RF range might be suitable for many of the systems and methods described herein.
Similarly, RF signals having a fundamental frequerrcy in the very high frequency (VHF) range (30-300 MHz) of the RF range might also be suitable for many of the systems and methods described herein. Of course, RF signals at any fundamental frequency may also have harmonic components that are multiples of the fundamental frequency of frequencies.
Also, RF signals at any fundamental frequencies or periodic multiples of such fundamental frequencies that are harmonics of a fundamental frequency may be selected such that the frequency is the same as or has overlap with (either partially or completely) specific RF
frequencies capable of stimulatirrg or exciting any of the various electron energy levels of any of the various metal species that comprise the salts that are dissolved in the salt water solutions. For example, based on empirical testing we believe that an RF
signal with a frequency of 13.56 MHz stimulates and/or excites Na ions better than any other ions herein so tested.

[001251 Additionally, in any of the embodimerits discussed hereirr, the RF
signal used may be a pulsed, nlodulated FM RF signal, or a pulse fixed frequency signal. A
pulsed signal may permit a relatively higher peak-power level (e.g., a single "burst" pulse at 1000 Watts or more, or a 1000 Watt signal having a duty cycle of about 10% to about 25%) and may create higher local temperatures at RF absorption enlrancer particles. Such pulsed signals may have any of various characteristics. For exarnple, the RF pulse may be a square wave, or may be a sine wave, or may have a sharp rise tirne with an extended ringing effect at base line, or nray have a slow rise time and a fast decay, etc. Pulsed RF signals (and other shaped RF signals) may produce very localized temperatures that are higher for a lerrgth of time on the order of about a rnillisecond or longer. For exarnple, a short 5 kilowatt RF pulse of less than a second, e.g., on the order of microseconds (e.g., 3-4 microseconds) may be sufficient to raise the teniperature of the rnixture sufficiently to achieve the desired effect, e.g., combustion of the salt water, desalination, heating, creation of hydrogen gas, etc.

[ 0 012 6] As discussed herein, the RF energy directed toward the salt water (or any solution containing salt water, or salt water mixture) may be RF energy having a very high field strength and rnay also be coupled through the portion of the reaction chamber witlr coupling lieads having a very high Q (e.g., a Q on the order of 250 or more). A pulsed RF signal with a relatively higher power may be effective to quickly heat the salt water, etc., such as a pulse of HF or VHF RF energy (e.g., 27.12 MHz).

Rate of Combustion [ 0 012 7] Salt water combusts relatively quickly in a test tube using a 600 Watt 13.56 MHz RF signal. For example, sea water--rratural or artificial--combusts in a test tube on the order of about 1 ml per minute initially and later combusts on the order of about 1 ml per every 30 seconds as a substantial amount of water has been combusted from the test tube. In some cases, less salt permits better combustion than rnore salt. For example, a mixture of 99.5%
ethanol and 0.5% salt solution combusts much better (faster) than a 50/50 mixture of ethanol and salt solution (see examples below). As another example, sea water from the Gulf of Mexico combusted at about 2-3 rnl per 90 second period at about 1000 watts, using either a ml or 100 ml test tube, with the upper surface of the sea water in the RF
field.

Comparative Examples Series 1: Experin7ents with ocean water-[001281 It was previously demonstrated that salt water made from sea salt mix will combust using the RF system described in the '530 Application. It has been confirmed that ocean water will conibust using the ENI RF generator using the coupling circuit of Figures 46-49 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/915,345, filed on May 1, 2007, and entitled FIELD GENERATOR FOR. TARGETED CELL ABLATION (Attorney Docket 30274/04036) ("the '345 Application"), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, with a 6" silver coated circular copper Tx head (single plate) and a 9.5" silver coated square copper Rx head (single plate).

[001291 It is believed that the RF field that combusts salt water is substantially the same as the field discussed in the '345 Application (see Figures 53-end of that application). (It is also believed that Ocean water will combust with the other head configurations discussed in the '530 Application, as well.) [ 0 013 0] With respect to the combustion of ocean water, water from the Gulf of Mexico having the following characteristics was capable of being rapidly combusted with the above-described RF system (a 10 ml sample was analyzed prior to any combustion):

11,r<ifnc:re;r l)atrofAuaIvs?s ]I?nsiattF 'Cxn.its FznPnrcin4T,tj= NleSj`od B;omide 5/10/2007 57.0 mg/i 0.5 300.0 C2l rium 5/11/2007 970,0 ma/I 0.05 6010 Chloride 5/1012007 18562.0 rngrt 1.0 300.0 1=luoride b!'i012007 BRL mg/I 0.1 300.0 tviagnnsium S11'112007 1600.0 mg/I 0.5 G010 pH 519/2007 8102 s.u.923.8C 0.01 EPA 150.1 Pn:aszium 5/1112007 770.0 mgA D.l 6010 Sadium 511612007 12000_0 mg/I 1_0 6010 Sulfate 5/1012007 26310 mg1! 1.0 ~OO.o [ 0 0131 ] In this example, combusted ocean water differed from uncombusted ocean water in the concentration of most of these coinponents increases, while the concentration of calcium decreases. Two 10 ml samples of the above water from the Gulf of Mexico were combusted down to 5 ml each and combined, and the resulting 10 ml of combusted ocean water was analyzed to reveal the following:

Bromidv 5/1012007 57.0 m0/1 0.5 300.0 CaIciurn 5/11/2007 730.0 mg/i 0.05 p01D
Chloride 5110I2007 2031 6.0 ITtcl) 1,0 300,0 Fluoride, 511012007 BRL mg/) 0.1 300.0 iUtagnca;ium 5I11I2007 19C70.0 mg/l 0.5 6010 pH 5/9/2007 8.55 c;.u.@22.8C 0.01 GPA 150.1 Potassium 5111f2007 880.0 mg/i 0.1 6010 Sodiurrl 51 16/2007 17000.0 mg/I 1.0 6010 Suifate 51102007 3036.0 mgli 1.0 300.0 [001321 A white residue forms on the irlside of the test tube after combustion of salt water.
The calcium may be part of that residue.

(001331 TJsing the above-described RF system, salt water will combust, as will solutions of HCI arid NaC1. Distilled water will boil in the RF field, but will not combust. Adding additional sea salt mix (e.g., OCEANIC brand Natural Sea Salt Mix) to ocean water causes the rate of combustion to increase. Adding sea salt mix sufficient to approxirnately triple the sodium of ocean water causes a dramatic increase in the rate of combustion of the resulting salt water mixture. Thus, the methods herein may be modified by including the additional step of adding additional ions to the sea water prior to combustion.

[001341 Salt water (ocean water and/or salt water made from OCEANIC brand Natural Sea Salt Mix) will begin to combust in the above-described RF system at RF
wattages of about 250 Watts arid salt water will continue to combust at lower wattages, e.g., about 200 Watts, after igniting. Salt water may begin to combust spontaneously at higher temperatures, or may require some sort of igniter (e.g., a drop of salt water dropped through the RF field, which combusts and ignites the other salt water in the field). Additionally, some sort of wick (e.g., a piece of paper towel) extending above the surface of the salt water in the field will greatly increase the tendency of salt water in the RF field to spontaneously ignite. Filling the test tube to the brim with salt water and then adding a couple more drops of salt water facilitates ignition.

[001351 Using a setup witli about 5.5" spacing between Tx plate and Rx plate, and the test tube being about 2" from the Tx plate at about the top of the Tx plate, and applying RF to the salt water, the products produced from exposure of salt water to RF energy burn. The temperature of the burning products of salt water exposed to RF energy has been measured as high as about 1700 C using a FLIR Systems ThermaCAM P65 theimometer with ThermaCAM Quick View V2.0 Software, which measures temperatures up to 1700 C
(it is believed that the salt water is combusting at a higher temperature).
Surprisingly, the temperature of the salt water in the test tube remains relatively low (e.g., less than 45 C) while the salt water is combusting.

[ 0 013 6] Without intending to be bound by this description, it is believed that the special RF field generated by the above-described RF system causes hydrogen in salt water to separate from oxygen, and then the hydrogen is burned in the presence of the released oxygen and the oxygen in the surrounding air.

[001371 Heat from RF-induced combustion of salt water may be used in any of the traditional methods of gathering and using heat, e.g., a heat exchanger, a Stirling Engine, a turbine system, etc.

[001381 Additionally, multiple Tx and Rx heads may be used at one or more frequencies.
Series 2: Experiments with salt water and solutions with additives and secondary fuels [001391 For all the Series 2 exainples described below, a circuit implementation of Figure 16 was used to traiismit the RF signal through the exemplary solutions to yield the various results. Unless otherwise indicated, for all examples a 13.56 MHz RF signal from an ENI
OEM-12B RF generator having a variable power output of up to about 1000 Watts was applied for thirty seconds to the reaction chaniber, which in these instances consisted of a glass test tube (in which the various exemplary solutions were placed) connected to a support arm that was positioned such that the test tube was suspended between the transmission head (one plate) and the reception head (three plates). Unless otherwise indicated, the salt water solutions used in carrying out the various examples included Gulf of Mexico salt water, Brine salt water extracted from an oil well (located in Erie, PA) , and a 3.5 wt % stock solution of OCEANIC brand Natural Sea Salt Mix having a specific gravity of about 1.026 g/cm3. For all examples containing ethanol, denatured, Apple Products 1z brand ethanol was used.

Salt Water [ 0 014 0] A first 100 mL, sample containing salt water was placed in a test tube and the test tube was then attached to a support arm and positioned between the transmission head and receiver head of the RF apparatus (described above). The teinperature of the salt water was measured using a fiber optic thermometer. A 13.56 MHz RF signal at about 300 Watts was then applied for about 30 seconds, after which the temperature was again measured using a fiber optic thermometer. Starting temperature = 24.0 C; Ending temperature =
25.9 C.

[ 0 0141 ] A second 100 mL sample of salt water was placed in a test tube and the test tube was then attached to a support ann and positioned between the transmission head and receiver head of the RF apparatus (described above). The temperature of the salt water was measured using a fiber optic thermometer. A 13.56 MHz RF signal at about 600 Watts was then applied and, as soon as the RF signal was applied, combustion of the salt water was initiated by momentarily placing an ordinary steel screwdriver in contact with the lip of the test tube. The screw driver was removed and the RF signal was left on for about 30 seconds as combustion of the salt water continued. After about 30 seconds, the RF
sigrial was turned off and the combustion of the salt water ceased. The temperature of the salt water sample was then measured using a fiber optic thermometer at both the top part of the test tube and the bottom part of the test tube. Starting temperature = 20.5 C; Ending temperature (Top) _ 66.0 C; Ending temperature (Bottom) = 28.0 C.

(001421 A third 100 mL sample of salt water was placed in a test tube and the test tube was then attached to a support arm and positioned between the transmission head and receiver head of the RF apparatus (described above). However, the salt water used here contained 1 mL, of stock salt water diluted to 100 mL, with distilled water to give a 0.0035%
salt water solution. A 13.56 MHz RF signal at about 600 Watts was then applied for about 30 seconds, after which the temperature was again measured using a fiber optic thermometer.
tJnlike the second sample of salt water, cornbustion of this third sample of salt water could not be initiated by placing an ordinary steel screwdriver in contact with the lip of the test tube. Starting temperature = 26.6 C; Ending temperature = 75.5 C.

Salt Water + Carboraate and/or CO2 (as the "Additive') [001431 Carbon dioxide may be useful as an additive, as may other additives that produce carbon dioxide. Photographs 9-11 of the incorporated rnaterial show the combustion of ground water--here a sample of brine water collected from an oil well (located in Erie, PA), while photograph 12 of the incorporated material shows the combustion of a sainple of brine water obtained from the Gulf of Mexico. We have observed that the brine water obtained from the Gulf of Mexico combusts in a less sporadic manner than brine water collected from the oil well located in Erie, PA. Without intending to be bound by theory, we believe high levels of carbonate salts present in the brine water collected from the oil well located in Erie, PA, that is not present in the brine water collected from the Gulf of Mexico, effects the conibustibility of the brine water collected from the oil well located in Erie, PA. We further believe that, as the brine water collected from the oil well located in Erie, PA combusts carbonate salts that are present release carbon dioxide into the sarnple which acts to suppress or limit further combustion of the brine water as the RF signal is applied.
Therefore, additional embodiments are contemplate wherein additives capable of inhibiting coinbustion or that are combustion suppressants may be added to any of the various salt water solutions herein disclosed in order to control or hinder the rate of salt water combustion or limit the ainount of overall combustion.

Salt Water + Surfactant (as the "Additive ") [ 0 014 41 A 100 niL, sample of salt water that also contained 1 metric drop (about 0.05 mL) of an ordinary hand soap (Liquid Nature Antibacterial Hand Soap) was placed in a test tube and the test tube was then attached to a support arm and positioned between the transrnission head and receiver head of the RF apparatus (described above). A 13.56 MHz RF
signal at about 600 Watts was then applied to the sample and as soon as the RF signal was applied, combustion of the salt water sample was initiated immediately. No external perturbation of the test tube (by a screwdriver, a drop of salt water, use of a wick or otherwise) was required.
The RF signal was repeatedly switched on and off; each time the RF signal was switched on the salt water sample immediately began combusting, while each time the RF
signal was switched off the salt water sample immediately ceased coinbusting.

Salt Water + Ethaszol (as the "Secondary Fuel ") [ 0 014 5] A first 100 mL sample containing a mixture of 50 mL of ethanol and 50 mL, of salt water was placed in a test tube and the test tube was then attached to a support arm and positioned between the transmission head and receiver head of the RF apparatus (described above). A 13.56 MHz RF signal at several hundred Watts was then applied to the sample and, as soon as the RF signal was applied, combustion of the sample was initiated by momentarily placing an ordinary steel screwdriver in contact with the lip of the test tube.
Once the RF signal was turned off the combustion of the sample ceased.
Surprisingly, in the absence of any applied RF signal combustion of the sample could not be initiated even when an open flame was used to attempt initiation of combustion.

[001461 A second 100 mL sample containing a mixture of 99.5 rnL of ethanol and 0.5 mL, of salt water was placed in a test tube and the test tube was then attached to a support arm and positioned between the transmission head and receiver head of the RF
apparatus (described above). The temperature of the salt water was measured using a fiber optic thermometer. A 13.56 MHz RF signal at several hundred Watts was then applied for about 15 seconds, after which the temperature was again measured using a fiber optic thennometer.
Starting teinperature = 26.6 C; Ending temperature = 62.0 C. This exarnple shows that an effective arnount of salt (e.g., solid salt or a salt solution) can be added to enhance heating of liquids.

[ 0 014 7] A third 100 mL sample containing a mixture of 99.5 mL of ethanol and 0.5 mL of salt water was placed in a test tube and the test tube was then attached to a support arm and positioned between the transmission head and receiver head of the RF apparatus (described above). The temperature of the salt water was measured using a fiber optic thermorneter. A
13.56 MHz RF signal at several hundred Watts was then applied and, as soon as the RF
signal was applied, combustion of the sample was initiated by momentarily placing aii ordinary steel screwdriver in contact with the lip of the test tube.
Combustion of the sample was highly energetic and resulted in a very large flame as compared to RF
combustion of a stock solution of salt water that did not contain any ethanol. The screw driver was removed and the RF signal was left on for 15 seconds as energetic combustion of the sample continued. Combustion was so energetic that some of the sample solution bubbled out of the test tube and onto the laboratory floor when it continued to combust. After about 15 seconds, the RF sigiial was turned off. However, combustion of the sample did not cease and the sample had to be extinguished using a fire extinguisher.

CONTROL 1: Distilled Water [ 0 014 81 A 100 mL sample containing distilled water was placed in a test tube and the test tube was then attached to a support arm and positioned between the transmission head and receiver head of the RF apparatus (described above). The temperature of the distilled water was measured using a fiber optic thermometer. A 13.56 MHz RF signal at about 300 Watts was then applied for about 30 seconds, after wliich the temperature was again measured using a fiber optic thermometer. Starting temperature = 24.0 C; Ending ternperature = 24.8 C.

CONTROL 2: Tap Water-[ 0 014 91 A 100 mL sample containing ordinary tap water was placed in a test tube and the test tube was then attached to a support arm and positioned between the transmission head and receiver head of the RF apparatus (described above). The temperature of the ordinary tap water was measured using a fiber optic thermometer. A 13.56 MHz RF signal at about 300 Watts was then applied for about 30 seconds, after which the temperature was again measured using a fiber optic thermometer. Starting temperature = 23.7 C;
Ending temperature = 47.8 C.

CONTROL 3: 100% Ethanol [ 0 015 01 A 100 mL sample containing ethanol was placed in a test tube and the test tube was then attached to a support arm and positioned between the transniission head and receiver head of the RF apparatus (described above). The temperature of the ethanol was nieasured using a fiber optic thermometer. A 13.56 MHz RF signal at several hundred Watts was then applied for about 15 seconds, after which the temperature was again measured using a fiber optic therrnometer. Starting temperature = 25.0 C; Endirig temperature = 30.0 C.

[001511 Wliile the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, arid while the embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, in all of the various systems and methods presented herein, the RF electromagnetic sigiial may be applied until no liquid remains, or until substantially no liquid remains, or for a shorter period of time. Additionally, the steps of methods herein may generally be perfonned in any order, unless the context dictates that specific steps be performed in a specific, order. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative exarnples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

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Claims

1. A method of combusting a liquid, comprising:

providing an RF system having an RF generator and a transmission head, the RF
generator capable of generating an RF signal for transmission via the transmission head, and the transmitted RF signal capable of generating an ignitable gas from sea water in an open container proximate the transmission head;

providing a liquid comprising water and at least one ion, the liquid having an effective amount of the at least one ion dissolved in the liquid for generation of an ignitable gas by the transmitted RF signal;

arranging the transmission head with respect to the liquid such that the transmitted RF
signal interacts with at least some of the liquid;

transmitting the RF signal via the transmission head;

igniting the ignitable gas generated from the liquid by the transmitted RF
signal to initiate combustion; and wherein the transmitted RF signal is transmitted for a time sufficient to combust at least a portion of the liquid.

2. The method of combusting a liquid according to claim 1 wherein the liquid that is combusted comprises ground water already having an effective amount of the at least one ion dissolved in the water for generation of an ignitable gas by the transmitted RF signal.

3. The method of combusting a liquid according to any of claims 1-2 wherein the liquid that is combusted consists essentially of untreated ground water already having an effective amount of the at least one ion dissolved in the water for generation of an ignitable gas by the transmitted RF signal.

4. The method of combusting a liquid according to any of claims 1-3 wherein the liquid that is combusted comprises ground water having added thereto an amount of the at least one ion so that the resulting treated ground water reacts with the transmitted RF signal to generate an ignitable gas.

5. The method of combusting a liquid according to claim 4 wherein the added at least one ion is provided from liquid previously combusted using the transmitted RF
signal.

6. The method of combusting a liquid according to any of claims 1-5 wherein the step of igniting the ignitable gas comprises spontaneous ignition of the ignitable gas.

7. The method of combusting a liquid according to any of claims 1-6 wherein the transmitted RF signal is transmitted for a time sufficient to reduce the volume of liquid by at least a quarter.

8. The method of combusting a liquid according to any of claims 1-7 wherein the transmitted RF signal is transmitted for a time sufficient to reduce the volume of liquid by at least half.

9. The method of combusting a liquid according to any of claims 1-8 wherein the providing step comprises spraying the liquid through the transmitted RF signal for combustion of at least a portion of the liquid.

10. The method of combusting a liquid according to any of claims 1-9 wherein the RF signal generated by the RF generator has a frequency of approximately 13.56 MHz.

11. Apparatus for processing salt water comprising:

a. an RF coupling circuit in circuit communication with a transmission head, the RF
coupling circuit capable of coupling an input 600 watt RF signal to transmit a transmitted RF
signal via the transmission head capable of generating an ignitable gas from sea water in an open container proximate the transmission head; and b. a sealed housing enclosing at least the RF coupling circuit.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the transmitted RF signal comprises a current and a voltage, and wherein the current and voltage are out of phase with respect to one another.

13. A system for processing salt water comprising:

a. an RF transmitter having an RF generator in circuit communication with a transmission head, the RF generator capable of generating an RF signal for transmission via the transmission head, and the transmitted RF signal capable of generating an ignitable gas from sea water in an open container proximate the transmission head; and b. a reservoir for containing a salt water solution comprising water and salt, the salt water solution having an effective amount of salt dissolved in the water for transformation by the transmitted RF signal; and wherein the reservoir is configured to supply at least a portion of the salt water solution to a position with respect to the RF transmission head that some of the salt water solution supplied from the reservoir interacts with the transmitted RF signal from the RF
transmission head.

14. The system for processing salt water according to claim 13 wherein the transmitted RF
signal comprises a current and a voltage, and wherein the current and voltage are out of phase with respect to one another.

15. The system for processing salt water according to any of claims 13-14 wherein the salt water solution comprises natural sea water.

16. The system for processing salt water according to any of claims 13-15 wherein the salt water solution comprises a solution made by combining water and an effective amount of sodium for transformation of the salt water solution by the transmitted RF signal.

17. The system for processing salt water according to any of claims 13-16 wherein the transformation by the transmitted RF signal comprises generation of an ignitable gas from the salt water solution by the transmitted RF signal.

18. The system for processing salt water according to any of claims 13-17, further comprising an RF reception head for receiving at least a portion of the transmitted RF signal from the transmission head.

19. The system for processing salt water according to any of claims 13-18, wherein the RF
transmitter further comprising an RF tuning circuit for tuning the RF signal transmitted via the transmission head to couple the transmitted RF signal through the salt water solution.

20. The system for processing salt water according to any of claims 13-19, further comprising an RF reception head for receiving at least a portion of the RF
signal from the transmission head and wherein the RF transmitter further comprises an RF
tuning circuit for tuning the RF signal transmitted via the transmission head to couple the transmitted RF signal through the salt water solution.

21. The system for processing salt water according to claim 19 wherein the RF
tuning circuit comprises a tunable pi-network in circuit communication between the RF
generator and the RF
transmission head.

22. The system for processing salt water according to claim 20 wherein the RF
tuning circuit comprises a tunable pi-network in circuit communication between the RF
generator and the RF
transmission head.

23. A system for processing salt water comprising:

a. an RF transmitter having an RF generator in circuit communication with a transmission head, the RF generator capable of generating an RF signal for transmission via the transmission head, and the transmitted RF signal capable of generating an ignitable gas from sea water in an open container proximate the transmission head; and b. a reservoir for containing a solution comprising water and salt, the salt water solution having an effective amount of salt dissolved in the water;

c. an RF receiver;

wherein the reservoir is configured to supply at least a portion of the salt water solution to a position between the RF transmission head and the RF receiver.

24. The system of claim 23 comprising a reaction chamber configured to position at least a portion of the salt water solution between the RF transmission head and the RF
receiver.

25. The system of any of claims 23-24 wherein the reservoir is positioned between the RF
transmission head and the RF receiver.

26. The system of any of claims 23-25, wherein the salt water solution further comprises:
a. at least one additive; or b. at least one secondary fuel; or c. a mixture of both.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the additive is a surfactant.

28. The system of claim 26, wherein the additive is capable of forming an azeotrope with water.

29. The system of claim 26, wherein the additive is capable of elevating or lowering the freezing point of water.

30. The system of claim 26 wherein the additive is a polymer.

31. The system of claim 26 wherein the secondary fuel is selected from the group consisting of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, or mixtures thereof.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the alcohol is selected from methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, and mixtures thereof.

33. The system of any of claims 23-32 further comprising:

a feed line connected to the reservoir at a first feed line end; and a spray nozzle operatively connected to a second feed line end, such that a mist of the salt water solution is delivered between the RF transmission head and the RF receiver.

34. The system of any of claims 23-33 wherein the salt is sea salt.

35. The system of any of claims 23-34 wherein the salt water mixture comprises seawater.

36. The system of any of claims 23-35 wherein the salt comprises a cation and an anion; the cation being selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Sr2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ag+, Au+, and mixtures thereof; and the anion being selected from the group consisting of group consisting of Cl-, Br-, I-, borate, citrate, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, and mixtures thereof.

37. The system of any of claims 23-36 wherein the effective amount of salt is an amount of salt that forms a salt water solution having a density of about 1 g/cm3.

38. The system of any of claims 23-37 wherein the effective amount of salt is an amount of salt that forms a salt water solution having a density of about 1.02 g/cm3 to 1.03 g/cm3.

39. The system of any of claims 23-38 wherein the effective amount of salt is an amount of salt that forms a salt water solution having a density of about 1.026 g/cm3.

40. The system of any of claims 24-39 comprising a hydrogen collection tank operatively connected to the reaction chamber that collects hydrogen generated within the reaction chamber.

41. The system of any of claims 24-40 wherein the reaction chamber comprises a pressure sealed vessel, the system comprising a driveable member that is moved by pressure in the pressure sealed vessel.

42. The system of any of claims 24-41 comprising a condensation tank for collecting water, the condensation tank operatively connected to the reaction chamber.

43. The system of any of claims 24-42 comprising:
an oxygen collection tank; and a discharge line operatively connecting the hydrogen collection tank and the oxygen collection tank to the reaction chamber.

44. The system of any of claims 24-43 comprising a gas permeable membrane in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, the gas permeable membrane selected to pass hydrogen gas at a first flow rate and oxygen gas at a second flow rate, wherein the first flow rate is greater than the second flow rate.

45. The system of any of claims 23-44 wherein the RF transmission head, RF
receiver, and the portion of salt water between the RF transmission head and the RF receiver are arranged such that the RF signal from the transmission head is coupled to the salt water solution via a high-Q
circuit.

46. The system of any of claims 23-45 wherein the transmitted RF signal is coupled to the salt water solution via a high-Q resonant circuit.

47. The system of any of claims 23-46 wherein the RF generator is configured to generate an RF signal having a frequency of approximately 13.56 MHz.

48. A method for processing salt water comprising:

providing salt water solution comprising water and at least one salt, the salt water solution having an effective amount of the salt dissolved in the water;

providing an RF transmitter having an RF generator in circuit communication with a transmission head, the RF generator capable of generating an RF signal at least partially absorbable by the salt water solution having at least one frequency for transmission via the transmission head;

arranging the transmission head near the salt water solution such that the RF
signal transmitted via the transmission head interacts with at least some of the salt water solution;
transmitting the RF signal via the transmission head; and wherein the transmitted RF signal is transmitted for a time sufficient to transform at least a portion of the salt water.

49. The method of claim 48 comprising the step of adding one or more of the following to the salt water solution:

a. at least one additive; or b. at least one secondary fuel; or c. a mixture of both and;

wherein the transmitted RF signal is transmitted for a time sufficient to either (i) decompose the salt water solution to produce hydrogen gas or (ii) heat the salt water solution to volatilize the secondary fuel or (iii) both; and wherein the transmitted RF signal is transmitted for a time to combust at least one of the hydrogen gas, the volatilized secondary fuel, or both.

50. The method of any of claims 48-49 wherein the step of providing a salt water solution is performed by spraying a mist of salt water solution between the RF
transmission head and the RF receiver.

51. The method of any of claims 48-50 comprising the step of adding at least one RF
absorption enhancer to the salt water solution.

52. The method of any of claims 48-51 comprising the step of collecting hydrogen gas produced by the combustion of the salt water solution.

53. The method of any of claims 48-52 wherein the salt water solution being acted on the transmitted RF signal is surrounded by a closed reaction chamber.

54. The method of claim 53 wherein the closed reaction chamber is pressure sealed, the method comprising the step of moving a drivable member with pressure generated within the reaction chamber by the combustion of salt water solution.

55. The method of claim 53 wherein the step of transmitting the transmitted RF
signal is performed for a time sufficient to boil the salt water solution, the method comprising the steps of condensing the steam to form desalinated water.

56. The method of claim 53 wherein the step of transmitting the transmitted RF
signal is performed for a time sufficient to decompose the salt water solution in order to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

57. The method of claim 56 comprising the step of passing the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas through a gas permeable membrane, wherein the gas permeable membrane is selected to pass the hydrogen gas at a greater flow rate than the oxygen gas.

58. A method of combusting a liquid, comprising:

providing an RF system having an RF generator and a transmission head, the RF
generator capable of generating an RF signal for transmission via the transmission head, and the transmitted RF signal capable of generating an ignitable gas from sea water in an open container proximate the transmission head;

providing a liquid comprising water and at least one ion, the liquid having an effective amount of the at least one ion dissolved in the liquid for generation of an ignitable gas by the transmitted RF signal;

transmitting the RF signal via the transmission head; and combusting at least a portion of the liquid.

59. The method of combusting a liquid according to claim 58 wherein the liquid that is combusted comprises a hydrocarbon having added thereto an amount of the at least one ion so that the resulting treated hydrocarbon reacts with the transmitted RF signal to significantly increase a rate of combustion of the treated hydrocarbon.

60. The method of combusting a liquid according to claim 59 wherein the providing a liquid step comprises providing the hydrocarbon and adding to the hydrocarbon an amount of a water solution of the at least one ion so that the resulting treated hydrocarbon reacts with the transmitted RF signal to significantly increase a rate of combustion of the treated hydrocarbon.

61. The method of combusting a liquid according to claim 58 wherein the combusted liquid comprises ground water, wherein at least a portion of the RF system is housed in a sealed enclosure, and wherein the step of providing a liquid comprises lowering the sealed enclosure into an opening in the earth to position the RF transmission head proximate standing ground water to combust the ground water in the earth.

62. A method of treating a compound, comprising:

providing an RF system having an RF generator and a transmission head, the RF
generator capable of generating an RF signal for transmission via the transmission head, and the transmitted RF signal capable of generating an ignitable gas from sea water in an open container proximate the transmission head;

positioning the transmission head proximate to the compound;

transmitting the RF signal via the transmission head; and wherein the RF signal is transmitted for a length of time sufficient for the signal to act upon contaminants within the compound.

63. The method of treating a compound according to claim 62 wherein the compound is soil or clay.

64. The method of treating a compound according to any of claims 62-63 wherein the RF
signal is transmitted for a length of time sufficient to heat undesired organic matter in the soil or clay.

65. The method of treating a compound according to any of claims 62-64 wherein the RF
signal is transmitted for a length of time sufficient to volatilize hydrocarbon pollutants in the soil or clay.

66. The method of treating a compound according to any of claims 62-65 wherein the compound includes undesired microbes, bacteria, or viruses and wherein the RF
signal is transmitted for a length of time sufficient to destroy the undesired microbes, bacteria, or viruses.

67. The method of treating a compound according to any of claims 62-66 further comprising the step of adding an effective amount of at least one ion to the compound to enhance RF
treatment by the RF signal.

68. The method of treating a compound according to any of claims 62-67 wherein the treatment comprises decontamination of the compound by the RF signal.

69. The method of treating a compound according to any of claims 62-68 further comprising the step of adding an effective amount of at least one ion to the compound to enhance decontamination by the RF signal.

70. The method of treating a compound according to any of claims 62-69 further comprising the step of adding an effective amount of sodium to enhance decontamination of the compound by the RF signal.