John Kanzius: RF-Induced Hyperthermia vs Cancer -- RF
Ignition of Salt Water: US Patent Application # 0060190063


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**[rexresearch.com](../index.htm)**



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**John KANZIUS**

**RF-Induced Hyperthermia vs Cancer** **&** **Salt
Water-Fuel**

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![](johnkanzius.jpg)

**John Kanzius**

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**Addendum :** [MX2009005080 ~ RF SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
PROCESSING SALT WATER](#mxpatent)

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[**http://www.wpbf.com/news/13383827/detail.html**](http://www.wpbf.com/news/13383827/detail.html)  
[**http://www.wpbf.com/health/11125485/detail.html**](http://www.wpbf.com/health/11125485/detail.html)  
**Video: <http://www.wpbf.com/video/13382787/index.html>**

**Fla. Man Invents Machine To Turn Water
Into Fire**

*SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla.* **--** A Florida man may have
accidentally invented a machine that could solve the gasoline
and energy crisis plaguing the U.S., WPBF News 25 reported.

Sanibel Island resident John Kanzius is a former broadcast
executive from Pennsylvania who wondered if his background in
physics and radio could come in handy in treating the disease
from which he suffers: cancer.

Kanzius, 63, invented a machine that emits radio waves in an
attempt to kill cancerous cells while leaving normal cells
intact. While testing his machine, he noticed that his invention
had other unexpected abilities.

Filling a test tube with salt water from a canal in his back
yard, Kanzius placed the tube and a paper towel in the machine
and turned it on. Suddenly, the paper towel ignited, lighting up
the tube like it was a wax candle.

"Pretty neat, huh?" Kanzius asked WPBF's Jon Shainman.

Kanzius performed the experiment without the paper towel and
got the same result -- the saltwater was actually burning.

The former broadcasting executive said he showed the experiment
to a handful of scientists across the country who claim they are
baffled at watching salt water ignite.

Kanzius said the flame created from his machine reaches a
temperature of around 3,000 degrees Farenheit. He said a chemist
told him that the immense heat created from the machine breaks
down the hydrogen-oxygen bond in the water, igniting the
hydrogen.

"You could take plain salt water out of the sea, put it in
containers and produce a violent flame that could heat
generators that make electricity, or provide other forms of
energy," Kanzius said.   
He said engineers are currently experimenting with him in Erie,
Pa. in an attempt to harness the energy. They've built an engine
that, when placed on top of the flame, chugged along for two
minutes, Kanzius told WPBF.

Kanzius admits all the excitement surrounding a new possible
energy source was a stroke of luck. Someone who witnessed his
work on the cancer front asked him if perhaps the machine could
be used for desalinization.

"This was an experiment to see if I could heat salt water, and
instead of heat, I got fire," Kanzius said.

Kanzius said he hoped that his invention could one day solve a
lot of the world's energy problems.

"If I were to be bold enough, I think one day you could power
an automobile with this, eventually," Kanzius told WPBF.

![](watrburn.jpg)

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**WPBF.com**   
**February 27, 2007**

**Florida Man Invents Machine To Cure Cancer**

*SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. --*A Florida man with no
medical training has invented a machine that he believes may
lead to a cure for cancer.   
John Kanzius, who turns 63 on March 1, is a former broadcast
executive from Pennsylvania who wondered if his background in
physics and radio could come in handy in treating the disease
from which he suffers himself.

Inside his Sanibel Island garage, Kanzius invented a machine
he believes sits on the brink of a major medical breakthrough.

The machine began to take shape four years ago, when his
dreams of retirement were put on hold after he was diagnosed
with a rare form of leukemia.

Kanzius' invention is not flashy, and it looks like a piece
of 20th-century hardware. It doesn't even have a name.

"It's a kick-ass cancer cell generator," Kanzius called it.

After 24 rounds of chemotherapy, the former broadcaster
decided that he did not want to see others suffer trying to
cure the disease.

Kanzius said it was watching kids being treated that affected
him the most.

"Particularly, young children walk in with smiles, and then
you'd see them three weeks later and their smiles had
disappeared. I said to myself, 'We're in a barbaric type of
medicine,'" Kanzius told WPBF.

He began tinkering with pie plates and hot dogs, trying to
use his broadcasting background to kill the cancerous cells.

Kanzius said his machine basically makes cells act like
antennae to pick up a signal and self-destruct.

Unlike current cancer treatment, Kanzius' machine does not
use radiation, and unlike today's radio-frequency treatments,
it's noninvasive.

Now, some of the nation's most prominent doctors and
scientists are using Kanzius' machines in their research. In
January, researchers said they performed a breakthrough at the
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

"The complete killing of pancreatic cells in laboratory
conditions is encouraging," Dr. Steve Curley said.

Curley is currently testing whether cancerous tumors can be
wiped out in animals.

"We've got a lot more work to do, but this is very
interesting preliminary work," Curley told WPBF.

Kanzius explained that his machine uses a solution filled
with nanoparticles, which measure no more than one-billionth
of a meter. A test subject would be injected with either gold
or carbon nanoparticles, which would make their way through
the body and attach to the cancerous cells. The test subject
would then enter the machine and receive a dose of radio
frequency waves, theoretically heating and killing the
cancerous cells in moments and leaving nearby cells untouched.

"That is the holy grail -- when they attach, and research has
shown that they're able to kill them once they attach to the
cancer cells," Kanzius said.

Kanzius said he hopes to begin human testing with his machine
within the next two years.

"The results look too phenomenal for anyone to stop at this
point in time. I don't think the largest research center in
the world would put time and effort and their name on a
project if they did not think it would work," Kanzius told
WPBF.

Kanzius told WPBF he does not want to try and build up false
hope, but he mentioned that there could be some major
announcements coming from researchers in the next coming
months.

---

**WSEE-TV**   
[**http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070518/WSEE01/70517027/-1**](http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070518/WSEE01/70517027/-1)  
**VIDEO : <http://interface.audiovideoweb.com/lnk/va92win15111/CURRAN051707.wmv/play.asx>**
  
**May 18. 2007**

**KANZIUS DISCOVERS ALTERNATIVE FUEL**

**John Kanzius may have found a cure for cancer and a
renewable energy source too.**

As if finding a potential cure for cancer isn't enough... John
Kanzius and his associate Charlie Rutkowski have found a way to
create energy by burning salt water with the same radio wave
machine they are using to kill cancer cells.

Kanzius and Rutkowski were testing their external radio-wave
generator to see if it could desalinate salt water... and they
ended up being able to burn it.

"On our way to try to do desalinization we came up with
something that burns and it looks like salt water could be used
as a fuel to replace the carbon footsteps that we've been using
all these years i.e. fossil fuels." said Kanzius

The radio waves excite the salt water causing it to burn and
creating the perfect energy source.

"Using salt water or as you saw we used man made salt water
just took tap water and added salt water to it and got it to
burn so if you have water and salt two of the biggest resources
on this whole planet i mean unbelievable." said Rutkowski.

The potential uses are limitless... fuel for cars, creating
electricity, heating homes... and all with a resource that is
unlimited and renewable.

Kanzius plans to continue his research and hopes that one day
his invention will cure cancer and create energy from salt water
efficiently.

"If it helps humanity and it helps people out and it helps the
city and the county out and more jobs for this city then I feel
like done part." said Kanzius.

Now the question is... what will Kanzius do next?

---

[**http://www.wjettv.com/content/fulltext/?cid=2424**](http://www.wjettv.com/content/fulltext/?cid=2424)  
**VIDEO: <http://www.wjettv.com/media_player.php?media_id=1357>**
  
May 17, 2007

**From Treating Cancer to Finding
Alternative Fuels**

**by**

**Kim Thomas**

He's already on the path to finding a treatment for cancer, now
Erie inventor John Kanzius may have discovered a way to produce
alternative fuels. Thursday afternoon, Kanzius showed how he was
able to convert salt water into fuel.

The External RF Generator was invented to find a treatment for
cancer.  Now, after experimenting with the
desalinization  process, John Kanzius has potentially found
an alternative fuel... salt water. You may have to see it, to
believe it.

First, Kanzius showed how plain tap water wouldn't create a
flame. Then, Morton salt was added... heated up... and ignition.
Kanzius can add salt to tap water or use salt water from the
Gulf of Mexico or any other body of water. They've proved it can
even work like a spark plug creating heat in a chamber by using
a paper towel as a wick.

If this is as successful as Kanzius is predicting, salt water
could someday be used as a low-cost alternative fuel.

Kanzius says he feels the same way about this latest discovery
as he does about his theory for curing cancer.  As long as
he's helping the Erie community and humanity, then he's doing
his part.

---



**Water Into Fuel?**

**by**

**Michael O'Mara**

Retired TV station owner and broadcast engineer, John Kanzius,
wasn't looking for an answer to the energy crisis.

He was looking for a cure for cancer.

Four years ago, inspiration struck in the middle of the night.
Kanzius decided to try using radio waves to kill the cancer
cells.

His wife Marianne heard the noise and found her husband
inventing a radio frequency generator with her pie pans.

"I got up immediately, and thought he had lost it."

Here are the basics of John's idea:

Radio-waves will heat certain metals. Tiny bits of certain
metal are injected into a cancer patient.

Those nano-particals are attracted to the abnormalities of the
cancer cells and ignore the healthy cells.

The patient is then exposed to radio waves and only the bad
cells heat up and die.

But John also came across yet another extrordinary
breakthrough.

His machine could actually make saltwater burn.

John Kanzius discovered that his radio frequency generator
could release the oxygen and hydrogen from saltwater and create
an incredibly intense flame.

"Just like that. If that was in a car cylinder you could see
the amount of fire that would be in the cylinder."

The APV Company Laboratory in Akron has checked out John's
amazing invention. They were amazed.

"That could be a steam engine, a steam turbine. That could be a
car engine if you wanted it to be."

Imagine the possibilities. Saltwater as the ultimate clean
fuel.

A happy byproduct of one man searching for the cure for cancer.

---

***Erie Times-News*** ( 17Aug. 2007 ),
1B

**"Staggeringly Important"**

*Renowned scientist lauds Kanzius' invention*

By GEORGE MILLER   
george.miller@timesnews.com

A materials scientist is heated up over the effect of John
Kanzius' external radio-wave generator on salt water.

"It is scientifically a staggeringly important discovery", said
Rustum Roy, a leading authority on microwave applications on
materials technology.

Roy was in Erie on Thursday to view experiments with the
radio-wave generator at Industrial Sales and Manufacturing Inc.,
the Millcreek company that builds Kanzius' generator. In the
experiments, a test tube of salt water creates a flame when
bombarded by the generator.

"It will certainly shape a lot of science", said Roy, who
founded the Materials Science Laboratory at Pennsylvania State
University. "It will tell us a lot more about the structure of
water than anything in 100 years. It's a big, big contribution
to the science of water".

Roy, a Penn State professor emeritus, still teaches some
classes there and oversees research. He has done studies on the
structure of water. He is also a visiting professor of medicine
at the University of Arizona and distinguished professor of
materials at Arizona State University. He spends his winters in
Arizona. Kanzius said Roy was the first outside expert in water
to view the demonstration. "It was sink-or-swim time for the
project," Kanzius said. Kanzius said he is pleased with the
assessment, especially because there have been skeptics. "To
hear a world authority give such a rave review is phenomenal",
he said. "It's more than we ever expected to hear from him
today. I expected him to hit me on the head with a sledgehammer
and say, "Wake up".

Kanzius, a Millcreek inventor and a former television and radio
broadcaster and engineer, built the radio-wave generator in 2003
as a way of treating cancer. The cancer research, he said, is
going fullspeed ahead."

He found the generator's effect on salt water by a fluke during
a demonstration in the fall of 2006 and has been exploring its
use as an alternative energy source since then.

Roy said the Kanzius' discovery has scientific value in itself
and also has the potential to create an alternative energy
source and perhaps even to benefit medicine beyond cancer.

"Where its applications lead is hard to tell", said Roy.
"Science is not hard to tell. It's going to be a whole new
growth tree of science of the radiation effects on water
structure?"

Roy said he isn't sure whether the generator's use would result
in a net gain in energy since the generator itself is powered by
energy.

"It is certainly a new route for active research", he said.

---

[**http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-cancer2nov02,0,1721192,full.story?coll=la-tot-topstoriesSending
his cancer a signal**](http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-cancer2nov02,0,1721192,full.story?coll=la-tot-topstoriesSending%20his%20cancer%20a%20signal)   
**November 2, 2007**

**Sending His Cancer A Signal**

**by**   
**Erika Hayasaki,**   
**Los Angeles Times Staff Writer**   
**erika.hayasaki@latimes.com**

*"I want to see the treatment work," says John Kanzius, whose
cancer has recurred. He knows the process he developed may not
be ready in time to save his life, but the project was never
about him. John Kanzius, sorely weakened by leukemia
treatments, drew on his lifetime of working with radio waves
to devise a machine that targets cancer cells. The miracle: It
works.*

ERIE, PA. -- When doctors told John Kanzius he had nine months
to live, he quietly thanked God for his blessings and prepared
to die.

Then 58, he had lived a good life, with a loving wife, two
successful adult daughters and a gratifying career.

Now he had leukemia and was ready to accept his fate, but the
visits to the cancer ward shook him. Faces haunted him, the bald
and bandaged heads, bodies slumped in wheelchairs, and children
who could not play.

Like him, they had endured chemotherapy treatments that caused
their weight to plummet, hands to shake, bodies to weaken, and
immune systems to break down to the point that the slightest
germ could be deadly. Kanzius knew their agony. He believed if
cancer didn't kill him first, the treatments surely would.

He thought there had to be a more humane way to treat cancer.

Kanzius did not have a medical background, not even a
bachelor's degree, but he knew radios. He had built and fixed
them since he was a child, collecting transmitters,
transceivers, antennas and amplifiers, earning an amateur radio
operator license. Kanzius knew how to send radio wave signals
around the world. If he could transmit them into cancer cells,
he wondered, could he then direct the radio waves to destroy
tumors, while leaving healthy cells intact?

Awake in bed one night in 2003, as the clock ticked past 2,
Kanzius pulled himself from beneath the covers, leaving his
sleeping wife, Marianne. He staggered down a flight of stairs,
grabbed some copper wires, boxes, antennas and Marianne's pie
pans, and began building a machine.

For months, Kanzius tinkered, using the pie pans to create an
electronic circuit, often waking Marianne with his clanging. By
day, he sent her out with supply lists: mineral mixtures,
metals, wires.

His early-morning experiments would lead him to one of the
nation's top cancer researcher centers, and earn the support of
a Nobel Prize winner.

When it came to electronics, Marianne had always known her
husband was gifted. But still she worried: Was he going mad? "My
God, honey," she thought, "none of the doctors can fix this. How
can you?"

Kanzius' mother wanted him to be a priest or a doctor, but he
followed his father, a technician and ham radio operator who
taught his son to love electronics and told him they would soon
take over the world.

When Kanzius was 22, after two years of trade school, he got a
job at RCA as a technical assistant. On his first day, he fixed
the company's color television transmitters, which had been the
subject of lawsuits because they did not comply with Federal
Communications Commission guidelines. He was promoted to the
engineering department.

He worked at RCA for two years. In 1966, he took a job at a
television station as director of engineering. Kanzius became
president and co-owner of a television and radio station company
in 1984. He retired in 2001.

In the winter of 2002 Kanzius felt soreness in his abdomen. On
Good Friday, he went in for a CT scan. Doctors told him he had
five to seven years to live.

The drive home felt like the longest of his life. On the way,
he called Marianne. She noted that moment in her journal:

"I hadn't heard from him. Then the phone rang. 'Honey, it's
bad. I have a tumor in my stomach. They're not certain, but they
think it's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.' The phone went silent."

He underwent chemotherapy, a few times a week for six months --
but he stayed upbeat, and doctors told him the cancer had gone
into remission.

A year after his diagnosis, on Good Friday again, doctors gave
him bad news: He had an aggressive type of cancer that had not
actually gone into remission. They gave him nine months. Doctors
said he needed a bone marrow transplant, and Kanzius traveled to
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for a second opinion.
During his visit, he noticed the children in the cancer ward.
Kanzius went home thinking about them, and soon mapped out his
idea.

He knew that metal would heat when exposed to radio waves. He
wanted to focus the waves by inserting metal particles into
tumors. The infused cells would be placed in a radiofrequency
field. The waves would pass through the human body, and the
particles injected into the cancer would heat and kill the cells
without harming anything else.

He built a machine to send the waves, while undergoing his
second round of chemotherapy. This time the treatments nearly
killed him. He spent three or four days a week at the hospital,
sometimes for as long as eight hours. He came home to rest, only
to toil over his project.

By Christmas 2003, Kanzius could barely walk. Around that time,
his 83-year-old mother died from lung cancer. Kanzius was too
weak to board a plane for her funeral.

He drew pictures for Marianne, leaving them around the house.
One showed him as a stick figure curled over a toilet as she
took care of him. "A sign of real love," he wrote. "You are my
reason for living."

Weary and weak, he tested his machine with hot dogs, then
liver, then steak. He injected minerals into the meat and placed
the slabs into his machine. To his delight, the injected
portions of meat burned. But would it work on people?

Marianne marveled at his ingenuity and determination. She took
a walk one night and noticed the brilliant colors of leaves soon
to fall from trees.

"Is it a lesson in life?" she wrote in her journal. "Do we see
how wonderful, how beautiful, how magnificent someone is, just
as we're about to lose them?"

The worst of Kanzius' treatment was over by spring 2005, and
the cancer this time was in remission.

Reinvigorated, Kanzius knew he needed to get the word out about
his discovery. He had lunch with a competitor from his days in
the news industry, the managing editor of a local newspaper. He
told him about his project, and the editor assigned a reporter
to find out more. By summer, articles began to appear, and the
community grew interested.

Dr. David A. Geller, co-director of the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center's liver cancer program, read about
Kanzius' machine and called him.

Kanzius had secured a patent for his machine, and asked a
company that made transmitters to build a model. He sent it to
the medical center so Geller could perform tests.

Kanzius shared his theory with his leukemia doctor at M.D.
Anderson. Kanzius said he wanted to show his machine to Dr.
Steven A. Curley, an oncologist on staff who specialized in
radiofrequency cancer treatment.

Doctors already use a treatment called radiofrequency ablation
to kill cancer. The method involves inserting needles into
tumors and killing them with electrodes. The invasive procedure
is limited because it can only reach certain sites, mostly small
tumors, and it can damage healthy cells in the surrounding area.

Kanzius' doctor contacted Curley and told him he did not know
whether his patient was mad, but his idea had attracted a lot of
attention. Curley called Kanzius and asked whether he could find
a substance that could attach to cancer cells and burn when hit
with radio waves, sparing healthy cells.

Kanzius said he might be able to use nanoparticles, which are
so small that 75,000 to 100,000 lined up side by side equal the
width of a strand of human hair. He thought nanoparticles could
potentially be directed to travel through the bloodstream and
stick only to cancer cells -- a patient would swallow a pill or
take a shot containing them. But would they burn?

Kanzius needed to get his hands on some nanoparticles.

Curley knew that Nobel Prize-winning chemist Richard Smalley,
who specialized in nanoscience, was also being treated for
cancer at M.D. Anderson. Curley got in touch with Smalley and
explained Kanzius' theory.

Smalley did not think the nanoparticles would burn but agreed
to give Curley two vials.

In June 2005, Curley met with Kanzius and Marianne. He pulled
the vials of nanoparticles out of his suit jacket pocket, and
Kanzius placed them in the radio field of his machine and turned
it on.

They burned.

Marianne captured that day in her journal:

"John asked, 'Is this what you expected?' For the first time in
my life, I realized that a smile starts behind the eyes before
it starts at the mouth, for Steve responded, 'This is much more
than I expected.' I watched his smile engulf his entire face."

Marianne finally realized: "Could what John's working on be
real?" Curley phoned Smalley to tell him the news.

He remembered Smalley's response: "Holy God."

Smalley asked his colleagues at Rice University to work with
Curley's team at M.D. Anderson on the project.

Shortly before he died in October 2005, Smalley made a final
request to Curley, who would not forget his words: "Nothing has
the potential to help people, to help patients, more than this.
You have to promise me to keep doing this work."

With the project moving along, Kanzius invited scholars,
politicians and scientists to Erie for demonstrations. This
spring, a Canadian health minister had a random thought, after
noticing how quickly condensation formed on the test tube walls
during the process: With the world's need for fresh water, he
asked Kanzius, could his machine be used to desalinate water?

A few weeks later, Kanzius tried to heat and distill water
mixed with Morton's salt in a test tube, which he placed into
his generator. He turned on the radio frequencies and held a
match to the salt water.

Flames erupted.

The radio waves had weakened the bonds that held together the
elements that made up the water, and ignited the hydrogen. The
results left scientists excited by the possibility of separating
hydrogen -- the most abundant element in the universe -- from
salt water to use as a fuel.

Rustum Roy, a Penn State University chemist and water science
expert, called it the most remarkable discovery in water science
in the last century. His team is working on the saltwater
project at Penn State, using Kanzius' machine.

The saltwater discovery pleased Kanzius, but the cancer project
took precedence.

Four years after he came up with his idea, researchers
continued experiments and killed human cancer cells in petri
dishes using nanoparticles and his machine. They recently killed
100% of cancer cells grown in the livers of rabbits, using
Kanzius' method.

Curley said the treatment is the most promising he has ever
seen because it has the potential to kill cancer -- without
invasive treatment or surgery -- that doctors currently have no
way of detecting. The next step for scientists is to perfect a
method of binding nanoparticles with antibodies that, when
introduced into the bloodstream, will attach only to cancer
cells while avoiding normal cells. He said the treatment could
work on any kind of cancer, and he estimates clinical trials are
three to four years away.

"Possible?" Curley said. "Yes. Not simple."

Last year, Kanzius began raising money for his research with
the help of his neighbors. High school students held
fundraisers, foundations offered grants, and children sold
lemonade. Donations soon reached more than $1 million. This May,
Erie officials gave Kanzius a key to the city and declared an
official John Kanzius Day. A former Erie mayor announced a goal
of raising $3 million to fund research.

But the accolades meant little if the wider medical community
did not recognize the research. It had to be reviewed by a panel
of medical experts and published in a scientific journal.

In June, scientists submitted manuscripts based on the findings
to journals. Three months later, Curley called Kanzius with
news: The manuscripts, with Kanzius listed as a co-author, would
be published in December in Cancer, an oncology medical journal.
The results appeared online last week.

Kanzius hung up and yelled the news to Marianne, who was
watching television downstairs. She screamed.

At 63, Kanzius is still receiving treatment for his cancer,
which has recurred. He knows the process he developed may not be
ready in time to save his life, but the project was never about
him. "I want to see the treatment work," he said. "That would be
my thanks."

For Marianne, the journey led her to question her faith in God,
only to have it reaffirmed.

She is hopeful the invention will help future generations, but
she lives in terror, staying up at night to make sure Kanzius is
still breathing. She cannot imagine waking up without her
husband beside her.

"I'm selfish," she said. "If something can help him, I would
like this to help him.

"Yes, I hope."

---

[**http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090508/NEWS02/305089932/-1/NEWS02**](http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090508/NEWS02/305089932/-1/NEWS02)  
**May 08. 2009**

**Research shows Kanzius' invention kills
leukemia cells**

by

**DAVID BRUCE**   
david.bruce@timesnews.com [more details]

**What It Means**

The research showed that John Kanzius' radio-frequency device
can kill leukemia cells in blood without damaging a high
percentage of healthy cells. Such data was needed to determine
if the device could possibly be used one day to treat leukemia
patients.

Hamot Medical Center is presenting 33 research projects
Thursday and today at the hospital's Research Exposition 2009.

But only one of those projects involves a device that has been
profiled on "60 Minutes" and in major newspapers around the
world.

A group of researchers, including the late Millcreek Township
inventor John Kanzius, showed that Kanzius' external
radio-frequency generator can kill leukemia cells in blood while
damaging few other, healthy cells.

"This is information we needed to find," said Peter Depowski,
M.D., Hamot's chief of pathology and one of the project's
researchers. "It doesn't matter how well the device kills cancer
cells if you kill all the healthy cells as well."

Kanzius, who died in February after a long battle with chronic
lymphocytic leukemia, helped put together the research project
in 2008. It was completed in December.

Blood samples were taken from 19 CLL patients at the Regional
Cancer Center.

Researchers had wanted samples from 20 patients, and dozens
from all over the world volunteered for the project. But
researchers had time to work with only 19 patients before
Kanzius had to move his RF device to his winter home in Sanibel,
Fla.

All but one blood sample were treated with Kanzius' device,
which emits radio waves. The samples were then sent for testing
to see what cells survived.

The remaining sample served as the project's control.

"We learned that the radio waves damage the (cancer) cells more
than the healthy ones," said Justine Schober, M.D., one of the
project's researchers and Hamot's director of academic research.
"What we don't know is the significance. Whether the damage is
due to heating or something else."

Schober; Kanzius; Depowski; and Lazarus Mayoglou, a Lake Erie
College of Osteopathic Medicine student, sent the data to Steve
Curley, M.D., principal investigator for the Kanzius Project at
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Curley said the data gave him background on how well Kanzius'
device would work on this particular type of cancer cell.

"(It) raised the blood temperature enough to kill low
percentages of the leukemic cells," Curley said in an e-mail.
"We killed the same percentage of cells with a hot water bath
treatment. So it was not the RF field but nonspecific low level
heating."

Curley and his research team at M.D. Anderson continue to test
Kanzius' device on many different types of cancer, including
leukemia. He said they are using gold nanoparticles -- tiny
pieces of metal -- to target the leukemia cells, just as he does
with liver and pancreatic cancer cells.

Kanzius' device heats the nanoparticles until they destroy the
targeted cancer cells. Nearby healthy cells, which aren't
targeted, are not damaged.

"It only works well with the nanoparticles," Curley said.

Playing even a small role in the search for a cancer cure is
rewarding, Depowski said.

"Dr. Curley is leading the charge, and we're following his
lead," Depowski said.

Hamot's Research Exposition continues today at the hospital,
201 State St.

DAVID BRUCE can be reached at 870-1736 or by e-mail.

> ---

**US Patent Application # 20060190063**

**Enhanced Systems and Methods for
RF-Induced Hyperthermia**

24 August 2006   
US Cl. 607/101   
Intl Cl. A61F 2/00 20060101 A61F002/00

**Abstract --** A method of inducing hyperthermia in at
least a portion of a target area--e.g., a tumor or a portion of
a tumor or targeted cancerous cells--is provided. Targeted RF
absorption enhancers, e.g., antibodies bound to RF absorbing
particles, are introduced into a patient. These targeted RF
absorption enhancers will target certain cells in the target
areas and enhance the effect of a hyperthermia generating RF
signal directed toward the target area. The targeted RF
absorption enhancers may, in a manner of speaking, add one or
more RF absorption frequencies to cells in the target area,
which will permit a hyperthermia generating RF signal at that
frequency or frequencies to heat the targeted cells.

***Description***

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefits
of, provisional application Ser. No.: 60/569,348 filed on May 7,
2004, which is entitled System and Method For RF-Induced
Hyperthermia, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
This application is also a continuation in part of and claims
priority to non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/969,477
filed on Oct. 8, 2004, which is also entitled System and Method
for RF-Induced Hyperthermia, and which is incorporated herein by
reference. This application is also related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. \_\_\_\_\_\_, filed herewith and entitled Systems
and Methods for Combined RF-Induced Hyperthermia and
Radioimmunotherapy and filed herewith and related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. \_\_\_\_\_\_, filed herewith and entitled Systems
and Methods for RF-Induced Hyperthermia Using Biological Cells
and Nanoparticles as RF Enhancer Carriers, both of which are
incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
radio frequency (RF) circuits, and more specifically to an RF
transmitter and receiver system and method for inducing
hyperthermia in a target area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Hyperthermia is characterized by a very high fever,
especially when induced artificially for therapeutic purposes.
RF electromagnetic energy is electromagnetic energy at any
frequency in the radio spectrum from 9000 Hz to 3 THz (3000
GHz). It is known in the art to use contact antennas to direct
RF electromagnetic radiation to intentionally induce
hyperthermia in human tissue for therapeutic purposes, e.g.,
destroying diseased cells (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,899). There
are also several other prior art RF heating devices described in
various publications (e.g., the Thermotron RF-8 system, Yamamoto
Viniter Co. of Osaka, Japan, and the KCTPATEPM system, Russia,
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,756; Re. 32,066; and U.S. Pat. No.
4,095,602 to LeVeen).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, a method of inducing hyperthermia in at least
a portion of a target area--e.g., a tumor or a portion of a
tumor or targeted cancerous cells--is provided. In this first
exemplary method, targeted RF absorption enhancers, e.g.,
antibodies bound to RF absorbing particles, are introduced into
a patient. These targeted RF absorption enhancers will target
certain cells in the target areas and enhance the effect of a
hyperthermia generating RF signal directed toward the target
area. The targeted RF absorption enhancers may, in a manner of
speaking, add one or more artificial RF absorption frequencies
to cells in the target area, which will permit a hyperthermia
generating RF signal at that frequency or frequencies to heat
the targeted cells.

[0005] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, another method of inducing hyperthermia in at
least a portion of a target area is provided. In this second
exemplary method RF absorption enhancers (targeted and/or
non-targeted) are introduced into a patient and a multifrequency
hyperthermia generating RF signal is directed toward the target
area. The multifrequency hyperthermia generating RF signal may
be a frequency modulated (FM) signal having parameters selected
to correspond to a sample of particles being used as energy
absorption enhancer particles in the RF absorption enhancers.
For example, the center frequency of an FM hyperthermia
generating signal may correspond to a resonant frequency of
nominally sized particles used as energy absorption enhancer
particles and the modulation of the FM hyperthermia generating
signal may correspond to a size tolerance of the particles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

**FIG. 1** is an exemplary high-level block diagram of a
non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in a target
area;

![](fig1.jpg)

**FIG. 2** is an exemplary medium-level block diagram of an
RF system for inducing hyperthermia in a target area;

![](fig2.jpg)

**FIGS. 3, 3A, 4, 5 and 6** are exemplary embodiments of
transmission heads and reception heads on either side of a
target areas;

![](fig3-3a.jpg)![](fig4.jpg)![](fig5.jpg)![](fig6.jpg)

**FIG. 7** is an exemplary high-level flowchart of an
embodiment of a RF methodology for inducing hyperthermia in a
target area;

![](fig7.jpg)

**FIG. 8** is an exemplary medium level flow chart of an
embodiment of an RF methodology for inducing hyperthermia in a
target area;

![](fig8.jpg)

**FIG. 9** is an exemplary medium level flow chart of an
embodiment of an RF methodology for inducing in-vitro
hyperthermia in a target area;

![](fig9.jpg)

**FIG. 10** is an exemplary medium level flow chart of an
embodiment of a magnetic methodology for separating cells;

![](fig10.jpg)

**FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B** are high-level schematic block
diagrams of exemplary RF systems;

![](fig11.jpg)![](fig12ab.jpg)

**FIG. 13** is a front/left perspective schematic view of
another exemplary transmission head;

![](fig13.jpg)

**FIG. 14** is a left side schematic view of the exemplary
transmission head of FIG. 13;

![](fig14.jpg)

**FIG. 15** is a left side schematic view of an exemplary
pair of heads of FIG. 13 arranged as an exemplary transmitter
head and receiver head;

![](fig15.jpg)

**FIG. 16** is a front/left perspective schematic view of
yet another exemplary transmission head;

![](fig16.jpg)

**FIG. 17** is a left side schematic view of the exemplary
transmission head of FIG. 16;

![](fig17.jpg)

**FIG. 18** is a left side schematic view of an exemplary
pair of heads of FIG. 16 arranged as an exemplary transmitter
head and receiver head;

![](fig18.jpg)

**FIGS. 19, 20, 21A, 21B, 22A, and 22B** are schematic
diagrams showing various exemplary configurations of transmitter
heads and receiver heads;

![](fig19.jpg)![](fig20.jpg)

![](fig21ab.jpg)![](fig22ab.jpg)

**FIG. 23** is a medium-level schematic block diagram of an
exemplary RF generator;

![](fig23.jpg)

**FIGS. 24-29** are schematic circuit diagrams of exemplary
tuned circuit RF absorbing particles for RF absorption
enhancers; and

![](fig24-29.jpg)

**FIGS. 30-33** are schematic illustrations of exemplary
implementations of tuned circuit RF absorbing particles for RF
absorption enhancers.

![](fig30.jpg)![](fig31.jpg)  
![](fig32.jpg)![](fig33.jpg)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] 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.

[0025] Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1,
there is shown a first exemplary embodiment of a non-invasive RF
system 100 for inducing hyperthermia in a target area 106.
System 100 comprises an RF transmitter 102 in circuit
communication with a transmission head 104 and an RF receiver
110 in circuit communication with a reception head 108. "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 signal is modified by the intermediate 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.

[0026] In exemplary system 100, the RF transmitter 102
generates an RF signal 120 at a frequency for transmission via
the transmission head 104. Optionally, the RF transmitter 102
has controls for adjusting the frequency and/or power 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
transmitter 102 provides an RF signal with variable amplitudes,
pulsed amplitudes, multiple frequencies, etc.

[0027] The RF receiver 110 is in circuit communication with the
reception head 108. The RF receiver 110 is tuned so that at
least a portion of the reception head 108 is resonant at the
frequency of the RF signal 120 transmitted via the transmission
head 104. As a result, the reception head 108 receives the RF
signal 120 that is transmitted via the transmission head 104.

[0028] The transmission head 104 and reception head 108 are
arranged proximate to and on either side of a general target
area 106. General target 106 is general location of the area to
be treated. The general target area 106 is any target area or
type of cells or group of cells, such as for example, tissue,
blood cells, bone marrow cells, etc. The transmission head 104
and reception head 108 are preferably insulated from direct
contact with the general target area 106. Preferably, the
transmission head 104 and reception head 108 are insulated by
means of an air gap 112. Optional means of insulating the
transmission head 104 and reception head 108 from the general
target area 106 include inserting an insulating layer or
material 310 (FIG. 3), such as, for example, Teflon.RTM. between
the heads 104, 108 and the general target area 106. Other
optional means include providing an insulation area on the heads
104, 108, allowing the heads to be put in direct contact with
the general target area 106. The transmission head 104 and the
reception head 108, described in more detail below, may include
one or more plates of electrically conductive material.

[0029] The general target area 106 absorbs energy and is warmed
as the RF signal 120 travels through the general target area
106. The more energy that is absorbed by an area, the higher the
temperature increase in the area. Generally, the general target
area 106 includes a specific target area 130. Specific target
area 130 includes the tissue or higher concentration of cells,
such as, for example, a tumor, that are desired to be treated by
inducing hyperthermia. Preferably, the general target area is
heated to for example, to between 106.degree. and 107.degree..
Thus, preferably, the specific target area 130 receives higher
concentrations of the RF signal 120 then the general target area
106. As a result, the specific target area 130 absorbs more
energy, resulting in a higher temperature in the specific target
area 130 than in the surrounding general target area 106.

[0030] Energy absorption in a target area can be increased by
increasing the RF signal 120 strength, which increases the
amount of energy traveling through the general target area 106.
Other means of increasing the energy absorption include
concentrating the signal on a localized area, or specific target
area 130, and/or enhancing the energy absorption characteristics
of the target area 130.

[0031] One method of inducing a higher temperature in the
specific target area 130 includes using a reception head that is
smaller than the transmission head. The smaller reception head
picks up more energy due to the use of a high-Q resonant circuit
described in more detail below. Optionally, an RF absorption
enhancer 132 is used. An RF absorption enhancer is any means or
method of increasing the tendency of the specific target area
130 to absorb more energy from the RF signal. Injecting an
aqueous solution is a means for enhancing RF absorption. Aqueous
solutions suitable for enhancing RF absorption include, for
example, water, saline solution, aqueous solutions containing
suspended particles of electrically conductive material, such as
metals, e.g., iron, various combination of metals, e.g., iron
and other metals, or magnetic particles. These types of RF
enhancers (i.e., non-targeted "general RF enhancers") are
generally directly introduced into the target area. Other
exemplary general RF enhancers are discussed below, e.g.,
aqueous solutions of virtually any metal sulfate (e.g., aqueous
solutions of iron sulfate, copper sulfate, and/or magnesium
sulfate, e.g., aqueous solutions (about 5 mg/kg of body mass),
copper sulfate (about 2 mg/kg of body mass), and magnesium
sulfate (about 20 mg/kg of body mass)), other solutions of
virtually any metal sulfate, injectable metal salts (e.g., gold
salts), and RF absorbing particles attached to other
non-targeted carriers. Preferably, these types of RF enhancers
may be directly injected into the target area by means of a
needle and syringe, or otherwise introduced into the patient.

[0032] Other means of enhancing RF absorption include providing
targeted RF enhancers, such as antibodies with associated RF
absorption enhancers, such as metal particles. The antibodies
(and other targeting moieties, discussed below) target and bind
to specific target cells in the target area 130. Generally,
antibodies (and other targeting moieties) can be directed
against any target, e.g., tumor, bacterial, fungal, viral,
parasitic, mycoplasmal, histocompatibility, differentiation and
other cell membrane antigens, pathogen surface antigens, toxins,
enzymes, allergens, drugs and any biologically active molecules.
Binding RF enhancing particles to the antibodies (and other
carriers having at least one targeting moiety) permits the
injection of the antibodies (and other carriers having at least
one targeting moiety) into the patient and the targeting of
specific cells and other specific targets. Once a high enough
concentration of RF enhancers 132 are attached to the target
cells, the RF signal 120 is passed through the specific target
area 130. The RF enhancers induce the absorption of more energy,
creating a localized temperature in the specific target area 130
that is higher than the temperature created in the general
target area 106. In addition, a combination of antibodies (and
other carriers having at least one targeting moiety) bound to
different metals (and other RF absorbing particles, discussed
below) can be used allowing for variations in the RF absorption
characteristics in localized areas of the target areas. These
variations in RF absorption characteristics permit intentional
uneven heating of the specific target area 130.

[0033] Targeted RF enhancers and general RF enhancers can be
used to improve current RF capacitive heating devices as well as
current RF ablation devices. Antibodies bound to metals, which
can act as RF absorption enhancers in accordance with the
teachings of the present application, can be obtained through
commercially available channels.

[0034] Targeted RF enhancers and general RF enhancers are
applicable for both in-vivo and in-vitro applications. In one
in-vitro application the targeted RF enhancers and/or general RF
enhancers are in introduced into the target area prior to the
target area being removed from the patient. After the targeted
RF enhancers and/or general RF enhancers bind to the target
area, the target area is removed from the patient and treated
with one or more RF signals. In another in-vitro application the
target area is removed from the patient before the RF enhancers
are introduced into the target area. Once the target area is in
a suitable vessel, the targeted RF enhancers and/or general RF
enhancers are introduced into the target area. The target area
is then treated with one or more RF signals.

[0035] Optionally, multiple frequency RF signals 120 are used.
Multiple frequency RF signals can be used to treat target areas.
Multiple frequency RF signals allow the energy absorption rate
and absorption rate in different locations of the target area to
be more closely controlled. The multiple frequency signals can
be combined into one signal, or by use of a multi-plated
transmission head, or multiple transmission heads, can be
directed at one or more specific regions in the target area.
This is useful for treating target areas that have specific
regions of various shapes, thicknesses and/or depths. Similarly,
pulsed RF signals, variable frequency RF signals and other
combinations or variations of the RF signals can be used to more
precisely control and target the heating of the specific target
areas. These and other methods of increasing RF absorption can
be used independently or in any number of combinations to
increase the energy absorption rate of the specific target area
130.

[0036] In addition, antibodies (or other targeting moieties)
bound with magnetic particles (i.e., magnetic targeted RF
enhancers) can be steered to specific locations using magnets or
magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) machines. Thus, the magnetic
targeted RF enhancers can be directed toward specific target
area or target cells. Furthermore, once the magnetic targeted RF
enhancers bind to the specific target cells, the target cells
can be separated from the other cells by use of a magnetic
force. The magnetic force can be either an attracting force, or
a repelling force. Magnets or MRI machines can also be used to
steer injected (or otherwise introduced) magnetic particles to
specific locations. The magnetic general RF enhancers discussed
above may also be directed toward a specific target area or
target cells using a magnetic force from, e.g., a magnet or MRI
machine.

[0037] Additionally, in accordance with the teachings above, a
target of RF induced hyperthermia may be specific target cells
and need not be limited to a specific region of a body. Certain
cancers, e.g., blood cancers, do not necessarily manifest
themselves in a localized region. As discussed above, targeted
RF enhancers, will target specific cells and need not be
localized. In the case of blood cancers, such as lymphoma,
leukemia, and multiple myeloma, such targeted RF absorption
enhancers (e.g., targeting moieties bound to RF absorbing
particles) can be introduced into a patient and then a selected
region of the body (or perhaps the entire body) can be
irradiated with RF energy, with the RF absorption enhancers
bound to the cells heating up and heating those cells more than
cells without RF absorption enhancers bound to them.

[0038] The above discussion recites several different types of
exemplary RF absorption enhancers for enhancing the RF
absorption of a target area (which may be a tumor or a portion
of a tumor or target cells or some other target), such as (i)
solutions and/or suspensions introduced into a target area to
enhance RF heating of the target area (general RF absorption
enhancers) and (ii) antibodies (or other targeting moieties)
bound to RF absorbing particles that are introduced into a
patient and that target specific target cells to enhance RF
heating of the targeted cells (targeted RF absorption
enhancers). As discussed above, these and other RF absorption
enhancers may be used independently or in any number of
combinations to increase RF absorption of a target area. The
targeted RF absorption enhancers discussed herein can be thought
of as effectively changing the resonant frequency of the target
cells, i.e., adding another, artificial frequency to the target
cells (which may be a resonant frequency of RF absorbing
particles), because the RF absorbing particles, which are bound
to target cells via the targeting moieties, will absorb more RF
energy and heat more quickly than the target cells will at that
frequency. Thus, instead of trying to determine one or more
resonant frequencies of target cells, the targeted RF absorption
enhancers used in accordance with the systems and methods of the
present invention may be used to effectively add an artificial
frequency or frequencies to the target cells at whatever
artificial frequency or frequencies are desired to create
hyperthermia.

[0039] The targeted RF absorption enhancers discussed above
have a portion that binds to one or more targets and an
associated portion that absorbs RF energy relatively well, e.g.,
a carrier having a targeting moiety and attached to an RF
absorbing particle. The general RF absorption enhancers may also
have an associated portion that absorbs RF energy relatively
well e.g., a non-targeted carrier attached to an RF absorbing
particle or RF absorbing particles in solution or suspension.
Several examples given above of such RF absorbing particles
listed above include particles of electrically conductive
material, such as metals, iron, various combination of metals,
irons and metals, or magnetic particles. Other examples are
given below. Of course, these 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
"microparticles" (microscopic particles whose size is measured
in micrometers, e.g., 1-1000 .mu.m). If these particles are to
be injected (or otherwise introduced) intravenously, such
particles are preferably small enough to be bound to and carried
with the at least one carrier to a target cell (e.g., in the
patient's body) or target area (e.g., in the patient's body) via
the patient's vascular system. In accordance with other
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, other RF
absorption enhancers may be used, e.g., using other carriers
other than antibodies and/or using other RF absorbing particles
than those specifically identified above.

[0040] Examples of such other carriers (both targeted and
non-targeted) for RF absorption enhancers include any one or
more of the following: biomolecules, biological cells,
microparticle delivery systems, nanoparticle delivery systems,
water-soluble polymers, other polymers, molecular or cellular
proteomic or genomic structures, as well as other small particle
constructs, including biological or robotic constructs, whether
organic or from man-made materials, such as synthetic applied
materials. Again, these carriers are attached to, or perhaps
contain, RF absorbing particles to form RF absorption enhancers.

[0041] Exemplary biomolecules that may be used as carriers
(both targeted and non-targeted) for RF absorption enhancers
include any one or more of the following: organic molecules,
nucleotides, proteins, antibodies, other specialized proteins,
ligands, oligonucleotides, genetic material, nucleotides, DNA,
RNA, viruses, retroviruses, organometallic molecules, proteins
that are rapidly taken up by fast growing cells and tumors,
transferrin, RGD (arg-gly-asp tripeptide) peptides, and NGR
(asn-gly-arg tripeptide) peptides, folate, trasferrin,
galactosamine, and GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage colony
stimulating factor). Herein, the term "organometallic molecule"
(or just organometallics) means a molecule in which there is at
least one bonding interaction (ionic or covalent, localized or
delocalized) between one or more carbon atoms of an organic
group or molecule and a main group, transition, lanthanide, or
actinide metal atom (or atoms), and shall include organic
derivatives of the metalloids (boron, silicon, germanium,
arsenic, and tellurium), organic derivatives of all other metals
and alloys, molecular metal hydrides; metal alkoxides,
thiolates, amides, and phosphides; metal complexes containing
organo-group 15 and 16 ligands; metal nitrosyls and similar
others. Thus, in addition to being bound to separate RF
absorbing particles to form RF absorption enhancers, some
organometallic molecules may function as RF absorption enhancers
by themselves, having both a carrier portion and an RF absorbing
metallic portion. These organometallic molecules may be directly
injected (or otherwise introduced) or may be attached to
organic, biomolecular, biopolymer, molecular or cellular
proteomic or genomic structures, or may be placed in biologic,
robotic, or man-made synthetic applied materials. The
application of organometallics in nuclear medicine (i.e. for the
labeling of receptor binding biomolecules like steroid hormones
or brain tracers) has been proposed in the literature.
Technetium and radiogallium, typically used for medical imaging,
can be modified with an organometallic. These biomolecules,
organometallic technetium and organometallic radiogallium, could
serve the dual function of imaging a tumor and be a
radiofrequency enhancer because of their specific heat
properties and imaging properties. Additionally, organometallic
technetium and/or organometallic radiogallium may be bound to
one or more different RF absorbing particles, e.g., bound to any
one or more of virtually any of the RF absorbing particles
described herein, to form RF absorption enhancers.

[0042] Exemplary biological cells (both targeted and
non-targeted) that may be used as carriers for RF absorption
enhancers include any one or more of the following: white blood
cells, modified white cells, vaccine stimulated white cells,
expanded white cells, T-cells, and tumor infiltrating
lymphocytes (TILs). In general, these cells can be removed from
a tumor or the circulating blood of a cancer patient and grown
in tissue culture dishes or suspensions; thereafter, RF
absorbing particles can be microinfused or absorbed into the
cells to create RF absorption enhancers.

[0043] Exemplary microparticle and nanoparticle delivery
systems (both targeted and non-targeted) that may be used as
carriers for RF absorption enhancers include any one or more of
the following: liposomes, immunoliposomes (liposomes bound to
antibodies or antibody fragments or non-antibody
ligand-targeting moieties), magnetic liposomes, glass beads,
latex beads, other vesicles made from applied materials,
organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles, synthetic
biomaterial like silica modified particles and nanoparticles,
other nanoparticles with the ability to take up DNA (or other
substances) for delivery to cells, other nanoparticles that can
act as a vector to transfer genetic material to a cell. Many of
these can be directly taken up or otherwise internalized in the
targeted cells. Liposomes are artificial microscopic vesicles
used to convey substances--e.g., nucleic acids, DNA, RNA,
vaccines, drugs, and enzymes--to target cells or organs. In the
context of this application, liposomes may contain and carry RF
absorbing particles (such as metal particles, organometalics,
nanoparticles, etc.) to target cells or organs. These and other
microparticle and nanoparticle delivery systems (both targeted
and non-targeted) may be used to carry any one or combination of
two or more of virtually any of the RF absorbing particles
described herein, to form RF absorption enhancers. Exemplary
polymers that may be used as carriers for RF absorption
enhancers include any one or more of the following: dextran,
albumin, and biodegradable polymers such as PLA (polylactide),
PLGA polymers (polylactide with glycolide or poly(lactic
acid-glycolic acid)), and/or hydroxypropylmethacrylamine (HPMA).

[0044] Other exemplary carriers for RF absorption enhancers
include: molecular or cellular proteomic or genomic constructs,
as well as other small particle constructs, including biological
or robotic constructs, whether organic or from man-made
materials, such as synthetic applied materials.

[0045] Targeted RF absorption enhancers are characterized by
targeting and binding to target cells to thereby increase
heating of target cells responsive to the RF signal by
interaction between the RF signal and the targeted RF absorption
enhancer. The target cells may be in an organ or a tumor or a
portion of a tumor, or may be circulating or isolated cells,
such as blood cells. Some targeted RF absorption enhancers may
bind to the cell membrane or intracellular contents of (e.g.,
one or more biomolecules inside) the target cells. Some targeted
RF absorption enhancers may bind to target cells by being taken
up or otherwise internalized by the target cells. Some targeted
RF absorption enhancers discussed herein can be thought of as
effectively changing the resonant frequency of target cells,
i.e., adding another, artificial frequency to the target cells
(which may be a resonant frequency of RF absorbing particles),
because the RF absorbing particles, which are bound to target
cells via the targeting moieties, will absorb more RF energy and
heat more quickly than the target cells will at that frequency.
For targeted RF absorption enhancers, carriers with a targeting
moiety for targeting and binding to a target cells ("targeted
carriers") are attached (either directly or indirectly) to any
of the RF absorbing particles described herein and introduced
into the patient prior to transmitting the RF signal to create
hyperthermia. Some targeted carriers for RF absorption enhancers
(e.g., antibodies, ligands, and TILs) inherently have targeting
moieties for targeting some part of target cells. Other RF
absorption enhancer carriers (e.g., liposomes) may need to be
modified to be targeting carriers by attaching one or more
target moieties for targeting some part of target cells, e.g.,
immunoliposomes, which are liposomes bound to antibodies or
antibody fragments or non-antibody ligand-targeting moieties.
Some targeted carriers (e.g., antibodies, ligands, and antibody
fragments) target one or more "target biomolecules" of target
cells and bind to the target cells. The term "target
biomolecules" as used herein means a molecular structure within
a target cell or on the surface of a target cell characterized
by selective binding of one or more specific substances. The
term "target biomolecules" includes, by way of example but not
of limitation, cell surface receptors, tumor-specific markers,
tumor-associated tissue markers, target cell markers, or target
cell identifiers, such as CD markers, an interleukin receptor
site of cancer cells, and other biomolecules to which another
molecule, e.g. a ligand, antibody, antibody fragment, cell
adhesion site, biopolymer, synthetic biomaterial, sugar, lipid,
or other proteomic or genetic engineered constructs including
recombinant technique, binds. Examples of targeted carriers and
other targeting moieties that can be used to create targeted RF
absorption enhancer carriers include: bivalent constructs,
bispecific constructs, fusion proteins; antibodies; antibody
fragments; non-antibody ligands; and non-antibody targeting
moieties (e.g., GM-CSF which targets to GM-CSF receptor in
leukemic blasts or Galactosamine which targets endothelial
growth factor receptors in the vessels).

[0046] Tumors may produce antigens recognized by antibodies.
There are currently trials of antibodies and antibody fragments
for virtually all cancers and others are being developed. Tumors
often express high levels and/or abnormal forms of glycoproteins
and glycolipids. Antibodies are known to target these (e.g.,
Anti-MUC-1 for targeting breast or ovarian cancer). Oncofetal
antigens are also produced by some tumors. Antibodies are known
to target these (e.g., anti-TAG72 [anti-tumor-associated
glycoprotein-72] for targeting colonrectal, ovarian and breast
cancer or anti-CEA [anti-carcinoembryonic antigen] for targeting
colon-rectal, small-cell lung and ovarian cancers). Tissue
specific antigens have also been targeted. Antibodies are known
to target these (e.g., anti-CD25 for targeting interleukin-2
receptor in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma). The rapid production of
blood vessels in tumors presents another target. Antibodies are
known to target these (anti-VEGR [anti-vascular endothelial
growth-factor receptor] for targeting endothelial cells in solid
tumors. These are but a few examples of the antibodies have
already been used as ligands in targeted therapy to which the
present RF enhancers could be attached. Any one or more of the
RF absorbing particles disclosed herein can be attached
(directly or indirectly) to any of these antibodies and antibody
fragments (and any others) to form substances that may be used
as targeted RF absorption enhancers in connection with
hyperthermia generating RF signals in accordance with the
teachings herein.

[0047] Other examples of known ligand antibodies are the
monoclonal antibodytrastuzumab (Herceptin) which targets to
ERBB2 receptor in cells that over-express this receptor such as
breast and ovarian cancers or rituximab an anti-CD 20 which
targets cell surface antigen in non-hodgkin's lymphoma and other
b-cell lymphoproliferative diseases. Any one or more of the RF
absorbing particles can be attached (directly or indirectly) to
any of these antibodies and antibody fragments (and any others)
to form substances that may be used as targeted RF absorption
enhancers in connection with hyperthermia generating RF signals
in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0048] For general RF absorption enhancers, non-targeted
carriers, such as certain biomolecules, oligonucleotides,
certain cells (such as cells having general adhesive molecules
on their surfaces that are less specific than ligands and
antibodies, which general adhesive molecules may attach to many
different types of cells), etc. may be attached (either directly
or indirectly) to any of the RF absorbing particles described
herein and injected (or otherwise introduced) prior to
transmitting the RF signal to create hyperthermia. Nanoparticles
having oligonucleotides attached thereto, such as DNA sequences
attached to gold nanoparticles, are available from various
sources, e.g., Nanosphere, Inc., Northbrook, Ill. 60062, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,777,186.

[0049] RF absorbing particles are particles that absorb one or
more frequencies of an RF electromagnetic signal substantially
more than untreated cells in or proximate the target area. This
permits the RF signal to heat the RF absorbing particle (or a
region surrounding it or a cell near it) substantially more than
untreated cells in or proximate the target area, e.g., heating
the RF absorbing particles (or a region surrounding them or a
cell near them) with the RF signal to a temperature high enough
to kill target cells bound to them (or damage the membrane of
target cells bound to them), while untreated cells in or
proximate the target area are not heated with the RF signal to a
temperature high enough to kill them. Exemplary target
hyperthermia temperatures include values at about or at least
about: 43.degree. C, 106.3.degree. F., 106.5.degree. F., and
106.7.degree. F., and 107.degree. F. It may also be desirable to
generate a lower hyperthermia temperature (e.g., any temperature
above 103.degree., or above 104.degree., or above 105.degree.)
which may not directly cause necrosis from hyperthermia within
the target area, but may kill or damage cells in the target area
in combination with another therapy, e.g., chemotherapy and/or
radiotherapy and/or radioimmunotherapy. Pulsed RF signals may
produce very localized temperatures that are higher. Exemplary
RF absorbing particles mentioned above include particles of
electrically conductive material, such as 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 metals, and/or magnetic particles.
Examples of other RF absorbing particles for general RF
absorption enhancers and/or targeted RF absorption enhancers
include: metal tubules, particles made of piezoelectric crystal
(natural or synthetic), very small LC circuits (e.g., parallel
LC tank circuits, FIGS. 24 and 30), tuned radio frequency (TRF)
type circuits (e.g., a parallel LC tank circuit having an
additional inductor with a free end connected to one of the two
nodes of the tank circuit, FIGS. 27 and 31), other very small
tuned (oscillatory) circuits (e.g., FIGS. 25, 26, 28, 29, and
32-33), hollow particles (e.g., liposomes, magnetic liposomes,
glass beads, latex beads, other vesicles made from applied
materials, microparticles, microspheres, etc.) containing other
substances (e.g., small particles containing argon or some other
inert gas or other substance that has a relatively high
absorption of electromagnetic energy), particles of radioactive
isotopes suitable for radiotherapy or radioimmunotherapy (e.g.,
radiometals, .beta.-emitting lanthanides, radionuclides of
copper, radionuclides of gold, copper-67, copper-64,
lutetium-177, yttrium-90, bismuth-213, rhenium-186, rhenium-188,
actinium-225, gold-127, gold-128, In-111, P-32, Pd-103, Sm-153,
TC-99m, Rh-105, Astatine-211, Au-199, Pm-149, Ho-166, and
Thallium-201 thallous chloride), organometallics (e.g., those
containing Technetium 99m and radiogallium), particles made of
synthetic materials, particles made of biologic materials,
robotic particles, particles made of man made applied materials,
like organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles. These
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 "microparticles" (microscopic particles
whose size is measured in micrometers, e.g., 1-1000 .mu.m).
These particles are preferably small enough to be bound to and
carried with the at least one biomolecule to a target cell via
the patient's vascular system. For example, gold nanospheres
having a nominal diameter of 3-37 nm, plus or minus 5 nm may
used as RF absorption enhancer particles. Some of the
radioactive isotopes are inserted as "seeds" and may serve as RF
absorption enhancers, e.g., palladium-103, to heat up a target
area in the presence of an RF signal.

[0050] In the case of the particles of radioactive isotopes
used for various treatments, e.g., to treat cancer, a multi-step
combination therapy can be used in accordance with the teachings
hereof. In a first phase, targeted carriers (either carriers
with an inherent targeting moiety or non-targeting carriers with
a targeting moiety attached thereto) are attached to one or more
RF absorbing radionuclides, such as any of the radiometals
mentioned herein, are introduced into the patient, target
specific cells, and emissions (e.g., alpha emissions and/or beta
emissions and/or Auger electron emissions) therefrom damage or
kill the targeted cells. This first phase may include the
introduction of other radiometal-labeled antibodies that may act
as RF absorption enhancers but that do not have cell damaging
emissions, e.g., radiometals used primarily for imaging. This
first phase, in the context of certain antibodies and certain
radioisotopes, is known to those skilled in the art. Thereafter,
in a second phase according to the present invention, an RF
signal is transmitted in accordance with the teachings herein to
generate a localized hyperthermia at the targeted cells by using
the radioisotope particles (which may be partially depleted) as
RF absorption enhancing particles. Such a two-phase therapy may
result in enhanced treatment effectiveness vis-a-vis traditional
radioimmunotherapy with the addition of the second RF-induced
hyperthermia phase. In the alternative, such a two-phase therapy
may result in about the same treatment effectiveness vis-a-vis
traditional radioimmunotherapy by using a lower dose of
radioisotope emissions in the first phase (some radioisotopes
can cause severe damage to tissue, e.g., bone marrow, during
radiotherapy) with the addition of the second RF-induced
hyperthermia phase. Between the two phases, one may wait for a
predetermined period of time, e.g., a period of time based on
the half-life of emissions from a particular radiometal used, or
a period of time based on a patient recovery time after the
first phase, or a period of time based on the ability of one or
more non-targeted organs (e.g., the liver or kidneys) to
excrete, metabolize, or otherwise eliminate the
radioimmunotherapy compound(s). In this regard, it may be
beneficial for this multiphase therapy to use radiometals or
other RF absorbing radionuclides with a relatively high
residualization in target cells. This may help prevent damage to
non-targeted organs and cells by permitting them to excrete,
metabolize, or otherwise eliminate the radioimmunotherapy
compound(s) prior to coupling a hyperthermia generating RF
signal using the radioimmunotherapy compound as an RF enhancer.
For example, a patient treated with Yttrium-90 (Y-90)
ibritumomab tiuxetan (Y-90 ZEVALIN.RTM.) (which is used to treat
b-cell lymphomas and leukemias) in accordance with known
protocols, and also perhaps injected with Indium-111 (In-111)
ibritumomab tiuxetan (In-111 ZEVALIN.RTM.) (which is used for
imaging in connection with rituximab treatments), may also
thereafter have a hyperthermia-generating RF signal coupled
through a body part to heat the cells targeted by the Y-90
ZEVALIN.RTM. and/or the (In-111 ZEVALIN.RTM.). Particles of
radioactive isotopes used to treat cancer, either attached to
biomolecules or not, can be obtained from various commercial
sources. Radiometals can be attached to monoclonal antibodies,
e.g., 90-Yttrium-ibritumomab tiuxetan [Zevalin] or
131-iodine-tositumomab (Bexxar) target anti-CD 20 antigens and
are used for lymphomas. Radiofrequency can produce an added
effect with these metals.

[0051] Very small LC circuits and other tuned (oscillatory)
circuits were mentioned above as exemplary RF absorbing
particles. The very small LC circuits and other tuned
(oscillatory) circuits (FIGS. 24-29) may damage target cells
with vibration (i.e., heating) when a signal at or near the
resonant frequency of the tuned circuit is received.
Additionally, or in the alternative, there may be direct radio
frequency ablation to the cell from RF energy absorbed by tuned
circuit RF absorbing particles, which current may be transferred
to target cells via one or more metal connections of the tuned
circuit particles to the cell membrane or cell itself (see the
discussion below with respect to the at least one exposed
electrical contact 2502 and the encapsulating electrically
conducting material).

[0052] For purposes of the present application, virtually any
of the carriers (targeted or non-targeted) for RF absorption
enhancers described herein may be attached (either directly or
indirectly) to virtually any RF absorbing particle described
herein and/or virtually any combination of and/or permutation of
any RF absorbing particles described herein to form any one or
more RF absorption enhancers. For example, antibody carriers may
be bound to (or otherwise carry) one or more piezoelectric
crystals, tuned electronic circuits, tuned RF (TRF) circuits,
TRF circuits having a rectifier D (FIG. 29), LC tank circuits,
LC tank circuits having a rectifier D (FIG. 26), metallic
particles, and/or metallic nanoparticles. As other examples, TIL
carriers may be attached to or contain an organometallic or TRF
or any other of the microscopic electronic circuit particles,
RNA or DNA carriers may be attached to organometallic molecules
acting as RF absorbers, antibody carriers may be attached to
organometallic molecules acting as RF absorbers, metals (e.g.,
iron) may be attached to transferrin, liposomes may contain RF
absorbing particles, immunoliposomes (liposomes bound to
antibodies or antibody fragments or non-antibody
ligand-targeting moieties) may contain RF absorbing particles,
immunopolymers (microreservoirs) formed by linking therapeutic
agents and targeting ligands to separate sites on water-soluble
biodegradable polymers, such as HPMA, PLA, PLGA, albumin, and
dextran, may be used to form RF absorption enhancers by
attaching to an RF absorbing particle and a targeting moiety
(antibody or non-antibody), those formed by the attachment of
multivalent arrays of antibodies, antibody fragments, or other
ligands to the liposome surface or to the terminus of hydropic
polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), which are grafted
at the liposome surface) may contain RF absorbing particles,
dextran may have metallic particles and targeting peptides
attached to it, polymers of HPMA can have targeting peptides and
metallic particles attached, liposomes may carry metallic or
thermally conductive synthetic biomaterials inside,
immunoliposomes may carry metallic or thermally conductive
synthetic biomaterials inside, monoclonal antibodies and metals,
monoclonal antibodies and radioisotopes like Zevalin, antibody
fragments and organometallics, antibody fragments and
radioisotopes, fusion proteins and organometallics, fusion
proteins and radioisotopes, bispecifics and metals or
organometallics, bispecifics and bivalents constructs and
radioisotopes. Since tumor penetration is often hampered by
particle size, reductionistic engineering techniques that create
smaller proteomic and genomic constructs and recombinations
which are more tumor-specific will be able to carry RF
absorption enhancers. As other examples, microparticle and
nanoparticle delivery systems (both targeted and non-targeted)
and any of the other carriers herein may carry two or more
different RF absorbing particles, e.g., metallic particles of
two different sizes, metallic particles and electronic circuits,
metallic particles and an RF absorbing gas, electronic circuits
and an RF absorbing gas, etc. Such combinations of RF absorbing
particles may provide enhanced absorption at two different
frequencies, e.g., two different resonant frequencies, or a
resonant frequency and a frequency range (as one might see with
a tuned RF circuit absorbing particle combined with a general
particle, such as a metal particle), which may facilitate
multi-level treatments at multiple tissue depths.

[0053] Additionally, virtually any of the foregoing RF
absorbing particles may be partially encapsulated or fully
encapsulated in a carrier or other encapsulating structure such
as: glass beads, latex beads, liposomes, magnetic liposomes,
other vesicles made from applied materials, etc. As exemplified
by the tank circuit of FIG. 25 and the TRF circuit of FIG. 28,
RF absorbing particles in the form of a tuned circuit may be
partially encapsulated in an electrically insulating material
2500 (e.g., a glass or latex bead) and have at least one exposed
electrical contact 2502 in circuit communication with the
rectifier D for contact with biological material in the target
area. In the alternative, RF absorbing particles in the form of
a tuned circuit may be encapsulated in an electrically
conducting material in circuit communication with the rectifier
for contact with biological material in the target area.
Similarly, as exemplified by the rectifying tank circuit of FIG.
26 and the rectifying TRF circuit of FIG. 29, RF absorbing
particles having a rectifier D to rectify a received RF signal
may be partially encapsulated in an electrically insulating
material 2500 and have at least one exposed electrical contact
2502 in circuit communication with the rectifier D for contact
with biological material in the target area to provide a path
for rectified current to flow and perhaps damage cells and/or
heat cells in the target area. In the alternative, RF absorbing
particles having a rectifier to rectify a received RF signal may
be encapsulated in an electrically conducting material in
circuit communication with the rectifier for contact with
biological material in the target area to provide a path for
rectified current to flow and perhaps damage cells and/or heat
cells in the target area. These may be fabricated using standard
monolithic circuit fabrication techniques and/or thin film
fabrication techniques. Various techniques for fabricating
microscopic spiral inductors of FIGS. 24-29 using monolithic
circuit fabrication techniques and/or thin film fabrication
techniques are known, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,297,647; 5,070,317;
5,071,509; 5,370,766; 5,450,263; 6,008,713; and 6,242,791.
Capacitors and rectifiers D may also be fabricated using
monolithic circuit fabrication techniques and/or thin film
fabrication techniques (e.g., with a pair of conductive layers
with a dielectric therebetween and a P-N junction,
respectively). Thus, it is believed that the microscopic
(preferably microparticle or nanoparticle) circuits of FIGS.
24-29 may be fabricated using known monolithic circuit
fabrication techniques and/or thin film fabrication techniques.
FIGS. 30-33 show exemplary embodiments of some exemplary tuned
(oscillatory) circuit particles. FIG. 30 shows an exemplary
embodiment 3000 of an LC particle of FIG. 25. The exemplary LC
particle 3000 comprises a substrate 3002 carrying an inductor
3004 in circuit communication with a capacitor 3006 via
conductive traces 3008, 3010. The inductor 3004 may be a spiral
3020 of electrically conductive material. The capacitor 3006 may
be formed from two spaced plates 3022, 3024 of electrically
conductive material with a dielectric (not shown) therebetween.
Plate 3022 and conductive path 3008 are shown as at a lower
level than plate 3024 and inductor 3020. Conductive path 3008 is
connected to inductor 3020 with a via 3021. The encapsulating
electrically insulating material 2500 in FIG. 20 may be
implemented by a layer of electrically insulating material 3026
covering at least the inductor 3004 and the capacitor 3006 above
in cooperation with the substrate 3002 below. The exposed
electrical contact 2502 in FIG. 25 may be implemented as an
exposed pad 3030 of conductive material. FIG. 31 shows an
exemplary embodiment 3100 of a TRF circuit of FIG. 28. Particle
3100 may be the same as particle 3000, except particle 3100 has
an additional inductor 3102. The inductor 3102 may be a spiral
3104 of electrically conductive material, in circuit
communication by a via 3106 with the node 3008 connecting
inductor 3004 and capacitor 3006. FIG. 32 shows an exemplary
embodiment 3200 of a rectifying tank circuit 3200 of FIG. 26.
Particle 3200 may be the same as particle 3000, except particle
3200 has a rectifier 3202. Rectifier 3202 may be implemented
with a n-type semiconductor region (or a p-type region) 3204 in
circuit communication with a p-type region (or an n-type region)
3206 as known to those in the art. The node 3010 connecting
inductor 3004 and capacitor 3006 may be connected to rectifier
3202 at via 3208. Similarly, the exposed pad 3030 may be
connected to rectifier 3202 at via 3210. FIG. 33 shows an
exemplary embodiment 3300 of a rectifying TRF circuit of FIG.
28. Particle 3300 may be the same as particle 3100, except
particle 3300 has a rectifier 3202. As with the rectifier in
FIG. 32, rectifier 3202 may be implemented with an n-type
semiconductor region (or a p-type region) 3204 in circuit
communication with a p-type region (or an n-type region) 3206 as
known to those in the art. The node 3010 connecting inductor
3004 and capacitor 3006 may be connected to rectifier 3202 at
via 3208. Similarly, the exposed pad 3030 may be connected to
rectifier 3202 at via 3210. The particles made of piezoelectric
crystal can be obtained from various commercial sources, e.g.,
Bliley Technologies, Inc., Erie, Pa. Gases in the noble gas
family, e.g., neon, argon, etc., exhibit relatively large
excitation at relatively low RF signal strengths. The small
particles containing argon can be obtained from various
commercial sources.

[0054] Various means for getting the RF absorption enhancers of
the present invention to the targeted cell site are
contemplated. RF absorption enhancers may be introduced as part
of a fluid directly into the tumor (e.g., by injection),
introduced as part of such a fluid into the patient's
circulation (e.g., by injection), mixed with the cells outside
the body (ex-vivo), inserted into target cells with
micropipettes. Nanoparticle RF absorption enhancers may be
introduced by aerosol inhalers, sublinqual and mucosal
absorption, lotions and creams, and skin patches. RF absorption
enhancers may be directly injected into a patient by means of a
needle and syringe. In the alternative, they may be injected
into a patient via a catheter or a port. They may be injected
directly into a target area, e.g., a tumor or a portion of a
tumor. In the alternative, they may be injected via an
intravenous (IV) system to be carried to a target cell via the
patient's vascular system. RF absorption enhancers of the
present invention may bind with the cell surface, bind to a
target cell wall (e.g., those using monoclonal antibodies as a
carrier) or be internalized by the cells (e.g., those using
liposomes and nanoparticles as a carrier). Certain RF absorption
enhancers of the present invention (e.g., those using TILs as a
carrier) may be internalized by target cells. Additionally, it
may be desirable to surgically-place certain RF absorption
enhancers in a patient, e.g., metallic radioactive "seeds."

[0055] RF hyperthermia generating signal 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.+-.15.0 kHz; 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. It is believed that
hyperthermia generating RF signals at sequentially higher
frequency harmonics of 13.56 MHz will penetrate into
respectively deeper tissue, e.g., a hyperthermia generating RF
signal at 27.12 MHz will penetrate deeper than at 13.56 MHz, a
hyperthermia generating RF signal at 40.68 MHz will penetrate
deeper than at 27.12 MHz, a hyperthermia generating RF signal at
54.24 MHz will penetrate deeper than at 40.68 MHz, a
hyperthermia generating RF signal at 67.80 MHz will penetrate
deeper than at 54.24 MHz, a hyperthermia generating RF signal at
81.36 MHz will penetrate deeper than at 67.80 MHz, and so on (up
to higher RF frequencies that may heat the skin uncomfortably or
burn the skin). The optimum depth level is selected based upon
antibodies used, and the physical size of the patient, the
location and depth of the target area, and the tumor involved.
As discussed above, combinations of two or more different
frequencies may be used, e.g., a lower frequency RF component
(such as 13.56 MHz) and a higher frequency component (such as
40.68 MHz) to target different tissue depths with the same
hyperthermia generating RF signal.

[0056] Some of the exemplary particles shown comprise a
rectifier D, e.g., FIGS. 26, 29, 32 and 33. Any of the RF
absorption enhancer particles disclosed herein may also comprise
an associated rectifier or demodulator (e.g., a diode or crystal
in circuit communication with an oscillatory circuit) on some or
all of the particles to cause rectification of the RF signal and
thereby generate a DC current to damage the target cell(s) (in
the case of targeted RF absorption enhancers) and/or cells in
the target area (in the case of general RF absorption
enhancers). Thus, for example, the particles may have an LC tank
circuit with a diode (FIG. 26), a TRF (Tuned Radio Frequency)
type circuit implemented thereon with a diode (FIG. 29) or a
piezoelectric crystal with a diode. Such RF absorption enhancer
particles may require the patient to be grounded, e.g., with a
grounded lead pad, to provide a current path for the rectified
RF current. These examples immediately above may be thought of
as being similar to a simple TRF crystal set, which was powered
only by a received RF signal and could demodulate the received
signal and generate enough energy to power a high-impedance
earphone with no outside power source other than the signal from
the radio station. With the particles of the present
application, the addition of a diode to these circuits may cause
DC currents to flow within the target area and/or within and/or
between the target cells responsive to the RF signal causing
additional heating effect to generate the desired hyperthermia
temperature, e.g., 43.degree. C. The rectifier in any of these
particles may be a single diode in either polarity (for
half-wave rectification of the received RF signal) or a pair of
diodes with opposite polarity (for full wave rectification of
the RF signal).

[0057] Any of the RF absorbing particles described herein may
be used alone or in virtually any combination of and/or
permutation of any of the other particle or particles described
herein. For example, it may be beneficial to use the same
targeted carrier or targeting moiety with a plurality of
different RF absorbing particles described herein for treatment
of a target area. Similarly, any of the RF absorbing particles
described herein may be used alone or in virtually any
combination of and/or permutation of any of the targeting
moieties or targeted carriers described herein. Similarly, it
may be best for some target areas (e.g., some tumors) to use
multiple different targeting moieties or targeted carriers in RF
absorption enhancers, e.g., for a malignancy that may have
different mutations within itself. Accordingly, virtually any
combination or permutation of RF absorption enhancer targeting
moieties or RF absorption enhancer targeted carriers may be
attached to 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.

[0058] Of the RF absorbing particles mentioned herein, some may
be suitable for a 13.56 MHz hyperthermia-generating RF signal,
e.g., gold nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, magnesium
nanoparticles, argon-filled beads, aqueous solutions of any of
the metal sulfates mentioned herein, other hollow nanoparticles
filled with argon, and any of the organometallics. 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 harmonics
of 13.56 MHz.

[0059] Some of the particles used in general RF absorption
enhancers and/or targeted RF absorption enhancers may have one
or more resonant frequencies associated therewith such that RF
energy or other electromagnetic energy at that resonant
frequency causes much greater heating of the particle than other
frequencies. Thus, in accordance with the systems and methods of
the present invention, it may be beneficial to match one or more
resonant frequencies of RF absorption enhancer particles
(general and/or targeted) with one or more of the
electromagnetic frequencies being used to create hyperthermia.
Additionally, the size of nanoparticles can vary to within
certain manufacturing tolerances, with generally increased cost
for a significantly smaller manufacturing tolerance. Thus, for a
single frequency being used to create hyperthermia, there may be
a nominal size of nanoparticles associated with that one
frequency (e.g., a nominal size of nanoparticles having a
resonant frequency at that frequency); however, the cost of
manufacturing nanoparticles only at that one size might be
prohibitively high. Consequently, from a cost standpoint, it
might be beneficial (i.e., lower cost) to use nanoparticles with
a larger size tolerance as RF absorption enhancer particles;
however, the particles within a sample of nanoparticles with a
larger size tolerance may have widely different resonant
frequencies. Accordingly, it may be beneficial to use a
frequency modulated (FM) signal to create hyperthermia with
certain energy absorption enhancer particles. The parameters of
the FM signal used to generate hyperthermia may be selected to
correspond to the specific sample of particles being used as
energy absorption enhancer particles. The center frequency of an
FM hyperthermia generating signal may correspond to a resonant
frequency of nominally sized particles used as energy absorption
enhancer particles and the modulation of the FM hyperthermia
generating signal may correspond to the size tolerance of the
particles used as energy absorption enhancer particles. For
example, a hyperthermia generating RF signal may be modulated
with an FM signal having a frequency deviation of 300-500 KHz or
more, and any particles having a resonant frequency within the
FM deviation would vibrate and cause heating. Targeted RF
absorption enhancer particles used in accordance with an FM
signal used to generate hyperthermia can be thought of as
effectively changing the resonant frequency range of the target
cells, i.e., adding a resonant frequency range to the target
cells. Thus, instead of trying to determine one or more resonant
frequency ranges of target cells, in accordance with the systems
and methods of the present invention the resonant frequency
range of target cells may be effectively changed to whatever
frequency range is desired to create hyperthermia. With all the
embodiments described herein, one may select a frequency or
frequency range for a signal used to generate hyperthermia that
corresponds to a parameter of energy enhancing particles, or one
may select energy enhancing particles corresponding to a
frequency or frequency range for a signal used to generate
hyperthermia. It may be beneficial to modify other existing
thermotherapy devices to use the FM hyperthermia generating RF
signal discussed herein. Similarly, it may be beneficial to
modify other existing thermotherapy therapies to use the FM
hyperthermia generating RF signal discussed herein.

[0060] Additionally, in any of the embodiments discussed
herein, the RF signal used to generate hyperthermia may be a
pulsed, modulated 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 enhancer particles (i.e., higher than about
43.degree. C.) without also raising the temperature that high
and causing detrimental effects to surrounding cells (for
targeted enhancers) or surrounding areas (for general
enhancers).

[0061] Several systems can be used to remotely determine
temperature within a body using sensors or using radiographic
means with infrared thermography and thermal MRI. Such remotely
determined temperature may be used as feedback to control the
power of the signal being delivered to generate hyperthermia.
For example, a temperature remotely measured can be used as an
input signal for a controller (e.g., a PID controller or a
proportional controller or a proportional-integral controller)
to control the power of the hyperthermia-generating signal to
maintain the generated temperature at a specific temperature
setpoint, e.g., 43.degree. C.

[0062] Similarly, the location of certain radioisotopes can be
remotely determined using radiographic means for imaging of
radioimmunotherapy. Accordingly, in any of the embodiments
discussed herein, RF absorption enhancers may have substances
(such as certain radioisotopes, quantum dots, colored dyes,
fluorescent dyes, etc.) added or attached thereto that, when
introduced with the RF absorption enhancers, can be used to
remotely determine the location of RF absorption enhancers,
i.e., the location of the substances can be determined and the
location of RF absorption enhancers can be inferred therefrom.
In the alternative, these substances can be introduced before or
after RF absorption enhancers are introduced and used to
remotely determine the location of the RF absorption enhancers.
Examples of radioisotopes the location of which can be monitored
in a body (e.g., with CT scanners, PET scanners, and other
systems capable of detecting particles emitted by such
substances) include: technetium 99m, radiogallium, 2FDG
(18-F-2-deoxyglucose or 18-F-2-fluorodeoxyglucose) (for PET
scans), iodine-131, positron-emitting Iodine 124, copper-67,
copper-64, lutetium-177, bismuth-213, rhenium-186, actinium-225,
In-111, iodine-123, iodine-131, any one or more of which may be
added to RF absorption enhancers. Some of these, e.g.,
technetium 99m, radiogallium, 2FDG, iodine-131, copper-67,
copper-64, lutetium-177, bismuth-213, rhenium-186, actinium-225,
and In-111 may also absorb a significant amount of RF energy and
therefore function as RF absorption enhancing particles,
absorbing RF energy sufficient to raise the temperature of
target cells or a target area to a desired temperature level and
permitting remote location determination. Such determined
location can be used to provide feedback of the location of
general or targeted RF absorption enhancers to know which
regions of an area or body will be heated by a hyperthermia
generating RF signal. For example, the location of these
particles (and by inference the location of targeted RF
absorption enhancers) can be periodically determined, i.e.,
monitored, and the hyperthermia generating RF signal applied
when enough of the targeted RF absorption enhancers are in a
desired location. As another example, the location of these
particles (and by inference the location of general or targeted
RF absorption enhancers) can be periodically determined, i.e.,
monitored, and the hyperthermia generating RF signal ceased when
the RF absorption enhancers have diffused too much or have moved
from a predetermined location. Thus, the location of RF
absorption enhancers may be determined via PET scanners, CT
scanners, X-ray devices, mass spectroscopy or specialized CT
scanners (e.g., Phillips Brilliance CT), and/or infrared, near
infrared, thermal MRIs and other optical and/or thermal
scanners. For PET scans, exemplary known imaging/treatment
substances include: (a) antibodies (or targeting peptides)
linked to PET radiometals linked to a cytoxic agent and (b)
antibodies (or targeting peptides) linked to PET radiometals
linked to beta emitting radionucleotides. In accordance with the
teachings herein, one or more RF absorbing particles may be
added to these substances (or in the alternative one or more RF
absorbing particles may replace either the cytoxic agent or the
beta emitting radionucleotides) for combined PET imaging with RF
generated hyperthermia. Thus, these phage display antibodies
attached to PET radiometals may also be attached to any one or
more of the RF absorbing particles discussed herein. This
combination of imaging and RF hyperthermia therapy may be
accomplished with PET, infrared, near infrared, and MRI.

[0063] Imaging techniques can be used to guide the injection
(or other introduction) of RF absorption enhancers into a tumor,
e.g., a tumor or a portion of a tumor. After injection, a
hyperthermia generating RF signal is applied to the target area
and thermal imaging can be used to monitor the heat being
generated by the RF signal and perhaps directly control the
power of the RF signal. Thereafter, follow-up 3-D imaging using
traditional methods can be used to determine the results of the
hyperthermia. Additionally, imaging combinations are
contemplated for imaging of RF absorption enhancers, e.g., using
thermal imaging, colored dyes, quantum dots.

[0064] Several substances have been described as being injected
into a patient, e.g., general RF absorption enhancers, targeted
RF absorption enhancers, radioisotopes for remotely determining
temperature, radioisotopes capable of being remotely located,
etc. It is expected that some or all of these will be injected
using a syringe with a needle. The needle may be removed from
the patient after injection and before the RF signal is applied
to generate hyperthermia. In the alternative, a needle used to
inject one or more of the foregoing may be left in place and
used as an RF absorption enhancer, i.e., a needle can be made
from any number of selected that will heat in the presence of an
RF signal. Thus, an ordinary needle may be used as an RF
absorption enhancer. Additionally, a needle can be altered to
resonate at a selected frequency of an RF
hyperthermia-generating signal, which will cause it to heat
faster. For example, the tip of a needle can be modified to
include a quarter-wave coil, e.g., at the tip of the needle. For
example, at an RF frequency of about 13.56 MHz, about six (6)
turns of 22 or 24 gauge wire wrapped around the tip of a needle
(and perhaps covered with an electrical insulator, e.g., an
enamel coating) may greatly enhance RF absorption at the needle
tip, effectively creating a hot spot at the tip of the needle
subjected to an RF signal. Additionally, or in the alternative,
a needle used to inject one or more RF absorption enhancers may
have a temperature sensor at its tip in circuit communication
with external circuitry to determine a temperature of a target
region. As discussed above, this determined temperature may be
used to control the power of the RF signal to maintain a desired
temperature of a target region.

[0065] Viruses (and liposomes and perhaps other carriers) may
also be used to improve receptivity of target cells and target
areas to targeted RF absorption enhancers, e.g., by having a
virus (and/or liposomes and/or another carrier) carry a gene (or
other biomolecule) for production of a protein that would be
incorporated on the surface of a target cell, making the target
cell more identifiable and easily attached by a targeted RF
enhancer. For example, a patient may be infected with a virus by
removing the cells from the body, growing and increasing their
number in a tissue culture, infecting the cells outside the body
(ex-vivo), and then inserting them back into the patient. Or the
virus may be introduced directly into the body (in-vivo) or into
the tumor. Additionally, a virus with such a targeting gene may
also be delivered to a target cell by other means, e.g.,
liposomes or microinfusion. Once the target cell produces the
protein that is incorporated to the surface membrane, a dose of
a targeted RF absorption enhancer is introduced into the body
and the targeted carrier thereof will target and attach to the
new protein on the target cell membrane. After waiting for a
significant number of the targeted RF absorption enhancers to
attach to the new protein, a hyperthermia generating RF signal
is transmitted into the target area and the target cells are
given a lethal dose of heat or a dose of heat to augment other
therapies.

[0066] Referring once again to the figures, FIG. 2 illustrates
an exemplary embodiment having an RF transmitter 200 in circuit
communication with transmission head 218 that transmits an RF
signal 270 through a target area 280 to a reception head 268 in
circuit communication with an RF receiver 250. The RF
transmitter 200 is a multi-frequency transmitter and includes a
first RF signal generator 204. The first RF signal generator 204
generates a first signal at a first frequency F1, such as a 16
megahertz frequency. The first RF signal generator 204 is in
circuit communications with band pass filter B.P. 1 206, which
is in circuit communication with an RF combination circuit 212.
Band pass filter B.P. 1 206 is a unidirectional band pass filter
that prevents signals at other frequencies from reaching first
RF signal generator 204.

[0067] RF transmitter 200 includes a second RF signal generator
208. Second RF signal generator 208 generates a second signal at
a second frequency F2, such as, for example a 6 megahertz
signal. Second signal generator 208 is in circuit communication
with band pass filter B.P. 2 210, which is also in circuit
communication with the RF combination circuit 212. Band pass
filter B.P. 2 210 prevents signals at other frequencies from
reaching second RF signal generator 208. Optionally, RF
combination circuit 212 includes circuitry to prevent the first
and second signals from flowing toward the other signal
generators and thus eliminates the need for band pass filter
B.P. 1 206 and band pass filter B.P. 2 210.

[0068] RF combination circuit 212 combines the first and second
signal at frequency F1 and frequency F2 and outputs RF signal
270. Preferably, RF combination circuit 212 is in circuit
communication with first meter 214. First meter 214 is used to
detect the signal strength of RF signal 270. The RF signal 270
is transmitted via transmission head 218 through the target 280
to reception head 268. Optionally, plug type connectors 216, 266
are provided allowing for easy connection/disconnection of
transmission head 218, and reception head 268 respectfully.
Reception head 268 is preferably in circuit communications with
a second meter 264. Second meter 264 detects the RF signal
strength received by the reception head 268. The difference in
RF signal strength between first meter 214 and second meter 264
can be used to calculate energy absorbed by the target area 280.
Reception head 268 is also in circuit communication with an RF
splitter 262. RF splitter 262 separates the RF signal 270 into
back into its components, first signal at frequency F1 and
second signal at frequency F2. RF splitter 262 is in circuit
communication with band pass filter B.P. 1 256, which is in
circuit communication with first tuned circuit 254. Similarly,
RF splitter 262 is in circuit communication with band pass
filter B.P. 2 260, which is in circuit communication with second
tuned circuit 258. Optionally, band pass filter B.P. 1, 256 and
band pass filter B.P. 2 260 can be replaced with a splitter or
powered tee.

[0069] First tuned circuit 254 is tuned so that at least a
portion of reception head 268 is resonant at frequency F1.
Similarly, second tuned circuit 258 is tuned to that at least a
portion of reception head 268 is resonant at frequency F2. Since
the reception head 268 is resonant at frequencies F1 and F2 the
RF signal 270 is forced to pass through the target area 280.

[0070] Optionally, an exemplary embodiment having an RF
transmitter, similar to that illustrated above, that does not
include an RF combination circuit is provided. Instead, the RF
transmitter uses a multi-frequency transmission head. In this
embodiment, one portion of the transmission head is used to
transmit one frequency signal, and a second portion is used to
transmit a second frequency signal. In addition, optionally, the
reception head and resonant circuits are constructed without the
need for a splitter, by providing a reception head having
multiple portions wherein the specific portions are tuned to
receive specific frequency signals. An example of such a
transmission head in more detail illustrated below.

[0071] FIG. 2 illustrates another means for concentrating the
RF signal on specific target area by using a larger transmission
head then reception head. The RF signal 270 transmitted by
larger transmission head 218 is received by reception head 268
in such a manner that the RF signal 270 is more concentrated
near the reception head 268 than it is near the transmission
head 218. The more concentrated the RF signal 270, the higher
the amount of energy that can be absorbed by the specific area
282. Thus, positioning the larger transmission head on one side
of the target area 280 and positioning the smaller reception
head 268 on the other side of and near the specific target area
282 is a means for concentrating the RF signal 270 on the
specific target area 282. Optionally, one or more of the tuned
circuits 254, 258 in the RF receiver 250 are tuned to have a
high quality factor or high "Q." Providing a resonant circuit
with a high "Q" allows the tuned head to pick up larger amounts
of energy.

[0072] FIGS. 3-6 illustrate a number of exemplary transmitter
head and reception head configurations. Additionally, the
transmitter and receiver heads may be metallic plates. FIG. 3
illustrates a transmitter head 302 having a non-uniform
thickness 314. Transmission head 302 is electrically insulated
from target area 306 by an insulation layer 308 in contact with
the target area. Similarly, reception head 304 is electrically
insulated by insulation layer 310. Insulation layer 310 can be
in direct contact with target area 306. Insulation layer 308,
310 provide additional means of electrically insulating the
transmission head and reception heads from the target area.
Reception head 304 also has non-uniform thicknesses 314 and 316.
Receiver head 304 is smaller than transmission head 302 and has
a smaller cross sectional area on its face. The smaller
cross-sectional area of receiver head 304 facilitates in
concentrating an RF signal in a specific target area.

[0073] FIG. 3A illustrates a face view of the exemplary
embodiment of the transmission head 302 of FIG. 3. The
transmission head 302 includes a plurality of individual
transmission heads 314, 316. Transmission heads 314 provide for
transmission of a signal at a first frequency, such as 4
megahertz. Transmission heads 316 provide for transmission of a
signal at a second frequency, such as, for example 10 MHz, or
13.56 MHz or any of the lower harmonics of 13.56 MHz mentioned
above, e.g., 27.12 MHz. Preferably, the transmission heads 314
and 316 are electrically insulated from one another. In
addition, preferable the power output can be controlled to each
transmission head, allowing for the power output to be increased
or decreased in specific areas based upon the size, shape, or
depth of the specific target area. Optionally, all of the
transmission heads 314 provide the same power output, and
transmission heads 316 provide the same power output.

[0074] Obviously the transmission head can contain any number
of individual transmission heads. Moreover, the transmission
heads can transmit signals at a plurality of frequency, and
include, but are not limited to transmission heads that transmit
signals at one, two, three, etc. different frequencies. All of
which have been contemplated and are within the spirit and scope
of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 4 illustrates yet an additional exemplary
embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates transmission head 402 with a wavy
surface 412 and reception head 404 having a wavy surface 414.
Other useful surface configurations include bumpy, planer,
non-uniform, mounded, conical and dimpled surfaces. Varied
surface shapes allow for variable depths of heating control. The
shape of receiving head 414 is thinner, narrower (not shown) and
is selected based upon the size and shape of the specific target
area 410 located in the general target area 406.

[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a
non-invasive transmission head 502 and an invasive needle 512.
In this embodiment, end of needle 512 is located at least
partially within general target area 506 and near specific
target area 510. Needle 512 is preferably hollow and has
extension members 514 within the needle 512. Once the end of
needle 512 is located near the specific target area 510, the
extension members 514 are extended and attach to the specific
target area 510. Preferably, the specific target area 510 has
been targeted with a large concentration of RF absorption
enhancers 516. The target area 510, itself, becomes the
reception head. The extension members 514 provide circuit
communication with the resonant circuit and the target area 510
is resonant at the desired frequency. Providing multiple
extension members provides for a more even heating of the
specific target area 510. This embodiment allows the RF signal
to be concentrated on small areas.

[0077] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of
transmission and reception heads. In this embodiment,
transmission head 602 includes a first transmission head portion
604 and a second transmission head portion 606. The first and
second transmission heads 602, 604 are electrically isolated
from one another by an insulating member 608. Similarly,
reception head 612 includes a first reception portion 614 and a
second reception portion 16 that are electrically isolated from
one another by an insulation member 618. Providing multiple
transmission head portions that are electrically isolated from
one another allows the use of multiple frequencies which can be
used to heat various shapes and sizes of target areas. Different
frequencies can be used to heat thicker and thinner portions of
the target area, or deeper target areas allowing for a more
uniform heating, or maximum desired heating, of the entire
target area. Another exemplary embodiment (not shown) includes a
plurality of concentric circles forming transmission head
portions and are electrically isolated or insulated from each
other.

[0078] FIG. 7 illustrates a high level exemplary methodology of
for inducing hyperthermia in a target area 700. The methodology
begins at block 702. At block 704 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 target area. At block 706 the reception head
is arranged. Arrangement of the reception head is similarly
accomplished by, for example, placing the reception head
proximate to and on the other side of the target area so that an
RF signal transmitted via the transmission head to the reception
head will pass through the target area. At block 708 the RF
signal is transmitted from the transmission head to the
reception head. The RF signal passes through and warms cells in
the target area. The methodology ends at block 710 and may be
ended after a predetermined time interval and/in response to a
determination that a desired heating has been achieved.

[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary methodology for inducing
hyperthermia in a target area 800. The methodology begins at
block 802. At block 804 an RF transmitter is provided. The RF
transmitter may be any type of RF transmitter allowing the RF
frequency to be changed or selected. Preferably RF transmitter
is a variable frequency RF transmitter. Optionally, the RF
transmitter is also multi-frequency transmitter capable of
providing multiple-frequency RF signals. Still yet, optionally
the RF transmitter is capable of transmitting RF signals with
variable amplitudes or pulsed amplitudes.

[0080] Preferably, a variety of different shapes and sizes of
transmission and reception heads are provided. The transmission
head is selected at block 806. 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.

[0081] The RF receiver is provided at block 808. The RF
receiver may be tuned to the frequency(s) of the RF transmitter.
At block 810, the desired reception head is selected. Similarly
to the selection of the transmission head, the reception head is
preferably selected to fit the desired characteristics of the
particular application. For example, a reception head with a
small cross section can be selected to concentrate the RF signal
on a specific target area. Various sizes and shapes of the
reception heads allow for optimal concentration of the RF signal
in the desired target area.

[0082] The RF absorption in the target area is enhanced at
block 812. The RF absorption rate may be enhanced by, for
example, injecting an aqueous solution, and preferably an
aqueous solution containing suspended particles of an
electrically conductive material. Optionally, the RF absorption
in the target area is enhanced by exposing the target cells to
one or more targeted RF absorption enhancers, as discussed
above.

[0083] Arrangement of the transmission head and reception head
are performed at blocks 814 and 816 respectfully. The
transmission head and reception heads are arranged proximate to
and on either side of the target area. The transmission head and
reception heads are insulated from the target area. Preferably
the heads are insulated from the target area by means of an air
gap. Optionally, the heads are insulated from the target area by
means of an insulating material. The RF frequency(s) are
selected at block 818 and the RF signal is transmitted at block
820. In addition to selecting the desired RF frequency(s) at
block 818, preferably, the transmission time or duration is also
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 target area to a desired temperature/temperature
range, such as, for example to between 106.degree. and
107.degree., 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
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. The methodology ends at block 822 and
may be ended after a predetermined time interval and/in response
to a determination that a desired heating has been achieved.

[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary in-vitro methodology of
inducing hyperthermia in target cells 900. The exemplary
in-vitro methodology 900 begins at block 902. At block 904,
cells to be treated are extracted from a patient and placed in a
vessel. The removed cells include at least one or more target
cells and are extracted by any method, such as for example, with
a needle and syringe. At block 906 antibodies bound with RF
enhancers are provided and exposed to the extracted cells. The
antibodies bound with RF enhancers attach to one or more of the
target cells that are contained within the larger set of
extracted cells.

[0085] An RF transmitter and RF receiver are provided at blocks
910 and 912 respectively. The transmission head is arranged
proximate to and on one side of the target cells in the vessel
at block 916. At block 918 the reception head is arranged
proximate to and on the other side of the target cells. An RF
signal is transmitted at block 918 to increase the temperature
of the target cells to, for example, to between 106.degree. and
107.degree..

[0086] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary in-vitro methodology of
separating cells 1000. The exemplary in-vitro methodology begins
at block 1002. At block 1004, cells to be treated are extracted
from a patient and placed in a vessel. The extracted cells
include at least one or more target cells and are extracted by
any method, such as for example, with a needle and syringe. At
block 1006 targeting carriers (with either inherent targeting
moieties or targeting moieties attached thereto) bound to
magnetic particles (magnetic targeted RF absorption enhancers)
are provided and exposed to the extracted cells. The magnetic
targeted RF absorption enhancers attach to one or more of the
target cells that are contained within the larger set of
extracted cells. A magnetic coil is provided at block 1010 and
energized at block 1012. The target cells that are bound to the
targeting moieties are attracted by the magnetic field. The
target cells bound to the targeting moieties are then separated
from the other cells. The target cells can be separated by
skimming the one or more target cells from the remaining cells,
or retaining the one or more target cells in one area of the
vessel and removing the other cells. The methodology ends at
block 1020 after one or more of the target cells are separated
from the other cells.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 11, an exemplary system 1100 according
to the present invention may have an RF generator 1102
transmitting RF energy via a transmission head 1104 toward a
target area 1106. The transmission head 1104 may have a plate
1108 operatively coupled to a coil or other inductor 1110. In
such a configuration, the head 1104 may itself constitute or be
components of a resonant circuit for transmission and/or
reception of a hyperthermia-generating RF signal. The plate 1108
may be in circuit communication with the coil or other inductor
1110. The RF generator 1102 may be a commercial transmitter,
e.g., the transmitter portion of a YAESU brand FT-1000MP Mark-V
transceiver. A hyperthermia generating signal can be generated
at about 13.56 MHz (one of the FCC-authorized frequencies for
ISM equipment) by the transmitter portion of a YAESU brand
FT-1000MP Mark-V transceiver by clipping certain blocking
components as known to those skilled in the art. The RF
generator 1102 and transmission head 1104 may have associated
antenna tuner circuitry (not shown) in circuit communication
therewith or integral therewith, e.g., automatic or manual
antenna tuner circuitry, to adjust to the impedance of
transmission head 1104 and the target area 1106 (and a receiver,
if any). The transmitter portion of a YAESU brand FT-1000MP
Mark-V transceiver has such integral antenna tuner circuitry
(pressing a "Tune" button causes the unit to automatically
adjust to the load presented to the RF generator portion). The
RF generator 1202 and transmission head may have associated
antenna tuner circuitry (not shown) in circuit communication
therewith or integral therewith, e.g., automatic or manual
antenna tuner circuitry, to adjust to the combined impedance of
the target area 1206 and the receiver 1212, 1214 and compensate
for changes therein. The transmitter portion of a YAESU brand
FT-1000MP Mark-V transceiver has such integral antenna tuner
circuitry. Various configurations for the plate 1108 and coil
1110 are possible, as exemplified below. A central axis of the
coil, e.g., the central axis of a cylindrical inductor core, may
be directed toward the target area.

[0088] As exemplified by FIG. 12A, an exemplary system 1200
according to the present invention may have an RF generator 1202
transmitting RF energy via a transmission head 1204 (which
transmission head 1204 may have a plate 1208 operatively coupled
to a coil or other inductor 1210) through a target area 1206 to
a reception head 1212 coupled to a load 1214. The reception head
1212 may have a plate 1216 operatively coupled to a coil or
other inductor 1218. The RF generator 1202 may be a commercial
transmitter, e.g., the transmitter portion of a YAESU brand
FT-1000MP Mark-V transceiver, which may be modified as discussed
above to generate a 13.56 MHz signal. The RF generator 1202 and
transmission head 1204 may have associated antenna tuner
circuitry (not shown) in circuit communication therewith or
integral therewith, e.g., automatic or manual antenna tuner
circuitry, to adjust to the combined impedance of the
transmission head 1204, the target area 1206, and the receiver
1212, 1214 and compensate for changes therein. The transmitter
portion of a YAESU brand FT-1000MP Mark-V transceiver has such
integral antenna tuner circuitry. The load 1214 may be as simple
as a non-inductive resistive load (e.g., a grounded power
resistor) providing a path for coupled RF energy to dissipate.
Various configurations for the plates 1208, 1216 and coils 1210,
1218 are possible, as exemplified below.

[0089] As exemplified by FIG. 12B, an exemplary system 1220
according to the present invention may have a combined RF
generator/load 1222 transmitting RF energy via the transmission
head 1204 through the target area 1206 to the reception head
1212, which may also be coupled to the combined RF
generator/load 1222. The combined RF generator/load 1222 may be
a commercial transceiver, e.g., a YAESU brand FT-1000MP Mark-V
transceiver, which has built-in automatic antenna tuner
circuitry, which can automatically correct for the impedance of
the transmission head 1204, the target area 1206, and the
reception head 1212. For generating hyperthermia with an RF
signal, the YAESU brand FT-1000MP Mark-V transceiver may not
generate enough heat, depending on whether RF enhancers are
used. Accordingly, the output may need to be amplified with a
power amplifier prior to coupling via the transmission head
through the target region to the reception head. The
configurations of FIGS. 12A and 12B, having a transmission head
and a reception head defining a target region therebetween, are
favored at the time of the filing of the present application
with respect to generating hyperthermia with an RF signal in a
target region, e.g., in a tumor or portion of a tumor treated
with RF enhancers.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 13-14, an exemplary head 1300 (as a
transmission head and/or as a reception head) may have a plate
of conductive material 1302 operatively coupled to a coil or
other inductor 1304, an axis of which inductor 1304 may extend
generally perpendicular or substantially perpendicular with
respect to a surface 1305 of the plate 1302. In such a
configuration, the head 1300 may itself constitute or be
components of a resonant circuit for transmission and/or
reception of a hyperthermia-generating RF signal. The plate of
conductive material 1302 may be a generally round plate made of
flat, conductive material of substantially uniform thickness.
The specific characteristics (surface area, thickness, material,
etc.) of the plate 1302 may depend on the specific application
and may depend greatly on the frequency or frequencies of
electromagnetic radiation directed toward a target area. The
plate 1302 may be made from, e.g., copper or silver-plated
copper or bronze and should be thick enough to be
self-supporting or supported by supporting structures (not
shown). The surface area of the plate 1302 may depend on the
size of the target area, with a larger plate being used for a
larger target area. The surface area of the plate 1302 may
depend on the frequency of hyperthermia generating RF signal
being used, with lower frequencies, e.g., 13.56 MHz, using a
larger plate than higher frequencies, e.g., 27.12 MHz or 40.68
MHz, to help tune to the frequency of hyperthermia generating RF
signal being used.

[0091] Similarly, the specific characteristics (number of
inductors, inductance of each inductor, overall length of each,
material for each, material dimensions for each, number of
windings for each, coil diameter for each, coil core material
for each, etc.) of the inductor 1304 may depend on the specific
application and may depend greatly on the frequency or
frequencies of electromagnetic radiation directed toward a
target area. At higher RF frequencies, (e.g., at about 100 MHz
and higher) the inductor 1304 may be a simple straight length of
electrical conductor. The inductor 1304 at lower RF frequencies
(e.g., about 13.56 MHz) may be configured as a coil 1304 of
electrically conductive material, as shown in the figures. If
the inductor 1304 is a coil, the coil 1304 may be formed using a
core 1306, which may have an axis, e.g., a central axis 1307,
that is generally or substantially perpendicular to the surface
1305 of plate 1302. If a plurality of frequencies of
electromagnetic radiation are directed toward a target area, a
corresponding plurality of electrically insulated inductors may
extend generally or substantially perpendicular from the surface
1305 toward the target area. Some or all of the plurality of
electrically insulated inductors may be coils, some or all of
which may be coaxial or even share a common core 1306. As shown
in FIG. 13, the inductor 1304 may be spaced from a central point
1308 (e.g., a center of area or center of mass or axial center)
of the plate by a distance 1309. Similarly, the axis 1307 of
inductor 1304 may be spaced from the central point 1308 of the
plate by a distance (not shown). As shown in FIG. 14, the head
1300 may have an associated electrical connector 1312 for being
placed in circuit communication with either an RF generator (in
the case of a transmission head) or a load (in the case of a
reception head). As discussed below, the plate 1302 may be
electrically connected to the inductor 1304 at a point 1310. In
the alternative, the plate 1302 may be electrically insulated
from the inductor 1304, which may permit the plate to be
configured differently from the inductor 1304, e.g., permit the
plate 1302 to be grounded or tuned independently of the inductor
1304. Thus, the connector 1312 may be in circuit communication
with the plate 1302 and/or the inductor 1304 and the plate 1302
and the inductor 1304 may each have an associated connector. As
discussed below, the other end 1314 of coil 1304 may be free or
may be connected to a tuning circuit, e.g., a capacitor which
may be a variable capacitor.

[0092] An exemplary head for use at a frequency of about 13.56
MHz may have a plate formed as an approximately circular shaped
disk of flat copper that is about ten (10) inches thick
electrically connected to an inductor that is a coil formed from
about six (6) turns of 22 or 24 gauge wire would around a 1-inch
hollow air core with the windings extending about three (3)
inches from the surface of the plate.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 15, two of the exemplary heads 1300 of
FIGS. 13-14 may be used as a transmission head 1300a and
reception head 1300b pair. In this configuration, the
transmission head 1300a may be in circuit communication with an
RF generator via connector 1312a and reception head 1300b may be
in circuit communication with a load via connector 1312b with RF
electromagnetic energy being coupled from transmission head
1300a to reception head 1300b. As shown in FIG. 15, such a pair
may be oriented to create an area 1500 bounded on different
sides by the plates 1302a, 1302b and coils 1304a, 1304b. More
specifically, the transmission head 1300a and reception head
1300b may be oriented with their plates 1302a, 1302b generally
facing each other and their inductors spaced from each other and
with their axes extending generally parallel to each other to
create area 1500. Area 1500 thus is bounded by a side 1502a
proximate plate 1302a, a side 1502b proximate plate 1302b, a
side 1504a proximate inductor 1304a, and a side 1504b proximate
inductor 1304b. Notice that in this configuration, the distal
ends 1502a, 1502b of the inductors 1304a, 1304b are proximate an
opposite location 1508b, 1508a of the opposite plate 1302b,
1302a, respectively, which creates an overlap of the inductors
1304a, 1304b that helps form the area 1500. It is expected that
RF electromagnetic energy will be coupled from inductor 1304a to
inductor 1304b in this side to side configuration. Similarly, it
is also believed that RF electromagnetic energy will be coupled
from plate 1302a to plate 1302b. Surprisingly, a pair of heads
1300a, 1300b tuned to substantially the same frequency (or
harmonics thereof) can be arranged in a skewed configuration
(with the plates not directly facing each other and the axes of
the coils skewed) and separated by several feet of separation
and still permit coupling of significant RF electromagnetic
energy from head 1300a to head 1300b.

[0094] Another exemplary head configuration is shown in FIGS.
16-17, which shows exemplary head 1600 (as a transmission head
and/or as a reception head). The head 1600 is similar in many
ways to the head 1300 of FIGS. 13-14. Like head 1300, head 1600
may have a plate of conductive material 1602 operatively coupled
to a coil or other inductor 1604, an axis of which inductor 1604
may extend generally perpendicular or substantially
perpendicular with respect to a surface 1605 of the plate 1602.
In such a configuration, the head 1300 may itself constitute or
be components of a resonant circuit for transmission and/or
reception of a hyperthermia-generating RF signal. Except as set
forth below, all of the discussion above with respect to head
1300 also applies to the head 1600. If the inductor 1604 is a
coil, the coil 1604 may be formed using a core 1606, which may
have an axis, e.g., a central axis 1607, that is generally or
substantially perpendicular to surface 1605 of plate 1602.
Unlike head 1300, in head 1600, the axis 1607 of inductor 1604
is shown as being coaxial with a central point of the plate.
Also note that the head 1600 has a coil 1604 that has more
closely spaced coil windings than coil 1304 of head 1300, which
permits coil 1604 to be shown as being shorter than coil 1304 in
FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 17, the head 1600 may have an
associated electrical connector 1612 for being placed in circuit
communication with either an RF generator (in the case of a
transmission head) or a load (in the case of a reception head)
with RF electromagnetic energy being coupled from transmission
head 1300a to reception head 1300b. As discussed below, the
plate 1602 may be electrically connected to the inductor 1604 at
a point 1610. In the alternative, the plate 1602 may be
electrically insulated from the inductor 1604, which may permit
the plate to be configured differently from the inductor 1604,
e.g., permit the plate 1602 to be grounded or tuned
independently of the inductor 1604. Thus, the connector 1612 may
be in circuit communication with the plate 1602 and/or the
inductor 1604 and the plate 1602 and the inductor 1604 may each
have an associated connector. As discussed below, the other end
1614 of coil 1604 may be free or may be connected to a tuning
circuit, e.g., a capacitor which may be a variable capacitor.
Again, except as noted above, all of the discussion above with
respect to head 1300 also applies to the head 1600.

[0095] A pair of the exemplary heads 1600 of FIGS. 16-17 may be
used as a transmission head 1600a and reception head 1300b pair,
with the transmission head 1600a in circuit communication with
an RF generator via connector 1612a and the reception head 1600b
in circuit communication with a load via connector 1612b, with
RF electromagnetic energy being coupled from transmission head
1600a to reception head 1600b. In such a configuration, the head
1600 may itself constitute or be components of a resonant
circuit for transmission and/or reception of a
hyperthermia-generating RF signal. Although a pair of heads 1600
may be arranged similar to as shown in FIG. 15, with a pair of
inductors side to side and plates facing each other, head 1600
does not really lend itself to this configuration because
inductor 1604 is significantly shorter than inductor 1304 and if
put in this configuration, there would be a substantially
smaller target area and significant portions of the opposite
plates not directly facing each other. The head 1600 does lend
itself to the configuration shown in FIG. 18 in which a pair of
heads 1600a, 1600b are arranged in an "end-fired" configuration,
i.e., the coils 1604a, 1604b are coaxial so that the ends of the
coils are essentially aimed at each other. In the configuration
of FIG. 18, the plates 1602a, 1602b face each other directly. RF
electromagnetic energy is coupled from transmission head 1300a
to reception head 1300b through an area 1800 between the heads
1600a, 1600b as discussed in more detail below. The central axis
of the coils 1604a, 1604b, e.g., the central axis of a
cylindrical inductor core, may be directed toward the target
area.

[0096] FIG. 19 shows two heads 1600a, 1600b in the "end-fired"
configuration of FIG. 18 with transmission head 1600a being in
circuit communication with an RF generator via coaxial cable
1900 connected to connector 1312a and the reception head 1300b
being in circuit communication with a load via a coaxial cable
1902 connected to connector 1312b, with RF electromagnetic
energy being coupled from transmission head 1600a to reception
head 1600b. A conductor 1904 within connector 1612a is in
circuit communication with plate 1602a and coil 1604a.
Similarly, a conductor 1906 within connector 1612b is in circuit
communication with plate 1602b and coil 1604b. The shield layer
of coaxial cables 1900, 1902 are grounded as shown schematically
at 1910, 1912. It is believed that there is significant coupling
of RF electromagnetic energy directly between the end-fired
inductors 1604a, 1604b, as indicated schematically by the
relatively closely spaced rays at 1920. It is also believed that
there is additional coupling of RF electromagnetic energy
between the plates 1602a, 1602b, although not at as significant
a rate, as indicated schematically by the more widely spaced
rays at 1930. Again, surprisingly, a pair of such heads 1600a,
1600b tuned to substantially the same frequency (or harmonics
thereof) can be arranged in a skewed configuration (with the
plates not directly facing each other and the axes of the coils
skewed) and separated by several feet of separation and still
permit coupling of significant RF electromagnetic energy from
head 1600a to head 1600b.

[0097] FIG. 20 shows two heads 2000a, 2000b the same as the two
heads 1600a, 1600b in the "end-fired" configuration of FIGS. 18
and 19, except that the heads 2000a, 2000b have plates 2002a,
2002b that are electrically insulated from inductors 2004a,
2004b and are grounded. Thus, in the configuration of FIG. 20,
the inductor 2004a is in circuit communication with an RF
generator via coaxial cable 1900 connected to connector 2012a
and inductor 2004b is in circuit communication with a load via a
coaxial cable 1902 connected to connector 2012b, with RF
electromagnetic energy being coupled from inductor 2004a to
inductor 2004b. A conductor 2040 within connector 2012a is in
circuit communication with 2004a. Similarly, a conductor 2042
within connector 2012b is in circuit communication with coil
2004b. The shield layer of coaxial cables 1900, 1902 are
grounded as shown schematically at 1910, 1912. Additionally, in
this configuration, the plates 2002a, 2002b are grounded as
shown schematically at 2044, 2046. It is believed that there is
significant coupling of RF electromagnetic energy directly
between the end-fired inductors 2004a, 2004b, as indicated
schematically by the relatively closely spaced rays at 2020.

[0098] FIGS. 21A and 21B show schematically the end-fired coils
1604a, 1604b, 2004a, 2004b shown in FIGS. 18-20 coupling
electromagnetic radiation 1920, 2020 from coil 1604a, 2004a to
coil 1604b, 2004b. In FIG. 21A, the distal ends 1614a, 1614b,
2014a, 2014b of coils 1604a, 2004a, 1604b, 2004b are shown as
being free. In the alternative, either or both of the distal
ends 1614a, 2014a, 1614b, 2014b may be connected to active or
passive circuitry to assist in coupling electromagnetic
radiation 1920, 2020 from coil 1604a, 2004a to coil 1604b,
2004b, whether there is an associated plate 1602, 2002 or not.
For example, either or both of the distal ends 1614a, 2014a,
1614b, 2014b of coils 1604a, 2004a, 1604b, 2004b may be in
circuit communication with parallel capacitors C1, C2 as shown
in FIG. 21B to assist in coupling electromagnetic radiation from
coil to coil. Similarly, FIGS. 22A and 22B show schematically
the side to side coils 1304a, 1304b shown in FIG. 15 coupling
electromagnetic radiation 2200 from coil 1304a to coil 1304b. In
FIG. 22A, the distal ends 1314a, 1314b of coils 1304a, 1304b are
shown as being free. In the alternative, either or both of the
distal ends 1614a, 1614b may be connected to active or passive
circuitry to assist in coupling electromagnetic radiation 2200
from coil 1304a to coil 1304b, whether there is an associated
plate 1302 or not. For example, either or both of the distal
ends 1314a, 1314b, of coils 1604a, 1604b may be in circuit
communication with parallel capacitors C3, C4 as shown in FIG.
22B to assist in coupling electromagnetic radiation from coil to
coil. Side to side coils 1304a, 1304b without corresponding
plates may be placed in a grounded cage, e.g., a Faraday cage
such as a grounded bronze screen box, to prevent re-radiation
away from each other, such as re-radiation along their central
axes. The use of ungrounded plates in circuit communication with
coils (e.g., FIGS. 13-19) tends to confine the RF energy between
the plates, which might avoid the need for a Faraday shield. For
example, for a pair of the exemplary heads described above
(13.56 MHz; plates formed as an approximately circular shaped
disk of flat copper that is about ten (10) inches thick
electrically connected to a coil formed from about six (6) turns
of 22 or 24 gauge wire would around a 1-inch hollow air core
with the windings extending about three (3) inches from the
surface of the plate) arranged in the configuration of FIG. 18
and tuned to the frequency being transmitted, with the plates
spaced about 6'' apart, transmitted RF seems to stay
substantially within the confines of the plates using a neon
bulb, as basic testing has indicated.

[0099] Any of the foregoing heads may be used for transmission
and/or reception of a hyperthermia-generating RF signal.

[0100] FIG. 23 shows an exemplary RF generator 2300 in circuit
communication with a transmission head 2302 coupling
hyperthermia generating RF energy to a reception head 2304
through a target area 2306. The spacing between the transmission
head 2302 and the reception head 2304 preferably, but not
necessarily, may be adjusted to accommodate targets of different
sizes. The transmission head 2302 and/or the reception head 2304
may have circuitry to accommodate differences in impedance
between the transmission head 2302 and the reception head 2304
caused, e.g., by differences in spacing between the heads 2302,
2304 and/or different targets. Such circuitry may include
automatic antenna matching circuitry and/or manually adjustable
variable components for antenna matching, e.g., high-voltage,
high-power RF variable capacitors. The reception head 2304 may
be in circuit communication with a load 2308, which may be as
simple as a non-inductive resistive load (e.g., a grounded power
resistor) providing a path for coupled RF energy to dissipate.
The transmission head 2302 and the reception head 2304 may each
be in any of the various head configurations shown and/or
described herein. The transmission head 2302 and/or the
reception head 2304 may have an associated power meter, which
may be used as feedback to adjust any manually adjustable
variable components for antenna matching until a substantial
amount of power being transmitted by transmission head 2302 is
being received by the reception head 2304. In general, such
power meters may be separate or integral with the RF generator,
and/or the RF receiver, and/or the combined RF
generator/receiver. If separate power meters are used, they may
be located remotely with the transmission head 2302 and the
reception head 2304 to facilitate contemporaneous adjustment and
tuning of the transmission head 2302 and the reception head
2304.

[0101] The exemplary RF generator 2300 of FIG. 23 comprises a
crystal oscillator 2320 that generates a signal 2322 at a power
level of about 0.1 Watts at a selectable frequency to a
preamplifier 2324. The signal 2322 may be modified before the
preamplifier 2324 to have a variable duty cycle, e.g., to
provide a pulsed RF signal at a variable duty cycle. As
discussed above, it may be beneficial to use a frequency
modulated (FM) RF signal to create hyperthermia with certain
energy absorption enhancer particles. Accordingly, in addition,
or in the alternative, signal 2322 may be modified before the
preamplifier 2324 to be an FM signal. For example, pre-amp 2324
may be replaced with an amplifying FM exciter to modulate the
signal 2322 with a selected modulation frequency and amplify the
signal as pre-amp 2324. The parameters of the FM RF signal used
to generate hyperthermia may be selected to correspond to the
specific sample of particles being used as energy absorption
enhancer particles. The center frequency of an FM hyperthermia
generating RF signal may correspond to a resonant frequency of
nominally sized particles used as energy absorption enhancer
particles and the modulation of the FM hyperthermia generating
RF signal may correspond to the size tolerance of the particles
used as energy absorption enhancer particles, as discussed
above.

[0102] The preamplifier 2324 amplifies the RF signal 2322 (or
the modified signal 2322) and generates a signal 2326 at a power
level of about 10 Watts to an intermediate power amplifier 2328.
The intermediate power amplifier 2328 amplifies the RF signal
2326 and generates an RF signal 2330 at a power level of about
100 Watts to a power amplifier 2332. The power amplifier 2332
amplifies the RF signal 2330 and generates a selectable power RF
signal 2334 at a selectable power level of 0.00 Watts to about
1000 Watts to the transmission head 2302. A power meter may be
placed in circuit communication between the power amplifier 2332
and the transmission head 2302 to measure the RF power to the
transmission head 2302. Similarly, a power meter may be placed
in circuit communication between the reception head 2304 and the
load 2306 to measure the RF power from the reception head 2304.
The preamplifier 2324 may be a hybrid preamplifier. The
intermediate power amplifier 2328 may be a solid state Class C
intermediate power amplifier. The power amplifier 2332 may be a
zero-bias grounding grid triode power amplifier, which are
relatively unaffected by changes in output impedance, e.g., a
3CX15000A7 power amplifier.

[0103] The exemplary RF generator 2300 shown generates a
high-power fixed-frequency hyperthermia generating RF signal at
an adjustable power range of 0.00 Watts to about 1000 Watts. The
exemplary RF generator 2300 shown may be modified to generate
high-power fixed-frequency hyperthermia generating RF signals at
selected frequencies or at an adjustable frequency, any of which
may be pulsed or FM modulated. For example, a plurality of
separate crystals, preamplifiers, and IPAs, each at a different
frequency, e.g., 13.56 MHz, 27.12 MHz, 40.68 MHz, 54.24 MHz,
67.80 MHz, and 81.36 MHz (not shown) may be switchably connected
to the power amplifier 2332 for generation of a high-power
hyperthermia generating signal at a frequency selected from a
plurality of frequencies.

[0104] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of embodiments thereof, and 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, any of the transmitter circuits and/or transceiver
circuits described herein can be used with virtually any of the
RF absorption enhancers (general and/or targeted), described
herein, or with any combination or permutation thereof, or
without any RF absorption enhancer. As another example, the RF
signal (single frequency or FM modulated) may be modulated with
another signal, such as, for example, a square wave (e.g. a
300-400 Hz square wave). Modulating the RF signal with a square
wave may stimulate the tissue and enhance heating; square waves
introduce harmonics that may enhance modulation utilized; and
square waves may also be used to pulse the transmitted signal to
change the average duty cycle. Another example includes total
body induced hyperthermia to treat the patient's entire body. In
this example, the transmission and reception heads are as large
as the patient and hyperthermia is induced in the entire body.
Cooling the blood may be required to prevent overheating and can
be accomplished in any manner. Additionally, the steps of
methods herein may generally be performed 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 examples 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.

---

**US Patent Application # 20050251234 (A1)**

**Systems and Methods for RF-Induced
Hyperthermia Using Biological Cells and Nanoparticles as
RF Enhancer Carriers**

10 November 2005   
John Kanzius, et al.   
US Cl. 607/101   
Intl Cl. A61F 002/00

**Abstract --** A method of inducing hyperthermia in at
least a portion of a target area--e.g., a tumor or a portion of
a tumor or targeted cancerous cells--is provided. Targeted RF
absorption enhancers, e.g., tumor infiltrating lymphocytes
(TILs) containing RF absorbing particles, are introduced into a
patient. These targeted RF absorption enhancers will target
certain cells in the target areas and enhance the effect of a
hyperthermia generating RF signal directed toward the target
area. The targeted RF absorption enhancers may, in a manner of
speaking, add one or more RF absorption frequencies to cells in
the target area, which will permit a hyperthermia generating RF
signal at that frequency or frequencies to heat the targeted
cells.

---

**US Patent Application # 20050251233**

**System and method for RF-induced
hyperthermia**

John Kanzius, et al.   
10 November 2005

**Abstract --** An embodiment of a non-invasive RF system
for inducing hyperthermia in a target area, and a corresponding
non-invasive RF method for inducing hyperthermia in a target
area are provided. The system includes an RF transmitter and
transmission head, and RF receiver and reception head wherein
the transmission and reception heads are arranged proximate a
target area so that an RF signal between the heads induces
hyperthermia in the target area. The method includes arranging
the transmission head and reception head proximate and on either
side of a target area and transmitting an RF signal through the
target area.

---



**US Patent Application # 20050273143 (A1)**
  
**Systems and Methods for Combined RF-Induced
Hyperthermia and Radioimmunotherapy**

US Cl. 07/101   
John Kanzius, et al.   
8 December 2005

**Abstract --** A combined radiotherapy and hyperthermia
therapy is provided, including inducing hyperthermia in at least
a portion of a target area--e.g., a tumor or a portion of a
tumor or targeted cancerous cells--is provided. Biomolecules
labeled with at least one radionuclide suitable for radiotherapy
are provided and introduced into a patient; targeted RF
absorption enhancers are provided and introduced into a patient;
and a hyperthermia generating RF signal is directed via toward
the target cells, thereby warming the radionuclide-labeled
biomolecules and targeted RF absorption enhancers bound to
target cells. The targeted RF absorption enhancers may, in a
manner of speaking, add one or more RF absorption frequencies to
cells in the target area, which will permit a hyperthermia
generating RF signal at that frequency or frequencies to heat
the targeted cells. Biomolecules labeled with at least one
radionuclide suitable for radiotherapy may be used for both
radiotherapy and as RF absorption enhancers for the hyperthermia
generating RF signal.

---



**WO2007027620**

**ENHANCED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
RF-INDUCED HYPERTHERMIA II**

3-08-2007   
Classification: - international: A61N1/40; A61N1/40;   
**Abstract --** An RF transceiver for coupling an RF signal
through a target area, having a transmission head having a
transmission inductor having a first axis directed toward a
target area, an RF generator capable of generating a
hyperthermia-inducing RF signal having at least one component
for transmission via the transmission head, the RF signal being
capable of heating at least one of target cells and RF
absorption enhancers associated with target cells to thermally
damage the target cells, a reception head for receiving the RF
signal and having a reception inductor having a second axis
directed toward the target area, a first tuned circuit in
circuit communication between the RF generator and the
transmission head, and a second tuned circuit in circuit
communication between the reception head and a load, and wherein
the first and second tuned circuits cooperate with each other
and the transmission and reception heads to form a high-Q
circuit for coupling the RF signal through the target area. The
tuned networks may be simple or elaborate pi-networks and may
have tunable components to help couple a desired amount of power
from the transmission head to the reception head through the
target area.

---

ENHANCED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RF-INDUCED HYPERTHERMIA   
Inventor: KANZIUS JOHN   
Applicant: THERM MED LLC   
EC:  A61B18/14; A61N1/40T; (+1)  IPC: A61N1/40;
A61B18/14; A61F2/00 (+3)   
EP1758648   
2007-03-07

Enhanced systems and methods for RF-induced hyperthermia   
Inventor: KANZIUS JOHN   
EC:   IPC: A61F2/00; A61F2/00   
Publication info: US2006190063   
2006-08-24

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RF-INDUCED HYPERTHERMIA   
Inventor: KANZIUS JOHN   
Applicant: THERM MED LLC; KANZIUS JOHN   
EC:  A61B18/12; A61N1/40T; (+1)  IPC: A61B18/12;
A61F2/00; A61N1/40 (+4)   
WO2005110544 - 2005-11-24

---

[**http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081222/OPINION01/312229991/-1/OPINION**](http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081222/OPINION01/312229991/-1/OPINION)  
***Erie Times News* ( 22 Dec 08 )**

**Kanzius Invention Clears Hurdle**

The Kanzius cancer-treating concept has taken a major stride,
thanks to successful results from a significant test.

Researchers found that an external radio-frequency device can
destroy specific cancer cells that have been tagged with tiny
pieces of gold, or nanoparticles.

John Kanzius, a retired Erie radio engineer, invented the
device, and Steven Curley, M.D., serves as principal
investigator for the Kanzius Project at M.D. Anderson Cancer
Center in Houston.

Research demonstrating that specific cancer cells could be
targeted with nanoparticles were published online in the Journal
of Experimental Therapeutics on Friday. The research has
generated new excitement about the Kanzius invention.

"It proves that this has the potential to work, and it makes
sense for us to continue pushing," Curley says.

At this juncture in the research, we echo Curley. Keep pushing
on the scientific and research fronts.

Keep pushing for additional donations to the Kanzius Cancer
Research Foundation. Research costs money, and the resources
must be available to keep this project moving ahead through the
government regulatory process.

Keep pushing Gov. Ed Rendell, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, U.S. Sen.
Arlen Specter and soon-to-be U.S. Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper to keep
the lines of communication open with the Kanzius Foundation and
the Kanzius Project to see how state and federal government can
assist.

Keep pushing to determine what role Erie companies can play in
the manufacture of the Kanzius invention.

With each new breakthrough on this project, we witness two
reactions. There are the positive responses articulated by
Curley, Kanzius and the many people touched by cancer, who are
optimistic (yet realistic) that this project will be successful
in human trials.

Then there are the negative responses by some who suspect that
competing interests will stomp out the gains of cancer
researchers affiliated with Kanzius.

One benefit from journal publication of the cancer-targeting
tests is the new publicity about Kanzius, his invention and the
high regard he has gained in the legitimate scientific
community. Ordinary people -- those who have fought cancer and
those who fear it -- can understand the basic concepts of the
Kanzius treatment. They are unlikely to let a plausible cancer
treatment slip from public sight.

In the new scientific study, researchers attached specific
antibodies, or proteins, to the nanoparticles, and placed the
treated nanoparticles and live cancer cells in a specimen dish.
Radio waves blasted the tagged cancer cells for two minutes.
Nearly 100 percent of the pancreatic and colorectal cells were
killed; hardly any of the control group's cells were destroyed.

"It shows that we can target specific types of cancer. We're
now working on other types of cancer cells, including breast,
prostate, leukemia and ovarian," Curley said.

Curley has much more work ahead, including writing six to eight
additional scientific manuscripts in 2009. Approval from the
Food and Drug Administration for human trials could follow in
late 2010, with Erie eventually involved in Phase II trials at
the Regional Cancer Center in Erie.   
Would we like to see cancer cured today or tomorrow? Absolutely.
Are we confident that the Kanzius Project is speeding in the
right direction? No doubt.

---

  

MX2009005080  
RF SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
PROCESSING SALT WATER

  
Inventor:  KANZIUS JOHN [US] ; RUSTUM ROY  
Applicant:  KC ENERGY LLC [US]  
EC:   C01B3/04B; Y02E60/36D   
 IPC:   C01B3/04; C01B3/00    
       
Classification: - international:     C01B3/04;
C01B3/00 - European:     C01B3/04B; Y02E60/36D  
Also published as: WO2008064002 // JP2010509565 //  
 EP2109500 // CA2669709  
  
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.  
  
Related Cases  
  
[0001] 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 (Attorney 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) ("the '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 which, including
all appendices, diagrams, figures, and photographs of which, are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.  
  
Field of the Invention  
  
[0002 ] 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 solutions containing salt water, RF
systems 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 mixtures, RF systems and
methods for producing hydrogen from 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
methods for combustion of volatiles produced from solutions
containing salt water, and/or RF systems and methods for
combustion of hydrogen produced from salt water and/or solutions
containing salt water.  
  
Background of the Invention  
  
[0003] 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 crude
oil, which is used to produce gasoline, water and particularly
seawater has an advantage over crude oil in that it is present on
earth in great abundance. Furthermore, the burning 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 com, sugar cane or other agricultural products and
it is therefore a renewable resource, while by contrast crude oil
is not.  
  
Brief Description of the Drawings  
  
[0004] 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;  
  
[0005] Figures 8A-8C, 9A-9C are various views of exemplary RF
transmission and RF reception heads;  
  
[0006] Figures 10-12, 16, and 16a are schematic diagrams of
exemplary RF circuits 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 containing salt water, and
desalinating seawater; [0007] Figures 13-15 are top, top/side
perspective, and side views of an exemplary 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
containing salt water, and desalinating seawater;  
  
[0008] Figure 17 is a medium-level flowchart of an exemplary
embodiment of an RF methodology for producing and collecting
hydrogen gas from salt water and solutions containing salt water;  
  
[0009] 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 and producing and combusting other
volatiles from solutions containing salt water;  
  
[0010] 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 from solutions containing salt water, and transferring
the chemical energy generated by the combustion of the hydrogen
gas and other volatiles into mechanical energy capable of moving a
piston;  
  
[0011] Figure 20 is a medium level flow chart of an exemplary
embodiment of an RF methodology for desalinating seawater;  
  
[0012 ] Figure 21 is a medium level flow chart of an exemplary
embodiment of an RF methodology for carrying out the electrolysis
of water;  
  
[0013 ] Figure 22 is a schematic illustration showing exemplary
transmission and reception enclosures with their top walls
removed;  
  
[0014] Figure 23 is a high-level flowchart showing an exemplary
method of combusting salt water and solutions containing salt
water with RF energy; [0015] Figure 24 is a schematic illustration
showing an exemplary sealed transmission enclosure which may be
suitable for lowering into the ground; and  
  
[0016] Figures 25 - 26 are medium level flowcharts of exemplary
embodiments of an RF methodology for combusting gas generated from
a liquid by a transmitted RF signal.  
  
Summary  
  
[0017] 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 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 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 may comprise a
reservoir for containing a solution that is a mixture of water and
salt and optionally containing (i) at least one additive, or (ii)
at least one secondary fuel, or (iii) mixtures thereof.  
  
[0018] 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 one salt and optionally containing (i) at least one
additive, or (ii) at least one secondary fuel, or (iii) mixtures
thereof; the salt water or 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 or salt
water component of the solution containing salt water and having
at least one frequency for transmission via the transmission head;
arranging the transmission 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 transmission 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 from 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.  
  
Detailed Description  
  
[0019] 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 Terms  
  
[0020] "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.  
  
[0021] "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 signal is modified by the
intermediate 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.  
  
[0022 ] "Combustion" as used herein indicates a process that
rapidly produces heat and light (perhaps 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 with rapid heating and rapid generation of light,
which may be visible, UV, TR, etc. This is considered "combustion"
herein, even though it may or may not be "burning" in the classic
sense. "Combustion" herein also is used to indicate more typical
incendiary "combustion," i.e., the process of burning in which a
rapid chemical 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.  
  
[0023 ] "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 form of
either electrical energy, as for example in the application of an
electric current, or in the form of heat energy.  
  
[0024] "Operatively connected" or "operatively connecting" as used
herein 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. [0025] "Salt water" as used herein is used
to indicate a mixture comprising 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 interchangeably 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 comprise only salt water. "Salt water mixture" as used
herein is used to indicate a mixture containing salt water that is
used in conducting electrolysis with the various systems and
methods taught herein.  
  
[0026] "Secondary fuel" as used herein is used to indicate
combustible 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 term 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  
  
[0027] 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
virtually all the various methods discussed herein.  
  
[0028] 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 chamber 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 [0029] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a first
exemplary embodiment of an RF system 100 that uses an RF signal
108 to process solutions containing salt water 110 in the reaction
chamber 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 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 comprises an RF generator 102 in circuit
communication with a transmission head 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 communicates 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) 1 10 contained within the reaction chamber 106 is
positioned such that the solution containing salt water 1 10 (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.  
  
[0030] The solution containing salt water 110 absorbs energy as
the RF signal 108 travels through 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 decomposition and
hydrogen production, and in instances where the solution
containing salt water 1 10 also contains a secondary fuel, this
may 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
strength, which increases the amount of energy traveling through
the reaction chamber 106. Other means of increasing the rate of
energy absorption may include but are not limited 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 1 10 and
as a result may be able to increase the rate of energy absorption
by the solution containing salt water 1 10. 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  
  
![](afig123.jpg)  
![](afig4.jpg)  
[0031] As shown in Figures 2-4, exemplary systems may also include
a receiver head 1 12 and an associated current path 1 14 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 chamber 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 solution
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 may produce hydrogen from or may volatilize a
secondary fuel contained within the solution containing salt water
110 and the hydrogen or the volatilized secondary fuel 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. [0032 ] 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 chamber 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 1 12 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.  
  
[0033 ] 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 1 16 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 head 112 being
grounded.  
  
[0034] 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 head
112 may be insulated by means of an air gap 118. An optional means
of insulating the transmission head 104 and receiver head 1 12
from the reaction chamber 106 is shown in Figure 4. The exemplary
system 400 includes inserting an insulating layer or material 410
such as, for example, Teflon<(R)> between the heads 104, 112
and the reaction chamber 106. Other optional means include
providing an insulation area on the heads 104, 1 12, and allowing
the heads to be put in direct contact with the reaction chamber
106. The transmission head 104 and the receiver head 1 12,
described in more detail below, may include one or more plates of
electrically conductive material.  
  
[0035] 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 head would concentrate the RF to
enhance RF heating, a larger reception head was found to generate
a higher temperature, perhaps because of the use of a high-Q
resonant circuit described in more detail below). 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.
Optionally, an RP absorption enhancer 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 metals, e.g., iron, various combination of metals, e.g.,
iron and other metals, or magnetic particles. The many types of RF
absorption enhancers are discussed in greater detail below.  
  
[0036] 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 transmitted by the
transmission head 104 may 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 10-1
1 MHz, and/or 11-12 MHz, or 12-13 MHz, or 13-14 MHz, or 14-15 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 mode can be used to calibrate a tuning
circuit, as explained above, by adjusting any variable components
of the tuning circuit until minimum 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 M33 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 alternative, 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
equipment) by the transmitter portion of a YAESU brand FT-1000MP
Mark-V transceiver by clipping certain blocking components as
known 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 manual antenna tuner circuitry, to adjust to
the impedance 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 antenna 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 shown) in circuit
communication therewith or integral therewith, e.g., automatic or
manual antenna tuner circuitry, to adjust to the combined
impedance of the reaction chamber and the receiver and compensate
for changes therein. The transmitter portion of a YAESU brand
FT-1000MP Mark-V transceiver has such integral antenna tuner
circuitry. Various configurations for the transmission head and
reception head are possible, as exemplified herein.  
  
Figures 5-6  
  
![](afig567.jpg)  
  
[0037 ] 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 communication
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" diameter, flat, planar plate made
of 0.020" stainless steel) without a corresponding coil. The
transmission 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 and 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) may be parabolic plates
with their convex side facing the target area (not shown). The
plates may be made of copper (e.g., 0.090" copper plate) instead
of stainless steel.  
  
Figure 7-9  
![](afig8abc.jpg)  
![](afig9abc.jpg)  
  
[0038] 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 Aluminum 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.  
  
[0039] 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, and vice versa.  
  
Figures 10-16 [0040] 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- network.
An exemplary tuning circuit 1000 is shown in Figure 10 formed with
components listed in that figure. Exemplary component values for
Figures 10- 16a are shown in Table I. Tuning circuit 1000 may be
connected between an RF generator 102 and a transmission head 104.
Thus, as shown in Figure 11 an exemplary system may include an ENI
OEM-12B RF generator in circuit communication with exemplary
tuning circuit 1000, which is in circuit communication 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.  
  
[0041] The exemplary implementation of the exemplary tuning
circuit 1000 used in Figures 10-15 appears to show a voltage gain
of about 15-to-l 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 transformer.
Voltages of the larger plate of the transmission head have been
estimated 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 in 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 shown 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 Li may be substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the larger inductor L2.
Other components may be used to implement tuning circuit 1000
instead of the exemplary components listed on Figures 10-12. For
example, the smaller inductor Lj may be silver-coated or may be
made of 12 turns of 5/16" copper tubing (or more turns of larger
diameter copper tubing) for increased current carrying capacity
(smaller inductor Li can get relatively hot in exemplary
embodiments), and the capacitor Ci may be made from thirteen (13)
100 pF capacitors instead of eleven (11) for a 1300 pF capacitor
C1. As another example, the plates in the heads may be made of
copper (e.g., made from 0.090" copper plate) instead of stainless
steel. In the exemplary implementation 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  
  
![](afig16.jpg)![](afig16a.jpg)  
[0043] Figure 16 shows another exemplary system 1600 that is the
same as system 1200 (shown in Figures 8A-8C, 9A-9C, 12-15 and 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 1100
pF, and the smaller inductor Li 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 taken. 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 determined (or optimal) phase angle. In addition, the Q
of exemplary physical 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 (even substantially
different from inductive heating at similar frequencies).  
  
[0044] 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 chamber 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 such 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 has grounded metallic walls
3514 on all sides except the side 3515 facing the transmission
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 removed). The grounded walls 3512
of transmission enclosure 3502 are in circuit communication with
the grounded walls 3514 of reception enclosure 3504. Facing walls
3513 and 3515 may be made from TEFLON or another suitable
electrical insulator. Transmission enclosure 3502 and/or reception
enclosure 3504 may be movably mounted to permit 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 connectors, 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., from about 2" to about
20" or more apart or from about 2" to about 40" or more apart.  
  
[0045] 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 FPi' 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 confirm effective
grounding (e.g., by turning on the RF signal and repeatedly
placing the light bulb proximate 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 confirms 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.  
  
[0046] 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 methods taught herein.  
  
[0047] Figure 24 illustrates an exemplary transmission arrangement
2400 that is adapted for at least partial submersion in a liquid.
The enclosure includes a sealed circuit housing 2405 in which 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 hole 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
coupling 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 circuit 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 components, 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.
Although a grounded reception head (not shown) may be used in this
configuration (e.g., also mounted to the enclosure and configured
to pe[pi]nit 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 [0048] 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 one secondary fuel, or (iii) mixtures thereof and passing an
RF signal through 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 heating 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/cm<3> 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  
![](afig17.jpg)  
  
[0049] Figure 17 illustrates a high level exemplary methodology
1700 for producing hydrogen from salt water or from solutions
containing salt water.  
  
[0050] 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, hi certain embodiments salt is added to water or other
liquids to enhance 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 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 absorb sufficient energy output from the RF signal
such that salt water or a solution containing 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
systems and methods discussed and shown herein. Such
approximations of naturally occurring seawater may have a specific
gravity of about 1.02 g/cm<3> to 1.03 g/cm<3>, 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/cm<3> (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 methods discussed and shown herein.  
  
[0051] 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 tank 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 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. Again, it is believed that ordinary sea water may be
used.  
  
[0052 ] At block 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 transmitter is capable of
transmitting RF signals with variable amplitudes or pulsed
amplitudes. One or more of a variety of different shapes and sizes
of transmission and reception heads may be provided.  
  
[0053 ] 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 determining the selection of the
transmission head.  
  
[0054] The RF receiver is provided at block 1710. The RF receiver
may 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.  
  
[0055] 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. 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 salt
water or the salt water component of the 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
means of another insulating material.  
  
[0056] 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 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.  
  
[0057] At block 1720 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 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 solution containing salt water to generate
hydrogen.  
  
[0058] 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 means 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.  
  
[0059] 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 amount 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)  
  
![](afig18a.jpg)![](afig18b.jpg)  
[0060] 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 fuel; or (ii) decomposing the salt water component of
the solution containing salt water to generate hydrogen and to
subsequently combust 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 enhance 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 fuel source, or (iii) mixtures thereof. The salt
used in Figures 18(a)-(b)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 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/cm<3> to 1.03 g/cm<3>, 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/cm<3> (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 methods discussed and shown herein.  
  
[0062 ] 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 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 connected to an
inlet present on the reaction chamber.  
  
[0063] At block 1806 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
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 may be
provided.  
  
[0064] 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 determining the selection of the
transmission head.  
  
[0065] The RF receiver is provided at block 1810. The RF receiver
may be tuned to the frequency(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 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 salt water and
solutions containing salt water.  
  
[0066] At block 1814 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 1816 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 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
means of another insulating material. [0067 ] The RF frequency(s)
may be selected at block 1818. In addition to selecting the
desired RF frequency(s) at block 1818, 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 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.  
  
[0068] At block 1820 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 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), absorption 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) decomposition of the salt water
component of the solution containing salt water to generate
hydrogen; or (iii) both.  
  
[0069] The methodology may end at block 1822 and may be ended
after a predetermined time interval and/in response to a
determination 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
intermittently.  
  
Figures 19 (a) and 19(b)  
  
![](afig19a.jpg)  
![](afig19b.jpg)  
[0070] 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 containing salt water that may
optionally contain a secondary fuel 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.  
  
[0071] 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. In certain embodiments 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/cm<3> to 1.03 g/cm<3>, 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/cm<3> (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
methods discussed and shown herein. [0072] 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
connected 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 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.
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 arrangement it is
believed that the salt water or the solution containing salt water
could be introduced into the reaction chamber in the form of a
mist or spray.  
  
[0073 ] 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
transmitter. Optionally, the RF transmitter may also be a
multi-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 and sizes of transmission and reception heads may be
provided.  
  
[0074] 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.  
  
[0075] 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 may 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 RP 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 salt water and
solution containing salt water.  
  
[0076] At block 1914 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 1916 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 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 chamber. The heads may be
insulated from the reaction chamber by means of an air gap.
Optionally, the heads are insulated from the target area by means
of another insulating material.  
  
[0077] The RF frequency(s) may be selected at block 1918. hi
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 solution 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 where
the frequency of the RF signal varies over a set time period or in
relation to set temperatures, ranges or changes in temperatures.  
  
[0078] At block 1920 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 salt water or
the salt water component of the salt water containing solution
present within 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),
absorption 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) decomposition of the salt water component of the aqueous
solution to generate hydrogen; or (iii) both.  
  
[0079] Alternatively, it is contemplated that an ignition 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 spark 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
decomposition 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 containing salt water
in the reaction chamber.  
  
[0080] 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 combustion of any secondary
fuel that may be optionally present in a solution containing salt
water, or (iii) both), is transmitted to a piston in order to
perform mechanical 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 attached to the outlet present on the
reaction chamber and the other end of piston attached to a lever
arm. As expanding exhaust gases push against the piston head, the
lever arm is moved transforming the chemical energy of expanding
exhaust gases into mechanical energy and into the performance of
mechanical work.  
  
[0081] 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 mechanical energy and subsequently into the performance of
mechanical work, on demand. For example, this method could be used
in such an arrangement in order to power an internal combustion
engine. It is further contemplated that one example of how this
method together with the appropriate system could be utilized,
would be in providing an engine that would be fueled by salt water
or various solutions containing salt water, or even directly by
seawater taken from the ocean without further 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.  
  
[0082] The methodology may end at block 1924 and may be ended
after a predetermined time interval and/in response to a
determination that a desired amount of hydrogen production and
hydrogen combustion, or alternatively that a desired amount of
volatilization and combustion of any secondary fuel source that is
optionally present has been achieved. The method may be performed
once or repeatedly, or continuously, or periodically, or
intermittently.  
  
Figure 20  
![](afig20.jpg)  
[0083] Figure 20 illustrates a high level exemplary methodology
2000 for desalinating seawater.  
  
[0084] 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 demand. For example, the storage tank could be
connected 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. [0085] At
block 2006 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 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.  
  
[0086] The transmission head may be selected at block 2008. 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.  
  
[0087] 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.  
  
[0088] 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.  
  
[0089] 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 example, a specified length of time,
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.  
  
[0090] 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 within 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 steam produced would be free
of any salt, minerals, or any other nonvolatile impurities
initially present in the seawater.  
  
[0091] 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 tank could be
externally cooled in order to facilitate the rate of condensation
of the steam. [0092] The methodology may end at block 2026 and may
be ended after a predetermined time interval and/in response to a
determination 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  
![](afig21.jpg)  
  
[0093 ] Figure 21 illustrates a high level exemplary methodology
2100 of carrying out the electrolysis of water.  
  
[0094] 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 form both hydrogen and oxygen gases, the salt
should be selected such that the corresponding cation of the salt
has a lower standard electrode potential than H<+> and the
corresponding anion of the salt has a higher standard electrode
potential than OH<">. A more detailed description of various
salts and their effective amounts which are useful in this regard
is given below.  
  
[0095] 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
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 may be
provided.  
  
[0096] 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. [0097] The RF receiver is provided at block
2110. The RF receiver may be tuned to the frequency(s) of the RF
transmitter. At block 21 12, 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 salt water mixture.  
  
[0098] At block 2114 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 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 transmitted via the transmission head to the receiver head
will pass through the reaction chamber and be absorbed by the salt
water mixture. 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 are insulated from the target area by means
of another insulating material.  
  
[0099] The RF frequency(s) may be selected at block 2118. In
addition to selecting the desired RF frequency(s) at block 2118,
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 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 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. [00100] At block
2120 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 salt water mixture contained within
the reaction chamber. Absorption of the RF energy results in
decomposition of the salt water mixture to produce hydrogen and
oxygen.  
  
[00101] 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 semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable
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 membrane covering the innermost
gas collection bell. As such, the hydrogen gas would become
concentrated in the innermost gas collection bell, while the
oxygen gas would become concentrated in the outermost gas
collection bell. In this manner, it is believed that the hydrogen
gas could be isolated and collected separately from the oxygen
gas.  
  
[00102 ] The methodology ends at block 2124 and may be ended after
a predetermined time interval and/in response to a determination
that a desired amount of hydrogen production has been achieved.  
  
![](afig22.jpg)![](afig23.jpg)  
![](afig24.jpg)  
Figure 25  
  
![](afig25.jpg)  
  
[00103] 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 determination that a portion of
the liquid has been combusted.  
  
Figure 26  
  
![](afig26.jpg)  
  
[00104] Figure 26 illustrates a high level exemplary methodology
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 combusted.  
  
![](afig27.jpg)  
  
[00105] Additional 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 frequency through or to an aqueous solution of the metal
salt for a sufficient time in order to stimulate or excite the
metal 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) transmitting the RF
signal having the frequency to or through an aqueous solution of
the metal salt comprising the preferred metal species for a
sufficient time to generate heat.  
  
[00106] Additional methods are contemplated using the systems
described herein where the RF signal 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 and/or the
steam and/or the hydrogen and 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 microbial life that may also be present. It is
further contemplated that steam produced in-situ in this manner
may 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 systems and methods
described herein. One skilled in the art will understand how the
RF systems and methods described herein could be coupled with
known extraction and remediation processes and methods for in-situ
treatment of contaminated soils. Exemplary hydrocarbon
contaminants that could be extracted or removed would include but
are not limited to organic solvents, oil and oil byproducts,
insecticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Similarly, it is
contemplated that clathrates, zeolites, and other materials
containing or having various metal species adsorbed to their
surfaces or in there structures and containing either moisture or
water molecules coordinated to the metal species present may be
processed and heated in similar manners as has been described
herein for soils and clays.  
  
[00107] In accordance with the systems and methods of the present
invention previously described, further embodiments are
contemplated 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 either 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 material 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 metal salts or metal
compounds that may, for example, be present within various
targeted microbes, bacteria, or viruses. Since environments 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 environment
containing moisture) that are stimulated or excited by the RF
signal having the particular frequency so selected.  
  
[00108] In accordance with the systems and methods of the present
invention previously described, further 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 environment or a plant may be watered with
brine solution and natural biological processes such as osmotic
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 systems 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 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 either increasing or decreasing the rates of seed
germination and plant growth in order to affect such a change in
the germination and growth of plant life.  
  
[00109] 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 exemplary 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
combusting) a fluid involve using any of the systems previously
described and (i) providing a fluid to be processed (including
heating and/or combusting 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
general, 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 having an effective amount of salt added to it an RF
signal is transmitted from 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 may
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  
  
[00110] Ordinary and naturally occurring seawater may be used.
Generally, a salt which 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 NaCl 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<+>, Be<2+>,
Mg<2+>, Ca<2+>, Ba<2+>, Sr<2+>,
Mn<2+>, Fe<2+>, Fe<3+>, Ni<2+>,
Cu<2+>, Zn<2+>, Ag<+>, Au<+>, B<3+>,
Al<3+>, Ga<3+>, In<3+> 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 more 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.  
  
[00111] 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 herein includes using seawater
in its natural occurring form, that is, seawater which is taken
from the ocean and used directly without any further processing or
purification.  
  
[00112] 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
has 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 form and used directly without any further
processing or purification.  
  
[00113 ] OCEANIC brand Natural Sea Salt Mix may be used to
approximate naturally occurring seawater having an effective
amount of salt and used as the salt water or salt water component
of solutions containing salt water and salt water mixtures
employed 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/cm<3> to 1.03
g/cm<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/cm<3>
(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 methods discussed and
shown herein. The precise amount 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 may vary from
specific application to specific application.  
  
[00114] 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
herein, 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<+>, Ba<2+>, Sr<2+>, Ca<2+>,
Na<+>, and Mg<2+>. For example, a useful anion would
be SO4<2">, 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 (SO4<2">) that has a greater standard electrode
potential than OH<">.  
  
Additive  
  
[00115] 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 secondary fuel) 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 useful 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 more
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.  
  
[00116] 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 combustion 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 fo[pi]n azeotropic mixtures with water would
also be useful additives in this regard.  
  
Secondary Fuels [00117] 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 secondary fuel 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 from 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.  
  
[00118] 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
enhancement or in a boost in performance in terms of the
combustibility of the salt water solution versus the results
obtained 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 combust 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 combusting
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 combustible 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 formic acid
may also be useful secondary fuels.  
  
RF Absorption Enhancers  
  
[00119] 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 may
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., enhanced
heating, enhanced, combustion, enhanced desalination, etc. The RF
absorption enhancers 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 may pe[pi]nit the RF signal to heat salt water (or any
solution containing salt water or salt water mixture) containing
RF absorbing enhancers substantially more than it would salt water
(or salt water solution or salt water mixture) that does not
contain additional RF absorption enhancers.  
  
[00120] 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 metals, 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 synthetic 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 compounds 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 known as a "buckyball" or a
"buckminsterfullerene"), C70, C76, C84, buckytubes (single- walled
carbon nanotubes, SWNTs), multi-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 atoms (e.g.,
nickel atoms) integral therewith, which may affect their ability
to absorb RF energy and 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
"microparticles" (microscopic particles whose size is measured in
micrometers, e.g., 1-1000 [mu]m).  
  
[00121] 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 having 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
therebetween. Accordingly, rectifying circuits for RF absorbing
particles for RF absorption enhancers may be fabricated from RF
absorbing carbon molecules and compounds having non-linear I-V
characteristics.  
  
[00122 ] 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 enhancers 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. [00123 ] Of the RF
absorption enhancers mentioned herein, some may be suitable for a
13.56 MHz RP signal, e.g., silver nanoparticles, gold
nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, magnesium nanoparticles,
aqueous solutions of any of the metal sulfates mentioned 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 harmonics of 13.56
MHz.  
  
RF Signal  
  
[00124] 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 +-15.0 IcHz; 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 example,
RF signals having a fundamental frequency of about 700 MHz or less
might 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 frequency 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
stimulating 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. [00125] Additionally, in any of the
embodiments discussed herein, the RF signal used may be a pulsed,
modulated 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 enhancer
particles. Such pulsed signals may have any of various
characteristics. For example, the RF pulse may be a square wave,
or may be a sine wave, or may have a sharp rise time with an
extended ringing effect at base line, or may 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 length of time on the order of about a millisecond or
longer. For example, 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 temperature of the
mixture sufficiently to achieve the desired effect, e.g.,
combustion of the salt water, desalination, heating, creation of
hydrogen gas, etc.  
  
[00126] 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
may also be coupled through the portion of the reaction chamber
with coupling heads 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  
  
[00127] Salt water combusts relatively quickly in a test tube
using a 600 Watt 13.56 MHz RF signal. For example, sea water-
natural 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 more 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 ml per 90 second period at about
1000 watts, using either a 10 ml or 100 ml test tube, with the
upper surface of the sea water in the RF field. Comparative
Examples  
  
Series 1: Experiments with ocean
water  
  
[00128] It was previously demonstrated that salt water made from
sea salt mix will combust using the RP system described in the
'530 Application. It has been confirmed that ocean water will
combust 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).  
  
[00129] 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.)  
  
[00130] 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):  
  
![](at1.jpg)  
  
Sulfate 5/10/2007 2633 0 mq/! 1 O 300 0[00131] In this example,
combusted ocean water differed from uncombusted ocean water in the
concentration of most of these components 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:  
  
[00132 ] A white residue forms on the inside of the test tube
after combustion of salt water. The calcium may be part of that
residue.  
  
[00133 ] Using the above-described RF system, salt water will
combust, as will solutions of HCl and NaCl. 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 approximately 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.  
  
[00134] 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 and
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.  
  
[00135] Using a setup with 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
bum. The temperature of the burning products of salt water exposed
to RF energy has been measured as high as about 1700<0>C
using a FLIR Systems ThermaCAM P65 thermometer with ThermaCAM
Quick View V2.0 Software, which measures temperatures up to
1700<0>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[deg.]C) while the salt water is combusting.  
  
[00136] 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.  
  
[00137] 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.  
  
[00138] 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  
  
[00139] For all the Series 2 examples described below, a circuit
implementation of Figure 16 was used to transmit 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 chamber, 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/cm<3>. For all examples containing
ethanol, denatured, Apple Products(c) brand ethanol was used.  
  
Salt Water  
  
[00140] 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 temperature 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 <[deg.]> C.  
  
[00141] A second 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). 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 signal 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 <[deg.]> C.  
  
[00142] 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. Unlike the second sample of salt water,
combustion 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 + Carbonate and/or CO2 (as the "Additive ")  
  
[00143 ] Carbon dioxide may be useful as an additive, as may other
additives that produce carbon dioxide. Photographs 9-11 of the
incorporated material 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 sample 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 combustibility 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 sample 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 combustion 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 amount of overall
combustion.  
  
Salt Water + Surfactant (as the "Additive ")  
  
[00144] 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 transmission 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 combusting.  
  
Salt Water + Ethanol (as the "Secondary Fuel")  
  
[00145] A first 100 niL 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.  
  
[00146] A second 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 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
thermometer. Starting temperature = 26.6 ' C; Ending temperature =
62.0 ' C. This example shows that an effective amount of salt
(e.g., solid salt or a salt solution) can be added to enhance
heating of liquids.  
  
[00147] 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 thermometer. 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 an 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
signal 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  
  
[00148] 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 which the temperature was again measured using a fiber optic
thermometer. Starting temperature = 24.0 <[deg.]> C; Ending
temperature = 24.8 <[deg.]> C.  
  
CONTROL 2: Tap Water  
  
[00149] 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  
  
[00150] 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 transmission head and receiver head of the
RF apparatus (described above). The temperature of the ethanol 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
thermometer. Starting temperature = 25.0 <'> C; Ending
temperature = 30.0 ' C.  
  
[00151] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of embodiments thereof, and 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 signal 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 performed 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 examples 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.  
  
TABLE I - EXEMPLARY COMPONENT
SPECIFICATIONS  
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