Abstract: When a power system experiences a disruptive event, conditions may exist that threaten the survival of power devices used in the system. Embodiments described herein provide an improved means of protecting these devices under such circumstances.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.

Abstract: A modular RF power system allows multiple power supplies to combine their RF output power as a single system and deliver it to a common resonant circuit. For flexibility and commonality, each power supply is designed to be separately powered by AC line voltage (aka AC Mains). The AC voltage supplied to each power supply may differ due to differing AC distribution line length, line impedance, wire gauge, or different supply generation locations.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to induction heating systems and methods for producing an object having a varying hardness along the length of the object. In some embodiments, the induction heating system comprises a radio frequency (RF) power source and a work coil electrically coupled to the RF power source, wherein the work coil is a helical conical coil.

Abstract: A tuning system for controlling a voltage controlled oscillator is described herein. The tuning system makes use of a dual edge phase detector.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a power system for providing power to a load.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods that automatically correct the desired on-time of switching elements as the resonant frequency changes, so as to maintain the correct proportional value.

Abstract: Power switching systems often benefit from controlling the instant at which the power devices change state so as to minimize dissipation in these devices. Such systems often require fairly tight tolerances on reactive components and a relatively narrow frequency operating range to be certain these switching times occur as intended. This invention defines a system that can adapt the required switching instant over very wide changes in the reactive components.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to induction heating systems and methods for producing an object having a varying hardness along the length of the object. In some embodiments, the induction heating system comprises a radio frequency (RF) power source and a work coil electrically coupled to the RF power source, wherein the work coil is a helical conical coil.

Abstract: Power switching systems often benefit from controlling the instant at which the power devices change state so as to minimize dissipation in these devices. Such systems often require fairly tight tolerances on reactive components and a relatively narrow frequency operating range to be certain these switching times occur as intended. This invention defines a system that can adapt the required switching instant over very wide changes in the reactive components.

Abstract: A circuit apparatus for providing an AC voltage to a load. The apparatus may include: a first, second, third and fourth switch, wherein the first switch is connected between a first node and a first terminal of the second switch and the fourth switch is connected between a second node and a first terminal of the fourth switch; a voltage source, wherein the voltage source is electrically connected between the first node and the second node; a resistive divider connected across the voltage source; a first resistor connected across the first switch a second resistor connected across the third switch; first connecting means for configurably connecting a second terminal of the second switch to the second node; second connecting means for configurably connecting a second terminal of the third switch to the first node; and third connecting means for configurably connecting the second terminal of the second switch in series with the second terminal of the third switch.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.

Abstract: Power switching systems often benefit from controlling the instant at which the power devices change state so as to minimize dissipation in these devices. Such systems often require fairly tight tolerances on reactive components and a relatively narrow frequency operating range to be certain these switching times occur as intended. This invention defines a system that can adapt the required switching instant over very wide changes in the reactive components.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a power system for providing power to a load.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a power system for providing power to a load.