With Heat Exchange Patents (Class 219/618)
  • Patent number: 11186045
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing a rotor blade comprises a first tooling, positioned at a factory location and configured to assemble a first blade module, comprising a first-module skin and a first-module spar, each comprising a first thermoplastic polymer and a first reinforcement material. The system also comprises a second tooling, configured to assemble a second blade module, comprising a second-module skin and a second-module spar, each comprising a second thermoplastic polymer and a second reinforcement material. The system further comprises a first support, positioned at a field location and configured to receive the first blade module, and a second support, positioned at the field location and configured to receive the second blade module. The system also comprises a spar welding assembly, positioned at the field location and configured to join the first-module spar with the second-module spar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, Thomas K. Tsotsis
  • Patent number: 11166350
    Abstract: Adjustable system and methods are provided that are used in curing a foam item. Induction heating assemblies, cooling mechanisms and a dynamic conveyance mechanism may be used in combination to heat and cool a mold containing the foam item as it is conveyed. The dynamic conveyance mechanism may have removable rollers that allow for chambers, such as the induction heating assemblies, to be placed into areas where removable rollers have been removed. As such, chambers may be placed into, taken out of, and moved around the dynamic conveyance mechanism. The flexibility of a dynamic conveyance mechanism allows for a curing process to be automated, adjusted, and customized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Conall Regan, Hyung Lim, DongWoo Lee, JaePil Kang, ChoulSoo Jeong
  • Patent number: 11088554
    Abstract: A charging station for an electrically heated aerosol-generating device which is adapted for stationary arrangement in a vehicle. The charging station includes a docking port for removably receiving the aerosol-generating device and a charging circuit operatively connectable to the aerosol-generating device when being received in the docking port for charging an electrical power supply of the aerosol-generating device. The charging station further includes a releasable retaining device configured for securely retaining the aerosol-generating device in the docking port such as to allow for one-handed removing of an aerosol-forming substrate from the aerosol-generating device. A charging assembly includes an electrically heated aerosol-generating device and a charging station. A vehicle may include a charging station being stationarily arranged in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Markus Karl-Walter Sauder
  • Patent number: 10974726
    Abstract: A method for operating a road paver that is self-propelled and may be controlled via a machine controller. An internal combustion engine provides engine power for a hydraulic system and for a generator so as to generate a generator power for supplying at least one electrical screed plate heating system with electrical energy. The engine and generator power are changed via an engine controller and also a generator controller. Prior to and/or during the paving procedure, current measurements are performed on the current that is flowing between an electrical screed plate heating system, which is dimensioned in a frequency-independent manner, and the generator, in order to determine and ascertain a prevailing generator power that is drawn off at least by the electrical screed plate heating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Oliver Lachmann, Christian Ortlieb
  • Patent number: 10814559
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rotor blade includes (1) assembling a first blade module that defines a first-module span axis and includes a first-module skin and a first- module spar, and each of the first-module skin and the first-module spar includes a first thermoplastic polymer and reinforcement material; (2) assembling a second blade module that defines a second-module span axis and includes a second-module skin and a second- module spar, and each of the second-module skin and the second-module spar includes a second thermoplastic polymer and reinforcement material; (3) transporting the first blade module and the second blade module to a field location; (4) aligning, at the field location, the first-module span axis with the second-module span axis to define an aligned pair of modules; and (5) heating a portion of the aligned pair of modules to form a weld joint between the first-module spar and the second-module spar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, Thomas K. Tsotsis
  • Patent number: 10695739
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods utilizing induction-heat energy for heating reactions associated with chemical synthesis, such as peptide synthesis reactions involving activation, deprotection, coupling, and cleavage. Thorough agitation of the contents of reaction vessels during heating, real-time monitoring and adjustment of temperature and/or reaction duration, independent control of different reaction vessels, and scalability are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander S. Waddell, David W. Ribblett, James Cain
  • Patent number: 10641210
    Abstract: An optical heat exchanger and an associated system and method are provided to allow a vehicle, such as an unmanned air vehicle, a rocket or the like, to deliver more payload at a lower cost. The optical heat exchanger includes a support surface defining a plurality of tapered openings. Each tapered opening tapers from the first size proximate an outwardly facing end of the opening to a second smaller size proximate an inwardly facing end of the opening. The inwardly facing end of each tapered opening is in communication with the propellant. The optical heat exchanger also includes a plurality of lenses with each lens positioned proximate the outwardly facing end of a respective opening. Each lens is configured to receive an electromagnetic energy beam and concentrate the majority of the electromagnetic energy beam through the inwardly facing end of the respective tapered opening, thereby heating the propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian J. Tillotson
  • Patent number: 10397986
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heat generation apparatus using permanent magnets. The heat generation apparatus using permanent magnets includes: a plurality of rotors fixedly mounted on a rotating shaft, and configured such that they are rotatable along with the rotating shaft with permanent magnets disposed thereon at predetermined intervals; a heat generation part configured such that the rotors are contained therein to thus form a predetermined gap between the heat generation part and the rotors, and adapted to generate heat while the permanent magnets are being rotated; a motor configured to serve as a source for the rotation of the rotating shaft; and a power transmission means configured to transfer the rotation force of the motor to the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventors: Tae Jin Kim, Byung Duk Lee
  • Patent number: 10374217
    Abstract: A production apparatus for producing an electricity storage material is provided. The electricity storage material includes at least a thickener and an active material. The production apparatus includes a solution production device and a mixture-kneading device. The solution production device produces a surfactant-containing solution of the thickener. The mixture-kneading device kneads the solution together with a powder of the active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takumi Mio, Koji Nishi, Sachiko Kubota, Jun Ando, Yutaka Ichihara
  • Patent number: 10293069
    Abstract: An assembly for evaporating a volatile fluid is described, the assembly including a device and a refill which are detachable from one another: wherein the device includes a magnetic induction coil configured to operate with an alternating current passed therethrough at a frequency of between substantially 20 KHz to substantially 500 KHz and a volatile fluid transport part receiving area containing at least one piece of heat-conducting, non-magnetic metal foil and/or deposited heat-conducting, non-magnetic metal; and wherein the refill includes a reservoir for the volatile fluid, a volatile fluid transport part to draw the fluid from the reservoir, and at least one magnetic susceptor having a coercivity of substantially 50 ampere/meter (Hc) to substantially 1500 ampere/meter (Hc).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: RECKITT BENCKISER (BRANDS) LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul John Duffield
  • Patent number: 10278410
    Abstract: Induction heating systems for metal food cans configured to deliver sufficient heat into the can to sterilize the food within the can are provided. The heating system includes an induction coil and a control system. The control system is configured to monitor and control heating of sealed food cans during induction heating and to control and/or confirm various aspects of can heating during induction heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Silgan Containers LLC
    Inventors: Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Jianwen Hu, Gerald Baker
  • Patent number: 10225891
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a radius filler. The radius filler having a desired cross-sectional shape is formed. The radius filler has a composite material and a number of heating elements located within the composite material. The radius filler is positioned in a channel formed by a plurality of composite structures. The radius filler is inductively heated by inducing a current within the number of heating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Joshua William Zarfos
  • Patent number: 10159272
    Abstract: A method of cooking a snack food, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a bed comprising a plurality of particles, wherein the particles are composed of, comprise or consist of a material which is magnetic and/or electroconductive; b. heating the particles in the bed to form a cooking medium in the form of a heated bed of particles, wherein in step b the particles are heated at least partially by electromagnetic induction; c. providing a plurality of snack food precursor elements in the cooking medium thereby to cook the elements to form a plurality of cooked snack food pieces, wherein the heated particles transfer heat into the elements by thermal conduction; and d. separating the plurality of snack food pieces and the cooking medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Godfroid, Austin Jon Kozman, Simon John Lawton, Leon Levine, Roshni Modhwadia, David James Stanley-Smith
  • Patent number: 10137994
    Abstract: An airfoil comprises a skin, comprising an external surface and an internal surface. The skin has a controlled region. The airfoil also comprises an interior space, formed by the skin. The airfoil additionally comprises a hybrid acoustic induction-heating system, configured to impede formation of ice on the external surface. The hybrid acoustic induction-heating system comprises induction coils and a control system. Each one of the induction coils has a portion, arranged sufficiently close to the internal surface to produce an eddy current within the controlled region. The control system is configured to generate inductive heat and traveling-wave acoustic pressure in the controlled region by supplying different phases of the alternating electrical current to the induction coils based, at least in part, on an ambient temperature of a layer of fluid flowing over the external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Ralph Hull, Minas H. Tanielian
  • Patent number: 10124902
    Abstract: A method of impeding formation of ice on an exterior surface of airfoil is disclosed. The method comprises detecting first ambient conditions known to cause the ice to form on exterior surface. The method also comprises supplying inductive heat and acoustic pressure to exterior surface when the first ambient conditions are detected. The method additionally comprises detecting second ambient conditions known to impede the ice from forming on exterior surface. The method further comprises discontinuing to supply the inductive heat and the acoustic pressure to exterior surface when the second ambient conditions are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Ralph Hull, Minas H. Tanielian
  • Patent number: 10118705
    Abstract: An airfoil comprises a skin, comprising an external surface and an internal surface, opposite the external surface. The skin is magnetically and electrically conductive. The airfoil also comprises an interior space, formed by the skin. The internal surface faces the interior space. The airfoil additionally comprises a leading edge along the external surface. The airfoil further comprises a hybrid acoustic induction-heating system, configured to impede formation of ice on the external surface. The hybrid acoustic induction-heating system comprises an induction coil within the interior space. At least a portion of the induction coil is sufficiently close to the internal surface to produce an eddy current in the skin when an alternating electrical current is flowing in the induction coil. The hybrid acoustic induction-heating system also comprises at least one magnet within the interior space. At least the one magnet is configured to produce a steady-state magnetic field within the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Ralph Hull, Minas H. Tanielian
  • Patent number: 10118706
    Abstract: An airfoil comprises a skin, comprising an external surface and an internal surface. The skin has a controlled region. The airfoil also comprises an interior space, formed by the skin. The airfoil additionally comprises a hybrid acoustic induction-heating system, configured to impede formation of ice on the external surface. The hybrid acoustic induction-heating system comprises an induction coil and a control system. At least a portion of the induction coil is sufficiently close to the internal surface to produce an eddy current within the controlled region when an alternating electrical current is flowing in the induction coil. The control system is configured to generate inductive heat and acoustic pressure in the controlled region by supplying the alternating electrical current to the induction coil based, at least in part, on an ambient temperature of a layer of fluid flowing over the external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Ralph Hull, Minas H. Tanielian
  • Patent number: 10113274
    Abstract: A road finisher comprising a screed plate extending at right angles to the working direction of the road finisher, and a tamper bar disposed rearwardly and/or forwardly of the screed plate in the working direction, wherein at least one electrically operated heating element is present, which is configured so as to heat up a heating surface facing a road subsurface, and wherein the heating element comprises a heating layer at least partially obtained through thermal spraying onto a substrate surface, wherein the tamper bar is made from two parts with an upper tamper bar member and a lower tamper bar member assembled together. Further, a tamper bar for a road finisher and a method of manufacturing a tamper bar are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventor: Gianluca Caputo
  • Patent number: 10015986
    Abstract: A cartomizer of an electronic vaping device includes a heater circuit which is located adjacent an air passage thereof. The heater circuit includes an electrically resistive heater in electrical communication with a secondary coil. A wick extends across the air passage. The wick is configured to draw pre-vapor formulation from a reservoir toward the heater. The heater is configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the pre-vapor formulation and form a vapor. The cartomizer is connectable to a power supply component which includes a power source in electrical communication with a primary coil. The power supply component is configured to induce sufficient voltage in the secondary coil of the heater circuit such that the secondary coil is configured to heat the heater and vaporize the pre-vapor formulation when the primary coil is powered by the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Edmond J. Cadieux, Douglas A. Burton, Patrick J. Cobler, Barry S. Smith, Peter Lipowicz, Kai Cao
  • Patent number: 9988771
    Abstract: A road finisher includes a screed plate extending at right angles to the working direction of the road finisher, a tamper bar disposed rearwardly and/or forwardly of the screed plate in the working direction, wherein at least one electrically operated heating element is configured to heat up a heating surface facing a road subsurface, the heating element comprising a heating layer at least partially obtained through thermal spraying onto a substrate surface, and a piston rod with connecting means to a tamper bar drive. The tamper bar is connected to the piston rod with an upper surface of the tamper bar contacting a lower surface of the piston rod, wherein the piston rod is single-pieced with regard to its connecting means and its lower surface, and the heating layer is located between the piston rod and the tamper bar, especially applied to the lower surface of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventor: Gianluca Caputo
  • Patent number: 9924566
    Abstract: An assembly for evaporating a volatile material is described, the assembly comprising a device and a refill which are detachable from one another: wherein the device comprises a magnetic induction coil configured to operate with an alternating current passed therethrough at a frequency of between substantially 20 KHz to substantially 500 KHz; and wherein the refill comprises at least one magnetic susceptor having a coercivity of substantially 50 ampere/meter (HC) to substantially 1500 ampere/meter (HC) and a substantially liquid-tight sealed reservoir containing the volatile material; wherein, in use, the magnetic susceptor(s) is arranged to heat the material predominately by magnetic hysteresis when the magnetic susceptor(s) is at least partially positioned in the induced magnetic field generated, in use, when said alternating current is passed through the induction coil. Refills, devices and methods of use are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: RECKITT & COLMAN (OVERSEAS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Duffield, Ellen Piercy, Larry Tyson, Steve Walsh
  • Patent number: 9877359
    Abstract: An assembly for evaporating a volatile fluid includes a device and a refill which are detachable from one another: wherein the device comprises a magnetic induction coil configured to operate with an alternating current passed therethrough at a frequency of between substantially 20 KHz to substantially 500 KHz; the refill comprises a fluid reservoir containing the volatile fluid, a wick and at least one magnetic susceptor arranged to heat the wick predominately by magnetic hysteresis when said alternating current is passed through the induction coil, wherein the magnetic susceptor has a coercivity of substantially 50 ampere/meter (HC) to substantially 1500 ampere/meter (HC). Refills, devices and methods of operation are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: RECKITT & COLMAN (OVERSEAS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Duffield, Ellen Piercy, Larry Tyson, Steve Walsh
  • Patent number: 9849610
    Abstract: For heating a mold efficiently and uniformly and for protecting an induction coil from corrosive gases, an upper plate that contacts an upper end face of a mold, and a lower plate that contacts a lower end face of the mold are provided, and an induction coil, provided to each plate, has a voltage applied by a commercial power supply. Each plate has a metal plate body in which a recessed housing portion that houses the induction coil is formed, and a cover that closes the recessed housing portion in a state where the induction coil is housed therein. A cover placement portion having a step that is greater than or equal to the thickness of the metal cover is formed in the metal plate body, and a plurality of jacket chambers in which a gas-liquid two phase heating medium is enclosed are formed in the metal plate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignees: TOKUDEN CO., LTD., BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Tonomura, Yasuhiro Fujimoto, Yoshihiko Yamamura, Hideyuki Osamura, Akihiko Hajikano
  • Patent number: 9772120
    Abstract: Systems and methods for solar fluid heating in a multi-story building. A system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes solar collectors installed in solar-facing walls of the multi-story building, in which fluid receives thermal energy from the solar collectors. The system also includes fluid storage vessels. The system further includes a circulating pump coupled to the solar collectors to circulate the heated fluid between the solar collectors and the fluid storage vessels on a floor of the multi-story building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Moshe Blumenfeld
  • Patent number: 9473049
    Abstract: An induction heating apparatus includes a rotor having a rotation shaft, and a stator having a heating portion disposed at a distance from the rotor. A coil that generates magnetic flux in a direction of the heating portion is provided in the rotor. The heating portion is formed of a composite material of a magnetic material and a conductive material, and has a structure in which a magnetic material portion and a conductive material portion are combined. When the coil is in a position opposed to the heating portion, a cross-sectional area of the magnetic material portion is smaller than an area of linkage of magnetic flux generated by the coil in the heating portion, and the conductive material portion is disposed to surround a periphery of the magnetic material portion. A flow passage in which the heating medium circulates is provided in the heating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Kyoto University
    Inventors: Toru Okazaki, Tetsuji Matsuo, Takeshi Mifune
  • Patent number: 9469521
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing warmed shaving and cosmetic products having an induction heating system mounted within housing for heating only a conductive floating target screen disposed on an upper surface region of a shaving or cosmetic product stored within a product receptacle surrounded by an induction heating coil of the induction heating system thereby heating only the upper surface region of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ALPS SOUTH EUROPE S.R.O.
    Inventors: Aldo A. Laghi, Eric Prast, Nate Vint
  • Patent number: 9457404
    Abstract: A method for consolidating a pre-form made of powder, comprising: (a) placing the pre-form between smart susceptors; (b) heating the smart susceptors to a leveling temperature by applying a varying low-strength magnetic field having a magnetic flux that passes through surfaces of the smart susceptors; (c) applying consolidation pressure to the pre-form at least during a time period subsequent to the temperature of the smart susceptors reaching the leveling temperature; and (d) while consolidation pressure is being applied, applying a pulsed high-strength magnetic field having a magnetic flux that passes through a surface of the pre-form. The strength and pulse rate of the high-strength magnetic field are selected so that the crystallographic phase of the pre-form will rapidly oscillate at a substantially constant temperature. The pulsed high-strength magnetic field is applied sufficiently long that superplasticity of the pre-form is attained during phase oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, Mark Alan Negley, Robert James Miller
  • Patent number: 9429263
    Abstract: A device for high efficiency induction heating or direct electrical heating, DEH, of a number, M, M?[1, N of a group of parallel subsea pipelines N, where N?[2, ?, and where a number of conductor cables, W, supplies electrical power from at least one top side power supply to M of the parallel subsea pipelines N, wherein the number of electric conductors, W, from the at least one top side power supply connected to the M pipelines is defined to be in the group W?[N, N+1], where N, W and M are natural numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SINVENT AS
    Inventors: Jens Kristian Lervik, Harald Kulbotten
  • Patent number: 9387606
    Abstract: The vulcanizing press for curing green tire blanks having: a component, at least one inductor comprising an armature having two free ends exhibiting soles which are able to close an electromagnetic loop through the component, and for each sole, at least one connecting element connecting the sole to the component and forming between the two of them at least one space, the connecting element or elements associated with the sole occupying in total less than half of a length of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Charles Ferrand, Jean-Claude Aperce, Alain Rochette, Didier Valentin
  • Patent number: 9320293
    Abstract: A popcorn kettle is provided with a heater plate mounting one or more heater elements in an annular configuration about a thermostat. Two semicircular disposed slots in said heater plate isolate the thermostat from heat directly conducted through the plate to the thermostat except in defined areas between ends of the slots. This prevents a high rate of heat rise which could be witnessed by the thermostat causing premature cessation of a popping cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Gold Medal Products Company
    Inventor: Ronald R. Weiss
  • Patent number: 9174398
    Abstract: A heating blanket may include a conductor for receiving electrical current and generating a magnetic field in response to the electrical current. A plurality of sleeve segments may be mounted on the conductor in end-to-end relation to one another. Each one of the sleeve segments may be formed of magnetic material having a Curie temperature. The sleeve segments may be inductively heated in response to the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Miller, David F. Taylor, Marc R. Matsen
  • Patent number: 9095005
    Abstract: An induction stove assembly that utilizes pads between the cook-top of the stove and cooking vessels placed on the stove for heating. The pads are easily removable and interchangeable with other similar pads. The pads help protect the cook-top from damage, make clean-up more efficient, and insulate the cook-top from excessive heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: KENYON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Reischmann, Phillip Williams
  • Publication number: 20150103860
    Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma device includes a rotary furnace tube and an inductively coupled plasma source. The rotary furnace tube has a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis. In a first embodiment, the inductively coupled plasma source is disposed proximate to the first end of the rotary furnace tube and is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rotary furnace such that the inductively coupled plasma source discharges a plasma into the rotary furnace tube. In a second embodiment, the inductively coupled plasma source is a ground electrode disposed within and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rotary furnace tube, and a second electromagnetic radiation source disposed around or within the rotary furnace tube that generates a wave energy. The inductively coupled plasma source discharges a plasma within the rotary furnace tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 8993941
    Abstract: Plural induction heating coils for inductively heating to-be-heated object are provided under a top plate on which to-be-heated object is placed, and plural inverter circuits for supplying high-frequency currents to the plural induction heating coils, respectively, are adapted to be cooled by cooling air flows from cooling portions, and placed in a longitudinal row along the cooling air flows, in air-flow blowing path spaces through which cooling air flows from the cooling portions are blown, so as to facilitate cooling designing for an induction heating device and to improve the cooling performance of the induction heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kataoka, Takaaki Kusaka, Takehiko Shigeoka, Eiji Matsui, Takeshi Kitaizumi
  • Patent number: 8963058
    Abstract: A system for inductively heating a workpiece may include an induction coil, at least one susceptor face sheet, and a current controller coupled. The induction coil may be configured to conduct an alternating current and generate a magnetic field in response to the alternating current. The susceptor face sheet may be configured to have a workpiece positioned therewith. The susceptor face sheet may be formed of a ferromagnetic alloy having a Curie temperature and being inductively heatable to an equilibrium temperature approaching the Curie temperature in response to the magnetic field. The current controller may be coupled to the induction coil and may be configured to adjust the alternating current in a manner causing a change in at least one heating parameter of the susceptor face sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, Mark A. Negley, William Preston Geren
  • Publication number: 20150048079
    Abstract: Subsea heating assembly, comprising a component interface cable (9) in association with a subsea component (7?) to be heated. The component interface cable receives power from an electric power source. The power source comprises an induction coupler (100) with core rings which surround an alternating current carrying source cable (5), and a winding cable (107) wound around the core ring The winding cable connects to the component interface cable. The induction coupler comprises an upper section (100a) with first core parts (101a) and a lower section (100b) with second core parts (101b). The winding cable is arranged in the upper section. The first core parts are aligned with second core parts when the upper section is landed on the lower section. The upper section is removable from the lower section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Aker Subsea AS
    Inventors: Ole A. Heggdal, Ole Johan Bjerknes, Hjalmar Nystrøm
  • Patent number: 8941036
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heating unit capable of easily and inexpensively adjusting total impedance based on tire mold size so that a power source can be used at a high power factor, and a tire heating apparatus using the same. A ferromagnetic metallic member 10a heats a tire mold M1 by heat conduction. An induction heating coil C1 is disposed on the side of the ferromagnetic metallic member 10a opposite the tire mold M1 to induction-heat the ferromagnetic metallic member 10a by generating magnetic field lines. A nonmagnetic conductor 30a is disposed on the side of the induction heating coil C1 opposite the ferromagnetic metallic member 10a to shield the magnetic field lines generated by the induction heating coil C1. A heating unit 100a including these elements heats the tire mold M1 storing a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuto Okada, Hideaki Kuwabara, Hisashi Mitamura, Tomomichi Murata, Masatake Toshima, Yasuhiko Fujieda
  • Patent number: 8933379
    Abstract: A portable induction heating tool is provided as a membrane roofing tool for use in sealing anchor plates with a heat-activated adhesive to a membrane roofing member. The tool uses two different audible tones so two tools can be used simultaneously on a single roof, while allowing a user to easily distinguish between the operation of both tools. The main housing containing electronics is weather-tight, and requires no forced-cooling devices. The controller automatically performs data logging functions, such as counting the number of anchor plates per job or per day that have been properly placed, counting the number of activation events for a tool's life, tracking the number of faults which occur as the tool is being used, and the controller can identify the type of fault that occurs during operation of the tool. The controller also stores energy setting changes in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: OMG, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonios Challita, John P. Barber, Joshua S. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20150001208
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: POWERMAG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. ALBERTSON, David ALBERTSON
  • Patent number: 8921746
    Abstract: An inductively-heated applicator system including a heating module and applicator or applicator pen. The heating module includes a dock for seating the applicator. The heating module includes circuitry to selectively generate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly provide energy to the applicator when it is positioned in the dock. The heating module may also include temperature control circuitry to at least one of monitor and control the temperature of the applicator. The applicator pen includes a heating element that may be heated through energy provided by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be directly inductively heated by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be a roller element that heats and applies the product. Alternatively, the applicator may include a secondary in which electrical power is induced when the electromagnetic field is present. In this alternative, the power may be applied to the heating element to produce resistive heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Richard Bylsma, Thomas Jay Leppien, Jesse C. Leverett, Steve O. Mork
  • Patent number: 8912467
    Abstract: A hair styler and its heating device which can heat the thermal storage piece inside the hair roller quickly to a desired temperature by electromagnetic heating. The thermal storage piece is made of high thermal conductivity material which absorbs heat quite quick and disposed inside the hair roller to prevent the hair from directly contacting the thermal storage piece during hair styling, consequently preventing the hair from being burned. Then a low thermal conductivity isolating layer retains the heat within the hair roller and enables the heat to be uniformly and constantly transmitted to the outer surface of the hair roller, providing an effect of low energy consumption and long-lasting heat. A temperature sensing piece is used to detect and indicate the temperature of the hair styler by using different colors, making it easier for the user to know the temperature of the hair styler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Manica Taiwan Incorporated
    Inventors: Rie Oishi, Feng-Chih Liao, Yen-Chin Cheng
  • Patent number: 8907257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a contactlessly chargeable heater. In one example, the contactlessly chargeable heater includes: an induction patch emitting magnetic field by means of current applied to an inner coil; and a heating body, receiving the magnetic field from the charging patch to perform a contactless charging operation, and including a conductive metal yarn for emitting heat via the power generated through the contactless charging operation. The conductive metal yarn is woven together using threads within the heating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventor: Gi Soo Chung
  • Publication number: 20140284322
    Abstract: In an induction heater, preheated, pressurized air is further heated in the heating cabinet and also drawn into the coil tube via a suction fan. The simultaneous pulling and pushing of the twice-heated air through the tube provides superior air flow to pick up more moisture from the can ends being dried. The tube ends rest on upwardly concave collars and are held in place by gravity, with a single screw acting as a stop above to prevent upward movement. Removal requires only removing the single screw at each end then lifting the tube straight up out of the cabinet, which is facilitated by providing a hinged cover on the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy E. Wilson, Howard Podolny, Raymond J. Baxter
  • Patent number: 8822893
    Abstract: Thermoplastic pellitized materials are melted in gravity flow through coaxially oriented perforated cylindrical metal susceptors. The susceptors are equally energized by the interception of a common magnetic field formed by a high frequency powered inductor coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Bernard C. Lasko
  • Patent number: 8803045
    Abstract: A cavity divider is provided for use within an appliance cavity to partition the appliance cavity into a plurality of sub-cavities. The appliance cavity has a sending coil. The cavity divider comprises a pick-up coil and a heating element, whereby the sending coil is configured to be inductively coupled to the pick-up coil, whereby an electrical current generated in the pick-up coil provides power to the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul Bryan Cadima
  • Patent number: 8772683
    Abstract: An apparatus for radiating RF energy from a well structure that provides a circuit through which RF power may be driven to heat a hydrocarbon deposit that is susceptible to RF heating. The apparatus includes a source of RF power connected at one connection to a conductive linear element, such as a well bore pipe, and at a second connection to a conductive sleeve that surrounds and extends along the linear conductive element. The sleeve extends along the linear conductive element to a location between the connection of the source of RF energy to the linear conductive element and an end of the linear conductive element where the sleeve is conductively joined near to the linear conductive element. The apparatus may include a transmission section that extends from a geologic surface to connect to a radiating apparatus according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Patent number: 8735782
    Abstract: A system for forming a brazed joint between a tie wire and a workpiece, and methods therefor are presented. The system includes: a braze chamber including an induction heating coil, the induction heating coil having magnetic flux concentrators thereon; and a controller receiving a temperature feedback signal from a temperature sensor on a tie wire and controlling a temperature of a section of the tie wire to be brazed by controlling an electrical current applied to the induction heating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey Michael Breznak
  • Patent number: 8735781
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling heating and cooling of a transfer unit in a precision hot press device configured to suppress overheating and supercooling, and of performing quick heating and cooling, wherein the method and apparatus compares an amount of energy given to the transfer unit or taken from the transfer unit by a heating unit or a cooling unit with an amount of energy observed to enter into or exit from the transfer unit before the temperature of the transfer unit reaches a target temperature, calculates an amount of surplus or supercooled energy from a difference between the two energy amounts, and heats or cools the transfer unit based on the amount of surplus or supercooled energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Shimao, Takashi Kurata
  • Patent number: 8708691
    Abstract: A composite fabrication apparatus which may include a first tooling die and a second tooling die movable with respect to each other; a temperature control system having induction coils disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die; a first die susceptor provided on the first tooling die and a second die susceptor provided on the second tooling die and connected to the induction coils; and a cooling system disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die. A resin transfer system delivers resin from a resin source to the tooling dies to allow resin transfer molding. A composite fabrication method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, Kim E. Peterson, William Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20140096503
    Abstract: An apparatus has a first member having an exposed peripheral surface and an electrically and thermally conductive portion. A circumferential array of magnets of alternating polarity are mounted for rotation about an axis relative to the first member inboard of the peripheral surface, the magnets being in sufficient proximity to the electrically and thermally conductive portions so that the rotation of the magnets about the axis is effective to generate eddy currents, in turn, is effective to heat the electrically and thermally conductive portion and, thereby, heat the exposed peripheral surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lubomir A. Ribarov, Jacek F. Gieras