Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for bonding of materials by induction heating of an electrically conductive material upon which a second material is bonded. The electrically conductive material is induction heated between a first induction heating plate, and the combination of a frame and a second induction heating plate that is disposed within the frame. The second induction heating plate is removed from the surface of the electrically conductive sheet, while the frame continues to hold the electrically conductive sheet flat, and the second material, in liquid form, is poured into the interior opening of the frame in which the second induction heating plate was originally placed. The liquid material solidifies and bonds to the electrically conductive sheet to produce a bonded product.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mechanical joint between a die and a substrate that is reflowed by microwave energy and a method of forming such a mechanical joint by printing a solder over a substrate, placing the solder in contact with a bump over a die, reflowing the solder with microwave energy, and forming a mechanical joint from the solder and the bump.

Abstract: An electromagnetic susceptor for chemical processing that is made from a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, the matrix material is constructed of material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material, and the greatest length of measurement of the electromagnetic susceptor is between one nanometer and 10 meters.

Abstract: The invention provides molding compounds that are particularly suitable to be molded into an article such as a heating element that will conduct heat and not burn when an electric current is passed through the article. These compounds are generally liquid thermosetting molding resins which comprise a thermoset resin matrix such as a terephthalate polyester which can include blends of polyester and/or vinyl ester with a significant loading of conductive inorganic filler, typically graphite. The compositions also include flame and sound retardant additives, and glass fibers. They are further formulated to meet the desired molding characteristics; to withstand the operating temperatures to which they will be exposed; and to have a predetermined strength and a desirable user interface including appearance, and odor. Typically, the compounds will have a glass transition temperature from about 160° C. (320° F.) to about 195° C. (383° F.).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel tapes, tools and seaming systems for creating seams of rolled goods, especially carpeting, using induction heating. The present invention also provides improved seaming tapes for use in resistive heating methods.

Abstract: A method and a device for manufacturing packages are provided. The method comprises providing a tubular first package part of a sheet of thermoplastic coated packaging material including at least one layer of an induction heatable material. The first package part has a sealed first joint between two mutually opposing edge sections of the sheet. The method further comprises joining together the first package part and a second package part by a second joint, the first and the second joint intersecting each other. The method further comprises arranging induction heating means including at least two conductors extending along each other, so that the conductors extend along the second joint and sealing the second joint by feeding an inducing current through the induction heating means. The inducing current is conducted by the conductors along the second joint in opposite directions in said at least two conductors.

Abstract: Rib and spar webs are joined in a composite wingbox to eliminate fasteners by welding the webs along bondlines defined by overlapping sections of the webs. Heat to produce the weld is generally achieved resistively by connecting a multistrip susceptor positioned along the bond line to a current source, since the geometry makes it difficult to heat these web joints inductively. The wingbox is completed without fasteners by welding skins to the rib-spar wingbox.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for consolidating a composite workpiece are provided. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic field generator for inducing a current and thereby heating a susceptor in thermal communication with the workpiece. The workpiece is supported by one or more support tools, each of which transmits the electromagnetic field so that the support tools are not substantially heated by the electromagnetic field. Thus, the time and energy required for heating the workpiece are reduced relative to conventional consolidation techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a composite workpiece are provided. An electromagnetic field generator induces a current in a susceptor, thereby heating the workpiece in a die cavity. An elastomeric bladder in the cavity is inflated and urges the workpiece against a contour surface corresponding to a desired configuration of the workpiece. Coolant fluid can also be circulated through the die cavity to cool the workpiece. Thus, the workpiece can be heated, formed, and cooled quickly and without substantial heating of other components, thereby reducing the time and energy relative to conventional forming methods.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a preform in a vacuum vessel to produce a structural assembly are provided. The system includes a heated die set defining a cavity in which the preform can be formed, bonded, or otherwise processed. The die set is disposed in a cavity of the vacuum vessel from which gas can be evacuated. Thus, a pressurized fluid can be provided to the preform, e.g., to an interior space of the preform to form or constrain the preform in the die cavity, and the vacuum vessel can be evacuated so that the die set, and typically the preform, are exposed to a pressure that is reduced relative to the ambient pressure. Further, the vacuum vessel can constrain the die set in the closed position during processing.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel tapes, tools and seaming systems for creating seams of rolled goods, especially carpeting, using induction heating. The present invention also provides improved seaming tapes for use in resistive heating methods.

Abstract: A method of applying or repairing a coating on a substrate by inductive heating. A susceptor element is applied on the coating and the element and the substrate are inductively energized to cause the substrate and the coating to be heated. The susceptor element is removed from the heated coating before applying the coating or applying a patch to the coating.

Abstract: A heating roller (21) includes a heat generating layer (22) that generates heat by electromagnetic induction, a heat insulating layer (23), and a supporting layer (24), which are provided inwardly in this order. The heat generating layer (22) is composed of at least two layers that are a first heat generating layer of a magnetic material and a second heat generating layer of a non-magnetic material. The first heat generating layer has a specific resistance higher than a specific resistance of the second heat generating layer and a thickness larger than a thickness of the second heat generating layer. This allows the second heat generating layer to function effectively as a heat generating part that generates heat by electromagnetic induction. Thus, compared with the case where the heat generating layer (22) is formed only of a single layer of a magnetic material, heat generation efficiency is increased, thereby allowing warm-up time to be reduced.

Abstract: A heating apparatus which is installed in a low pressure CVD system or annealing equipment for use in semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing processes for heat-treating wafers on which IC's are to be formed, wherein wafers are uniformly heated, the temperature of wafers is rapidly raised and lowered, and wafers are processed in high volume, wherein the apparatus comprises a cylindrical body made of glass-like carbon placed inside a reactor, and a high-frequency induction coil which is placed outside the reactor and is for causing the cylindrical body made of glass-like carbon to produce heat and thereby heating wafers in the reactor.

Abstract: An adhesive or sealant composition for use in alternating magnetic fields includes fiber based heating agents which have remarkably and unexpectedly high heating efficiencies. The fibers operate efficiently at lower field intensities; at lower frequencies and with smaller diameters (related to skin depths) than prior art technologies. The fibers may be formed from a variety of ferromagnetic materials, including, for example: iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium and alloys thereof. The preferred materials group is: carbon steel, magnetic stainless steel, nickel, ferromagnetic coated electrically conductive materials, ferromagnetic coated electrically nonconductive materials. The fibers are sized, in accordance with skin effect theory, to heat effectively at a frequency substantially higher that the actual frequency to be utilized.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel tapes, tools and seaming systems for creating seams of rolled goods, especially carpeting, using induction heating. The present invention also provides improved seaming tapes for use in resistive heating methods.

Abstract: The present invention of a device for advancing even distribution of high cycle wave magnetism uses a coil body having characteristics of conducting high cycle wave magnetism energy. The coil body is coiled in such a way that appears to have undulating distributed layers structure. A plurality of neighboring coil parts is annularly formed to become the coil body. Magnetism goes through any two neighboring coil parts will not repel or counteract each other because the neighboring coil parts are not on the same plane. Thus the present invention can advance high cycle wave magnetic field distributed more evenly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for single sheet forming using induction heating include a pair of dies defining a die cavity for containing a workpiece, which is inductively heated by an oscillating magnetic field within the die cavity. A susceptor is positioned between the workpiece and one die surface defined by one of the dies. The susceptor is capable of coupling with the oscillating magnetic field to induce a current within the susceptor to heat the susceptor. The susceptor transfers heat to the workpiece. An inlet for pressurized forming fluid injects the fluid between the susceptor and the workpiece to form the workpiece into direct contact with a forming surface defined by one of the dies. The susceptor may be electrically connected to the workpiece to inhibit electrical arcing from the susceptor to adjacent electrically conductive components when current is induced in the susceptor.

Abstract: A susceptor connection system and an associated apparatus and method are provided. The susceptor connection system includes at least one shoe that can be urged against a peripheral edge portion of the susceptors by a compression device. In this regard, each shoe can urge the edge portions of the susceptors together to achieve electrical contact therebetween, e.g., so that an induced current can flow between the susceptors to heat the susceptors and a workpiece. In addition, each shoe can define a passage for circulating a coolant to cool the edge portions and thereby reduce the oxidation and contact resistance between the susceptors.

Abstract: A heating device for controllably heating an article defines a processing chamber to hold the article and includes a housing and an EMF generator. The housing includes a susceptor portion surrounding at least a portion of the processing chamber, and a conductor portion interposed between the susceptor portion and the processing chamber. The EMF generator is operable to induce eddy currents within the susceptor portion such that substantially no eddy currents are induced in the conductor portion. The conductor portion is operative to conduct heat from the susceptor portion to the processing chamber. The heating device may further include a platter and an opening defined in the conductor portion, wherein the opening is interposed between the susceptor portion and the platter.

Abstract: A coated susceptor of electromagnetic energy for chemical processing made of a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, in which the matrix material is constructed of material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material, and the surface of the susceptor is coated with a material that interacts with applied electromagnetic energy of at least one frequency and initially absorbs electromagnetic energy and produces heat.

Abstract: A ceramic heater improving a uniformity of temperature distribution in a work heating face, wherein a resistance heating body formed on a face of a ceramic substrate opposite to the work heating face thereof is such that the scattering of thickness is within ±50% of an average thickness, and a surface roughness of the resistance heating body is a range of 0.05-100 ?m as Rmax and not more than 50% of the average thickness.

Abstract: A system and method inductively heats and stress relieves a weld joint area having a stress induced zone. A susceptor assembly is positioned over the stress induced zone. The susceptor assembly includes susceptor sheets manufactured to operate at different, preselected Curie temperatures. A housing is mounted over the susceptor assembly including an induction coil positioned adjacent to the susceptor assembly. An alternating electric current is applied to the induction coil. The alternating electric current causes the induction coil to generate a plurality of magnetic flux lines. The invention provides the advantage that the magnetic flux lines passing through the susceptor assembly heat the susceptor assembly providing localized and controlled temperature heat to the weld joint area to stress relieve the stress induced zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming a localized joint in at least one structural member are provided. The apparatus includes a tool that corresponds to a joint portion of the structural member. An induction coil is disposed in the tool, and a power source is configured to energize the induction coil. A susceptor disposed between the tool and the structural member has a Curie temperature at which the susceptor becomes paramagnetic such that an electromagnetic field induced in the susceptor by the induction coil heats the susceptor to the Curie temperature for forming the joint.

Abstract: An induction furnace, according to one embodiment of the invention, includes an induction heating system and a chamber that comprises a quartz cylinder, a top cover for sealing the top end of the cylinder, and a bottom cover for sealing the bottom end of the cylinder. The induction heating system includes a power supply and a coil. The coil surrounds the chamber. Contained within the chamber is a susceptor that is susceptable to induction heating. Also contained in the chamber is a thermal insulator that is disposed between the susceptor and the inner walls of the chamber. The insulator includes a fused quartz container in which the susceptor and the workpiece are contained.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heater made of a material (5) responsive to induction and capable of sustaining high temperatures. It further comprises at least an insulating thickness with low thermal conductivity, in particular a low temperature insulation (3) and a high temperature insulation (4), said thickness being fixed at the back of the material. A field winding (2) is adjacent to the insulating thickness and separated from the material (5) by the latter.

Abstract: A die liner for use in a die having a die body wherein the die body is configured to form a workpiece. The die liner is a discrete structure that is configured to be used in conjunction with the die body. The die liner defines a forming surface for forming the workpiece and is configured to have at least one characteristic that is different than a corresponding characteristic of the die body such that the die liner increases the durability of the die.

Abstract: A method for using magnetic fields to heat magnetically susceptible materials within and/or adjacent to adhesives, so as to bond, bind, or fasten solid materials to one another. The system uses alternating magnetic fields that induce eddy currents and generate heat within susceptors. An induction heating tool is used to emit the magnetic field at its work coil, and an electronic controller measures the energy being used by a power converter that generates the alternating current driving the work coil which creates the magnetic field. The heating tool is used in a method of adhesive bonding in which the thickness of the conductive layer of the susceptor is in the range of 0.01-3.0 mils, or the heating event time interval is in the range of 0.05-10.0 seconds, or the average power density of the magnetic field at the susceptor is in the range of 10-5000 Watts per square inch.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for single sheet forming using induction heating include a pair of dies defining a die cavity for containing a workpiece, which is inductively heated by an oscillating magnetic field within the die cavity. A susceptor is positioned between the workpiece and one die surface defined by one of the dies. The susceptor is capable of coupling with the oscillating magnetic field to induce a current within the susceptor to heat the susceptor. The susceptor transfers heat to the workpiece. An inlet for pressurized forming fluid injects the fluid between the susceptor and the workpiece to form the workpiece into direct contact with a forming surface defined by one of the dies. The susceptor may be electrically connected to the workpiece to inhibit electrical arcing from the susceptor to adjacent electrically conductive components when current is induced in the susceptor.

Abstract: An RFID-based induction heating/vending system for quickly and efficiently heating, vending, and recollecting stadium seats (10) or other objects. The system includes a plurality of objects each including an induction-heatable body (22), a charging/vending station (12) for heating and vending the objects; a self-serve warming station (14) that may be used by consumers to reheat their objects; and a check-out station (16) that automatically collects objects from consumers after use.

Abstract: An article and method of producing an article for converting energy from one form to another having a pitch-derived graphitic foam carbon foam substrate and a single layer coating applied to all exposed surfaces wherein the coating is either silicon carbide or carbides formed from a Group IVA metal. The article is used as fully coated carbon foam susceptors that more effectively absorb radio frequency (RF) band energy and more effectively convert the RF energy into thermal band energy or sensible heat. The essentially non-permeable coatings also serve as corrosion or oxidation resistant barriers.

Abstract: An article and method of producing an article for converting energy from one form to another having a pitch-derived graphitic foam carbon foam substrate and a single layer coating applied to all exposed surfaces wherein the coating is either silicon carbide or carbides formed from a Group IVA metal. The article is used as fully coated carbon foam susceptors that more effectively absorb radio frequency (RF) band energy and more effectively convert the RF energy into thermal band energy or sensible heat. The essentially non-permeable coatings also serve as corrosion or oxidation resistant barriers.

Abstract: A susceptor composition that can bond two or more layers or substrates to one another and that can be used to coat or cut a substrate. The susceptor composition is activated in the presence of radio frequency (RF) energy. In one embodiment, the susceptor composition of the present invention comprises a susceptor and a carrier. The carrier and susceptor are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The susceptor is present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. In a preferred embodiment, the susceptor also functions as an adhesive. The susceptor is an ionic or polar compound and acts as either a charge-carrying or an oscillating/vibrating component of the susceptor composition. The susceptor generates thermal energy in the presence of an RF electromagnetic or electrical field (hereafter RF field).

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses for continuous and efficient heat-treatment of semiconductor films upon thermally susceptible non-conducting substrates at a minimum thermal budget, and more particularly, to a polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) and PN diodes on glass substrates for various applications of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), and solar cells. According to the apparatuses of the present invention, the semiconductor films can be heat-treated without damaging the thermally susceptible substrates: e.g., crystallization of amorphous silicon films at the minimum thermal budget acceptable for the use of glass, enhancing kinetics of dopant activation at the minimum thermal budget acceptable for the use of glass.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heat treating a structural member, for example, to relieve stresses therein, are provided. The structural member is restrained in a die cavity by one or more inflatable bladders so that a desired dimensional accuracy is achieved. The structural member can be heated by an electromagnetic field generator, such as an induction coil, that heats one or more susceptors to a characteristic Curie temperature. The apparatus can be used to process structural members of various sizes and shapes, and the heating and cooling cycle can be performed relatively quickly.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming a localized joint in at least one structural member are provided. The apparatus includes a tool that corresponds to a joint portion of the structural member. An induction coil is disposed in the tool, and a power source is configured to energize the induction coil. A susceptor disposed between the tool and the structural member has a Curie temperature at which the susceptor becomes paramagnetic such that an electromagnetic field induced in the susceptor by the induction coil heats the susceptor to the Curie temperature for forming the joint.

Abstract: A system and method inductively heats and stress relieves a weld joint area having a stress induced zone. A susceptor assembly is positioned over the stress induced zone. The susceptor assembly includes susceptor sheets manufactured to operate at different, preselected Curie temperatures. A housing is mounted over the susceptor assembly including an induction coil positioned adjacent to the susceptor assembly. An alternating electric current is applied to the induction coil. The alternating electric current causes the induction coil to generate a plurality of magnetic flux lines. The invention provides the advantage that the magnetic flux lines passing through the susceptor assembly heat the susceptor assembly providing localized and controlled temperature heat to the weld joint area to stress relieve the stress induced zone.

Abstract: A method of making a flangeless seam for a disposable article including the following steps: A first member of the disposable article is provided. An electromagnetic field responsive member is provided on the first member. The first member is folded about the electromagnetic field responsive member providing opposing first proximal and first distal portions of the first member, the electromagnetic field responsive member being disposed at least partially between the opposing first proximal and first distal portions. A second member of the disposable article is provided in a folded configuration juxtaposed at least a portion of the first member to form a laminate including the first member and the second member. An electromagnetic field is applied across at least a portion of the laminate to heat the electromagnetic field responsive member to a temperature which joins at least a portion of the first member and at least a portion of the second member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for the selective laser sintering of metallic substances. The construction volume of the device is delimited by side walls (2) and by a construction platform (3), which is adjustable in height, for building up a component (9). A heating plate (5) is placed on the construction platform (3) at a distance from the side walls (2) or is integrated in the surface of the construction platform (3). The heating plate (5) is designed and thermally insulated from the construction platform (3) by an insulation layer (4) in such a manner that it reaches temperatures of at least 500° C. during heating operation. With the device and the corresponding method, metallic components are maintained at temperatures above 500° C. during the building up process thereby reducing the danger of tensions or cracking in the component.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antenna radiation heater (2) to heat material using molecular resonance. A plurality of surface antenna elements (3), each having a carrier surface material (11) and a radiation coating (10) applied thereon are connected by two spaced apart electrical conductors (14, 15) in parallel, with electrical contacts as antenna limiters and with which high-frequency electromagnetic radiation can be emitted. The antenna (2) includes a harmonic generator, coupled to electrical conductors (14, 15) of element (3) for excitation of the coating (10) for emitting an oscillation spectrum within the range of natural molecular frequencies of the material being heated. The radiation coating (10) is unilaterally applied to the carrier material (11) and forms an element front facing the material being heated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for heating a workpiece of an inductively heatable material, for example a turbine blade. Such a turbine blade consists of a massive blade base and a low-mass blade leaf. To enable the blade base and blade leaf to be heated in a manner appropriate to each an induction coil is provided, which surrounds the blade base and the blade leaf. By suitable choice of the alternating currents which flow through the induction coil and/or through the interposition of a susceptor between turbine blade and induction coil, the blade base and blade leaf can be heated in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: Thermoset heating compositions for use in alternating magnetic fields include fiber based heating agents which have remarkably and unexpectedly high heating efficiencies. The fibers operate efficiently at lower field intensities; at lower frequencies and with smaller diameters (related to skin depths) than prior art technologies. The fibers may be formed from a variety of ferromagnetic materials, including, for example: iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium and alloys thereof. The preferred materials group is: carbon steel, magnetic stainless steel, nickel, ferromagnetic coated electrically conductive materials, ferromagnetic coated electrically nonconductive materials. The fibers are sized, in accordance with skin effect theory, to heat effectively at a frequency substantially higher that the actual frequency to be utilized.

Abstract: An RFID-based induction heating/vending system for quickly and efficiently heating, vending, and recollecting stadium seats (10) or other objects. The system includes a plurality of objects each including an induction-heatable body (22), a charging/vending station (12) for heating and vending the objects; a self-serve warming station (14) that may be used by consumers to reheat their objects; and a check-out station (16) that automatically collects objects from consumers after use.

Abstract: A coated susceptor of electromagnetic energy for chemical processing made of a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, in which the matrix material is constructed of material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material, and the surface of the susceptor is coated with a material that interacts with applied electromagnetic energy of at least one frequency and initially absorbs electromagnetic energy and produces heat.

Abstract: A single or multilayer smart susceptor for temperature control of part fabrication in an induction processing system generally consists of single layer or laminated layers of ferromagnetic material susceptible to heating by induction. The use of the susceptors in fabrication at elevated temperatures causes oxidation damage to the surface. The susceptor may be coated with a nickel aluminide surface coating to minimize oxidation of the susceptor outer surface.

Abstract: An induction heatable body (22) that quickly heats to a desired temperature, retains heat long enough to be used in almost any application, and develops no “hot spots” even when heated by a heating source having an uneven magnetic field distribution. The induction-heatable body (22) achieves the foregoing while remaining relatively lightweight, inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The induction-heatable body (22) includes a plurality of induction-heatable layers (32a, b, c) each sandwiched between alternating layers of heat retentive material (34a, b, c). The induction-heatable layers (32a, b, c) consist of sheets of graphite material that can be inductively heated at magnetic field frequencies between 20 and 50 kHz. The heat-retentive layers (34a, b, c) consist of solid-to-solid phase change material such as radiation cross-linked polyethylene.

Abstract: A single or multilayer smart susceptor for temperature control of part fabrication in an induction processing system generally consists of single layer or laminated layers of ferromagnetic material susceptible to heating by induction. The use of the susceptors in fabrication at elevated temperatures causes oxidation damage to the surface. The susceptor may be coated with a nickel aluminide surface coating to minimize oxidation of the susceptor outer surface.

Abstract: An RF heating system for bonding a first element to a second element. In one embodiment, the RF heating system includes: (a) a composition, which functions as an adhesive, interposed between the first and second elements, the composition including an ionomer and a polar carrier, wherein the ionomer and/or the carrier are present in amounts effective to allow the composition to be headed by a fringe RF field; and (b) a radio frequency (RF) heating apparatus for producing the fringe RF field.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlled-atmosphere brazing of parts or components having cross-sectional dimensions of up to twenty-four inches. The apparatus maintains the components or parts at a uniform temperature during the brazing cycle. The apparatus includes a susceptor having a physical boundary that separates an interior of the susceptor from its exterior. While there is no limitation upon the length of the parts or components that can be brazed, the wall of the susceptor formed as a physical boundary has an internal diameter that limits the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the parts or components that are to be brazed, so that the parts or components reside within the interior of the susceptor. A heating source for heating the susceptor is provided. The heating source is capable of heating the susceptor sufficiently so that the interior of the susceptor can reach a temperature sufficient to braze the components inside the susceptor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic susceptor for chemical processing having a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, the matrix material is constructed of a sintered ceramic material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, and the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material.