Abstract: A method of locally concentrating an applied electric field to promote chemical reaction having a dispersion of individual field concentrators on the surface of a substrate, embedded on a substrate, and embedded on the surface of a substrate, in which the individual field concentrators consists of shaped material and the shape and material are capable of producing a locally concentrated electric field in the vicinity of the field concentrator from interaction between the field concentrator and the applied electric field.

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: A conduit has a heating system disposed therein. The heating system generates heat in response to magnetic flux generated by an inductive coil. The heating system has a heat transfer element and a plurality of ferromagnetic elements. The heat transfer element may be displaced within the conduit to control the amount of heat generated.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for using magnetic fields to heat magnetically susceptible materials within and/or adjacent to adhesives, resins, or composites so as to reversibly or irreversibly bond, bind, or fasten opaque or non-opaque solid materials to one another. The system makes use of the effect that alternating magnetic fields induce eddy currents and generate heat within susceptors, and the effect that alternating magnetic fields additionally induce magnetic hysteresis that occurs in magnetic materials and thereby generate heat. 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 distance between the susceptor and work coil is repeatedly analyzed based upon the power converter's input energy, and the work coil is driven at a repeatedly corrected power level during the heating cycle.

Abstract: An RF heating system. In one aspect of the present invention, the RF heating system includes a first elongated electrode connected to a first node within an impedance matching circuit and a second elongated electrode connected to a second node within the impedance matching circuit, wherein (a) a first portion of the first electrode and a first portion of the second electrode are adjacent to and substantially parallel with each other, (b) a second portion of the first electrode is angled in a direction away from the second electrode, (c) a second portion of the second electrode is angled in a direction away from the first electrode, and (d) a stray electromagnetic field is generated in a region above the space between the first portion of the first electrode and the first portion of the second electrode, whereby the generated stray field can be used to heat a composition when the composition is placed in the region.

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: 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 said 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: A heat retentive tray system is provided that has a tray containing a heat storage member adapted to be heated by electrical induction with a cover disposed in insulating contact with a flat upper surface of the tray, thereby substantially increasing the heat retentive properties of the system.

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: An induction heating device for manufacturing a part by heating the part to a predetermined temperature. The induction heating device includes an induction coil connected to an electrical power supply for generating an electromagnetic flux field. A smart susceptor of the heating device is positioned in the electromagnetic flux field and includes a magnetically permeable material supported by a mesh structure. The magnetically permeable material generates heat in response to the flux field. The mesh structure provides support for the magnetically permeable material and closely conforms to the desired outer geometry of the part. The magnetically permeable material may be applied as a powder to the mesh using a hot spray gun, allowing tight conformance of the susceptor to the part geometry while avoiding forming limits of sheet metal susceptors.

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 induction heating system for fabricating a part by heating and forming the part. The induction heating system comprises a smart susceptor that includes a susceptor material that responds to an electromagnetic flux by generating heat and a cavity defined by the susceptor material that is configured to hold the part. An induction coil of the induction heating system is supplied with electrical power so as to generate the electromagnetic flux necessary for the susceptor to generate heat. A temperature controller includes a power supply that supplies electrical power to the induction coil. A controlling element of the temperature controller monitors trends in the electrical power supplied and changes the amount of electrical power being supplied so as to control the temperature of the part during fabrication.

Abstract: A device for thermal treatment of gases and pollutants employs alternate cavity (1) and susceptor (9) geometries for providing more homogeneous interactions of applied electromagnetic energy (6) in the volume of the receptor (9) regardless of the flow rate and diameter of the exhaust duct (3) width. The heat transfer method improve the overall heat efficiency of the device. The susceptor (9) structure has reflectivity as principle mode of interaction with applied electromagnetic energy (6) which allows for energy to mepetrate the susceptor (9) which is formed of composite susceptive materials. The use of field concentrators (5) to concentrate the energy density of the applied electromagnetic energy (6) provides a simple method of controlling the temperature versus energy in the susceptor (9).

Abstract: A pouch is provided for use in transporting packaged hot foodstuff such as pizza. The pouch has front and back walls, and a peripheral wall attached to the front and back walls. An induction heating element is retained in a location structure attached to the back wall for induction heating with the pouch positioned on a surface such that the wall carrying the heating element is on the surface. The element is then positioned relative to the surface for efficient induction heating to create a source of heat while the foodstuff is transported.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for heat treatment of semiconductor films upon thermally susceptible non-conducting substrates at a minimum thermal budget are required, 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 methods and apparatus 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 for holding a substrate on a support layer in a processing chamber. The apparatus is directed to a susceptor system for a processing chamber in which a substrate is electrostatically held essentially flat. The apparatus includes a substrate support and a support layer composed of a dielectric material disposed on the substrate support. At least one lift pin is used for supporting the substrate relative to the support layer. A device is provided for moving each lift pin relative to the support layer. A device is also provided for producing a plasma within the processing chamber.

Abstract: A device for degassing and brazing preassembled vacuum interrupters in only one brazing operation includes a base plate having at least one brazing site which features an opening of the base plate for connecting a suction pump and a bell which covers the opening and can be put on the base plate and lifted off. The bell is surrounded on the outside by an excitation coil to which medium- or high-frequency energy can be applied. The device includes a medium- or high-frequency generator for the excitation coil and with a cylindrical tubular susceptor arranged inside the bell for receiving at least one preassembled vacuum interrupter.

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 comprises 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 that 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 means 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: The invention relates to a heating arrangement that is characterized by a combination of the following features: the heating arrangement consists of at least one heating element (3) in the form of a flat element with two opposite-lying, essentially parallel conductors and a coating arranged therebetween for the generation of electromagnetic waves. The coating material is comprised of a binding agent, an insulating agent, a dispersion agent, water and graphite. The heating device also comprises a control device (7) with a harmonic generator containing an electric component that has a rapid rate of current rise and is suitable for generating a high harmonic content. The harmonic generator is coupled to both electric conductors of the heating element (3) in order to emit a spectrum of vibrations in natural molecular frequency ranges. A low-cost, highly effective heating system is thus provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides new polymer induction bonding technology. Induction heating technologies are utilized to weld, forge, bond or set polymer materials. The invention provides controlled-temperature induction heating of polymeric materials by mixing ferromagnetic particles in the polymer to be heated. Temperature control is obtained by selecting ferromagnetic particles with a specific Curie temperature. The ferromagnetic particles will heat up in an induction field, through hysteresis losses, until they reach their Curie temperature. At that point, heat generation through hysteresis loss ceases. This invention is applicable to bonding thermoplastic materials, wherein only the area to be heated has ferromagnetic particles in it; bonding of thermoset composites, which have been processed with a layer of thermoplastic material on one side; curing of thermoset adhesives or composite resins; or consolidating thermoplastic composites.

Abstract: A processed fiber is used to distribute energy from an electromagnetic (EM) energy source to a material in which the fiber is embedded. The electromagnetic energy source supplies electromagnetic energy to the fiber and the fibers emit portions of the EM energy along the length of the fiber. The sealant material absorbs a quantity of the electromagnetic energy sufficient to cure the sealant material and propagates excess electromagnetic energy through the sealant material without significant additional absorption. This prevents the sealant material from over-curing. Additionally, a fully cured material can be used to generate thermal energy and thereby serve as a heat blanket that can be used to de-ice aircraft.

Abstract: A unique class of high efficiency heating agents consisting of fibers and in particular ferromagnetic fibers for use in alternating magnetic fields is disclosed 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 heating agents may be formed from a variety of materials, for example fibers including ferromagnetic material selected from the group consisting of: iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium and alloys thereof; preferably, the fibers can be selected from the group consisting of: carbon steel fibers, magnetic stainless steel fibers, nickel, ferromagnetic coated electrically conductive fibers, ferromagnetic coated electrically nonconductive fibers.

Abstract: A susceptor for semiconductor manufacturing equipment obtained by laminating plural aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic substrates with a high melting point metallic layer and an adhesive layer, and in particular, the aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic substrate contains a compound of a Group 3a element in an amount of from 0.01 to 1% by weight in terms of the element, and the balance consisting essentially of aluminum nitride (AlN), in which the average particle size of an AlN crystal is from 2 to 5 &mgr;m. The susceptor is prepared by obtaining substrates from a mixture of the material powders through the steps of molding, sintering in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at 1,600 to 2,000° C. and forming into a desired substrate shape, and then laminating a plurality of the thus obtained substrate with a high melting point metallic layer and an adhesive layer inserted between the substrates, firing the laminate in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at 1,500 to 1,700° and finishing the fired laminate.

Abstract: A conduit has a heating system disposed therein. The heating system generates heat in response to magnetic flux generated by an inductive coil. The heating system comprises a transfer element and a plurality of ferromagnetic elements. The heat transfer element may be displaced within the conduit to control the amount of heat generated.

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 at least one ionomer and a polar carrier. The ionomer and polar carrier are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The ionomer and polar carrier are present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. Also disclosed are RF induction heating systems.

Abstract: An induction heating coil for joining structural members by heating a bonding material disposed between the structural members includes first and second elements with complementary shapes spaced equidistantly apart along the length of opposing surfaces of the structural members. Bases and risers connected to the first element to a source of high frequency electrical current. Conductive elements connect the first and second elements into a single turn coil. The first and second elements, and at least the riser, are formed of hollow, tubular members to form a coolant flow path therethrough.

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: A static coil induction welding apparatus and method for induction welding thermoplastic composite structures. The apparatus includes a plurality of independent coil segments disposed adjacent one another in side-by-side fashion to form a coil pack. A plurality of such coil packs are disposed in side-by-side fashion to form a coil assembly which covers the entire area of the weld zone. An AC power supply associated with each coil pack applies an AC signal through a switching network to electrically energize its associated coil segments such that the AC signals are in predetermined phase relationships relative to one another, thus generating a plurality of eddy current loops in a susceptor placed between the components being welded. The switching network alternately switches the coil segments such that the AC signals applied to the coil segments are shifted back and forth between adjacently disposed coil segments repeatedly approximately every 0.5 seconds.

Abstract: A bonding method which includes heating an electrically conductive substrate with an induction heating system. The electrically conductive substrate is suitable for receiving a bonding agent which includes a pressure sensitive adhesive or a hot melt adhesive. The bonding agent is attached to a non-conductive substrate. The contact surface of the substrate is heated with the induction heating system to elevate the temperature of the contact surface. The heated surface enhances the wet out of the bonding agent upon application of the bonding agent onto the substrate.

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: A heating apparatus includes a heating element having a conductor, at least a part of which is an electrically closed circuit along which an eddy current flows; a container for accommodating the heating element; a magnetic field induction section for induction-heating the heating element; and a high frequency power supply device for supplying high frequency power to the magnetic field induction section. The heating element is induction-heated by an AC magnetic field generated by the magnetic field induction section.

Abstract: Temperature self-regulating food delivery systems are provided having a magnetic induction heater (32, 126) and an associated food container (76, 124) equipped with an essentially permanent ferromagnetic heating element (82, 100, 128). The heater (32, 126) and heating elements (82, 100, 128) are designed so as to heat the element (82, 100, 128) to a user-selected regulation temperature when the elements (82, 100, 128) are coupled with the heater's magnetic field, and to maintain the temperature in the vicinity of the regulation temperature indefinitely temperature regulation is a heating achieved by periodically determining at least two parameters of the heaters resonant circuits related to the amplitude of the resonant current passing therethrough during heating and responsively altering the field strength of the magnetic field. Preferably, the value of the resonant circuit amplitude and the rate of change of the amplitude are determine.

Abstract: A heating device suitable for use as a fixing means for fixing a toner image onto a recording medium in, e.g., an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is provided so as to provide images free from image blurring or fixing failure while improving the anti-offset performance. The heating device includes a heating member, and a heat-resistant film having a first surface to be moved relative to and in contact with the heating member and a second surface to be in contact with a member to be heated, so that the member to be heated and the heat-resistant film are moved together over the heating member to heat the member to be heated. The heat-resistant film comprises at least a base layer and an elastic layer, wherein the elastic layer contains a filler exhibiting a thermal conductivity of at least 0.04 cal/cm.sec. °C.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a glue gun system that utilizes either a stick or solid beads of meltable material such as glue. A motor in the interior of a body of the glue gun drives a drive member. The drive member forces the meltable material towards a nose assembly on the forward end of the body. An inductor and susceptor are provided in the nose assembly to transfer heat to the meltable material. The susceptor has multiple folds to increase the surface area of the susceptor and the rate of heat transfer to the meltable material. Electronics control the drive member and control the power to the inductor.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a glue gun system that utilizes solid beads of meltable material such as glue. The glue gun has a housing that contains a pervious barrier. The pervious diaphragm separates the beads from an airstream that is used to deliver the beads from a hopper to the housing. A load level control detects varying levels of the beads in the housing. A motor in the interior of the housing drives a feed screw. The feed screw forces the beads towards a nose assembly on the forward end of the housing. A heating element is provided in the nose assembly. A co-axial hose delivers the beads from a hopper to the housing through an interior passage. An exterior annulus of the hose delivers the separated airstream away from the housing. Electronics control the rotation of the feed screw and controls the power to the heating element. A hopper contains beads of the meltable material.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and consolidating organic matrix composites. An organic matrix composite panel comprising laid-up prepregs is placed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to inductive heating to form a workpiece. The resulting workpiece is placed within upper and lower dies formed of a material that is not susceptible to inductive heating. An induction coil embedded within the dies is energized and inductively heats the susceptor sheets surrounding the panel. The sheets in turn conductively heat the organic matrix composite panel. A pressure zone between the workpiece and one of the dies is pressurized to form the workpiece to the contour of a forming surface on one of the dies. The pressure in the pressure zone is maintained on the workpiece until the organic matrix composite panel is fully consolidated and formed.

Abstract: An induction brazing uses a multisheet, diaphagm retort having isolated pressure zones to control the net tooling pressure at a level that avoids core crush. The isolated chambers in the multisheet diaphragm allow us to apply controlled pressure to the braze joint, especially at the elevated brazing temperature where the honeycomb core is soft and malleable.

Abstract: A unique class of high efficiency heating agents consisting of fibers and in particular ferromagnetic fibers for use in alternating magnetic fields is disclosed 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 heating agents may be formed from a variety of materials, for example fibers including ferromagnetic material selected from the group consisting of: iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium and alloys thereof; preferably, the fibers can be selected from the group consisting of: carbon steel fibers, magnetic stainless steel fibers, nickel fibers, ferromagnetic coated electrically conductive fibers, ferromagnetic coated electrically nonconductive fibers.

Abstract: A structure and method for holding a susceptor in a single-wafer RF heated CVD reactor allows the center portion of the susceptor to be heated and prevents susceptor and reactor damage due to overdriving and the susceptor from losing contact with a rotatable rod during thermal expansion. A plug, located on the bottom surface of the susceptor, heated by RF energy subsequently heats the center portion of the susceptor, thereby providing constant temperature gradients across the susceptor. The plug is connected to a rod which is contained in an upper tube and extends into a lower tube. The upper tube is connected to the susceptor via a locking mechanism. An upper spring in the upper tube applies a downward force on the upper tube such that an upward force on the bottom of the susceptor compresses the upper spring, thereby relieving stress on the susceptor and preventing damage due to overdriving.

Abstract: An induction sealing apparatus for inductively sealing a cover to a container where the shape of the cover and the shape of the container and the shape of the induction sealing apparatus are different from each other with the induction sealing apparatus directing the magnetic field proximate magnetic focusing members that direct the induction energy into specific regions of the cover so that so that the cover can be heated sufficiently to seal the cover to the container.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for reheating a meal including a plurality of prepared foods, each food being placed on a dish and the dishes constituting the meal being placed on a tray. Those food dishes to be reheated are placed in insulated receptacles having a magnetic material adapted to be induction heated.

Abstract: A heating roller device which incorporates a metal roller having a curier temperature adjusted to an appropriate level and enabling a self-temperature-controllability and which has a structure that the metal roller is induction-heated by an induction heating section. A method of manufacturing the foregoing metal roller according to the present invention has a step of joining a pipe, which is made of temperature-sensitive magnetic metal, and the composition of which has been adjusted so as to have a predetermined curier temperature, and metal having a resistivity lower than that of the temperature-sensitive magnetic metal to each other by a drawing work in such a manner as to prevent formation of any gap. Thus, an induction heating pipe exhibiting an excellent heating characteristic is manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention provides new polymer induction bonding technology. Induction heating technologies are utilized to weld, forge, bond or set polymer materials. The invention provides controlled-temperature induction heating of polymeric materials by mixing ferromagnetic particles in the polymer to be heated. Temperature control is obtained by selecting ferromagnetic particles with a specific Curie temperature. The ferromagnetic particles will heat up in an induction field, through hysteresis losses, until they reach their Curie temperature. At that point, heat generation through hysteresis loss ceases. This invention is applicable to bonding thermoplastic materials, wherein only the area to be bonded has ferromagnetic particles in it; bonding of thermoset composites, which have been processed with a layer of thermoplastic material on one side; curing of thermoset adhesives or composite resins; or consolidating thermoplastic composites.

Abstract: A composite material for electromagnetic fusion bonding materials together includes interconnected first and second portions forming a patterned array. The first portions include layer absorptive magnetic particles in a polymer matrix. The second portions include a polymer positioned to separate each first portion from each other first portion.

Abstract: Multilayered film and film based assembly which are environmentally-compatible, and which exhibit one or more desirable characteristics of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film and film based assemblies, such as clarity, flexibility and toughness, but without the environmental and health hazards associated with PVC materials, are provided. Also provided is a method of preparing such film and film based assembly.

Abstract: Mesh susceptors for use in induction heating and bonding processes are tailored to obtain more uniform heating across the susceptor and hence, the bondline, when bonding composite parts. The susceptors are tailored by cutting and removing segments from the mesh areas where the induced current and hence, heat generation, is highest. An algorithm is employed to predict the induced current patterns throughout the mesh so that areas of high heat generation can be identified and then cut and removed. In this way, essentially uniform temperatures in metal mesh susceptors may be achieved by specifically designed cut patterns within the mesh even though the mesh susceptor is subject to non-uniform magnetic fields.

Abstract: In an image heating device for heating a film utilizing electromagnetic induction, a sliding member is provided between the film and a film supporting member, and the film slides relative to the sliding member. It is thereby possible to improve thermal efficiency while preventing wear due to friction between the film and the supporting member.

Abstract: A unique class of high efficiency heating agents consisting of fibers and in particular ferromagnetic fibers for use in alternating magnetic fields is disclosed 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 heating agents may be formed from a variety of materials, for example fibers including ferromagnetic material selected from the group consisting of: iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium and alloys thereof; preferably, the fibers can be selected from the group consisting of: carbon steel fibers, magnetic stainless steel fibers, nickel fibers, ferromagnetic coated electrically conductive fibers, ferromagnetic coated electrically nonconductive fibers.

Abstract: A heat retentive server, comprising a central portion comprising a heat storage member formed of a material which is preferably susceptible to being heated by induction, is provided with one or more valves which are normally in closed positions, and are capable of opening to vent excess pressure in the central portion. In one preferred embodiment, a valve is placed so as to allow communication between the central portion and a different interior region of the server. In another embodiment, a valve is placed so as to allow communication between the central portion and the exterior of the server. In another embodiment, a server is provided with at least one valve of each type.