Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus designed to allow concentration of microwave power to a liquid sample to be processed, by use of a field-perturbing tool disposed within or proximate to the volume of liquid. Uniformity of processing is achieved by circulating the liquid past the tool during processing. The apparatus and method is particularly useful when used to excite a nonlinear process whereby greater overall process efficiency may be achieved.

Abstract: A system for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions is disclosed. The system includes a source of microwave radiation; a cavity in communication with the source, an attenuator in communication with the cavity for providing access to the cavity while preventing microwaves from escaping through the attenuator, and a vessel positioned in the cavity and the attenuator and extending externally of the attenuator for holding materials in the cavity while microwaves from the source are applied thereto. The vessel includes a reaction chamber and a venting portion. The chamber portion is positioned entirely within the cavity, and the venting portion extends from the cavity and through the attenuator and externally of the attenuator and has a gas passage for permitting gases to flow to or from the reaction portion from gas sources external to the cavity, the attenuator, and the vessel.

Abstract: In a microwave system for heating, and controlling the temperature of, a heat bath including a containment for a liquid, with a wall on which the microwave system is mounted, the microwave system comprises a microwave source operating at an ISM frequency of 2 to 5 GHz, a microwave conductor for conducting microwaves from the microwave source to a resonator through a ceramic window disposed in the resonator wall, the resonator has a common wall portion with the containment, which common wall portion consists of a grid having a mesh width that prevents passage of microwave radiation but provides for communication of the liquid between the resonator and the containment.

Abstract: The invention discloses a microwave off-gas system in which microwave energy is used to treat gaseous waste. A treatment chamber is used to remediate off-gases from an emission source by passing the off-gases through a susceptor matrix, the matrix being exposed to microwave radiation. The microwave radiation and elevated temperatures within the combustion chamber provide for significant reductions in the qualitative and quantitative emissions of the gas waste stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use within a microwave radiation field which enables the operator to perform successively a plurality of chemical or physical processes while the apparatus remains in the microwave cavity. The apparatus according to the invention can be used to perform a total microwave solvent extraction including the steps of drying, extraction, filtration, and concentration. Other examples of processes, which are carried out with this apparatus are digestions, hydrolyses, separations, agitations, and precipitations. The apparatus is constructed from a container having an inside vessel. The container and the inside vessel have a substantially closed volume there between. The container and the inside vessel are in fluid communication through a glass fiber filter disposed at approximately the bottom of the inside vessel.

Abstract: A system for preparing and cooking edible components in a microwave including different cells or compartments containing different components of the desired consumable product. Under pressure of the microwaves on the components, pressure of one or more components acts to break seals between the cells so that the components can mix and provide a desirable end product, which can be a liquid or solid form. The disposable system can make hot beverages such as espresso and cappuccino in a microwave oven. One of the ingredients can be a dairy product such as milk and the other can be water. One or more of the compartments may be made of a material to contract or expand under heat. This aids in creating or decreasing pressure on the components being processed for cooking.

Abstract: A shielding method for achieving highly uniform temperatures in liquids during microwave heating by substantially enhancing vertical mixing currents in said liquids, making determinations of final temperature reached in said liquids either by touch or the use of a temperature indicator efficacious, comprising: a electrically conductive shield having very low impedance at microwave frequencies; having, a generally cylindrical shape, and dimensions chosen to accommodate a variety of microwaveable containers. said shield: to be concentric with a microwaveable container, containing a liquid to be heated by microwave radiation; and, to be located so as the top edge of said shield is at or above a vertical level corresponding to the level of the liquid in said container; and, to be of sufficient height as to cover at least 10% of the height of the liquid in said container. 2.

Abstract: Infusate warming apparatus comprises a housing defining an internal cavity. A lossy asymmetric transmission line is situated in the housing which transmission line includes an elongated electrical conductor having opposite ends and a conduit for conducting infusate which is highly absorptive to electromagnetic energy of a first frequency through the housing in close proximity to the conductor. A connector extends into the housing for coupling an external electromagnetic signal of the first frequency to one end of the conductor so as to subject the infusate to an energy field which heats the infusate. A temperature sensor for sensing the infusate temperature and controlling the signal to maintain a constant infusate delivering temperature is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an Atmospheric Energy Projection System for projecting electrical and thermal energy. The Microwave Facilitated Atmospheric Energy Projection System (MFAEPS) uses microwave energy at the resonant frequency or frequencies of oxygen and/or water to heat the atmosphere. This improves the potential conductivity of the air in the path of the microwave beam by heating the oxygen and water molecules in the air providing a favored pathway for breakdown. A voltage pulse generator discharges through an electrode positioned near the center of the microwave beam's recent path and creates an ionizing wave that follows the microwave beam's recent path. Alternatively, a laser can substitute for the electrode and project a high powered beam that is focused to create breakdown and thus create the ionizing pulse that travels down the favored pathway. The system can operate in an underwater environment operating at the resonant frequency of water.

Abstract: A heating apparatus utilizing microwaves characterized in that it is possible to heat with a super high temperature over about 1000.degree. C. and also to control the temperature within the wide range from such a super high temperature to a comparative low temperature. The heating apparatus is composed of a heating element mainly made of a carbon powder and sintered in honeycomb structure, a microwave generator irradiating microwaves to the heating element and an air blower blowing air to the heating element thereby obtaining hot air with high temperature.

Abstract: A Microwave Hot Water Boiler Heating System includes a water tank with a water boiler circulator and a water refill valve and a water drain valve and a cooled water pipe that comes from the steam cooling chamber. A vacuum pump is employed to depressurize the boiler tank and vacuum pump the steam that is produced by the heated water that was heated by the microwaves coming directly from the magnetron maser. Vacuum pumping the steam from the microwave boiler heating area prevents the pressurization of steam that would damage the machine's magnetron maser. The vacuum pump also will, by its force, draw in air from the boiler tank's air inlet/overflow valve and by its force contain and compress the steam inside of the machine's steam chamber. Both, the water boiler tank and the steam chamber shall have a closed loop of coiled piping that will transfer heat to a room radiator heat exchanger. The closed loop of piping shall be filled with circulating water that is circulated by a circulator pump.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for condensing vapors for use inside a microwave cavity. The cooling in the apparatus is provided by gas flow ventilation with air being the most convenient gas for use as a coolant. The apparatus has two ports, one port for connecting with a sample vessel and a second port for connecting with a pressure control device. The pressure control device has valves for operating a vacuum line and a feeding line. The disclosed apparatus enables a plurality of chemical digestion reactions, reflux reactions and dehydrations to be carried out simultaneously or sequentially within a microwave radiation field.

Abstract: The Atmospheric Energy Projection System (AEPS) projects electrical/thermal energy using microwave radiation at the resonant frequency of oxygen. The radiation excites a column through the ambient atmosphere to a temperature such that air within the column is converted from an insulator to a conducting channel or focused medium. Electrical current is then applied to the channel to transmit an electric charge a predetermined distance. Rapid release of pulses of 60 GHz microwave radiation at a field strength below that for breakdown for the waveguide feeding the antenna or at the antenna aperture creates a channel without premature plasma generation. Once the channel is energized sufficiently, an electric charge is released into the channel and flows down it from the source to a solid the channel intersects. If no solid intrudes the charge diffuses harmlessly at the end of the heated channel as the channel cools back to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the progress of a chemical reaction in a microwave-assisted preparation of a sample, having a microwave energy source, a waveguide coupled to the microwave energy source and having a waveguide cavity, and a resistive load coupled to the waveguide, wherein the sample that is to be subject to microwave-assisted heating is situated in a reaction vessel. The reaction vessel is located in the path of the forward microwave radiation between the microwave energy source and the resistive load. An energy monitoring device is interposed between the reaction vessel and the resistive load so as to monitor the energy not absorbed by the reaction vessel. The energy absorbed by the sample may be calculated in accordance with the level of energy measured by the energy monitoring device to provide a value that indicates the status of the chemical reaction.

Abstract: A microwave distillation apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a microwave heating chamber having a plurality of walls. A vessel is located within the chamber for containing a liquid to be distilled. The vessel has a mouth for receiving the liquid. A connecting tube extends though an opening formed in one of the plurality of chamber walls. The connecting tube has a first end thereof for sealably engaging the mouth of the vessel, and a second end thereof extending outwardly from the chamber. A biasing assembly is located outside of the chamber, and engages the connecting tube with a biasing force to maintain the seal between the connecting tube and the mouth of the vessel. A distillate capture assembly is connected to the connecting tube for receiving vapors emitted from the liquid when heated, and for condensing the vapors into a liquid distillate for capture and storage.

Abstract: A steam generating apparatus includes a chamber defining structure for defining a heating chamber for heating a fluid medium such as liquid and/or air; an exciting coil mounted on the chamber defining structure so as to surround the heating chamber and operable, when electrically energized by application of an alternating current power thereto, to produce an alternating magnetic field; a porous heating element disposed within the heating chamber, said porous heating element having a high porosity and adapted to be heated by an induction current developed by the alternating magnetic field produced by the exciting coil; and a liquid supply system for supplying a liquid medium to the heating chamber to allow the liquid medium to be heated in contact with the porous heating element to thereby produce steam.

Abstract: A high pressure and temperature microwave digestion vessel assembly with enhanced safety features is disclosed. The assembly includes a membrane that is rupturable for pressure relief, and a secondary pressure relief mechanism including a seal cap with an annular stress relief region that shears or fractures when excess pressure is in the vessel interior. The membrane is positioned on a post extending from the seal cap into the inner liner. The diameter of the venting orifice may be adjusted to vary the desired pressure relief. The assembly also includes a piercing mechanism for venting the vessel after digestion is completed.

Abstract: A fluid flow cartridge for seating in an opening into a microwave heating cavity comprises a tubing support having an electrically conductive surface dimensioned to substantially close that opening and an elongated bobbin portion projecting from that surface. The cartridge also includes a selected length of tubing wound around the bobbin portion to form a coil, opposite end segments of the tubing extending from the coil through the conductive support surface and away from said support. Preferably, the coil has straight tubing segments on opposite sides of the coil spaced apart one quarter wavelength or integral multiple thereof at the operating frequency of the heating cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the continuous processing of a granular material in a wet or dry state. The apparatus comprises first and second heating chambers, and the heating energy is provided by microwave energy. The first chamber preheats the granular material to lower the moisture content. The second chamber heats the granular material to the desired high temperature, for example, 800.degree. C. for the reactivation of carbon. The first and second chambers are arranged in a vertical orientation to allow gravity to assist in the flow of material through the chambers. The flow of material is controlled by a valve positioned at the outlet of the second chamber. The apparatus is suitable for the reactivation of metallurgical carbon and the heating of other granular materials such as ceramics and glass powders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven for heating an essentially liquid medium, especially a reactive casting material, flowing through the oven. The oven has an inlet into a channel for the medium to be heated, in which channel there is arranged a separate pipe through which the medium to be heated flows and in which it is heated by electromagnetic radiation. Several heating units are arranged along the channel, each of which comprises an electromagnetic radiator containing a waveguide. The waveguides guide the radiation to the channel through which the medium flows and which couples the radiation into that channel. The heating units are substantially decoupled from one another by means of a decoupling diaphragm that is provided in the channel and is arranged between two adjacent heating units or radiators essentially at right angles to the direction of flow. The pipe through which the medium flows passes through a passage in the decoupling diaphragm, thus also constituting a support for the pipe.

Abstract: A method of creating a torroidal type convection vortex in a predetermined region of a liquid to perform mixing and pumping is disclosed. This method comprises the local application of a source of energy to a predetermined region of the liquid, which absorbs the energy and produces a temperature gradient sufficient to create a stable, pulsed, or unstable torroidal type vortex in the liquid. Preferably the liquid utilized is an aqueous solution and the source of energy locally applied to the aqueous solution is millimeter wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. By taking advantage of the creation of a torroidal type convection vortex, this method can be utilized to create a fluid mixer or a fluid pump.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a processing furnace for oxidizing object to be processed at a high temperature, pressure reducing means for evacuating the interior of the processing furnace, a burning apparatus disposed outside the processing furnace for burning hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to generate water vapor, a water vapor supply pipe interconnecting the burning apparatus and to the processing furnace, and a throttle disposed on the water vapor supply pipe for generating a pressure difference in the water vapor supply pipe between a side of the burning apparatus and a side of the processing furnace. Stable burning is ensured in the burning apparatus, which makes set oxidation under low pressures possible. It is possible that in place of the throttle, atomization means for atomizing pure water, or a boiling water vapor generating unit, or a microwave water vapor generating unit.

Abstract: The present invention reveals an apparatus and method for sterilizing instruments at atmospheric pressure in a microwave oven. The apparatus is made of a tray for holding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary, or other instruments, a receiver for holding the tray, three containers, where one container holds a sterilization chemical and a second container holds sterile water, a cover for placement over the tray, and two pumps for transferring the liquids. The method requires a sterilization chemical that has a boiling point of greater than 100.degree. C. and that is at least slightly soluble or is rinsable in water. In addition, the entire microwave sterilization process is completed in less than six minutes.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing hot melt adhesive or other materials. The apparatus includes a container and an outlet. The container has a first material (the material to be dispensed) disposed therein, which changes from a solid state or a state of high viscosity to a state of low viscosity when heated above a predetermined temperature. The container also has a second material disposed therein, which is adapted to be heated above a predetermined temperature when subjected to microwaves for at least a predetermined period of time. The second material can be an inner layer of the container, can be applied to a microwave transparent sheet surrounding the first material, or can be embedded in a silicone tube surrounding the first material. The second material is in a heat transfer relationship with the first material. While the dispenser is being subjected to microwaves, the second material converts the microwave energy into heat and transfers the heat to the first material.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a flowing fluid with microwave energy comprising a conduit having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a retention portion wherein at least the retention portion of the conduit is fabricated from a material which is substantially microwave transparent. A temperature probe is provided for measuring the temperature of the flowing fluid in the outlet portion. The cross-sectional area of the retention portion is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the outlet portion such that the flow rate through the retention portion is slower than the flow rate through the outlet portion from the retention portion to the temperature probe. Microwave energy is used to heat the flowing fluid in the retention portion, the microwave energy being generated by a source which is controlled in response to a signal from the temperature probe. The retention portion of the conduit resides within a wave guide and passes transversely therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of castings from an essentially liquid reactive medium as casting material which, above its gelation temperature, reacts to form a solid material. The liquid reactive medium is fed from a supply tank, in which the temperature of the casting material lies substantially below its gelation temperature. The liquid reactive medium is fed into a casting mould which has been heated to a temperature that lies above the gelation temperature of the casting material. The casting material is substantially preheated directly before it enters the casting mold to a temperature close to but below the gelation temperature of the casting material.

Abstract: A sterilizing container including a container main body for storing therein a plurality of baby bottles and including an opening for storing therein water used to generate steam when the sterilizing container is inserted into and heated in a microwave oven, a cover member for covering the container main body from the upper portion of the front surface to the upper surface of the container main body and including a water pouring opening in the upper portion of the front surface thereof, a support member stored within the container main body and including a plurality of holders respectively for supporting baby bottles, and a tray member connected to the support member a substantially a right angle and stored within the container main body along the back surface thereof to the bottom surface thereof, the tray member having a certain degree of depth for being able to contain water.

Abstract: Microwave heating apparatus for warming low flow rate infusates includes an electrically conductive housing defining an elongated heating cavity and a printed circuit board which separates the cavity lengthwise into first and second cavity sections. The circuit board includes a substrate which provides a fluid-tight divider between the two cavity sections and a meandering conductor run which extends along the substrate.

Abstract: A microwave apparatus for warming of a liquid such as blood or IV fluids in which the warming occurs in-line by means of a microwave heating cavity having a source of microwave energy coupled thereto. A support element in the form of a bobbin forms an assembly with an IV tube wound about the bobbin. This tubing-bobbin assembly is inserted into the microwave heating cavity. A non-invasive, non-perturbing microwave temperature monitor is provided coupled to the microwave heating cavity for monitoring the temperature of liquid flowing in the IV tube. Controls are provided including a desired operating selector for combining signals representative of, not only cavity temperature, but also inlet and outlet temperatures to control the power level of microwave energy delivered to the heating cavity.

Abstract: A system and method for pasteurizing citrus juice with the use of microwave energy provide a plurality of microwave chambers through which juice is continuously flowed, the sequential flowing permitting a gradual increase in juice temperature that is sufficient to pasteurize the juice but insufficient to cause a detectable loss of flavor.

Abstract: The Atmospheric Energy Projection System (AEPS) is a means to project electrical/thermal energy using microwave radiation at the resonant frequency of oxygen. The radiation excites a column through the ambient atmosphere to a temperature such that air within the column is converted from an insulator to a conducting channel or focused medium. An electrical current is subsequently applied to the channel to transmit an electric charge a predetermined distance. Rapid release of pulses of 60 GHz microwave radiation at a field strength below that for breakdown for the waveguide feeding the antenna or at the antenna aperture creates a channel without premature plasma generation. Once the channel is energized sufficiently, an electric charge is released into the channel and flows down it from the source to whatever solid the channel intersects. If no solid intrudes the charge diffuses harmlessly at the end of the heated channel as the channel cools back to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: Hair rollers are heated and moistened by being exposed to steam. The invention involves incorporating a scent creating substance such as perfume in the liquid which is heated to create the steam so that the steam incorporates a scent which is thereby applied to the rollers.

Abstract: A microwave thawing system for thawing bags of frozen blood products features non-invasively monitoring the internal temperature of the blood product during thawing, and controlling the level of warming energy applied to the blood product based on the monitored temperature. The non-invasive monitoring is performed with one or more antennas which receive electromagnetic energy from the frozen blood product during thawing. Because the applied energy level is controlled based on the temperature of the blood, the blood can be thawed rapidly with little risk of damage from overheating. Pressure is applied to the bag to maintain a uniform distribution of blood within the bag and to separate the thawed blood from the still-frozen blood during thawing; for example, the pressure moves the liquid blood to the periphery of the bag and retains the frozen blood in the center of the bag.

Abstract: A microwave refining and melting furnace for the treatment of dissolved or solid products includes a first waveguide traversed by a microwave beam generated by a generator coupled to a first end of the first waveguide. The first waveguide is provided with a material supply orifice located at an upper part thereof close to a first end of the first waveguide. The first waveguide has at a lower part thereof, close to a second end, an overflow lock of variable height making it possible to define a retention volume for the materials, which have been progressively melted by a continuous flow along the lower wall of the first waveguide, from the reception point thereof in the first guide. A second waveguide is connected to the first waveguide for refining the materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing heat energy without combustion for causing no air pollution. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process which imposes kinetic energy selected from the group comprising static electricity, high voltage electricity and electromagnetic radiation upon selected matter to convert the electrons from such matter into an exciting or ionizing state, and collecting the heat energy released when the excited or ionized electrons from such matter go back to a lower energy state without combustion. The heat energy produced in accordance with the present invention does not go through combustion, therefore no pollution is created.

Abstract: A method for increasing the rate of evaporation of water in a humid atmosphere by providing a high frequency electric field at the evaporating surface of the water. The method is an energy-efficient alternative to attempts to lower the humidity of the air surrounding water to be evaporated.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing heat energy without combustion and without causing air pollution. The apparatus includes a cylindrical shaped reactor containing non-fuel fluid matter in a tank having liquid stored therein for converting selected matter into energy the apparatus also includes an electrostatic wave generator, an electrostatic wave regulator and a heat releasing reactor. The heat releasing reactor is connected to opposite ends of the cylindrical shaped reactor with the electrodes of the wave generator inside the reactor and with the heat releasing reactor in proximity to the liquid stored in the tank.

Abstract: A system and method for pasteurizing citrus juice with the use of microwave energy provide a plurality of microwave chambers through which juice is continuously flowed, the sequential flowing permitting a gradual increase in juice temperature that is sufficient to pasteurize the juice but insufficient to cause a detectable loss of flavor.

Abstract: A heating apparatus having features of the present invention comprises a microwave energy source, a reservoir, and a heat exchanger. The reservoir is adapted to contain a flowable medium such as a liquid and is positioned so that the liquid may be heated by the microwave energy source. The heat exchanger is adapted to receive the liquid and is in communication with or coupled to the reservoir. The present invention may further include a pump for circulating the liquid between the reservoir and the heat exchanger. The liquid may be circulated using a conduit. Preferably, the heat exchanger is adapted to use at least some of the liquid heated by the microwave energy source to heat air in proximity to the heat exchanger. Also, a blower positioned near the heat exchanger may be used to direct the air heated by the heat exchanger to a desired space to be heated.

Abstract: A diathermal water heater for the rapid and controlled heating of water and like fluids. A diathermal heating chamber uses electrical oscillations to heat liquids flowing through it. By means of feedback circuitry, the electrical oscillations are controlled to provide liquids at a constant temperature. Household and industrial quantities of hot water, wet steam and dry steam may be generated by the water heater. The heater itself is compact and can be used to provide one pipe plumbing to provide water at controlled heated temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for simultaneous treatment in a wet medium of four samples contained in four flasks placed in a microwave application cavity, four microwave deflectors being placed inside the application cavity. According to the invention, each deflector is formed by a cylindrical surface that surrounds a fraction of the outside surface of the flask, which fraction lies in the range one-fourth to one-half and the deflectors are symmetrically disposed in pairs about the axis X of the application cavity, and they are disposed for the most part on opposite sides of planes containing the axis X and the two axes of the corresponding flasks, the concave sides of the four deflectors facing in alternating directions.

Abstract: A high-frequency heating apparatus capable of heating uniformly a liquid load, having an economical wave guide switching unit and having a compact-sized and economical power circuit to drive a plurality of magnetrons. The high-frequency heating apparatus includes an excitation opening, provided at the bottom of a heating chamber for radiating microwaves to heat the liquid load in a container, a magnetron for generating the microwave to heat the object and a wave guide connected to a magnetron. The apparatus further includes a wave guide switching unity for switching the propagation of the microwave to one of plural wave guides. The switching unit includes a pair of circular conductive plates and a conductor disposed in the vicinity of a circumference of the circular conductive plate so as to shut off the microwave, wherein there is constructed a choke structure on the wave guide containing the circular conductive plates.

Abstract: A gas drying device (30) in which wet gas (31) is introduced into a chamber (36) containing desiccant (38) in which the desiccant (38) adsorbs moisture from the wet gas (31) to dry the wet gas (31) and in which energy is utilized to energize and to remove the moisture from the desiccant (38) to dry and to regenerate the desiccant (38) for reuse to dry wet gas (31) includes a microwave generator (52) and an antenna member (48) in communication with microwaves (50) generated by the microwave generator (52) in which at least a portion of the antenna (48) is disposed within the chamber (46).

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting soft contact lenses includes a vessel at least partially formed of material transparent to microwave electromagnetic radiation, disinfecting solution receivable within the vessel, a device for irradiating the disinfecting solution within the vessel with microwave electromagnetic radiation, and shielding apparatus for defining a radiation shielded interior portion within the vessel receivable of contact lenses and disinfecting solution, and an unshielded interior portion within the vessel which is in fluid communication with the shielded portion.

Abstract: An improved reactor for a high-temperature deposition reaction on seed particles is constructed with a fluidized bed which is divided into a heating zone and a reaction zone by a partition. Seed particles in the heating zone are fluidized by a carrier gas and are heated by microwaves. On the other hand, the reaction zone for the deposition reaction, through which reaction gases pass, is heated by particle mixing between the reaction zone and the upper section of the heating zone. Subsequently, a desired reaction temperature at the reaction zone is maintained stable without deteriorating the microwave heating of the heating zone.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for safely and rapidly rewarming large quantities of frozen or refrigerated blood combines microwave, or radio frequency radiation, heating with a forced air system. Forced air is flowed over units of blood or tissue from those units that will absorb the most microwave energy, generally those units closest to the source of microwave energy, to those units that will absorb the least microwave energy, generally those units furthest from the source of microwave energy. The forced air initially thaws the closest units so that they begin to absorb significant microwave energy. The forced air, preferably chilled, then prevents overheating of those closest units by transferring heat to more distant units, beginning their thawing and contributing to their rewarming. The microwave energy source is turned off when the output temperature of the forced air reaches a preselected temperature and the flow of forced air continues until the output temperature stabilizes.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for the deposition of high-purity silicon on silicon particles from silicon source gases in a fluidized bed reactor which is divided into a heating zone and a reaction zone by a partition. Silicon particles in the heating zone are fluidized by a carrier gas such as hydrogen and are heated by microwaves. On the other hand, the reaction zone for the deposition of silicon, through which reaction gases including the silicon source pass, is heated by particle mixing between the reaction zone and the upper section of the heating zone. Subsequently, a desired reaction temperature at the reaction zone is maintained stable without deteriorating the microwave heating of the heating zone.

Abstract: A ventable container for materials to be heated (preferably digested) by microwave radiation includes a movable rupture diaphragm in a venting passageway in a closure or cover for such container. Such diaphragm is tightenable into place so that the container is sealed and in such sealed state is protected by the rupture diaphragm against pressures that could develop in the container that are higher than that for which it was designed. An important feature of the invention is that the rupture diaphragm is controllably movable, when desired, to open positions to vent the container during heating and afterward, and is resealable after venting. Because of the chemical reactivity of the reagents utilized in digestions an inner chemically resistant liner is desirably employed in conjunction with a physically stronger outer body, with the outer body giving the liner enough strength to withstand pressures developed during the heating.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for distilling liquids in a vacuum, having a receptacle for a liquid that can be connected to a vacuum pump, a heating arrangement for heating the receptacle causing the liquid to evaporate, a condenser for condensing the vapour, and a collecting vessel for the condensate. To be able to handle the apparatus quickly and more simply and to make it overall more economical and make it possible to carry out continuous distillation, the heating arrangement includes a vacuum-tight receiving chamber (1) for the receptacle (2) and a microwave generator (13, 13.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for manipulating fluid flow. The apparatus includes a member having a channel through which fluid flows and at least one opening of a predetermined diameter in communication with the channel. The opening controls the fluid flow thereacross. At least a portion of the member is in thermal contact with the opening and is made of a material reactive with electromagnetic energy. There is also a device for providing electromagnetic energy. The providing device is in communication with the portion of the member reactive to electromagnetic energy such that the electromagnetic energy heats the portion of the member. The present invention also pertains to an apparatus for restricting fluid flow. The restricting apparatus includes a member having a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface and an opening between the first and second surface for restricting the fluid flow therethrough. The member is made of sapphire or ruby.