Abstract: A system includes a core temperature probe and a microwave cooking device. The core temperature probe includes a temperature sensor to determine a temperature information, a coaxial line including a lambda/4 line resonance element adjusted to a microwave frequency, and a signal transmission antenna connected to the temperature sensor via the coaxial line and adapted to emit the temperature information at a signal transmission frequency that differs from the microwave frequency. The system is hereby constructed to transmit a signal at the signal transmission frequency wirelessly between the signal transmission antenna of the core temperature probe and a signal transmission antenna of the microwave cooking appliance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for automated measurement of the temperatures of samples on a production line without any human intervention.

Abstract: A system and method for annealing a target substrate such as a semiconductor using industrial microwave heating and parallel plate reaction. Using a uniform microwave field, with the target substrate located between parallel plates controls application of eddy currents to the target substrate. The system may include a uniform microwave field generator, support elements, two plates held in parallel to each other, and a turntable device configured to rotate the two plates and the target substrate within the uniform microwave field. The rotating of the plates and target substrate in the uniform microwave field creates a periodic change in polarity of the microwaves applied to the target substrate. The eddy currents in the uniform microwave field react by flowing perpendicular to the plates, and not parallel to the surface as in traditional microwave reactions of metals. This redirection of the eddy currents provides even heating of the target substrate.

Abstract: The oven with a temperature probe measures the temperature of food being cooked within the oven to provide real time feedback for determining a status of the food being cooked, such as, for example, indications that the food is fully cooked, partially cooked or uncooked. The oven with a temperature probe is similar to a conventional oven, but with a telescopic tube which selectively extends into the cooking chamber of the oven. An upper end of the telescopic tube is mounted within an open interior of a hollow upper wall of the oven, and a lower end of the telescopic tube defines a probe tip, containing a temperature sensor for measuring an internal temperature of the food being cooked. When not in use, the telescopic tube collapses fully within the open interior of the hollow upper wall. A display indicates cooking status of the food, based on the measured temperature.

Abstract: A microwave delivery device, including a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an inner dielectric insulator coaxially disposed about the inner conductor, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed about the inner dielectric, and a radiating portion operably coupled to a distal end.

Abstract: A dipole microwave applicator emits microwave radiation into tissue to be treated. The applicator is formed from a thin coax cable having an inner conductor surrounded by an insulator, which is surrounded by an outer conductor. A portion of the inner conductor extends beyond the insulator and the outer conductor. A ferrule at the end of the outer conductor has a step and a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the extended inner conductor. A tuning washer is attached to the end of the extended inner conductor. A dielectric tip encloses the tuning washer, the extended inner conductor, and the sleeve of the ferrule. The sleeve of the ferrule and the extended inner conductor operate as the two arms of the dipole microwave antenna. The tuning washer faces the step in the ferrule, and is sized and shaped to cooperate with the step in balancing and tuning the applicator.

Abstract: A radiation applicator (102) for applying electromagnetic radiation to tissue, comprising: an axial central conductor (124) adapted to be coupled to a source of electromagnetic radiation and defining an axis; an elongate dielectric member (126), the dielectric member surrounding at least part of said central conductor along an axial length thereof; a metal ferrule (106), the ferrule being attached to the dielectric member and surrounding a portion of the central conductor and extending parallel thereto along a length thereof. The ferrule and the dielectric member have respective elongate cooperating surfaces and wherein the ferrule and the dielectric member are fixed to each other with said cooperating surfaces in close abutment, thereby providing a rigid structure.

Abstract: An instrument for performing microwave-assisted reactions and an associated method are disclosed. The instrument typically includes (i) a microwave-radiation source, (ii) a cavity, (iii) a waveguide in microwave communication with the microwave-radiation source and the cavity, (iv) at least one reaction-vessel sensor for determining the number and/or type of reaction vessels positioned within the cavity, (v) an interface, and (vi) a computer controller. The computer controller is typically in communication with the interface, the microwave-radiation source, and the reaction-vessel sensor. The computer controller is typically capable of determining the output of the microwave-radiation source in response to the number and/or type of reaction vessels positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an essential oil extraction apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a container configured to hold an essential oil-containing material, an essential oil extract receiver contained in the container, a condenser having an outlet fluidly coupled to the receiver and located relative to the container so as to receive essential oil-containing vapor emitted by the essential oil-containing material; and at least one microwave reflection structure associated with at least one of the container, the receiver or the condenser. The apparatus can have an overall dimension that is sufficiently small so that the apparatus fits inside a standard-sized kitchen microwave oven.

Abstract: A jack receiver for a kitchen cooking appliance includes a bracket mounted to the appliance. The bracket includes an aperture for receiving a thermometer therethrough. A jack socket for receiving and engaging a portion of the thermometer therein projects from the bracket aperture to an opposing side of the chamber's wall from the jack receiver, and is in operative communication with the appliance's controller. A cover is pivotably attached to the bracket and a biasing member exerts a biasing force onto the cover to bias the cover into a position covering the bracket aperture. The cover is pivotable against the biasing force of the biasing member, uncovering the bracket aperture, for insertion of the thermometer. Removal of the thermometer from the jack receiver permits automatic pivotable return of the cover to the covering position under the biasing force of the biasing member.

Abstract: An appliance including a cabinet having a first PCB located therein, a door connected to the cabinet, the door being moveable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the cabinet, and a second PCB located in the door. In addition, at least one first connector is connected to the first PCB. At least one second connector is connected to the second PCB and is electronically connectable to the first connector. In particular, the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector when the door is in a substantially closed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for heating substances in a microwave oven. A container structure includes an internal chamber configured to have heating contents placed therein, wherein the chamber is defined at least partially by a thermally-conductive structure. A microwave-absorbing medium is disposed in direct or indirect thermal communication with at least a portion of the thermally-conductive structure. A microwave radiation barrier is disposed between at least a portion of the microwave-absorbing medium and the internal chamber. In certain embodiments, when the container is exposed to external microwave radiation, the internal chamber is substantially shielded from the microwave radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device 1 for detecting the internal temperature of a foodstuff 2, with at least one temperature sensor 3 that is arranged in a first housing section 4, which can be inserted into the foodstuff 2 for the measurement, while a second housing section 10 protrudes from the foodstuff 2. The autonomous device further comprises a voltage source 7, an electronic analyzing unit 6 for checking at least one predetermined temperature condition, and a temperature indicator 8. For precise, especially continuous measuring of the internal temperature of the foodstuff 2 during the preparation, in particular during a grilling process, the first housing section 4 is designed to remain within the foodstuff 2, and for this purpose, at least the analyzing unit 6 and the temperature indicator 8 are arranged in the first housing section 4, and the second housing section 10 is designed so that information shown by the analyzing unit 6 on the temperature indicator 8 can be perceived.

Abstract: A microwave furnace that can operate at least 1700° C. having a furnacing chamber within a retaining cavity. The chamber is at least partly surrounded by microwave transparent insulation. At least one susceptor is at least partly between the insulation and the chamber. The susceptor at least in part is a specially formulated sintered coarse grain polycrystalline ? alumina capable of absorbing microwave energy from room temperature to its maximum use temperature. The furnace has a power system providing microwave energy to activate the susceptor. A temperature sensor may be provided that has an infrared channeling tube to conduct an infrared signal from the chamber to a pyrometer for converting the infrared signal to an electrical signal proportional to temperature within the microwave chamber. The electrical signal is then used to signal the power supply to control temperature by controlling energy to the susceptor.

Abstract: A temperature measuring probe with a hollow outer shell including an electrically conductive section and an electrically insulating section. A temperature sensor including a resonator is disposed in the electrically conductive section and electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive section. An antenna including a shortened monopole is disposed in the electrically insulating section. The temperature sensor and the antenna are electrically conductively connected to each other. A respective material and respective dimension of the electrically insulating section and the antenna are matched such that an effective resistance of the antenna is approximately equal to an effective resistance of the temperature sensor in an operating frequency range of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature probe for an oven, comprising in one embodiment a longitudinal housing in the form of a spit. A temperature sensor and an electronic unit are arranged in a tip and are connected at the other end to emitting means. The temperature probe comprises a thermogenerator for producing energy. The thermogenerator uses a temperature difference between a higher temperature inside the oven and a lower core temperature in a food product, such as roast, in which the temperature probe is inserted, for producing energy for operating the emitting means.

Abstract: A method for temperature measurement in a household appliance includes generating a high-frequency electromagnetic excitation wave of a predefined transmit frequency. The transmit frequency is selected from a frequency band including temperature-dependent resonant frequencies that occur in a surface wave device incorporated in a temperature measuring probe and which respectively correspond to temperatures expected at the temperature measuring probe during operation of the household appliance. During a first phase, the excitation wave is wirelessly transmitting to the surface wave device. During a second phase following the first phase, an electromagnetic response wave generated by the excitation wave in the surface wave device is wirelessly transmitting to a processing unit.

Abstract: A method for the determination of a turning time of at least one cooking product, to which heat is supplied from one side during a cooking process includes a) determination of a first temperature TA in the cooking product at the beginning of the cooking process at an initial time point tA as well as of a set temperature TE of the cooking product which must exist at the end of the cooking process at the end time tE; b) acquiring of a first temperature difference between the set temperature Tset and the first temperature TA; c) determination of at least one actual temperature Tactual in the cooking product at several times during the cooking process; d) acquiring of the time of turning tT as the time at which a second temperature difference between the set temperature Tset and the actual temperature Tactual reaches a certain fraction of the first temperature difference; and e) outputting a signal when the time of turning tT is reached.

Abstract: A method for managing a cooking process in a cooking chamber according to a cooking program with one cooking process probe inserted at least partially into a product to be cooked in the cooking chamber for the detection of at least two temperature values by at least two temperature sensors, includes a determination by the cooking process probe of temperature curves of a surface temperature T0 of the product to be cooked, a core temperature KT of the product to be cooked, and/or a cooking chamber temperature. The method includes detection of a faulty insertion of the cooking process probe external to the product to be cooked by using recorded temperature curves, generation of at least one acoustic and/or optical warning signal, changing to an emergency program at least at such a time as the cooking process probe is arranged in the cooking chamber, and aborting the cooking program at least at such a time as the cooking process probe is arranged outside of the cooking chamber.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and systems for predicting the cooking time of an item food includes predicting the cooking time based on the rate of change of the internal temperature of the food item. The apparatus includes a processor that implements the calculations and the system may include the apparatus along with a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A temperature-measuring device for a microwave oven, which is capable of easily measuring the temperature of an object outside of a cooking cavity of the microwave oven, as well as the temperature of food inside of the cooking cavity. The microwave oven includes a control unit which controls an entire cooking operation of the microwave oven, and a temperature-measuring device having a variable-length wire which is electrically connected to the control unit at its one end. The temperature measuring device further includes a temperature sensing probe connected to the other end of the variable-length wire, and a rotating member which winds the variable-length wire therearound. The rotating member is electrically connected to the control unit.

Abstract: A sequential processing reactor vessel and method is disclosed for accelerated extraction and fractionation of chemical analytes from complex solid sample materials. The device and method provide for sequential extraction of elemental constituents from solid materials by sequentially contacting target samples within a single reaction vessel using a series of different reagents at temperatures as high as 150° C. and pressures up to 150 psi to accelerate reactions. The aggressive chemical treatments provided by the disclosed device and method enable the complete digestion of solid samples in liquid analyte samples that can be directly analyzed by conventional spectrometry or other suitable methods. The disclosed device and method provide for efficient sample processing and accelerated reactions to significantly reduce processing times and costs for elemental analysis of solids while improving accuracy, precision and reliability of results compared to conventional devices and methods.

Abstract: A temperature-measuring device for a microwave oven, which is capable of easily measuring the temperature of an object outside of a cooking cavity of the microwave oven, as well as the temperature of food inside of the cooking cavity. The microwave oven includes a control unit which controls an entire cooking operation of the microwave oven, and a temperature-measuring device having a variable-length wire which is electrically connected to the control unit at its one end. The temperature measuring device further includes a temperature sensing probe connected to the other end of the variable-length wire, and a rotating member which winds the variable-length wire therearound. The rotating member is electrically connected to the control unit.

Abstract: Device for heating components 8, 8′ of a microwave-absorbing plastic material, said device incorporating a microwave generator 1 which generates microwaves of a particular frequency, an antenna 4 with at least one free end 5, 5′ to which the microwaves are conducted, and an enclosure 6 surrounding and shielding the antenna 4, with a heating zone 9, 9′ provided between the free end 5, 5′ of the antenna 4 and the shielding enclosure 6 for the localized heating of the components 8, 8′, said device featuring in the area of the heating zone 9, 9′ at least one temperature sensor 11, 11′ which is interactively unaffected by the microwaves and which is capable of determining the temperature of the component 8, 8′ during the heating process. This device in combination with the associated process for heating components 8, 8′ permits the monitoring of the temperature in the heating zone 9, 9′, thus ensuring a consistent quality level of the heated components.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions. The system includes a source of microwave radiation, a cavity in communication with the source, a plurality of reaction vessels in the cavity, a pressure line in fluid communication with at least one of the reaction vessels, a pressure transducer in communication with the pressure line, an electrical connector for the transducer in a wall of the cavity, and a shield around the connector that prevents microwaves launched into the cavity from interfering with electrical signals transmitted through the connector.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions. The system includes a source of microwave radiation, a cavity in communication with the source, a plurality of reaction vessels in the cavity, a pressure line in fluid communication with at least one of the reaction vessels, a pressure transducer in communication with the pressure line, an electrical connector for the transducer in a wall of the cavity, and a shield around the connector that prevents microwaves launched into the cavity from interfering with electrical signals transmitted through the connector.

Abstract: A lyophilizer system is adapted for operation in a first mode or a second mode with microwave assisted drying. The system includes a lyophilizing chamber, including shielding from microwaves. The chamber is connected to a pressure controller for controlling vacuum in the lyophilizing chamber and a device for trapping water vapor. One or more microwave generators, direct microwaves into the lyophilizing chamber. Refrigeration units lower the temperature of the lyophilizing chamber and condenser. The chamber environment maintains a temperature and a pressure that facilitates sublimation in the chamber in a first mode, and for creating a chamber environment having vacuum and temperature such that when combined with microwaves directed into the chamber, facilitates sublimation in the chamber in a second mode. The chamber has arc inhibiting surfaces and shielding and a corona discharge detection and control system, including optical, thermal and other detection systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing the aggregate content of asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes placing a preheated, preweighed container carrying a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition into a preheated furnace with the preheated furnace being warmer than the preheated sample, continuing to heat the furnace while drawing air through the furnace at a rate that avoids impeding the heating of the furnace or the sample until the sample in the container reaches its combustion temperature and the combustion of the sample becomes exothermic, initiating a second draw of air around rather than through the furnace to moderate the exterior temperature of the furnace, accelerating the draw through the furnace to increase the rate of combustion of the exothermic reaction, and reweighing the container and sample after combustion is complete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes directing sufficient microwave radiation from a microwave source to a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition to ignite the asphalt in the composition and to thereafter entirely combust the asphalt in the sample. The apparatus includes a source of microwave radiation, a cavity in communication with the microwave source, a sample holder in the cavity for holding a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition during exposure to microwaves from the source, thermal insulation between the sample holder and the remainder of the cavity, and means for minimizing or eliminating any undesired combustion products generated by the burning asphalt.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an object having the steps of providing a container with an exterior surface that has a microwave interactive layer and defines an interior space having an initial temperature. An object is then placed within the interior space of the container. Next, the microwave interactive layer is exposed to a first amount of microwaves so that the layer produces heat which raises the temperature within the interior space to a predetermined sterilization temperature. The predetermined sterilization temperature is then maintained within the interior space for an amount of time sufficient to sterilize the object.

Abstract: A method of heating food with microwaves, where in order to avoid uneven heating between the food surface and its interior, which is a problem peculiar to microwave heating, the heat conduction of the food interior is positively used, supplying necessary minimum energies while monitoring the surface temperature of the food, and heating food to the optimum temperature on both the surface of the food and in the interior of the food.

Abstract: A heating cooker includes a cooking chamber having a heater for heating food, a gas sensor for detecting the quantity of vapor evaporating from the food heated in the cooking chamber, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature in the cooking chamber, and a controller for determined the kind of the food according to the quantity of vapor detected by the gas sensor, and for controlling the heating temperature and heating time of the heater according to the kind of food which has been determined.

Abstract: A high speed microwave high temperature oven system mounts an enclosed furnace in its cavity and extends a temperature probe therein. A controller regulates the furnace temperature by periodically interrupting over a range, the operation of the magnetron as the furnace or actual temperature approaches the setpoint. It interrupts the operation of the magnetron for longer periods of time as the actual temperature nears the setpoint. If the actual temperature exceeds the setpoint, the operation of the magnetron is interrupted for even longer periods of time. The controller at a selected furnace temperature also activates an exhaust function to remove hot air, smoke and fumes from and draw clean air into the furnace. As the actual temperature lowers towards the setpoint, the controller shortens the period of magnetron operation interruption. When the furnace temperature cools to a safe temperature, the controller shuts off the exhaust function.