Abstract: The present invention provides a device for rejuvenating a region of skin or mucosal tissue, comprising: a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator; a plurality of electrodes in communication with the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator and an RF tissue diathermy device. The electrodes apply the pulsed electromagnetic power and the RF tissue diathermy to the tissue, heating it such that one portion of the region of mucosal tissue is maintained at a predetermined temperature range T1 while another portion of the region of mucosal tissue is at least temporarily maintained at predetermined temperature range T2.

Abstract: A knife configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps having curved jaw members and a method of manufacturing the same. The knife includes a distal body having an inner side and an outer side, a first etching on the outer side of the distal body defining a distal cutting edge and a second etching on the outer side of the distal body extending along a portion of a length of the distal body to define relatively protruded and relatively recessed surfaces extending along a portion of the length of the distal body on the outer side thereof.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes an RF output stage configured to generate at least one electrosurgical waveform including a plurality of cycles; at least one sensor coupled to the RF output stage, the at least one sensor configured to measure a voltage and a current of the at least one electrosurgical waveform; and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor and the RF output stage, the controller including a proportional-integral-derivative controller having at least one of voltage limiter or a current limiter, the proportional-integral-derivative controller configured to saturate the RF output stage based on voltage-current characteristics of the RF output stage.

Abstract: A drying apparatus usable with a printing system includes a housing, a first set of radiative heating elements, a second set of radiative heating elements, and an air handling device. The housing includes a front region and a rear region adjacent to the front region. The front region includes an inlet to receive media. The rear region includes an outlet to pass media there through. The first set of radiative heating elements is disposed within the front region to heat the media. The second set of radiative heating elements is disposed within the rear region to heat the media. The air handling device is disposed across from the second set of radiative heating elements to jet air within the rear region to cool the media prior to the media being passed through the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for rejuvenating a region of skin or mucosal tissue, comprising: a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator; a plurality of electrodes in communication with the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator and an RF tissue diathermy device. The electrodes apply the pulsed electromagnetic power and the RF tissue diathermy to the tissue, heating it such that one portion of the region of mucosal tissue is maintained at a predetermined temperature range T1 while another portion of the region of mucosal tissue is at least temporarily maintained at predetermined temperature range T2.

Abstract: A method for drying an article with a radio frequency (RF) applicator having anode elements and cathode elements includes capacitively coupling the anode elements, capacitively coupling the cathode elements, capactively coupling an anode element to a cathode element, and energizing the RF applicator to generate an RF field between anode and cathode elements wherein liquid residing within the field will be dielectrically heated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of a circuit carrier (1) equipped with at least one surface-mount LED (SMD-LED), wherein the at least one SMD-LED (2) is positioned in oriented relationship to one or more reference points (3) of the circuit carrier (1) on the circuit carrier (1), wherein the position of a light-emitting region (4) of the at least one SMD-LED (2) is optically detected in the SMD-LED (2) and the at least one SMD-LED (2) is mounted to the circuit carrier (1) in dependence on the detected position of the light-emitting region (4) of the at least one SMD-LED (2), and such a circuit carrier (1).

Abstract: An electrosurgical controller with output RF energy control. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical controllers configured to change a first output voltage on the first active terminal relative to the first return terminal by selective control of a number of turns of the primary winding of a transformer used to create the output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for rejuvenating a region of skin or mucosal tissue, comprising: a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator; a plurality of electrodes in communication with the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator and an RF tissue diathermy device. The electrodes apply the pulsed electromagnetic power and the RF tissue diathermy to the tissue, heating it such that one portion of the region of mucosal tissue is maintained at a predetermined temperature range T1 while another portion of the region of mucosal tissue is at least temporarily maintained at predetermined temperature range T2.

Abstract: An emitter assembly can include a proximal shaft, a distal shaft, a shunt that connects the proximal shaft to the distal shaft, and a tip that is connected to a distal end of the distal shaft. An inner conductor can extend through the proximal shaft, the shunt, and the distal shaft and into the tip to provide microwave energy to the tip. An outer conductor can extend into the shunt. The shunt can therefore form an electrical connection between the outer conductor and a proximal ring of electrically conductive material formed on an exterior surface of the distal shaft. Distal shaft can be made of a thermally conductive but electrically insulated material to facilitate transfer of heat from the distal shaft to the proximal shaft.

Abstract: Electrosurgical system with selective control of active and return electrodes. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising an electrosurgical wand and an electrosurgical controller. The wand comprises a non-conductive outer surface, at least three electrodes disposed on a distal end of the wand, and at least three electrical leads extending from a proximal end of the wand (one electrical lead electrically coupled to each electrode). The controller comprises a voltage generator and a control circuit coupled between the voltage generator and the electrodes of the wand. The control circuit is configured to: selectively electrically couple the active terminal singly and in combination to the electrodes of the wand; and selectively electrically couple the return terminal singly and in combination to electrodes of the wand.

Abstract: A method for drying an article with a radio frequency (RF) applicator having anode elements and cathode elements includes capacitively coupling the anode elements, capacitively coupling the cathode elements, capacitively coupling an anode element to a cathode element, and energizing the RF applicator to generate an RF field between anode and cathode elements wherein liquid residing within the field will be dielectrically heated.

Abstract: A Kalina Cycle control system monitors one or more operating parameters of the Kalina Cycle. The system calculates one or more optimal operating parameters that allow the Kalina Cycle to operate at an increased efficiency. The system automatically adjusts the one or more actual operating parameters to the optimal parameters to increase the efficiency of the Kalina Cycle. Methods of increasing the efficiency of a Kalina Cycle include automatically adjusting one or more operating parameters to an optimal configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heating unit capable of easily and inexpensively adjusting total impedance based on tire mold size so that a power source can be used at a high power factor, and a tire heating apparatus using the same. A ferromagnetic metallic member 10a heats a tire mold M1 by heat conduction. An induction heating coil C1 is disposed on the side of the ferromagnetic metallic member 10a opposite the tire mold M1 to induction-heat the ferromagnetic metallic member 10a by generating magnetic field lines. A nonmagnetic conductor 30a is disposed on the side of the induction heating coil C1 opposite the ferromagnetic metallic member 10a to shield the magnetic field lines generated by the induction heating coil C1. A heating unit 100a including these elements heats the tire mold M1 storing a tire.

Abstract: Solid state flow control devices, solid state heating sources, and plasma actuators are provided. A plasma actuator can include at least one powered electrode separated from at least one grounded electrode by a dielectric material. The dielectric material can be a ferroelectric material or a silica aerogel. Solid state flow control devices and solid state heating sources can include at least one such plasma actuator.

Abstract: When applying a current to a plated steel plate, plating often biases. In the present invention, when applying a current, the current is applied with a flux guiding member arranged in proximity to a side surface of the plated steel plate. The direction of the magnetic flux at the side surface of the plated steel plate is corrected, and the bias of the plating is efficiently suppressed.

Abstract: A system for improving conductivity of a metal pattern (18) includes a developed silver pattern (14) formed from a photographic silver salt in a binder coated on a substrate (12); and a device for selectively heating the silver pattern with electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating manufactured components using microwave energy and microwave susceptor material is disclosed. The system typically includes an insulating vessel placed within a microwave applicator chamber. A moderating material is positioned inside the insulating vessel so that a substantial portion of the exterior surface of each component for heat treating is in contact with the moderating material.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating manufactured components using microwave energy and microwave susceptor material. Heat treating medium such as eutectic salts may be employed. A fluidized bed introduces process gases which may include carburizing or nitriding gases The process may be operated in a batch mode or continuous process mode. A microwave heating probe may be used to restart a frozen eutectic salt bath.

Abstract: An alternating electric field is applied to ice (530) to generate a resistive AC having a frequency greater than 1000 Hz in interfacial ice at interface (554). A first electrode (510) and a second electrode (514) proximate to the interface are separated by an electrical insulator (512). An AC power source (520) provides a voltage of about 10 to 500 volts across the electrodes to create the alternating electric field. A portion of the capacitive AC associated with the alternating electric field is present in the interfacial ice as conductivity (resistive) AC, which causes dielectric loss heating in the interfacial ice.

Abstract: A switching circuit including a plurality of heating elements (12), each connected as part of a tuned circuit (36), the tuned circuits being respectively tuned to different frequencies and connected in parallel between two common conductors (34), the circuit further including a device (20, 38, 40) for applying an oscillating signal voltage between the two common conductors, at one or more frequencies each corresponding to a tuned frequency of one of the tuned circuits.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing a fluid meter to a fluid collection bag. The method includes the steps of providing a meter ha6 ving a housing defining a fluid receptacle and at least one drain opening, providing a collection bag defining a fluid reservoir and having at least one inlet opening and securing the meter to the bag using an RF welding device to allow fluid communication between the fluid receptacle and the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the housing includes a raised surface positioned about the at least one drain opening to which the collection bag is welded.

Abstract: A reflector is so provided as to entirely cover a plurality of flash lamps arranged in parallel with one another. The reflector reflects flash light emitted from the flash lamps. A plurality of trigger electrodes needed to allow the flash lamps to discharge are so fixed to the reflector with insulating members interposed therebetween, respectively, as to be proximately opposed to the plurality of flash lamps in a one-to-one correspondence with each other. This eliminates the necessity to provide trigger wires one by one near the flash lamps during the maintenance of the apparatus, the change of lamps or the like, and it is possible to easily provide the trigger electrodes near the flash lamps only by fixing the reflector at a predetermined set position.

Abstract: A system and method is provided in which a radio frequency transmitter and/or a microwave frequency transmitter applies radio and/or microwave frequency energy, respectively, to an imprinted material to cure the imprinted material. In some embodiments, an oven may be used to apply thermal energy to the imprinted material in conjunction with the radio and/or microwave frequency energy to cure the imprinted material. In other embodiments, an oven is not used. The imprinted material may also include a susceptor that absorbs radio and/or microwave frequency energy and responsive thereto emits thermal energy to aid in curing the imprinted material. Further, at least one susceptor may be located externally and adjacent to the imprinted material. The external susceptor may absorb radio and/or microwave frequency energy, respectively, and responsive thereto emits thermal energy towards the imprinted material to aid in curing the imprinted material.

Abstract: A medium (24 and 124) made up of fossil fuel hydrocarbons (304) is heated by maintaining at least a portion or area of the medium (334) in an alternating current electrical field (36 and 136) provided by a radio frequency signal at a radio frequency that matches a Debye resonance frequency or frequencies of one or more components of the medium (334). As the medium (334), or as at least one individual component of the medium (334) increases in temperature, the frequency of the radio frequency signal is automatically adjusted to track changes in the Debye resonance frequency, which shifts in frequency as the temperature rises. Portions, areas and/or individual chemical compositions of the medium (334) can be heated, by the use of grid electrodes (22, 22, 120, 124), at different rates to assure uniform temperature increases or to achieve a particular desired warming pattern.

Abstract: A first electrode is separated from a second electrode by an interelectrode space. The interelectrode space does not exceed 3 mm, and preferably does not exceed 100 ?m. Liquid water fills the interelectrode space, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode. A power supply, preferably low-frequency AC, is connected to the first and second electrodes, generating a current through the water in the interelectrode space. The applied electric power prevents freezing of a thin liquid water layer in the interelectrode space, thereby preventing ice formation.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide compositions that exhibit positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) properties for use in thermal interactions with tissue—including thermal sensing and I2R current-limiting interactions. Embodiments also provide tissue-engaging surfaces having PTCR materials that provide very fast switching times between low resistance and high, current-limiting resistance. One embodiment provides a matrix for an electrosurgical energy delivery surface comprising a PTCR material and a heat exchange material disposed within an interior of the matrix. The PTCR material has a substantially conductive state and a substantially non-conductive state. The heat exchange material has a structure configured to have an omni-directional thermal diffusivity for exchanging heat with the PTCR material to cause rapid switching of the PTCR material between the conductive state and non-conductive state. Preferably, the structure comprises a graphite foam having an open cell configuration.

Abstract: High-frequency AC voltage with a frequency in a range of from 60 to 100 kHz supplied from a power source at 3 to 15 kV is applied to an electrical conductor within about 30 cm of a cableway. The high-frequency AC voltage generates an alternating electric field. Capacitive AC current associated with the alternating electric field flows through the ice on the cableway and on the electrical conductor, causing dielectric loss heat that melts the ice.

Abstract: A system and method is provided in which a radio frequency transmitter and/or a microwave frequency transmitter applies radio and/or microwave frequency energy, respectively, to an imprinted material to cure the imprinted material. In some embodiments, an oven may be used to apply thermal energy to the imprinted material in conjunction with the radio and/or microwave frequency energy to cure the imprinted material. In other embodiments, an oven is not used. The imprinted material may also include a susceptor that absorbs radio and/or microwave frequency energy and responsive thereto emits thermal energy to aid in curing the imprinted material. Further, at least one susceptor may be located externally and adjacent to the imprinted material. The external susceptor may absorb radio and/or microwave frequency energy, respectively, and responsive thereto emits thermal energy towards the imprinted material to aid in curing the imprinted material.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon bearing formation (304) which is heated using a variable frequency capacitive radio frequency dielectric heating (334) in situ process. Hydrocarbons or other substances natural to a hydrocarbonaceous formation may be produced by heating specific chemical compositions with or without the use of a carrier medium (320) in a subterranean reservoir. Hydrocarbons or other substances natural to a hydrocarbonaceous formation are heated by maintaining specific chemical compositions in an alternating current electrical field generated by a radio frequency signal. As the targeted chemical compositions increase in temperature, maximum energy is delivered using variable frequency radio frequency dielectric heating to adjust the rate of the heating process.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon bearing formation (304) which is heated using a automatic impedance matching (181) capacitive radio frequency dielectric heating (334) in situ process. Hydrocarbons or other substances natural to a hydrocarbonaceous formation may be produced by heating specific chemical compositions with or without the use of a carrier medium (320) in a subterranean reservoir. Hydrocarbons or other substances natural to a hydrocarbonaceous formation are heated by maintaining specific chemical compositions in an alternating current electrical field generated by a radio frequency signal. As the targeted chemical compositions increase in temperature, maximum energy is delivered using automatic impedance matching to adjust the rate of the heating process.

Abstract: An alternating electric field is applied at an ice interface to generate a resistive AC current having a frequency greater than 1000 Hz in interfacial ice. Typically, a first electrode and a second electrode proximate to the interface are separated by an interelectrode distance of about 50 ?m to 500 ?m. An AC power source provides a voltage of about 10 to 500 volts across the electrodes in order to create the alternating electric field. Interfacial ice converts capacitive AC current into resistive AC current, which generates Joule heat in the interfacial ice.

Abstract: An RF heating system for generating precision stray RF fields that can be used to heat materials. The RF heating system includes an RF power supply for generating RF signals and an electrode apparatus that is coupled to the RF power supply. An electrode apparatus according to the present invention has many advantages over existing electrode apparatuses. For example, the electrode apparatus is easier to manufacture, easier to duplicate, easier to control the manufacturing tolerances on the electrode system, and easier to correctly place and design the resulting RF stray field.

Abstract: A first electrode is separated from a second electrode by an interelectrode space. The interelectrode space does not exceed 3 mm, and preferably does not exceed 100 ?m. Liquid water fills the interelectrode space, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode. A power supply, preferably low-frequency AC, is connected to the first and second electrodes, generating a current through the water in the interelectrode space. The applied electric power prevents freezing of a thin liquid water layer in the interelectrode space, thereby preventing ice formation.

Abstract: An RF heating system for generating precision stray RF fields that can be used to heat materials. The RF heating system includes an RF power supply for generating RF signals and an electrode apparatus that is coupled to the RF power supply. An electrode apparatus according to the present invention has many advantages over existing electrode apparatuses. For example, the electrode apparatus is easier to manufacture, easier to duplicate, easier to control the manufacturing tolerances on the electrode system, and easier to correctly place and design the resulting RF stray field.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for modifying ice adhesion strength of ice adhered to an object. The system includes an electrode that is electrically insulated from the object and a DC source, e.g., a battery coupled to the object and the electrode. The source generates a DC bias to an interference between the ice and the object when the ice completes the circuit. The system preferably includes an electrically insulating material disposed-between the object and the electrode. In another embodiment, a coating comprising a ferroelectric, lossy dielectric, ferromagnetic or semiconductor material is applied to a object. Electromagnetic energy causes the coating to generate heat, which melts snow and ice.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating or drying material by applying radio frequency (RF) power to a material in a resonant cavity; wherein an RF power source is inductively coupled to a resonant cavity formed by distributed inductance in resonance with the applicator and material where the magnetic field established by the feed line(s) induces a voltage on the applicator permitting feed line voltages delivering said RF power to the cavity to be lower than those that would normally be encountered for equivalent RF heating using direct coupling.

Abstract: A first electrode is separated from a second electrode by an interelectrode space. The interelectrode space does not exceed 3 mm, and preferably does not exceed 100 &mgr;m. Liquid water fills the interelectrode space, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode. A power supply, preferably low-frequency AC, is connected to the first and second electrodes, generating a current through the water in the interelectrode space. The applied electric power prevents freezing of a thin liquid water layer in the interelectrode space, thereby preventing ice formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating or drying material by applying radio frequency (RF) power to a material in a resonant cavity; wherein an RF power source is inductively coupled to a resonant cavity formed by distributed inductance in resonance with the applicator and material where the magnetic field established by the feed line(s) induces a voltage on the applicator permitting feed line voltages delivering said RF power to the cavity to be lower than those that would normally be encountered for equivalent RF heating using direct coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soft-sided carrying case and a method of manufacture thereof. The carrying case is made from moisture-impermeable, flexible, stretchable material, particularly adapted for outdoor use. A main body of the bag is secured by dielectric welding with a pair of drop-shaped end panels to form the carrying case. The main body, being cut on a bias, allows stretching of narrow ends of the main body to substantially conform to the drop-shaped end panels and form a wrinkle-free attachment.

Abstract: There is described a hybrid furnace comprising a microwave source, and an enclosure for the confinement of both microwave and RF energy for containing an object to be heated. The microwave source is coupled to the enclosure. The furnace further includes an RF source coupled to the enclosure, and a controller for controlling the quantity of microwave energy and RF energy to which the object to be heated is exposed. There is also described a method of operating a furnace of the above type to the heat an object. The microwave source is actuated to induce an electric field to heat the object and the RF source is controlled to selectively provide an oscillating electric field within the object to be heated at a location at a temperature where the field strength of the microwave-induced electric field falls below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A method of processing medical waste which includes the steps of continuously feeding medical waste into a tube and heating the medical waste passing through the tube with electromagnetic radiation so as to heat and disinfect the medical waste.

Abstract: A method of processing medical waste which includes the steps of continuously feeding medical waste into a tube and heating the medical waste passing through the tube with electromagnetic radiation so as to heat and disinfect the medical waste.

Abstract: A dielectric heater for subject material by connecting an RF source, modulated to produce a spread-spectrum signal to a radio frequency applicator for the subject material, without requiring an impedance matching network. The carrier frequency of the RF source may be selected to match the impedance of the subject material and applicator network.

Abstract: A method of determining the moisture content of charge of wood having a moisture content below fiber saturation and being subjected to a Radio Frequency dielectric heating process to the degree required to control the process (e.g., terminate drying) by measuring the wood product package dimensions and monitoring the RF power KW and RF voltage KV being applied to the charge at the electrode(s) and further controlling (i.e., terminating) the process when the KW and KV being applied based on a pre-selected function indicates that the charge has reached a preselected moisture content.

Abstract: The invention includes system for modifying ice adhesion strength of ice adhered to an object. The system includes an electrode that is electrically insulated from the object and a DC source, e.g., a battery, coupled to the object and the electrode. The source generates a DC bias to an interface between the ice and the object when the ice completes the circuit. The object is conductive or is doped as a semiconductor so that the DC bias applies a voltage to the interface which modifies the ice adhesion strength selectively as compared to the ice adhesion strength with substantially zero bias voltage at the interface. The strength can be increased or decreased relative to its static state (i.e., the state without applied voltage). In this manner, ice such as ice on an aircraft wing can be removed with less work. The system preferably includes an electrically insulating material disposed between the object and the electrode; the insulating material is substantially conformal to the object and the electrode.

Abstract: According to a method for the heating of dielectric materials, the heat generation is done by oscillating electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies within the frequency range 300 kHz-299 MHz, preferably within the frequency range 1 MHz-299 MHz and best of all within the frequency range 12 MHz-200 MHz. In an apparatus for the heating of dielectric materials, preferably of organic nature, the heat is generated by oscillating electromagnetic radiation within the frequency range 300 kHz-299 MHz. The apparatus comprises a chamber (10) consisting of an upper wall (12), a bottom wall (11) and side walls (13, 14, 15, 16) made of electric conducting materials, which walls together with at least one generator (19) are connected to a common reference potential at which the generator (19) is arranged to feed at least one with the chamber cooperating antenna (17) in order to get the electromagnetic radiation in this chamber.

Abstract: A novel dielectric heater including a RF source having a first impedance, a parallel plate mold having a second impedance, and an impedance network, matching the first impedance to the second impedance, connected to the RF source and the parallel plate mold. The impedance network may be connected in series with the RF source and the parallel plate mold. The RF source may include a RF terminal and a common terminal, the impedance network may include a first terminal, connected to the RF terminal, and a second terminal, and the parallel plate mold may include a first plate, connected to the second terminal of the impedance network, and a second plate, connected to the common terminal of the RF source. In an alternative embodiment the novel dielectric heater includes parallel plates divided into a number of series-connected cells. The series cells lower the capacitive component, and may be configured such that an impedance of the parallel plate mold approximates an impedance of the RF source.

Abstract: A dielectric drying kiln having a moveable electrode permanently electrically connected with a source of power via an electrical connector formed by a plurality of discrete interconnected electrically and mechanically interconnected conducting element that permit relative movement between the elements. One end of the electrical connector is connected to the moveable electrode and moveable therewith while said electrical connector maintains electrical connection with the source. The electrical connector has a minimum curvature on its outside surface having a radius of at least r to prevent arcing.

Abstract: Method of curing inaccessible thermoset adhesive joints, comprising: forming structures to be bonded at mating surfaces when assembled, the shortest distance from the mating surfaces to the exterior of the assembly inhibiting the application of radio frequency heating by exterior electrodes; while forming the structures, molding into a least one of the structures, spaced from the surfaces to be adhered, a fiber or film-like electrode of sufficient thickness and spacing to project radio frequency waves through such one structure to the adhesive when energized; assembling the surfaces together with a thermoset adhesive therebetween in intimate contact of each of the surfaces; and connecting the fibrous or thin filmed electrode in a circuit for passing radio frequency waves across the adhesive to effect dielectric heating of the adhesive for a controlled period of time and at a predetermined temperature rise for curing.