Abstract: A microwave heating system includes: a variable-frequency microwave source having a usable bandwidth about a center frequency; a waveguide with an input side connected to the source and an output side terminating in a launch structure; and, a metallic reflector plate facing the launch structure and perpendicular thereto and spaced therefrom at a distance of no more than twice the microwave wavelength at an operative frequency of the microwave source, the reflector plate including a recessed area of a selected size and shape located facing the launch structure so that a material to be treated may be placed between the launch structure and the recessed area for exposure to microwave energy. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region, i.e., no cavity modes or standing waves are established within the fixture. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn configured to spread the microwave power laterally over a selected area while maintaining a single propagating mode. The invention may be used to enhance catalytic reactions for research and other purposes. Alternatively, the invention may be configured to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites.

Abstract: A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region, i.e., no cavity modes or standing waves are established within the fixture. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn configured to spread the microwave power laterally over a selected area while maintaining a single propagating mode. The invention may be used to enhance catalytic reactions for research and other purposes. Alternatively, the invention may be configured to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites.

Abstract: A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn or waveguide configured to apply the microwave power to a small area to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites. The spot curing may secure components in place for further handling, after which a thermal or oven treatment will cure the remaining adhesive to develop adequate strength for service. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microwave heating system includes: a variable-frequency microwave source having a usable bandwidth about a center frequency; a waveguide with an input side connected to the source and an output side terminating in a launch structure; and, a metallic reflector plate facing the launch structure and perpendicular thereto and spaced therefrom at a distance of no more than twice the microwave wavelength at an operative frequency of the microwave source, the reflector plate including a recessed area of a selected size and shape located facing the launch structure so that a material to be treated may be placed between the launch structure and the recessed area for exposure to microwave energy. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn or waveguide configured to apply the microwave power to a small area to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites. The spot curing may secure components in place for further handling, after which a thermal or oven treatment will cure the remaining adhesive to develop adequate strength for service.

Abstract: A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn or waveguide configured to apply the microwave power to a small area to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites. The spot curing may secure components in place for further handling, after which a thermal or oven treatment will cure the remaining adhesive to develop adequate strength for service. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region, i.e., no cavity modes or standing waves are established within the fixture. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn configured to spread the microwave power laterally over a selected area while maintaining a single propagating mode. The invention may be used to enhance catalytic reactions for research and other purposes. Alternatively, the invention may be configured to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites.

Abstract: A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region, i.e., no cavity modes or standing waves are established within the fixture. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn configured to spread the microwave power laterally over a selected area while maintaining a single propagating mode. The invention may be used to enhance catalytic reactions for research and other purposes. Alternatively, the invention may be configured to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites.

Abstract: A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region, i.e., no cavity modes or standing waves are established within the fixture. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn configured to spread the microwave power laterally over a selected area while maintaining a single propagating mode. The invention may be used to enhance catalytic reactions for research and other purposes. Alternatively, the invention may be configured to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing battery electrodes includes: a microwave applicator cavity with slots on opposite ends to allow a continuous sheet to move through the cavity in a first direction; a processing chamber constructed of microwave-transparent material, disposed within the applicator cavity and surrounding the continuous sheet, the processing chamber having slots to allow the continuous sheet to pass through it; a microwave power supply to deliver power to the applicator cavity; a source of heated gas providing a controlled gas flow through the processing chamber in a direction opposite the first direction; and, at least one non-contacting temperature measuring device positioned to measure a surface temperature at a selected location on the continuous sheet as it passes through the processing chamber. The apparatus is particularly suited for removing polar solvents from porous electrode coatings. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing battery electrodes includes: a microwave applicator cavity with slots on opposite ends to allow a continuous sheet to move through the cavity in a first direction; a processing chamber constructed of microwave-transparent material, disposed within the applicator cavity and surrounding the continuous sheet, the processing chamber having slots to allow the continuous sheet to pass through it; a microwave power supply to deliver power to the applicator cavity; a source of heated gas providing a controlled gas flow through the processing chamber in a direction opposite the first direction; and, at least one non-contacting temperature measuring device positioned to measure a surface temperature at a selected location on the continuous sheet as it passes through the processing chamber. The apparatus is particularly suited for removing polar solvents from porous electrode coatings. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn or waveguide configured to apply the microwave power to a small area to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites. The spot curing may secure components in place for further handling, after which a thermal or oven treatment will cure the remaining adhesive to develop adequate strength for service. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region, i.e., no cavity modes or standing waves are established within the fixture. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn configured to spread the microwave power laterally over a selected area while maintaining a single propagating mode. The invention may be used to enhance catalytic reactions for research and other purposes. Alternatively, the invention may be configured to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing battery electrodes includes: a microwave applicator cavity with slots on opposite ends to allow a continuous sheet to move through the cavity in a first direction; a processing chamber constructed of microwave-transparent material, disposed within the applicator cavity and surrounding the continuous sheet, the processing chamber having slots to allow the continuous sheet to pass through it; a microwave power supply to deliver power to the applicator cavity; a source of heated gas providing a controlled gas flow through the processing chamber in a direction opposite the first direction; and, at least one non-contacting temperature measuring device positioned to measure a surface temperature at a selected location on the continuous sheet as it passes through the processing chamber. The apparatus is particularly suited for removing polar solvents from porous electrode coatings. A related method is also disclosed.