Abstract: A low leakage inductance, versatile RF transformer with multiple input/output voltage ratios. The transformer has many applications. For example, and not by way of limitation, the transformer can be used with switching power supplies, RF induction power supplies, and RF plasma power supplies. The efficiency of the transformer is on the order of 99% to 99.7%. These efficiencies have been measured at power levels of 3 kilowatts (KW) to 10 KW.

Abstract: An RF heating system for bonding a first element to a second element. In one embodiment, the RF heating system includes: (a) a composition, which functions as an adhesive, interposed between the first and second elements, the composition including an ionomer and a polar carrier, wherein the ionomer and/or the carrier are present in amounts effective to allow the composition to be headed by a fringe RF field; and (b) a radio frequency (RF) heating apparatus for producing the fringe RF field.

Abstract: A susceptor composition that can bond two or more layers or substrates to one another and that can be used to coat or cut a substrate. The susceptor composition is activated in the presence of radio frequency (RF) energy. In one embodiment, the susceptor composition of the present invention comprises at least one ionomer and a polar carrier. The ionomer and polar carrier are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The ionomer and polar carrier are present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. Also disclosed are RF induction heating systems.

Abstract: A container for sterilizing objects contained in a pouch (66) is provided with shield portions (30, 32) having a wiper fingers (42) located on at least one side edge portion (44) of a peripheral edge (40) of one of the shield portions (30, 32). The wiper fingers (42) insure that metal-to-metal contact is maintained between the shield portions (30, 32) during sterilization. The pouch (66) is constructed from two sheets of a laminate materials, and includes an instrument retaining portion (68) and a fluid retaining portion (70). A water pillow (80) that bursts during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70). Alternatively, a temporary seal (86) that bursts or opens during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70) to prevent the premature transfer of a sterilization fluid contained in the fluid retaining portion (70) to the instrument retaining portion (68).

Abstract: A temperature sensor for use in a microwave oven includes a metallic housing including a sleeve with a central passage, a metallic top plate coupled to the metallic housing to close off a first end of the central passage, and a temperature dependent resistor sensor element thermally coupled with the metallic plate. The sensor element is coupled to a signal transmission cable that passes through a bottom cap which closes off the other end of the central passage. The transmission cable is preferably connected to the bottom cap by soldering around the entire interface of the cable with the bottom cap. The cable includes at least 90% shielding and plastic insulation sufficient to resist temperatures up to 200 degrees centigrade. The sleeve is preferably filled with an epoxy cement that surrounds the sensor element.

Abstract: A container for sterilizing objects contained in a pouch (66) is provided with shield portions (30, 32) having a wiper fingers (42) located on at least one side edge portion (44) of a peripheral edge (40) of one of the shield portions (30, 32). The wiper fingers (42) insure that metal-to-metal contact is maintained between the shield portions (30, 32) during sterilization. The pouch (66) is constructed from two sheets of a laminate materials, and includes an instrument retaining portion (68) and a fluid retaining portion (70). A water pillow (80) that bursts during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70). Alternatively, a temporary seal (86) that bursts or opens during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70) to prevent the premature transfer of a sterilization fluid contained in the fluid retaining portion (70) to the instrument retaining portion (68).

Abstract: A container for sterilizing objects contained in a pouch (20, 66) is provided with shield portions (30, 32) having flexible wiping (42) located on at least one side edge portion (44) of a peripheral edge (40) of one of the shield portions (30, 32). The wiping fingers (42) insure that metal-to-metal contact is maintained between the shield portions (30, 32) during sterilization. The pouch (66) is constructed from two sheets (81) of a laminate material, and includes an instrument retaining portion (68) and a fluid retaining portion (70). A water pillow (80) that bursts during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70). Alternatively, a temporary seal (86) that bursts or opens during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70) to prevent the premature transfer of a sterilization fluid contained in the fluid retaining portion (70) to the instrument retaining portion (68).