Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method of heat treating a solid fuel briquette may include heating the solid fuel briquette using energy from at least one of a heat furnace or an electromagnetic energy system of a solid fuel treatment facility as the solid fuel briquette is moved through the treatment facility to a specified internal temperature, and sealing the heat-treated solid fuel briquette in a vessel for a duration of time.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a system and method for briquetting solid fuel before or after treatment with electromagnetic energy. In the system and method, solid fuel is transported through a continuous feed solid fuel treatment facility, treated using electromagnetic energy, and briquetted after treatment.

Abstract: Microwave apparatus for exposing materials on an elongated member, such as a mandrel, to microwave energy. The apparatus includes a cylindrical microwave exposure chamber (10). Elongated slots (20) spaced about the circumference of the chamber (10) are in communication with openings (50) in the walls of waveguides (28) attached to the exterior (19) of the chamber. Microwave energy fed into the waveguide (28) is coupled into the chamber (10) through the associated openings (50) and slots (20). Bars (54) spaced apart in the direction of wave propagation span the opening (50) in the waveguide for uniform or customized delivery of microwave energy into the chamber (10). A low-profile mode stirrer (38) at the rear end of the chamber further evens out the energy distribution. A front plate (62) seals to the chamber and supports a rotatable mandrel (60) on which material to be exposed to microwave energy in the chamber (10) is wrapped.

Abstract: A method for drying coal using microwave energy to achieve a controlled aggregate moisture content target range without starting combustion or degrading the coking qualities of the coal. Coal feed stock is first separated into fine grade coal and one or more larger grades. The fine grade coal is loaded onto a conveyor as a bed of fixed depth. The fine grade coal is conveyed continuously through a microwave-energized heating chamber for drying. The fine grade coal is dried sufficiently so that when it is combined with the larger grade coals, the moisture content of the aggregate is within a target moisture content range. By volumetrically and uniformly heating the coal, the microwave heating chamber boils away the water without heating the coal itself above about 90° C. In this way, the coal does not combust or oxidize, and its coking qualities are retained.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method of heat treating a solid fuel briquette may include heating the solid fuel briquette using energy from at least one of a heat furnace or an electromagnetic energy system of a solid fuel treatment facility as the solid fuel briquette is moved through the treatment facility to a specified internal temperature, and sealing the heat-treated solid fuel briquette in a vessel for a duration of time.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a system and method for briquetting solid fuel before or after treatment with electromagnetic energy. In the system and method, solid fuel is transported through a continuous feed solid fuel treatment facility, treated using electromagnetic energy, and briquetted after treatment.

Abstract: Heating and drying devices including generally rectangular waveguide applicators forming exposure chambers for uniformly heating materials. Material to be heated enters and exits a microwave exposure region of the chamber through entrance and exit ports at opposite ends of the chamber. Various techniques are used to achieve uniform or preferred heating effects.

Abstract: Microwave apparatus for exposing materials on an elongated member, such as a mandrel, to microwave energy. The apparatus includes a cylindrical microwave exposure chamber (10). Elongated slots (20) spaced about the circumference of the chamber (10) are in communication with openings (50) in the walls of waveguides (28) attached to the exterior (19) of the chamber. Microwave energy fed into the waveguide (28) is coupled into the chamber (10) through the associated openings (50) and slots (20). Bars (54) spaced apart in the direction of wave propagation span the opening (50) in the waveguide for uniform or customized delivery of microwave energy into the chamber (10). A low-profile mode stirrer (38) at the rear end of the chamber further evens out the energy distribution. A front plate (62) seals to the chamber and supports a rotatable mandrel (60) on which material to be exposed to microwave energy in the chamber (10) is wrapped.

Abstract: The invention uses rapid heating to effect a material property change in a biomaterial. The biomaterial is heated to a predetermined real temperature, whereas the biomaterial's total thermal treatment is described by an equivalent temperature and an equivalent time defining a point above a minimum gel set temperature line, above a reduction in bacteria line, below a water loss line, and below a maximum gel set temperature line. According to one aspect of the invention, the biomaterial is heated by exposing the biomaterial to a relatively uniform electric field. The material is heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time in order to achieve a food product characterized by a preselected refrigerated shelf life of from about two weeks to about forty-two weeks. The food product may be packaged prior to the microwave exposure so as to sterilize the packaging and decrease product loss.

Abstract: A device for heating relatively wide planar materials is formed by at least two parallel waveguides. Each waveguide has an opening that forms a single opening for a planar material. The planar material is propelled in a direction parallel to the propagation of an electronic wave. If each waveguide is kept in TE mode, heating is uniform across the planar material. Power splitters, septums, tuning stubs, and impedance matching can be used to control the heating in each waveguide.

Abstract: An elliptical exposure chamber has an extended focal region. A plurality of cylindrical reactors (25) form the extended focal region. Reducing the size of the opening (58) to each reactor (25) reduces the amount of energy reflected and increases the overall heating. In order to efficiently deliver the electromagnetic energy to the reduced opening (58), a tapered waveguide (55) has a concave end (56). A power splitter (42) divides power from a central waveguide (52) to the plurality of reactors (25). The power that is delivered to each reactor (25) can be adjusted by adjusting the impedance of each reactor (25), the width of each reactor (25) or the width of the opening (58) to each reactor (25). The width of the opening (58) to each reactor (25) can be controlled by a movable metal plate (44). A dielectric wheel can be used to shift hot spots along the focal region.

Abstract: A device for heating a material utilizes a rectangular waveguide with an elongated opening for passing a planar material through the rectangular waveguide. A source creates an electric field between a top surface and a bottom surface of the rectangular waveguide. The electric field is controlled to compensate for attenuation of the electric field. The electric field can be controlled by, for example, using a dielectric slab along the top surface of the rectangular waveguide or a tapered dielectric slab along the top surface of the rectangular waveguide. The electric field can also be controlled by, for example, making the waveguide appear electrically wider at one end. The waveguide can be made to appear electrically wider at one end by, for example, inserting one or more tapered fins. The tapered fins can be adjusted or removed to account for the lossiness of the planar material.

Abstract: A microwave exposure chamber is used to process an agricultural commodity. A microwave waveguide connects a microwave source to an exposure region. Sensors measure temperature characteristics of the agricultural commodity as it passes through and exits the exposure region. Heat delivery is controlled by increasing or decreasing the power level of the microwave source and by increasing or decreasing the speed at which the agricultural commodity passes through the exposure region. The microwave exposure chamber removes moisture at a higher rate from high moisture portions of the commodity so as to equalize the moisture content and improve the processing and storage characteristics of the commodity. Also, a method of separating the skin of an agricultural commodity from the agricultural commodity is done by varying temperature through the use of microwave power and the length of electromagnetic exposure time.

Abstract: A device for heating relatively wide planar materials is formed by at least two parallel waveguides. Each waveguide has an opening that forms a single opening for a planar material. The planar material is propelled in a direction parallel to the propagation of an electronic wave. If each waveguide is kept in TE mode, heating is uniform across the planar material. Power splitters, septums, tuning stubs, and impedance matching can be used to control the heating in each waveguide.

Abstract: An elliptical exposure chamber has an extended focal region. A plurality of cylindrical reactors (25) form the extended focal region. Reducing the size of the opening (58) to each reactor (25) reduces the amount of energy reflected and increases the overall heating. In order to efficiently deliver the electromagnetic energy to the reduced opening (58), a tapered waveguide (55) has a concave end (56). A power splitter (42) divides power from a central waveguide (52) to the plurality of reactors (25). The power that is delivered to each reactor (25) can be adjusted by adjusting the impedance of each reactor (25), the width of each reactor (25) or the width of the opening (58) to each reactor (25). The width of the opening (58) to each reactor (25) can be controlled by a movable metal plate (44). A dielectric wheel can be used to shift hot spots along the focal region.

Abstract: A source provides an electromagnetic wave that has a range of frequencies. The source sweeps the frequency of the electromagnetic wave between a cutoff frequency and double the cutoff frequency. The location, angle, or effective angle of an opening is adjusted by an opening adjuster. A path for an electromagnetic wave has a short for creating a standing wave. The path has a movable surface that can push and pull the peaks and valleys of the standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of the material. A dielectric wheel pushes and pulls the peaks and valleys of a standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of a material. A dielectric structure has a surface that has a short side and a long side. A motor rotates the dielectric structure to push and pull the peaks and valleys of a standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of a material. A path has a first choke flange that has a width w1 and a second choke flange that has a width w2.

Abstract: A path for a material passes through an opening and along a segment through an off-peak region of an electric field. An E-plane bend delivers an electromagnetic wave to the segment. A standing wave is used to heat the material. The peaks or valleys are pushed or pulled by a movable surface or by changing the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. A rectangular choke flange is used at the opening to the segment. A curved segment connects the segment to another segment for heating the material. According to another aspect of the invention, a segment is used to heat just the edge of a planar material.

Abstract: An electromagnetic exposure chamber has an exterior conducting surface that forms an interior cavity. The exterior conducting surface has a first substantially planar surface, a second substantially planar surface, a first end, and a second end. The first end has an opening for an electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave forms an electric field. The second end has an elliptical shape that directs the electromagnetic wave to a focal region that extends from the first substantially planar surface to the second substantially planar surface. A second opening through the top surface is aligned with the electromagnetic field. It is possible to pass a material through the second opening. If the opening is aligned with the focal region, the heating is increased. If the opening is aligned with a peak of the electromagnetic wave, the heating is increased and the need for dielectric slabs is decreased. A choke prevents the escape of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A source provides an electromagnetic wave that has a range of frequencies. The source sweeps the frequency of the electromagnetic wave between a cutoff frequency and double the cutoff frequency. The location, angle, or effective angle of an opening is adjusted by an opening adjuster. A path for an electromagnetic wave has a short for creating a standing wave. The path has a movable surface that can push and pull the peaks and valleys of the standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of the material. A dielectric wheel pushes and pulls the peaks and valleys of a standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of a material. A dielectric structure has a surface that has a short side and a long side. A motor rotates the dielectric structure to push and pull the peaks and valleys of a standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of a material. A path has a first choke flange that has a width w1 and a second choke flange that has a width w2.

Abstract: A path for a material passes through an opening and along a segment through an off-peak region of an electric field. An E-plane bend delivers an electromagnetic wave to the segment. A standing wave is used to heat the material. The peaks or valleys are pushed or pulled by a movable surface or by changing the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. A rectangular choke flange is used at the opening to the segment. A curved segment connects the segment to another segment for heating the material. According to another aspect of the invention, a segment is used to heat just the edge of a planar material.