Abstract: A system for melting a substance may be provided. The system may include a crucible insulated with fused silica, a microwave generator configured to supply microwaves, and at least one burner probe extending into the crucible. The at least one burner probe may include a wave guide. The wave guide may be configured to receive microwaves from the microwave generator and transmit the microwaves. The at least one burner probe may further include an absorber. The absorber may have a geometry configured to cause a minimal amount of microwave energy to be reflected back into the wave guide. In addition, the absorber may include a one piece cast of silicon carbide configured to dissipate heat along an exterior of the absorber. The absorber may be further configured to receive the microwaves from the wave guide and convert energy from the microwaves into the heat.

Abstract: A system for melting a substance may be provided. The system may comprise a microwave generator, at least one wave guide, a melter assembly, and at least one thermal insulator. The at least one wave guide may connect the microwave generator to at least one power transfer element. The at least one wave guide may be configured to transfer microwave energy from the microwave generator to a refractory assembly. The melter assembly may comprise the refractory assembly and the at least one power transfer element connected to the refractory assembly. The refractory assembly may comprise at least one absorption element configured to transfer microwave energy, received from the at least one power transition element, into heat energy. The at least one thermal insulator may be configured to allow the microwaves to penetrate to the at least one absorption element.

Abstract: A system for melting a substance may be provided. The system may comprise at least one burner probe. The at least one burner probe may comprise an absorber and a first wave guide configured to transmit microwaves. The absorber may be configured to receive the microwaves from the first wave guide and to convert energy from the microwaves into heat. The system may further comprise a second wave guide and a rotating wave guide. The rotating wave guide may be positioned between the first wave guide and the second wave guide. The rotating wave guide may comprise a plurality of sections configured to rotate about a central axis. The rotating wave guide may be configured to rotate approximately 90 degrees. For example, the rotating wave guide may comprise three sections wherein each one of the three sections may be configured to rotate approximately 30 degrees.

Abstract: A system for melting a substance may be provided. The system may comprise at least one burner probe. The at least one burner probe may comprise an absorber and a first wave guide configured to transmit microwaves. The absorber may be configured to receive the microwaves from the first wave guide and to convert energy from the microwaves into heat. The system may further comprise a second wave guide and a rotating wave guide. The rotating wave guide may be positioned between the first wave guide and the second wave guide. The rotating wave guide may comprise a plurality of sections configured to rotate about a central axis. The rotating wave guide may be configured to rotate approximately 90 degrees. For example, the rotating wave guide may comprise three sections wherein each one of the three sections may be configured to rotate approximately 30 degrees.

Abstract: A system for melting a substance may be provided. The system may comprise a crucible insulated with fused silica, a microwave generator configured to supply microwaves, and at least one burner probe extending into the crucible. The at least one burner probe may comprise a wave guide. The wave guide may be configured to receive microwaves from the microwave generator and transmit the microwaves. The at least one burner probe may further comprise an absorber. The absorber may have a geometry configured to cause a minimal amount of microwave energy to be reflected back into the wave guide. In addition, the absorber may comprise a one piece cast of silicon carbide configured to dissipate heat along an exterior of the absorber. The absorber may be further configured to receive the microwaves from the wave guide and convert energy from the microwaves into the heat.

Abstract: A system for melting a substance may be provided. The system may comprise a microwave generator, at least one wave guide, a melter assembly, and at least one thermal insulator. The at least one wave guide may connect the microwave generator to at least one power transfer element. The at least one wave guide may be configured to transfer microwave energy from the microwave generator to a refractory assembly. The melter assembly may comprise the refractory assembly and the at least one power transfer element connected to the refractory assembly. The refractory assembly may comprise at least one absorption element configured to transfer microwave energy, received from the at least one power transition element, into heat energy. The at least one thermal insulator may be configured to allow the microwaves to penetrate to the at least one absorption element.

Abstract: A device to prevent the full collapse of a pneumatic tire on vehicles and large aircraft includes three arcuate portions for cooperatively fitting over a tire rim to provide an underlying support surface for a tire carcass subsequent to losing air or gas pressure. The three arcuate band portions releasably couple together for mounting on the drop well of a tire rim to form a substantially continuous surface. The invention also has protective coverings removably disposed on the outer radial extent of the band portions. The protective coverings are provided with frictional means for engaging the inner wall of the tire to prevent circumferential or lateral displacement of the tire carcass during rotation of the wheel. An insert may be placed between the band and the drop well to position the band.

Abstract: A device to prevent the full collapse of a pneumatic tire on vehicles and large aircraft includes three arcuate portions for cooperatively fitting over a tire rim to provide an underlying support surface for a tire carcass subsequent to losing air or gas pressure. The three arcuate band portions releasably couple together for mounting on the drop well of a tire rim to form a substantially continuous surface. The invention also has protective coverings removably disposed on the outer radial extent of the band portions. The protective coverings are provided with frictional means for engaging the inner wall of the tire to prevent circumferential or lateral displacement of the tire carcass during rotation of the wheel. An insert may be placed between the band and the drop well to position the band.

Abstract: A heading reference system mounted in a vehicle, e.g. an aircraft or a ta includes a magnetic compass and a gyroscope. The magnetic compass is subject to deviation in the magnetic field, hence the system must be calibrated. If the vehicle is oriented in a starting direction, and the output of the magnetic compass compared to the output of the gyroscope, an error signal is developed. This error signal is filtered to reduce noise, then stored. The vehicle is then re-oriented and the procedure repeated until sufficient information is available to calibrate the system. A microprocessor may be used for the computations and filtering of noise.