Abstract: An induction coil (36) generates a magnetic field which induces current in an induction vessel (28). The induction vessel is heated by the current and supplies the heat to a passage (34) within the vessel. A liquid to be vaporized, such as water or hydrogen peroxide solution, is supplied to the passage where it is converted to vapor. The vapor is supplied to a defined area, such as a chamber (14) of a steam or vapor hydrogen peroxide sterilizer (10), where items are microbially decontaminated by the vapor.

Abstract: An induction tool for heating well casing and a method for using and manufacturing the tool. The tool comprises a magnetically permeability core and an electrically conductive coil surrounding the entire circumference of the core. The tool generates magnetic flux which flux is used to heat well casing adjacent to or acted upon by the tool. The heated well casing may be used to melt material used for well sealing.

Abstract: Apparatus for induction heating of billet-shaped blanks (10) of electrically well conductive and non-magnetic metal, in particular aluminum or copper, comprising a winding (21) adapted to surround the blank completely or partially, to be supplied with electric alternating current (8) and to be cooled (22) at least during the heating of the blank (10). The winding has turns comprising superconducting material and is enclosed by a thermally insulating chamber (33). The cooling (22) is adapted to maintain the winding at a temperature in the range 30-90° K, and the frequency of the alternating current (8) is adapted to be in the range of common mains frequencies.

Abstract: A heating system for railroad switches or other movable railroad structures that substantially eliminates protruding heater elements that may be damaged. The heater elements may cast into, enclosed within or received within recesses of a tie (including a metal or concrete tie), rail or other component. In one implementation, inductive heating is used to directly heat the rail, tie or other structure.

Abstract: A cylindrical member including a cylindrical substrate and at least one coating layer thereon is formed through an applying step of applying a coating liquid on the cylindrical substrate and a drying step of drying the coating liquid that has been applied in the applying step by induction heating device to form the coating layer. The induction heating device is disposed in the interior of the cylindrical substrate. The induction heating device has an excitation coil for generating a magnetic flux in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical member. The excitation coil is disposed along the inner surface of the cylindrical substrate.

Abstract: A compact induction heating system that is at least partially powered by a source of substantially clean DC current. The induction heating system includes a high frequency inverter with an input connected to a substantially clean DC current source, a first current conductive path including a first capacitor and a first switch closed to cause one half cycle of AC current to flow in the first path by discharging the first capacitor, a second current conductive path including a second capacitor and a second switch closed to cause a second half cycle of AC current to flow in the second path by discharging the second capacitor, a single load inductor in both of the paths with AC current flowing in a first direction through the inductor when the first switch is closed and in a second opposite direction through the inductor when the second switch is closed, and a gating circuit to alternately close the switches at a driven frequency to control heating by the load inductor.

Abstract: The invention is of a portable stripping head induction heating system and associated method of use thereof which system and method is useful in heating metallic components to which protective coatings or linings are applied for enabling their easy removal.

Abstract: A compact induction heating system for use on an internal combustion engine driven implement having an engine driven alternator to generate DC current for storage in a battery used as a source of clean DC current of less than 50 volts for ignition of fuel in the engine, the system comprises a high frequency inverter with an input connected to the clean DC current source, a first current conductive path including a first capacitor and a first switch closed to cause DC current to flow in the first path and across the first capacitor, a second current conductive path including a second capacitor and a second switch closed to cause DC current to flow in the second path and across the second capacitor, a single load inductor in both of the paths with DC current flowing in a first direction through the inductor when the first switch is closed and in a second opposite direction through the inductor when the second switch is closed and a gating circuit to alternately close the switches at a driven frequency to contro

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for heating a workpiece of an inductively heatable material, for example a turbine blade. Such a turbine blade consists of a massive blade base and a low-mass blade leaf. To enable the blade base and blade leaf to be heated in a manner appropriate to each an induction coil is provided, which surrounds the blade base and the blade leaf. By suitable choice of the alternating currents which flow through the induction coil and/or through the interposition of a susceptor between turbine blade and induction coil, the blade base and blade leaf can be heated in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: A down hole heating system for use with oil and gas wells which exhibit less than optimally achievable flow rates because of high oil viscosity and/or blockage by paraffin (or similar meltable petroleum byproducts). The heating unit the present invention includes shielding to prevent physical damage and shortages to electrical connections within the heating unit while down hole (a previously unrecognized source of system failures in prior art systems). The over-all heating system also includes heat retaining components to focus and contain heat in the production zone to promote flow to, and not just within, the production tubing.

Abstract: A shrinkage device for rapidly shrinking and outshrinking tools, especially hard metal tools, in so-called shrinkage tension chucks using an induction heating coil, wherein a plurality of shrinkage chucks of paramagnetic or ferromagnetic materials can be positioned on a turntable and brought from a position below the induction coil, which can be lowered, into a cooling position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for heating a workpiece of an inductively heatable material, for example a turbine blade. Such a turbine blade consists of a massive blade base and a low-mass blade leaf. To enable the blade base and blade leaf to be heated in a manner appropriate to each an induction coil is provided, which surrounds the blade base and the blade leaf. By suitable choice of the alternating currents which flow through the induction coil and/or through the interposition of a susceptor between turbine blade and induction coil, the blade base and blade leaf can be heated in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: In a heat-treatment apparatus for heat-treating a V-type cylinder block (W) by induction heating, the block (W) is fixedly mounted on a work table (11) and set at a reference position thereon. A plurality of induction heating coils (23) are disposed in each of opposite sides of a base frame (10) of the work table (11) through Z tables (21), Y tables (18) and X tables (13). These tables (13, 18, 21) enable the heating coils (23) to enter and exit from the corresponding cylinder bores (Wn) of the block (W) in a direction in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the cylinder bores (Wn). The Z table (21) moves back and forth in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the cylinder bores (wn). The Y table moves back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the rows of the cylinder bores (Wn). The X table (13) moves back and forth in parallel with the rows of cylinder bores (Wn).

Abstract: The method and apparatus are for use in automotive vehicle repair, both mechanical and body. The apparatus includes at least an eddy current/hysteretic circuit and at least one applicator functionally engaged to the circuit for obtaining a desired result when the applicator is placed into contact with structure of the vehicle to be affected by heating thereof.

Abstract: An induction coil (36) generates a magnetic field which induces current in an induction vessel (28). The induction vessel is heated by the current and supplies the heat to a passage (34) within the vessel. A liquid to be vaporized, such as water or hydrogen peroxide solution, is supplied to the passage where it is converted to vapor. The vapor is supplied to a defined area, such as a chamber (14) of a steam or vapor hydrogen peroxide sterilizer (10), where items are microbially decontaminated by the vapor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting material in any one or a plurality of casings of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent gas leakage and the like. The material is positioned within any of the annuluses between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement between the casings of interest. A heating tool is lowered into position and provides the necessary heat to melt the material. The heating tool may be removed following the sealing of the annulus.

Abstract: An RFID-based induction heating/vending system for quickly and efficiently heating, vending, and recollecting stadium seats (10) or other objects. The system includes a plurality of objects each including an induction-heatable body (22), a charging/vending station (12) for heating and vending the objects; a self-serve warming station (14) that may be used by consumers to reheat their objects; and a check-out station (16) that automatically collects objects from consumers after use.

Abstract: A thawing device for railway track points is constituted by connecting a heating coil (1a) wound around a floor plate (2) for heating the floor plate (2) by induction to an inverter device (5) for supplying high-frequency current to the heating coil (1a), via a connection cable (4); and providing a protection against magnetism (9, 10a-10c, 11a-11c , 12a, 12b) about the periphery of the heating coil (1a) and the connection cable (4).

Abstract: A belt seam treatment apparatus includes a support element with a smooth surface that supports the seam region of the belt and a heat and pressure source that heats a treatment strip and the belt seam region and that forces the treatment strip against the belt seam region. The support element can be a tube over which the belt hangs and can include a vacuum belt hold system that secures the seam region against the tube during treatment. The heat and pressure source can be a heated pressure bar engaging the entire seam region or a heated pressure wheel traversing the seam region of the entire belt width.

Abstract: An induction heatable body (22) that quickly heats to a desired temperature, retains heat long enough to be used in almost any application, and develops no “hot spots” even when heated by a heating source having an uneven magnetic field distribution. The induction-heatable body (22) achieves the foregoing while remaining relatively lightweight, inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The induction-heatable body (22) includes a plurality of induction-heatable layers (32a, b, c) each sandwiched between alternating layers of heat retentive material (34a, b, c). The induction-heatable layers (32a, b, c) consist of sheets of graphite material that can be inductively heated at magnetic field frequencies between 20 and 50 kHz. The heat-retentive layers (34a, b, c) consist of solid-to-solid phase change material such as radiation cross-linked polyethylene.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus for electromagnetic forming, joining or welding a workpiece, the apparatus including at least two multi-turn solenoid coils wound in a manner that cooperatively encircles the workpiece to be formed. The apparatus also includes an electrically insulative shell encasing each coil and an electromagnetic current source electrically connected to the coils that generates an electromagnetic field. A hinge mechanism connects the insulative shells and a locking mechanism secures the shells and coils around the workpiece during electromagnetic field generation. A conductive rod joins the solenoid coils and permits series current flow between the coils. The apparatus further includes a shaper that encircles the workpiece and which restricts movement of the workpiece during electromagnetic forming. The shaper concentrates the generated electromagnetic field on the workpiece.

Abstract: An electromagnetic susceptor for chemical processing having a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, the matrix material is constructed of a sintered ceramic material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, and the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material.

Abstract: A method of locally concentrating an applied electric field to promote chemical reaction having a dispersion of individual field concentrators on the surface of a substrate, embedded on a substrate, and embedded on the surface of a substrate, in which the individual field concentrators consists of shaped material and the shape and material are capable of producing a locally concentrated electric field in the vicinity of the field concentrator from interaction between the field concentrator and the applied electric field.

Abstract: An induction furnace, according to one embodiment of the invention, includes an induction heating system and a chamber that comprises a quartz cylinder, a top cover for sealing the top end of the cylinder, and a bottom cover for sealing the bottom end of the cylinder. The induction heating system includes a power supply and a coil. The coil surrounds the chamber. Contained within the chamber is a susceptor that is susceptable to induction heating. Also contained in the chamber is a thermal insulator that is disposed between the susceptor and the inner walls of the chamber. The insulator includes a fused quartz container in which the susceptor and the workpiece are contained.

Abstract: An electromagnetic susceptor for chemical processing that is made from a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, the matrix material is constructed of material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material, and the greatest length of measurement of the electromagnetic susceptor is between one nanometer and 10 meters.

Abstract: A tool (38) secures and releases a fastening arrangement which includes a first component (10) and a second component (12) which may be releasably fastened together. Fastening is by means of a retention element (34) of shape memory material associated with the second component (12) which is reconfigurable between an open position (first and second components separated) and a closed position (first and second components fastened together). During fastening a closure element (36) urges the retention element (34) from its open position to its closed position. The tool includes a magnetic coil (44) energizable to urge the closure element (36) in a direction to cause the retention element (34) to move from its open to its closed state. The magnetic coil (44), or an additional coil, is also energizable to draw the closure element (36) away from engagement with the retention element (34). A heating coil (45) is provided for heating the retention element (34).

Abstract: A conduit has a heating system disposed therein. The heating system generates heat in response to magnetic flux generated by an inductive coil. The heating system has a heat transfer element and a plurality of ferromagnetic elements. The heat transfer element may be displaced within the conduit to control the amount of heat generated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus produce a connection of at least at one end surface of a carrier matrix of a honeycomb body, in particular a catalyst carrier body, by a joining technique. The matrix is disposed in a tubular jacket and is laminated and/or wound from at least partially structured sheet metal foils or layers. The end surface of the honeycomb body is at least partially heated up with the aid of a surface inductor having induction coils. The induction coils are disposed in such a way that interconnections of the sheet metal foils or layers are established at least at locations, in particular at spots. Such connecting spots are preferably established variably with regard to their extent over the end surface. The surface inductor is variable with regard to the production of connecting locations and/or connecting spots, that is with regard to effective regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses for continuous and efficient heat-treatment of semiconductor films upon thermally susceptible non-conducting substrates at a minimum thermal budget, and more particularly, to a polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) and PN diodes on glass substrates for various applications of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), and solar cells. According to the apparatuses of the present invention, the semiconductor films can be heat-treated without damaging the thermally susceptible substrates: e.g., crystallization of amorphous silicon films at the minimum thermal budget acceptable for the use of glass, enhancing kinetics of dopant activation at the minimum thermal budget acceptable for the use of glass.

Abstract: A two-dimensional lithographically defined optic array to transmit light through a substrates and aid alignment of multiple substrates. The 2-D lithographically defined optic array tan be made up of transparent material filled vias. Additionally, markers can be placed on the substrates relative to either the vias or the optical centers of the transparent material in the vias to aid alignment between multiple substrates containing 2-D lithographically defined optic arrays. Transparent materials such as optical fiber, cladding, and gas may be used in the 2-D optic array to provide a pathway for light. Optionally, a conductive layer may be deposited on a substrate with a 2-D optic array. The conductive layer can then interact with the 2-D optic array through light detecting devices such as photodetectors.

Abstract: A raw tire-preheating method and apparatus for preheating a raw tire uniformly over all the areas with a reduced running cost. The raw tire-preheating apparatus comprises a tread section-preheating mechanism (16) including a front coil (21) disposed so as to face a tread section (4a) for generating a high frequency magnetic field and for applying it to the tread section (4a); and a core mechanism consisting of center cores (24), separation cores (25) and side cores (26) for providing an intensity distribution of the high frequency magnetic field that the tread section (4a) is uniformly preheated overall in the tire width direction. A movement mechanism for moving at least one of the tread section-preheating mechanism (16) and the raw tire (4) is provided in order to move the tread section-preheating mechanism (16) relative to the tread section (4a).

Abstract: A method for securing components of a vehicular driveshaft includes disposing a neck of an end fitting into the open end of a driveshaft tube. The end fitting is held with respect to the driveshaft tube so that an annular gap is formed between the neck and the driveshaft tube. An inductor is provided about the driveshaft tube adjacent the end receiving the neck. The inductor is energized to generate a magnetic field for collapsing the driveshaft tube about the neck at a high velocity so that the driveshaft tube and the end fitting are welded to each other.

Abstract: A method of performing regional heating of a system having a substrate. The method may include applying a thin film to the system, and controllably energizing a coil positioned near the thin film. The energized coils thereby generate a magnetic flux. The method further includes inducing a current in the thin film with the magnetic flux thereby heating the system.

Abstract: The invention is of a portable stripping head induction heating system and associated method of use thereof which system and method is useful in heating metallic components to which protective coatings or linings are applied for enabling their easy removal.

Abstract: A heating system for railroad switches or other movable railroad structures that substantially eliminates protruding heater elements that may be damaged. The heater elements may cast into, enclosed within or received within recesses of a tie (including a metal or concrete tie), rail or other component. In one implementation, inductive heating is used to directly heat the rail, tie or other structure.

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 a susceptor and a carrier. The carrier and susceptor are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The susceptor is present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. In a preferred embodiment, the susceptor also functions as an adhesive. The susceptor is an ionic or polar compound and acts as either a charge-carrying or an oscillating/vibrating component of the susceptor composition. The susceptor generates thermal energy in the presence of an RF electromagnetic or electrical field (hereafter RF field).

Abstract: A plurality of billets are inductively heated in a staged process wherein the output current of a power supply is repeatedly time shared among a plurality of induction coils within which the plurality of billets have been placed. The time periods of the applied current to each coil become sequentially shorter over the total heating time of a billet to allow magnetically induced heat to conduct to the center of the billet during the dwell periods between applied electrical current periods. This maximizes the efficiency of the output of the power supply while melting of the outer regions of a billet is avoided in a process wherein the billets do not have to be moved during the overall billet total heating time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for melting a material and squeezing the melted material through casing perforations into a fault within the cement or formation of an oil or gas well. A heating tool carries solid material which is melted at depth within the well and adjacent to the casing perforations. The liquefied material is forced through the perforations and into the formation or the well cement. When the material cools and solidifies, the faults become sealed.

Abstract: A clinical test apparatus includes a reaction table (1) for placing a test piece thereon for reaction of the test piece with an analyte at a predetermined temperature to perform analysis. The clinical test apparatus includes a primary coil (3) fixed, as molded and sealed in resin, on a base facing the reverse surface of the reaction table (1) and supplied with alternating power, a secondary coil (4) mounted, as molded and sealed in resin, on the reverse surface of the reaction table (1) in facing relation to the primary coil (3) for inducing an electromotive force due to the alternating power supplied to the primary coil and a heater (5) built in the reaction table (1) for generating heat due to the electromotive force induced in the secondary coil.

Abstract: A compact induction heating system for use on an internal combustion engine driven implement having an engine driven alternator to generate DC current for storage in a battery used as a source of clean DC current of less than 50 volts for ignition of fuel in the engine, the system comprises a high frequency inverter with an input connected to the clean DC current source, a first current conductive path including a first capacitor and a first switch closed to cause DC current to flow in the first path and across the first capacitor, a second current conductive path including a second capacitor and a second switch closed to cause DC current to flow in the second path and across the second capacitor, a single load inductor in both of the paths with DC current flowing in a first direction through the inductor when the first switch is closed and in a second opposite direction through the inductor when the current is closed and a gating circuit to alternately close the switches at a driven frequency to control heat

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 a susceptor and a carrier. The carrier and susceptor are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The susceptor is present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. In a preferred embodiment, the susceptor also functions as an adhesive. The susceptor is an ionic or polar compound and acts as either a charge-carrying or an oscillating/vibrating component of the susceptor composition. The susceptor generates thermal energy in the presence of an RF electromagnetic or electrical field (hereafter RF field).

Abstract: This invention provides a method of quickly heating a gas-solvent solution from a relatively low temperature T1 to a relatively high temperature T2, such that the gas-solvent solution has a much higher dissolved gas concentration at temperature T2 than could be achieved if the gas-solvent solution had originally been formed at the temperature T2. Various apparatuses are also provided for carrying out the heating method.

Abstract: A heating apparatus which is installed in a low pressure CVD system or annealing equipment for use in semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing processes for heat-treating wafers on which IC's are to be formed, wherein wafers are uniformly heated, the temperature of wafers is rapidly raised and lowered, and wafers are processed in high volume, wherein the apparatus comprises a cylindrical body made of glass-like carbon placed inside a reactor, and a high-frequency induction coil which is placed outside the reactor and is for causing the cylindrical body made of glass-like carbon to produce heat and thereby heating wafers in the reactor.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are for use in automotive vehicle repair, both mechanical and body. The apparatus includes at least an eddy current/hysteretic circuit and at least one applicator functionally engaged to the circuit for obtaining a desired result when the applicator is placed into contact with structure of the vehicle to be affected by heating thereof.

Abstract: An induction brazing tool includes a pair of induction coil components each having a linear extension and a semi-circular coil at one end. A distal end of each component remote from the semi-circular coil includes a flange for connecting the tool to an induction brazer. The components are formed of electrical conductive hollow copper tubing. The opposite end of each component includes a flange for bolting the components to one another. Nipples are provided the ends of the coil portions and a flexible hose interconnects the nipples. A braid of electrical conductive material also connects the nipples. In use, the components are opened to form a clamshell configuration, disposed about parts to be brazed and bolted together and to the brazer. By flowing electrical current and cooling water along the tool, a brazed joint is effected.

Abstract: The invention is a plasma-generating device useful in a wide variety of industrial processes. The plasma is formed in a chamber having a toroidal topology, and is heated inductively. As with all inductive plasmas, a primary coil carries an applied AC current, which, in turn, generates a corresponding applied AC magnetic flux inside the plasma. This flux induces current to flow through the plasma in closed paths that encircle the flux, thereby heating and maintaining the plasma. In this invention, the applied AC current flows through the primary coil around substantially the short poloidal direction on the torus. Accordingly, the applied magnetic flux is caused to circulate through the plasma along the larger toroidal direction. Finally, the current induced within the plasma will flow in the poloidal direction, anti-parallel to the applied primary current.

Abstract: An energy storage system for use in a magnetic pulse welding and forming apparatus includes a bank of capacitors and a very-low inductance conductive bus system interconnecting the capacitors. The bus system provides the ability to generate a very high frequency, short duration impulse which is needed for welding. The energy storage system further includes an energy source connected to the capacitors, a discharge device, a charging control device, and a discharge control device for selectively initiating discharge of energy stored in the capacitors. Inductor tools used in connection with the energy storage system are split to allow parts to be welded to be easily mounted into and removed from the inductor tools. One part of the split inductor tool is either rotatable or slidably movable relative to a fixed part of the inductor.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle frame assembly includes the initial steps of providing first and second structural components, disposing portions of the first and second structural components in an overlapping relationship, and generating an electromagnetic field that causes at least one of the overlapping portions of the first and second structural components to move into contact with the other of the overlapping portions of the first and second structural components at a high velocity so as to be joined together to form a joint. Third and fourth structural components are provided. The third and fourth structural components are joined to the first and second structural components together to form a vehicle frame assembly.

Abstract: An adaptor for combing a shrink preset tool presetting machine with an induction heating unit. The adaptor is disposed at the bottom of the induction slide member of the induction heating unit and is fastened around the outer periphery of the preset spindle device of the shrink set tool presetting machine. The combined shrink set tool presetter/induction heating machine assembly is also provided with a novel fine adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A magnetic heating device comprising three electrical coils, each coil being wound around a respective magnetic yoke having a gap therein, the three yokes being arranged such that the gaps are adjacent to each other or coincident, an article to be heated being located, in use, in the gaps in the three yokes, so as to direct the magnrtic field generated in each yoke by its respective coil through the articles, each coil being connected to a respective different phase of a three phase low frequency alternating electrical supply, and one of the coils being wound in the opposite direction to the other two coil.