Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conditioning system for nutritional substances. The conditioning system obtains information regarding the nutritional substance to be conditioned, the desired conditioning, and the desired properties, including nutritional content, of the conditioned nutritional substance, and dynamically controls the conditioning in response to this information optimize the organoleptic properties of the conditioned nutritional substance, while minimizing any detrimental changes to the nutritional content.

Abstract: A high frequency heating apparatus which heats a substrate by applying high frequency waves. The high frequency heating apparatus includes a high frequency generator which generates high frequency to heat the substrate and a reflector which reflects the high frequency generated by the high frequency generator toward the substrate.

Abstract: A high frequency heating apparatus which heats a substrate by applying high frequency waves thereto. The high frequency heating apparatus includes a high frequency generator which generates high frequency to heat the substrate. The distance from the substrate to the high frequency generator is n/2*?, where n is a natural number ranging from 1 to 6, and ? is the wavelength of the high frequency that is generated by the high frequency generator.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided which include a specimen vessel holding at least one biological sample. A histological agent is in the specimen vessel so as to come into contact with the tissue sample. A microwave susceptor is provided in, near, or integral to the specimen vessel.

Abstract: A method of operating a microwave oven and a microwave oven are disclosed. The microwave oven comprises a magnetron for providing microwave power to heat a load placed in the microwave oven, and a solid-state microwave generator for providing microwave power to sense presence and/or determine nature of the load in the microwave oven.

Abstract: A device and process for removing contaminates from a process fluid employing microwave energy has been described. The use of a quartz tube, which allows for the efficient transfer of microwave energy to a contaminated process fluid is employed to raise the temperature of the process fluid and a flash vaporization technique allows for the removal of uncontaminated fluid. This process decreases the amount of scaling that may collect on the surfaces of the device which increases the devices efficiency and useful life.

Abstract: A microwave susceptor system for cooking food in a microwave. The microwave susceptor system generally includes a platform having a support layer and a susceptor layer, sidewalls foldably connected to a first and second side of the platform and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom, and end walls foldably connected to a third and fourth side of the platform and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom. Each of the sidewalls and end walls have a support layer and a susceptor layer. Extending from each sidewall opposite the platform is a support leg. The support leg is foldably connected to the sidewall and extends downwardly from the sidewall below the platform to elevate the platform above the microwave cooking surface. The support legs are retained in position by outwardly extending flaps that connect to an adjacent end wall via a slot within the end wall.

Abstract: A method of heating and/or thawing using an RF heater is described. In some cases the heating differentially heats portions according to their dissipation ratios. Optionally, this avoids dissipating large amounts of energy into thawed portions while frozen portions are still extant and heat slowly. Optionally, this prevents overheating of thawed portions.

Abstract: A flexible, electrically heatable hose having an elongated electrical conductor which extends in the helical shape in the hose direction is illustrated and described. The object of providing a flexible, electrically heatable hose in which uniform heating over the hose length is ensured even in the event of major deformation of the hose, is achieved by a hose which has an elongated electrical conductor which extends in a helical shape in the hose direction, wherein the electrical conductor is embedded in a braid. In this case, the braid has first and second strands, wherein the first strands extend in a helical shape in the hose direction in the same winding direction as the electrical conductor, and the second strands extend in a helical shape in the hose direction in the opposite winding direction to the electrical conductor. The pitch angle of the electrical conductor, which extends in a helical shape in the hose direction, of the first strands and of the second strands is in this case between 50° and 80°.

Abstract: Coal is processed to produce relatively pure carbon particles of small size by first subjecting mined coal fragments to microwave energy to vaporize the water, mercury, sulfur, and like contaminants and to increase the friability of the coal. Next the fragments are pulverized and then reduced in a jet mill to produce particles of small maximum size and fine particles having an average size of about 20 microns, for use in a power plant or as a fuel for a turbine or diesel engine.

Abstract: An instrument for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a needle, and a needle seal adjacent the needle and having a shaft coaxial with the needle and in communication with the needle. A pressure transducer is opposite the needle seal from the needle and in communication with the shaft. A housing holds the needle to the needle seal and the needle seal to the transducer. A chamber is formed between the housing and the needle seal. A lateral shaft goes through the needle seal from the coaxial shaft to the chamber in the housing, and a valve is in communication with the chamber.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for identifying and mitigating defects in electronic devices disposed on substrates or windows are disclosed herein. Such defects can be visually perceived by the end user. The substrates or windows may include flat panel displays, photovoltaic windows, electrochromic devices, and the like, particularly electrochromic windows.

Abstract: A system and method for treating subcutaneous histological features without affecting adjacent tissues adversely employs microwave energy of selected power, frequency and duration to penetrate subcutaneous tissue and heat target areas with optimum doses to permanently affect the undesirable features. The frequency chosen preferentially interacts with the target as opposed to adjacent tissue, and the microwave energy is delivered as a short pulse causing minimal discomfort and side effects. By distributing microwave energy at the skin over an area and adjusting power and frequency, different conditions, such as hirsuitism and telangiectasia, can be effectively treated.

Abstract: Approaches for producing fuel from a carbon-containing feedstock are described. Feedstock is introduced into a substantially microwave-transparent reaction chamber. A microwave source emits microwaves which are directed through the microwave-transparent wall of the reaction chamber to impinge on the feedstock within the reaction chamber. The microwave source may be rotated relative to the reaction chamber. The feedstock is subjected to microwaves until the desired reaction occurs to produce a fuel. A catalyst can be mixed with the feedstock to enhance the reaction process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to brazed coated diamond-containing materials and methods of producing brazed coated diamond-containing materials. The method for brazing the coated diamond-containing material may include bringing a braze metal into contact with the refractory metal layer and a substrate; heating at least the braze metal above the melting temperature of the braze metal; and bringing the braze metal into contact with the substrate to form a braze metal layer to join the diamond-containing material, braze metal layer, and substrate together. An advantage of the method may include that the brazing step may be performed in air, under ambient pressure, and without the need for a protective layer.

Abstract: A substrate heating apparatus configured to be coupled to a processing system and radiatively heat a substrate is described. The substrate heating apparatus includes a radiative heat source coupled to a processing system and configured to produce electromagnetic (EM) radiation, a translucent object positioned between the radiative heat source and the substrate along a the EM radiation path, and an opaque object also positioned between the radiative heat source and the substrate along the EM radiation path. The translucent object includes at least one textured surface to cause random refraction of the EM radiation passing through the translucent object, or an optical waveguide configured to encapsulate the opaque object and direct the EM radiation around the opaque object, or both, to prevent creation of a shadow of the opaque object on the substrate.

Abstract: A system for heat-treatment of large metallic samples including a microwave heating apparatus with a wave guide, means for monitoring and measuring temperature, holding means for holding the metallic sample. The holding means comprises a casket configuration made of low density alumina fiber board and wrapped with low density alumina fiber material to define a cavity and provided with susceptors along the inner walls of the cavity.

Abstract: A volume displacement device for heating liquid foodstuff, the volume displacement device including: (a) a body having a volume and a surface area; and (b) a boiling surface on the surface of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils and essence and pigments from odorous raw materials by microwave radiation heating under sub-critical conditions, which has advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser unit is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas extractive flowing out of the extraction unit. Because both volatile aromatic compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave radiation heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method applied are really environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The resonance chamber (1) has the form of an elongated closed shape. Microwave generators are fastened to the walls (1.1,1.2) of the chamber (1), their antennae (3,4) directed to the inside of the chamber (1). The microwave generators with antennae (3) are fastened to the chamber wall (1.1), while the microwave generators with antennae (4) are fastened to the wall (1.2) of the resonance chamber. The microwave generators on the wall (1.1) of the chamber are fastened so that in an orthogonal projection into the opposite wall of the chamber the antennae of two neighboring magnetrons are situated on the opposite sides of the product flow conduit (2). The antennae (3) of the successive magnetrons of the first series are situated alternately on the left and on the right side of the product flow conduit (2). Similarly distributed are the antennae (4) of the successive magnetrons of the second row.

Abstract: In a heating device having a microwave generator for generating microwaves, a waveguide for propagating the microwaves, a matching element for adjusting the impedance inside the waveguide and a flow pipe for passing a substance to be heated, an outer pipe of low dielectric constant is arranged to circulate a heat transfer medium for heat exchange around the flow pipe adapted to pass the heated substance and a circulation constant temperature bath is provided for adjusting the temperature of the heat transfer medium for heat exchange and for circulating it, so that microwaves are irradiated while adjusting the temperature of the heat transfer medium for heat exchange to a desired value by means of the circulation constant bath and circulating the heat transfer medium around the flow pipe.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method of pet food are provided. The manufacturing apparatus comprises a material inlet through which a kneaded material is fed, the kneaded material being obtained through kneading a raw pet food material; an extrusion molding section configured to extrude the kneaded material through an extruding outlet; a cutter configured to cut the kneaded material extruded through the extruding outlet at desired intervals to form material grains; a reservoir disposed in a location to receive the material grains falling due to the cutting; an agitating section provided in the reservoir and configured to agitate the material grains; a heating section configured to heat the material grains while the material grains are agitated by the agitating section; and a drying section configured to dry the material grains within the reservoir after the heating.

Abstract: A system for repairing a crack in a component, or forming a joint between two components, is described. The system includes a filler material; a plasma-generating material; and a ceramic cover that is positioned around the crack, or around an interface region between two components that are to be joined. The filler material is positioned proximate to the crack or the interface region; and the plasma generating material is positioned in the vicinity of the crack or the interface region. A microwave generator for generating a microwave field inside an enclosure region enclosed by the cover, and proximate to the crack or interface region, also forms part of the system. Related methods for filling at least one cavity in a casting component are also described.

Abstract: A device and method for inactivating infectious biological or chemical agents using microwave-activated diazoluminomelanin (DALM). The agents are typically vacuumed into a load cavity, which is at least partially filled with DALM. The load is irradiated with microwaves via a cylindrical waveguide disposed under the load cavity, thereby inactivating or destroying the agents. The system is preferably temperature controlled and operation is preferably automated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for microwave annealing are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a microwave emitter configured to emit a microwave at a single frequency during an anneal time. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise an anneal unit to be annealed, the anneal unit having a top side, a bottom side, and one or more edge sides. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a susceptor configured to absorb microwave energy, where the susceptor is adjacent to the edge side and at the bottom side of the anneal unit.

Abstract: A turbine blade of fiber-reinforced plastic material is provided. The turbine blade includes a blade root as a connecting element that is connectable to a turbine shaft. The turbine shaft has a groove for accommodating the blade root in the installed state of the turbine blade on the turbine shaft. The blade root has a shape of fit finely matched to the shape of the groove of the turbine shaft as a result of a heating effect produced by a heating arrangement and acting on the blade root during installation on the turbine shaft and as a result of auto-adaptation of the shape thereof to the shape of the groove of the turbine shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microwaveable information destruction apparatus for rendering unreadable indicia printed on a label. In various embodiments the apparatus comprises an attachable information destruction strip structured and operable to be adhered to a substrate having disposed thereon a thermally responsive label with indicia printed thereon and/or the thermally responsive label. The information destruction is attachable such that the information destruction strip is in a thermally conductive relationship with the thermally responsive label. The information destruction strip is sized to cover at least the indicia printed on the thermally responsive label. Additionally, the information destruction strip comprises a microwave activated material operable to generate heat when exposed to microwave energy.

Abstract: Method for heating a fiber/plastic composite material comprising at least one layer of carbon fibers in a plastic matrix, wherein a magnetic field is induced by means of a microwave antenna, and the field direction of the magnetic field runs in the plane of the layer of carbon fibers.

Abstract: Ways of applying microwaves to feedstock to be processed are disclosed. One embodiment relates to heating inter-layer water in vermiculite to expand the vermiculite. Another embodiment relates to heating water in oil-contaminated materials and waste products, such as drilling cuttings, contaminated soils and certain types of animal by-products, to drive out oil. In some embodiments a microwave tunnel applicator has the microwaves applied from beneath the feedstock.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein is a microwave assembly having a substrate comprising a microwave device; said device having a die, a first layer having a dielectric constant between about 1.00 and about 1.45 and a thickness between about 0.05 and about 2 mm along with one or more layers chosen from an absorbing layer, an EMI blocking layer, a layer comprising conductive material or a metal cover.

Abstract: The invention performs uniform chemical reactions with high efficiency by action of microwave onto reaction targets placed within a flow path along a center axis of a waveguide for transmission of microwave. The microwave chemical reaction device includes a circular waveguide for transmission of TM or TE mode microwave or a square waveguide for transmission of TE mode microwave and a flow path shielded from a space within the waveguide by a bulkhead of low microwave loss and coaxially extending along the center axis of the waveguide. Reaction targets to be subjected to chemical reactions are accommodated in the flow path and the microwave acts on the reaction targets within the flow path.

Abstract: An improved oven is aimed at optimizing heat transfer and delivering an optimal cooking efficiency in comparison to conventional high-speed cooking ovens. The oven includes a support for supporting a food product in a cooking chamber of the oven, which utilizes impingement of hot air and microwave energy. The support includes a metal plate having a surface for receiving a food product thereon and at least one aperture located at an outer periphery of the metal plate adjacent the surface. The aperture permits heated air to flow therethrough as the heated air flows in a return path from the cooking chamber. The aperture also limits the reflection of microwave energy within the cooking chamber.

Abstract: An improved heating apparatus is aimed at optimizing heat transfer and delivering an optimal heating efficiency in comparison to conventional heating apparatus. The improved heating apparatus includes tubes that generate plume arrays of a fluid (e.g., a gas, such as air) that is heated in a conduit. The tubes introduce the heated fluid into a chamber of the heating apparatus. The fluid is returned to the conduit through a return opening in the chamber. The path that the fluid travels in the chamber, from the tubes to the return air opening, is provided such that optimized heat transfer and optimal heating efficiency are facilitated.

Abstract: A cooking appliance such as a microwave oven is provided with a sacrificial region for repairing damage caused by arcing and related failure modes. The sacrificial region incorporates a component that, when damaged, is removable from the cooking appliance for replacement by another component of similar construction. In one implementation, a sacrificial component is utilized in a microwave oven with a heated cavity subject to microwave radiation from a magnetron. The sacrificial component in this example includes an aperture that communicates with an opening in the cavity, and through which the radiation impinges into the heated cavity.

Abstract: A method of treating a carbonaceous material is disclosed. The method includes heating the carbonaceous material in a reactor with microwave energy, at a pressure less than about 5 atmospheres, to generate a mixture comprising char, oil and gas.

Abstract: A food storage bag holder is configured to maintain a food storage bag in an open and upright configuration to facilitate filling a food storage bag with contents such as food. The holder has a body comprised of a cylinder or frame with a top rim adapted to frictionally engage a folded over top edge of the food storage bag to support it and hold it open. The body defines an interior cavity. The holder is sized to engage a food storage bag. The top rim is sized to engage a bag having a resealable closure. The bag is engaged by inserting the bag into the cavity defined by the body and folding the closure of the bag over the top rim of the holder. The top rim has an outer perimeter less than the perimeter of the mouth of the bag. The height h of the holder is less than the height measured from the bottom of the body of the bag to the bottom edge of the closure of the bag.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for processing fragmented material by pyrolysis, wherein the material to be processed is fed into a processing cavity and heated therein. In the method, the fragmented material is continuously fed through the processing cavity and heated at least at the beginning of the process with microwave energy. The apparatus comprises means for feeding the fragmented material to be processed continuously through said cavity; microwave applicator means for initiating heating of the material at the beginning of the process; and means for collecting the pyrolysis end product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the conventional high-speed cooking oven based on a combination of hot air impingement and microwave heating by providing a time-dependent spatial variation in the net air impingement and/or net microwave energy applied to the food product in the oven. This is aimed at optimizing heat transfer and microwave efficiencies in a high-speed cooking oven, thereby enabling the oven to deliver an optimal cooking efficiency in comparison to the conventional high-speed cooking oven. In addition, under the present invention, the cooking efficiency may be further optimized by dimensioning the nozzles for hot air impingement to tighten impingement plumes, subject to the space constraint of the oven's cooking chamber, and dimensioning the cooking chamber of the oven in integer multiples of the wavelength of the microwave energy to match the microwave load.

Abstract: An improved oven is aimed at optimizing heat transfer and delivering an optimal cooking efficiency in comparison to conventional high-speed cooking ovens. The oven includes tubes that generate plume arrays of a heated gas and introduce them into a cooking chamber of the oven. The tubes may be removably located at the bottom of the cooking chamber of the oven. The tubes are dimensioned for hot air impingement to tighten impingement plume arrays, subject to the space constraints of the oven's cooking chamber. With the optimized cooking efficiency provided by the present invention, high-speed cooking technology may now be extended to ovens operating on a power supply based on a voltage less than 220 volts, preferably between 110 and 125 volts, with more productive results, so that the high-speed cooking technology may find wider applicability and a broader customer base.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a thermal processing apparatus and method that permits a user to index one or more preselected light sources capable of emitting one or more wavelengths to a collimator. Multiple light sources may permit a single apparatus to have the capability of emitting multiple, preselected wavelengths. The multiple light sources permit the user to utilize multiple wavelengths simultaneously to approximate “white light”. One or more of a frequency, intensity, and time of exposure may be selected for the wavelength to be emitted. Thus, the capabilities of the apparatus and method are flexible to meet the needs of the user.

Abstract: A method of heating and/or thawing using an RF heater is described. In some cases the heating differentially heats portions according to their dissipation ratios. Optionally, this avoids dissipating large amounts of energy into thawed portions while frozen portions are still extant and heat slowly. Optionally, this prevents overheating of thawed portions.

Abstract: The cooking appliance using solid fuel, of the barbecue type, includes a brazier as a box for containing the solid fuel, a grill support capable of supporting at least one preferably removable rack and an igniting device. The igniting device includes a very high frequency electromagnetic energy generator or magnetron capable of generating a microwave generation and a waveguide connecting the magnetron to the brazier for directing the microwaves into the brazier.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming fibers or flakes of material comprises means (1) for producing a heated stream of molten material (9), means for feeding the stream in a substantially vertically downward direction and means (7) for receiving the downwardly directed stream and for forming fibers or flakes therefrom. The apparatus includes means (11, 13, 15, 17) for effecting a change in the temperature of the stream subsequent to the production thereof whereby fibers or flakes of a desired thickness are obtained. Instead of, or in addition to, the temperature changing means, there may be provided means for controlling the mass or volume flow of the stream. The invention also provides methods corresponding to the apparatus.

Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for preparing samples for column chromatography.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for heating plastic receptacles (10) and particularly plastic parisons (10) with a transport device (2), which transports the plastic receptacles (10) along a predetermined transport path, with a microwave generation device (4), with a routing device (6) which routes the microwaves in the direction of the plastic receptacles (10) which are to be heated, said routing device (6) being at least sectionally in the form of a hollow conductor. In line with the invention, the apparatus (1) has a control device (12) which is in a form such that it controls the microwave energy hitting the plastic receptacles (10) during the heating process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling energy that is input to a material substance, for the controlled removal of moisture from the material substance, is disclosed. A controlled air flow is blown onto the material substance at a specified air flow rate over at least one specified time period such that the material substance absorbs thermal energy from the controlled air flow via at least one outer surface of the material substance. The controlled air flow is of a specified humidity level at a specified temperature level. The material substance is also irradiated with microwave energy at a first specified power level for at least a first specified time duration such that the material substance absorbs at least a part of the microwave energy and converts the absorbed microwave energy to thermal energy within the material substance. As a result, moisture is removed from the material substance in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An “eggbeater” cathode comprising a transparent cathode including a plurality of longitudinally oriented cathode strips anchored at both ends between support discs and forming an open-walled hollow cylindrical structure. A cathode base is disposed substantially coaxially with a longitudinal axis of the transparent cathode and surrounded by the plurality of cathode strips, wherein the support discs secure the cathode strips to the cathode base and result in a cathode that is more robust in harsh operating environments compared with a simple transparent cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological composition which is storable above cryogenic temperature which is comprised of a vitrification solution in a glassy state. The vitrification solution is comprised of a biological material and a vitrification agent.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to direct sufficient microwave energy at a target with an electronic device which is to be interfered with or to be destroyed, the beams (7) from at least two antenna arrays (10) are focused on an effective area (8) in the vicinity of that target, preferably from a vehicle (3) which is equipped with these arrays (10). For effective super-imposition of the emitted microwave energy (7) in the emission direction of in each case one of the arrays (10), the use of an arc for discharging the capacitance (43) of the resonator via its spark gap (13) is observed, and is recorded quasi-continuously optoelectronically. The electrode separation of the spark gap (13) or the fluid pressure of the dielectric in the vicinity of the spark gap (13) is then varied by control elements such that all of the spark gaps (13) in an array (10) ignite virtually at the same time, so that their discharge current pulses which lead to the emission of the microwave energy (7) start virtually in phase.