Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for penetrating convenience store food markets with a customer-engaging food merchandising module. The customer-engaging food merchandising module comprises three units: a food storage and display unit attached to a food preparation and display unit, and a shell unit attached to at least one of the other two units. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a glass-door freezer for storing and displaying at least one type of frozen food, a microwave oven attached to the freezer, and a shell attached to the freezer. The shell is used to support advertising and instructional graphics and also to give the apparatus a unitary appearance. The microwave oven has pre-programmed buttons corresponding to each of the types of food displayed in the freezer, each button activating the microwave oven to correctly heat a corresponding type of frozen food. The shell may extend above the freezer/microwave combination.

Abstract: A batch-type etching method includes applying microwaves from the outside of a reaction chamber to semiconductor wafers after HF gas etching of the wafers to remove residual substances including H2O, CH3OH, CH3COOH and/or other by-products from surfaces of the wafers. Microwaves oscillate polar molecules of the substances and generate heat, thereby removing the substances.

Abstract: A method for controlling a rice cooking operation in a microwave oven including setting up at least one rice cooking operation in the microwave oven based upon the amount of rice and water mixture; heating the rice and the water in a cooking chamber using a magnetron; computing the amount of the rice and the water by measuring a vapor concentration within the cooking chamber; and cooking the rice according to a cooking operation corresponding to the computed amount of rice and water. Further, the present invention provides a microwave oven having at least one rice cooking operation and a method of controlling the same, in which rice is cooked by automatically sensing the amount of rice and water content using the method.

Abstract: Device for reheating baked microwaveable food products comprising: i) an external container (1) composed of a lower part (2) and a removable lid (3) fitting to the lower part (2), all being made of a heat resistant mineral composition that is transparent for microwaves; ii) a sheet (6) susceptible to microwave heating, which sheet (6) is positioned above the bottom (8) of container and spaced from the bottom (8) by supports (9) creating a heat insulating interspace between the bottom (8) and the sheet (6); iii) in the top of the device just below lid (3) but separated therefrom a sheet (11) susceptible to microwave heating; iv) in sheet (11) opening for microwave heating.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to power a plurality of magnetrons devices. The system may include a power supply device to power a first magnetron device, a second magnetron device and a third magnetron device. A control device may control (or apportion) an amount of current to each of the second and third magnetron devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for merging the processes of hearth baking and conveyor baking to offer the benefits of the two processes while eliminating many of the shortcomings. In one aspect, the present invention is a horizontal food-grade product conveyor to transport and support food substances within or through a cooking chamber in a continuous motion. The product conveyor comprises a frame, a support structure, a drive mechanism, and rotating segments of ceramic, brick, firebrick, stone, baked clay, transite, quarry tile, or other non-metallic material which form an endless baking hearth. Each hearth segment interacts with the next adjacent hearth segment to facilitate turning around a radius while forming and maintaining a continuous, flat product support surface and preheated baking hearth.

Abstract: Bonding of materials such as MEMS materials is carried out using microwaves. High microwave absorbing films are placed within a microwave cavity containing other less microwave absorbing materials, and excited to cause selective heating in the skin depth of the films. This causes heating in one place more than another. This thereby minimizes unwanted heating effects during the microwave bonding process.

Abstract: Ginkgo leaves contain many beneficial chemicals which can be transferred into a preparation of tea. However, the leaves contain 2-hexenal, a chemical which is toxic and has an unpleasant taste. Therefore, removal of the 2-hexenal is an essential step for the tea production. This removal is accomplished in this invention by a microwave apparatus, which has the advantage of a rapid rate of treatment at great energy efficiency. Therefore, this invention provides an effective means for large scale ginkgo leaf tea production.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for penetrating convenience store food markets with a customer-engaging food merchandising module. The customer-engaging food merchandising module comprises three units: a food storage and display unit attached to a food preparation and display unit, and a shell unit attached to at least one of the other two units. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a glass-door freezer for storing and displaying at least one type of frozen food, a microwave oven attached to the freezer, and a shell attached to the freezer. The shell is used to support advertising and instructional graphics and also to give the apparatus a unitary appearance. The microwave oven has pre-programmed buttons corresponding to each of the types of food displayed in the freezer, each button activating the microwave oven to correctly heat a corresponding type of frozen food. The shell may extend above the freezer/microwave combination.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus, comprising: at least, a plasma processing chamber for processing therein an object to be processed; antenna means for guiding microwaves into the plasma processing chamber; and a dielectric member disposed between the antenna means and the plasma processing chamber; wherein a surface of the dielectric member facing the inside of the plasma processing chamber has a projecting shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of wood, and is particularly concerned with a method for increasing the permeability of wood, especially moist wood.

Abstract: A method of bonding together first and second components and a joint are provided. The method includes the steps of applying a film coating of electrically conductive material to an adjoining interface of a first component surface of the first component and a second component surface of the second component. The film coating has a thickness of less than 200 nanometers. The method also includes the step of positioning the first and second components such that the film coating is disposed between the first and second component surfaces. The method further includes the step of irradiating microwave energy to the film coating to generate thermal energy on the film coating to bond together the first and second components.

Abstract: Methods for temperature control in microwave processing of materials, for example microwave sintering, annealing and other forms of microwave heating, are disclosed in which the material is formed into a selected shape and size such that at least a part of the materials reaches a state of thermal equilibrium at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A space saving cooking appliance having a shape that conserves counter space and/or room space with either a prism shaped outer case that has an apex in the rear to match a corner, or a flat back that can be pushed up against a wall. The front of the appliance can be curved or arcuate forming a part of an ellipse or circle. The cooking space inside the appliance can be cylindrical or spherical, and in the case where the appliance is a microwave oven, can form a cylindrical or spherical cavity where a uniform cavity mode field can be excited to promote uniform cooking. On the front of the arcuate surface there can be a door that completes the arcuate surface when it closes, and on its inner side is shaped so that it completes the cylindrical or spheroidal cooking space when it is closed. One embodiment is a partial spheroid appliance with a flat bottom. The cooking space in this case is a partial spheroid. In all embodiments, auxiliary side appliances can be located left and right of the main cooking area.

Abstract: A microwave oven comprising: a casing which forms an appearance and has a front surface backwardly slanted and an adjusting portion formed at the slanted part; a cooking chamber formed inside the casing, for cooking food; and a door rotably combined at a side of the casing and slanted correspondingly the casing in order to opening and close the front surface of the cooking chamber.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a microwave generator includes a variable voltage provided from a first transformer to a second transformer having a secondary winding split into a filament winding cathode low AC signal and a secondary winding providing a high voltage which is doubled and rectified in a half-wave voltage doubler for providing a pulsed DC signal through a ballast resistor to a magnetron anode responsive to an electromagnetic field. In still further accord with the present invention, a microwave sample cavity includes a waveguide, and a hole for receiving a sample to be microwave-heated, and an inductive tuning post all on a straight line, wherein the hole is adjacent the waveguide and the post is distant from the waveguide.

Abstract: An interactive interpreter of synchronous or asynchronous selective data from an annular indicia. The annular indicia has data contained thereon that is formatted into bit-cells. The bit-cells are angularly positioned about the circumference of the annular indicia. The annular indicia may, if desired, be rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction enabling the interpretation of data encoded as bit-cells. A controller with memory, the memory having stored therein a software program that provides interpretation of the data contained on the annular indicia and the directional rotation of the data. The rotation of the annular indicia may, if desired, be started and stopped at any convenient time without loss of data or reinterpreting of data. The data contained on the annular indicia may, if desired, be selectively disposed about the circumference of the annual indicia.

Abstract: Microwave oven including a main cabinet having a plurality of air inlet openings and a plurality of air outlet openings, for accommodating and protecting various components, an inner case provided in an upper space of the main cabinet to form a cooking chamber therein, the inner case having a plurality of inlet holes and outlet holes, an outfit chamber in a rear part of a lower space of the main cabinet for fitting electronic components therein, an inverter part in a front part of a lower space of the main cabinet, a magnetron part in a side space of the main cabinet, partition plates for separating a space for the inverter part, a space of the outfit chamber, and a space for the magnetron, respectively, and a single fan device in a part in contact with the spaces in common for circulating external air to the spaces in the main cabinet, thereby cooling the outfit chamber and the magnetron as well as preventing moisture in a cavity by using only one cooling fan and a fan motor.

Abstract: A device and process for fixing a toner onto a substrate or a printed material, especially a sheet-shaped printed material, preferably for a digital printer, which is characterized in that the printed material that has the toner is irradiated with microwaves from at least one microwave emitter, and is heated to melt the toner, and that a toner is used which exhibits a sharp drop of the modulus of elasticity G′ from its solid to its liquid state when it is heated. Preferably, the ratio of the value of the modulus of elasticity G′ of the toner according to the invention at the reference temperature value, calculated from the starting temperature at the beginning of the glass transformation of the toner plus 50° C., to the value of the modulus of elasticity G′ at the starting temperature itself is <10−5.

Abstract: Bonding of materials such as MEMS materials is carried out using microwaves. High microwave absorbing films are placed within a microwave cavity containing other less microwave absorbing materials, and excited to cause selective heating in the skin depth of the films. This causes heating in one place more than another. This thereby minimizes unwanted heating effects during the microwave bonding process.

Abstract: An interpretive system architecture for a seamless transfer of energy to a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream, or microwave oven. The interpretive system architecture overlays the operational functions of the process stream or host microwave oven to interpret, control, and implement user independent commands. The interpretive system has at least one interpretive base class for providing operational instance to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system receives an indicia, the indicia being expressive of an externally derived predetermined compiled code disposed on the surface of a specimen, or food package, or associated thereto, the indicia communicating via at least one data entry mechanism to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system interprets the data or code and transforms it into user independent commands.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing high resolution patterns on a support comprising the following steps: high resolution printing of a varnish on the support; treating the support by electrolysis; washing and drying the support.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfesting objects of biological pests comprises a shielded chamber (1) inside which the object to be disinfested is placed and microwave generating means (MG1, MG2, MG3 MG4) able to emit microwaves toward said object to be disinfested in order to increase the temperature of the biological pests until attainment of the lethal temperature at which death of the biological pests occurs, the apparatus also comprising means (9, S1, S2, S3) for detection of the temperature of the object and means (ST1, ST2 ) for distribution of the microwaves inside said shielded chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to serial microwave feeding to a cavity of a microwave oven in order to provide heating of a load that is placed in the cavity. Any microwave radiation that is reflected from a first feeding port is directed, preferably via a microwave circulator, to a second feeding port. The radiation that is reflected from the first feeding port is thus fed to the cavity via the second feeding port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of destroying data on CD media, particularly apply to destroy a metal reflective layer of a CD, so that data cannot be accessed out of the CD. The data destruction by the method of destroying the metal reflective layer of CD media employs microwave action on the CD media. Therefore, the present invention can completely and rapidly destroy data recorded on any CD media, in addition, is simple and convenient equipment for easy operation.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the development of transparent alumina ceramics using microwave energy at the frequency between 0.915 and 2.45 GHz inclusive in hydrogen atmosphere at ambient pressure comprises an enclosed, insulated chamber (14) to retain a workpiece (12) for the application of microwave energy. The chamber comprises a TE103 single mode or a multimode microwave cavity into which is mounted a quartz tube (18). An insulation material (20), transparent to microwave energy, is positioned within the quartz tube. A port (28) for the introduction of hydrogen penetrates the cavity so that the microwave sintering of the workpiece is performed in an ultra-pure hydrogen atmosphere. The workpiece is preferably mounted on a refractory ceramic such as alumina tube for the microwave sintering process. A method, preferably using the apparatus, develops transparent alumina ceramics and single crystal sapphire.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mechanical joint between a die and a substrate that is reflowed by microwave energy and a method of forming such a mechanical joint by printing a solder over a substrate, placing the solder in contact with a bump over a die, reflowing the solder with microwave energy, and forming a mechanical joint from the solder and the bump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of wood, and is particularly concerned with a method for increasing the permeability of wood, especially moist wood.

Abstract: Methods for temperature control in microwave processing of materials, for example microwave sintering, annealing and other forms of microwave heating, are disclosed in which the material is formed into a selected shape and size such that at least a part of the materials reaches a state of thermal equilibrium at a desired temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing cell electrofusion is provided. The apparatus for producing cell fusion, the apparatus including a chamber including an insert and a cuvette, the chamber also includes a substrate, a fluid medium for containing cells to be fused in said chamber, a device for inducing migration of cells in said chamber toward one side of said substrate, and a device for inducing fusion of at least a portion of the cells.

Abstract: A method for increasing the permeability of wood which comprises subjecting wood with a moisture content (based on dry weight) of at least 15% to microwave radiation at a frequency (f) in the range of from about 0.1 to about 24 GHz with a power intensity (p) from about 10 W/cm2 to about 100 kW/cm2 for a duration of from about 0.05 to about 600 seconds to cause water in the wood to vaporise resulting in an internal pressure in the wood such that the permeability of the wood is increased by partial or complete destruction of ray cell tissue, softening and displacement of wood resin, formation of pathways in the radial direction of the wood and/or by creating, on the base of destroyed rays, cavities in the wood, said cavities being primarily in radial-longitudinal planes of the wood, and wherein the overall integrity of the wood is substantially maintained. A wood-based material may be formed having a permeability which is at least 5 times that of the untreated wood.

Abstract: Ginkgo leaves contain many beneficial chemicals which can be transferred into a preparation of tea. However, the leaves contain 2-hexenal, a chemical which is toxic and has an unpleasant taste. Therefore, removal of the 2-hexenal is an essential step for the tea production. This removal is accomplished in this invention by a microwave apparatus, which has the advantage of a rapid rate of treatment at great energy efficiency. Therefore, this invention provides an effective means for large scale ginkgo leaf tea production.

Abstract: A mail sanitizer and method utilizing microwaves capable of treating biologically and/or chemically contaminated mail items, packages and the like. The mail sanitizer includes a cavity positioned inside a plurality of walls and a door. An activation display mounted on one of the walls allows a user to activate the mail sanitizer, either by manual operation, remote control or timer, allowing microwaves to enter and treat the mail items.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic device having a substantially monolithic structure is formed by sintering together a plurality of green-sheet layers. The substantially monolithic structure has an inlet port for receiving fluid, an outlet port for releasing fluid, and an interconnection between the inlet port and the outlet port. The substantially monolithic structure may also include a variety of components to enable useful interaction with the fluid, such as electrically conductive pathways, heaters, fluid sensors, fluid motion transducers, and optically transmissive portions. The components are preferably fabricated using thick-film or green-sheet technology and are preferably co-fired with and sintered to the green-sheet layers to become integral with the substantially monolithic structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for maintaining the active life of a catalyst in organic feed processing by applying a series of electromagnetic radiation pulses to the catalyst in a reactor. The pulsing of the catalyst selectively heats and cools the catalyst and can regulate the relative internal pressure of the catalyst particles to stimulate the acceleration of oil macromolecules mass-exchange through the catalyst pores and surface. This allows for the removal of cracked oil molecules from the particles. The application of electromagnetic pulses also regulates the activity of the catalyst. The electromagnetic radiation reduces the formation of coke on the catalyst and increases the life of the catalyst in the reactor. Further, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing water and salt from an organic feed. Water and salt is removed by applying a series of electromagnetic radiation pulses to the organic feed.

Abstract: A microwave reactor for decomposing waste green house gases resulting from the manufacture of semiconductors and from other industrial processes. The microwave reactor includes a plasma chamber having a gas inflow port spaced apart from a gas outflow port for transporting gases through the plasma chamber. A gas plasma is generated in the plasma chamber to facilitate the gas decomposition. The structure of the microwave reactor includes an insulating cover protruding into the plasma chamber and forming an internal cavity that is isolated from gases in the plasma chamber. A microwave antenna extends into the internal cavity of the plasma chamber to couple the microwave energy into plasma chamber for causing a plasma to form in the gases.

Abstract: The invention may be broadly conceptualized as an approach in which a microwave oven (120) receives a plurality of program recipes from a network that are executed by scanning with a scanner (1326) a symbol and associating the scanned symbol with one of the plurality of program recipes while keeping a real-time clock (1308) synchronized and correctly set by receiving period time synchronization messages.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to power two magnetrons devices. The system may include a power supply device to power a first magnetron device and a second magnetron device. A control device may control an amount of current reaching at least the first magnetron device.

Abstract: The decapsulating method is for an integrated circuit package and includes the steps of subjecting the encapsulant to electromagnetic radiation, and, more preferably microwave radiation, to break the polymer bonds of the polymer resin and convert the encapsulant to loosened particles. The loosened particles can then be removed to thereby decapsulate the integrated circuit package. The method may further include the step of maintaining the integrated circuit package below a predetermined temperature during the subjecting step. The step of maintaining the temperature below the predetermined temperature may be performed by controlling a power of the electromagnetic radiation, such as based upon sensing a temperature of the integrated circuit package. The method may further comprise the step of varying a frequency of the microwave radiation during the subjecting step.

Abstract: Manufactured articles and methods of producing such articles are disclosed where the article has a thermoplastic polymer component and a curable polymer component. The curable polymer may be moisture-curable polymer, or microwave, dielectric or radio frequency curable polymer. The articles may be manufactured by a variety of polymer processing methods including extrusion, co-extrusion, co-molding, injection molding and calendering. A variety of articles and shapes may be made by the method including electric wire and cable, and weatherstripping.

Abstract: A method for cooling the discharge tube in a gas discharge or atomic emission detector is described. An air cooled discharge detector is also disclosed. In the method and the detector, air is passed over the outer surface of the discharge tube thereby cooling the outer and inner surface of the discharge tube. Air cooling is utilized in any gas discharge detector including radio frequency powered atomic emission detectors.

Abstract: A safe and effective microwave deodorizer including a volatile medium, such as a liquid solution of water and citrus oils, contained in an absorbent material such as a non-metallic sponge. When the microwave deodorizer is heated in a microwave oven, the microwave deodorizer releases deodorizing vapors in a manner designed to deposit a deodorizing residue on an inner surface of the microwave oven.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating arrangement that is characterized by a combination of the following features: the heating arrangement consists of at least one heating element (3) in the form of a flat element with two opposite-lying, essentially parallel conductors and a coating arranged therebetween for the generation of electromagnetic waves. The coating material is comprised of a binding agent, an insulating agent, a dispersion agent, water and graphite. The heating device also comprises a control device (7) with a harmonic generator containing an electric component that has a rapid rate of current rise and is suitable for generating a high harmonic content. The harmonic generator is coupled to both electric conductors of the heating element (3) in order to emit a spectrum of vibrations in natural molecular frequency ranges. A low-cost, highly effective heating system is thus provided.

Abstract: A safe and effective microwave deodorizer including a volatile medium, such as a liquid solution of water and citrus oils, contained in an absorbent material such as a non-metallic sponge. When the microwave deodorizer is heated in a microwave oven, the microwave deodorizer releases deodorizing vapors in a manner designed to deposit a deodorizing residue on an inner surface of the microwave oven.

Abstract: A method of heating an article with microwave energy is described in which a thin layer of highly microwave absorbent powdered material is provided around at least a portion of a container made of microwave transparent material. The article to be heated is placed at a position within the container where the article is adjacent the thin layer of highly microwave absorbent powdered material, and microwave energy is applied to the container.

Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition coating is carried out in a cylindrical cavity. The fibers are heated by a microwave source that is uses a TM0N0 mode, where O is an integer, and produces a field that depends substantially only on radius. The fibers are observed to determine their heating, and their position can be adjusted. Once the fibers are uniformly heated, a CVD reagent is added to process the fibers.

Abstract: An improved microwave unit and tissue processor system incorporating the unit are provided for use in rapid tissue processing. The microwave unit may be comprised of an energy source, a waveguide transmitting the microwave energy to a reaction chamber, and the reaction chamber being adapted to process tissue specimens for histology. The unit provides gentle and uniform heating, with minimal heat loss and escape of volatile chemicals. The system may be operated continuously and/or batchwise, by manual operation or automatically. The automated system may be operated with continuous throughput to obtain the advantages of the invention such as, for example, rapid processing under two hours and/or preservation of cell structure and tissue architecture.

Abstract: The bonding of components is facilitated by a conductive pattern which generates heat upon being irradiated with microwave or RF energy. The electrically conductive pattern is positioned on a first component surface and a curable resin having adhesive properties is applied thereto. A second component surface is placed in contacting relation with the resin and the conductive pattern is irradiated with microwave or RF energy to facilitate curing wherein the components are bonded together along the pattern. The conductive pattern can be utilized without adhesive resin wherein heat generated via the application of microwave or RF energy causes components to fuse together. The conductive pattern can be enveloped by polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material becomes the adhesive for bonding components when microwave or RF energy is applied.

Abstract: A method of consolidating metal powder to form an object, includes: a) pressing the powder into a preform, and preheating the preform to elevated temperature, b) providing flowable pressure transmitting particles and transmitting microwaves into the particles to heat same, and providing a bed of the flowable and heated pressure transmitting particles, c) positioning the preform in such relation to the bed that the particles substantially encompass the preform, d) and pressurizing the bed to compress said particles and cause pressure transmission to the preform, thereby to consolidate the preform into a desired object shape.

Abstract: An appliance window coated with a thermochromic, polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material allows users of appliances containing such window to view the inside chamber of the appliance without opening the appliance door. The thermochromic material on the coated window also does not detract from the overall appearance of the appliance and is composed of phase-separated droplets of liquid crystal in a light-transmissive resin matrix. The liquid crystal has an optical index of refraction in the isotropic phase that is similar to the refractive index of the resin and an index of refraction in the liquid crystalline phase that is mismatched with the refractive index of the resin. The thermochromic coating is activated by the thermal energy released by the appliance during operation. The thermal energy raises the temperature of the coating to a sufficient value so as to cause the coating to switch from an opaque state to a clear state.