Abstract: Method and apparatus for condensing a majority of the solvent in a process gas stream at low temperatures, e.g., below the freezing point of water, ca. ?5° C. The gas stream exiting the condenser step may be further processed in one or more emission control devices, such as a single or multi-step series of concentrator devices, such as zeolite concentrator devices. One or more emission control operations can be carried out downstream of the single or multi-step concentrators. The aforementioned condensing process enables the one or more concentrators to operate in a favorable temperature range for removal of 99% or more of VOC, thereby meeting or exceeding strict environmental regulations.

Abstract: An aircraft ice protection system includes a frequency a frequency dependent susceptor coupled to a critical surface of an aircraft. A radio frequency (RF) energy source is configured to apply RF energy to the frequency dependent susceptor. The aircraft ice protection system is configured to selectively operate in a susceptor absorbing mode and a water absorbing mode. The aircraft ice protection system operates in the susceptor absorbing mode until a Faraday layer associated with ice formed on the critical surface reaches a target characteristic. When the target characteristic is met, the aircraft ice protection system initiates the water absorbing mode.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a shoe member that includes a plurality of portions including a first portion and a second portion, each of which is constituted by one or more of members, the method including: a step of preparing a collective body including a first member that constitutes the first portion and a second member that constitutes the second portion and formed of a material different from that of the first member; and a step of irradiating electromagnetic wave toward the collective body, wherein the electromagnetic wave irradiation step including partly shielding the electromagnetic wave irradiated toward the second member by a shielding member capable of shielding electromagnetic wave, thereby reducing the electromagnetic wave irradiated onto the second member. Also provided is a molding die having a molding space corresponding to a shoe member and capable of being used for producing the shoe member by performing the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an appliance. In one embodiment, the appliance has an enclosed structure which includes a first portion configured to receive one or more meal cartridges, and store and preserve the meal cartridges at a selected temperature range; a second portion; and transfer mechanism configured to transfer at least one meal cartridge in the first portion to the second portion within the enclosed structure in response to a command input for cooking the at least one meal cartridge. The second portion is configured to accept the at least one meal cartridge, receive a cooking instruction command including a cooking duration and temperature determined for the at least one meal cartridge, and cook the at least one meal cartridge based upon the cooking duration and temperature.

Abstract: A refrigerating and freezing device includes a cabinet defining at least one storage compartment, at least one cabinet door configured to respectively open and close the at least one storage compartment, a refrigerating system configured to provide cooling capacity to the at least one storage compartment, and a heating unit. The heating unit includes a container body disposed in one storage compartment and provided with a pick-and-place opening, a door body configured to open and close the pick-and-place opening, an electromagnetic generating system configured to generate electromagnetic waves in the container body to heat an object to be processed and a cabinet door detection device configured to detect open and closed states of the cabinet door corresponding to the storage compartment provided with the container body; wherein the electromagnetic generating system stops generating electromagnetic waves when the corresponding cabinet door is in an open state.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for launching, deploying and moving mobility platforms used to produce a three-dimensional product using additive printing. The product, or object, is made by collecting materials in-situ at an off-Earth celestial body. A sintering apparatus, such as a laser, is used to consolidate the planetary regrowth into a solid object. The apparatus can receive power, and can apply heat to assist in the consolidation process. The apparatus is moveable to the build site, and includes a print head having a collector for receiving collected materials, a conditioner for sintering and heating the collected materials, and an extruder, specifically a slip form opening in which the materials can be dispersed over the surface of the extraterrestrial body where the powder form of the conditioned materials are sintered, fused, or consolidated into a hard solid bead of material.

Abstract: A method and an assembly for heating and evaluating a formation of the Earth while drilling a wellbore filled with drilling mud are described. A first drilling mud temperature at a depth in the wellbore is received from a first sensor by a controller. The formation proximal to the depth is heated by a heat source mounted to the assembly to a temperature greater than a formation temperature as the drilling assembly drills the wellbore. A second drilling mud temperature is received from a second sensor by the controller. The heat source is positioned in between the first sensor and the second sensor. A difference between the first drilling mud temperature and the second drilling mud temperature is compared to a threshold drilling mud temperature difference value by the controller. Based on a result of the comparison, the drilling assembly is controlled and directed in the formation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a microwave detector and manufacturing method thereof and stray electromagnetic radiation suppression method, wherein the microwave detector includes a reference ground, a radiation source, a driving circuit, and at least a set of suppression fence posts. The driving circuit is electrically connected with the feed point of the radiating source, wherein the radiating source, the reference ground and the driving circuit are arranged in order along the thickness direction of the microwave detector. The radiation source and the reference ground are separated and spaced to form and define a radiating gap between the radiation source and the reference ground, wherein a spacing distance between the reference ground and the driving circuit is greater than or equal to 1/128?, wherein ? is the wavelength of the radiated wave of the microwave detector.

Abstract: A waste treatment incinerator includes a furnace and a microwave transmitting module. The furnace includes a housing defining a treatment space. The furnace includes an activated charcoal layer located in the treatment space. An exhaust pipe is connected to the activated charcoal layer. The microwave transmitting module aligned with the activated charcoal layer. Treatment equipment includes the waste treatment incinerator, a heat exchange system, and a purification module. The heat exchange system includes a first heat exchange module connected to the exhaust pipe of the furnace and a reservoir connected to the first heat exchange module. The purification module includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The gas inlet intercommunicates with the first heat exchange module. A sprinkling area is disposed between the gas inlet and the gas outlet.

Abstract: A thermal increase system may be coupled to a containment structure for containing a load. The system includes a plurality of shelf support structures disposed within a cavity. The plurality of shelf support structures is configured to support a repositionable electrode at a plurality of positions within the cavity. The system includes a first electrode disposed at a first surface of the containment structure, wherein the repositionable electrode is disposed within the containment structure so as to divide the cavity into separate volumes. The system includes a radio frequency signal source electrically connected to one or both of the first electrode and the repositionable electrode. The radio frequency signal source is configured to provide radio frequency energy to either or both of the first electrode and the repositionable electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing components of a fluid having a first fluid component and a second fluid component in a fluid property-dependent fluid device includes an energy device configured to input energy to the fluid, the energy selectively changing a property of one of the first and second components more than the other of the first and second components.

Abstract: A display assembly for an appliance includes an outer frame mounted to or positioned within a cabinet of an appliance and a screen assembly slidably mounted to the outer frame. A drive mechanism, such as an electric drive motor rotating a threaded rod, is operably coupled to the screen assembly for moving the screen assembly between an extended position where it is visible and accessible for user interaction and a retracted position where it is concealed from view.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having an improved rear structure of a door. The refrigerator includes a main body including a storage compartment, a door rotatably coupled to the main body to open and close the storage compartment, a dispenser provided on a front surface of the door, a case mounted on a rear surface of the door and accommodating a water tank disposed adjacent to the dispenser to store water supplied to the dispenser, and a filter including a filter body disposed below the water tank in a transverse direction, and a filter handle configured to allow the filter body to be inserted or withdrawn through an inner side surface of the door from the inside of the case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sintering furnace (1) for components (15) made of a sintered material, in particular for dental components, comprising a furnace chamber (2) having a chamber volume (VK), wherein a heating device (5), a receiving space (9) having a gross volume (VB) located in the chamber volume (VK) and delimited by the heating device (5), and a useful region (10) having a useful volume (VN) located in the gross volume (VB), are disposed in the furnace chamber (2). The furnace chamber (2) has an outer wall (3) consisting of a plurality of walls having a wall portion (7) to be opened for introduction of a component to be sintered having an object volume (VO) into the receiving space (9). In the furnace chamber (2) the heating device (5) has a thermal radiator (6) having a radiation field (13) which is disposed on at least one side of the receiving space (9).

Abstract: A combination microwave and refrigerator system is provided. The microwave oven is connected to a source of power and has a control circuit for controlling the operation of the microwave oven. A first power supply outlet is provided on the microwave oven. A refrigerator is connected to the source of power by connection to the first power supply outlet. The control circuit is configured to disable the cooling operation of the refrigerator, when the microwave oven demands cooking power, and enable the cooling operation of the refrigerator when the microwave oven is not drawing cooking power. A safety sensor is provided in the microwave oven, and is configured to cause cooking power to the microwave oven to be turned off upon the safety sensor sensing a dangerous condition.

Abstract: A treatment system, including at least one of: a solid waste material treatment module with the capabilities of disinfecting, sterilizing and/or destruction of potentially hazardous materials; a liquid waste material treatment module; and, a gaseous waste material treatment module, wherein the solid, liquid and gaseous material treatment modules can be used separately or selectably interconnectable to each other.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of post-processing an object made by additive manufacturing are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of post-processing an object described herein comprises providing the object in a microwave absorptive state and exposing the object in the absorptive state to a field of microwave radiation. In some cases, providing an object in a microwave absorptive state comprises heating the object, including by non-microwave heating. Moreover, in some embodiments, the object is exposed to a uniform or substantially uniform field of microwave radiation in a microwave cavity. In addition, in some instances, exposing an object to a field of microwave radiation in a manner described herein comprises increasing the density of the object and/or reducing the volume of the object, including in an isotropic or substantially isotropic manner.

Abstract: A connected oven, including a set of in-cavity sensors and a processor configured to automatically identify foodstuff within the cooking cavity, based on the sensor measurements; and automatically operate the heating element based on the foodstuff identity.

Abstract: A system and method for mitigating pain associated with dentistry provides a removal apparatus for removing a portion of a tooth. A desiccation apparatus flows a desiccated gas to the portion of the tooth to desiccate dentinal tubules in a region surrounding the portion of the tooth, generally preventing nerve cells within the tooth from transmitting pain signals associated with the removal. The removal apparatus has a drill head with a body having an axial opening configured to accept a dental burr. An annular passage exists between the dental burr and the body within the axial opening. A chamber in the body is in fluid communication with the axial opening, where a channel is fluidly coupled to an external port and to a source of the desiccated gas to flow the desiccated gas therethrough and expose a drilling region of the dental burr to the desiccated gas to mitigate pain.

Abstract: A methodology and product or system configurations are provided which allow food to be directly irradiated for cooking applications which involve the impingement of direct radiant energy on food or comestible items. Cooking vessels or cook-packs are used that are optically transmissive in visible or infrared narrow wavelength bands emitted in suitable narrowband cooking or heating systems.

Abstract: Methods and treatments for removing contaminants from nanotube surfaces covering a medical device are disclosed herein. These methods and treatments include commencing exposure of a nanotube surface to at least one condition that at least partially removes the contaminants including: ultraviolet light, elevated temperature, plasma, and/or combinations thereof. These methods and treatments may also include orienting the nanotube surface relative to the at least one condition in order to enhance removal of the contaminants by the at least one condition. Exposure of the nanotube surface to the at least one condition may be ceased after the contaminants are at least partially removed from the nanotube surface.

Abstract: A control system, method and computer program product for controlling food processing steps performed by a multi-function cooking apparatus and food processing steps performed by one or more remote kitchen appliances for preparing a food product. A recipe program interface is configured to access on a data storage device a recipe program for preparing the food product wherein the recipe program is configured to be executed by the cooking apparatus and to synchronize food processing steps performed by the cooking apparatus with food processing steps performed by the one or more remote kitchen appliances. A validation component is configured to check if the one or more remote kitchen appliances are registered with the cooking apparatus in an appliance registry, and is further configured to check if technical specifications of registered remote kitchen appliances comply with control parameters in respective recipe program instructions.

Abstract: The present application provides an intake mechanism for a product into a merchandiser. The intake mechanism may include an input tray, a reciprocating assembly to maneuver the input tray, an identification module, and an input control system. The input control system permits access to the merchandiser as the input tray is maneuvered by the reciprocating assembly if the product is identified by the identification module.

Abstract: An online system, including a smart laundry machine, which is capable of easily and inexpensively using the smart laundry machine is disclosed. A further extended type of a smart home appliance, an online system including the same, and a method of using the online system are also disclosed. A laundry machine communicates with a server, is remotely controlled by an external terminal through the server, and has a control panel for a user interface. The control panel includes a course selection unit, an option selection unit, a start button, a display unit to display state information of the laundry machine, and a remote service activation input unit to set or cancel remote service activation according to user selection. The remote control is performed only in a case in which the remote service activation is set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooking appliance, having a door and a base. The base has a top plate, a bottom plate, a left outer housing, a right outer housing, a front plate and a rear plate, which form an accommodating space for accommodating electric devices. Some of the electric devices are fixed to the lower surface of the top plate, and the others are fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A disclosed microwave heating apparatus includes a casing part configured to accommodate an object to be heated; a microwave generator configured to generate a microwave; an electromagnetic wave generator configured to generate an electromagnetic wave whose frequency is different from that of the microwave; an electromagnetic wave sensor configured to measure power of the electromagnetic wave, the power of the electromagnetic wave being measured after the electromagnetic wave incident on the casing part from the electromagnetic wave generator has passed through the object to be heated; and a controller configured to control, based on the power measured in the electromagnetic wave sensor, the microwave generator to generate the microwave.

Abstract: A disclosed microwave heating apparatus includes a casing part configured to accommodate an object to be heated; a microwave generator configured to generate a microwave; an electromagnetic wave generator configured to generate an electromagnetic wave whose frequency is different from that of the microwave; an electromagnetic wave sensor configured to measure power of the electromagnetic wave, the power of the electromagnetic wave being measured after the electromagnetic wave incident on the casing part from the electromagnetic wave generator has passed through the object to be heated; and a controller configured to control, based on the power measured in the electromagnetic wave sensor, the microwave generator to generate the microwave.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that use RF energy to enhance the extraction of oil and gas from hydrocarbon bearing strata. A three-dimensional underground electromagnetic array of coupled well pipe segments is used to guide RF energy to where that energy is converted to heat in the hydrocarbon bearing strata. The three dimensional underground electromagnetic array of coupled well pipe segments includes a switch to selectively activate coupled well pipe segments and is a guided wave structure, as opposed to an antenna structure, to minimize the unwanted effects of the near fields associated with antennas. In one embodiment, the leas of the three-dimensional underground electromagnetic array are composed of production well pipe.

Abstract: A passive sensing continuous glucose monitoring system and method of use thereof. The system includes a passive antenna formed of biocompatible silicon carbide (SiC), modeled to a desired frequency, which is permanently implanted subcutaneously. The system further includes an external-to-the-body transmitting antenna to detect changes in the blood glucose level by sending a radio signal at the frequency of the implanted passive antenna into the body. This signal is received and reflected by the passive antenna, and the reflected signal is then received at an external-to-the-body receiving antenna. Changes in the glucose level lead to modifications in the signal and can be used to determine the blood glucose level externally.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: A system and method for mitigating pain associated with dentistry provides a removal apparatus for removing a portion of a tooth. A desiccation apparatus flows a desiccated gas to the portion of the tooth to desiccate dentinal tubules in a region surrounding the portion of the tooth, generally preventing nerve cells within the tooth from transmitting pain signals associated with the removal. The removal apparatus has a drill head with a body having an axial opening configured to accept a dental burr. An annular passage exists between the dental burr and the body within the axial opening. A chamber in the body is in fluid communication with the axial opening, where a channel is fluidly coupled to an external port and to a source of the desiccated gas to flow the desiccated gas therethrough and expose a drilling region of the dental burr to the desiccated gas to mitigate pain.

Abstract: A steam injector assembly for handling steam in a subterranean well includes a steam separation system, the steam separation system directing an initial high quality steam to a subterranean formation and directing low quality fluid mix to a heating system. The heating system includes a ceramic-containing member located in a travel path of the low quality fluid mix and an electromagnetic antenna positioned to heat the ceramic-containing member with electromagnetic waves. A relief valve is movable to an open position when an improved high quality steam within a heating chamber of the heating system reaches an injection pressure, wherein in the open position, the relief valve provides a fluid flow path out of the heating chamber.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including a detection unit for detecting a state of a manipulating body in a manipulation area, a state judgment unit for judging whether the manipulating body is in an input state in which a given input manipulation process is executed according to input information input by the manipulating body or in a standby state in which the input manipulation process is not executed, based on the detection result of the detection unit, and an execution process determination unit for determining a process to be executed from a plurality of processes including the input manipulation process based on the state judged by the state judgment unit or a change of the state.

Abstract: A blower apparatus is supported on a frame detachably mounted on the implement mounting plate for a skid steer loader. The blower is powered by a hydraulic motor operatively connected to the auxiliary hydraulic system of the skid steer loader. The blower is mounted on the frame in a manner that orients the discharge spout upwardly to be directed at elevated structure within the chicken house. Re-orientation of the air stream from the blower can be affected by manipulating the tilt position of the implement mounting plate and by raising the boom arms of the skid steer loader to elevate the blower apparatus. By properly positioning and orienting the discharged air stream from the blower apparatus, the dirt and debris in elevated structure of the chicken house can be dislodged and removed from the chicken house to improve the health and environment for a subsequent flock of birds installed therein.

Abstract: A food loading system provides the ability to stage a volume of food in a freezer or cooler that keeps food product safely stored until the product is ready to be transferred to a cooking unit. The food loading system is configured to deliver the food product directly from storage to a loading mechanism for a cooking unit or directly to a cooking unit. The food loading system includes a control panel that accepts operator inputs for transfer of food from storage, or the food loading system may be connected wirelessly or by wire to one or more Point-Of-Sale (POS) devices, such as tablets, cash registers, and the like, and the food loading system uses the input from the POS devices to transfer food automatically from storage to a cooking unit input or directly to a cooking unit.

Abstract: Rapid Disinfection System that is able to disinfect the surfaces of a Rescue Ambulance Patient Cabin after all necessary hand disinfection protocols have been completed. As with emergency situations timing is critical. This system can disinfect the patient cabin rapidly within minutes with very little operator effort. This will allow for little to no down time of the rescue ambulance. Larger populated areas may have as much as 50,000 emergency calls in a months' time and may only have 20 to 30 rescue ambulance to handle all of these calls. In these areas there may only be less than 5 minutes surface disinfection times available.

Abstract: A machine for the thermal treatment of liquid and semi-liquid food products includes at least two tanks for containing respective products to be subjected to the thermal treatment, at least one dispenser for dispensing the product contained in said tanks, at least one stirrer mounted inside each tank for mixing the product contained therein, and thermal treatment means operatively acting on the products contained in the containers. The thermal treatment means includes at least one circuit for circulation of an operating fluid and two first heat exchangers operating according to a thermodynamic cycle; each of the two heat exchangers being associated with a respective tank. The thermal treatment means is configured to implement at least one operating mode of removing heat from the respective tank by one heat exchanger and simultaneously transferring heat to the respective tank by the other heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing an article from an article dispensing machine by reducing the amount of time for completing a transaction involving the article is provided. A request related to a selected article and payment information for a balance related to the selected article may be received at the article dispensing machine through a user interface. The payment information may be validated, and simultaneously and in parallel, the selected article may be retrieved from a storage unit in the article dispensing machine. The selected article may be dispensed from the article dispensing machine if the payment information is valid. If the payment information is not valid, the selected article may be returned to the storage unit. Quicker dispensing of articles during consumer transactions with the article dispensing machine may result. The articles may include media articles, such as DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and video game discs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing medical or laboratory apparel or accessories, comprising: a cabinet, a disinfecting system housed within the cabinet, wherein the disinfecting system comprises at least one disinfecting agent, and an embedded computer or a programmable logic controller (PLC) housed within the cabinet, wherein the embedded computer or the PLC controls one or more systems of the apparatus. The cabinet has advanced tracking features (e.g., RFID readers) that can track the apparel or accessories being disinfected. The embedded computer or PLC has the capabilities to send electronic messages to users or additional computers for further transmission of information at regular intervals. Methods for disinfecting and/or sterilizing medical or laboratory apparel or accessories are also provided.

Abstract: I describe a road deicer, comprising a magnetron connected to a power supply device through a power transformer, an antenna chamber connected to the magnetron through a waveguide tube, and a microwave emitter arranged inside the antenna chamber, wherein at least one slot is formed on an emitting end of the antenna chamber facing the road. The deicer generates microwave energy through a magnetron, transmits the microwave energy through a waveguide tube, and then radiates the microwave energy through a microwave emitter and slots, thereby melting the ice through microwave heating. The road deicer has higher deicing efficiency, and it won't damage the road, nor pollute the environment. It also provides a road deicing system which has high deicing efficiency and can avoid damaging the road and polluting the environment.

Abstract: A microwave processing apparatus includes: a processing chamber; a microwave introducing unit for generating microwaves and introducing the microwaves into the chamber; and a control unit for controlling the microwave introducing unit. The microwave introducing unit has microwave sources for generating the microwaves and transmission lines for transmitting the microwaves into the chamber and introduces parts of the microwaves into the chamber simultaneously, and the control unit switches a first state of introducing said parts of the microwaves into the chamber to a second state of generating a microwave by one of the microwave sources and introducing into the chamber.

Abstract: A network appliance apparatus conveys communication signals over a communication network and is constructed from a communication circuit and a power conditioning circuit in a common housing. The power conditioning circuit conditions alternating current (AC) electrical power and it is determined which power criteria are met by the conditioned electrical power. The conditioned electrical power is selectively provided to the communication circuit in response to one of the power criteria being met such that the conditioned electrical power is removed from the communication circuit when another of the power criteria is met.

Abstract: A television monitor and microwave oven combination includes a microwave oven that with a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall and a front wall. The front wall has an opening therein to allow positioning of food items access an interior of the housing. A door is hingedly coupled to the first lateral wall. A first lateral edge of the door is positioned adjacent to the first lateral wall of the housing. The door is positionable in a closed position covering the opening or in an open position exposing the opening. A display monitor is mounted on the microwave oven to allow viewing of video on the display monitor. A signal conduit is electrically coupled to the display monitor. The signal conduit includes an input port mounted on the housing.

Abstract: Systems and processes for performing solid phase peptide synthesis are generally described. Solid phase peptide synthesis is a known process in which amino acid residues are added to peptides that have been immobilized on a solid support. In certain embodiments, the inventive systems and methods can be used to perform solid phase peptide synthesis quickly while maintaining high yields. Certain embodiments relate to processes and systems that may be used to heat, transport, and/or mix reagents in ways that reduce the amount of time required to perform solid phase peptide synthesis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a snack chip, the method comprising the steps of: i. providing a plurality of pellets including at least one potato ingredient; ii. compressing the pellets in a closed mould; iii. baking the compressed pellets in the closed mould at an elevated baking temperature to form a snack chip having a moisture content of from 4 to 10 weight % based on the weight of the snack chip; iv. ejecting the snack chip from the mould; and v. drying the snack chip to a final snack chip moisture content of from 0.5 to less than 4 weight % based on the weight of the snack chip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking apparatus including a cooking chamber to receive materials to be cooked therein, a microwave-heating unit to radiate microwaves to the cooking chamber, a convection-heating unit to supply hot air to the cooking chamber, a grill-heating unit to supply radiant heat to the cooking chamber, a crusty plate configured to be heated by the microwaves, an input unit to receive a user fry-cooking command, and a control unit. When the user fry-cooking command is input, the control unit performs a microwave-heating stage of activating at least one of the convection-heating unit and the grill-heating unit and activating the microwave-heating unit, and performs a slim fry stage of activating the grill-heating unit and the convection-heating unit without activating the microwave-heating unit. Accordingly, the cooking apparatus achieves the fry-cooking process using the microwaves, radiant heat and convection heat without dipping the materials to be cooked in oil.

Abstract: A microwave material fusing apparatus for fusing two or more layers of material is disclosed. The apparatus includes an end effector including a radiating strike plate and a non-radiating fusing arm. The radiating strike plate is adapted to receive microwave energy from a microwave energy source and configured to radiate microwave energy therefrom upon selective activation of the microwave energy source. The non-radiating fusing arm is disposed in substantial opposition to the radiating strike plate and includes a conductive tip on the distal end. The conductive tip of the non-radiating fusing arm is configured to compress material therebetween such that upon activation of the microwave energy source, microwave energy is transferred between the radiating strike plate and the conductive tip to fuse the material disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Microwave appliances and methods for operating microwave appliances are provided. A method includes operating a fan of the microwave appliance in order to draw a flow of air through a circulation conduit of the microwave appliance, measuring an operational characteristic of the fan with a sensor of the microwave appliance during the operating step, and providing an indicator signal when the operational characteristic exceeds a threshold value at the measuring step.

Abstract: In a method for forming conductive patterns, a substrate is provided, and a pattern is formed on the substrate using a conductive pattern-forming composition and a printing method. The substrate with the pattern formed is positioned between two microwave-permeable panels and the pattern is fired using microwave. In a method for forming conductive patterns, the substrate is fixed by the microwave-permeable material during the firing of conductive patterns, and accordingly the deformation of substrate can be prevented and the firing process can be facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering valuable elements is provided herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus having a conveyor; a container configured to be moved on the conveyor, wherein the container has an open surface; a paper package which contains a mixture containing valuable elements, the paper package being configured to be disposed in the container and to be combusted; a cover that covers the open surface of the container, the cover having an opening for discharging valuable elements vaporized from the mixture; a microwave oven through which the container having the cover and the paper package passes, wherein the microwave oven having a microwave generator and a discharging opening for discharging the valuable elements vaporized from the mixture; and a condenser coupled to the discharge opening, wherein the condenser recovers the valuable elements vaporized from the mixture.