Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that 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: One aspect is a method of recovering minerals. The method includes heating aggregated minerals with microwave energy. The aggregated minerals consists of at least a first and a second mineral bound together, the first and second minerals each having different differential thermal expansion rates such that fractures occur between the minerals of the aggregated minerals. The fractured minerals are subjected to microwave heating to induce fractures between and separation of the at least first and second minerals, and also to ultrasound energy causing further size reduction. The fractured and size-reduced minerals are heated with microwave energy. The fractured and size-reduced minerals consist of metal-containing materials, such that metal-containing materials are heated to at least the melting temperature of one of the metals in the metal-containing materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable water and climatic production system (“PH2OCP”). In the preferred embodiment, the system utilizes a desiccant rotor wheel to capture water vapor. The desiccant rotor wheel then rotates through a microwave heating chamber to release the water therefrom and heat the airflow as it rehydrates with the water released from the rotor wheel. The heated, moistened airflow then passes through a cooling and condensation system to create air conditioned airflow and water. The “PH2OCP” system is designed to operate and produce water in a wide range of global climatic conditions, including the most arid of environments. This is made possible due to the highly effective performance capabilities of the desiccant rotor technology in the extraction of water vapor molecules from any existing ambient air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microwave pressure cooker including a container open at its top which includes a cover with a gasket adapted for ledge interlock type sealing and lug locking engagement with the container. There are two regulator opening means provided as valve opening through the cover (2) such that one of the deformable diaphragm type pressure regulator means formed are disposed on these regulator opening means which deform responsive to the pressure in the enclosure. A push rod type gasket offset device means is also provided on locking lug and opening and closing aid of the cover for releasably maintaining the container and the cover in sealing engagement. Further a filter is disposed removably on the first regulator opening means, which controls the pressure building within the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel (1), comprising a recess (6) at the underside of said vessel (1), a radio frequency identification component (10) provided within said recess (6), wherein the radio frequency identification component (10) comprises a radio frequency identification tag (12) embedded into a metal housing (11), and a corrosion protection layer (8) sealing said recess (6). The present invention further relates to a system (30) for performing chemical analysis and using the data stored on the radio frequency identification tag (12) for adapting the processing steps.

Abstract: A bleed gas clean-up system for a re-circulating oven.

Abstract: A cooker is provided. According to an operation of the cooker, light having color different from each other is emitted into a cooking chamber according to whether it is in a cooking mode for cooking a food or a keep-warm mode for keeping the food warm. Thus, a user may easily confirm whether the food is cooked or kept warm. In addition, the food may be kept warm through a further simple structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of freezing a body or a portion thereof. The method comprises exposing at least a part of the body to a coolant having a temperature below the freezing point of the body, and at the same time operating an electromagnetic heater, as to maintain the at least part of the body at a temperature above its freezing point; and reducing the electromagnetic heating to allow the at least a part of the body to freeze. The electromagnetic heater comprises a resonator, and the heated part of the body is heated inside the resonator.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating manufactured components using microwave energy and microwave susceptor material. Heat treating medium such as eutectic salts may be employed. A fluidized bed introduces process gases which may include carburizing or nitriding gases The process may be operated in a batch mode or continuous process mode. A microwave heating probe may be used to restart a frozen eutectic salt bath.

Abstract: An ice and/or frost preventing system for positioning in an airflow tunnel having an air inlet includes a plurality of waveguide passages positioned in the airflow tunnel; an air filter positioned in each waveguide passage; a microwave energy source coupled to each waveguide passage; a first screen positioned in the airflow tunnel upstream of the plurality of waveguide passages; and a second screen positioned in the airflow tunnel downstream of the plurality of waveguide passages. The microwave energy sources and the first and second screens create a guided, standing wave, microwave energy that substantially prevents at least one of ice and frost from forming on the air filters. A turbine system including the ice and/or frost preventing system is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for recovering valuable elements. The apparatus for recovering valuable elements according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: i) a conveyor; ii) a microwave heater that is located on the conveyor and that radiates microwaves; iii) a heating container of which a surface is opened; and iv) a cover that covers the surface of the heating device. The heating container passes through the microwave heater while being moved on the conveyor, and is configured to contain a mixture containing carbonaceous materials and waste discharged from an iron making plant therein. The microwave heater includes a casing that blocks the microwaves from the outside. The casing includes i) a lower portion that is opened to be opposed to the conveyor, and ii) an upper portion on which a discharging opening for discharging metal vaporized from the mixture is formed. The upper portion opposes the lower portion.

Abstract: A door opening mechanism for a domestic appliance (for example, a microwave oven), the domestic appliance including a housing, a front door, and a resilient member (e.g. spring bias), for urging the door open, wherein the door opening mechanism is adapted to be located within the housing; the door opening mechanism comprising: a retention mechanism, engageable with the door and movable between a first configuration, in which the door is retained in a closed position, and a second configuration, in which the door is non-engaged; a cam, the cam having a plurality of cam surfaces, each being adapted to move the retention mechanism out of said first configuration through camming action; and a rotary motor, for driving the cam in response to control signals. The cam suitable comprises a plurality of equally angularly spaced projections, the outer surfaces of the cam between successive projections comprising a cam surface.

Abstract: A method for curing a resin contained in a liner of an underground pipe or passageway by use of a mobile magnetron module. The module navigates the length of the passageway of pipe via air pressure which also keeps the liner inflated. A winch attached to the module regulates the rate at which the module traverses the passageway or pipe. As the module makes its way through the passageway or pipe, the magnetron emits microwaves which cures the resin. Additionally, a thermal imaging camera can be utilized in the module or trailing the module to monitor the status of the curing of the resin in its entirety.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave irradiation tool encompasses a narrow tube (endoscope probe) (7) defined by an outside diameter of 0.1 mm-20 mm, having an electromagnetic wave irradiation terminal (3) configured to irradiate an electromagnetic wave (2) having a frequency equal to a characteristic frequency of a microorganism (11) at the top of the narrow tube (7) and an electromagnetic wave generation unit (3) configured to generate the electromagnetic wave (2) and to supply the electromagnetic wave (2) to the electromagnetic wave irradiation terminal (3). The electromagnetic wave irradiation tool drives the microorganism (11) into a resonant vibration state selectively so that the microorganism (11) can be destroyed, without giving damages to biological body (1) for medically treating the disease induced by the microorganism (11).

Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the accelerated synthesis of peptides by the solid phase method. The instrument includes a microwave cavity, a microwave source in communication with the cavity, a column in the cavity formed of a material that is transparent to microwave radiation, a solid phase peptide support resin in the column, respective filters for maintaining the solid phase support resin in the column, a first passageway for adding starting compositions to the column, a second passageway for removing compositions from the column, and a third passageway for circulating compositions from the column into the third passageway and back to the column.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that 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: An instrument and method for high pressure microwave assisted chemistry are disclosed. The method includes the steps of applying microwave radiation to a sample in a sealed vessel while measuring the temperature of the sample and measuring the pressure generated inside the vessel and until the measured pressure reaches a designated set point, opening the vessel to release gases until the pressure inside the vessel reaches a lower designated set point, closing the vessel, and repeating the steps of opening the vessel at designated pressure set points and closing the vessel at designated pressure set points to the sample until the sample reaction reaches a designated high temperature. The designated set points can controllably differ from one another as the reaction proceeds. Microwave energy can be applied continuously or intermittently during the opening and closing steps.

Abstract: A system for heating one or more objects. The system comprises a first housing comprising a power unit configured for generating radio frequency (EM) radiation, one or more second housings comprising a heating unit having a cavity for positioning one or more objects, and one or more EM radiation conducting elements configured for conducting the EM radiation from the power unit to the cavity for heating the one or more objects. The first housing and one or more of the second housings are physically separated from one another.

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: A banquet cart including a cabinet, a plurality of chimneys, an information center, and releasably lockable swivel casters. The plurality of chimneys are positioned inside the cabinet at different corners of the cabinet. The information center includes at least two of (a) a thermometer display indicating the temperature inside of the cabinet; (b) a display indicating time information from a programmable timer; and (c) an information board for displaying text. The releasably locking swivel casters are unlocked to allow swivel action of the casters when a user actuates a foot-operable lever at the front of the cabinet, and are locked when the user releases the lever and the casters are rotated to a predetermined position.

Abstract: Systems for heat treating materials are presented. The systems typically involve a fluidized bed that contains granulated heat treating material. In some embodiments a fluid, such as an inert gas, is flowed through the granulated heat treating medium, which homogenizes the temperature of the heat treating medium. In some embodiments the fluid may be heated in a heating vessel and flowed into the process chamber where the fluid is then flowed through the granulated heat treating medium. In some embodiments the heat treating material may be liquid or granulated heat treating material and the heat treating material may be circulated through a heating vessel into a process chamber where the heat treating material contacts the material to be heat treated. Microwave energy may be used to provide the source of heat for heat treating systems.

Abstract: A method for processing a thermoplastic material (46), the method including: passing a thermoplastic material through a microwave heating apparatus (40) a a selected feed rate; wherein the microwave heating apparatus comprises: a microwave emitter for supplying microwave energy to a resonant cavity (43); the resonant cavity comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the inlets and outlets collectively forming a passageway (49) for passing the thermoplastic material through the resonant cavity; and a movable piston (48) configured to adjust a length of the resonant cavity; exposing the thermoplastic material to microwaves in the resonant cavity, wherein the exposing causes an increase in temperature of at least a portion of the thermoplastic material; measuring an e-field generated by the microwave emitter; and adjusting a position of the movable piston in response to the measured e-field; and, processing the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: An instrument for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a microwave-transparent reaction vessel with an open mouth, a pressure-resistant seal on the mouth of the vessel, and a needle, portions of which penetrate the seal with a first end of the needle and provide fluid communication into the vessel. A pressure transducer is at the opposite end of the needle and in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel through the needle. The instrument defines a pressure control flow path from a portion of the needle outside of the vessel to a fluid port, the flow path being in communication with the needle, the interior of the vessel and the transducer. A controllable pressure release valve for the flow path is associated with the port.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for uniformly heating a sample by microwave radiation. According to the invention, at least one stirring element is immersed at least partly in a sample to be heated, said stirring element comprising a magnetic or magnetisable material. A rotating or oscillating magnetic field interacting with said stirring element is generated in a cavity adapted to receive the sample to be heated in order to impart a rotational or translational movement to said stirring element. The rotational or translational movement of said stirring element is contactlessly detected while applying microwave radiation to said sample.

Abstract: An instrument for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a microwave-transparent reaction vessel with an open mouth, a pressure-resistant seal on the mouth of the vessel, and a needle, portions of which penetrate the seal with a first end of the needle and provide fluid communication into the vessel. A pressure transducer is at the opposite end of the needle and in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel through the needle. The instrument defines a pressure control flow path from a portion of the needle outside of the vessel to a fluid port, the flow path being in communication with the needle, the interior of the vessel and the transducer. A controllable pressure release valve for the flow path is associated with the port.

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

Abstract: A method of heat treating metal powder and/or metal oxide powder by microwave energy is described. Furthermore, products made by the various processes of the present invention are further described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ceramic parts with a certain porosity by sintering using microwaves, the materials to be sintered being arranged in a vessel, wherein the microwaves introduce sintering energy into the materials to be sintered via electromagnetic waves in the range of vacuum wavelengths between 5 cm-20 cm in multimode having an electromagnetic power of up to one kilowatt, and besides being built from primary materials for the structure of the vessel, the vessel is built from a secondary material which comprises, in particular, a mixture of or mixed crystals of non-metallic, para-, ferro- or antiferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: Sterilisation of airflow in a duct may be achieved by irradiating the air with light in the ultraviolet spectrum. Electrodeless bulbs may be enclosed in part of a duct and fed with RF energy in order to energize the bulb. The RF energy may be contained using grids dimensioned to be opaque to the selected RF wavelength.

Abstract: A non-invasive microwave analysis method determines scattered phase and/or amplitude data for a liquid in a container. A transmitter antenna transmits microwaves that scatter from the container and the liquid in the container. One or more receiver antennas convert the microwaves into microwave electronic signals that are processed to determine the scattered phase and/or amplitude data. Another non-invasive microwave screening method includes placing a container of an unknown liquid in a tank. The container is separated by a membrane from coupling liquid in the tank. Microwave radiation transmits from a transmitter antenna and scatters from the container and the unknown liquid. One or more receiver antennas convert the microwave radiation into microwave electronic signals. The microwave electronic signals are processed to determine scattered phase and/or amplitude data. A pass result or a fail result is determined based on the scattered phase and/or amplitude data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-site microwave consolidation of planetary regolith, soil and dust is disclosed. Such particulate materials may be converted into useful products such as roadways and other construction materials. In one embodiment, a portable microwave generator and waveguide system is used to generate and direct microwaves to a lunar surface containing fine iron-containing particles to sinter and/or melt the particles. The portable system may be provided in the form of a lunar paver with a single or multiple waveguides arranged to direct sufficient microwave energy to the lunar surface to heat, sinter, melt, or otherwise consolidate the lunar soil into a solid mass suitable for use as a road or path. Other applications of this in-situ microwave heating process include the release of solar-wind implanted gases, extraction of polar water-ice, and production of oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles, and more specifically to a system and method of efficiently disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles such as pieces of mail that may have been exposed to diverse biological and/or chemical contaminants.

Abstract: A method of producing a metallic component includes: providing a body made of a first alloy; providing a preform comprising a metallic powder made of a second alloy and formed in the shape of an extension of the body; and heating the preform with microwave energy to sinter the metallic powder together and to bond the preform to the body. The method may be used to make new components as well as to repair or modify existing components.

Abstract: A mechanism for constraining a product package as it is conveyed through a microwave applicator. In one preferred embodiment, the conveyor is provided by a pair of parallel guide belts arranged to travel through a microwave applicator. The guide belts have a series of slots or other guide elements formed therein. The guide elements engage edges of the product packages. In one arrangement, the pair of belts are disposed on either side of a series of packages, and thus constrain the location of the packages in three dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a microwave oven using a bar code. The apparatus includes an operating panel provided on the front surface of the microwave oven, a bar code scanner installed in the operating panel and projecting light to the bar code attached to a package of food to obtain data of the bar code, and a main controller for controlling a cooking operation for cooking the food according to the data of the bar code obtained by the bar code scanner. The apparatus simply and rapidly performs the cooking of food using the bar code, increases the bar code recognition distance thereof, and is easily and economically operated.

Abstract: The invention is a method and associated instrument for microwave assisted chemistry. The invention includes the steps of directing a continuous flow of fluid through a microwave cavity while applying microwave radiation to the cavity and to the continuous flow of materials therein, monitoring the pressure of the fluid in the cavity; and cooling the fluid in the cavity when the pressure exceeds a predetermined setpoint pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method of extraction of solid compounds by microwaves and to the apparatus used in said method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven having a coffee maker with a structure wherein a user can easily clean a filter basket (420), the microwave oven includes a first housing (100) having a cooking chamber (110) being opened or closed by a door (130) and a component chamber (120) having components for irradiating microwave into the cooking chamber (110), a second housing (200) provided in the first housing (100) and having an open side, a water reservoir (300) provided in the second housing (200), a filter basket assembly (400) provided to be withdrawn from or inserted into the second housing (200) and separated from the water reservoir (300), a water supplying tube supplying water in the water reservoir (300) to the filter basket assembly (400), a heater for heating water flowing in the water supplying tube and a container (700) provided to be withdrawn from or inserted into the second housing (200) for receiving coffee dropped from the filter basket assembly (400).

Abstract: An apparatus has a first structure, a second structure, and an activated seal. The second structure has a first position adjacent to the first structure such that the first structure is not in contact with the second structure. The activated seal is attached to at least one of the first structure and the second structure. The activated seal has a variable stiffness that may be changed in response to a stimuli such that the activated seal is capable of being deformed when at least one of the first structure and the second structure are moved relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for heating containers and in particular preforms. The apparatus comprising a microwave heating device which has a microwave generator and a microwave conductor, and a transport device which transports the containers. The apparatus can further comprise a further heating device which heats the containers, wherein the further heating device is a pre-heating unit which is arranged upstream of the microwave heating device in the transport direction of the containers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ceramic parts with a certain porosity by sintering using microwaves, the materials to be sintered being arranged in a vessel, wherein the microwaves introduce sintering energy into the materials to be sintered via electromagnetic waves in the range of vacuum wavelengths between 5 cm-20 cm in multimode having an electromagnetic power of up to one kilowatt, and besides being built from primary materials for the structure of the vessel, the vessel is built from a secondary material which comprises, in particular, a mixture of or mixed crystals of non-metallic, para-, ferro- or antiferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for individually separating wafers from a stack of wafers by placing the stack of wafers in a microwave chamber, and exposing the wafers for microwaves causing the water between the wafers to evaporate.

Abstract: Irradiation methods and apparatus configured to deliver power, via electromagnetic fields at a variety of frequencies and power levels, in a localized fashion to a target area. In one example, an electromagnetic field generator is disposed on a substrate and configured to deliver power via electromagnetic energy to a thin region proximate to (above) a surface of the substrate, wherein electromagnetic field intensity decreases significantly beyond the thin region. Such methods and apparatus are particularly useful in a wide variety of processes involving chemical and/or physical interactions in connection with a sample of interest located in the thin region. In different aspects, irradiator apparatus may be configured as disposable devices, and/or used in combination with one or more microfluidic or sensing components, for a variety of medical/laboratory/diagnostic methods and instrumentation implementations.

Abstract: A combination microwave and refrigerator system is constructed having a single plug input supply. The microwave oven is adapted to provide power to a refrigerator, and to auxiliary receptacles adapted for low power operation. The current to the low power receptacles and the refrigerator is controlled by the controller for the microwave oven according to the duty cycles of the connected appliances to avoid overload conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling agricultural pests in soil using microwave energy. The apparatus is an agricultural implement having a means for directing a layer of soil from the ground onto a conveyor which carries the soil through a microwave energy application area, and then disperses the soil back onto the ground. The microwave energy heats the soil to a desired temperature which destroys weeds, seeds, and insects in the soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting machine comprising at least one moving type cutting table (1), in which the plastic material to be cut (2) is placed; a plurality of lower electromagnets (3) and a plurality of upper electromagnets (4) a ferromagnetic sphere (5); microwave emitting means (6); computer numerical control means (7). This machine is based on the use of a sphere (5) cutting plastic materials by means of thermal fusion, and which is controlled in space by magnetic means.

Abstract: A cushion (1) includes a flexible cover (2) defining a chamber (15). A water-absorbing material (3) is placed inside the chamber, upon absorption of water said water-absorbing material is suitable for heating by means of microwaves. The cover (2) has a sealable feeding mouth (4) so that water may be poured into the chamber (15).

Abstract: The portable microwave oven with protective frame is a microwave oven adapted for use in rugged environments, such as a construction site. The portable oven includes a microwave oven and an outer protective frame mounted to the microwave housing. A plurality of connector members are provided, with each connector being mounted on a respective corner of the microwave housing. Each connector is formed from a shock absorbing material. A plurality of support members are further provided, with each support member being mounted to, and joining, a respective adjacent pair of connectors. The support members form the protective frame about the microwave oven and provide a shock-absorbing shield for the microwave oven housing.

Abstract: A combination cooking appliance controls a radiant heating element provided in an oven cavity, both a blower and a convection heating element provided in an air plenum, and microwave energy sources to provide for numerous potential operating modes. The present invention is particularly concerned with the manner in which the various cooking components are configured and flexibly controlled to provide for short cook cycles in a variety of operational modes.