With Diverse Device Patents (Class 219/679)
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Patent number: 7514657Abstract: A process to reduce acidity of hydrocarbon mixtures (1) is described, that includes sending a hydrocarbon stream to a Microwave Treatment Unit (MTU), with a fixed stream or mud bed of microwave absorbent materials, pure or in mixtures, such as coke fines, spent catalysts that have already been used in FCC units or hydrotreatment (HDT) in a refinery, or even new catalysts which may be sulfided or not, under processing conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Petroleo Brasiliero S.A - PetrobrasInventors: Elizabeth Marques Moreira, Mauri Jose Baldini Cardoso
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Publication number: 20090084778Abstract: Microwave-refrigerator units are disclosed. In one aspect, a microwave-refrigerator unit may include a weatherproof exterior. A microwave may be included within the weatherproof exterior. A refrigerator may also be included within the weatherproof exterior. The refrigerator may be coupled with the microwave. Other microwave-refrigerator units are also disclosed, as are methods of using microwave-refrigerator units.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventor: Steven John Smario
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Patent number: 7507369Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: BioDefense CorporationInventor: Michael Yuan Lu
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Patent number: 7501607Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for suppressing thermally induced motion of a workpiece. An apparatus includes a workpiece heating system configured to thermally induce motion of a workpiece, and further includes a damping member spaced apart from the workpiece and configured to apply a damping force to dampen the motion of the workpiece. The damping member may be spaced apart from a rest position of the workpiece by a distance sufficiently small that gas pressure between the damping member and the workpiece opposes the motion of the workpiece. The distance is preferably adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Mattson Technology Canada, Inc.Inventors: David Malcolm Camm, Mladen Bumbulovic, Joseph Cibere, J. Kiefer Elliott, Steve McCoy, Greg Stuart
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Patent number: 7498547Abstract: A method of microwave synthesis of phosphors includes a microwave furnace having a microwave chamber; providing starting material in the microwave chamber; and subjecting the starting material to microwaves, whereby the starting material is synthesized into phosphors. An insulation package for use in microwave synthesis is disclosed that includes an insulator having an opening therein, wherein the opening is substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to a central axis of the insulator, and wherein the opening is adapted to receive starting material. A susceptor configuration may be positioned within the cavity, wherein the insulator, the cavity, and the susceptor configuration are substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to an axis of rotation of the insulation package. A microwave furnace for continuous microwave synthesis of phosphors is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: The Penn State Research FoundationInventors: Dinesh K. Agrawal, Christopher Yi Fang
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Publication number: 20090032527Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer and a microwave oven including the same. The ultraviolet sterilizer of the present invention comprises a sterilizer casing having an open side and defining a sterilizing chamber, a sterilizer door installed at one side of the sterilizer casing to selectively open or close the sterilizing chamber, a UV lamp installed at another side of the sterilizer casing to irradiate UV rays into the sterilizing chamber, and a turntable rotatably installed on a floor of the sterilizing chamber to place an article to be sterilized onto a top surface thereof. According to the present invention, there are advantages in that the microwave oven with various functions can be provided and articles to be sterilized can be more efficiently sterilized using the microwave oven.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Wang-Lim Lee, Hyun-Chul Hwang, Sung-Ho Choi
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Publication number: 20090014441Abstract: A method of cooking a food item is disclosed. The food item is placed in a microwave cavity and exposed to a microwave generated plasma. In such fashion, the food item is cooked very quickly while maintaining flavor, texture, appearance, smell, and taste.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2006Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Dominique Tasch, David Brosky, Stephen Conrad, Satyendra Kumar, Devendra Kumar
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Patent number: 7476828Abstract: A media microwave oven for showing videos at a workplace. The media microwave oven includes: a microwave oven; a display screen embedded in the door of the microwave oven; a speaker; and a lockable compartment containing a computer system. The computer system comprises: a microprocessor, connected memory, mass capacity storage; a first software component for retrieving the at least one advertising video from the storage and transmitting the advertising video to the display screen and the speaker; and a second software component for managing the sequence and time of showing the advertising videos, wherein the advertising videos are shown repeatedly.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Inventor: Marc Genua
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Publication number: 20080302787Abstract: A vessel (10) for a feedstock that is to be heated using radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR), the vessel being adapted for rotation about an axis that passes through the vessel and having an inlet aperture through which the feedstock may be introduced into the vessel and a wall (16) for retaining the feedstock in the vessel, wherein the wall (16) has at least one vent for venting gases released by the feedstock, the at least one vent being so formed that rotation of the vessel about the axis prevents the feedstock from entering the vent, thereby retaining the feedstock in the vessel. Also heating apparatus (50) comprising such a vessel (10), means (54) for introducing a feedstock into the vessel, means (56, 62, 64, 66) for discharging the feedstock from the vessel, a source (58, 80) of EMR and drive means (75, 200, 202) operable to rotate the vessel (10) about an axis that passes through the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2006Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: William Robertson Cunningham Erskine, Anthony Revell
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Publication number: 20080267841Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for conducting microwave assisted chemical reactions. The instrument includes a microwave cavity, preferably a closed microwave cavity, for conducting microwave assisted chemical reactions, and a source for applying microwave radiation within the cavity and to a vessel and its contents. The instrument also includes an illumination source for illuminating the vessel and its contents, as well as means for visually observing the vessel and its contents, an infrared detector for monitoring the temperature of the vessel and its contents, and means for preventing the illumination source from saturating the infrared detector, thereby enabling concurrent visual observation and infrared monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: CEM CORPORATIONInventor: Edward Earl King
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Publication number: 20080264933Abstract: A wall-mounted microwave oven including a hood mover having a forwardly-movable hood plate is disclosed. The hood plate, which guides fumes, exhaust gas, etc. to an inlet arranged at the bottom of the wall-mounted microwave oven, is separable from a body of the wall-mounted microwave oven. The hood plate is arranged outside and beneath the body, to prevent oil and dirt, etc. from being attached to a lower case of the body. The wall-mounted microwave oven includes a hood mover movable with respect to the body. The hood mover includes a hood plate, a frame member to separably support the hood plate, and a moving member to move the frame member with respect to the body. The frame member has a channel-shaped guide groove to receive the hood plate, thereby enabling the frame member to support the hood plate, and a fastener to prevent a separation of the hood plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang Jin Jeong
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Publication number: 20080267839Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for conducting microwave assisted chemical reactions. The instrument includes a microwave cavity, preferably a closed microwave cavity, for conducting microwave assisted chemical reactions, and a source for applying microwave radiation within the cavity and to a vessel and its contents. The instrument also includes an illumination source for illuminating the vessel and its contents, as well as means for visually observing the vessel and its contents, an infrared detector for monitoring the temperature of the vessel and its contents, and means for preventing the illumination source from saturating the infrared detector, thereby enabling concurrent visual observation and infrared monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: CEM CORPORATIONInventor: Edward Earl King
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Patent number: 7435930Abstract: Heating devices and methods which are particularly useful in vending machines for hot products. Products such as beverages contained in individual containers such as cans are rapidly heated to serving temperature by induction heating for delivery to a customer. Various types of products with different heating characteristics are rapidly heated without deleterious effects on the product by varying the power and timing of the inductive heating. The type of product is identified by indicia on the container which are automatically scanned prior to heating. The product containers may be agitated before, during and/or after heating to mix the contents and distribute heat evenly. The containers are heated in a manner to safely heat the product without overheating or causing damage to the container.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.Inventors: William Segiet, Michel Saba
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Patent number: 7432478Abstract: Heating devices and methods which are particularly useful in vending machines for hot products. Products such as foods, including beverages, contained in individual containers such as cans are rapidly heated to serving temperature by induction heating for delivery to a customer. Various types of products with different heating characteristics are rapidly heated without deleterious effects on the product by varying the power and timing of the inductive heating. The type of product is identified by machine-readable indicia on the container which are automatically scanned prior to heating. The containers may be agitated before, during and/or after heating to mix the contents and distribute heat evenly. The containers are heated in a manner to safely heat the product without overheating or causing damage to the container.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Pepsico, Inc.Inventors: William Segiet, Michel Saba
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Patent number: 7420500Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation absorber for absorbing radiation in the wavelength range ?min to ?max. The absorber has a conductor layer in contact with a dielectric layer. The conductor layer carries a plurality of apertures of sub-wavelength dimension and the thickness of the absorber is less than ?min/4n, where n is the refractive index of the dielectric. The dielectric layer may be sandwiched between two conductor layers, one of which has the structure described above. The invention is also directed to various articles comprising such an absorber.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: QinetiQ LimitedInventors: Andrew Shaun Treen, Christopher Robert Lawrence, John Roy Sambles, Alastair Paul Hibbins
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Publication number: 20080190913Abstract: A dielectric profiler establishes a dielectric profile of microwave characteristics for identifying, sterilizing or inactivating a target material prior to performing a microwave irradiation event to sterilize or inactivate the target material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: David R. Wilson
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Patent number: 7409850Abstract: An improved gas chromatograph system includes a radiant source, an insert located to receive an output of the radiant source, and an analytic column wound on a concave surface of the insert so that successive coils of the wound analytic column are in direct contact with each other and exert an outward pressure on the concave surface of the insert such that the outward pressure minimizes a gap between the analytic column and the concave surface of the insert so as to minimize thermal gradients and maximize heat transfer to the analytic column.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Agilent Technologies, IncInventor: Sammye E. Traudt
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Patent number: 7405381Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for conducting microwave assisted chemical reactions. The instrument includes a microwave cavity, preferably a closed microwave cavity, for conducting microwave assisted chemical reactions, and a source for applying microwave radiation within the cavity and to a vessel and its contents. The instrument also includes an illumination source for illuminating the vessel and its contents, as well as a camera or spectrometer for visually observing the vessel and its contents, an infrared detector for monitoring the temperature of the vessel and its contents, and a filter for preventing the illumination source from saturating the infrared detector, thereby enabling concurrent visual observation and infrared monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: CEM, CorporationInventor: Edward Earl King
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Patent number: 7402783Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: J.H. Trademark Company, LLCInventor: Mark Greenburg
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Patent number: 7381932Abstract: A quasi-optical material treatment apparatus includes a first mirror and a second mirror. The first mirror is arched, and has a focal point in a chamber distance, and a coupling port to receive a high power microwave from an external microwave source that travels along the chamber distance to output a strong field microwave beam. The second mirror and the first mirror jointly form a quasi-optical action chamber and are movable relative to each other to adjust the total chamber distance between the two. A material to be treated may be moved through a focusing zone (about one wavelength of the strong field microwave beam) of the strong field microwave beam to be treated rapidly and evenly.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Larry Roger Barnett, Kwo Ray Chu, Tsun-Hsu Chang, Hung-I Chang, Wei-Yuan Chiang, Ching-Fang Yu, Ling-Chieh Tai, Syh-Yuh Cheng, Chwung-Shan Kou
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Patent number: 7361871Abstract: Coffee maker and microwave oven, and method for controlling the same, the coffee maker and microwave oven including a cabinet forming an exterior, a cooking chamber in the cabinet, an outfit room in the cabinet for mounting various electric components on an inside thereof, a case at one side of the outfit room for mounting a water tank, a heater, a funnel, a water supply pipe, and a water supply tube on an inside thereof for extraction of coffee, a fan for preventing transmission of heat from the heater to the electric components, and a control unit for putting the fan into operation after the extraction of coffee is completed, thereby preventing transmission of heat from the heater to the outfit room.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Wan Je Cho, Dae Sik Kim, Man Su Park, Jung Ju Kwon, Wang Lim Lee
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Publication number: 20080089725Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a heating device for heating at least one printing agent on a printing material (4), which is passed along a transport path through said heating device, comprising at least one microwave applicator (2) and at least one microwave absorber element in the outer perimeter of said microwave applicator. The object of the present invention is to reduce the loss of energy due to microwave radiation exiting from the microwave applicator (5). The object of the invention is achieved in that the minimum of one microwave absorber element is an irradiation device that absorbs microwave radiation and emits electromagnetic radiation, in which case said irradiation device, in accordance with the method herein, is energized by microwave radiation, applies radiation to the printing agent and/or the printing material (4), and thus at least aids the heating process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2005Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventors: Jose M. Catala-Civera, Frank-Michael Morgenweck, Domingo Rohde, Detlef Schulze-Hagenest
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Publication number: 20080083749Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing and/or dehydrating organic materials. The apparatus comprises a microwave chamber, at least one microwave generator for irradiating material within the drum, and a vacuum system coupled to the microwave chamber to evacuate the microwave chamber to a desired pressure below atmospheric pressure. In one embodiment the microwave chamber contains a microwave-permeable rotatable drum having an access opening and a helical vane disposed along an inner wall of the drum, the vane being oriented so that when the drum is rotating in a loading direction the material is tossed and driven away from the access opening, and upon a reversal of the rotation of the drum to an unloading direction, the material is driven toward the access opening to be discharged from the drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2006Publication date: April 10, 2008Applicant: ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Steve L. Kantor, Douglas Norton
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Publication number: 20080078757Abstract: In an apparatus for microwave-assisted preparation of specimens with a microwave generator (1), a microwave chamber for receiving specimens (5) to be processed, and a container arrangement (11) for a number of containers (9) for liquids, the microwave chamber is realized as a waveguide (2) that comprises a first opening (7a) for introduction of a specimen (5) and a second opening (8a), preferably arranged at the bottom, through which a liquid container (9) is reversibly introduced into the microwave chamber while the specimen (5) is held stationary, until the liquid container thus introduced into the microwave chamber, and the liquid contained therein, surround the specimen (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: April 3, 2008Applicant: LEICA MIKROSYSTEME GMBHInventors: Anton Lang, Paul Wurzinger, Rainer Wogritsch, Christian Peinhopf, Peter Kettisch
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Patent number: 7348526Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for preparing samples for column chromatography.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: CEM CorporationInventors: Michael John Collins, Sr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., James Edward Thomas, Michael John Collins, Jr., E. Keller Barnhardt
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Patent number: 7332057Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for vaporizing a liquid by slowly evaporating the liquid from a liquid phase to a vapor phase below the boiling point of the liquid; and applying an effective amount of microwave power to maintain the slow evaporation of the liquid to produce a purified liquid.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Wendell Isom, Prasad Apte, Arthur Edward Holmer
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Patent number: 7326892Abstract: A process for heating a powder material by microwave radiation so that heating of the powder material is selective and sufficient to cause complete melting of the particles. The process entails providing a mass of powder comprising a quantity of filler particles of a metallic composition, and subjecting the mass to microwave radiation so that the filler particles within the mass couple with the microwave radiation and are completely melted. According to one aspect, the mass further contains at least one constituent that is more highly susceptible to microwave radiation than the filler particles, and the filler particles are melted as a result of heating by microwave radiation and thermal contact with the at least one constituent. According to another aspect, the powder mass is thermally pretreated to induce an irreversible increase in its dielectric loss factor prior to melting by microwave irradiation.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Laurent Cretegny, David Edwin Budinger, Vasile Bogdan Neculaes, Holly Sue Shulman, Morgana Lynn Fall, Shawn Michael Allan
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Patent number: 7319212Abstract: A non-invasive microwave analysis system determines scattered phase and/or amplitude data for a liquid in a container. A tank holds coupling liquid; the system includes a membrane for separating the liquid container from the coupling liquid. A transmitter antenna situated within the coupling liquid transmits microwaves. One or more receiver antennas within the coupling liquid convert microwave radiation that scatters from the liquid in the container into microwave electronic signals. Electronics process the microwave electronic signals to determine scattered phase and/or amplitude values of the microwave radiation.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Microwave Imaging Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward M Godshalk, Timothy Raynolds, Paul M. Meaney, Keith D. Paulsen, Greg Burke
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Publication number: 20080000650Abstract: Disclosed are a cooking appliance for constantly monitoring a risk of fire in the same and nearby appliances, and a fire control method using the same. The cooking appliance comprises a casing forming an appearance of the cooking appliance. A fire sensing unit is disposed on one wall of the casing. The sensing unit senses an indoor state or an internal state of the casing. A notifying unit is disposed in the casing for notifying a pre-specified terminal of current information. A control unit is disposed in the casing for comparing sensed information from the fire sensing unit with previously stored reference information to determine whether a fire occurs and controlling the notifying unit according to the determination result.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventor: Sung Ho Choi
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Publication number: 20070284367Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical disc destroying device, which comprises an upper clamp arm and a lower clamp arm. The rear ends of the upper and lower clamp arms are pivotally coupled with a pivotal pin so that the front ends thereof can be vertically opened and closed. The bottom surface of the upper clamp arm has an upper scratching plate, and the top surface of the lower clamp arm has a lower scratching plate. Both the upper and lower scratching plates have scratching teeth at the front ends thereof, which can dual-side clamp an optical disc and scratch the printed surface of the optical disc. Thereby, the optical disc is destroyed, and the data stored in the optical disc can no more be revealed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventor: Mao-Sang Lin
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Patent number: 7301131Abstract: A flexible microwave antenna assembly for a surgical ablation instrument capable of conforming to a tissue surface for ablation thereof. The ablation instrument includes a transmission line having a proximal portion suitable for connection to an electromagnetic energy source. The antenna assembly includes a flexible antenna coupled to the transmission line for radially generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. A flexible shield device is coupled to the antenna to substantially shield a surrounding area of the antenna from the electric field radially generated therefrom while permitting a majority of the field to be directed generally in a predetermined direction. A flexible insulator is disposed between the shield device and the antenna which defines a window portion enabling the transmission of the directed electric field in the predetermined direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: AFx, Inc.Inventors: Jules Gauthier, Dany Berube, Hiep Nguyen
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Patent number: 7297909Abstract: Microwave radiation of frequency 0.1 to 20 GHz, is applied to the melt of viscosity in the range 104 to 101 Pa·s. The outside surface of heated space, where an outlet of the waveguide of microwave radiation is located, can be cooled. The microwave radiation in the melt may be reflected by the reflective metallic elements in the melt back to the place of radiation entry into the melt and shielded from the surroundings by a shielding metallic element. An outlet is provided of at least one waveguide from the source of the microwave radiation, in any direction to the outside surface of the melt, into the space with the melt of a given viscosity. At least one waveguide is led, for example, to the outside surface of the bottom of the channel of the forehearth.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: BH-F (Engineering) Ltd.Inventors: Josef Smr{hacek over (c)}ek, Milan Hájek, Peter Vilk
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Patent number: 7282681Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Thomas Joseph Kelly
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Patent number: 7256376Abstract: A microwave sensor is provided that transmits microwaves toward a detection area, performs an object detecting operation based on reflected waves from an object being present in the detection area, and outputs an object detection signal based on a result of the abject detecting operation, the microwave sensor being provided with a detecting operation controller for controlling the object detecting operation to be performed intermittently at a predetermined detection cycle, a time setting changer for changing time setting of the detection cycle, and a filter for preventing a signal outside of a frequency region of a signal obtained when detecting a human figure from being included in the object detection signal and from being output,Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masatoshi Tsuji
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Publication number: 20070170179Abstract: Heating devices and methods which are particularly useful in vending machines for hot products. Products such as beverages contained in individual containers such as cans are rapidly heated to serving temperature by induction heating for delivery to a customer. Various types of products with different heating characteristics are rapidly heated without deleterious effects on the product by varying the power and timing of the inductive heating. The type of product is identified by indicia on the container which are automatically scanned prior to heating. The product containers may be agitated before, during and/or after heating to mix the contents and distribute heat evenly. The containers are heated in a manner to safely heat the product without overheating or causing damage to the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: William Segiet, Michel Saba
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Publication number: 20070170177Abstract: Heating devices and methods which are particularly useful in vending machines for hot products. Products, such as beverages, contained in individual containers such as cans, are rapidly heated to serving temperature by induction heating for delivery to a customer. Various types of products with different heating characteristics are rapidly heated without deleterious effects on the product by varying the power and timing of the inductive heating. The type of product is identified by machine-readable indicia on the container which are automatically scanned prior to heating. The containers are agitated before, during and/or after heating to mix the contents and distribute heat evenly. The containers are heated in a manner to safely heat the product without overheating or causing damage to the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Jose G. Avendano, William W. Segiet
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Publication number: 20070170178Abstract: Heating devices and methods which are particularly useful in vending machines for hot products. Products such as foods, including beverages, contained in individual containers such as cans are rapidly heated to serving temperature by induction heating for delivery to a customer. Various types of products with different heating characteristics are rapidly heated without deleterious effects on the product by varying the power and timing of the inductive heating. The type of product is identified by machine-readable indicia on the container which are automatically scanned prior to heating. The containers may be agitated before, during and/or after heating to mix the contents and distribute heat evenly. The containers are heated in a manner to safely heat the product without overheating or causing damage to the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: William Segiet, Michel Saba
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Publication number: 20070145048Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Inventor: Edward B. Ripley
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Publication number: 20070145049Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Inventor: Edward B. Ripley
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Patent number: 7223950Abstract: A microwave burning furnace including a housing constituted by a metal on which a microwave is to be irradiated, a metallic door provided in the housing, a burning chamber provided in the housing and surrounded by a material having a low microwave absorption characteristic and a high heat insulating property, and microwave generating means, wherein the burning chamber includes a heater element constituted by at least two types of heating materials having a heating material for a high temperature region which automatically generates a heat mainly in the high temperature region to have a burning temperature by an irradiation of a microwave and a heating material for a low temperature region which automatically generates a heat mainly in the low temperature region including an ordinary temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., National Institute for Fusion ScienceInventors: Eiji Nomura, Jun Nomura, Motoyasu Sato
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Patent number: 7214913Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis using heterogeneous or highly viscous starting materials includes a microwave source for generating electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequencies, a microwave cavity in wave communication with the source for exposing compositions placed therein to microwave radiation, a microwave-transparent pressure resistant reaction vessel in the cavity, a source reservoir for starting materials and related compositions, a pump in communication with the source reservoir for pumping heterogeneous or highly viscous materials from the source reservoir to the reaction vessel, and a pressure-resistant valve between the pump and the reaction vessel for isolating the reaction vessel from the pump and the source reservoir during application of microwave energy to compositions in the vessel and from any resulting high pressures generated therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: CEM, CorporationInventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
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Patent number: 7208709Abstract: A pressure-measuring vessel system for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed. The vessel system includes a pressure resistant vessel that is otherwise transparent to microwave radiation, a pressure-resistant closure for the mouth of the vessel, with portions of the closure including a pressure resistant synthetic membrane, a pressure transducer external to the vessel, and a tube extending from the transducer, through the membrane and into the vessel for permitting the pressure inside the vessel to be applied against the transducer while the closure and membrane otherwise maintain the pressure resistant characteristics of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: CEM CorporationInventors: William Edward Jennings, Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., James Edward Thomas
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Patent number: 7186960Abstract: Coffee maker and microwave oven, and method for controlling the same, the coffee maker and microwave oven including a cabinet forming an exterior, a cooking chamber in the cabinet, an outfit room in the cabinet for mounting various electric components on an inside thereof, a case at one side of the outfit room for mounting a water tank, a heater, a funnel, a water supply pipe, and a water supply tube on an inside thereof for extraction of coffee, a fan for preventing transmission of heat from the heater to the electric components, and a control unit for putting the fan into operation after the extraction of coffee is completed, thereby preventing transmission of heat from the heater to the outfit room.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Wan Je Cho, Dae Sik Kim, Man Su Park, Jung Ju Kwon, Wang Lim Lee
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Patent number: 7163655Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding balloon catheters is disclosed. The balloon may be molded by providing a polymeric tube within a mold having an interior cavity in the shape of the desired balloon. Microwave energy, which may be generated by a gyrotron, may then be directed toward the mold, to heat the polymeric material without heating the mold. Once heated, pressurized fluid may be injected into the tube to blow the polymeric material against the interior cavity whereupon the material can cool to form the balloon or can be further heatset by additional microwave energy and be cooled to form the balloon. In accordance with one embodiment, microwave energy can also be used without a mold to form a medical device. A polymer extrusion apparatus is disclosed utilizing a microwave energy for heating polymer feedstock material within the extruder tip and die unit just prior to formation of the extrudate product.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jan Weber, Scott Schewe
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Patent number: 7164105Abstract: Non-invasive microwave analysis systems and methods determine scattered phase data for a liquid in a container. A transmitter antenna situated within coupling liquid separated from the container by a flexible membrane transmits microwaves that scatter from the container and the liquid in the container. One or more receiver antennas within the coupling liquid convert the microwaves into microwave electronic signals that are processed to determine the scattered phase data. Non-invasive microwave analysis systems and methods image a portion of a biological subject. A transmitter antenna situated within coupling liquid separated from the subject by a flexible membrane transmits microwaves that scatter from the container and the subject. One or more receiver antennas within the coupling liquid convert the microwaves into microwave electronic signals that are processed to reconstruct a cross-sectional image of the subject.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Microwave Imaging Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward M Godshalk, Timothy Raynolds, Paul M. Meaney, Keith D. Paulsen, Greg Burke
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Patent number: 7148455Abstract: The invention includes a toploading weighing instrumentality which determines loss on drying by a cylindrical microwave. The cylindrical cavity of the microwave includes a power supply, a magnetron, a power module operatively coupled between the power supply and the magnetron for driving the magnetron, a wave guide communicating with the magnetron and with a microwave containment chamber for delivering energy, and at least one microwave energy sensor for sensing microwave energy or magnetic and/or electric field strengths within the chamber for controlling, inter alia, the loss on drying process of the sample being assayed and determining when the drying process is complete. A precision electronic balance is operatively disposed within the microwave chamber for allowing a specimen being assayed to be weighed. In addition, a ventilation chamber is provided for venting moisture from the microwave chamber. A processing unit provides for data acquisition, processing and storage.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Denver Instrument CompanyInventors: Robert F. Scalese, Thomas B. Taylor, Tim Holzschuh, Douglas E. Harbert, Thomas G. Plaven, Martin L. Maple, Jan Claesson
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Patent number: 7148456Abstract: A method of microwave synthesis of phosphors includes a microwave furnace having a microwave chamber; providing starting material in the microwave chamber; and subjecting the starting material to microwaves, whereby the starting material is synthesized into phosphors. An insulation package for use in microwave synthesis is disclosed that includes an insulator having an opening therein, wherein the opening is substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to a central axis of the insulator, and wherein the opening is adapted to receive starting material. A susceptor configuration may be positioned within the cavity, wherein the insulator, the cavity, and the susceptor configuration are substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to an axis of rotation of the insulation package. A microwave furnace for continuous microwave synthesis of phosphors is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: The Penn State Research FoundationInventors: Dinesh K. Agrawal, Christopher Y. Fang
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Patent number: 7144739Abstract: A pressure-sealing, pressure-monitoring closure for non-invasively sealing a reaction vessel to a defined release pressure in microwave-assisted chemistry is disclosed. The closure includes a pressure-resistant, microwave-transparent reaction vessel, one portion of which defines a mouth, a flexible pressure-transmitting releasable cover assembly on the mouth of the vessel, a pressure transducer on the cover and external to the vessel for monitoring the pressure in the vessel as exerted against the flexible cover, and a clamp for urging the vessel, the cover and the transducer together under a defined force so that when the pressure in the vessel exceeds the defined force, the cover can flex and release the pressure from the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: CEM CorporationInventor: William E. Jennings
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Patent number: 7138615Abstract: A microwave system having a microwave source that generates microwave signals for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) includes a sampling device that samples a power level of reflected microwave signals from the DPF and a regulator module that communicates with the microwave source and the sampling device. The regulator module further adjusts operation of the microwave source based on the power level of the reflected microwave signals and a predetermined power threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Weldon S. Williamson, Eugene V. Gonze
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Patent number: 7119314Abstract: A system and method is provided in which a radio frequency transmitter and/or a microwave frequency transmitter applies radio and/or microwave frequency energy, respectively, to an imprinted material to cure the imprinted material. In some embodiments, an oven may be used to apply thermal energy to the imprinted material in conjunction with the radio and/or microwave frequency energy to cure the imprinted material. In other embodiments, an oven is not used. The imprinted material may also include a susceptor that absorbs radio and/or microwave frequency energy and responsive thereto emits thermal energy to aid in curing the imprinted material. Further, at least one susceptor may be located externally and adjacent to the imprinted material. The external susceptor may absorb radio and/or microwave frequency energy, respectively, and responsive thereto emits thermal energy towards the imprinted material to aid in curing the imprinted material.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Shalabh Tandon, Mitesh C. Patel