With Diverse Device Patents (Class 219/679)
  • Patent number: 7163655
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Weber, Scott Schewe
  • Patent number: 7164105
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Microwave Imaging Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M Godshalk, Timothy Raynolds, Paul M. Meaney, Keith D. Paulsen, Greg Burke
  • Patent number: 7148456
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Dinesh K. Agrawal, Christopher Y. Fang
  • Patent number: 7148455
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Denver Instrument Company
    Inventors: Robert F. Scalese, Thomas B. Taylor, Tim Holzschuh, Douglas E. Harbert, Thomas G. Plaven, Martin L. Maple, Jan Claesson
  • Patent number: 7144739
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7138615
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Weldon S. Williamson, Eugene V. Gonze
  • Patent number: 7119314
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Shalabh Tandon, Mitesh C. Patel
  • Patent number: 7112770
    Abstract: A humidification system and method particularly well adapted for use in commercial aircraft to provide substantially micro-organism free humidified air within a passenger cabin of the aircraft. The system employs a vessel for holding a quantity of water therein. The vessel is disposed within a microwave oven which is used to heat the water within the vessel to the boiling point such that steam is generated therefrom. This steam is directed into an airflow duct and used to humidify an airflow being supplied into a cabin area of the aircraft. The steam is substantially micro-organism free. A controller is used to cycle the filling and draining of the vessel to achieve a desired humidity level for the airflow. Optimally, a vacuum accumulator is employed to assist in rapid draining of the water from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Justin H. Doh, George Bates, III
  • Patent number: 7109452
    Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis that includes heterogeneous or highly viscous materials includes a fluid reservoir for supplying or receiving fluids, a fluid pump in fluid communication with the reservoir for pumping fluids to or from the reservoir, a microwave transparent reaction vessel in fluid communication with the pump for supplying or receiving fluids to or from the pump and the reservoir, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir and the vessel for measuring the pressure of fluids in the instrument at the sensor, and a processor in signal communication with the pressure sensor and the pump for controlling the pump and the flow of fluids in the instrument based at least in part on the pressure measured at the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7041947
    Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis that includes heterogeneous or highly viscous materials. Includes a fluid reservoir for supplying or receiving fluids, a fluid pump in fluid communication with the reservoir for pumping fluids to or from the reservoir, a microwave transparent reaction vessel in fluid communication with the pump for supplying or receiving fluids to or from the pump and the reservoir, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir and the vessel for measuring the pressure of fluids in the instrument at the sensor, and a processor in signal communication with the pressure sensor and the pump for controlling the pump and the flow of fluids in the instrument based at least in part on the pressure measured at the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 6998590
    Abstract: A system and method for thermally expanding a product submerged in heating medium located in an internal compartment of a microwave oven. The heating medium is subjected to low doses of micro-radiation in order to become heated and thermally expand the encapsulated product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Reale
  • Patent number: 6989519
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 6972072
    Abstract: A device embodying the invention comprises a pair of members presenting a lower base surface and a member presenting an upper parallel surface when in an operative position. A platen pad material, which converts microwave energy to heat, is provided on one of the surfaces. When in an operative position the two platens provide uniform pressure over the surfaces of a laminating pouch carrying a document. The device is placed in a domestic microwave oven and the oven is operated for a period of time dependent on the rated power of the oven, the size of the document and the energy conversion capability of the platen pad. The platen pad converts the microwave energy to heat energy while applying uniform pressure over the surfaces of the pouch. This produces liquefaction of the adhesive which bonds the film to the document. The device is then removed from the microwave oven, permitted to cool, the lamination removed, and trimmed as may be necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Murph, LLC
    Inventor: Willis A. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6966226
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 6955054
    Abstract: The invention relates to thermal physics, in particular to a method and apparatus for cooling a working medium and a method for generating microwave radiation. The object is to reduce the power consumed in the cooling process and in the conversion of electric power into electromagnetic radiation energy. A working medium, molecules of which exhibit a stable dipole moment, is placed into a closed working zone of electrical field effect, the electric field having an intensity satisfying the condition: ?E>107 D V/m where: ? is the dipole moment of the working medium molecules, in Debyes (D), E is the electric field intensity, in V/m; and passage of electric current is prevented through the closed working zone. In generation of microwave radiation, exit of the microwave radiation is provided from the closed working zone of electric field effect, and heat is removed through absorption of the microwave radiation by an external coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Yury Eduardovich Zevatsky
  • Patent number: 6945159
    Abstract: A microwave oven incorporating a toaster (400) includes a toaster door (440) provided on a toaster panel (430) for opening and closing at least one toaster entrance (421) and a tray assembly (460). The tray assembly (460) includes a tray support (462) provided inside the toaster (400) and at least one tray securely provided on top of the tray support (462) for holding a food item. The tray (461) is declined toward a front end of the tray (461) so as to enable the food item to slide down toward the front end of the tray (461), and it includes at least one elevating bracket (465) for maintaining a predetermined angle and a predetermined distance between the tray (461) and the tray support (462). The microwave oven incorporating a toaster (400) further includes a support wall provided at the front end of the tray (461) for supporting the food item so as to prevent from falling off from the tray (461).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Woog Lee
  • Patent number: 6933481
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for penetrating convenience store food markets with a customer-engaging food merchandising module. The customer-engaging food merchandising module comprises three units: a food storage and display unit attached to a food preparation and display unit, and a shell unit attached to at least one of the other two units. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a glass-door freezer for storing and displaying at least one type of frozen food, a microwave oven attached to the freezer, and a shell attached to the freezer. The shell is used to support advertising and instructional graphics and also to give the apparatus a unitary appearance. The microwave oven has pre-programmed buttons corresponding to each of the types of food displayed in the freezer, each button activating the microwave oven to correctly heat a corresponding type of frozen food. The shell may extend above the freezer/microwave combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Mark Greenburg
  • Patent number: 6927371
    Abstract: The vessel assembly includes a polymeric cylinder and a circular polymeric cap for the cylinder, the cylinder being closed at one end and open at the other end to receive the cap. The open end of the cylinder has a lip that is beveled inwardly from the open end, and the circular polymeric cap has a beveled lower edge that engages the beveled lip when the cap is place upon the polymeric cylinder. For high pressure applications, a choke cylinder depends from the beveled lower edge of the cap, and has an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the polymeric cylinder so that the choke provides a self sealing mechanism for the cylinder as pressure from a chemical reaction increases within the cylinder. A composite sleeve surrounds the polymeric cylinder, and includes at least one wound fabric layer in which the winding can be a filament or a yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: CEM, Inc.
    Inventors: Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King
  • Patent number: 6921890
    Abstract: Cost-effective, simple, low-noise, crossed-field devices such as a microwave magnetron, a microwave oven utilizing same, and crossed-field amplifier utilize an azimuthally varying, axial magnetic field. The magnetic configuration reduces and eliminates microwave and radio frequency noise. This microwave noise is present near the carrier frequency and as sidebands, far separated from the carrier. The device utilizes azimuthally-varying, axial, magnetic field perturbations. At least one permanent perturbing magnet having an azimuthally-varying magnetic field impressed thereupon causes the axial magnetic field to vary azimuthally in the magnetron and completely eliminates the microwave noise and unwanted frequencies. Preferably, the number of axial magnetic field perturbations is based on the number of cavities of the magnetron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Vasile B. Neculaes, Ronald M. Gilgenbach, Yue-Ying Lau
  • Patent number: 6917023
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions. The method includes the steps of placing reactants in a microwave-transparent vessel, placing the vessel and its contents into a microwave cavity, applying microwave radiation within the cavity and to the vessel and its contents while concurrently externally cooling the vessel conductively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Brittany L. Hayes, Michael J. Collins
  • Patent number: 6900421
    Abstract: A surgical and dental instrument sterilizer is described. Liquid water is rapidly vaporized by microwave heating and steam is generated to attain a steam pressure of approximately 47 psi and a temperature of approximately 135° C. in the region of the articles to be sterilized. Micron-size water-droplets are intermittently sprayed onto the articles which are arranged on a tray, from both the top and from underneath thereof so as to thoroughly wet the surfaces. A 30-90 s duration of droplet spray is followed by pulsed microwave irradiation of the top and underneath surfaces for a similar period, as an example; this is followed by a plurality of spray/microwave cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Ecofriend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ravi Varma
  • Patent number: 6886408
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 6872929
    Abstract: Low-noise, crossed-field devices such as a microwave magnetron, a microwave oven utilizing same, crossed-field amplifier and a method of converting a noisy magnetron to a low-noise magnetron utilize an azimuthally varying, axial magnetic field. The magnetic configuration reduces and eliminates microwave and radio frequency noise. This microwave noise is present near the carrier frequency and as sidebands, far separated from the carrier. The device utilizes azimuthally varying, axial, magnetic field perturbations. In one embodiment, at least one permanent magnet is placed against the azimuthally-symmetric, axial magnetic field magnetron magnets (four magnets work especially well). This additional permanent magnet(s) causes the axial magnetic field to vary azimuthally in the magnetron and completely eliminates the microwave noise and unwanted frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Vasile B. Neculaes, Ronald M. Gilgenbach, Yue-Ying Lau
  • Patent number: 6852958
    Abstract: Container designed to contain a product having to be heated by applying microwaves, the container having a side wall (10) and an end wall (12) formed by a base or a lid and means (10A) for limiting the penetration of the microwaves through the side wall (10), compared with the penetration of the microwaves through a central region of the end wall (12). Advantageously, the container according to the invention further comprises means (12A) for concentrating the microwaves in a central region of the end wall (12), the said means being formed by an excess thickness of a dielectric material, the dielectric constant of which is at least equal to 1.5, preferably greater than 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Microondes Energie Systèmes
    Inventors: Alain Germain, André-Jean Berteaud, Mostafa El Haba, Patrick Mahe
  • Patent number: 6828535
    Abstract: A microwave oven for a vehicle includes an elastic vibration damping unit, and a joint unit which joins a body of the microwave oven to a vehicle through the vibration damping unit. The joint unit fixes the body of the microwave oven to the vehicle while the vibration damping unit damps vibration and impact generated from the vehicle in motion. Accordingly, inner devices of the microwave oven are prevented from being damaged by the vibration and impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Woon Han, Seong-Deog Jang, Han-Seong Kang, Joo-Yong Yeo, Dae-Sung Han
  • Patent number: 6825451
    Abstract: A microwave-heatable apparatus for defrosting a windshield includes a housing that has first and second sections integral with each other and selectively movable between open and closed positions. The first and second sections each has an elongated slot formed therein and for advantageously allowing air to flow upwardly therethrough respectively. The first and second sections each has a chamber defined about the respective slots thereof and a plurality of heat-absorbing members positioned within the chambers respectively for dissipating thermal energy so that as air passes upwardly through the slot the air will become heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Mark T. Deangelis
  • Patent number: 6809305
    Abstract: Bonding of materials such as MEMS materials is carried out using microwaves. High microwave absorbing films are placed within a microwave cavity containing other less microwave absorbing materials, and excited to cause selective heating in the skin depth of the films. This causes heating in one place more than another. This thereby minimizes unwanted heating effects during the microwave bonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Martin B. Barmatz, John D. Mai, Henry W. Jackson, Nasser K. Budraa, William T. Pike
  • Patent number: 6809295
    Abstract: A television and oven combination device includes an oven having a back wall, front wall, a pair of side walls and a top wall. A flat-panel monitor has a viewing side, a rear side, a bottom edge, a top edge and a pair of side edges. At least one monitor support is attached to the back wall of the oven. The at least one monitor support includes an elongated member having an upper end and a lower end. The elongated member is vertically orientated. A coupler is attached to the upper end for coupling the elongate member to the flat-panel monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Debra C. Vargas
  • Publication number: 20040206751
    Abstract: Cost-effective, simple, low-noise, crossed-field devices such as a microwave magnetron, a microwave oven utilizing same, and crossed-field amplifier utilize an azimuthally varying, axial magnetic field. The magnetic configuration reduces and eliminates microwave and radio frequency noise. This microwave noise is present near the carrier frequency and as sidebands, far separated from the carrier. The device utilizes azimuthally-varying, axial, magnetic field perturbations. At least one permanent perturbing magnet having an azimuthally-varying magnetic field impressed thereupon causes the axial magnetic field to vary azimuthally in the magnetron and completely eliminates the microwave noise and unwanted frequencies. Preferably, the number of axial magnetic field perturbations is based on the number of cavities of the magnetron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Vasile B. Neculaes, Ronald M. Gilgenbach, Yue-Ying Lau
  • Publication number: 20040206752
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for penetrating convenience store food markets with a customer-engaging food merchandising module. The customer-engaging food merchandising module comprises three units: a food storage and display unit attached to a food preparation and display unit, and a shell unit attached to at least one of the other two units. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a glass-door freezer for storing and displaying at least one type of frozen food, a microwave oven attached to the freezer, and a shell attached to the freezer. The shell is used to support advertising and instructional graphics and also to give the apparatus a unitary appearance. The microwave oven has pre-programmed buttons corresponding to each of the types of food displayed in the freezer, each button activating the microwave oven to correctly heat a corresponding type of frozen food. The shell may extend above the freezer/microwave combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Greenburg
  • Publication number: 20040195236
    Abstract: A bacon cooker and method for microwave cooking of bacon. The bacon cooker includes an outer container, an inner container, a rack, and a lid. The lid is releasably attached to the container via a plurality of cam locks that which engage the container and rim and force the rim into the engagement with the underside of the lid. Lever arms with clasps specifically dimensioned to securely engage the outside wall of the lid when the cam locks in are the locked position. The rack is dimensioned to fit inside the container and consists of a plurality of radially extending vanes over which bacon is hung for cooking. The rack includes a upwardly extending stem with alternate vanes dimensioned to fit within a centrally located bore on the lid for securing the container to the lid. A microwave reflective surface is positioned between vacuum sealed outer and inner containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Valentine Hechler
  • Publication number: 20040188430
    Abstract: A microbial decontaminator device for decontaminating herbal and/or pharmaceutical products, the said decontamination device comprising of a microwave oven provided with two slots, one on a front face and the other on a rear face of the microwave oven, a conveyor belt passing through the microwave oven through the two slots and provided with a driving means for driving the conveyor belt, said driving means being coupled to a computer which controls the driving means and in turn, the conveyor belt, the assembly of the microwave oven, the conveyor belt and the driving means being covered by a shielding cage to prevent leakage of microwave radiation to atmosphere, a feed hopper provided behind the rear face of the microwave oven and the conveyor belt for feeding the product to be decontaminated, and an output chute being provided below the conveyor belt and in front of the front face of the microwave oven for collecting the decontaminated product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Ghulam Nabi Qazi, Satish Chander Puri, Anupama Braroo, Vijeshwar Verma, Syed Riyaz Ul-Hassan, Rajneesh Anand, Amol P. Bhondekar, Ashwani Kumar, Lalit M. Bharadwaj, R. P. Bajpai
  • Patent number: 6797928
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid fixation and decalcification of calcified tissues using a MW oven with adjustable variable continuous power output, a specialized tissue handling system and an external temperature control device to maintain reagent temperature control external to the MW environment. Tissues are placed in cassettes, which are then placed in a tissue handling system. The tissue handling system also provides a specialized external container, which allows for the recirculation and cooling of reagents external to the MW cavity. The external device is a recirculation device having both heating and cooling capacities for a range of different processing reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Ted Pella, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Giberson, Paul A. Hansen, Mark J. Armogida
  • Publication number: 20040173604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for performing chemical reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for heating chemical reaction mixtures. The apparatus applies one or more semiconductor based microwave generators making the apparatus suitable for parallel processing of chemical reaction mixtures. The invention further relates to methods for performing chemical reactions, e.g. methods for heating a plurality of samples simultaneously or sequentially, methods for monitoring a microwave heated chemical reaction, and methods where the optimum conditions with respect to parameters, such frequency and applied power can be determined for the system consisting of apparatus plus sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Personal Chemistry I Uppsala AB
    Inventor: Magnus Fagrell
  • Patent number: 6787744
    Abstract: A microwave device for de-icing and keeping areas of hollow body structures free from ice keeps atmospherically exposed leading edges and adjacent areas free of ice by means of a coolant circuit. The surface segments between the adjacent areas are kept free from ice as a result of the effects of a microwave device on the wall of the surface segments and the heating that occurs by the exposure to microwave radiation. A series of consecutive microwave-tight chambers is disposed behind the wall of the exposed area. A microwave source supplies microwaves to the chambers with the aid of a decoupling structure disposed therein, resulting in high/multimode excitation. The waste heat of the microwave sources is collected by means of a coolant circuit and transported to the r areas adjacent the leading edge for permanent heating in order to keep the surfaces free from ice. The microwave sources are cyclically operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventors: Lambert Feher, Arno Pabsch
  • Publication number: 20040164073
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus including an audio player; a body with a player seat to which the audio player is attached and from which the audio player is detached; and at least one speaker to output sound signals reproduced by the audio player. The cooking apparatus of the present invention improves installation/removal and operation of the audio player, and expands the range of use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sei Jeon
  • Patent number: 6777654
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for penetrating convenience store food markets with a customer-engaging food merchandising module. The customer-engaging food merchandising module comprises three units: a food storage and display unit attached to a food preparation and display unit, and a shell unit attached to at least one of the other two units. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a glass-door freezer for storing and displaying at least one type of frozen food, a microwave oven attached to the freezer, and a shell attached to the freezer. The shell is used to support advertising and instructional graphics and also to give the apparatus a unitary appearance. The microwave oven has pre-programmed buttons corresponding to each of the types of food displayed in the freezer, each button activating the microwave oven to correctly heat a corresponding type of frozen food. The shell may extend above the freezer/microwave combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: J.H.Trademark Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Greenburg
  • Patent number: 6772678
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven having a toaster, in which slices of bread can be baked. The microwave oven has a heating chamber for heating food therein; an instrument compartment containing electric components for generating microwave oven supplied to the heating chamber; a toaster casing disposed in front of the instrument compartment with its front open; a toaster door for opening and closing the open front of the toaster casing; and at least a heater disposed in the toaster casing so as to heat bread. In the microwave oven, the toaster section is arranged in front of the instrument compartment, so that the space in the microwave oven is most effectively utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong-Soo Choi, Sang-Jin Oh, Yoon-Gun Baek
  • Publication number: 20040144773
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electric oven which increases temperature fast and reduces heat loss in accordance with that a cavity surface generates its own heat by using an induction heating. The electric oven comprises: a case having a door at a front side and having a cavity for receiving food therein; a magnetron installed at one side of an upper portion of the cavity for generating microwave of high frequency and supplying heat to the cavity; an inverter for generating high frequency at a space between the case and the cavity; first, second, third, and fourth heating units installed each side of the cavity for supplying heat. Since temperature of a cooking chamber can be set as wanted uniformly and faster, preheating time and actual cooking time can be reduced. Also, since inner temperature of the cavity rises faster and simultaneously, an automatic cleaning in the cavity using pyrolysis can be performed faster and uniformly, thereby reducing power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc
    Inventors: Wan-Soo Kim, Yang-Kyeong Kim, Young-Min Lee
  • Patent number: 6759636
    Abstract: A low-power microwave oven for use in a vehicle has top entry to the heating chamber (120), is powered from the vehicle's cigarette lighter or accessory socket, and has the controls and display (60) and the cooling vents (80 and 110) also on the top surface of the oven. The oven is arranged to be secured to the seat by tits seat belt in such a manner that the oven will operate while so secured. There is also a spill container (141) in the heating chamber. Materials may be used that make the oven cabinet transparent or translucent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Peter S Stutman
  • Publication number: 20040112894
    Abstract: A surgical and dental instrument sterilizer is described. Liquid water is rapidly vaporized by microwave heating and steam is generated to attain a steam pressure of approximately 47 psi and a temperature of approximately 135° C. in the region of the articles to be sterilized. Micron-size water-droplets are intermittently sprayed onto the articles which are arranged on a tray, from both the top and from underneath thereof so as to thoroughly wet the surfaces. A 30-90 s duration of droplet spray is followed by pulsed microwave irradiation of the top and underneath surfaces for a similar period, as an example; this is followed by a plurality of spray/microwave cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Ravi Varma
  • Patent number: 6747629
    Abstract: An electronically controlled appliance capable of automatically adjusting a contrast level of a data display module is disclosed. The device includes an appliance, an intelligent control electrically connected to the appliance and adapted for controlling the appliance, a data display module capable of contrast adjustment and electrically connected to the intelligent control, a data storage medium electrically connected to the intelligent control storing software instructions for monitoring the amount of time the appliance is in an active state and instructions for compensating for the temperature change associated with the amount of time by adjusting the contrast level of the data display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: John F. Broker
  • Publication number: 20040104218
    Abstract: A transformer assembly for a microwave oven having a magnetron, including a transformer to apply voltage to the magnetron of the microwave oven; a container receiving the transformer therein and having a base plate coupled to the microwave oven and a cover body coupled to the base plate; and a cooling material contained in the container to cool the transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heui Seag Park
  • Patent number: 6744024
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions. The method includes the steps of placing reactants in a microwave-transparent vessel, placing the vessel and its contents into a microwave cavity, applying microwave radiation within the cavity and to the vessel and its contents while concurrently externally cooling the vessel conductively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Brittany L. Hayes, Michael J. Collins
  • Publication number: 20040094539
    Abstract: A method of performing a simmer cooking operation in a microwave oven is based on detected levels of humidity from a sensor and an algorithm automatically calculating a cooking time such that a desired cooking operation is optimally performed. A third heating operation is performed at about 30% of the maximum power level of the microwave oven. The third heating operation is performed for an amount of time equal to a sum of an amount of time during which first and second heating operations are performed adjusted by a predetermined constant. The total heating time is calculated and controlled by adding the amount of time during which the third heating operation is performed to the time during which the first and second heating operations are performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Kwang Hwa Kim
  • Publication number: 20040094541
    Abstract: Microwave oven including an outer case forming a top and sides of a cabinet, a base plate forming a bottom of the cabinet, a front panel and a rear panel mounted in a front part and a rear part of the base plate for forming a front surface and a rear surface respectively, an inner case forming a cooking chamber on the base plate, first and second transformer mounted at corners of one side of the base plate, a fan above the second transformer for drawing external air, a fan motor connected to the fan for providing a driving power to the fan, a fan housing for protecting the fan, an air duct between the first and second transformers, having one end in communication with the fan housing and the other end branched to first and second branch ducts, and first and second magnetron on an outside surface of the inner case, the first and second magnetron connected to the first and second branch ducts respectively, thereby cooling various components of the microwave oven, smoothly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Heon Lee, Sang Ryul Lee, Yang Kyeong Kim, Wan Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20040094540
    Abstract: A device and method that cleans microwave ovens through a chemical action, specifically to an agent that is placed into the microwave oven, and then activated by operating the oven for a period of time. Different embodiments include a devise composed of an open cell container filled with solution; an open cell container with an attached sponge(s) and filled with solution; and a sponge that contains a cleaning solution in hydrant or dehydrated form. In some of the described embodiments, the devise has a tear off membrane seal to maintain the solution within the cell prior to use. Another embodiment described has a bottle hanger attached to a cell. All embodiments maintain a process to absorb excess microwave energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: John-Paul Francis Cherry
  • Patent number: 6737620
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven having a coffee maker installed in an electronic device chamber. A cavity door is provided in front of a cavity. The electronic device chamber in which electrical elements are installed is provided adjacent to the cavity. A casing of the coffee maker is provided in front of the electronic device chamber. A water tank is provided within the casing. A funnel is provided so that the funnel can enter and go out of the interior of the casing. A container is comprised of a jug or cup. A heater is provided in a lower portion of the casing. A water supply tube has one end connected with the water tank, body portion passing through the lower portion of the casing so as to contact with the heater, and the other end arranged at the upper portion of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dae Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 6737619
    Abstract: A microwave polymerization system for dentistry utilizes specifically controlled microwave energy to cure polymer materials so as to produce dental prosthetics, such as dentures, bridges and crowns, that are made in an extra-oral setting such as a dental laboratory or dental office, and to create dental composites for fillings and veneers that are used in an intra-oral setting directly in the patient's mouth. Unlike the microwave energy delivered by commercial microwave ovens, the system utilizes metered and controlled microwave energy that is preferably continuous and voltage controlled, and regulates the application of this microwave energy by use of various feedback and control mechanisms. The metered and controlled microwave energy enables a higher degree of conversion of monomers into polymer chains in the polymerization process, thereby enhancing the physical and biocompatibility characteristics of both dental prosthetics and dental composites made from polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Marc Seghatol, Jean-Pierre Durand
  • Publication number: 20040084444
    Abstract: A method of bonding together first and second components and a joint are provided. The method includes the steps of applying a film coating of electrically conductive material to an adjoining interface of a first component surface of the first component and a second component surface of the second component. The film coating has a thickness of less than 200 nanometers. The method also includes the step of positioning the first and second components such that the film coating is disposed between the first and second component surfaces. The method further includes the step of irradiating microwave energy to the film coating to generate thermal energy on the film coating to bond together the first and second components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Liusheng Wang, Scott Hellman, Paul Townley-Smith, Michael Ushinsky