With Diverse Device Patents (Class 219/679)
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Patent number: 6157015Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is used for heating a chromatographic column assembly containing a microwave absorbing material. The microwave heating apparatus includes an antenna transmitting a microwave signal and a resonant cavity containing the chromatographic column assembly and the antenna. The chromatographic column assembly extends relative to predetermined electromagnetic field strength contours within the resonant cavity to provide a predetermined heating profile along the length of the chromatographic column assembly. For example, a single-mode chromatographic column microwave oven can be used to heat a coiled chromatography column to a desired temperature gradient along its length. Oven design embodiments utilizing coaxial transmission line structures, coaxial resonators, and cylindrical resonators are described. To control the electromagnetic field gradient in the axial direction, the oven designs provide for varying some part of the oven geometry in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: MT Systems, LLCInventors: Scott Gaisford, David L. Walters
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Patent number: 6121593Abstract: A self-contained refrigerator and oven, for refrigerating and cooking food in the same enclosed chamber, which can be actuated by the operator from a variety of remote locations around the world via telephone or the internet. The heating element may be a microwave unit and the refrigerating means may be a thermoelectric heat pump.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Duck Creek Energy, Inc.Inventors: David I. Mansbery, Kenneth D. Landry
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Patent number: 6100511Abstract: A method and device for electrically connecting enameled wire ends with contact surfaces. The enameled wire is stripped and pressed against the contact surface. The wire is charged with at least one of an electromagnetic and an acoustical energy. The enamel layer of the wire end is destroyed with the first energy in a first step. This is accomplished by charging the region with at least one of a first electromagnetic energy and a first acoustical energy. The enamel layer of the wire end is only partially destroyed in the first step through the pressing of a region of the wire end against the contact surface with a first pressing force. The wire is permanently connected to the contact surface with a second energy in a further step. The same region of the wire is pressed against the contact surface with a second, lower pressing force in the subsequent process step. It is charged with a second energy and connected to the contact surface so as to conduct electricity.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignees: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft, AEG Identifikationssysteme GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Kempe
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Patent number: 6093921Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is used for heating a chromatographic column assembly containing a microwave absorbing material. The microwave heating apparatus includes an antenna transmitting a microwave signal and a resonant cavity containing the chromatographic column assembly and the antenna. The chromatographic column assembly extends relative to predetermined electromagnetic field strength contours within the resonant cavity to provide a predetermined heating profile along the length of the chromatographic column assembly. For example, a single-mode chromatographic column microwave oven can be used to heat a coiled chromatography column to a desired temperature gradient along its length. Oven design embodiments utilizing coaxial transmission line structures, coaxial resonators, and cylindrical resonators are described. To control the electromagnetic field gradient in the axial direction, the oven designs provide for varying some part of the oven geometry in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: MT Systems, LLCInventors: Scott Gaisford, David L. Walters
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Patent number: 6060700Abstract: A microwave oven adapted for use within a motor vehicle dashboard area. The microwave oven has a removable storage cassette, and slidable platforms for securing and serving containers of beverages and foods. A motor vehicle featuring a microwave oven in which food may be heated by a microwave-generating magnetron powered directly or indirectly by the vehicle's battery and/or alternator. The space required for the microwave oven is provided by elimination of the major dashboard storage compartment, i.e., the glove compartment. The microwave oven door opens to a horizontal position to provide a securing and serving surface for hot beverages and food. The microwave oven accommodates a removable storage cassette for glove compartment items. The storage cassette must be removed as one condition, and the door of the microwave oven must be closed as a second condition for the magnetron to receive electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignees: Daniel Perlman, Jane Ilene KatimsInventors: Daniel Perlman, Jane Ilene Katims
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Patent number: 6054693Abstract: A method enabling controlled selective heating of workpiece components during microwave brazing. Two workpiece components are joined by melting an adhesion interlayer material between the two components. An indication of when the interlayer has melted is provided. The temperature difference across the braze assembly is monitored and adjusted via a feedback loop to reduce stresses in the braze joint resulting in a stronger braze joint.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Martin Barmatz, Henry W. Jackson, Robert P. Radtke
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Patent number: 6054694Abstract: The Atmospheric Energy Projection System (AEPS) projects electrical/thermal energy using microwave radiation at the resonant frequency of oxygen. The radiation excites a column through the ambient atmosphere to a temperature such that air within the column is converted from an insulator to a conducting channel or focused medium. Electrical current is then applied to the channel to transmit an electric charge a predetermined distance. Rapid release of pulses of 60 GHz microwave radiation at a field strength below that for breakdown for the waveguide feeding the antenna or at the antenna aperture creates a channel without premature plasma generation. Once the channel is energized sufficiently, an electric charge is released into the channel and flows down it from the source to a solid the channel intersects. If no solid intrudes the charge diffuses harmlessly at the end of the heated channel as the channel cools back to the ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Cerberus Institute for Research and Development, Inc.Inventor: Philip J. Paustian
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Patent number: 6033912Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1997Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: Milestone S.r.l.Inventor: Werner Lautenschlager
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Patent number: 6004123Abstract: A flexible glass fiber reinforcement material has microwave-sensitive or ultraviolet sensitive binder added and is formed into a desired shape. Selected electromagnetic energy (microwave or ultraviolet) is then applied to cure and rigidize the binder. A mold for shaping the reinforcement material comprises a mold cavity defined by microwave or ultraviolet transparent material divided into separate and separable mold parts and, for microwave applications, each part carries one half of a split microwave waveguide which directs microwave energy to cure the binder resin when the mold is closed. For ultraviolet applications, an ultraviolet source (or sources) is located in the mold. Energetic stitching of a reinforcement rib is performed by applying a binder resin to the rib at at least one location, placing that location into contact with a preform and curing the binder resin to bond the parts together.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: C.A. Lawton CompanyInventors: Daniel T. Buckley, Siegfried W. Horn
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Patent number: 5981923Abstract: A moistened towelette heating device for providing a moist hot towel for washing a user's body. The moistened towelette heating device includes a housing with a depression in the top of the housing forming a chute. The chute has an opening into a passage in the housing which, in turn, is connected to microwave oven disposed in the housing. The housing has a main opening into the microwave oven and an access door substantially closing the main opening. A plurality of canisters each with a moistened towelette disposed therein are positioned in the chute to permit passage of each canister through the passage and into the microwave oven where the canister may be heated to heat the towelette therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Walter F. Jackson
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Patent number: 5977532Abstract: According to a method for the heating of dielectric materials, the heat generation is done by oscillating electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies within the frequency range 300 kHz-299 MHz, preferably within the frequency range 1 MHz-299 MHz and best of all within the frequency range 12 MHz-200 MHz. In an apparatus for the heating of dielectric materials, preferably of organic nature, the heat is generated by oscillating electromagnetic radiation within the frequency range 300 kHz-299 MHz. The apparatus comprises a chamber (10) consisting of an upper wall (12), a bottom wall (11) and side walls (13, 14, 15, 16) made of electric conducting materials, which walls together with at least one generator (19) are connected to a common reference potential at which the generator (19) is arranged to feed at least one with the chamber cooperating antenna (17) in order to get the electromagnetic radiation in this chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1996Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Antrad System ABInventor: Lars Sven Erling Ekemar
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Patent number: 5968401Abstract: A non-toxic extermination device is disclosed herein having an RF radiation generator providing microwave, high frequency waves for penetration through solid obstacles such as walls, floors, partitions or the like. The generated waves are characterized as being effective to cause insect internal molecular friction to generate deadly heat.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Stephen Roy
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Patent number: 5968400Abstract: The invention discloses a tandem microwave system consisting of a primary chamber in which microwave energy is used for the controlled combustion of materials. A second chamber is used to further treat the off-gases from the primary chamber by passage through a susceptor matrix subjected to additional microwave energy. The direct microwave radiation and elevated temperatures provide for significant reductions in the qualitative and quantitative emissions of the treated off gases. The tandem microwave system can be utilized for disinfecting wastes, sterilizing materials, and/or modifying the form of wastes to solidify organic or inorganic materials. The simple design allows on-site treatment of waste by small volume waste generators.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River CompanyInventors: George G. Wicks, David E. Clark, Rebecca L. Schulz
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Patent number: 5961870Abstract: An apparatus and method for the processing of a material in a sealed rotating drum by exposing the material to an electromagnetic field, and more particularly to a source of microwave energy, while the material is moving through the drum. The material is moved through the drum by fixed specially shaped fins on the inside of the drum, a freely rotating spiral on the inside of the drum, or placing the drum on a slope to move the material by gravity. Special carriers are placed in the drum to recirculate in the drum and mull and grind the material and keep the drum wall clean. If the material is to be processed by a microwave and the material being processed is microwave absorptive, the carriers can be made of a microwave reflective material such as stainless steel. If the material is to be processed by a microwave and the material being processed is microwave transparent, the carriers can be made of an absorptive material such as magnetic steel.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventor: Jim S. Hogan
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Patent number: 5951947Abstract: A method for preparing fertilizer from animal, human and medical waste utilizing vacuumized microwave pathogen decontamination. The invention contemplates simultaneously heating the waste and reducing the pressure the reaction chamber in which the waste is located. As a result of the invention, the waste is decontaminated at a low temperature and the nutrients are preserved. The decontaminated waste is then mixed with a planting medium such as soil. The method may also include adding a diluting substance, chosen from the group consisting of humate, sawdust and sand, to dilute the nitrogen content of the disinfected waste.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: A Creative Research and Testing CoInventor: James R. Hunt
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Patent number: 5919218Abstract: A fluid flow cartridge for seating in an opening into a microwave heating cavity comprises a tubing support having an electrically conductive surface dimensioned to substantially close that opening and an elongated bobbin portion projecting from that surface. The cartridge also includes a selected length of tubing wound around the bobbin portion to form a coil, opposite end segments of the tubing extending from the coil through the conductive support surface and away from said support. Preferably, the coil has straight tubing segments on opposite sides of the coil spaced apart one quarter wavelength or integral multiple thereof at the operating frequency of the heating cavity.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1995Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Microwave Medical SystemsInventor: Kenneth L. Carr
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Patent number: 5886326Abstract: A microwave incinerator is configured to incinerate waste material. The waste material is installed within a microwave absorbing shroud located in a microwave chamber. The combination of low microwave heat input and a vacuum drawn on the chamber vaporizes the water in the garbage. During this first phase there is no combustion because of the relatively low temperature and the lack of oxygen. Once the material is dry, intense microwave energy is applied to the chamber heating the silicon carbide shroud to an elevated temperature in the range of about 500 to 1000 degrees C. Concurrent with the rapid rise in temperature, air containing oxygen is pumped into the chamber. The hot shroud ignites the material, after which heat is provided is a combination of combustion heat and microwave energy. The temperature is monitored and the microwave energy input is controlled to assure a controlled burn of the waste material.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: ThermoTrex CorporationInventor: Kenneth Y. Tang
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Patent number: 5844216Abstract: An apparatus for reducing arcing and localized heating as a result of applying microwave energy to a microelectronic substrate having electronic components thereon is provided. A microwave furnace having a chamber is configured to secure a microelectronic substrate therewithin. The microelectronic substrate is electrically interconnected with a ground connected to an interior wall of the microwave furnace. A holder for securing a microelectronic substrate during the application of microwave energy and for providing the necessary electrical connections for grounding components and circuitry thereon is also provided. The holder may have a heat sink for protection against heat build-up and for maintaining a microelectronic substrate in a substantially flat orientation during microwave processing.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Lambda Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Richard S. Garard, Jianghua Wei
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Patent number: 5830419Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing medical waste are disclosed. Medical waste is disintegrated or shredded, disinfected with radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and then transformed into useful material such as reclaimed plastic and refuse-derived fuel.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Stericycle, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery S. Held, James W. Sharp
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Patent number: 5818014Abstract: A combination microwave and air impingement oven has two magnetrons and an air handling system that includes two or more reciprocating ducts through which air is dispensed into the oven. The rotating ducts are configured to stir microwave energy in the oven to prevent formation of hot spots and to sweep microwave radiation over the surface of the food product. A foraminous partition, configured to encircle a portion of the cooking chamber, has a central portion and extremities mounted to divide the interior of the cabinet into a cooking chamber and an air heating chamber. The partition extends around a major part of the periphery of the cooking chamber such that air is drawn along multiple paths toward side walls and toward the rear wall from the cooking chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Patentsmith Technology, Ltd.Inventors: Donald P. Smith, deceased, Michael J. Dobie, Alden B. Sparman, Sr., John R. Norris, Neal S. Cooper, Carl J. Dougherty
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Patent number: 5808282Abstract: A microwave susceptor bed useful for sintering ceramics, ceramic composites and metal powders is disclosed. The susceptor bed contains granules of a major amount of a microwave susceptor material, and a minor amount of a refractory parting agent, either dispersed in the susceptor material, or as a coating on the susceptor material. Alumina is the preferred susceptor material. Carbon is the most preferred parting agent. A sintering process using the bed and novel silicon nitride products produced thereby are described.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Microwear CorporationInventors: Prasad Shrikrishna Apte, Larry Roy Morris
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Patent number: 5804801Abstract: Methods of facilitating the adhesive bonding of various components with variable frequency microwave energy are disclosed. The time required to cure a polymeric adhesive is decreased by placing components to be bonded via the adhesive in a microwave heating apparatus having a multimode cavity and irradiated with microwaves of varying frequencies. Methods of uniformly heating various articles having conductive fibers disposed therein are provided. Microwave energy may be selectively oriented to enter an edge portion of an article having conductive fibers therein. An edge portion of an article having conductive fibers therein may be selectively shielded from microwave energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignees: Lambda Technologies, Inc., Lockheed Martin Energy Research CorporationInventors: Robert J. Lauf, April D. McMillan, Felix L. Paulauskas, Zakaryae Fathi, Jianghua Wei
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Patent number: 5802959Abstract: The apparatus for preparing a snack food product without the use of cooking oil includes an insulated housing with a product conveyor extending therethrough. A combination of overhead infra-infra red source and underneath open flame burners are positioned to create a high energy heat zone along one length of the belt. Air impingement scatter jets are positioned above and below a subsequent length of the belt and a superimposed hold down belt restrains the products from scattering. A dryer zone with fast moving hot dry air is provided to reduce the product moisture to a desired final end point.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Heat and Control, Inc.Inventors: Clark K. Benson, Andrew A. Caridis, Donald B. Giles, Daniel E. Brown, James A. Padilla, Thomas F. Leary, Leonardo P. Murgel
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Patent number: 5801358Abstract: A joining member for joining parts or materials to form a joined structure is constituted by a composite material containing a heating assistant in a matrix material. For disintegrating the joined structure, it is placed in a heating zone, and a high frequency magnetic field or a high frequency electric field, or a high frequency magnetic field and a high frequency electric field are applied to the joining member. The heating assistant may be in a form of a particle or a fiber containing at least one of a soft magnetic material, an electrically conducting material and a dielectric material. The matrix material may be plastic or ceramic. The disintegration of the joined structure can be efficiently and selectively carried out, thus contributing to efficient recycling.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1997Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Sadahiko Yokoyama, Masatoshi Iji
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Patent number: 5792421Abstract: In a method and apparatus for decontaminating biomedical waste, the waste is introduced with moisture into a flexible, polymeric bag defining an internal volume and having a bursting point in response to expansion of the internal volume. The waste and moisture is then sealed within the bag, and the sealed bag is introduced into a decontamination chamber and subjected to microwave radiation within the chamber at a predetermined level and time sufficient to sterilize the waste. The decontamination chamber defines an internal surface spaced a predetermined distance from the flexible bag with the bag at about ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1995Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: MicroSterile Safe CorporationInventor: Brian Riley
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Patent number: 5777300Abstract: The present invention comprises a processing furnace for oxidizing object to be processed at a high temperature, pressure reducing means for evacuating the interior of the processing furnace, a burning apparatus disposed outside the processing furnace for burning hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to generate water vapor, a water vapor supply pipe interconnecting the burning apparatus and to the processing furnace, and a throttle disposed on the water vapor supply pipe for generating a pressure difference in the water vapor supply pipe between a side of the burning apparatus and a side of the processing furnace. Stable burning is ensured in the burning apparatus, which makes set oxidation under low pressures possible. It is possible that in place of the throttle, atomization means for atomizing pure water, or a boiling water vapor generating unit, or a microwave water vapor generating unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1994Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignees: Tokyo Electron Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo Electron Tohoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Homma, Koichi Yomiya
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Patent number: 5773802Abstract: A hair care system for applying heat generated by microwave energy to hair, in which an auxiliary heat source is adapted to be exposed to microwave energy and convert the microwave energy into heat and store the same for subsequent use in treating or conditioning hair; the auxiliary heat source is a multi-layer structure and includes an outer layer substantially microwave-safe and remaining cool to touch, an insulation layer inside of the outer layer and also substantially microwave-safe, a further layer inside the insulation layer which converts microwave energy into heat, whereby the further layer is either of double-walled construction containing lossy dielectric material or a single layer of flexible material, or molded into a shape corresponding to the shape of a rigid outer layer, or includes a moisture-absorbing material adjoined on the inside by a layer of a moisture-proof material or a moisture-non-absorbing material having a close wave.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Inventor: Carol Anne Graves
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Patent number: 5750968Abstract: A system and apparatus for reducing arcing and localized heating as a result of applying microwave energy to a microelectronic substrate having electronic components thereon is provided. A microwave furnace having a chamber is configured to secure a microelectronic substrate therewithin. The microelectronic substrate is electrically interconnected with a ground connected to an interior wall of the microwave furnace. A holder for securing a microelectronic substrate during the application of microwave energy and for providing the necessary electrical connections for grounding components and circuitry thereon is also provided. The holder may have a heat sink for protection against heat build-up and for maintaining a microelectronic substrate in a substantially flat orientation during microwave processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1995Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Lambda Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Richard S. Gerard, Jianghua Wei
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Patent number: 5728310Abstract: There is provided a microwave waste sterilizer comprising an upper outer shell, a lower outer shell, an upper means for guiding microwave energy, a lower means for guiding microwave energy, an upper means for dispersing microwave energy, and a lower means for dispersing microwave energy. There is also provided a method for sterilizing waste materials with dual sources of microwave energy. Further there is provided a method for dispersing microwave energy into a chamber such that the dispersed microwave energy creates a flux field of substantially uniform flux.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1995Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Forward Systems AutomationInventors: Charles L. Ice, John V. McCullough
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Patent number: 5724244Abstract: A microwave oven and a cash register system of a store in which an employee of a store, who is requested to operate the microwave oven, can run the store efficiently while reducing the waiting time for shoppers and suppressing losses deriving from incorrect operation of the microwave oven. The microwave oven includes an irradiator for irradiating microwaves to heat articles, an article information reader for reading article information from an article information recording medium arranged on the surface of the article, and a heating control unit for controlling the irradiator to operate at a condition determined based on the article information read by the article information reader.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Tsutomu Yabuki
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Patent number: 5717192Abstract: Apparatus to transfer heat to the surface of a product includes a product support, a duct having a duct entrance, a duct outlet and a longitudinal duct axis and a plenum for delivering temperature controlled fluid into the entrance of the duct such that fluid flows longitudinally of the duct toward the outlet. A perforated plate has at least one orifice, having an orifice axis extending generally toward a product support for forming a jet of fluid, having a jet axis, flowing in a predetermined direction. The longitudinal duct axis of the duct is rotated relative to the orifice axis for changing the direction of the jet axis relative to the orifice axis for moving the jet axis relative to the product support.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Patentsmith Technology, Ltd.Inventors: Michael J. Dobie, Carl J. Dougherty, John R. Norris
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Patent number: 5688423Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a vending machine has one or more programmable cook cycles for use with one or more heat sources in cooking a food package to be dispensed to the customer. In one embodiment of this invention, each cook cycle includes a start time and a duration. Each cook cycle is associated with a heat source and a product code indicating the type of food to be cooked. Initially, cook cycles are copied into a random access memory from default cook cycles hard coded in the software program code and stored in electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) of the vending machine controller. The cook cycles in RAM can be over written by an operator for the various type of foods to be cooked. The cook cycles in RAM are used by the vending machine to automatically cook a food product selected by a customer, without any further inputs.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1994Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Assignee: KRh Thermal SystemsInventors: Paul T. Rudewicz, Thom Thomas, James W. Bradfield
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Patent number: 5683381Abstract: A microwave apparatus for warming of a liquid such as blood or IV fluids in which the warming occurs in-line by means of a microwave heating cavity having a source of microwave energy coupled thereto. A support element in the form of a bobbin forms an assembly with an IV tube wound about the bobbin. This tubing-bobbin assembly is inserted into the microwave heating cavity. A non-invasive, non-perturbing microwave temperature monitor is provided coupled to the microwave heating cavity for monitoring the temperature of liquid flowing in the IV tube. Controls are provided including a desired operating selector for combining signals representative of, not only cavity temperature, but also inlet and outlet temperatures to control the power level of microwave energy delivered to the heating cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1994Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Microwave Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth L. Carr, Richard S. Grabowy
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Patent number: 5659874Abstract: Device for conducting chemical operations, comprising a working chamber (1) delimited by a top (2), a bottom (3), side walls (4, 5) and a door, a microwave energy generator (6) for the chamber, and a reactor (7) having at least one neck (8) and resting in the chamber on a support (9). The chamber (1) is pierced by at least one passage (12) which permits connecting the neck (8) of the reactor (7) with a connection conduit (13) secured to an external device for conducting a chemical reaction. The chamber is also pierced by two other passages (15 and 16) adapted respectively to permit the connection of two other necks (17 and 18) to the reactor (7).Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1996Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Inventors: Sylvain Jean-Marie Rault, Jean-Claude Derobert
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Patent number: 5623821Abstract: A turbojet having an air intake case including radial arms between an outer annular structure and an inner central structure, and a deicing unit configured to deice the radial arms by microwaves and located in the central structure. The deicing unit has a microwave generator and a transmitting element configured to transmit energy and including an inside annular waveguide located inside of the central structure. An energy distributing element configured to eliminate ice is coupled with the transmitting element by a coupling element. The radial arms are made from a dielectric composite material.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "Snecma"Inventors: Philippe Bouiller, Claude G. Corbin, Michel Franchet, Gerard E. A. Jourdain
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Patent number: 5624592Abstract: The Atmospheric Energy Projection System (AEPS) is a means to project electrical/thermal energy using microwave radiation at the resonant frequency of oxygen. The radiation excites a column through the ambient atmosphere to a temperature such that air within the column is converted from an insulator to a conducting channel or focused medium. An electrical current is subsequently applied to the channel to transmit an electric charge a predetermined distance. Rapid release of pulses of 60 GHz microwave radiation at a field strength below that for breakdown for the waveguide feeding the antenna or at the antenna aperture creates a channel without premature plasma generation. Once the channel is energized sufficiently, an electric charge is released into the channel and flows down it from the source to whatever solid the channel intersects. If no solid intrudes the charge diffuses harmlessly at the end of the heated channel as the channel cools back to the ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1994Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Cerberus Institute for Research and Development, Inc.Inventor: Philip J. Paustian
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Patent number: 5620659Abstract: A process for extracting extractable material from a base material in which it is present, while protecting against explosion of any solvent vapor in air includes heating by microwave radiation in a closed pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container, such base material, extractable material and organic extraction solvent, passing air near or into contact with the extraction container so that it will carry away from the container any escaping solvent vapor, and passing said air with the solvent vapor, if present, into contact with solvent detector which turns off a source of microwave radiation when the solvent vapor is present. Preferably the invented process will include passing the air, with any solvent vapor which may be present in it, to a flow detector, which will turn off the source of microwave radiation if flow ceases.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: CEM CorporationInventor: Robert N. Revesz
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Patent number: 5615849Abstract: A microwave deicing and anti-icing system for aircraft wings, rotors, and airfoils. Microwave energy is absorbed in a propagation tube inside the leading edge of the aircraft wing and turned into thermal energy. An highly absorptive coating on the interior surface of the tube and a mirror/insulator are used to insure the most efficient transforming of the microwave energy into thermal energy. The thermal energy is then conducted to the skin of the wing, rotor, or airfoil by thermal transfer vanes to the skin of the leading edge of the wing, rotor, or airfoil, so that the temperature in that part of the wing, rotor, or airfoil can be raised and maintained well above the freezing temperature to break and prevent ice.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Inventor: Jonathan T. Salisbury
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Patent number: 5589140Abstract: A continuous denitration apparatus capable of ensuring mass processing of a nitrate solution of a nuclear fuel and a continuous stable operation. By a rotation of screws, uranium nitrate solution supplied from a liquid feed inlet is continuously conveyed. A trough is divided into a concentration zone, a denitration zone and a drying zone. Microwaves emitted from a microwave incident inlet pass through a microwave permeable part provided in a critical shield plate for covering the upper part of the trough and are applied to the uranium nitrate solution of high concentration and high viscosity, conveyed by the screws. The uranium nitrate solution is denitrated to prepare a denitrated product (uranium trioxide). This denitrated product is dried in the drying zone to obtain powder to be discharged from an outlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Doryokuro Kakunenryo Kaihatsu JigyodanInventor: Yoshiharu Takahashi
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Patent number: 5589093Abstract: A microwave heating chamber for use in a vending machine including a cylindrically shaped chamber, retractable upper and lower end plates for defining a chamber cavity, a retractable object holding plate for supporting an object to be heated at a position of maximum microwave energy, and a microwave generator for generating the microwave energy wherein the heating chamber allows the rapid heating of an article positioned in the chamber due to its small chamber volume and its cylindrically shaped cavity.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Electronics Research & Service OrganizationInventor: Jey-Cherng Chen
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Patent number: 5539187Abstract: Apparatus for transferring heat between temperature controlled air dispensed from a pair of oscillating ducts and a food product in a cabinet having an interior compartment bounded by front, side and rear walls. A foraminous partition, having a central portion and extremities, is mounted to divide the interior of the cabinet into a cooking chamber and an air conditioning chamber. It is configured to encircle a portion of the cooking chamber such that the air conditioning chamber extends around a major part of the periphery of the cooking chamber wherein air is drawn along multiple paths toward side walls and toward the rear wall from the cooking chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1995Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Patentsmith CorportionInventors: Donald P. Smith, Michael J. Dobie, Alden B. Sparman, Sr., John R. Norris
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Patent number: 5539673Abstract: A high temperature, short time microwave heating system 10 for heat-sensitive liquid material to inactivate or reduce pathogenic agents or organisms, such as viral contaminants. The system 10 includes a disposable cartridge 26 consisting of a preheater 32, a microwave heating coil 56 and cooler 58 with the heating coil 56 adapted to be easily inserted in and removed from the microwave heating field.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1994Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Charm Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Stanley E. Charm, Steven Landau, Hossein Zarrineghbal, Robert F. Golden
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Patent number: 5521359Abstract: An electrical control scheme which permits operating power for a microwave oven and a second electrical appliance, such as a refrigerator, to be withdrawn from a single electrical outlet utilizes electrical contacts across which a voltage differential is generated when the oven is in operation and includes wiring connected between the second electrical appliance and the microwave oven. The included wiring conducts electrical power to the second electrical appliance from the power cord of the microwave oven, and the control system further includes a relay having a normally-closed switch.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1995Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: Charles A. Bone
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Patent number: 5512734Abstract: A heating apparatus having features of the present invention comprises a microwave energy source, a reservoir, and a heat exchanger. The reservoir is adapted to contain a flowable medium such as a liquid and is positioned so that the liquid may be heated by the microwave energy source. The heat exchanger is adapted to receive the liquid and is in communication with or coupled to the reservoir. The present invention may further include a pump for circulating the liquid between the reservoir and the heat exchanger. The liquid may be circulated using a conduit. Preferably, the heat exchanger is adapted to use at least some of the liquid heated by the microwave energy source to heat air in proximity to the heat exchanger. Also, a blower positioned near the heat exchanger may be used to direct the air heated by the heat exchanger to a desired space to be heated.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Microwave Research Corp.Inventor: Terrance R. Copstead
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Patent number: 5510601Abstract: Apparatus for transferring heat between temperature controlled air dispensed from a pair of oscillating ducts and a food product in a cabinet having an interior compartment bounded by front, side and rear walls. A foraminous partition, having a central portion and extremities, is mounted to divide the interior of the cabinet into a cooking chamber and an air conditioning chamber. It is configured to encircle a portion of the cooking chamber such that the air conditioning chamber extends around a major part of the periphery of the cooking chamber wherein air is drawn along multiple paths toward side walls and toward the rear wall from the cooking chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Patentsmith CorporationInventors: Donald P. Smith, Michael J. Dobie, Alden B. Sparman, Sr., John R. Norris
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Patent number: 5487873Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating waste with radio frequency include a wall defining a radio frequency treatment chamber through which waste may be passed. A source of radio frequency energy energizes the radio frequency treatment chamber to heat the waste and drive off vapors therefrom leaving solid residue to be disposed of. A guard heater and/or insulation maintains the wall at substantially the same temperature as the waste being heated by the radio frequency to prevent vapors from condensing on the waste.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Assignee: IIT Research InstituteInventors: Jack E. Bridges, Guggliam C. Sresty, Allen Taflove
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Patent number: 5481092Abstract: An apparatus for mixing concrete adapted to facilitate removal of hardened concrete therefrom includes a metal container and a microwave energy generation device. The metal container is adapted to contain concrete and to enable concrete placed therein to be mixed or agitated, the container having inner walls to which the concrete may adhere when the concrete hardens. The microwave energy generation device generates microwave radiation energy into the metal container and is capable of liberating water molecules from the concrete placed in the container so as to weaken the chemical structure of the concrete to thereby facilitate breakage of the hardened concrete and removal of the concrete from the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Inventor: Paul A. Westmeyer
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Patent number: 5463821Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a microwave dryer having a rotating drum with radially inwardly extending baffles for tumbling and turning over clothes, the baffles housing microwave magnetron tubes for emitting microwaves into the drum. Air can be circulated through the drum via air passages through the baffles and into the drum. The air drawn through the baffles also cools the magnetron tubes. An inner door closes the drum tightly and rotates with the drum. An outer door closes the cabinet entry and is rotatably connected to the inner door.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1995Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Joseph A. Gauer
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Patent number: 5459301Abstract: Pressed garments are treated with microwaves to activate chemicals without heating the garments, resulting in permanent creases without fabric damage. An apparatus controls the process or curing cross-linking agent impregnated cellulosic fabric with microwave energy. The application allows finite control of the curing process necessary to impart a proper cure of wrinkle free fabric. The garment surface temperatures are continually remotely sensed. The microwave energy is cycled on and off so as not to overcure, avoiding loss of fabric memory and avoiding hot spots or burned fabric.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Inventors: Alan E. Miller, James L. Miller
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Patent number: 5449887Abstract: Superior microwave transparent thermal insulations for high temperature microwave sintering operations were prepared. One embodiment of the thermal insulation comprises granules of boron nitride coated with a very thin layer of glassy carbon made by preparing a glassy carbon precursor and blending it with boron nitride powder to form a mixture. The blended mixture is granulated to form a grit which is dried and heated to form the granules of boron nitride coated with a glassy carbon. Alternatively, grains of glassy carbon are coated with boron nitride by blending a mixture of a slurry comprising boron nitride, boric acid binder, and methyl alcohol with glassy carbon grains to form a blended mixture. The blended mixture is dried to form grains of glassy carbon coated with boron nitride. In addition, a physical mixture of boron nitride powder and glassy carbon grains has also been shown to be an excellent thermal insulation material for microwave processing and sintering.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1993Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Norman L. Dykes, Marvin S. Morrow