Abstract: Systems and methods for fabrication of ceramics from celestial materials using microwave sintering and mechanical compression for space mining applications are disclosed. In one aspect, a chamber for sintering loose mineral material into solid ceramic shapes includes a plurality of zirconia insulting plates configured to clamp the mineral material and forming a cavity in which the mineral loose material is contained, and at least one dipole array configured to generate microwave energy and apply the microwave energy to the mineral material.

Abstract: Systems for depositing coatings onto surfaces of molds and other articles are generally provided. In some embodiments, a system is adapted and arranged to cause gaseous species to flow parallel to a filament array. In some embodiments, a system comprises one or more mold supports that are translatable.

Abstract: A large capacity natural material composition conversion apparatus using a microwave with a preset pressure function includes a chamber including a sealed reaction space accommodating a material, an radiator configured to heat the material by radiating a microwave into the reaction space, a pressure regulator configured to regulate a pressure of the reaction space by supplying a gas into the reaction space, and a controller configured to control the pressure regulator and the radiator, and preliminarily increase a pressure of the reaction space by controlling the pressure regulator before heating the material.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automated shaping of a glass sheet. The methods comprise preheating the glass, bending the glass through selective, and focused beam heating through the use of an ultra-high frequency, high-power electromagnetic wave, and computer implemented processes utilizing thermal and shape (positional) data obtained in real-time, and cooling the glass sheet to produce a glass sheet suitable for use in air and space vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a high strength, small grain size ceramic having a trans-granular fracture mode by rapid densification of a green body and subsequent cooling of the densified ceramic. The ceramic may include dislocations, defects, dopants, and/or secondary phases that are formed as a result of the process and resulting in stress fields capable of redirecting or arresting cracks within the material. This ceramic can maintain transparency from ultraviolet to mid-wave infrared.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include processing systems for food products and related methods. In an embodiment, a food processing system is included with a continuous processing channel divided into a come-up chamber, a main electromagnetic wave (such as microwave) heating chamber, and a cool-down chamber. The continuous processing channel can define at least two separate portions oriented for vertical product movement. In various embodiments, the come-up chamber, the main electromagnetic wave heating chamber, and the cool-down chamber are at least partially filled with liquid. The system can further include a product conveyor mechanism to convey food products to be processed continuously along a conveyance path passing from the come-up chamber through the main electromagnetic wave heating chamber and to the cool-down chamber. The system can further include an electromagnetic wave energy emitting apparatus configured to emit electromagnetic wave energy into the main heating chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing the bioburden of cannabis using low-pressure radiant energy processing. The present invention achieves sufficient microbial killing and/or adequate drying without impacting product quality (terpene loss, smell, color, texture, etc.) by appropriate determination and application of pressure(s) and radiant energy (e.g., microwave intensity).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor storage device includes a housing, a plurality of terminals, signal terminals, a controller, signal wiring, and a memory. The housing has a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. The plurality of terminals is exposed to the first face, extends in a first direction, and is spaced apart in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. A signal terminal included in the plurality of terminals has a first end in the first direction, and a second end opposite to the first end in the first direction, the second end being closer to a contact position with a socket contact than the first end. The controller is located in the housing. The signal wiring extends from the first end in the housing and electrically connects the first end and the controller. The memory is electrically connected to the controller in the housing.

Abstract: An optimal condition is disclosed in which a composition of a soft magnetic molding solution includes 94 to 98 wt % of a soft magnetic powder and 2 to 6 wt % of an organic vehicle, in order to manufacture a coil-embedded inductor having various advantages such as high inductance, a low core loss, and high reliability. An exemplary manufacturing method is provided of a coil-embedded inductor having a structure in which a part of a coil is embedded in a magnetic core, which includes preparing an organic vehicle, preparing a soft magnetic molding solution having the density of 5.5 to 6.5 g/cc by mix-milling a soft magnetic powder with the organic vehicle, positioning and fixing a part of the coil in the case, and forming the magnetic core by injecting and curing the soft magnetic molding solution into the case.

Abstract: A microwave heater and a method of heating are provided. The microwave heater includes a non-modal interplate microwave applicator and may include a nonresonant enclosure. The non-modal interplate microwave applicator is configured to receive therein a load to be heated by microwaves radiated from the non-modal interplate microwave applicator.

Abstract: A vessel system for high-pressure reactions is disclosed. The system includes a plugged polymer cylinder reaction vessel with a pressure vent opening extending radially through the wall of the reaction vessel and a supporting frame into which the vessel is received. Complementing keying structure elements on the vessel and on the frame limit the orientation of the reaction vessel in the supporting frame and the radially extending vent opening to a defined single position.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a substrate treatment apparatus includes a housing, a magnetic field generating portion and a microwave supply portion. The housing is configured to contain a substrate comprising a conductive layer and an insulating film in contact with the conductive layer. The magnetic field generating portion is configured to generate a magnetic field which penetrates the substrate. The microwave supply portion is configured to generate a microwave to heat the substrate, to apply the microwave to the substrate provided in the magnetic field in such a manner that the microwave is absorbed by unpaired electrons at an interface between the conductive layer and the insulating film or in the insulating film.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a vaporizable substance, from a material containing such substance, comprises an irradiation chamber for irradiating the material with electromagnetic radiation to vaporize the substance. The substance may comprise water and the material is dehydrated. The electromagnetic radiation comprises microwaves. The irradiation is conducted in the near-field range of the electromagnetic radiation. In one aspect, the electromagnetic radiation within the waveguide evanescently couples with the material.

Abstract: A microwave system for heating a plurality of articles and a method of using the same is provided. The microwave heating system comprises at least three microwave launchers and at least three microwave allocation devices for dividing the microwave energy into at least three separate portions. Each allocation device is configured to divide the microwave energy passing therethrough according to a predetermined ratio, and at least one of the allocation devices is configured to divide the microwave energy according to a predetermined ratio that is not 1:1. The resulting energy portions can then be discharged into the microwave heating chamber via the launchers and used to heat a plurality of articles, including foodstuffs, medical fluids, or medical instruments, disposed within the heating chamber.

Abstract: A liquid agent container includes the container's main unit, a cap, an intermediate member, and an internal stopper. The cap is provided with a liquid agent discharging path and an air introducing path. The intermediate member has a tube projecting toward the interior of the main unit. Between a liquid agent introducing path and the liquid agent discharging path a hydrophilic filter is provided, and between an air supplying path communicating with the air introducing path and an air delivering path a filter is provided. The air delivering path communicates with the interior of the main unit via a check valve, with an annular valve having an inner circumferential surface in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the tube, to pass air only in a direction toward the interior of the main unit. The present invention can provide a liquid agent container including a check valve readily fabricated and ensuring preventing a liquid agent from flowing back.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for continuously carrying out chemical reactions. The device comprises a microwave generator, a microwave applicator accommodating a microwave-transparent tube, and an isothermal reaction section which is arranged such that the material to be reacted is guided inside the microwave-transparent tube through a microwave applicator which is used as the heating zone and in which it is heated to reaction temperature by means of microwaves that are emitted from the microwave generator into the microwave applicator. The material to be reacted, which is heated and optionally under pressure, is transferred from the microwave applicator to an isothermal reaction zone once it has left the heating zone, said reaction zone being arranged downstream of the heating zone, and is cooled once it has left the isothermal reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system especially useful in damage resistant, ceramic dental and orthopedic prosthesis. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure comprises an outer (aesthetic) residual glass layer, a graded glass-ceramic layer, and a dense interior ceramic. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure may further comprise a veneer on an exterior surface. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system. A powdered glass-ceramic composition or a glass tape is applied to the accessible surfaces of a dense alumina substrate to thereby substantially cover the substrate surfaces. The glass of the composition has a CTE similar to that of the substrate material. The glass-ceramic composition is infiltrated into the dense substrate by heating the assembly to temperatures 50-700° C. below the sintering temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.

Abstract: A heat treating system comprises a hot-wall microwave applicator cavity having a gas-diffusing structure on one surface, a microwave power supply, a transmission line between the applicator and power supply, and a granular heat transfer medium partially filling the cavity. The medium may be a single material or a blend of several materials, preferably having equivalent aerodynamic densities. The related method includes the steps of: placing a material to be heated into a microwave cavity having a gas diffusing structure on one surface; partially filling the cavity with a quantity of granular heat transfer medium sufficient to cover the material to be treated and the gas diffusing structure; flowing gas through the diffusing structure at a rate sufficient to fluidize the granular medium; and, introducing microwave energy into the cavity to raise the material and granular medium to a selected temperature for a selected time.

Abstract: Disclosed are a microwave heat treatment apparatus and a processing method in which a purging process time may be reduced while suppressing a use amount of a purging gas with simple facilities. An internal space of the processing container 2 of the microwave heat treatment apparatus 1 is at least divided, by a partition 7 and a processing container 2, into a first chamber S1 in which a wafer W is accommodated and a second chamber S2 into which the purging gas is directly introduced by the gas introducing unit 26. The purging gas is introduced from the gas introducing unit 26 into the second chamber S2 to diffuse the purging gas from the second chamber S2 into the first chamber S1 through a plurality of gas holes 7a of the partition 7 to purge atmosphere of the first chamber S1.

Abstract: A microwave processing apparatus includes a processing chamber configured to accommodate an object to be processed, a support member configured to support the object by contact with the object in the processing chamber, and a microwave introducing unit configured to generate a microwave for processing the object and introduce the microwave into the processing chamber. The microwave processing apparatus further includes a heat absorbing layer provided on a wall surface of a member facing the object supported by the supporting member in the processing chamber. The heat absorbing layer is made of a material that transmits the microwave and has an emissivity higher than an emissivity of the member facing the object.

Abstract: A manufacturing device includes a material supply module, a winding machine as well as a low-temperature furnace, a tension wheel set, a microwave graphitization module and a gluing module sequentially installed between the material supply module and the winding machine, so that a carbon fiber raw material can be manufactured continuously in mass production to enhance the graphitization efficiency and lower the process cost significantly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to semiconductor wafer fabrication and more particularly but not exclusively to advanced process control methodologies for controlling oxide formation using pressure. The present invention, in one or more implementations, includes a pressure stabilization system to dynamically adjust scavenger pressure in a furnace during wafer fabrication in relation to a pressure formation range, value, or one or more pressure indicators in a wafer fabrication process.

Abstract: A microwave processing method for processing an object in a processing chamber is probided by using microwaves. The method includes loading the object into the processing chamber in a state where a pressure in the processing chamber is higher than that of an outside environment; discharging O2 gas from the processing chamber by introducing N2 gas into the processing chamber; performing heat treatment on the object by introducing microwaves into the processing chamber from which the O2 gas has been discharged; and cooling the object in a state where the pressure in the chamber is higher than that of the outside environment.

Abstract: A low-oxygen atmosphere apparatus including a chamber which houses an object to be processed, microwave generators, and waveguides through which a microwave generated in the microwave generators is transmitted, and further including, in the chamber and/or the waveguides, oxygen-reducing materials to lower the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the chamber, which generates heat by the microwave in order to accelerate a reducing reaction of oxygen, thereby lowering the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains generally to a more efficient and cost-effective method and apparatus for: (1) coupling of microwave energy from a microwave generator or plurality of microwave generators into an integral set of applicators; (2) extraction and separation of organic compounds from a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds; and (3) recovery and conversion of the organic compounds to gaseous and liquid fuels. The apparatus described in this invention result in improved microwave absorption within the mixture flowing through the applicators by increasing residence time within the applicators, resulting in a higher temperature within the material. The higher temperature lowers the viscosity of the solution, but also provides a limited reduction of the combination of complex chain and aromatic organic compounds to allow recovery of syngas and fuel oil.

Abstract: A microwave plasma torch providing two laminar flows is described. Two laminar flows are created using a set of at least three concentric, staggered dielectric tubes connected to a pressurized gas source. An inner laminar flow entrains injected particles entering the plasma. An outer laminar flow creates a sheath around the plasma and prevents it from attaching to the walls of the plasma torch. The entry point of the gas source is designed to ensure laminar flow for both the entrainment of the particles and for the shielding of the plasma plume. The uniform processing conditions results in uniform particles and a homogenous materials distribution. This enables a final product with improved thermal properties, improved corrosion and wear resistance and a higher tolerance to interface stresses. The microwave plasma torch can be used for producing nanomaterial powder and for spray coating materials onto various substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.

Abstract: Extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils, essence, and pigments from odorous raw materials (e.g., plant materials and Chinese medicinal herbs) by microwave radiation heating have advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas flowing out of the extraction cartridges. Because both volatile fragrant compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully by the top-down extraction fashion, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method are environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The invention relates to extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils and essence and pigments from odorous raw materials by microwave radiation heating under sub-critical conditions, which has advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser unit is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas extractive flowing out of the extraction unit. Because both volatile aromatic compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave radiation heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method applied are really environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains generally to a more efficient and cost-effective method and apparatus for: (1) coupling of microwave energy from a microwave generator or plurality of microwave generators into an integral set of applicators; (2) extraction and separation of organic compounds from a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds; and (3) recovery and conversion of the organic compounds to gaseous and liquid fuels. The apparatus described in this invention result in improved microwave absorption within the mixture flowing through the applicators by increasing residence time within the applicators, resulting in a higher temperature within the material. The higher temperature lowers the viscosity of the solution, but also provides a limited reduction of the combination of complex chain and aromatic organic compounds to allow recovery of syngas and fuel oil.

Abstract: In an apparatus for microwave-assisted preparation of specimens with a microwave generator (1), a microwave chamber for receiving specimens (5) to be processed, and a container arrangement (11) for a number of containers (9) for liquids, the microwave chamber is realized as a waveguide (2) that includes a first opening (7a) for introduction of a specimen (5) and a second opening (8a), preferably arranged at the bottom, through which a liquid container (9) is reversibly introduced into the microwave chamber while the specimen (5) is held stationary, until the liquid container thus introduced into the microwave chamber, and the liquid contained therein, surround the specimen (5).

Abstract: A microwave oven for the thermal treatment of at least one dental restoration part comprises a firing chamber inside which the dental restoration part as well as at least one susceptor that may be moved or rotated by means of a drive motor and that substantially is disc-shaped, are disposed, and a microwave radiation source that indirectly heats the dental restoration part with the aid of the susceptor, wherein the susceptor at least partially is microwave-tight and wherein the microwave radiation source is arranged below the susceptor.

Abstract: A method is described for batchwise heat treatment of goods to be annealed which are heated in a heating chamber after scavenging air with a scavenging gas under protective gas to a predetermined treatment temperature, with the protective gas being conveyed through the heating chamber depending on the occurrence of impurities in different quantities. In order to enable the economic use of protective gas, it is proposed that the protective gas which is withdrawn from the heating chamber after the main occurrence of impurities and which is loaded with a residual quantity of impurities is conveyed, optionally after intermediate storage, into the heating chamber during the main occurrence of impurities of a subsequent batch before non-loaded protective gas is introduced into the heating chamber.

Abstract: A method and associated instrument are disclosed for increasing the sequential rate at which a series of microwave assisted chemical reactions that potentially generate high pressure can be carried out. The method includes the steps of opening a pressure-resistant valve on a microwave-transparent pressure-resistant vessel to define a unpressurized pathway through the valve into the vessel, inserting a tube through the pathway in the valve and into the vessel, transferring at least one composition into the vessel through the tube, removing the tube from the vessel and from the pathway in the valve, closing the valve to seal the vessel against pressure release, and exposing the vessel and its contents to microwave radiation.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for heating and dispensing a sterile product is disclosed herein. The apparatus (20) preferably includes a source of the sterile product (25), a flow containment means (30), a pumping means (35), a heating means (40) and a dispenser (45). Preferably, the sterile product is sterile milk which is pumped from an aseptic bag (25) through tubing (30) using a peristaltic pump (35). Then, the sterile milk is heated within tubing positioned within a microwave oven (40), and then flowed to a dispenser (45).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles.

Abstract: A microwave filter for use with a microwave brazing system having a brazing chamber, a vacuum line, and a pressure gauge located proximate the vacuum line. The microwave filter comprises a baffle plate configured to be mounted in an opening between the brazing chamber and the pressure gauge, and a plurality of hollow pipes configured to substantially prevent the transmission of microwaves from the brazing chamber to the pressure gauge, and further configured to allow gas to flow between the brazing chamber and the vacuum line.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate in a plasma processing chamber is provided. The substrate is disposed above a chuck and surrounded by a first edge ring. The first edge ring is electrically isolated from the chuck. The method includes providing a second edge ring. The second edge ring is disposed below an edge of the substrate. The method also includes providing a coupling ring. The coupling ring is configured to facilitate RF coupling from an ESC (electrostatic chuck) assembly to the first edge ring, thereby causing the first edge ring to have an edge ring potential during substrate processing and causing the RF coupling to be maximized at the first edge ring and minimized at the second edge ring during the substrate processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved reactor, which allows microwave-assisted processing of feedstocks or mixtures of hydrocarbons, and the operating system thereof, which operates under high temperatures and pressures of hydrogen or other gases, in continuous of batch mode. The invention relates to modifications in the geometric configuration of the reactor to process diverse hydrocarbon feedstocks, with or without the addition of catalysts, in the presence or absence of hydrogen or other gases, forming a system which includes a reaction vessel and associated devices, so as to to allow better transmittance of the radiation onto the feedstock to be processed and guarantee maximum absorption of the microwaves by the the reaction medium irrespective of the composition thereof.

Abstract: In a system for thermally processing materials, at least one slot eductor is disposed in a wall or roof surface of the furnace chamber to provide circulation of gas within the furnace chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved apparatus and method for making a vacuum microwaved food product on a commercial scale. The invention discloses a rotatable carousel having an annular region for a food product for placement into a vacuum microwave. Food products such as strawberries or cheese can be placed into the annular region and dehydrated in a vacuum microwave.

Abstract: A method and associated instrument are disclosed for increasing the sequential rate at which a series of microwave assisted chemical reactions that potentially generate high pressure can be carried out.

Abstract: A thawing cycle, wherein after reduced-pressure process (G) is carried out to reduced-pressure balanced range (B), pressure restoration process (F) is started, and when the reduced-pressure of pressure restoration process (F) reaches a lower limit (P1) at which vacuum discharge does not occur, irradiation of microwaves is started, and after pressure restoration is carried out to a preset pressure restoration upper limit (D), reduced-pressure process (G?) is carried out once again, and irradiation of microwaves continues until the reduced-pressure reaches a lower limit (P1) at which vacuum discharge does not occur, and sublimation cooling by sublimation is carried out in the reduced-pressure process to reduced-pressure balanced range (B?) after the irradiation of microwaves is terminated, is carried out repeatedly.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-frequency heating apparatus with steam generation function and control method thereof. When high-frequency heating treatment for heat-treating with a high frequency and steam heating treatment for heat-treating with steam generated in a heating chamber are performed in order separately or at the same time for heat-treating the heated material, while air in the heating chamber is agitated, the air is circulated in the heating chamber. An appropriate heating program is automatically selected in response to the type of heated material to perform heat treatment.