Abstract: An apparatus and method and processing a semiconductor substrate that controls heating of the substrate to thereby control the depth of the junctions formed by impurities implanted in the semiconductor substrate by heating a device side of the semiconductor substrate to a reference temperature and heating the device side of the semiconductor substrate to a heat activation temperature that is greater than the reference temperature for an activation period, which provides sufficient energy to activate the impurities so that they become part of the lattice structure of the substrate while minimizing diffusion of the impurities across the substrate and reducing the temperature gradient in the substrate to minimize stress in the substrate.

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.

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.

Abstract: A sintering furnace for sintering an object to be sintered formed of ceramics, fine ceramic materials, etc. to produce a sintered object and a method therefor. An insulating wall (28) and an inner shell (25) define a sintering chamber (16) for sintering an object to be sintered (10). Thermal equilibrium is maintained between the inner shell (25) and the object to be sintered (10), and the object to be sintered (10) is completely pseudo-adiabatically isolated to achieve more uniform and small energy consuming sintering. The thickness of the insulating wall (28) increases gradually from an inlet (20) toward an outlet (21). The object to be sintered (10) is fed by a carriage provided in a sintering furnace from the inlet (20) to the outlet (21) in the sintering chamber (16). Thereby, a temperature distribution corresponding to a plurality of processes can be easily formed in one furnace to sinter continuously the object to be sintered (10) in the furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing airborne pathogens and reducing airborne pollutants in air for buildings, aircraft, or other structures. The apparatus is capable of high air flows and is integrated with an efficient air heating/cooling system. High fields are produces by a static, preferably infrared, field combined with a high intensity microwave field. This combination allows fields to develop that are high enough in intensity to kill pathogens and dissociate contaminant molecules. The heat produced by the field generators is used to operate an absorption chiller to cool and dehumidify, or alternatively heat, the sterilized air before it is returned to the building or structure.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the development of transparent alumina ceramics using microwave energy at the frequency between 0.915 and 2.45 GHz inclusive in hydrogen atmosphere at ambient pressure comprises an enclosed, insulated chamber (14) to retain a workpiece (12) for the application of microwave energy. The chamber comprises a TE103 single mode or a multimode microwave cavity into which is mounted a quartz tube (18). An insulation material (20), transparent to microwave energy, is positioned within the quartz tube. A port (28) for the introduction of hydrogen penetrates the cavity so that the microwave sintering of the workpiece is performed in an ultra-pure hydrogen atmosphere. The workpiece is preferably mounted on a refractory ceramic such as alumina tube for the microwave sintering process. A method, preferably using the apparatus, develops transparent alumina ceramics and single crystal sapphire.

Abstract: A magnetron for supplying a microwave and an ion burner are provided in an incinerator main body, and the microwave from the magnetron and ion flame from the ion burner are caused to resonate to create a high temperature state in the incinerator main body, whereby waste in the incinerator main body is decomposed and melted by positive (+) and negative (−) activated ions. A tokamak is also provided on the outer side of the incinerator main body so that charged particles (radiation) and electromagnetic wave in the incinerator main body may be reflected and gathered at the center of the incinerator main body to increase an ion concentration to thereby increase a plasma concentration, thereby achieving an improvement in terms of decomposition efficiency. Both or one of quartz and an acceptor level additive is mixed with a furnace wall of the incinerator main body.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for microwave-assisted chemical processes that avoids tuning discrepancies that otherwise result based upon the materials being heated. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, a waveguide in communication with the source, with at least a portion of the waveguide forming a cylindrical arc, a cylindrical cavity immediately surrounded by the cylindrical arc portions of the waveguide, and at least three slotted openings in the circumference of the circular waveguide that provide microwave communication between the waveguide and the cavity.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for hot-pressing a planar product in a process using microwave heating. The apparatus comprises a constant-volume, box-like microwave resonant cavity divided into two opposed subcavities by an elongated gap suitable for passing therethrough the product (1) to be heated. The product is guided through the gap by conveyor belts (2, 2′) of microwave-transparent material. The subcavities are delineated from the conveyor passageway gap by parallel walls of microwave-transparent material, each one of them sealed so as to form a wall of its own subcavity. At least one of the subcavities is pressurized, whereby the sealed wall of the pressurized subcavity is designed to yield under the pressure applied into the subcavity in a direction perpendicular to the product (1) to be pressed.

Abstract: A deposited film forming method and apparatus includes a belt-like member continuously conveyed through a film-forming chamber, one side of which is formed of the belt-like member. A reactive gas is introduced into the film-forming chamber, the interior of the film-forming chamber is evacuated, a high-frequency power induces a plasma therein, and a deposited film is formed on the belt-like member A discharge confining means is provided opposite to a deposited film forming side of the belt-like member to maintain constant contact with the belt-like member while it changes shape.

Abstract: A degradation device for degrading tires includes an enclosed chamber (3) providing an annular housing space for a tire (1) to be treated. A microwave generator is connected to a wave guide (18) for splitting the generated microwave energy into arms (20 and 19) which are provided with outlets which will direct the energy both externally and internally of the annulus of the housing space. The microwave energy will cause the tire to break down into constituent parts. The chamber (3) is reciprocated and rotated with respect to the tire so that the microwaves will be projected relatively evenly through the tire. An inert gas is introduced into the chamber at (29), to limit the possibility of combustion or oxidation of degradation products created by the process. Volatile gaseous products of the process are drawn off through the exhaust pipe (26). Solid degradation products are created and are removed at the end of the process.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the development of transparent alumina ceramics using microwave energy at the frequency between 0.915 and 2.45 GHz inclusive in hydrogen atmosphere at ambient pressure comprises an enclosed, insulated chamber (14) to retain a workpiece (12) for the application of microwave energy. The chamber comprises a TE103 single mode or a multimode microwave cavity into which is mounted a quartz tube (18). An insulation material (20), transparent to microwave energy, is positioned within the quartz tube. A port (28) for the introduction of hydrogen penetrates the cavity so that the microwave sintering of the workpiece is performed in an ultra-pure hydrogen atmosphere. The workpiece is preferably mounted on a refractory ceramic such as alumina tube for the microwave sintering process. A method, preferably using the apparatus, develops transparent alumina ceramics and single crystal sapphire.

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.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for carrying out microwave-assisted chemical reactions. The method includes the steps of adding reagents to a pressure-resistant microwave-transparent vessel, securing the vessel against pressure release with a penetrable septum made of a material that can be penetrated by a needle while surrounding and sealing against the needle even after penetration to thereby maintaining the pressure integrity of the vessel, thereafter inserting a needle through the penetrable septum and into the pressure-secured vessel to provide fluid communication to the interior of the scaled pressure-resistant vessel through the needle, applying mechanical pressure against the septum while the needle is inserted therethrough, and irradiating the vessel and its contents with microwaves with the needle inserted therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for hot-pressing a planar product in a process using microwave heating. The apparatus comprises a constant-volume, box-like microwave resonant cavity divided into two opposed subcavities by an elongated gap suitable for passing therethrough the product (1) to be heated. The product is guided through the gap by conveyor belts (2, 2′) of microwave-transparent material. The subcavities are delineated from the conveyor passageway gap by parallel walls of microwave-transparent material, each one of them sealed so as to form a wall of its own subcavity. At least one of the subcavities is pressurized, whereby the sealed wall of the pressurized subcavity is designed to yield under the pressure applied into the subcavity in a direction perpendicular to the product (1) to be pressed.

Abstract: A method of defrosting frozen products of the present invention is the method of carrying out microwave heating while reducing the pressure, terminating microwave heating upon detection of a microwave-induced electrical discharge during the microwave heating step, reducing the pressure while microwave heating is in a terminated state to a pressure level at or below a sublimation pressure level to generate sublimation on the frozen products, returning the pressure to a prescribed pressure level to enable microwave heating to be restarted, and repeating the steps from the microwave heating step through the pressure returning step a prescribed number of times.

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.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for sterilization of medical wastes by exposing them to microwave energy. The microwaves are generated and directed through a wave-guide configured as a hollow duct, such that they are supplied to the interior of a treatment chamber from opposite directions causing their collision within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention discloses a microwave off-gas system in which microwave energy is used to treat gaseous waste. A treatment chamber is used to remediate off-gases from an emission source by passing the off-gases through a susceptor matrix, the matrix being exposed to microwave radiation. The microwave radiation and elevated temperatures within the combustion chamber provide for significant reductions in the qualitative and quantitative emissions of the gas waste stream.

Abstract: A vacuum sealed container and a method for cooking food under vacuum including the steps of heating the food and the cooking liquid in a heat-and-cold resistant vacuum-sealed container having microwave permeability using the microwave oven at high power for boiling, heating the container for a required time, stopping the heating to cool the container, thereby producing a vacuum therein, heating the container for a required time to cook the food and the cooking liquid at low temperatures using the microwave oven at low power, while the container is under vacuum, and allowing the container to cool.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for carrying out high quality defrosting in a short amount of time which creates only a small temperature difference between the inside and outside of the frozen products, with very little oxidation of the frozen products, and without generating a drip from the frozen products regardless of the shape and temperature of the frozen products.

Abstract: A defrosting method and apparatus for defrosting frozen food products which is based on a pressure reducing chamber in which the frozen food products are placed for defrosting; a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the pressure reducing chamber to a pressure level at or below the sublimation pressure of said frozen food products; a microwave heating unit; and a support jig for supporting said frozen food products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying or heat-treating substances or products at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure. The invention relates furthermore to banana chips dried by means of this method and banana powder produced therefrom. For drying or heat-treating, the products to be treated are loaded in transport receptacles which are subsequently charged via charging lock chambers into a treatment chamber and discharged therefrom via discharging lock chambers. For drying or heat treating, at least one microwave source is provided in the treatment chamber. Furthermore, an infrared heating source may be provided. After heat-treating or drying, a resting period may be scheduled. More particularly for this purpose, a vertically-oriented conveying system is provided in the treatment chamber when a longish resting period is involved. The transport receptacle is configured dished and my comprise nets on which the products are applied.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for microwave-assisted chemical processes that avoids tuning discrepancies that otherwise result based upon the materials being heated. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, a waveguide in communication with the source, with at least a portion of the waveguide forming a cylindrical arc, a cylindrical cavity immediately surrounded by the cylindrical arc portions of the waveguide, and at least three slotted openings in the circumference of the circular waveguide that provide microwave communication between the waveguide and the cavity.

Abstract: A method of fabricating at least a honeycomb body and a drying system are disclosed, in which a plurality of honeycomb bodies each having a multiplicity of cells arranged in the shape of a honeycomb and having a wall thickness of 0.125 mm or less can be dried without developing any cracking, wrinkling, etc. in the outer peripheral skin portion of the mold. A plurality of extrusion-molded argillaceous honeycomb bodies are dried in such a manner that each honeycomb body is placed on a corresponding conveyance tray of porous ceramics having a dielectric loss of 0.1 or less, a porosity of 10% or more and a sectional open area ratio of 50% or more is exposed to a high-humidity ambience of 70% or higher in humidity while at the same time being irradiated with. microwaves of 1,000 to 10,000 MHz.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a thin film using microwave and a method therefor are provided. The apparatus for forming a thin film on a wafer by densifying predetermined soot on a wafer, when the wafer and the soot form a sample, includes a microwave sintering furnace for sealing the sample and exposing the sample to microwave, thus sintering the sample, a sintering furnace atmosphere maker for controlling the state, being the atmosphere of air inside the microwave sintering furnace, a temperature sensor/controller for sensing a temperature inside the microwave sintering furnace, comparing the temperature with a predetermined reference temperature, and outputting an error temperature, and a microwave power source for generating microwave of a predetermined temperature with reference to the error temperature output from the temperature sensor/controller and applying the microwave to the microwave sintering furnace.

Abstract: Microwave and far infrared heating under reduced pressure is carried out on objects to be dried, concentrated, defrosted, roasted or sterilized by placing the objects in plate-shaped or tray-shaped object-holding jigs arranged on a shelf-type jig which is held motionless in a pressure reducing chamber during heating, wherein the provision of reflector plates, reflective frames, specific object-holding jigs and cutting methods are employed to achieve uniform heating.

Abstract: A process for drying antioxidant-rich berries (such as blueberries) to preserve their antioxidant action and their antioxidant compounds is disclosed. The process may conventionally dry the antioxidant-rich berries to remove 0 to 90% of the initial mass of water associated with them, but the important step is subjecting the antioxidant-rich berries to vacuum microwave drying (VMD) at an absolute pressure of 0 to 200 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) (preferably 30 to 60 mm Hg) and 0.1 to 2 watts of microwave power/gram of berries (preferably 0.

Abstract: A system for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions is disclosed. The system includes a source of microwave radiation; a cavity in communication with the source, an attenuator in communication with the cavity for providing access to the cavity while preventing microwaves from escaping through the attenuator, and a vessel positioned in the cavity and the attenuator and extending externally of the attenuator for holding materials in the cavity while microwaves from the source are applied thereto. The vessel includes a reaction chamber and a venting portion. The chamber portion is positioned entirely within the cavity, and the venting portion extends from the cavity and through the attenuator and externally of the attenuator and has a gas passage for permitting gases to flow to or from the reaction portion from gas sources external to the cavity, the attenuator, and the vessel.

Abstract: The invention discloses a microwave off-gas system in which microwave energy is used to treat gaseous waste. A treatment chamber is used to remediate off-gases from an emission source by passing the off-gases through a susceptor matrix, the matrix being exposed to microwave radiation. The microwave radiation and elevated temperatures within the combustion chamber provide for significant reductions in the qualitative and quantitative emissions of the gas waste stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use within a microwave radiation field which enables the operator to perform successively a plurality of chemical or physical processes while the apparatus remains in the microwave cavity. The apparatus according to the invention can be used to perform a total microwave solvent extraction including the steps of drying, extraction, filtration, and concentration. Other examples of processes, which are carried out with this apparatus are digestions, hydrolyses, separations, agitations, and precipitations. The apparatus is constructed from a container having an inside vessel. The container and the inside vessel have a substantially closed volume there between. The container and the inside vessel are in fluid communication through a glass fiber filter disposed at approximately the bottom of the inside vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for annealing a film on a substrate in a processing chamber, including a microwave generator disposed to provide microwaves to an area within the interior of the chamber. The microwaves have a frequency such that the film is substantially absorptive at the frequency but the substrate is not substantially absorptive at the frequency. A waveguide distributes the microwaves over the surface of the film to provide a substantially uniform dosage of microwaves over the surface of the film. The method includes depositing a film on a substrate in the processing chamber. During at least a portion of the time of the depositing step, microwaves are generated having a frequency such that the film has an absorption peak at the frequency but the substrate lacks a substantial absorption peak at the frequency. The microwaves are directed towards the film.

Abstract: A microwave vessel system for external and noninvasive pressure monitoring and control is disclosed. The system comprises a reaction vessel formed of a material that is transparent to microwave radiation, with the reaction vessel including a portion that is movable under pressure generated by a chemical reaction inside the vessel while maintaining the reaction sealed inside the vessel. A sensor is adjacent to the movable portion of the vessel for detecting the motion of the movable portion as the portion responds to pressure generated inside the vessel. The system includes means for maintaining the sensor against the movable portion while microwaves are applied to the vessel so that the movement of the movable portion under pressure is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for sterilizing, disinfecting or otherwise heating materials, objects, liquids and the like under pressure is disclosed. The invention utilizes the generation and transmission of single-mode, non-interfering coaxial microwaves from multiple sources into the material to be treated. As a result, a more efficient transfer of microwave energy into the material to be treated is obtained.

Abstract: Microwave radiation, perhaps with microwave absorbing materials, is utilized to provide heating of partially formed integrated circuits in a variety of circumstances.

Abstract: A microwave cooking system is provided for cooking a food product in a microwave field to produce a food product with a texture and taste similar in quality to food products prepared in a conventional oven. The system utilizes a microwaveable tray comprising a microwave susceptor material laminated to a thin paperboard sheet for supporting and heating a food product to be cooked thereon. A single sheet corrugated plate is attached to a lower surface of the microwaveable tray in order to provide space beneath the microwaveable tray for the circulation of heated air. The tray containing the food product thereon is sealed in a polymer bag having microwave shielding material on the inner surface of the upper side of the sealed polymer bag for minimizing the amount of direct microwave transmission contacting the food product contained therein. The sealed polymer bag has a pressure regulation port for releasing and maintaining pressure which builds inside the sealed polymer bag during cooking.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for condensing vapors for use inside a microwave cavity. The cooling in the apparatus is provided by gas flow ventilation with air being the most convenient gas for use as a coolant. The apparatus has two ports, one port for connecting with a sample vessel and a second port for connecting with a pressure control device. The pressure control device has valves for operating a vacuum line and a feeding line. The disclosed apparatus enables a plurality of chemical digestion reactions, reflux reactions and dehydrations to be carried out simultaneously or sequentially within a microwave radiation field.

Abstract: A method of drying objects includes the steps of placing the objects into a pressure reduction tank, placing a metallic element having a single or plural number of sharp edge into the pressure reduction tank, subjecting the objects to controlled microwave heating and controlled far infrared heating either separately or simultaneously, detecting an electrical discharge at the sharp edge of the metallic element due to microwave energy, stopping or pausing the microwave heating when an electrical discharge is detected at the single or plural number of sharp edge of the metallic element, continuously measuring the change in reduced pressure at prescribed time intervals after the microwave heating has been stopped or paused upon detecting an electrical discharge due to microwave energy, and terminating the drying process when the measured change in reduced pressure reaches a predetermined target reduced pressure change value determined in accordance with the level of dryness selected and the type of the objects be

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in microwave ovens to heat the exterior peripheries of food items to temperatures such that moisture is evaporated from the outer regions of the food items which are adjacent to the exterior peripheries. The apparatus includes an enclosure which is permeable to microwave energy and which defines a sealed interior cavity in which an inert gas is disposed. The inert gas is of the type that will be energized to generate radiant heat when exposed to the microwave energy of a conventional microwave oven. The enclosure defines an exterior heating surface which is placed adjacent to and transfers the heat from the inert gas directly to the peripheries of the food items. The apparatus preferably further includes a second enclosure having a second heating surface for disposing adjacent to a second side of the periphery of the food item, opposite that of the first enclosure and first heating surface. A drip pan is provided for catching drippings from the food item being grilled.

Abstract: A microwave distillation apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a microwave heating chamber having a plurality of walls. A vessel is located within the chamber for containing a liquid to be distilled. The vessel has a mouth for receiving the liquid. A connecting tube extends though an opening formed in one of the plurality of chamber walls. The connecting tube has a first end thereof for sealably engaging the mouth of the vessel, and a second end thereof extending outwardly from the chamber. A biasing assembly is located outside of the chamber, and engages the connecting tube with a biasing force to maintain the seal between the connecting tube and the mouth of the vessel. A distillate capture assembly is connected to the connecting tube for receiving vapors emitted from the liquid when heated, and for condensing the vapors into a liquid distillate for capture and storage.

Abstract: A microwave system is provided which is capable of performing both open and closed vessel microwave chemistry in an efficient and productive manner. For open vessel chemistries, such as digestions, the system offers a microwave oven with: liquid cooled refluxing of samples; reagent dispensing, and temperature control. The open vessel module can quickly and easily be interchanged with a high pressure module capable of operating at pressures in excess of 600 psi.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of and apparatus for providing at least a partial barrier to moisture vapor transfer through the surface of a material without substantially spoiling the material, a process of and apparatus for removing moisture from a material without substantially spoiling the material, and a process of and apparatus for providing at least a partial barrier to moisture vapor through the surface of a material and for removing moisture from the material without substantially spoiling the material.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Herbs are dried by applying microwave power to herbs in a chamber under reduced or negative pressure to reduce the moisture content of the herbs without significantly damaging the flavor of the dried herbs and produce a dried herb having a flavor more closely approaching the flavor of fresh herbs than dried herbs produced by conventional processes.

Abstract: A high pressure and temperature microwave digestion vessel assembly with enhanced safety features is disclosed. The assembly includes a membrane that is rupturable for pressure relief, and a secondary pressure relief mechanism including a seal cap with an annular stress relief region that shears or fractures when excess pressure is in the vessel interior. The membrane is positioned on a post extending from the seal cap into the inner liner. The diameter of the venting orifice may be adjusted to vary the desired pressure relief. The assembly also includes a piercing mechanism for venting the vessel after digestion is completed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of drying objects includes the steps of placing the object into a pressure reduction tank, placing a metallic element having an acute-angled portion into the pressure reduction tank, reducing to the pressure toward a predetermined single reduced pressure value or plurality of reduced pressure values, subjecting the object to controlled microwave heating and controlled far infrared heating either separately or simultaneously, continuously heating the body of the pressure reduction tank to vaporize any water that comes into contact with the inside wall surfaces of the pressure reduction tank, detecting an electrical discharge at the acute-angled portion of the metallic element due to microwave energy, stopping or pausing the microwave heating when an electrical discharge is detected at the acute-angled portion of the metallic element, continuously measuring the change in reduced pressure at prescribed time intervals after the microwave heating has been stopped or paused upon detecting an electrical dis

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a device (1) for the treatment of materials under the action of heat, and if appropriate also pressure, in a heating chamber consisting of a housing (2), containing the heating chamber, having a charging opening for the heating chamber which can be selectively opened or closed by means of a door (4), and a heating device (6), in particular a microwave heating device, for the heating chamber (7), the door (4) is so mounted that when a particular pressure in the heating chamber is exceeded it lifts off from the door frame (2) and is movable into a relief-opening position, out of which position it is moveable back into the original-closed position--after reduction of pressure--either automatically or by the application of force.