Fluid Heater Patents (Class 219/687)
  • Publication number: 20100032428
    Abstract: A device for use in a microwave oven comprising a body being selectively formed of cells having a substantially non-deleterious reaction to microwave action, wherein the cells are purposefully arranged so that the effect of the microwave action causes the cells to expand, thereby transforming the body from a compressible state to a state exhibiting ornamental or toy effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Nini Policappelli
  • Publication number: 20090134152
    Abstract: A microwave energy emitter (108) is positioned in a microwave transparent chamber (123) within a material holding vessel (106) of a microwave containment vessel (122). The holding vessel (106) may be transparent to microwave energy and is further provided with a microwave reflective component outward, on, or beyond an exterior surface (121) of the wall of the holding vessel (106). The microwave reflective component reflects microwaves back into the fluid holding vessel (106). The fluid holding vessel (106) encloses a material that absorbs microwave energy. An inlet path (116) and outlet path (112) is provided for the material to flow in and out of the vessel upon predetermined conditions. Heated material can be condensed via a condenser (124) into a collection vessel (120). A controller (126) is provided to send control signals to a switching device (100) for controlling the material flow and receiving sensing signals for decision generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Steven R. Sedlmayr
  • Patent number: 7538303
    Abstract: A device for the quick heating of fluid material, in particular food, comprises: a container (20) for the fluid material and a heater (12). According to the invention said heater consists of a microwave generator (12), or magnetron, equipped at one end with an antenna (13). Said container (20) comprises a treatment body (21) equipped with at least one recess (24) for the passage of said fluid material to be treated and with a seat (23) for receiving said antenna (13), said recessed treatment body (21) being enclosed in an airtight outer structure (28, 29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: BRAVO S.p.A.
    Inventors: Genesio Bravo, Alessandro Sonego
  • Publication number: 20080296293
    Abstract: A VOC waste gas microwave burning furnace uses nano titanium dioxide as a catalyst, which is coated on a carrier substance, such as an activated carbon. The titanium dioxide coated carrier substance is charged in a plurality of refractory ceramic/glass tubes arranged in a carrier in a reaction tank of the burning furnace. When the refractory ceramic/glass tubes are irradiated by microwave generated by a magnetron type microwave generator, the carrier substance charged therein has an increased high dielectric constant to increase the microwave effect, and the catalyst of titanium dioxide is excited to produce high-energy free radicals and electron-hole pairs. Therefore, the magnetron type microwave generator may generate non-ionizing radiative microwave energy, which causes ion transfer and dipole rotation to achieve movement of target molecules, and accordingly, to destroy and decompose target pollutants, that is, the organic gas in industrial waste gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chuan-Line Tseng
  • Publication number: 20080277388
    Abstract: Microwave warming apparatus includes a housing defining a heating waveguide with a heating cavity. An integral internal electrically conductive ridge projects from one of the longitudinal waveguide walls and extends along the waveguide. A slot having opposite ends extends from the outside through the ridge into the heating cavity, the slot being adapted to receive a cartridge containing a tube so that the tube extends through the slot into the heating cavity. Electromagnetic energy is coupled into the heating waveguide to heat the contents of the tube. A transducer constituted by a first receiving waveguide inside the ridge is adjacent to the slot so that when a cartridge is received in the slot, the transducer can sense the thermal radiation emanating from a segment of the tube and produce a corresponding waveguide-generated signal. A radiometer in the housing is responsive to the waveguide-generated signal and produces a temperature indicating signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Meridian Medical Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Carr
  • Publication number: 20080277387
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for delivering microwave radiation, e.g., for heating, to a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device of the present invention contains a microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) for applying microwave radiation to specific areas within the microfluidic device. The circuit preferably includes a transmission line on one surface of the microfluidic device and a ground plane on the opposing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Landers, Susan Barker, N. Scott Barker
  • Publication number: 20080264934
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Elizabeth Marques MOREIRA, Mauri Jose Baldini Cardoso, Sumair Gouveia de Araujo, Jiro Takahashi, Mauricio Souza de Alencar
  • Patent number: 7432482
    Abstract: A microwave energy emitter (108) is positioned in a chamber within a material holding cavity of a containment vessel (106) that is transparent to microwave energy absorption that is further surrounded by a microwave reflective component to reflect the waves back into the vessel. The vessel (106) encloses a material that absorbs microwave energy through molecular vibration of its molecules. An inlet path (116) and outlet path (112) is provided for the material to flow in and out of the vessel upon predetermined conditions. Heated material can be condensed via a condenser (124) into a collection vessel (120). A controller (126) is provided to send control signals to switching device for controlling the material flow and receiving sensing signals for decision generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Steven R. Sedlmayr
  • Publication number: 20080128410
    Abstract: A device for the quick heating of fluid material, in particular food, comprises: a container (20) for the fluid material and a heater (12). According to the invention said heater consists of a microwave generator (12), or magnetron, equipped at one end with an antenna (14). Said container (20) comprises a treatment body (21) equipped with at least one recess (24) for the passage of said fluid material to be treated and with a seat (23) for receiving said antenna (13), said recessed body (21) being enclosed in an airtight outer structure (28, 29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: BRAVO S.p.A
    Inventors: Genesio Bravo, Alessandro Sonego
  • Publication number: 20080053988
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma generation apparatus, which comprises a microwave generation section adapted to generate a microwave, a gas supply section adapted to supply a gas to be plasmatized, a plasma generation nozzle which is provided with an inner electrode adapted to receive the microwave and an outer electrode concentrically disposed outside the inner electrode, and adapted to plasmatize the gas supplied from the gas supply section thereinto, based on energy of the microwave, and emit the plasmatized gas from a distal end thereof; and an adapter attached to the distal end of the plasma generation nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: NORITSU KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Arai, Hirofumi Mankawa, Hidetaka Matsuuchi, Ryuichi Iwasaki, Kazuhiro Yoshida, Shigeru Masuda, Hirofumi Hayashi, Masaaki Mike
  • Patent number: 7304278
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a high frequency heating apparatus having a steam generating function in which a time required for evaporation of dropped water can be remarkably increased when water is dropped onto an evaporation tray and the heating efficiency is high. The high frequency heating apparatus has a steam generating function that includes a high frequency generator and a steam generator that includes an evaporation tray provided on the bottom surface of a heating chamber in which a heating target is mounted and a heater device for heating the evaporation tray to generate steam in the heating chamber, wherein the heater device is constructed as a heater device (11) having a sheathed heater (113) embedded in an aluminum die cast (111), and the heater device is directly attached to the back side of the evaporation tray (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Kanzaki, Yuji Hayakawa, Takahiko Yamasaki, Yasuhisa Mori, Takayuki Akashi, Hiroshi Kawai
  • Patent number: 7297909
    Abstract: Microwave radiation of frequency 0.1 to 20 GHz, is applied to the melt of viscosity in the range 104 to 101 Pa·s. The outside surface of heated space, where an outlet of the waveguide of microwave radiation is located, can be cooled. The microwave radiation in the melt may be reflected by the reflective metallic elements in the melt back to the place of radiation entry into the melt and shielded from the surroundings by a shielding metallic element. An outlet is provided of at least one waveguide from the source of the microwave radiation, in any direction to the outside surface of the melt, into the space with the melt of a given viscosity. At least one waveguide is led, for example, to the outside surface of the bottom of the channel of the forehearth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: BH-F (Engineering) Ltd.
    Inventors: Josef Smr{hacek over (c)}ek, Milan Hájek, Peter Vilk
  • Patent number: 7214913
    Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis using heterogeneous or highly viscous starting materials includes a microwave source for generating electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequencies, a microwave cavity in wave communication with the source for exposing compositions placed therein to microwave radiation, a microwave-transparent pressure resistant reaction vessel in the cavity, a source reservoir for starting materials and related compositions, a pump in communication with the source reservoir for pumping heterogeneous or highly viscous materials from the source reservoir to the reaction vessel, and a pressure-resistant valve between the pump and the reaction vessel for isolating the reaction vessel from the pump and the source reservoir during application of microwave energy to compositions in the vessel and from any resulting high pressures generated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: CEM, Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7197839
    Abstract: A method for drying a honeycomb formed body using microwaves is provided. The method can reduce the difference in the drying speed inside the honeycomb formed bodies during the drying process and can dry the honeycomb formed bodies without cell deformation. The method comprises placing the honeycomb formed body in a drying furnace with the cell axis in the vertical direction and irradiating the honeycomb with microwaves at a frequency of 300–30,000 MHz. The difference of the water content in the vertical direction of the honeycomb formed body 1 is maintained at 0.3% per mm or less during microwave irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Terazawa, Naoyuki Shimada, Yasuharu Kuno, Takayuki Sakurai
  • Patent number: 7141769
    Abstract: The invention is an instrument and method for microwave-assisted chemical synthesis. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation for applying microwave energy to a sample, a microwave cavity in wave communication with the source for holding the sample during the application of microwave energy, and a substantially monochromatic radiation source in electromagnetic communication with the cavity for applying substantially monochromatic light to the sample. The instrument further includes a detector positioned to detect Raman scattering of light from the monochromatic source by the sample, and a controller in signal communication with the microwave energy source and the Raman scattering detector for moderating the application of microwave energy to the sample based upon the detected Raman scattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McManus, Michael J. Collins, Sr., Michael J. Collins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7119312
    Abstract: A microwave energy emitter (108) is positioned in a microwave transparent chamber (123) within a fluid holding vessel (106) of a microwave containment vessel (122). The fluid holding vessel (106) may be transparent to microwave energy and is further provided with a microwave reflective component outward, on, or beyond an exterior surface (121) of the wall of the fluid holding vessel (106). The microwave reflective component reflects microwaves back into the fluid holding vessel (106). The fluid holding vessel (106) encloses a material that absorbs microwave energy. An inlet path (116) and outlet path (112) is provided for material to flow in and out of the holding vessel upon predetermined conditions. Heated material can be condensed via a condenser (124) into a collection vessel (120). A controller (126) is provided to send control signals to a switching device (100) for controlling the material flow and receiving sensing signals for decision generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Steven R. Sedlmayr
  • Patent number: 7112770
    Abstract: A humidification system and method particularly well adapted for use in commercial aircraft to provide substantially micro-organism free humidified air within a passenger cabin of the aircraft. The system employs a vessel for holding a quantity of water therein. The vessel is disposed within a microwave oven which is used to heat the water within the vessel to the boiling point such that steam is generated therefrom. This steam is directed into an airflow duct and used to humidify an airflow being supplied into a cabin area of the aircraft. The steam is substantially micro-organism free. A controller is used to cycle the filling and draining of the vessel to achieve a desired humidity level for the airflow. Optimally, a vacuum accumulator is employed to assist in rapid draining of the water from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Justin H. Doh, George Bates, III
  • Patent number: 7109452
    Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis that includes heterogeneous or highly viscous materials includes a fluid reservoir for supplying or receiving fluids, a fluid pump in fluid communication with the reservoir for pumping fluids to or from the reservoir, a microwave transparent reaction vessel in fluid communication with the pump for supplying or receiving fluids to or from the pump and the reservoir, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir and the vessel for measuring the pressure of fluids in the instrument at the sensor, and a processor in signal communication with the pressure sensor and the pump for controlling the pump and the flow of fluids in the instrument based at least in part on the pressure measured at the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7109453
    Abstract: The present invention provides a microwave heating system. The system includes a holding tank for retaining water positioned around a central core. A rotating heating device is positioned around the holding tank. The holding tank includes a motor connected to the holding tank. An armature is connected to the motor. Pluralities of microwave emitters depend from and are supported by the armature. A bearing ring is connected to each of the plurality of emitters at an end opposite the armature. The bearing ring further supports the plurality of microwave emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Keith A Nadolski
  • Patent number: 7105789
    Abstract: An appliance for the control/equalization of electric and/or electromagnetic fields being below 900 MHz, where the field/s is/are not generated in a resonant cavity. The appliance includes a dielectric load placed in a dielectric material/s. An average dielectricity constant of this material/s, at applied frequency/ies, exceeds 20% of an average dielectricity constant of the load. Additionally, a loss factor of this material/s, at the applied frequency/ies, is below 75% of an average loss factor of the load. At least 20% of a surface of the load adjoins and is in contact with the mentioned dielectric material/s. In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention the load includes a bag/container of blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Lars S. E. Ekemar
  • Patent number: 7041947
    Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis that includes heterogeneous or highly viscous materials. Includes a fluid reservoir for supplying or receiving fluids, a fluid pump in fluid communication with the reservoir for pumping fluids to or from the reservoir, a microwave transparent reaction vessel in fluid communication with the pump for supplying or receiving fluids to or from the pump and the reservoir, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir and the vessel for measuring the pressure of fluids in the instrument at the sensor, and a processor in signal communication with the pressure sensor and the pump for controlling the pump and the flow of fluids in the instrument based at least in part on the pressure measured at the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7022953
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficient heating fluid by using electromagnetic energy, the fluid is passed into a channeling structure within a region of space illuminated with electromagnetic energy uniformly, equally and simultaneously for rapid heating. Electromagnetic energy penetrates the fluid and causes it to heat. Structure in close proximity to the fluid in the channeling structure efficiently converts electromagnetic energy to heat to further heat the fluid to obtain a substantially homogeneous final desired temperature. The fluid is moved through the channeling structure creating turbulent to maximize the transfer of electromagnetic energy to the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Fyne Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Khanh Kim Nguyen, Thanh Van Pham
  • Patent number: 6989519
    Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis using heterogeneous or highly viscous starting materials includes a microwave source for generating electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequencies, a microwave cavity in wave communication with the source for exposing compositions placed therein to microwave radiation, a microwave-transparent pressure resistant reaction vessel in the cavity, a source reservoir for starting materials and related compositions, a pump in communication with the source reservoir for pumping heterogeneous or highly viscous materials from the source reservoir to the reaction vessel, and a pressure-resistant valve between the pump and the reaction vessel for isolating the reaction vessel from the pump and the source reservoir during application of microwave energy to compositions in the vessel and from any resulting high pressures generated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 6955054
    Abstract: The invention relates to thermal physics, in particular to a method and apparatus for cooling a working medium and a method for generating microwave radiation. The object is to reduce the power consumed in the cooling process and in the conversion of electric power into electromagnetic radiation energy. A working medium, molecules of which exhibit a stable dipole moment, is placed into a closed working zone of electrical field effect, the electric field having an intensity satisfying the condition: ?E>107 D V/m where: ? is the dipole moment of the working medium molecules, in Debyes (D), E is the electric field intensity, in V/m; and passage of electric current is prevented through the closed working zone. In generation of microwave radiation, exit of the microwave radiation is provided from the closed working zone of electric field effect, and heat is removed through absorption of the microwave radiation by an external coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Yury Eduardovich Zevatsky
  • Patent number: 6917022
    Abstract: In a continuous flow microwave heater for heating a fluid including a microwave source connected to an applicator so as to supply microwave energy to the applicator, the applicator is a rectangular block-like resonator space with opposite front walls and side walls with a microwave in-coupling opening in one of the side walls through which the microwave energy is supplied to the resonator space in which a linearly polarized base mode TE10 is excited. A dielectric tube extends through the resonator space to conduct the fluid to be heated through the applicator, the dielectric tube being so arranged that the microwave energy supplied to the applicator is completely dis-sipated into the fluid flowing through the dielectric tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventors: Lambert Feher, Hartmut Baumgärtner, Guido Link
  • Patent number: 6888116
    Abstract: A method of locally concentrating an applied electric field to promote chemical reaction having a dispersion of individual field concentrators on the surface of a substrate, embedded on a substrate, and embedded on the surface of a substrate, in which the individual field concentrators consists of shaped material and the shape and material are capable of producing a locally concentrated electric field in the vicinity of the field concentrator from interaction between the field concentrator and the applied electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Robert C. Dalton
  • Patent number: 6867400
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Gary Wilbert Busse
  • Patent number: 6797928
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid fixation and decalcification of calcified tissues using a MW oven with adjustable variable continuous power output, a specialized tissue handling system and an external temperature control device to maintain reagent temperature control external to the MW environment. Tissues are placed in cassettes, which are then placed in a tissue handling system. The tissue handling system also provides a specialized external container, which allows for the recirculation and cooling of reagents external to the MW cavity. The external device is a recirculation device having both heating and cooling capacities for a range of different processing reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Ted Pella, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Giberson, Paul A. Hansen, Mark J. Armogida
  • Publication number: 20040173605
    Abstract: A microwave device for de-icing and keeping areas of hollow body structures free from ice keeps atmospherically exposed leading edges and adjacent areas free of ice by means of a coolant circuit. The surface segments between the adjacent areas are kept free from ice as a result of the effects of a microwave device on the wall of the surface segments and the heating that occurs by the exposure to microwave radiation. A series of consecutive microwave-tight chambers is disposed behind the wall of the exposed area. A microwave source supplies microwaves to the chambers with the aid of a decoupling structure disposed therein, resulting in high/multimode excitation. The waste heat of the microwave sources is collected by means of a coolant circuit and transported to the r areas adjacent the leading edge for permanent heating in order to keep the surfaces free from ice. The microwave sources are cyclically operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Lambert Feher, Arno Pabsch
  • Publication number: 20040155034
    Abstract: In a continuous flow microwave heater for heating a fluid including a microwave source connected to an applicator so as to supply microwave energy to the applicator, the applicator is a rectangular block-like resonator space with opposite front walls and side walls with a microwave in-coupling opening in one of the side walls through which the microwave energy is supplied to the resonator space in which a linearly polarized base mode TE10 is excited. A dielectric tube extends through the resonator space to conduct the fluid to be heated through the applicator, the dielectric tube being so arranged that the microwave energy supplied to the applicator is completely dissipated into the fluid flowing through the dielectric tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Lambert Feher, Hartmut Baumgartner, Guido Link
  • Patent number: 6740858
    Abstract: A microwave applicator for heating a moving fluid includes a heating chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and through which the fluid to be heated flows. The applicator also includes a microwave energy source and a microwave circuit having at least one wave-guide element. The microwave circuit transforms microwave energy from the microwave source into a cylindrical wave-guide mode within the heating chamber for uniformly heating fluid flowing through the heating chamber. This technology is also applied as a method for applying microwave energy for heating a moving fluid. This method includes passing a fluid from a fluid inlet, through a heating chamber, and out a fluid outlet; and applying a microwave energy source through a microwave circuit including at least one wave-guide element to transform microwave energy from the microwave energy source into a cylindrical wave-guide mode within the heating chamber to uniformly heat the fluid flowing through the heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Communications and Power Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Tracy, Dennis R. Gautreau, Todd A. Treado
  • Patent number: 6727484
    Abstract: A system for preparing and cooking edible components in a microwave including different cells or compartments containing different components of the desired consumable product. Under pressure of the microwaves on the components, pressure of one or more components acts to break seals between the cells so that the components can mix and provide a desirable end product, which can be a liquid or solid form. The disposable system can make hot beverages such as espresso and cappuccino in a microwave oven. One of the ingredients can be a dairy product such as milk and the other can be water. One or more of the compartments may be made of a material to contract or expand under heat. This aids in creating or decreasing pressure on the components being processed for cooking. The system contains a substantially non-shrinkable and selectively at least partly opaque member about at least the one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Nini Policappelli
  • Publication number: 20040020923
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Michael John Collins, Wyatt Price Hargett, Edward Earl King, Gary Wilbert Busse
  • Publication number: 20040020922
    Abstract: The invention reveals a microwave multiboiling appliance, which does not use a paper or fabric strainer. It makes coffee in a microwave oven with water and coffee powder, which is filtered when boiling, under pressure, through a metallic sieve, the coffee falling from the boiling receptacle directly into another receptacle of the appliance, ready to serve on the table in an excellent condition and with an unequaled taste, since it was boiled through friction of water and coffee in a microwave process, which refines the taste. It being filtered or strained in an average total time of about 2 minutes. Likewise, tea, loose herbs, leaves or sachets may also be utilized. Both pure milk and chocolate may also be boiled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Helio Vieira Alves
  • Patent number: 6674054
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of quickly heating a gas-solvent solution from a relatively low temperature T1 to a relatively high temperature T2, such that the gas-solvent solution has a much higher dissolved gas concentration at temperature T2 than could be achieved if the gas-solvent solution had originally been formed at the temperature T2. Various apparatuses are also provided for carrying out the heating method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Phifer-Smith Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Boyers
  • Patent number: 6646241
    Abstract: A surgical and dental instrument sterilizer is described. Liquid water is rapidly vaporized by microwave heating and steam is generated to attain a steam pressure of approximately 47 psi and a temperature of approximately 135° C. in the region of the articles to be sterilized. Micron-size water-droplets are intermittently sprayed onto the articles which are arranged on a tray, from both the top and from underneath thereof so as to thoroughly wet the surfaces. A 30-90 s duration of droplet spray is followed by pulsed microwave irradiation of the top and underneath surfaces for a similar period, as an example; this is followed by a plurality of spray/microwave cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ecofriend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Varma, Worth F. Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20030197008
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid fixation and decalcification of calcified tissues using a MW oven with adjustable variable continuous power output, a specialized tissue handling system and an external temperature control device to maintain reagent temperature control external to the MW environment. Tissues are placed in cassettes, which are then placed in a tissue handling system. The tissue handling system also provides a specialized external container, which allows for the recirculation and cooling of reagents external to the MW cavity. The external device is a recirculation device having both heating and cooling capacities for a range of different processing reagents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Richard T. Giberson, Paul A. Hansen, Mark J. Armogida
  • Patent number: 6587732
    Abstract: Heat treatment apparatus for inactivating viruses in blood products includes a series of tubing coils with connectors at the opposite ends of the series for connecting the tubing to a blood product source and a blood product destination. The apparatus also includes a microwave heating chamber arranged to receive the first coil of the series and a cooling chamber adapted to receive the second coil of the series. Microwave energy is supplied to the heating chamber for heating the blood product as it flows along the first coil from an initial temperature to an elevated temperature and the cooling chamber is cooled so that the blood product in the second coil is cooled to a selected temperature appreciably below the elevated temperature. A radiometer circuit is provided for monitoring the temperatures of the blood product in the first and second coils to produce first and second temperature signals in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Carr
  • Patent number: 6572830
    Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic device having a substantially monolithic structure is formed by sintering together a plurality of green-sheet layers. The substantially monolithic structure has an inlet port for receiving fluid, an outlet port for releasing fluid, and an interconnection between the inlet port and the outlet port. The substantially monolithic structure may also include a variety of components to enable useful interaction with the fluid, such as electrically conductive pathways, heaters, fluid sensors, fluid motion transducers, and optically transmissive portions. The components are preferably fabricated using thick-film or green-sheet technology and are preferably co-fired with and sintered to the green-sheet layers to become integral with the substantially monolithic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Burdon, Rong-Fong Huang, David Wilcox, Nicholas J. Naclerio, Cynthia Ann Gorsuch Briscoe, Piotr Grodzinski, Huinan Yu, Robert Marrero, Sean Ross Gallagher, Yuk-Tong Chan, Barbara McNeil Foley, Xunhu Dai
  • Publication number: 20030071037
    Abstract: A microwave sintering furnace and a microwave sintering method are disclosed, in which the object to be sintered develops no cracking or deformation in the degreasing process. A microwave sintering furnace (1) comprises a furnace body (2) containing an object (S) to be sintered, a unit (3, 4) for generating and introducing microwaves into the furnace body, a unit (8) for supplying a degreasing gas into the furnace body (2), and a unit (11) for heating the degreasing gas before it reaches the object (S) to be sintered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Motoyasu Sato, Sadatsugu Takayama, Masatoshi Mizuno, Kazunari Okumura, Akira Kagohashi, Akira Nishio, Toshio Sato, Hiroyuki Matsuo, Hiromichi Ohtaki, Yukio Kishi
  • Patent number: 6498016
    Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid and efficient method for carrying out enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of minute quantities of biomolecules such as antigen, antibody etc. This invention particularly relates to microwave mediated immobilization of antigen or antibody on to the activated surface followed by performing subsequent steps of ELISA by controlled microwave irradiation. The invented procedure has dramatically reduced the total time required for ELISA to less than 10 minutes from hours to days. The invented ELISA procedure is rapid, economical, reproducible and simple and can be automated. The invented procedure is useful for carrying out ELISA in clinical diagnostics, molecular biology, agriculture, sericulture, food technology, environmental science, biomedical research and other related fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Pradip Nahar, Utpal Bora, Gainda Lal Sharma
  • Publication number: 20020179596
    Abstract: A microwave applicator for heating a moving fluid includes a heating chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and through which the fluid to be heated flows. The applicator also includes a microwave energy source and a microwave circuit having at least one wave-guide element. The microwave circuit transforms microwave energy from the microwave source into a cylindrical wave-guide mode within the heating chamber for uniformly heating fluid flowing through the heating chamber. This technology is also applied as a method for applying microwave energy for heating a moving fluid. This method includes passing a fluid from a fluid inlet, through a heating chamber, and out a fluid outlet; and applying a microwave energy source through a microwave circuit including at least one wave-guide element to transform microwave energy from the microwave energy source into a cylindrical wave-guide mode within the heating chamber to uniformly heat the fluid flowing through the heating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Michael L. Tracy, Dennis R. Gautreau, Todd A. Treado
  • Patent number: 6433320
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a heated wet food or beverage product that includes a housing capable of receiving the product, a heating device including an electrical power supply and a magnetron configured to supply electromagnetic energy in the microwave range to a wave-guide, and a heating passage configured to supply the product on-demand and arranged to intersect the wave-guide to heat the product when electromagnetic energy is applied within the wave-guide. The invention aims to prevent degradation and microbiological contamination of the product by maintaining it at ambient temperature and then heating and dispensing it only on-demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Larry Bartoletti, Balakrishna Reddy
  • Publication number: 20020102738
    Abstract: An instrument for microwave-assisted chemical processes is disclosed that provides greater flexibility in carrying out microwave-assisted chemistry under varying conditions. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, and a cavity in communication with the source, with the cavity including at least one wall formed of two engaged portions that form a barrier to the transmission of microwaves when so engaged. The engaged portions are disengagable from one another, and one of the portions includes a microwave-attenuating opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Edward Earl King
  • Patent number: 6403938
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating microwave heating of a liquid includes the use of a generally cylindrical holder for receiving the liquid to be heated. A shielding sleeve at least partially composed of high microwave reflectivity material, blocks microwave energy from entering a selected interior portion only of the holder to prevent direct microwave heating of the liquid in the selected portion. As a result, there are shielded and unshielded portions of the liquid being heated to cause the liquid to be heated to a substantially uniform temperature throughout the liquid being heated. A mechanism enables the sleeve to be positioned such that the blocking portion of the sleeve is positioned at or above the level of the liquid disposed within the interior of the holder so that the top layer of the liquid is shielded from direct microwave heating to prevent unwanted super heating of a portion of the liquid and thus causing hot spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino, John C. Estill, Ronald M. Benincasa, Robert A. Barish
  • Publication number: 20020011487
    Abstract: A continuous flow type heating apparatus using microwave, which can continuously supply hot water with practically usable flow amount and temperature. An open part is formed on a top face of a horizontally prolonged empty box 10 to become an emitting port of the microwave. The empty box 10 is divided into two by a vertical partition except for the upper and lower part of the emitting port. One side of the space is horizontally divided into three by two of an upper and a lower partitions 12, 13 on which slits 12a, 13a are set at a desired interval. The space formed on the partition 12 becomes a first irradiation part 4. The space formed under the partition 13 and connected in lower part to the space on another side becomes a second irradiation part 5. A water supply pipe 2 is disposed at the center of the space formed between the partitions 12 and 13. The microwave from a microwave oscillator 6 is irradiated from the emitting port into the empty box 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: MASAKAZU MATSUO
    Inventors: Masakazu Matsuo, Hideaki Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20020000437
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a heated wet food or beverage product that includes a housing capable of receiving the product, a heating device including an electrical power supply and a magnetron configured to supply electromagnetic energy in the microwave range to a wave-guide, and a heating passage configured to supply the product on-demand and arranged to intersect the wave-guide to heat the product when electromagnetic energy is applied within the wave-guide. The invention aims to prevent degradation and microbiological contamination of the product by maintaining it at ambient temperature and then heating and dispensing it only on-demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Larry Bartoletti, Balakrishna Reddy
  • Publication number: 20020000438
    Abstract: A device for thermal treatment of gases and pollutants employs alternate cavity (1) and susceptor (9) geometries for providing more homogeneous interactions of applied electromagnetic energy (6) in the volume of the susceptor (9) regardless of the flow rate and diameter of the exhaust duct (3) width. The heat transfer methods improve the overall heat efficiency of the device. The susceptor (9) structure has reflectivity as principle mode of interaction with applied electromagnetic energy (6) which allows for energy to penetrate the susceptor (9) which is formed of composite susceptive materials. The use of field concentrators (5) to concentrate the energy density of the applied electromagnetic energy (6) provides a simple methods of controlling trolling the temperature versus energy in the susceptor (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Robert C. Dalton
  • Patent number: 6307191
    Abstract: A microwave heating system is provided including a microwave generator, a fluid pipeline having an upstream section and a downstream section, and a waveguide assembly connected to the microwave generator. The waveguide assembly includes a microwave distributor positioned in the fluid pipeline at a junction between the upstream section and the downstream section. The microwave distributor is in substantially straight line alignment with the upstream section proximal to the junction, while the downstream section is in substantially right angle alignment with the upstream section proximal to the junction. The microwave heating system substantially prevents or remediates gas hydrate blockages in the upstream section of the fluid pipeline at extended distances from the microwave generator. The microwave heating system may also simultaneously control a function of a device remotely positioned on the upstream section or power the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Compamy
    Inventor: John J. Waycuilis
  • Patent number: 6271509
    Abstract: A device for thermal treatment of gases and pollutants employs alternate cavity (1) and susceptor (9) geometries for providing more homogeneous interactions of applied electromagnetic energy (6) in the volume of the susceptor (9) regardless of the flow rate and diameter of the exhaust duct (3) width. The heat transfer methods improve the overall heat efficiency of the device. The susceptor (9) structure has reflectivity as principle mode of interaction with applied electromagnetic energy (6) which allows for energy to penetrate the susceptor (9) which is formed of composite susceptive materials. The use of field concentrators (5) to concentrate the energy density of the applied electromagnetic energy (6) provides a simple method of controlling the temperature versus energy in the susceptor (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Robert C. Dalton