Water Patents (Class 219/688)
  • Patent number: 11815261
    Abstract: A device for cleaning workpieces with a steam jet is proposed, with a special steam generator in which the steam is generated in a hollow cylindrical core, whose outer side is heated and onto whose inner side the water to be vaporized is sprayed by means of a nozzle. The steam generator has a supplementary heating device with a heatable body having a cavity through which steam generated upstream can flow for post-heating it, in order to generate dry steam for dry steam cleaning. An automated cleaning system with this steam generator is also proposed. The device can be adapted flexibly to the requirements of automated synchronized production and requires, in particular, less energy and floor space. The invention can be used, among other things, in industrial cleaning in manufacturing systems engineering, in particular in the production of automotive parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: ELWEMA AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Antonio Alvarez, Dietmar Sonntag
  • Patent number: 11161758
    Abstract: A system is provided that utilizes electromagnetic energy for bacteria elimination from cooling systems, such as water cooling tower systems that are used to cool down a heat exchanger in oil industry and it can be also extended to be used in the bacteria removal associated to crude oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hassan Ali Al-Hashmy, Enrico Bovero, Aziz Fihri, Mohamed Bouhrara
  • Patent number: 10906046
    Abstract: A food recycler includes a base, at least one air intake opening, a gearbox, and a motor. An airflow component is on top of the motor. A fan is configured on the airflow component and a filter is positioned at an output port of the airflow component. A bucket receptacle is configured on the gearbox. The fan and the filter are configured adjacent to an upper portion of the bucket receptacle. A casing has a lower rim complimentary to a base rim. The casing has an interior volume complimentary to a fan module and an interior volume complimentary to an air filter module. A control switch and lid latch are configured in the casing and next to each other. A lid is hinged to the casing such that air flows from a bucket through the lid to the fan and back from the filter to the lid and out an exhaust vent in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: FOOD CYCLE SCIENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley Crepeau, Mark Jonathan Brice Hayman, Meng Wang, Timothy John Maxwell
  • Patent number: 10670024
    Abstract: A pumping system having a pump includes a pump controller having a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about pump differential pressure, flow rate and corresponding power data at motor maximum speed published by pump manufacturers, as well as instant motor power and speed; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about instant pump differential pressure and flow rate using a combined affinity equation and numerical interpolation algorithm to control the pump in the pumping system, based upon the signaling received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Fluid Handling LLC
    Inventors: Andrew A. Cheng, James J. Gu, Kyle D. Schoenheit
  • Patent number: 9683780
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat. Other embodiments include a desiccator for removing moisture from the air being evacuated from the electronic device prior to the air reaching an evacuation pump. Further embodiments detect humidity within the low-pressure chamber and determine when to increase and/or decrease pressure based on the humidity. Still further embodiments determine that the device is sufficiently dry to restore proper function based on the detected humidity, and in some embodiments based on the changes in humidity while pressure is being increased and/or decreased. Still further alternate embodiments automatically control some or all aspects of the drying of the electronic device. Additional embodiment disinfect the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Revive Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Reuben Quincey Zielinski, Joel Christopher Trusty
  • Patent number: 9615688
    Abstract: A steam generator includes a water storage chamber that stores water and at least one heating portion that heats the water in the water storage chamber to generate steam. A water supply device supplies water into the water storage chamber. A plurality of fins are provided in the water storage chamber. The water storage chamber has a steam spout port from which the steam generated by the heating portion spouts. The plurality of fins extend along a steam-generating direction under the steam spout port, and are separated from each other and cross the heating portion. The heating portion may be above and below a water surface that emerges in the water storage chamber during heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Shibuya, Hiroshi Kawai, Yuji Hayakawa, Kuniaki Abe
  • Patent number: 9352247
    Abstract: A device (100) for distilling or thickening fluids, having a chamber (102), an electromagnetic radiation generator (104) and a waveguide (106) connecting the electromagnetic radiation generator (104) with the interior of the chamber (102). The device (100) has a channel (108) located below the end (110) of the waveguide (106), the channel being adapted for transporting the fluid. One end of the channel (108) is the inlet (112) and the other end of the channel (108) is the outlet (114) for the fluid, the channel being shaped so as to prolong the dwell time of the fluid in the chamber (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: PLAZMATRONIKA NT SP. Z O.O.
    Inventors: Robert Apiecionek, Tomasz Cioska
  • Patent number: 8901468
    Abstract: A heating system for hot water and conditioned air uses electromagnetic energy created by one or more magnetrons operated by high voltage transformers. The heating system includes oil cooled transformers and magnetrons. Using radiators in the form of heat exchangers, heat recovered from the transformers and magnetrons is dissipated directly into the path of the return air and the air handler blower. The magnetron heating system includes a coiled conduit sized to allow complete heating of the fluid flowing therethrough. The conduit has a conical shape to allow upper magnetrons to heat the outside of the conduit and lower magnetrons to heat the inside of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent A. Bravo
  • Patent number: 8847130
    Abstract: A heating unit can reduce the rate of power consumption for heating a vehicle, so that the running distance of the vehicle is increased and hence the battery charging cycle of the vehicle is prolonged. A heating unit of a vehicle heating system includes a casing made of a metal material capable of electromagnetically shielding microwaves, a support arranged in the hollow section of the casing, a plurality of microwave absorbing/heat emitting members arranged at the support and a microwave outputting unit arranged in the casing to output microwaves toward respective microwave absorbing/heat emitting members, blown air being heated by heat generated as a result of absorption of microwaves by the microwave absorbing/heat emitting members at the time for blown air to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side in the hollow sections of the microwave absorbing/heat emitting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki-Kaisha TAKUMI, Kabushiki-Kaisha Lead Industry
    Inventors: Norio Niwa, Ryousei Noda, Hiroki Anzai
  • Publication number: 20140231417
    Abstract: An integrated and modular approach is provided to convert electrical power to ionic momentum and a resulting high differential voltage field potential using an integrated multi-planar or axial microwave array and energetically sympathetic dielectric antennae to convert distilled liquid water to steam plasma and propagate the resulting water derived ions and electrons, steam and microwave energy into a modular energetic planar arrangement for integration into reactor vessels of various designs for the reduction of waste stream and fossil sourced feedstocks into their fundamental gaseous components and simultaneous reformation into desired synthesis or methane gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Charles D. Barton
  • Patent number: 8772685
    Abstract: A microwave steam cooking container system for cooking foodstuff, comprising a water reservoir, a food container comprising a plurality of apertures on a bottom thereof, an outer wall portion and an inner wall portion, and a microwave shielding material encapsulated between said inner and outer wall portions, a cover comprising an inner wall portion and an outer wall portion, and a microwave shielding material encapsulated between said cover inner and said cover outer wall portions, wherein said food container is stacked and removably placed within said water reservoir, wherein in the assembled position the foodstuff to be cooked is shielded from cooking by direct exposure to microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitri M. C. J. Backaert, Maartkin Demuynck
  • Patent number: 8704142
    Abstract: The Microwave System and method of reactivation is designed to provide an indirect, safe and energy efficient source of heat and temperature rise required in the reactivation section of the desiccant unit for the release into atmosphere of the water vapors which are accumulated in the desiccant rotor. This microwave reactivation system and method is based on heat transfer produced from a heated fluid which is pumped through a closed loop coil assembly. This closed loop coil assembly is located and runs through both the isolated heating chamber of the microwave section and the reactivation/regeneration section in the dehumidification system. The airstream passing through the reactivation intake section comes in contact with the coil assembly and is heated to the desired temperature prior to reaching the desiccant rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: 7142871 Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Caggiano
  • Publication number: 20130341321
    Abstract: A microwave based radiant heating system is provided and includes a microwave heating system having a heating cavity and a radiant pipe system having a pipe heating portion, wherein pipe heating portion is located within the heating cavity and wherein the radiant pipe system contains a fluid having a predictable thermal storage capability. Additionally, a fluid pump in flow communication with the radiant pipe system is provided, wherein the fluid pump is configured to cause the fluid to flow within the radiant pipe system and the pipe heating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Munroe
  • Publication number: 20130153569
    Abstract: The disclosed heat cooker includes: a cooling fan for sucking in outside air from outside a casing and blowing the same into the casing during heat cooking of a heating object or item to be heated; an electrical component chamber which allows the outside air blown by the cooling fan to flow inside the casing; an air supply opening provided in a heating compartment to supply the outside air of the electrical component chamber into the heating compartment; an exhaust opening provided in the heating compartment for discharging smoke from the heating compartment to outside the heating compartment; an exhaust tube for guiding to outside of the casing the smoke that has come out of the heating compartment from the exhaust opening; an air supply damper for opening and closing the air supply opening; and a control unit (200) for controlling opening/closing operations of the air supply damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiaki Ueki
  • Publication number: 20120298655
    Abstract: High frequency microwaves and stem are supplied to a heating chamber (20) disposed inside the disclosed high frequency cooking device (1). On the floor of the heating chamber is formed a funnel-shaped slope (28), at the bottom of which is formed a condensate drain (27). A rotation shaft (31d) for transmitting rotation to a turn table (30) passes through the condensate drain. A cup-shaped support base (33) supporting a motor (32) for rotating the rotation shaft catches the condensate flowing out of the condensate drain. A drain pipe (36) forming part of the drain path (37) is connected to a drain (35) of the support base. A U-shaped bend (36a) formed in the drain pipe constitutes a water-sealing unit (39) where condensate accumulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kamii, Mitsuo Hirooka
  • Patent number: 8242421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method thereof for a dual heating system using microwave energy. The heating system comprises both heating a fluid heating media, and heating domestic hot water. The system includes an enclosure, a heating tank, a magnetron chamber, at least one heating rod with a hollow interior. At least one heat absorbing mixture or media is located within the hollow interior of each heating rod, and a microwave guide is associated with each heating rod to direct heat energy to the heat absorbing media. A magnetron is associated with each microwave wave guide. At least one inlet and at least one outlet for conveying the fluid heating media into and out of the heating tank. At least one inlet and at least one outlet for conveying the domestic hot water into and out of the heating tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Alternative Power Source, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Monteleone, Brian Arthur Weit
  • Patent number: 7665226
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for drying under reduced pressure using microwaves. The apparatus comprises a chamber (13) for housing an object (11), a depressurizing pump (22) connected to the chamber (13) for depressurizing the inside of the chamber (13), a microwave irradiating device (12) for irradiating microwaves to the object (11) in the chamber (13), an airflow generating device for generating an airflow in the chamber (13) by introducing a gas from the outside to the inside of the chamber (13), and a control device (35) for controlling the above components. The object (11) in the chamber (13) is dried at temperatures below a deterioration temperature of the object (11) by intermittent irradiation of the microwaves under reduced pressure while the airflow is generated around the object (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignees: Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science & Technology, Fukuoka Prefectural Government
    Inventors: Takaharu Tsuruta, Tadahisa Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20090157154
    Abstract: A cushion (1) includes a flexible cover (2) defining a chamber (15). A water-absorbing material (3) is placed inside the chamber, upon absorption of water said water-absorbing material is suitable for heating by means of microwaves. The cover (2) has a sealable feeding mouth (4) so that water may be poured into the chamber (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Jens Harder Hojbjerg, Jan Bertholdt Hansen
  • 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: 20090084779
    Abstract: A water heating system includes a heat exchange chamber having an internal cavity and a water coil within the internal cavity of the heat exchange chamber. A magnetron generates microwave energy and is in communication with the internal cavity. A hot air control system draws the heat generated by the magnetron into the internal cavity. The hot air control system includes a valve which is selectively opened and closed to control the passage of the heat generated by the magnetron through the internal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent A. Bravo
  • Patent number: 7465907
    Abstract: A microwave water heater, which utilizes a triple plenum design with bi-planar cross-flow to provide uniformly heated water for both baseboard room heating and hot tap water, is adaptable to existing heating/plumbing systems and is readily expandable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventors: Raymond Martino, William Percy
  • Publication number: 20080296294
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating pure steam torch by microwaves and more particularly to the microwave steam torch for reforming hydrocarbon fuels by injecting steam into discharge tube energized by microwaves and by injecting the fuels into high temperature steam-plasma. The invention provides a compact and portable apparatus for generating pure steam torch. The apparatus includes a magnetron, an electrical power supplier, a waveguide system, a microwave power monitoring system, stub tuners, a discharge tube, a steam supply system, a plasma ignitor and fuel injection system for reforming of hydrocarbon fuels. The method is also described for reforming of hydrocarbon fuels by injecting gaseous, liquid or solid-powder hydrocarbon-fuels into the microwave steam torch to decompose the hydrogen and carbon containing fuels, and to mix the resultant gaseous carbon compounds with oxygen or hydroxide molecules, instantaneously generating hydrogen or other hydrocarbon compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Han Sup Uhm
  • Publication number: 20080283520
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a heating system. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus for a heating system and a method thereof. The invention also includes a heating system using microwave energy. The heating system is preferably provided for heating a heating media and heating domestic hot water. The heating system includes an enclosure and a heating tank which is located within the enclosure. A magnetron chamber is located in the enclosure above the tank. At least one heating rod with a hollow interior extends from the magnetron chamber into the lower compartment. The heating rod has an upper section that is located in the magnetron chamber and a lower section that is located in the tank. At least one heat absorbing mixture or media is located within each heating rod, and a microwave guide is located at the top or upper section of each heating rod. A magnetron is mounted on each microwave wave guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Alfred Monteleone, Brian Arthur Weit
  • Patent number: 7446290
    Abstract: Coffee maker and microwave oven and method for controlling the same are provided. The coffee maker and microwave oven includes an outfit room for mounting various electric components on an inside thereof, a case at one side of the outfit room, a water tank in the case, a funnel having a filter placed thereon for extraction of coffee, a jug under the funnel for storage of extracted coffee, a water supply pipe having one end connected to the water tank, the other end position over the funnel, and a portion on a bottom of the case, and a heater assembly on the bottom of the case, the heater assembly having a heating heater for heating potable water passing through the water supply pipe, and a heat conservation heater for heating coffee in the jug to maintain a temperature of the coffee constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Man Su Park, Jung Ju Kwon, Wang Lim Lee, Dae Sik Kim, Wan Je Cho, Seong Soo Choi, Dong Wan Seo
  • 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: 20080197127
    Abstract: A heating system is provided for heating a heating media and domestic hot water. The hating system includes an enclosure. A tank is located within the enclosure. A magnetron chamber is located in the enclosure above the tank. At least one heating rod with a hollow interior extends from the magnetron chamber into the lower compartment. The heating rod has a top located in the magnetron chamber and a bottom located in the tank. A heat absorbing media is located within each heating rod. A microwave guide located at the top of each heating rod. A magnetron is mounted on each microwave wave guide. A heating media inlet and a heating media outlet serve for conveying the fluid heating media into and out of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Alfred Monteleone, Brian Weit
  • Publication number: 20080128411
    Abstract: This invention is directed toward a process, method and device for the production and/or derivation of hydrogen utilizing microwave energy through use of a microwave susceptor that absorbs/assimilates microwave energy and converts it to radiant/heat energy which is imparted to iron and alters its physical characteristics such that water in contact with the iron will have one of its physical characteristics, preferably temperature, altered, and result in a reaction of the to produce/derive hydrogen. Invention also includes a progressive change to water prior to it achieving a reactive threshold with the iron element, and the progressive preparation and/or pretreatment of water, via exposure or contact of water with other materials with high thermal conductivities in lieu of iron through use of a microwave susceptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Nestor Martinez
  • Publication number: 20080073338
    Abstract: To provide a high-frequency cooking apparatus of which installation performance, handling performance, and quality can be enhanced. A high-frequency cooking apparatus 10 for heat-processing an object to be heated, by supplying high frequency and steam into a heating chamber, is provided with a water tank 13 which stores water for generating the steam. The water tank 13 is detachably assembled toward the front to a lower part of a body 11 of the high-frequency cooking apparatus which has the heating chamber, and a tray 12 is integrally assembled to the water tank 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ikuhiro Inada, Tomotaka Nobue, Yuji Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7148457
    Abstract: A microwave water heating system includes a metal casing having an outer wall defining an interior casing chamber. An inner housing is positioned within the casing and includes an outer wall displaced from the casing outer wall to form an insulating vacuum space. The inner housing includes an inlet port connected to an upstream water source and an outlet port connected to a downstream conduit. The casing and inner housing include generally spherical configurations. The inner housing is configured to induce a vortex of a water stream flowing between inlet and outlet ports. At least one magnetron is mounted to the casing for transmitting microwaves into the inner housing for heating the water stream at the vortex. A float valve in the inner housing allows the water stream to flow and be heated upon demand as the valve operates according to upstream and downstream pressure differentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventors: William B. Cotten, Caleob King
  • 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: 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: 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: 7002121
    Abstract: A steam generator is located within a tank. At one end of the tank there is a flange. Mounted on the outside of the flange there is a magnetron that is cooled by a fan surrounding the magnetron. A heat tube extends from the magnetron into the tank. Within the heat tube there is a block of silicon carbide which has a passageway through it. The magnetron fires microwave energy down the passageway heating the block of silicon carbide and the heat tube. Water tubes about the inside surface of the tank spray a mist of water on the heat tube to produce steam which is removed by a steam line through ports at the opposite end of the tank from the magnetron. The steam may be used for many purposes but in a vehicle it may be injected into the cylinders of a four stroke internal combustion engine through the openings for the spark plugs. Make up water is collected from the dehumidifier. Water is recovered from the crankcase by a float system, and returned to the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Alfred Monteleone, Brian Weit
  • Patent number: 6967315
    Abstract: A method of microbially decontaminating at least one of a defined area and an item within the defined area. The method includes the steps of (a) inductively heating a block comprising an electrically non-conductive material and an electromagnetically responsive material; (b) passing an atomized liquid into an interior passage defined by the block, wherein the inductively heated block vaporizes the atomized liquid that contacts walls of the passage to form an antimicrobial vapor; and (c) flowing the vapor out of the block to the defined area to microbially decontaminate at least one of the defined area and the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Aaron L. Hill, Francis J. Zelina
  • Patent number: 6858824
    Abstract: A microwave heating system is provided which uses a heat conductive medium. The heat conductive medium is heated in a heater. The heater includes a shell which forms an enclosure. The enclosure has an upper end and a lower end. A heating coil is located in the enclosure. The heating coil has an upper end and a lower end and has an inverted frusto-conical shape. The upper end of the heating coil is larger than the lower end. Three magnetrons are mounted adjacent the heating coil. One magnetron is located at the upper end of the heating coil and the other two magnetrons are located on opposite sides of the heating coil for directing microwave energy into the heating coil. An electrical distribution system is connected to the magnetron. A return line supplies the heat conductive medium into the heating coil adjacent the lower end of the shell. The heat conductive medium is fed through a feed line to a storage tank and into a two-stage domestic hot water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventors: Alfred Monteleone, Brian Weit
  • Publication number: 20040149742
    Abstract: A system to heat liquids. A liquid, such as water, is heated by microwave energy. A housing assembly comprises a plurality of magnetrons, which may be arranged in a vertical manner. Conduit, which allows the water to flow therethrough, is secured within the housing. Incoming cold water enters the housing assembly through a first one-way valve and the conduit. The conduit coils within the housing assembly and the water is heated within the conduit by the magnetrons when producing microwave energy. Outgoing hot water exits the housing assembly through the conduit and a second one-way valve, which accommodates the flow of hot water therethrough. The magnetrons are controlled by thermostats, which maintain an outgoing water temperature at a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Ricardo Andres Lescano
  • Patent number: 6472648
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Masakazu Matsuo, Hideaki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 6437304
    Abstract: In a waveguide 11 provided with a magnetron 12, a container 13 made of quartz glass and containing a porous body 14 is placed. The container 13 is connected to a water supply pipe 15, a steam delivery pipe 16 and a drain pipe 17. Pure water regulated at a preset flow rate by a flow control valve 18 drops on the upper face of the porous body 14, and infiltrates into the porous body 14. When the magnetron 12 sends out microwave radiation to the waveguide 11, the pure water contained in the porous body 14 is heated by the microwave, and instantaneously evaporates. The steam of pure water escapes from every surface of the porous body 14 and delivered through the steam delivery pipe 16. An appropriate control of the flow rate of the pure water by the flow control valve 18 and the output power of the magnetron 12 can make an appropriate control of the flow rate of the steam, so that all the pure water supplied to the porous body 14 is converted to steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Shin-Etsu Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazufumi Ushijima, Shinji Makikawa, Tadatomo Ohnoda
  • Patent number: 6369371
    Abstract: A method and apparatus heats ultrapure water using microwaves. Chambers such as pipes containing the water are capable of admitting microwaves to the water, allowing the microwaves to heat the water. The pipes may be made of inert material such as PVDF or quartz that will not introduce contamination into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Oracle Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A Havens, Ralph N Williams
  • 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: 20010022300
    Abstract: In a waveguide 11 provided with a magnetron 12, a container 13 made of quartz glass and containing a porous body 14 is placed. The container 13 is connected to a water supply pipe 15, a steam delivery pipe 16 and a drain pipe 17. Pure water regulated at a preset flow rate by a flow control valve 18 drops on the upper face of the porous body 14, and infiltrates into the porous body 14. When the magnetron 12 sends out microwave radiation to the waveguide 11, the pure water contained in the porous body 14 is heated by the microwave, and instantaneously evaporates. The steam of pure water escapes from every surface of the porous body 14 and delivered through the steam delivery pipe 16. An appropriate control of the flow rate of the pure water by the flow control valve 18 and the output power of the magnetron 12 can make an appropriate control of the flow rate of the steam, so that all the pure water supplied to the porous body 14 is converted to steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazufumi Ushijima, Shinji Makikawa, Tadatomo Ohnoda
  • Patent number: 6248987
    Abstract: In a microwave system for heating, and controlling the temperature of, a heat bath including a containment for a liquid, with a wall on which the microwave system is mounted, the microwave system comprises a microwave source operating at an ISM frequency of 2 to 5 GHz, a microwave conductor for conducting microwaves from the microwave source to a resonator through a ceramic window disposed in the resonator wall, the resonator has a common wall portion with the containment, which common wall portion consists of a grid having a mesh width that prevents passage of microwave radiation but provides for communication of the liquid between the resonator and the containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventors: Lambert Feher, Manfred Thumm, Guido Link
  • Publication number: 20010003339
    Abstract: A method and apparatus heats ultrapure water using microwaves. Chambers such as pipes containing the water are capable of admitting microwaves to the water, allowing the microwaves to heat the water. The pipes may be made of inert material such as PVDF or quartz that will not introduce contamination into the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Inventors: DANIEL A. HAVENS, RALPH N. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 6232587
    Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus includes a heating chamber 3 for accommodating an item 2 to be heated; a microwave generator 11 for radiating microwaves to the heating chamber 3, and a vapor generator 12 for supplying vapor to the heating chamber 3. The heating chamber 3 includes regenerating plates 28a and 28b for generating and regenerating heat when radiated by the microwaves from the microwave generator 11, thereby reducing dew condensation caused by the vapor in the heating chamber 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Kurita, Yutaka Takahashi, Keijirou Kunimoto, Ikuhiro Inada, Satomi Uchiyama, Shigeki Ueda
  • Patent number: 6121594
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fluids is disclosed. One or more receptacles for holding fluids are located in an interior cavity formed by an exterior conductive surface. In one embodiment, the receptacles are spaced from a side of the exterior conductive surface a distance equal to an odd multiple of 1/4 of a wavelength. In another embodiment, bases of the receptacles are spaced a distance equal to slightly less than an odd multiple of 1/4 of a wavelength from the bottom of the exterior conductive surface. In a further embodiment, a receptacle has a pointed base for enhancing the heating of fluids. Furthermore, receptacles can be formed with bases spaced an odd multiple of 1/4 of a wavelength from at least two adjacent sides of the exterior conductive surface. Receptacles can be formed in a platform that may be made to fit into preexisting electromagnetic heating chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Industrial Microwave Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Joines, J. Michael Drozd
  • Patent number: 6064047
    Abstract: A Microwave Hot Water Boiler Heating System includes a water tank with a water boiler circulator and a water refill valve and a water drain valve and a cooled water pipe that comes from the steam cooling chamber. A vacuum pump is employed to depressurize the boiler tank and vacuum pump the steam that is produced by the heated water that was heated by the microwaves coming directly from the magnetron maser. Vacuum pumping the steam from the microwave boiler heating area prevents the pressurization of steam that would damage the machine's magnetron maser. The vacuum pump also will, by its force, draw in air from the boiler tank's air inlet/overflow valve and by its force contain and compress the steam inside of the machine's steam chamber. Both, the water boiler tank and the steam chamber shall have a closed loop of coiled piping that will transfer heat to a room radiator heat exchanger. The closed loop of piping shall be filled with circulating water that is circulated by a circulator pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel R. Izzo
  • Patent number: 5998773
    Abstract: A microwave heater (22) which uses electromagnetic radiation for heating liquid flowing from a liquid source to a liquid receiver. The microwave heater (22) includes a microwave generator having an interaction region (28) within which the electromagnetic radiation is generated. At least a portion of a conduit (30) which has an inlet (32) connected to the liquid source and an outlet (34) connected to the liquid receiver is deployed within the interaction region (28). The liquid flows through the conduit (30) acting as a dielectric load of the microwave generator so as to be heated by the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ramot University Authority for Applied Research & Industrial Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Eli Jerby
  • Patent number: 5565067
    Abstract: A method for increasing the rate of evaporation of water in a humid atmosphere by providing a high frequency electric field at the evaporating surface of the water. The method is an energy-efficient alternative to attempts to lower the humidity of the air surrounding water to be evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: John H. Chaffin, III
  • Patent number: 5521361
    Abstract: Cooking elements for cooking foods in a microwave oven include provisions for a water reservoir in an outer cooking element, with an inner cooking element holding food to be cooked. Again, there is a provision for a filter to prevent condensed water droplets from directly falling onto the food. Different embodiments are disclosed, and different types of elements for containing or holding food to be cooked are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Clifford C. Strait, Jr.